Storiesonline.net
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                         The Protector (Repost)
                             by terriblethom

Copyright© 2012 by terriblethom


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Description: This is the story of a CASA Volunteer or as we know it Court Appointed Special Advocate.

Codes: slow
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Chapter 1


What was I doing in this small town in Arkansas? I was going to stick out like a sore thumb while I looked for the child I had been sent to find and return to his mother. I stopped at a sign that said "Diner" and decided to go in for some food since I had been driving all night. I figured since it was the only place I had seen to eat, it would also be a good place to hear all the local gossip.

Before I go any further, I think I had better fill you in a little on what I do.

My name is Jon Morgan and I am called a protector by Children's Services. I take on the jobs the local authorities won't bother with. Like hunting for children that spouses have taken without the court's permission or looking for dead beat parents who won't pay support or help their kids out. That pretty much is the meat of most of the jobs I accept.

I am thirty two years old and single, and have lived in France for most of that time. My parents were killed in an automobile accident while on holiday there, and I was put in an orphanage. I was three at the time and had no papers or passport. They had all burned in the accident. When I was sixteen, I ran away and lived on the streets of Paris for over a year until I was befriended by a Captain in the French Foreign Legion. He talked me into joining so I spent the next eight years in the service of France. I traveled all over the world, mostly spending time in the armpits of war and countries that didn't want us there. I made squad leader in my fourth year and was in charge of my own unit. We were in Ethiopia when I rescued a family that was about to be executed by some rebels. The man I rescued was a manager for a Nigerian Bank who had gone there to get his family out to give them a better life. I was lucky enough that he spoke French and was able to give me his name and where he lived.

We escorted him and his wife and kids to safety. Before he left us, he told me if I ever needed his services, all I had to do was contact him. I didn't know it at the time, but he would turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. We went from Ethiopia to Algiers to help control the drug trade and to try to stop some of the smuggling going on.

It was in Algiers that I lost my whole squad, but gained much after I got over the grief of losing the men I had been so close to. We were on patrol in jeeps in a little burg along the ocean, when we saw several cars parked near an abandoned barn. We went to check it out and as soon as we got close, we were caught up in a gun battle with the owners of the vehicles.

To make a long story short, we won, but I was the only survivor of my squad. I had been wounded three times, but they were not crippling wounds. As soon as I stopped the bleeding, I called for assistance for my men. When I went into the barn, it was apparent why they had opened fire on us. There were more than a hundred kilos of high grade raw opium and hashish on a table inside the barn. That's when I found six duffel bags of U.S. Dollars to be used to pay for the dope. I didn't know how much was in them, but being the only person still alive, I hid them until I could figure out what to do with all that money.

By the time the investigation was over it was almost three months later. I found myself being discharged from the Legion because of nerve damage in one of my hands. I was sent back to France for further medical treatment and that's when my mother's father found me. It seemed he had been looking for me for all those years, thinking I was dead along with my parents, but was hoping I wasn't. He had my DNA checked to confirm my identity and I was given dual citizenship because of my service in the Legion. He went back to the U.S. where I was supposed to join him as soon as I was discharged from the hospital. I went to Algiers first and recovered the money I had hidden. I took it to Nigeria and let the man I had rescued take control of it. He promised me he could double it in a few years by using offshore accounts and wise investments. I gave him ten percent off the top for his services and he said that was more than enough to put his children through college. His name was Quanta Mutamba and he was true to his word. I am now a multi-millionaire three times over, thanks to his good management of my investments and stock portfolio. I have it mostly in offshore accounts that he set up and I use a credit card for anything I want to buy. I live in my grandfather's house in Virginia and have a maid and a handyman who live on the property. My grandfather passed away five years after I came to the states and left it to me since I was his only relative.

Thanks to his contacts and friends, I was able to get a Federal Gun Permit and I was appointed as a National CASA representative for all states. I get called in when a case is at an end because of interstate flight or they can't get cooperation from the state they are trying to get the kid or kids from. It's not a glamorous job, but it has its moments.

Now that you have been brought up to date on my history, let's get back to the case I am working now. I was contacted by the Tennessee Department of Children Services about this one. A child had been taken away from his mother by the father who was a drunkard and an abuser. She had full custody and when he found her, he put her in the hospital and took the three-year-old with him. The local law was related to him and refused to cooperate with Tennessee in recovering the child, so they called me and asked if I would try to get him back. I visited the mother in the hospital. Her story and condition helped me make up my mind to take the case. I got the court order from CASA in case I needed it, and headed for Slagston, Arkansas. I had stopped to make a courtesy call at the State Police and told them who I was and what I was doing there. I was warned by them that I was on my own until I got out of that county. If I needed help anywhere else, then they would come running. This was nothing new and I had been in the same situation before.

I had the father's address and directions to get there, but I had been told by the mother that he was always hanging out at the diner. I got out of my truck and walked into the diner. As was common in a small town, I was eyeballed by the four or five people sitting inside as I walked in. I took an empty seat at the counter and ordered coffee and the breakfast special. I was asked a couple of innocent questions by the waitress, and I answered her loud enough so that everyone could hear. This seemed to take the attention off me as I figured it would, so I just sat and listened to the old men talk. I was sipping my coffee when the boy I was looking for came in the door with his dad. I could tell he wasn't happy, because he was dirty and his dad was yanking him by the arm to come inside. They sat down in the empty booth to my right where I could watch them out of the corner of my eye. I was looked over pretty closely by his dad because I was a stranger, but he didn't seem to be suspicious of me. I don't know what the little boy said, but his dad reached across the table and slapped him hard and he started crying. It was all I could do not to go over and slap the asshole silly, but I knew I would have my chance later.

I finally got my food and to my surprise, it was excellent. Whoever the cook was, he knew what he was doing. The eggs and bacon were cooked better than most of the expensive restaurants I had eaten at in Virginia. I took my time eating and kept watching the two of them as I did. He had to have been one of the most foul mouthed parents I had ever heard as every other word out of his face was a cuss word. The little boy was miserable from the way he was acting. I watched as the waitress tried to cheer him up but his dad said he was just a little cry baby and needed to get toughened up.

The boy was three and was being treated like he was full grown. I think the topper of it all was when his dad pulled out a bottle of whiskey, poured it in his coffee, and then tried to get the little boy to drink some. I was almost ready to explode after watching all of this, but I knew I had to act like I didn't know them in order to affect the rescue I had planned.

I looked up when the door opened and a uniformed officer came in and sat down with the father, pushing the boy over against the wall so he could fit into the booth. The dad then offered him some whiskey for his coffee when the waitress set it down on the table. To my surprise he accepted, smiling as he did. Man, no wonder the State Police didn't want to come in here. The way this was accepted by the other people, it must have been an everyday occurrence here.

I finished my meal and left a nice tip and went to my truck to wait. As I sat in my truck, I made a couple of calls and was surprised by the information I was able to gather about the Police Chief here. I was told this was a two-brother force and they had a really bad reputation in the county. They were related to half the people who lived here and had several complaints about being heavy handed with strangers who came into town. They also were suspected of growing weed and selling it, but nothing was ever proven.

When I had talked to the mother, she had filled me in on the whole bunch that lived here, and she also had said that's how most of the men in the area lived. They grew weed and sold it, using the money to drink while they smoked their own product. I watched as the chief came out and got into an old unmarked 4x4 that needed a muffler and drove off. Let's see, I had a three-mile stretch of highway to be clear of the county line, so I didn't need to worry about pursuit. Maybe I would just knock the dad out and grab the boy and go. No, I didn't want the boy to see that, but I needed some way to keep the father out of the way. I needed at least an hour so I could get far enough away so the father couldn't find me before I could turn the boy over to the authorities. My thoughts went out the window when the boy and his father came out of the diner. He opened the back door on the old rusted out Chevy and almost pulled the kid's arm out of its socket when he threw him into the car. I could hear the scream plainly from where I was sitting in my truck.

When he started the old car, I wondered how it ran, it was smoking so much. He pulled out and headed past me, going toward the city limits on the same road I had come in on. He wasn't going home if the directions I had gotten were right. I waited until he was almost out of sight and pulled out following him. He went right out of the county, headed for I didn't know where but now I had my chance. I got on my cell and called the State Police and identified myself, giving them my location. I was told they had already positioned two cruisers about a mile from my location and asked for a description of the car. I gave it to them and just waited for them to make their move. When they came in behind him, I could see he must have floored the old car because the fog behind it got twice as thick. The so-called chase didn't last long and I heard the old car's engine blow above the sirens.

He drifted to the side of the road and came to a stop. The troopers went to the car and he came out fighting. They quickly had him down and cuffed before getting the boy out of the car. That's when I went forward and approached him.

"Hi Tommy, my name is Jon and I was sent to get you by your mother. Do you want to go home?"

He just jumped into my arms, sobbing his head off. I hugged him to me, thinking this is what's it's all about.

"Is my mommy ok, sir?"

"She will be fine and is waiting for you to come home."

I got a tentative smile when the Trooper came up to me and the boy.

"Mr. Morgan, I just found out there is a Federal warrant out on him for kidnapping and child abuse. Do you want us to take the boy and make sure he gets home?"

"Not necessary. I will make all the arrangements and make sure he gets back to his mother. I have court papers giving me temporary custody until he is returned. I will get him to the nearest airport and make sure he gets on the plane. I have a friend who will escort him back to Tennessee."

"Ok Mr. Morgan. We will do the paperwork on the dad, so I guess you and the boy are free to leave."

I watched as he walked back to his cruiser. I felt the little hand slip into mine. I stood there and looked down at him and he was looking up at me and smiling.

"Come on Tommy, let's go get you cleaned up, and get you on a plane with my friend."

"Aren't you taking me home?"

"I have to drive my truck back but I am sure you will like Sarah. She is really pretty and likes to help kids get home where they belong. Have you ever flown on a plane before? I think you will like it, and you can tell your mom all about it when you get home."

When we got in my truck and I got him into the car seat, he almost immediately fell asleep. I looked over at him and wondered how much he would remember as he got older. Maybe later in life his dad might change and want to be part of his life. I called Sarah and told her I was on my way in and what sizes of clothing I thought would fit him. She said she would be waiting and would book an immediate flight back to Tennessee for them. I had to smile because Sarah had been bounced around in the system for years. She had finally graduated from High School with honors and had gone on to graduate from College at the top of her class with a degree in Social Work and Sociology. She had come to me and asked if there was any way she could help with the kids. I immediately jumped and made her my official helper by flying her to wherever I was with a kid and having her escort them back home. So far, it had worked out great. She had helped by counseling them as much as she could to get their lives back to normal after the shock they had gone through. She also got paid a good salary by me, but it came through one of the companies I owned stock in so it would be legal and tax deductible. She seemed happy with what she was doing, and the kids all seemed to like her almost immediately.

I had realized in the first six months she worked for me that she had a crush on me. But, to her credit, she had always kept our dealings and relationship professional. Besides, she was only 25 and looked like she was still in high school. She had been thinking about starting her own practice, specializing in abused kids only, for any agency that needed her. I had already told her I would front the money for her to get started when she made up her mind. I hadn't heard her mention it now for quite awhile.

I pulled into the Holiday Inn Express by the airport where she was waiting for us in the lobby. Tommy, like every other child, was immediately captivated by her bubbly personality and youthful looks. He went off with her after giving me a hug and thanking me for sending him home to his mommy. I hugged him back saying he was welcome and watched as they walked off chatting with each other. Sarah had told me their flight would leave in an hour and she had to get him bathed and fed before they took off.

I went to the front desk and got the key for the room I had booked. I was going to sleep for about twelve hours, then drive back to Virginia. I got in the room and took a shower, then waited on Sarah to call me, letting me know they were safely on the plane before I went to sleep. Forty-five minutes later she called and said they were boarding and would be in the air within ten minutes. I was finally able to relax and sleep, remembering a bad incident that still haunted me to this day.

It had taken six months of hard work for me to track a twelve-year-old girl who had been taken from a foster home by her uncle. He had taken her to some kind of religious group in Texas and I had a hell of a time getting her out. I finally got her away and put her on a plane for home, but during a layover someone had cut the stewardess' throat and snatched her again. The stewardess lived but she didn't have any idea who had taken the girl. I spent the next six months trying to find her, but in vain. It was like she had been whisked off the face of the earth. I did know the group had compounds in several different countries, so I used my contacts to watch for her just in case she was in one of them. I had a large reward standing for her recovery, just in case. The uncle had bonded out of jail and had disappeared also. I still was holding out hope she would be spotted so I could go get her again.



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Chapter 2


I woke the next morning to the ringing of my cell. I sleepily got up and answered it and it was Sarah. She was calling to tell me that Tommy was back safe with his mother, and that Children's Services was helping them find a new place to live.

"Sarah, if they need anything to get started, use the credit card to get them what they need. I will be heading out to Virginia in about a half hour. If you need anything else, call me."

"Ok Jon, and I do need to talk to you when you get back. I've had something come up I need to discuss with you."

"Whatever you need Sarah, you know I will help all I can."

"Ok Jon, and thanks."

She hung up the phone. I went into the shower to get woke up and then I headed out. I got my kit packed and went to the front desk to settle up. I grabbed a free cup of coffee and headed out of town. I stopped to fill the truck with gas and check the oil and other fluids. I figured I would stop again later at the little truck stop I had found on the way up and have breakfast. Then I would try to drive straight through, like I did coming up. As I drove I let my mind wander back to how I had gotten in to all of this.

When I first came here from Nigeria after depositing the money, my grandfather met me at the airport. He seemed to want to tell me my whole family history on the drive to his house in the country. As it turned out, my father had been a juvenile court judge and my mother was the Director of children's services for the State of Virginia. I had to admit that I wasn't impressed by what my parent's vocations had been because I never knew them. They had gone to Paris for their fifth anniversary. It was there that they had the accident that killed them both. My grandfather had made more than fourteen trips to France to try to find out what happened to me. He finally got his first lead when he talked to Interpol and they did some checking for him. They found some old records and he hired a detective at that point. That's how he was able to track me down.

I had worked for Interpol on several assignments as most Legionnaire members did between wars. We were used for undercover work, watching drug kingpins, and that type of thing. When I came here to the U.S., I still had my ID from them. My grandfather used it to get me sworn in as a Special U.S. Marshal. I only had to promise that if I was needed, I would be available. In return, I got this shiny round badge and an ID with my mug shot on it. As I had dual citizenship, I still had my Interpol identification. That caused quite a hassle with the Marshal's Service. Interpol wanted me to keep my ID from them so I could be called upon to help out in international cases if I was needed. Since I spoke three languages fluently, I would be very useful to Interpol if they needed someone interrogated in the U.S. It was finally decided I would use the Marshal's Badge for domestic arrests, and if I was called upon by Interpol, I could use that ID for international cases. Either way, I could carry a firearm anywhere I went.

My thoughts were interrupted when I came up on the exit where I remembered the truck stop was. I got off the highway and went in to eat. I had stopped here by accident the first time because I was low on gas and hungry. I discovered the food was outstanding and the portions were enough to feed two people. Once again, I left feeling like I was going to bust out of my pants. I topped off my tanks and hit the road with a large thermos of black coffee. I was determined I would keep going until I got home and then I could sleep for a couple of days. When I got settled into the monotony of driving, I went back to my thoughts about why I had gotten into this CASA position.

It was an incident that I got into the middle of in a little town near where I lived. I had gone to the little town to look at a horse I had heard about. It was supposed to be a registered quarter horse with all the papers. I finally found the farm, and to say it was a dump would be putting it mildly. As I pulled in, I wondered how someone who lived like this could afford an expensive horse like that.

When I slowly got out of the truck, a little girl I would guess to be about five years old came running out of the house. She had on a ripped and dirty dress and no shoes. She was bubbling over with enthusiasm and had a big smile on her face as she came up to the truck.

"Hello mister, what brings you out here?"

"I heard there was a horse for sale and I came to look at it."

Well her little dirty face fell and she looked at me with big eyes before she spoke again.

"That's Sparky, and he was mine until Daddy decided he wanted to sell him. I raised him from a little thing when his mama died while he was being born. I tried to talk Daddy out of selling him but he says he can't afford to feed us both. I would give what little bit I get if he could eat it. If you buy him, will I be able to come and see him if I can find a way to get there?"

I started to answer her when a man I took to be her dad came out of the house walking toward us. He was filthy looking and had dried tobacco juice on the side of his face. I could smell him even before he got to me. He walked up and without saying a word, slapped the little girl so hard along side of her head that she flew about five feet, hitting the dirt on her face. I just stared at him in shock, not believing what I had seen with my own eyes. I was heading toward the little girl who was struggling to get to her feet, when he grabbed me to stop me from going to her.

"Just let the little bitch be. She needs to learn some manners. She knows not to talk to strangers unless I give her permission. Her mama was a whore and she is turning out the same way. If she was mine, I would sell her to the highest bidder so I wouldn't have to feed her."

I hit him so hard I broke off four of his teeth at the gum line, I found out later. Then I proceeded to kick the hell out of him. If it hadn't been for the bleeding little girl, I might have kicked him to death right there. She grabbed my arm, begging me not to hit him again. Seeing her skinned and bleeding face brought me back to my senses. I backed off and called the law to come out and bring an ambulance.

I got my first aid kit out of the truck and was doctoring the little girl's face when the sheriff pulled up.

"Mister, I don't know who you are, but you just got yourself into a lot of trouble. Now I'm gonna have to arrest you and make you pay all the hospital bills for this man. You don't come into my county and beat up my friends."

"Sheriff, you need to pick your friends a little more wisely. As for arresting me, I was defending myself against this child abuser."

"She may not be his kid, but as long as he feeds her he can treat her how he wants. Now you can come along peacefully, or I will give you a little bit of what you gave him before I take you in."

"Sheriff, if you ever try something like that with me, you'll be in the hospital next to him. Now if you pull that gun you're reaching for, I will break your arm before you get it out of the holster."

He didn't stop, so I kicked his wrist, pinning it against the handle of the pistol and distinctly heard it crack. To my surprise, he pissed himself as he screamed that I had broke his arm. I stepped back and pulled my gun to make sure he didn't do anything foolish while I waited for the ambulance I could hear coming. He was jabbering into his radio so I just waited to see what was going to happen next. The little girl had moved over by my side and was crying. I knew her face hurt her, the way it was all skinned up, but I didn't have anything in the first aid kit to help her. We were both at a standstill until the ambulance arrived. It finally slid to a stop in a cloud of dust and two people piled out. One was a woman and she immediately came over to the little girl while the sheriff corralled the man, begging him to do something about his broken arm. The woman went down on her knees opening her medical case and started treating the little girl.

"What happened, Sally? Did he get drunk and beat you up again?"

"I don't know why Daddy hit me this time, Miss Mertie. I was only telling this fella about Sparky, and Daddy just up and walloped me. Then this fella stomped him when Daddy grabbed him. He was only trying to help me get up out of the dirt. God, I hate it here, but I ain't got nowhere else to go since mama ran off. He is so mean to me all the time, and now he is selling Sparky off. Miss Mertie, ain't there someplace I can go where I don't get beat on all the time?"

"Child, there isn't anyone here that has room to take in another mouth to feed. Besides your step pappy won't let you leave, you know that. Mister, I don't know who you are, but I can tell you they will beat the hell out of you once they get you inside the jail. I suggest you call a lawyer right now if you have one. The sheriff ain't knowed for being nice to strangers, let alone one who hit him. He called for help, so I suggest you better make some quick calls before his men get here."

That's when I realized the significance of what I had done because I let my temper get away from me. I made a couple of calls and reached into my pocket and got out my badge. I hung it from my pocket in plain sight. If I remembered correctly from the classes I had taken, he couldn't arrest me without first calling a Federal prosecutor and going through the paperwork involved. But, I had the power to arrest him and his men if they wanted to push it. I hadn't identified myself to him, but I had never had the chance to either. Well, he would know now, and so would his men when they got here. I heard the sirens coming and it was two cars this time with two men in each of them. They all skidded to a halt, raising a cloud of dust. They ran over to where the sheriff was being treated. He was pointing at me and yelling at them and all four headed my way. They were all mean looking, but the one in front I knew was going to be trouble, just by the way he swaggered as he walked. I had seen his type all over the world. He was big and a bully who thought muscle and meanness would make him king of his domain.

When he got within five feet, he spied the badge. He stopped so fast I thought he was going to fall on his face. He squinted and read it, and then backed up, looking a little white around the eyes. He turned around and motioned for the other three to follow him as he went back to the sheriff. I heard yelling and several "you're crazys" before he came back to me by himself.

"Marshal, I was told to be polite and get a statement from you about this. The sheriff offers his apologies for what happened and would like to offer you a cup of coffee in town to talk it over. He didn't realize you were a Federal Marshal when he drove up."

"Deputy, at this stage of things, I could care less what the sheriff wants. I will also tell you that the head of Children's Services with an attorney for me and the little girl will be here shortly. That man on the ground is lucky the girl pulled me off or I might have killed him for what he did to her. I will tell you this; she won't be living here anymore if I have any say about it. My attorney will handle the matter when he gets here. As for your sheriff, I could arrest him for assault on a Federal Officer but I don't want to see him piss and moan anymore than he already has. My suggestion to him would be to drop it and I will too."

He just looked at me for a second and went back over to the sheriff. From the yelling that was going on, I didn't figure the sheriff liked the idea. The surprising thing about this whole thing was that the man who was out cold on the ground seemed to have been forgotten about by everyone. I bent over and grabbed one of the ammonia capsules and broke it under his nose to see if I could get him awake long enough to talk to him. He came around but was very slow about it when he saw me standing over him. I went to one knee and talked softly into his ear.

"Mister, you can go to prison or make a deal with me. I will buy the horse for top dollar but the little girl goes with me. I will give her a good home and a good education, but you will be required to stay completely away from her from now on. I will also throw in five thousand dollars for a bonus if you agree to my proposal."

I watched as the dollar signs were spinning around in his head as he first looked at me then the little girl. He seemed to ponder the whole thing for a few minutes and whispered to me; "I won't take any less than fifteen thousand for the both of them."

"I will give you twenty, but you have to sign the papers and come to court to testify that you are giving up all parental rights, if it's needed in the future."

"I kin do that, and I want half of the money up front as soon as I sign release of custody papers."

"Ok, but you do realize that if I give you the money and you try to get greedy, I will come back and kill you or have it done by someone you don't know?"

"Hell mister, I been tryin' to get rid of that little bitch ever since her mom left with the carnival three years ago. I won't back out, and once I get all the money, you won't ever hear from me again. I can sell this dump and go out west with my brother on his sheep ranch. I won't even try to press charges against you, now that I know you are a Marshal. No sir, once I get the money I am gone forever."

"You got a deal then. I will take the horse and all the papers needed to register him with me today when I leave."

He just nodded his head yes and wearily lay back down in the dirt. The female ambulance attendant came over and started to examine him, giving me a suspicious look as she did. I backed away and waited for the car I saw coming in the distance to arrive. When it pulled up, my grandfather's attorney came directly over to me. I told him what had happened from start to finish. When it came to the deal about the horse and girl, he just looked at me like I was crazy. He shook his head and went over to the woman who came with him and talked quietly to her for about ten minutes. During their talk, she kept looking at me in a strange way. He must have thought of something, because he pointed to the house and the little girl. She went to the girl and bent down and talked to her for a few minutes. She took her hand and they went into the house. My attorney came back to me with a smirk on his face.

"Jon, I don't know you very well other than what your grandfather has told me, but I can see you take after your mother and father. They couldn't resist helping a kid if they needed it, and gave thousands of dollars to different orphanages and organizations that helped kids. We have never discussed your parent's will, but this is because your grandfather said not to bother you until you got used to being in this country. Jon, their estate is rather large including property and other holdings which we will discuss later. Mrs. Simkins will give you temporary custody of the girl, but if you want her to become your ward, I will have to file papers through the court. I have no doubt that you will win, but we will also need to track the mother down to be sure that she doesn't want to come back and take the child."

"If you find her and if she is the type I think she is going to be, then offer her a large cash donation to have her sign any papers we need. I would be willing to bet she will take it, but make it plain she will never come near the girl again. I will keep track of her and when the girl is old enough to decide, it will be her choice if she wants to see her mother. Let's get this done so I can load the horse and get the hell out of here."

To make a long story short, we found the mother and ten thousand dollars was more than enough to convince her to sign any papers we needed. Sally was legally declared my ward and now is in junior high and a straight-A student. She and Sparky have won several ribbons and trophies together. I in my own mind, I think watching them both grow up together was worth the money I had to spend to get them.

When I brought her and the horse back to the farm that day, I did a lot of soul searching. I decided I would try to help out kids like this whenever I could. I don't get paid and sometimes the expenses are quite high on a case, but I have the money to do it. Since it was taken from drug pushers originally, I figure if I could do some good with it then I could.

I missed my grandfather when he passed away. I had only known him for a few years, and I had gotten quite fond of him during this time. Sally on the other hand was heartbroken when he passed. Those two were the best of friends and did everything together. Since he had passed on, she became even closer to me than what we already were. Now I only took cases that wouldn't keep me away from the farm for more than a few days. Although I would never admit it, I missed her every minute we were apart. She always called me at least three times a day to get my report, as she called it, and to find out when I would be home. School was almost over for the year and her prom was coming up. She wanted me home to help her pick out a dress and arrange for a limo for her and all her friends to arrive in style in, as she put it. About a month ago I had asked her about a boy friend, but was quickly told she was too young to be thinking about boys. Besides, she had said, they were all pests who thought that girls were only good for kissing and cheerleading. I almost busted a gut laughing at that little bit of wit. She didn't speak to me for several hours afterwards.

This year she had asked if we could go to the Grand Canyon and ride the mules down to the bottom and camp for a few days while she was out of school. Of course I had immediately said yes. I wanted to see it too since I hadn't seen much the U.S. had to offer since I had come over here. I was teaching her French and was planning on taking her to France for a couple of months next year. We had a lot of plans going and I think I was as excited about it as she was.

I would be home in about five hours. My cell rang just as I was pulling into a gas station to fill my tanks and empty my personal one from all the coffee I had been drinking. It was Sally and she wanted my report. I filled her in and when she found out I was on my way home, and she perked right up saying that we had several appointments to go to tomorrow to look at prom dresses. I told her I would be there in plenty of time and we hung up. Well, I was thinking, there goes my make-up snooze. As I pulled out to hit the road again, I was still smiling to myself.



-------

Chapter 3


I finally got back to the farm about four in the morning and was dead on my feet. I set the thermos down on the counter as I went to my room. I didn't even bother to undress, just fell on the bed, asleep before I quit bouncing.

"Jon! Jonnnn! If you don't get up, we are going to be late for my fitting."

"What time is it anyway, Sally?"

"It's eight in the morning and your feet stink. Didn't you bathe while you were gone?"

"What time is your appointment?"

"It's at eleven and I want to have breakfast at Denny's before we get there."

"Ok, get me a cup of coffee and I'll shower and get dressed, Ok?"

"Well hurry up or we'll be late."

I made my way into the shower half asleep, but woke up quick when I turned the wrong knob on the shower, and got ice cold water instead of warm as I had expected. I yelled and heard Sally laugh from downstairs. I had to smile at her impatience when her fitting was several hours away and the shop we were going to was about six miles away from the farm. I could only hope as she got older she would settle down a little, or I would have grey hair before I was forty. I heard the house phone ringing as I was drying, and wondered who would be calling at this time of the morning.

I finished getting dressed, and quickly shaved, then dabbed a little Old Spice on my face when I was done. "Now I'm ready", I thought as I headed down the steps to get the coffee that was supposed to be ready for me. Sally must have given Myrna the day off again or I would have heard the familiar sound of pots and pans rattling. She had to quit trying to take over when I was gone, I was thinking as I walked into the kitchen. Myrna was sitting at the counter with Sally whispering back and forth.

"Ok you two, what are you cooking up now? Myrna you're supposed to be the adult here, so act like it."

"Oh shush, Mistah Jon! This is girl talk and you don't know how much we despise being interrupted when we is just hatching our little ideas. You take yore coffee into the study and let us finish our hatchin'."

I grabbed the cup and left, knowing better than to try to argue with Myrna when she gave an order. Hell, she had to be sixty and thought she was the boss. My grandfather always said when it came to the house, it was better not to upset the status quo. He always said Myrna treated him like she was the boss, not him.

Before he died, he had told me her story. But, for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why she preferred to stay here, with all the money she had. He had said she had been in the family since she was eighteen and had never been married except to her job. Her family tree was almost as long as ours, I had been told, and she was one of the smartest women he had ever met. He said her stock portfolio was worth millions and that she had made it all herself over the years. Now she had pitched right in the moment Sally had come and had adopted her as her own. The only problem I had with that was the fact that Sally thought she could get away with bossing me around like Myrna did. In a way it was funny, but sometimes very irritating. I did notice that she only did it in the house, and was always polite and respectful when we were away from the farm. Sometimes I wondered if Myrna was teaching her this so that Sally could replace her if she ever decided to leave. God, now there was a scary thought. Sally as a mini Myrna. The only difference was that Myrna was a woman of color, as she had told me on several occasions. She said she hated the term Negro or African American. She said this was just a polite way of saying they needed to be called something society wanted, instead of facing the fact that we were all a nation of people of color, just different in colors and shades.

I had already learned that lesson in the Legion. We had a very large African instructor. Mean bastard he was. I remember the first time one of the recruits had called him a derogatory name. He found out real fast that regardless of what color we all were, we all bled red and the worse the wound the redder the color. From then on, if anyone had something smart to say, they kept it to themselves.

"Come on Jon, Sarah is meeting us at Denny's for breakfast. She says she has something important to ask you."

My suspicion meter went through the roof as I went out to the truck. Now I knew something was up, and all the whispering I had heard had been against me.

"Who called while I was in the shower, Sally?"

"That was Sarah wanting to know if you had made it back yet. I told her we were having breakfast at Denny's and that she could join us if she wanted to."

"Did she say what she wanted to talk about?"

"No, just that she needed to talk to you as soon as possible."

I looked over at her and she had that teenage "I know everything" smirk on her face. God, I hated that look, but Sally and every teenage girl or boy that I had met since being here all seemed to have it. Sometimes I wanted to just smack them on the back of the head to see if it would go away. I knew the conversation with her was over when she turned on the local country station and started singing along with the song that was playing. I knew she was baiting me, but I didn't say a word, just drove. She had done this before when she wanted to keep me from prying something out of her. I personally thought it was inborn with women, but it seemed to be stronger when she and Myrna had a chat whenever I was home. I didn't know what these two had up their sleeves, but this time I wasn't buying into it like I always had. Over the last few years they had gotten me a few times by ganging up on the only man in the house. Every time they got their way, I swore they wouldn't do it again. But they seemed to be able to keep doing it, somehow. One of these days I was going to sit Myrna down and have a serious talk about who was boss in my home.

When I recovered from all the knots and bumps from her favorite iron skillet, she would still be boss in the house. But I would have at least let her know how I felt about the whole thing. She had already chased me out of the house when I first came over here because I told her she didn't know how to cook chicken like we Frenchmen did. As she was chasing me with the skillet, she hit me and reminded me after each bang that I wasn't in France now, and that this was the South. If I didn't like it, I could starve or eat in town. It took two whole days before my grandfather could get her to let me back into the house and near her kitchen. I walked on eggshells for another month until she forgave me. Needless to say, I learned real quick that she was worse than any instructor I had in the Legion, and that iron was a lot worse on the skull than a wooden truncheon. The knots took a lot longer to heal and the headaches were a killer.

Of course my grandfather thought it was all a big laugh. He warned me that Myrna could run faster at her age than any man on this end of the state. He also said that I better get used to her cooking, or I might have to go back to France to eat anything even remotely tasting like a woman had made it. He said all the other women in the county followed Myrna's lead when it came to their cookin'. I never claimed to be the smartest one in the crowd, but I knew if it was like my grandfather had told me, I needed to stay friends with her or starve. We did almost come to blows again a few years later when she insisted that I eat grits for breakfast before she would cook my eggs and ham. This time I told her I detested them and if she expected me to eat them, she could forget it. We stared at each other for what seemed like hours before my grandfather had put a stop to it. I'll never forget what he told her and from that point on it changed her whole attitude toward me. I quote; "This boy has eaten things that you stepped on and thought they were delicious. The French Foreign Legion trains their men to eat anything that moves or crawls as long as it's not poisonous. If you are in a battle and cut off from your supply lines, anything you can put in your stomach is protein and if it's alive or wiggles, it's considered food. I know because I have seen the French eat food that I would bury during World War Two while I was over there. Myrna, if they hadn't eaten it, most would have starved to death because the Germans stole for themselves anything that wasn't tied down. If he doesn't want to eat something you fix, then don't fix it or try to make him eat it."

From that day on Myrna seemed to change her attitude, and we had a nice long talk with me telling her about some of the countries I had fought in, and how we had to eat what the natives did or die. I told her about eating spiders, snakes, weevils and lizards. Sometimes it was raw because we couldn't build a fire, but we needed the protein to survive. She gave me a funny look and from that point on, never said anything about my eating habits. It had taken a few years but we became good friends, and when my grandfather had died, she had come to me crying and wanting to know if I was going to kick her out of the only home she had ever known.

"Myrna", I had told her, "As long as you want to stay here, you will always be welcome. Besides who would watch over Sally while I do what I do to help others? Just remember that I am the boss in my own home."

She understood me perfectly, and even after all these years, she is still the boss of the house.

When we pulled into Denny's, I saw Sarah sitting in her car waiting for us. Sally was out and at her door before I could get my seatbelt off. They came walking over to me and with one on each side, linked their arms in mine and led me inside. We took a booth toward the back with me between the two of them. This did not bode well for me, I was thinking, as they gave the waitress their orders. Sally ordered for me, seeming to think I was starving, with all the food she was ordering.

"Whoa there, I don't want that much to eat this early."

"Jon, we have a busy day and we may not be able to eat lunch. You need your strength if we expect to get everything done today I need for us to do."

"Waitress, I'll have two eggs over easy with hash browns, ham and coffee. I want white toast lightly buttered. That's all for me."

When the waitress walked away I turned sideways and looked directly at Sally.

"Since when did you start lying to me, young lady? I know the fitting for your dress won't take over an hour, because I already called and talked to Violet. I made the arrangements with Tiny for the limo a week ago. Now why are you lying to me, and what are you not telling me?"

I was looking directly into her eyes as I spoke and saw them filling up with tears. I almost broke down myself thinking I had hurt her in some way I hadn't realized.

"Jon, please don't be upset with Sally. This is all my fault, I'm afraid. I got evicted from my apartment a week ago for not paying the rent. I have been staying with friends, but I need to move my furniture out today or the landlord will throw it all away. I still have a lot of personal possessions I can't afford to have taken or stolen when he sets it out by the curb. Sally volunteered your help and said I could store it in the barn in the tack shed. I'm sorry Sally, but you should have told him like I said. I told you it wasn't a secret, and that I could have rented a U-Haul to load it on."

"No, it is a big deal Sarah. Why didn't you pay your rent? Don't I pay you enough to live on? If I don't, then you should have said so before it came to something this drastic. Both of you know me well enough after all this time that I hate secrets, especially between the ones I consider my friends. Now why didn't you pay the rent, Sarah?"

"Do I have to talk about this Jon? I feel ashamed enough about the whole thing without telling you and Sally."

"Sarah, you're my right arm when it comes to these kids, and I need to know you're safe if I'm not around. As for Sally hearing the story, it should be a good life example for her to remember and learn from. Now tell me what happened, Sarah."

"I was living with a man I thought I cared for, but he emptied my bank account last month. I filed a report with the police, but since he was living with me, there was nothing they could do about it. I'm sorry Jon but he took everything I saved since I went to work for you. I didn't know it until my rent check bounced."

"You mean that little weasel Kenny Voles stole all your money while you were on the road helping me?"

"How did you know about him? I never told you I was seeing anyone?"

"Sarah, in the job we do, the injured spouse will do anything to get back at whoever he or she thinks is responsible for them losing their kid or kids. Right after we started doing this I hired a private security firm to watch our homes around the clock whenever we were out of town. When I first got a report there was a man going in and out of your place, I had him checked out. He didn't have any record, but according to my sources, he is nicknamed "The Weasel" by the men he works with at a downtown brokerage firm. Your private life is your business, but I will not stand by and let someone who you cared for rob you of all you worked hard for. I will have a talk with your landlord today and get it straightened out. Sally, Sarah will take you to your fitting appointment while I go to Arlington."

We didn't say anything more as our food had arrived, but I could feel my inner beast raising its head at what had happened to Sarah. She had been through enough, I thought, and if I had anything to do about it, he would pay back every cent with interest. The brokerage firm he worked, for I owned fifty eight percent of, because it was the same firm where Sarah got her checks from. She had to have met him there while picking up her check, or he had targeted her because of the money she got every two weeks. Either way, he would rue the day he had pulled his little stunt on her.

"Jon, I appreciate it, but you don't have to get involved in my personal problems. I'm the one who let him use my account and didn't give it a second thought. I have friends I can stay with, but I just didn't want to lose all my personal stuff."

"Have you been served with an eviction notice from the court?"

"No, but it's in the lease that if I bounce a payment check and don't pay for thirty days, then they can throw me out."

"That's wrong Sarah. Even if it's stated in the lease that way, they still have to go to court to make it legal. You have sixty days by law before they can start eviction proceedings. That old law you quoted was thrown out last year and the new one went into effect, and it was grandfathered for fifteen years. It was in all the papers because the landlord association tried to fight it in court and lost. You still, by law, have thirty more days before they can to take you to court to evict you. If the landlord moves one thing out of your place, he can and will be sued for any losses you occur. Like I said, I will drive in and have a little talk with him and straighten it all out. Meanwhile, you and Sally go to her fitting, but under no circumstances is she to get anything with a plunging neckline to wear. That is my final word on that subject."

Sally busted out laughing at me. We had this argument a few weeks back when she showed me a picture of a dress she wanted to get. Hell, she might as well have no top on to wear that thing, and I was quick to tell her so. To my surprise, Myrna took my side on the matter, telling her she was a young lady and not some trollop. She had the pride of the Morgans to uphold in everything she did. I had no idea what she was talking about, but apparently Sally did because she immediately got red faced and apologized to both of us.

When we finished eating and went outside, Sally kissed me and got in the car with Sarah. Sarah didn't say a word to me, but she did look a little ashamed as she drove off. I climbed into my truck and headed for Arlington but remembered something I would need and on my way, stopped by the house to get it. Myrna asked where Sally was, so I told her the whole story. She looked at me a minute before saying to me, "She needs help".

"Mistah Morgan, if you talk to dat boy, you tell him if he don't give that precious girl her money back, I will have to take a little trip to de big city. I don't like men who steal from little girls and I won't put up wit it. You make sure you don't lose yore temper, cause I don't wanna have to come and get you outta jail. You hea me Jon Morgan?"

I assured her I had since she was yelling again, but all I got was a big grin from her as I went out the door. I looked at my watch and was surprised to see it was only ten-thirty. I had plenty of time to stop at the landlord's first before I went to the brokerage firm. I knew I didn't look like a prosperous business man with jeans and run down cowboy boots, but I knew that this was the look of everyone who lived outside the big city. I would get by acting like a hick unless I needed to go further. I had about an hour's drive ahead of me, and I used it all to think out my plan for dealing with this thief. I had to smile thinking how he would feel if Myrna came looking for him with that big iron skillet. She hadn't left the farm in fifteen years, according to my grandfather, but knowing her, anything she did wouldn't surprise me.



-------

Chapter 4


I headed out on the back roads, hoping to miss some of the traffic going into Arlington. I had a general idea of where Sarah had her apartment. When I finally got on the interstate, the traffic was fairly light. I mashed the pedal and cruised along as fast as I dared. I wasn't totally sure of where Sarah had her apartment, so I called the security company and got the address. Since my attorney lived in the area, I called him and asked about the law to make sure I was right about what I had told her before I left. Other than a couple of minor things, I had hit it exactly on the nose. When I pulled up in front of the building, there were two men carrying a large couch out the side door.

I watched them for a couple of minutes as they wrestled the couch down the short drive way and heaved it next to the curb. The arm broke off it when it landed. They thought it was funny and were laughing as they went back inside. I called the local Police Department and identified myself. I asked for a car at my location. I was told there was a unit in the area and it would arrive shortly. As I was waiting, the two men came out carrying a small coffee table which they heaved on top of the couch, laughing as they did. I was getting madder by the minute. I was just about to jump out and stop them by force, when the Police pulled up behind me. I got out and showed them my ID, saying I had a couple of arrests I wanted them to make for me. They both smiled and said it would be a pleasure.

We headed for the door where the two men were coming out again. They had an entertainment center held between them and they didn't see us coming. They heaved it on top of the other stuff and I heard glass shatter when it hit. That's when they saw us coming. They stood there and waited with smiles on their faces. The officers were behind me so I did the speaking.

"Hey fellas, don't you know it's against the law to litter in Virginia?"

"Hey this is only junk from an evicted tenant we have to haul out. I'm the owner of the building and she broke her lease."

"May I ask the lady's name, sir?"

"It's Sarah Ferguson and her check bounced for this month. I have the law on my side and can evict if she breaks her lease within thirty days. Since today is day thirty one, I am renting the apartment out as soon as we get it cleaned out. Why are you here anyway? I ain't breaking any laws."

"Sir, do you have keys for her apartment or did you have to break the door in by force?"

"She had the only set of keys so we had to force the door open. What's this all about anyway?"

"You're both under arrest for breaking into an inhabited dwelling and destruction of private property. There will be other charges I will add on later. If any of her personal possessions are missing and you have taken them, you will be brought up on more charges. Arrest them, officers!"

I watched with a smile on my face as they resisted arrest and hit one of the officers. This was the last straw, so the owner got tasered and put down fast. He was cuffed and stuffed before he recovered from the effects of the shock. He was still yelling that he hadn't broken any laws and that he was going to sue me and the Police for false imprisonment. I just laughed in his face as I followed the cruiser to the jail to book him. I couldn't believe Sarah had to put up with this asshole for the right to rent from him. I decided to call my attorney and see if there was a way we could either buy the property cheap or sue him for what he had done with her stuff. I talked to him as I followed the officers down to the booking area. He said he would check it out and get back to me within the hour. I sat at one of the tables and filled out the report and turned it into the booking desk.

I called Sarah and asked her where she was. She said she was on her way to her apartment to get her personnel effects out before they got lost or stolen, so I filled her in on what had happened. She was mad by the time we were ready to get off the phone, so I asked her to come to central booking and file her own charges against her landlord. She said she would be here within fifteen minutes. I told the booking officer she was coming in and he said he would make sure she was sent right back. He said he knew her, and that she was a good influence on several of the children the department had sponsored for summer ball games. He asked if it was her stuff they were breaking up so I told him most of the story about how it had come about. He was red in the face by the time I was through. He made a call, telling someone which cell they were to put Mr. Hammond in for his stay. Then he looked at me, grinning from ear to ear.

"I think he and ole Fred will get along just great together while he is here. Fred likes older men and hasn't had a cell mate for about three months. I think your Mr. Hammond will get an attitude adjustment within five minutes after they close the door."

I just laughed saying it couldn't happen to a nicer person. He agreed with me and offered me a cup of coffee. I accepted and drank it while we waited for Sarah to arrive. When they brought her to the back, she was greeted by half of the officers on duty. It seemed as if they knew Sarah and had a high regard for her. I sat down at a table with her and helped her fill out her complaint sheet. Just as we were finishing, the DA showed up. He wanted to know why Sarah hadn't called his office when this had first started. The booking Captain came up asking the DA if he could get a search warrant to look for Sarah's things in the rest of the building.

"I will not only get the warrant, Captain, but I will personally accompany Miss Ferguson as she searches. If any of her things are found anywhere in that building other than her apartment, I will file charges personally against the owner. Give me a half hour to get it typed up and signed, then we can go."

I watched as he walked away in a huff. I had to smile at the look of confusion on Sarah's face as he did.

"Jon, why are they going to so much trouble over some furniture and stuff?"

"Sarah, you don't seem to realize that with what you do with the kids and with me, you are considered one of them. Believe me when I say it is an honor. They take care of their own any way they can. I have to go now, so why don't you wait here for the warrant? Use the credit card to get a truck and some men to move your stuff to the farm. There are six or seven empty bedrooms, so take your pick and settle in. I'm sure Sally and Myrna will love to have another female to help overrule everything I want to do."

I got up and left with the sound of her laughter in my ears. I got in the truck and headed for the brokerage firm. This was the part of the problem that was going to be mine to enjoy to the limit. When I arrived at the brokerage, I pulled up into the parking place in front marked as private and put the placard that said Official Business in my window. When I went inside, I scanned the directory and saw the company was on the fifth floor and caught the next elevator up. To my surprise, the place covered the whole floor. In big letters on the door was the name, "Morgan and Associates."

Hell, I thought, it had been named after me instead of the bank which controlled the other majority interest. I did know that the acting Director owned fifteen percent of the stock, but between me and the bank, I had controlling interest. This had been another business that my Nigerian friend had set up so I would be legal with the Internal Revenue Service. I didn't know a thing about the other businesses I owned or controlled, other than this one, because this was where Sarah's checks were written through. When I had found this out, I had checked it all out to protect Sarah.

When I walked up to the receptionist, she took one look at me and the way I was dressed and immediately got an attitude.

"May I help you, Sir?"

"Yes you may. I would like to talk to Mr. Jackson as soon as possible."

"Just a moment and I will see if he is available to talk to you. May I ask who you are, sir?"

Before I answered her, I had to take a deep breath to hold my temper in check. I knew right then and there I would make some personnel changes before the day was over, starting with her and her attitude.

"My name is Jon Morgan and I believe I own this company, if it's any of your business. Now, get Mr. Jackson down here before I have to go looking for him."

I watched with a smirk as her eyes bugged out when she realized that her whole world was going to collapse around her because of her actions and attitude. She fumbled with the phone for a couple of minutes before she was able to dial the extension I was sure she had memorized. She told whoever she was talking to that I was here and that I immediately wanted to see Mr. Jackson at the front desk. Just then another younger girl walked up smiled at me. She told the woman she was back from lunch and that she could go back to her desk. I thought she was going to run, she was moving so fast to get out of sight.

"Sir, may I offer you a cup of coffee or something to drink while you're waiting for your party?"

I watched her face and there was no deception or falseness when she addressed me. This was a lovely young woman who enjoyed her job and strove to do it well.

"Who was the woman who just left if, you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh, that was Millie. She is one of the typists who work here. She hates to work the front desk. It's a part of her job to relieve me when I go to lunch or if I miss a day because of sickness."

"How long have you been working here, Miss?"

"I started right after college. I was trained as a public relations consultant, but I ended up being the receptionist because no one else wanted the job. They keep giving me raises every time I remind them I wasn't hired for this job. I can't complain though because I like greeting people, and the pay is great. I've already paid back all my student loans and now I'm saving to buy a house."

"What does your husband say about you staying a receptionist instead of going into public relations?"

"Oh I'm not married. To tell the truth, I make more doing this than I ever would have in public relations. It's like having a treat every day. I never know who will walk in the door. Last week it was a Senator that has a large stock portfolio with the company. He was sixty or older, but he kept trying to get me to date him. I thought it was so funny and it made all the other girls jealous because I turned him down. There are a lot of women who work here that took jobs so they could meet rich men. I just like my job and have a good time while I do it."

The conversation stopped while she answered her phone. Whoever it was on the other end must have told her whom she was talking to because she kept looking at me while she listened.

"Um Mr. Morgan, Mr. Jackson is on his way down. He said to tell you he was sorry for keeping you waiting, but he was in the middle of a meeting with the senior staff. I'm sorry I talked your ear off, but I always seem to do that. Why didn't you say who you were, Sir? I would have taken you into the lounge instead of having you stand in the lobby listening to me rattle on."

"To tell you the truth I enjoyed listening to you rattle on. I can see why they want you to be the receptionist, young lady. You seem to have a way about you that makes your visitors feel at ease while they are here. I was in a bad mood when I first came in, but listening to you seems to have helped it a little. If you do that with all your visitors, I can see why this firm is so busy all the time. I have enjoyed our little talk and I hope you decide to stay as the receptionist and don't move on. You would be greatly missed if you did."

She was beaming by the time I was done speaking to her but before she could reply, an older balding man came out of a door with a smile on his face and his hand extended.

"Mr. Morgan, I finally have the honor of meeting you after all these years. Won't you come up to my office where we can talk in private?"

He turned to the woman and thanked her for keeping me entertained while I was waiting. I followed him out of the lobby through several work areas to the back of the building. I was shown into a spacious office with a large table and desk being the only furniture in the room. The moment we got inside, his whole demeanor changed and he became totally professional toward me.

"Now Mr. Morgan, you didn't just stop in for no particular reason. Is there some kind of problem I need to know about?"

"Yes there is, Mr. Jackson, and I fully intend to settle it while I am here today."

"Just call me Art, please. I am not aware of any problems that would bring you in on such short notice. I have never had a complaint about the way I have been running the company. I have almost doubled our profits every year since I started it up. Oh, I realize you and the bank own most of it, but it was my baby and it still is. If you have a problem with something I may have done wrong, please tell me so that we can get it straightened out to both of our satisfaction. Mr. Morgan, I know you could buy me out immediately under the option rule, but I love this company and don't want to retire yet."

"Hold on Art, I'm not here for any personal vendetta against you. We both have a problem with an employee that I want to resolve. I have no desire to try to take over the company or interfere in its operation. Hell, I wouldn't know the first thing about running a business like this. I am here about a theft by one of the brokers you have on staff. Do you know a man by the name of Kenny Voles?"

"Yes, he is a detestable little weasel, but he is good at handling our minor accounts. He makes money for us and his clients. I have only met him a couple of times, but that's normal since he is a commission only broker. Why would you be interested in someone like him?"

I told him to call me Jon, then I explained the reason I was here and what I planned on doing to Voles by the time the day was over. I had a hard time not letting my temper show through. Art saw right through me and knew how mad I was about the whole thing. He didn't say a word; he just let me lay out the whole plan. Then sat back for a few minutes, thinking.

"Jon, I agree with you, what he did was bordering on criminal. I think I know a better way to hurt Mr. Voles without the bad publicity your plan would bring to our firm. Don't get me wrong, I do like your plan better. But, in this business, one hint of any kind of scandal and our larger accounts will transfer to another company without a second thought. If you let me handle it my way, I guarantee Miss Ferguson will have all her money plus interest within twenty-four hours. Within a week, Mr. Voles will never be able to work in this business again. I know it doesn't have the same flair that your plan does, but believe me when I say what I will do will not only put him out of a job, but in order to find any kind of work he will have to move to another state. As a matter of principle, I will strongly suggest that to him when I fire him."

"I am not here to cause problems for the company, but Sarah is my assistant and one of my closest friends. In case you didn't know it, I am also a Deputy U.S. Marshal. Believe me when I say that if you don't succeed in your plan, I will take over even if we lose half of our accounts. I don't worry about money, Art, but I do take care of my friends. I will leave it in your hands for now and give you the week you asked for. But, if I find there have been no results, I am taking over and I guarantee you Mr. Voles will wish he hadn't targeted Sarah. Oh, by the way, you have a secretary named Millie who works the front desk sometimes? I want her gone by the end of the week. With her attitude, she doesn't need to be working in a firm that deals with the public. Especially if she treats our customers like she treated me when I came in. That young lady with whom I was talking when you came in needs to be kept with the firm. She is the greatest thing since valium for stressed out people."

"Ha! Don't think I don't already know about her. Every time she mentions why she was hired, I give her a raise just to keep her on the front desk. Every one of our clients has nothing but praise for her and how she is a breath of fresh air. No, I won't ever let her get away, Jon. I don't know this Millie, but if she upset you that bad then I tend to agree with you. Maybe we need to do some personnel interviews for the sake of our reputation. Jon, I want to thank you for not going ahead with your plan. This is one that I personally want to handle, especially after you told me all about the circumstances. I had to admit, when we first started sending her weekly checks, I did have my accountant investigate the circumstances. I contacted the bank, and was quickly told that neither the company nor I had any say over the matter, and that she was to be carried as a field representative for as long as they said. I checked with some friends of mine and when I found out what she did, I had to admit I admired her and what she was doing for the kids she worked with."

"Art, I'm not trying to beat a dead horse, but changing the subject doesn't dissuade me from my original statement. If you don't do what you promised, I will do it my way and damn the consequences. Now, I know you think my interference with this may cause problems, and I think it would, but I, like the bank, have the last say. With the funds I have available to me, I guarantee you the closing of this firm won't hurt me. I can use it as a tax write off, just like you can. I have to go now, but I will expect your call within twenty-four hours. I want to hear that you are overnighting Sarah a check for the money that little weasel stole from her. Here is my card with the address written on the back. You can send it to her in care of me since she lost everything because of this. Art, I hated meeting you under these circumstances, but as you said, I can pretty much do as I please. You won't lose a thing if I decide to do it my way. I guarantee you if it has to happen, I will cut you a check and buy you out before I do."

"I have a lot of myself invested in this company, Jon, and I guarantee you I will hold up my end of it. I don't want to have to start over again at my age, and I sure don't want my name splashed all over the papers. I'm sorry too that we had to finally meet this way, and I hope the next time we do it will be over a pleasant dinner or something. I will contact the bank and let them know what went on here today and what we decided to do about it. Our yearly meeting is coming up and I don't want them thinking I can't handle something like this. You will hear from me by close of business day tomorrow, Jon."

I walked out of his office, cursing to myself because I had let him do it his way instead of mine. Then I remembered all the people who worked here and depended on this company to pay their bills and support their families, so I reined my temper in. When I went through the lobby, I got a cheery smile and a wave good bye from the girl behind the desk and I just smiled at her. I got into my truck thinking I had better stop by Sarah's apartment to see if she needed any help moving. I had told her to use the card, but knowing her like I did; I knew she would try to do most of it by herself to save me money. That I wouldn't allow or condone, she had been through enough today without worrying about moving too.



-------

Chapter 5


By the time I was half way across the bridge, I remembered my attorney hadn't called me back yet and I wondered why. I finally made it back to Sarah's place, only to see officers swarming all over the house and grounds. Tiny was there with a few of his friends and a big truck to move her things. I was glad she had called him, because I knew I could trust him and anyone with him. I had met him through Myrna right after I came over here from France. He was her sister's son and made three of me. I certainly wasn't a small man, but next to him, I looked like a midget. I knew he had a record, but in all of my dealings with him, he had never screwed me over. I knew he was deathly afraid of Myrna for some reason, and he knew I would tell her if he ever treated me badly. When I got out of the truck he came over to me immediately.

"Hey Jon, why didn't you or Sarah call me when the trouble started? I would have been glad to set it all straight for her. Man, I can't believe I missed out on all the action again. Now Sarah called me, then a couple of minutes later I got a call from Aunt Myrna telling me I better get over here to help Sarah with moving. Why are the cops crawling all over the place?"

I spent the next half hour telling him about all that had happened so far. He looked at me again before saying that he still should have been called.

"Jon, you know I would do anything for Sarah. If it wasn't for her, my daughter might never have graduated and gone to college. My daughter is on the Dean's List this semester and it's only her first year there. My wife and I are so proud of her. Jon, I have to tell you that Aunt Myrna is already planning a big supper for Sarah tonight. She says the poor girl looks too skinny and needs to gain a few pounds. She also said that you get to play host and help out with the meal."

"Oh God, Tiny, there she goes again, telling me what to do in my own house. Why don't you and your wife invite her over for an extended visit?"

"Are you crazy? Myrna and my wife in the same house? They would kill each other in the first ten minutes. If you think Myrna's bad, then you need to meet my Mrs. one time. I think they are both cut from the same cloth. Nope, you can keep her. I love her to death, but one of her is quite enough, thank you."

I looked at him and we grinned at each other in perfect understanding. I told him to stand by and I would find out if it was ok to start moving her stuff. When I went in the door, I was checked immediately for identification. I asked why there were so many officers to search just one house. I was politely told to ask the DA and then he said I could find him and Sarah in Sarah's apartment. He said, "The second door on the right" when I looked at him in a puzzled manner so I headed that way. When I walked into the room, Sarah was deep in conversation with a man I hadn't seen before. When she saw me, she jumped up and ran into my arms weeping.

"Oh God, Jon, I am so glad to see you! You're never gonna guess what they found in the basement. I can't believe I lived here for over two years and never knew or suspected."

"Calm down, it can't be that bad."

"Jon if I had known, I would never have stayed here. Every time I think about it I get the heebie-jeebies. I am only taking my two file cabinets and my stereo. The rest can stay here because I certainly don't want it now. I am so glad I am moving in with you today, Jon."

I got a funny look from the guy sitting on the couch before he grinned and stood up.

"Mr. Morgan, I am Jeremy Buxton, Assistant DA of the Arlington City Prosecutor's Office. I have finished with all of my questions for Miss Ferguson and she can move her stuff at any time."

"Mr. Buxton, I want to know, why you felt the need to question her in the first place? You know better and I will make sure your boss hears about it, as soon as I get outside and call him. Sarah is the victim, not the perpetrator of this mess. As distraught as she is, for you to question her without an attorney is way over the line."

"Whoa, Mr. Morgan! Sarah, my wife, and I, graduated from college together. I wasn't questioning her about this; I was asking her if she needed a place to stay for awhile. I think you misunderstood what I was saying. My wife and I would love to have Sarah stay with us for awhile. My parents gave me their country house as a wedding present, and it is big enough for ten people to live in. Sarah is our friend too, and we would love to help her out."

Well needless to say, I felt about two inches tall by the time he finished speaking. I apologized to him and explained that Sarah had a home with me for as long as she wanted or needed it. He sent one of the officers for Tiny and his crew. They had the file cabinets and the stereo loaded in less than fifteen minutes. Sarah had several boxes of CD's she had already packed. She decided to follow Tiny to my house, leaving me standing in the room with my thumb up my butt. I went out the door feeling like I had lost my best friend when I literally ran into one of the officers who had arrested Mr. Hammond earlier. I asked him what they had found in the house that had everyone so excited.

"You ain't gonna believe this shit, Marshal. He had his parents and an older brother stored in coffins in the basement. From the paperwork we have found so far, it seems they died several years ago and he has been getting their Social Security checks all this time. There is another body, but we haven't been able to find out who it is yet. That one has been down there for a long time. We are checking to see where his ex-wife is now and anyone else he has come in contact with over the years. Man, you should have seen that rookies face when he opened the first one. I bet he has nightmares for a long time to come."

He busted out laughing as he walked away from me. Knowing cops' sense of humor, I would be willing to bet the rookie would have a new nickname by the end of shift, if he didn't already. By the time I walked to my truck, I remembered what Tiny had told me about tonight's dinner plans and wondered if I could find something to do to stay away from the house for a few days. I had a lot of respect for Myrna, but sometimes she just got on my last nerve. As I got on the Interstate, I was grinning to myself, wondering if I could get her to retire or maybe go visit some relation for a few years. Then I felt ashamed of myself for thinking such thoughts, because I knew how much she cared for Sally and me. Now she had another girl to take care of whether Sarah wanted the attention or not. This got me to smiling again, thinking ahead about their first battle when Sarah wanted to do something that Myrna didn't like. I knew Sarah could usually hold her own against anybody, but I had a hunch that like me, she would lose the battle when it came to accosting Myrna about anything.

Then I got to thinking that maybe I ought to build a small A-frame cabin out in the woods for me to live in. It would be away from all of them and I could have some peace and quiet. Nah, then Sally would kill me. Damn, I was trapped either way I turned. I was still scheming and trying to figure a way out as I drove toward the house and my fate for the evening. For some weird reason, the trip home was a lot shorter than the trip into town. I had just pulled into the driveway when my cell rang. I pulled over and stopped to answer it.

"Jon, forget about taking Hammond's house. He owes more back taxes and mortgages on it than what it's worth. From what I could gather, the bank is about to put it up for auction. I have some contacts that would be able to find Sarah a good house or apartment if she needs it."

"Thanks, but we decided she would move into one of the empty bedrooms at the farm for now."

I went on to bring him up to date but before he hung up, he said something that shocked the hell out of me.

"Well Jon, it's about time you two got together. Anybody that looks at her can tell she is in love with you. I bet Myrna has a ball with this one. Click."

"Now, what the hell did he mean by that?" I wondered as I drove up the drive to find Sarah's car parked in my spot under the overhang outside the back door. I honked the horn and Sally came out. I told her to tell Sarah to move her car into the garage as this was my reserved spot. I was promptly given "the look" and was told they were still unloading the car. I was also advised that maybe I should park in the garage because it was going to take awhile before they were done. I glared at her and she stuck her tongue out at me before going back inside.

I backed up and drove the twenty feet or so to the big garage and pushed the button on my sun visor to open the door. Nothing happened. Then I realized I hadn't used it for a year or so and the battery was probably dead. This was getting out of hand real fast. I was starting to feel my inner wolf raise its head so I took a deep breath to get myself back under control. I climbed out of the truck and walked toward the back door, pushing the remote for the truck to lock it up, and again nothing happened. Damn, the battery was dead in it too or I had broken it somehow. This was enough to make me want to yell at someone or something, so I decided to take a walk to the barn instead.

As I walked, I could feel the anger and frustration draining away and I was actually starting to see the humor in the whole thing. I was about fifteen feet from the barn door when it felt like someone had hit me in the chest with a sledge hammer. As I was falling, I heard the sound of a rifle shot echoing over the area. I managed to get my gun out and when I saw a shadow in the door to the barn, I fired at it. I was thinking I was seeing double when I saw someone go down and another go to one knee. That's the last thing I remember seeing as I went into shock and passed out.

When I opened my eyes again, I saw Sarah above me crying. Sally was trying to hold a bandage on the pressure point on my shoulder. The pain was almost unbearable and I remembered groaning. Sally was telling me to hold still, and that the ambulance was on the way. I rolled my eyes to the left to look toward the barn and almost laughed out loud at what I saw when I did. Myrna was standing with one of my grandfather's double barreled shotguns pointed at the partially open barn door. I passed out again as I heard sirens in the distance.

When I woke up again, I could tell I was in the hospital because of the smell. Anyone who has ever been in one knows what I mean. There was a nurse fussing with some IV bottles hanging by the bed and I wondered where Sally and Sarah were. I started to roll over and found I was strapped to the bed like I was being tortured again. The nurse noticed my movement and immediately came to my side looking concerned. When she saw my eyes were open, she smiled and I noticed she was missing a front tooth. For some reason, I busted out laughing, remembering a video I had seen when I first came to this country. The nurse looked a little shaken at my laughter, but smiled at me with that front tooth missing. I was in tears I was laughing so hard and couldn't seem to control it.

"Calm down Mr. Morgan. I assure you that you will be fine in a few weeks with a lot of rest. I really don't see the levity of the situation you're in. We removed the bullet and there are some Marshals outside that want to speak with you. Your daughter and wife are outside and they both are worried to death. There is a black lady with them and she has already threatened the Marshals with harm if they bother you. That woman is the bossiest person I have ever met. She seems to think you are her son or something from the way she took over."

"Nurse, I suggest when it comes to her, you better tell everyone not to get on her bad side. She is my adopted mother and she can hardly stand to look at me when I am not busy, let alone when she sees me lying here in bed, not working on the farm. As soon as I am released, she will have me back out in the fields, and be calling me lazy because I ain't doin' a full days work."

"What? Well, after I have a little talk with the doctor, he will set her straight on a few things."

She left the room in a huff and I lost it again with the mental picture of what was gonna happen next. "It must be the drugs", I thought, because I haven't laughed this much in years. I dozed off again, wondering why the Marshals wanted to talk to me and about what.



-------

Chapter 6


When I woke up again, I could see I was in a different room. The bed now sat so that it faced the open door. I used the little device pinned to my pillow to raise the head up to where I could see into the hall. Since I wasn't strapped down anymore, I was able to grab the cup at the bedside that was sweating from its cold contents and take a drink. Damn, but that felt good going down my parched throat. I started thinking about the desert training I had gone through when my thoughts were interrupted by the sight of my three closest friends coming around the corner together. Myrna was leading and they were all in a deep conversation as they walked.

I had just started to call out to them when a small man in glasses caught up to them and said something. From what I could see, it upset Sally bad enough that she started crying. Now this made me furious. My arm was well wrapped and there was a sling on it, so I got up and sat on the edge of the bed long enough to let the dizziness pass. I would know better than to try any sudden movements like that again, I thought to myself. The two IV bottles were on a rolling stand so I could move them. I had pajama bottoms on instead of a gown, so I didn't have to worry about showing my skinny butt as I walked. I headed for the door to see what was going on. They were in animated conversation with their backs to me, so I was able to get pretty close before any of them noticed me.

The little bald guy was telling them to stay out of my room until he had a chance to take my statement about what happened, and if they disobeyed his orders, he would have them arrested for impeding a Federal Investigation. I had no idea what he was talking about, but the three people standing there were the only friends and pseudo family I had. Nobody was going to threaten them as long as I could still breathe.

"Mr., I don't know who the hell you are, but if you ever speak to my family like that again, you better hope that I don't heal. Now take off so I can spend some time with them without your threats!"

"I am the field supervisor for the Marshals Service in this area and we need to take your statement before we allow anyone else to talk to you, Mr. Morgan. I suggest you drop the attitude before I have to place you under arrest for failing to cooperate."

"You little self created Hitler, you don't even want to try to push that one. I will have your ass in a sling so quick your head will spin. You need to check my files before you make threats, because I have three Senators that would love to hear you threaten me. If you wish I would be glad to call them for you. Also, I don't work for you or your service so I don't follow your orders or rules. I am an Interpol agent on permanent assignment to the States, and answer only to them and the FBI. Now leave before I completely lose my temper."

"Oh I will leave, Mr. Morgan, but I will be back with men to back me up. If you think you're so powerful, you are mistaken. Maybe you better call an attorney, because if they go into that room with you, I will have them all arrested and you will be the first."

I watched as he stomped down the hall. Then I turned and smiled at the girls because they were all standing with their mouths hanging open and a stupid look on their faces. Myrna was the most obvious one, and that made it even sweeter for me because I have never seen her without something to say in any situation.

"Umm girls, do one of you have a cell phone I can use for a little bit?"

"Oh Jon!" Sally ran up and hugged me, reminding me of my shoulder wound real fast. I must have grunted, because she quickly let loose of me and stepped back.

"I am so glad you are ok. For awhile I thought you were going to bleed to death. The doctor told us you would be just fine in a few weeks without any permanent damage to your shoulder or chest. He said you were very lucky they were high velocity rounds and went through without doing any permanent damage."

"The nurse said they recovered a bullet from my shoulder."

"Yea the doctor told us about it, but he said it had been in there for many years, and was in the muscle mass. He said he figured it had finally worked its way out far enough to where he could take it out. Jon, how many times have you been shot?"

"Well Sally, if you're in the service long enough, you're bound to catch one sooner or later. I don't think I want to talk about it now, but I do need to make some calls before that runt comes back. Does one of you have a cell phone I can use?"

"Here, I have yours in my purse. They tried to take it but I hid it from them. Jon, why did he say we weren't family? I mean, you practically raised me since I became your ward. To me, you're the only family I have except for Myrna and Sarah."

"Sally, as far as I'm concerned you're the daughter I never had and always will be. I would have adopted you, but your mom probably would never sign the papers, if we could even find her. Now I need to make some calls, so can we talk about this later please?"

I knew exactly where her mom was, but I wasn't about to tell her unless she asked me point blank about her. I had seen the look in Sarah's eyes as we talked, and I knew she wanted to ask me a couple of personal questions also. I had side stepped it by asking for the phone, but I had a feeling she wouldn't give up. I knew I would have to sit down and have a serious talk with her sooner or later.

I headed back to my room with all three following me as I slowly walked. Sally was steering the IV bottles so I could dial the phone. I was still a little puzzled as to why Myrna had been so quiet, but with the look on her face, I wasn't about to ask. I climbed back in the bed and made myself comfortable. I took another sip of water and hit the dial button. When he answered the phone, my grandfather's attorney immediately asked if I was going to be ok and if he could come and visit me. He also said he had some papers I had to sign concerning the estate. I answered yes to all his questions, and then asked him to call Jerry Lumus and tell him he was to come to the hospital immediately because I was going to need him. He wanted to know what was going on, so I filled him in on everything that I knew about. To say he was pissed, would be putting it mildly. He hung up with me after saying that Jerry would be there within the hour or he would be looking for a new job. He was the only one besides me that knew I secretly owned Jerry's law firm and paid the salaries of the attorneys that worked for him.

Three years ago, Jerry had been a young Federal Prosecutor. He had a case on some scumbag taken away from him, so that the powers to be could make a deal to keep their dirty laundry out of the press. He quit and started his own firm, but didn't have the funds to run it like he wanted to. Jerry's father had been a war buddy of my grandfather's attorney. My grandfather's attorney had helped put Jerry through law school because Jerry's father couldn't afford it. He was asked by Jerry's dad to be Jerry's godfather when he was born. I don't know the entire story, but I was asked by my grandfather's attorney to loan Jerry the funds from my parent's estate so he could get started. Now, me being a look ahead type of guy, I realized that having a complete criminal case staff at my beck and call might come in handy. I had immediately suggested that I start the firm and he would run it without any interference. Jerry had jumped at the deal and now had one of the top criminal litigation firms on the east coast. I had a contract with his firm that put him on retainer to me and he was required to immediately come to my assistance if I needed him.

I knew deep in my gut that little runt of a Marshall was power hungry, and would try to carry out his threat, so I decided to have Jerry handle it. I had only met him a couple of times, but from what I had seen, he was a powerhouse in a business suit. He had fifteen of the best on staff and they flew all over the States to handle the big cases. Their fees were enormous and I had made a lot of money over the years. I had wisely let him run it the way he wanted to.

"Jon, do you really think that Marshal will have us arrested for coming into your room to visit?"

"Sarah, he is on a power trip and has to have his own way, so yes, I think he will TRY to follow through on his threats. Don't worry about it because I have just the man to handle him if he does. Now, will one of you tell me who shot me, and what were they doing in the barn?"

I no sooner got that out of my mouth when Sally broke out sobbing. I looked at Myrna and she avoided my eyes. That's when I realized that there was something going on that I didn't know about and that none of them wanted to tell me about. Sarah had just moved in, so I knew she wouldn't have any idea of what was going on. It was up to Myrna to tell me, since Sally was sobbing her heart out on my shoulder.

"Myrna, I think it's time you told me what's been going on. I can tell you have been hiding something from me, so out with it."

She looked at me with tears in her eyes and to say I was shocked wouldn't even cover it. She was sitting there in abject misery after my question.

"I'm sorry, Mistah Jon, I should have told you about it weeks ago, but I really didn't think it was real. I mean, I told Sally not to worry, 'cause it was probably some nut just trying to be funny. I never thought he was serious."

"Myrna, will you please quit jabbering, and tell me what's been going on?"

"Well Mistah Jon, about three weeks ago, after Sally and Sparky won first prize at the regionals, we started getting' these phone calls at de house. The man who called said if Sally entered Sparky in any more competitions, he would kill her and Sparky. I didn't think nottin' of it cause he was laughin' and sayin' all kinds of stupid thins' about nobody standin' a chance when she entered cause she always won. I mean, he was never mean or anythin', just said stupid thins' like dat. We started recording his calls after I called Tiny and tole him about it. He said to tell you but you was on a case so I didn't want to worry you none. Now, 'cause of my stubbornness, you got shot an Sparky is dead. I'm so sorry, Mistah Jon, it's all my fault."

I just looked at her as she broke down in tears. I didn't have the slightest idea what to say to her. Hell, no matter what, she wasn't at fault for not telling me. I probably wouldn't have believed the calls either if I had heard some nut threaten something like that. I mean, it's a kid's competition and Sally and Sparky had been entering them since they had moved in with me. They had lost a lot of them, but had a respectable win record in certain classes of competitions. Now I knew why Sally was so upset, because Sparky had been a part of her since she was little. She had raised him from a bottle and you could tell they understood each other by just watching them. When they had first come to the farm, he had followed her around like a dog and seemed to understand everything she told him. I had gotten such a big kick out of it that I had spent hundreds of dollars taking pictures of it.

Now I was laying here watching two of the people I loved the most sobbing their hearts out and couldn't for the life of me think of anything to help them. I knew I had to say something, but I just couldn't think at the moment. I was interrupted from my thoughts by the arrival of the runt from the Marshall's Service as he came into my room uninvited with three men by his side.

"I told you I would be back, Mr. Morgan. You'll find that I take my job seriously and you will follow protocol as long as you carry the badge you do."

"Well runt, then as of now I resign. I won't talk to you for any reason, and I will have an attorney present before I say a word to anyone. I suggest you find someone else to do the interview because I hate self-imposed dictators in any form. If you harass my family, I will file a law suit so fast your job will go right out the window as part of the settlement. I guarantee you that I will win."

He just looked at me in silence and all three of the men with him were openly smiling as he stood in shock. Jerry came walking in just as he opened his mouth to speak again.

"Marshal, if you have something to say to my client, I suggest you go through me since I am his attorney. Allow me to introduce myself."

When he said his name, the three men's eyes opened in shock, and one of them was silently laughing at the look on the runt's face.

"May I suggest we step outside so my client can have some privacy while he visits with his family?"



-------

Chapter 7


When Jerry and the runt left the room, Sarah turned to me and gave me some more news that I could have done without at this time.

"Jon, they also searched the house and all the buildings. They used a torch to cut open the gun safe and confiscated all your guns. They left the whole house in a mess and wouldn't even let us get a change of clothes. We have been staying in a motel down the street. They have the house closed off and a Marshal standing guard so we can't get in."

I looked at her in shock and felt my inner wolf raising its head. I told them to wait here, then pulled the IV from my arm and went out to the waiting room. They were all sitting there. Jerry and the runt were arguing about something. I walked up and when the runt saw me coming, he got a smirk on his face. When I got close enough, I kicked him in the mouth as hard as I could. I then stepped back as he fell over, out cold onto the floor.

"Jesus Jon, why did you have to go and do that?"

I then set him straight on why. I told him what had happened at the house and the mess this runt had made of my home and how he had treated the girls. He looked at me in shock for a minute before he spoke.

"Jon, I could have taken care of it, but now I will have to get you out of jail first. As for the house, this is the first I heard about it. I think we ought to immediately file a motion in front of the Federal Judge and have an immediate hearing about the abuse of power. I will also make sure he stays away from you and your family from now on. I promise you, Jon, I will have his job, and all your things returned within seventy-two hours."

"Jerry, that's only part of what I am going to do to his ass. I want a class action suit filed against him and the Marshals Service on behalf of the girls. I also want my house restored to its original condition within forty-eight hours and the girls put up in the best and most expensive hotel in town on the government's dime. I am going to call the Director of Interpol and have him start making some calls to some very powerful people because of the way we, my family and I, were treated. Your godfather has a video of my home and a complete list of the guns that were confiscated, for no reason. If any of those antique firearms are scratched or damaged in any way, I expect to be fully reimbursed for their full value. The shooting happened at the barn, and that's a half mile from the house. Who issued search warrants for my home, and what was the probable cause? Jerry, find out, because I am going to stir up a shit storm over this."

"Calm down a little, Jon. I promise you I will have some answers before the day is over. I will also be glad to file the lawsuit for the girls. As for the warrants, they never should have been issued for your house since it is more than five hundred yards from the actual shooting. If he lied on the forms, I will nail his ass and the men with him. Jon, will you please hold off calling your boss at Interpol for at least twenty-four hours so I can get some answers for you? I don't want the politicians in it yet if I can avoid it. As for the girls, I will make immediate arrangements for them and have your friend Tiny put on call as their driver. You know when he wakes up, he is going to put you under arrest. Don't worry about it, I have a bondsman on call and will take care of all the arrangements for you, if it happens. I don't think your doctor will release you to be put in jail, so you will be confined to your room with a guard. The girls will be able to visit as often as they want, though."

"Jerry, I don't give a damn about him or what he wants. He overstepped his authority big time along with his men, and I want them nailed and nailed hard for it. I also want Tiny to send a backhoe out to the farm so Sparky can be buried before he makes a mess in the barn and I have to tear it down. I don't want Sally to know about it until it's all over. I also want to know who shot me and why, and what happened after I was brought here. There were two people in that barn and I want to know what happened to them. I suggest you better stick close for a while, Jerry, because I am just getting started. NOBODY and I mean NOBODY threatens my family and friends in front of me for any reason. I will file lawsuits until hell freezes over if I have to, but I will have satisfaction for what happened. Do you understand me, Jerry?"

He just looked at me in shock, and the three Marshals were grinning. I turned around and headed back to the room, but not before telling Jerry he better get busy if he expected to earn his keep from me today. I also told him he better have a talk with his godfather about me before he went much further into this, because he was in for some heavy surprises when he did. I also told him before the day was over, I wanted to have a quiet chat with him about a few things. My arm was throbbing to beat the band as I walked back to the room. When I came in, Myrna and Sally were talking and Sarah was looking miserable.

"What are you so down in the mouth about Sarah? I'm the one who got shot. Now I want all of you to get whatever things you have out of that flea bitten motel or hotel, and get ready to move into something more befitting my family. Tiny will be here shortly, and I want all of you to go shopping and buy yourselves all new clothes. That's an order, Sarah. Use the charge card you have of mine since it had no limit, and don't worry about money. Believe me, by the time this is over, I will recoup everything you three can spend. Myrna, that means you too, and I don't want to hear your excuses. I am tired of those old clothes you're always wearing and it's time you got some new ones. Sally, I want you and Sarah to make sure Myrna gets some decent clothing. If you have to, have Tiny hogtie her so a clerk can measure her for her size."

"Now see hea, Mistah Jon, I won't have no man buyin me new drawers and clothes. That's not yore place to do dat, and I shore won't stand still for it."

"You will if you want to continue living at the farm. I've had enough crap out of you to last me a lifetime, Myrna. You're just like family to me, so I suggest you start acting like it. You aren't my boss, and I damn sure don't need your permission to buy clothes for my family. Do we understand each other?"

The phone by the bed rang and I picked it up. It was Tiny, calling to tell me he was downstairs in the car, waiting for the girls. I hung up and told them to take off. I told them to do as I said and I would see them later tonight. Sally came over and hugged me, but Sarah and Myrna got up and walked out of the room like they were sleepwalking. I watched them go down the hall and broke out in a big grin when they were out of sight. I almost reached back and patted myself on the back for being so devious. Hell, I was proud of myself; I had gotten Myrna in a position where I was giving the orders for a change and for some oddball reason, it made me happy as hell. I lay back in the bed and realized my arm had bled all the way to my fingers when I had pulled the IV out. I bet I had been a frightening sight as I walked down the hall dripping blood. I waited for the fireworks I knew were still to come from the runt. I must have dozed off because the nurse woke me wanting to know how I had lost the IV out of my arm. Thankfully it wasn't the one with the missing front tooth or I would have lost it again.

"I must have been having a bad dream or something."

"Well Mr. Morgan, if it happens again we will have to strap that arm down to prevent it."

"Nurse, I mean no offense, but don't ever try it. I won't stand to be strapped or restrained for any reason. Besides, the only thing in the bag is saline and it's not that important. I also would appreciate it if you would tell the doctor that I refuse any more morphine injections for pain. If he has to give me something, I want something non narcotic. Ill be damned if I become an addict because of a little pain."

"Mr. Morgan, you were shot twice and the pain is going to be bad for a few days. I suggest that you reconsider about the pain medication."

"Nurse, just do as I ask and tell the doctor, "No narcotic medication of any kind." I will be checking myself out of here in the next couple of days and going home."

"The doctor won't release you that quick. I'm sorry, but you are not a super hero or something, Sir."

I just laughed and told her again to tell the doctor what I said, and to make a notation of my request on my chart. I had seen first hand what happened when men became dependent on morphine injections for pain. I wasn't about to become a slobbering idiot begging for my next shot. I was realistic enough to know I would be in a lot of pain, but it wouldn't be the first time, and I had a hunch it probably wouldn't be the last. I dozed off again after she left and slept like a baby for several hours.

I woke to the sound of murmuring voices and the click of heels on the hard floor. When I opened my eyes, I went into shock at what stood before me.

"My God, I've died and gone to heaven."

I hadn't even realized I had spoken aloud until all three of the broke out in laughter. I was looking at three visions of utter beauty standing at the end of my bed. The most shocking of the three was Myrna. She was dressed to the nines and had gotten her hair done. It looked to me like she had a complete make over. I couldn't put into words how beautiful she looked after seeing her in frumpy old dresses and aprons for all the years she had worked for me. She may have been sixty, but even I had to admit, if I didn't know her, I would have made a pass at her. This was a completely different person that stood in front of me. Finally Sally spoke up and broke the spell.

"Well, are you just going to lay there with you're mouth hanging open or are you going to tell us how beautiful we look? You know, we spent all afternoon getting everything just right so we could make a good impression on you."

"Well you've certainly accomplished what you set out to do. Now, will someone please tell me why there is a strange woman with you instead of Myrna? I thought she was supposed to go with you and Sarah to get new clothes."

They both looked at me like I was nuts before it finally sank in that I was talking about Myrna who was smiling from ear to ear.

"Do you really think I is pretty, Mistah Jon?"

"Myrna, I think you are beautiful. I don't understand why it took so many years for you to finally let everyone know just how attractive you are."

"Now, since you three beauties are all dressed up, why don't you have Tiny take you out to the best restaurant he can find, and then all three of you go out for the evening? I just wish I could be the one escorting all three of you. Man, I would be the talk of the town with all of you on my arm. Now go and enjoy yourselves, all three of you deserve it."

They all smiled at me and went out the door laughing. I swear Myrna wiggled at me as she went out, and I had to smile at her. What a difference a day makes, I was thinking as Jerry walked into the room. His head was almost backwards, trying to watch them as they walked down the hall. He came in and sat down, and I waited to see what he had to say.

"Jon, who were those three women who just left? They looked familiar to me but I can't place them. They were all beautiful though."

I busted out laughing at him before I finally got myself under control.

"Jerry, you wouldn't believe me if I told you. Now, what news do you have for me?"

"Oh, sorry, the women got me distracted for a minute. Well, it's not all bad. You have been placed under arrest for assaulting a Federal Officer. Your bail's already been posted so you are free to go. The runt, as you call him, has been suspended pending a full investigation into his actions. Your house is being redone as we speak, and is being fully paid for by the Marshals Service. Your guns will be returned and a new safe put in to replace the old one that was ruined. The gun inspector will examine every weapon in your collection for any mars or scratches. You were right, he did lie like a rug on the warrant papers. He said under oath that the house was used as the firing point when you shot at the barn. The Judge who signed the warrant is suspended pending a revue since he and the runt are brothers. The lawsuit for the girls won't be necessary since they will all have a formal apology from the head of the Marshals Service and you and they will be fully reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses that were caused by the runt's actions. All three of them will receive an additional ten thousand for pain and embarrassment. You have been relieved of duty pending the assault charge. I don't think you have to worry though, because by the time I'm done, the runt will be begging you to drop the charges I filed against him. I had a long talk with Grandpa Bill this afternoon. Jon, why didn't you ever say anything about you owning my firm, or that you put up all the money to get it started?"

"Well that's a hard one to figure out, Jerry. I have the best criminal attorney in the nation on retainer. The retainer is a tax write off for me, so having you at my beck and call is a no brainier. Besides, your godfather is getting ready to retire. I know you have a corporate division, so I will still have the best in the nation handling my legal stuff. Which reminds me, I need to get a will done and soon. If this is any indication, I need to make sure Sally and Sarah are taken care of."

"What about Myrna, Jon? She has worked for your family all her life. I think you ought to consider her too."

"Jerry, Myrna is a millionaire and then some. According to what my grandfather told me, she has made millions in the stock market, and is damned good at it. He said she had money socked away in several different accounts all over Virginia. Your godfather has been her attorney almost all her life, and he has all her papers in a safe place. Myrna will be able to stay at the farm as long as she wants and I will put that into the will. That was a promise I made to my grandfather. He also made me promise that I would not leave Myrna any money because she would be highly insulted if I did. Now, when can I return to my home, and how soon is the hearing about the shooting? Jerry, did you find out who it was that I shot and where they are?"



-------

Chapter 8


I had listened to Jerry tell me all about what was being done to rectify my house, but I hadn't heard a thing about who was shot and what happened after I passed out that second time.

"Ok Jerry, you've beat around the subject long enough. Tell me what happened after I passed out at the barn."

"Well, umm Jon, I don't know quite how to tell you the rest. Bill says I should just tell you, but I really don't feel comfortable doing it that way."

"Dammit Jerry, just tell me!"

"The man you shot in the barn opening was named Spiros Richards. The other person, they found her bled out about a half mile away near an old pickup. Her name was Marianne Homes, your ward Sally's mother. She was armed with a pistol."

"Have you told Sally yet, Jerry?"

"No way, Jon, but it's all over the news and she is bound to hear it sooner or later. The best the Marshals could figure, was that they were trying to steal Sparky and maybe kidnap Sally. When they saw you walking toward the barn, we know that Spiros cut the horse's throat to quiet him down. He then waited and opened fire on you when he thought you were close enough. We will really never know why they were out there, but that is the theory the local law enforcement put together. I'm sorry, Jon, it had to be you that killed them, but it was them or you."

"Yea I know Jerry, but how am I supposed to tell Sally I shot and killed her mother? She'll never forgive me and I don't blame her."

He just looked at me funny as I lay back thinking about what he had told me. My God, how would I ever explain this to Sally? With her prom and the death of Sparky, and now her mother all in the short time I had been back. She would hate me for the rest of her life. Maybe I should have left her with her step father, and maybe her mother would have come back to get her from him, or maybe I should have never paid her mother off to sign her daughter away. There were a lot of maybes, but it was all that was going through my mind at the present time. I had made mistakes in my life, but nothing that hurt as much as this was hurting me now.

Jerry left the room but I didn't even see him leave, I was so deep in thought. I was wondering what I was going to do now. Sally was the only thing that had kept me here after my grandfather had died, and now she would hate me and probably never want to see me again. As I lay there, I did something I hadn't done for years, I cried in my self pity and frustration over the unjustness of it all. All I had wanted to do was to help a little girl have a better life without being abused. How had it all gone so wrong?

I got up and grabbed the clothes Myrna had brought me and got dressed. Then I walked out of the hospital headed for the nearest bar. I found one about three blocks from the hospital and took a table way in the back. I ordered a fifth of whiskey and a glass and sat and drank. I had finished the first fifth and started on the second when two local officers came in the door. They checked out the bar and left so I figured they were just on their rounds. I was sitting at the table about half passed out when I realized there were three women standing at my table looking down at me. I looked up and there stood my girls, looking mad enough to beat the hell out of me if I was able to talk. Fortunately I was too drunk to be able to speak coherently. I just took another drink and sat back and waited to see what they had to say. They all sat down at my table and I had to lean back because I was too drunk to hold my head up.

Of course it was Myrna who started, as I figured she would.

"Mista Jon, why you in hea gettin drunk when you is supposed to be in de hospital?"

I thought about it for a moment and just grinned at her. Wham! I couldn't believe it, Sarah had smacked me so hard I almost fell off the chair I was sitting on. I straightened up and took another drink and then grinned at her too. They were all looking at me like I had two heads or something. Tiny came up to the table and took one look at me and picked me up like I was a baby then took me out to his limo. He sat me in the front seat and told the girls to get in the back. By the time we pulled out, I was asleep from all the booze. If you're maybe wondering how I remembered all of this, I didn't. Tiny gave it to me the next day, play by play. I didn't remember a damn thing other than I woke up in a soft bed with a splitting headache, wondering where the hell I was at.

I sat up, wondering why I wasn't in the hospital. Then I remembered leaving and going to a bar to have a drink after I found out that I had killed Sally's mom. I got up and my shoulder felt like it was on fire. I used one hand to splash some cold water on my face and looked in the mirror at my bloodshot eyes. Damn, how much had I drunk last night I wondered, and where am I now? I hope I didn't pick up some hooker or something, I thought as I heard voices coming into the room. I grabbed a robe that was hanging on the bathroom door. I didn't have anything on but my underwear. Tying it was a bitch with one arm, but somehow I managed. I heard Sarah calling my name, so I went out the bathroom door to catch the hell I knew was coming.

I walked out and all three of the girls were there as was Tiny, setting coffee and breakfast on a table I hadn't noticed. I went over and sat down, sipping the black coffee Sarah had poured. They were all looking at me like I was a freak and at this point, I felt like one.

"Jon, whatever possessed you to walk out of the hospital and get drunk?"

I turned to Sally with tears in my eyes and just said: "I'm sorry Sally."

She just looked at me and ran around the table, hugging me and crying on my shoulder. I just hugged her back and cried my own tears, thinking I had lost her now.

"Oh Jon, please don't blame yourself. You couldn't have known who was shooting at you. We all knew last night who was dead, 'cause that little runt, as you called him, couldn't wait to tell us. I don't blame you for what happened, Jon, I blame her. All these years she could have contacted me or written, or even come to visit. But no, she and her so called boyfriend tried to kill the only father I have ever had. Jon, I love you like you are my real dad and that won't change because of this. I have talked to Sarah and thought about it all night, and it still doesn't change the fact that she was never there, even when my step dad used to beat me. I still remember how he treated me and if not for you, he probably would have sold me to one of his friends or something. I love you Jon, and don't ever think I don't. Everything I am and have is because of you and your love for me. To me, that's more important than an absent mother that couldn't even take the time to let me know she was alive. Jon, I do want you to take me to her funeral, because it's the right thing to do for us both to heal."

I leaned back and looked in her tear filled eyes and hugged her to me before I spoke.

"I thought when you found out you would hate me, Sally. I will take you, but I still can't forgive myself for what happened. When you graduate from high school, I am going back to France to live. I have had my fill of this country. When you start college I will give you the farm and move back."

Myrna was looking at me in shock and Sarah had a strange expression on her face, but neither one of them said another thing. Sally climbed down and breakfast was a silent meal. When I got up and asked Tiny where my clothes, were the girls went out. That's when Tiny gave me a play by play of last night.

"Jon, I have liked you since I first met you, but this news will tear your family apart. Sarah is deeply in love with you, whether you realize it or not, my friend. Myrna thinks you walk on water and she had a fit when Sarah slapped you. She threatened to take her outside and whip her ass if she touched you again. I have never seen her so mad at anyone. She took Sarah into one of the rooms and yelled at her for over an hour. I didn't catch all that was said, but I will almost be willing to bet Sarah gets her own place real soon, cause Myrna is not the forgiving type. Sally and I had a long talk about what happened, and she just kept saying over and over, it wasn't your fault. Jon, you were almost catatonic last night when I carried you out. How damn much did you have to drink?"

"I don't know, Tiny. All I remember was the shock when Jerry told me I had shot and killed Sally's mother. I don't even remember leaving the hospital, to tell you the truth. I haven't had that much to drink since I went on a three-day bender when I lost my squad in Algiers."

"Algiers! What branch of the service were you in Jon? I didn't know we had troops in Algiers."

"Tiny, I spent eight years in the French Foreign Legion. I lost my whole squad in a gun battle with dope smugglers there."

"Holy Shit! The Legion, huh? Man and I thought the Navy Seals were tough. I trained with some of your guys in Norfolk for a mission. You guys are all whackos! Well, you know what I mean. The hotel nurse will be here in a little bit to change your bandages before we head back to the farm. Your attorney called a little while ago and said we could move back in again. They are still installing the new gun safe, but other than that, the house is supposed to be spic and span again. Myrna wants me to take you back to the hospital but I told her you probably wouldn't go. What do you want to do, Jon?"

"I am going home, Tiny. I am not about to lie around in a hospital. I will call the family physician to look at my shoulder and side if it gets too painful. Now, where are my clothes so I can get dressed?"

He went out the door and returned in a few moments with the clothes I had worn last night. They had all been dry-cleaned and pressed. Now, who would press jeans, I was thinking as I tried to put my socks on with one hand. I was starting to get frustrated when I couldn't. Sally came in and saw me struggling and helped me get dressed. Talk about feeling embarrassed, I sure did. She thought it was fun and made a point of telling me in slow talk how to hold this side and that side so she could help. I just glared at her and she giggled through the whole thing, much to my chagrin.

"Come on Jon, let's check out of this dump and go home where we belong. I hate living in a hotel, even if it's the most expensive one in town. A little hint, don't say anything about the hospital in front of Myrna. She wants us to take you back so you can be cared for right, as she put it. She is still mad about you leaving and getting drunk last night. Jon, I hope you woke up with a splitting headache this morning. We spent three hours trying to find you after the hospital called and said you had walked out like you were sleepwalking. Myrna was worried to death that you would get into trouble again. She said you have a worse temper than your grandpa had."

I looked down at her and smiled then hugged her to me and whispered in her ear, "I'm more afraid of Myrna's temper than my own. She swings a mean iron skillet."

Sally busted out laughing at me and I felt better hearing her laughter, until I came face to face with Myrna's frown as we stepped into the other room. Oh oh, I thought as I looked at her. I was in for it now.

"Mistah Jon, you eber pull a stunt like you did last night and I will bend a skillet ober yore head. You had us all worried sick. Is you goin back to de hospital or is we goin home?"

"We're going home Myrna. I think I will heal a lot faster with your cooking than I can with hospital food."

"Doan you be tryin to butter me up, Mistah Jon. You still on my list."

As she turned around to grab her suitcase from the bed, I caught the grin on her face. I sure wasn't stupid enough to let on I had seen it. We all went down to the lobby and checked out, with Sarah using my credit card and me telling her to keep all the receipts for us to turn in to Jerry. That got me a dirty look and left me wondering what she was mad about. Then I remembered the conversation I had with Tiny and shut my pie hole before I made someone else mad at me. We all piled into the limo and when I went to reach for a drink, I caught holy hell from all three of them immediately. I looked up and Tiny was looking through the rear view at me and smiling his head off. I put the center window up telling him to shut up. As the window rose, I could hear him laughing at me. We had a pleasant ride back home with light conversation until I reached for the scotch again about half way there. I got a glare that would melt ice from Sarah and Myrna. Sally was a little bit more physical; she slapped my hand and closed the lid on the liquor cabinet.

"Look ladies, I'm quite sure I am old enough to decide if I want a drink or not. Now I think someone better have a good reason why you are all acting like I am a drunk or something."

"Jon, don't you think after last night, the last thing you need is another drink? You were almost dead by the time we got you back to the hotel."

"That was the idea Sarah, and don't think I will forget you tried to knock me off the chair last night either."

She got red as a beet and Myrna totally lost it.

"See, I tole you dat man don forget nuttin."

Well, Sarah got redder, and then Sally started laughing along with Myrna at Sarah's reaction. Me, I didn't say a word or even grin, because Sarah was glaring at me the whole time they were laughing at her. I just knew if I opened my mouth she would go off on me.

We finally made it home without me getting in any deeper, and that was when I noticed my truck and Sarah's car were missing.

I asked Sarah and she just looked as shocked as I was mad. I stomped into the house and called Jerry on the phone. I was told he was in a meeting and would call me back as soon as it was over. I very calmly told the operator who I was, and that they were to take an immediate message to him that I wanted him to call me immediately. She got kind of snotty about it, so I asked with whom I was speaking. She airily told me her name was Barb and that she was the head operator.

"Well Barb, if you plan on keeping your job, I suggest you do as I ask. Also, when I talk to Jerry, I will be sure and mention your attitude to me on the phone. I am sure he will appreciate it as much as I do. Oh, and Barb, don't plan on retiring after today." Click!

By this time I was really pissed and the girls disappeared into the house. I went to my study and there was a big hole where the gun safe had stood. I went to my files and they were all gone too. Now these were CASA cases and my personal notes on several hundred cases. Why the hell they would be taken I had no idea, so I called everyone into my study. I waited for them to gather, and then told them all to check and see if anything was missing of a personal nature or otherwise. Sarah informed me all her case files were missing too, and that all her CD's had been taken. I looked at Sally and she said the only thing left in her room was her riding clothes and the trophies and ribbons she had won with Sparky. Myrna informed me that all her stock information and her personal papers were also gone. Anything that was on paper in the whole house had been taken we discovered as we looked around. All of my grandfather's papers from the Civil War and all the old documents were also gone from the garage where they had been stored. Some of those things were personal letters from Grant and Lee and were worth a lot of money on the market to collectors. I was ready to explode by the time we all got back to my study again. That's when the phone rang and it was Jerry returning my call.

"Hey Jon, I was just getting ready to come to the hospital to see you. I have some good news."

"Damn the good news Jerry, I thought you told me that all of our possessions would be returned?"

"That's what I was promised by the head of the Marshals Service. Why, what's wrong, Jon?"

I spent the next half hour chewing his ass because he hadn't followed up on it all, and what we had found when we got to the farm. I also told him about my grandfathers Civil War papers and the CASA files that were missing from my and Sarah's file cabinets. I reminded him that these were sensitive documents and that anyone with them could be charged with a felony for just having them. I also said it was time I made a few calls of my own, since he couldn't seem to get the job done. Needless to say he was pissed at me and the Marshals Service by the time I got through reaming him out. I told him it was ten in the morning now and if I didn't see my stuff being returned by two this afternoon I was going to stir up a mess for the Marshals Service and some others including him for not doing his job. He was sputtering into the phone when I hung up grinning, and called Bill, his godfather. I told him word for word what I had told Jerry and he said he would get on it from his end also and call in some markers from some old friends in the government. I thanked him and hung up, wondering what was going to explode first, my arm or Jerry after Bill chewed his ass all over again.



-------

Chapter 9


Myrna made me a cup of coffee as I sat at my empty desk, wondering how our CASA files figured into the investigation. All of my grandfather's stuff had been in unmarked boxes, so anyone finding them wouldn't know what they were unless they took the time to sit for hours like I had and go through them.

The CASA files were what were worrying me because of their sensitive nature. The locations and addresses of several cases were written down, and would be a good tool for someone looking for a particular family or child. Sarah's were the same way, but hers contained personal case files on the mental evaluation part of a lot of the cases we had worked on. There was no way the Marshals could have missed what they were because of the big letters stamped on every file. I could understand them taking the weapons, even if the warrants had been rigged, but the files were completely separate from the shooting case, and never should have seen the light of day.

My thoughts were interrupted by a tapping noise I couldn't immediately identify. I looked around my study and heard it again. I looked at the window and a man in a suit was standing outside with his finger over his lips. He motioned for me to come outside and disappeared from my sight. I didn't have a weapon to grab so I reached under my desk and got my old combat stiletto I had taped to the leg. I went out the door leading to the small porch off my study, and found him sitting on the step behind the big bush waiting on me. I immediately figured he was trying to stay out of sight by the way he was hunched looking around. I went over and sat down beside him with my finger on the button of the stiletto waiting, to see if I was in any danger.

"Mr. Morgan, my name's Steve Ashton. I am undercover, working for the NSA. I was put in the Marshals Service to work for Dwight Medford, the supervisor you have nicknamed the runt."

"Why are you coming to me, Ashton? You are taking a big chance of being seen by coming here."

"I know that, Mr. Morgan, but if you will shut up a minute I will tell you why I am here and sneak out before someone sees me. The runt took all your case files to his home instead of booking them as evidence. He belongs to the National Free Church, the same group you tangled with out in Texas a couple of years ago. I have worked my way up to being his number two. Right now he is looking for someone, and you are the only one who knows where she is. He wants the girl's mother, who you freed from their compound. His raid on your house was his excuse to get his hands on your files. Along with several of his men, he is some kind of an enforcer for the Church. They want the mother bad. Her brother is pushing it from the compound in Maryland, where the girl is right now. She has been married and has a kid with one of the leaders there. I know she is only fifteen, but that's their way and God help anyone who tries to do anything about it. I shouldn't be here, but I wanted you to know. It's time he was put out of business and this whole mess cleared up. My superiors told me to stay out of it but I wanted you to know. Now, I am leaving and you haven't seen me. No, I don't have the luxury to answer any questions right now. I will contact you again as soon as I think it's safe. Good bye Mr. Morgan."

He walked away before I could react. I went back in the house and sat down at my desk. The files didn't contain the girl's mother's whereabouts or address because I never filed it after the girl was taken the second time. I had kept all of that in my hiding place that only I knew about. The whole file was there along with pictures and dates and addresses of everyone involved. I had several cases like that hidden there because of the danger involved to the subjects in each case. I had always kept these kinds of cases separate from the others and always would. Sarah hadn't been involved so she wouldn't know anything about it or have anything in her files either. Looks like the runt lost his job and went to a lot of trouble for nothing. He would have more trouble when it was discovered the files taken from the house had never been logged in as evidence. The ones he had were every day run of the mill cases that had already been solved or settled in court. Knowing Sarah like I did, I already knew she wouldn't write anything down that was sensitive in her home files. She had shown them to me once and all her stuff was mostly notes on meetings and some kind of made up code about some of her active cases. I already knew her stuff was in the Clerk of Courts office in the big safe there. It all came back to the National Free Church, which I had already lost one kid to. But thanks to Ashton, I now knew where she was. I still had a few weeks before my shoulder healed, and then I was going to get back into that case. It still haunted me, even after all this time.

The phone rang and it was Jerry on the other end. He didn't sound too happy with me when I answered.

"Jon, there is no record of any files or paperwork from your house being booked in. I am on the other line with the Head of the Marshals Service and he wants to know what you're talking about."

"Jerry, tell him the runt didn't book them as evidence, but took all of them to his home. I just got a call from a snitch of mine who said he watched them carry a truck load of boxes into his house. I suggest you get the FBI involved in this since they are all CASA files. I think the Marshals Service would be better off to bow out of this before it blows up in their faces. I also want my personal pistols returned immediately as I have no defense if my house is attacked."

"Jon, I will pass the word on, but it is going to stir up some hard feelings against you. As for your personal weapons, I was told they would be returned after they have been inspected along with your antique fire arms. The Marshals don't want any trouble over those guns. The press is already sniffing around, and they have had several calls from some powerful Senators who control their budget. They are all walking on eggs right now because of the way this whole thing has been handled."

"Where the hell is my truck and Sarah's car, Jerry?"

"You mean they took those too? Damn let me get on it and get them back to you right away. What the hell didn't they take, Jon?"

"They also took all of Myrna's papers, and a lot of everyone else's personal stuff including all of the girl's CDs. Jerry, you have four more hours before I start making calls."

"I know, Jon, I know."

He hung up. I was smiling at his apparent frustration over this case. I called Bill and asked how his connections were for me to buy a pistol from a private individual as soon as possible. I went on to tell him about what Jerry had told me, saying I wanted a gun right away because we were defenseless as it was right now.

"Jon, I have a friend that lives about five miles from you. He sells at all the gun shows because he hates all the red tape. He has a lot of top of the line weapons, and I am sure he can find something you will like. He isn't cheap, but his guns are not registered and all of them are clean. He is a little weird when it comes to strangers, but I am sure I can convince him to come see you. He only deals in cash. Jon, how many years have we known each other?"

"Since I took Sally in as my ward. Why Bill?"

"There's something else going on isn't there?"

"Yea Bill, but I won't talk about it on the phone because it might be tapped after what I learned today. Do me a favor and call Tiny and tell him to have the Geek come out here with his equipment right away, will you?"

"I sure will Jon, and I think I will call on ole Jeb Marley myself and come out with him in about an hour or so. I will tell him to bring his special line out with him. I have a feeling that's what you are looking for and he has it all to sell, if the price is right. See you later, Jon. I also will call Doc and have him give me some pain pills for you just in case."

"Thanks Bill."

I had just hung up the phone when Myrna called me for lunch. I went into the kitchen and the girls were already there waiting. When I sat down at the counter Myrna sat a big plate of ham and eggs in front of me, saying I hadn't had any breakfast and I needed the protein to heal. The girls were served cold sandwiches and I caught Sally staring at my plate full of ham and eggs several times as she ate her sandwich. Myrna went to the stove and I scooped a big fork full of eggs and fed them to her. I then slipped her a big piece of ham and we almost got caught because Myrna turned back around as I was moving the fork back to my side of the counter. She looked at Sally then me but didn't say anything, but Sarah almost gave it away because she almost choked at the look I got from Myrna.

I had just taken another bite when Myrna spoke up talking to Sally.

"Young Lady, if you wanted a hot meal you shoulda asked instead of wanting peanut butter and jelly. You betta quit bummin Mistah Jon's food." Sally looked at her in shock and Sarah just started laughing at the look on her face. Sally looked at me and I just shrugged my shoulders. We all looked at Myrna for some explanation and she just smiled at us.

"Next time wipe de grease from around yore mouth, girl."

I looked at Sally and sure enough there was a trace of grease above her upper lip. She turned red and I laughed at her red face. From that point on, the whole mood lightened and everyone was laughing and kidding back and forth. I told them I had an electronics wizard coming to check the house for bugs and explained why. To my surprise they were mad because they thought it was a personal affront to them. I also told Sarah what Jerry said about our vehicles and that seemed to make her happy. When we were through eating, the girls said they were going for a walk. I told them to stay close, just in case. I knew Sally wanted to go to the barn, but I didn't know if Tiny was able to do as I had asked. I hoped they didn't go that far for all our sakes. After they went out the back door, Myrna told me that Tiny had buried Sparky next to the barn in a deep hole and had put up a metal cross for Sally. I let out a sigh of relief when I heard this and smiled at her.

"Myrna, is our emergency cash still in the hole?"

"Yea Mistah Jon, I checked first thing."

"Good, dig out ten thousand for me, will you? Bill and a friend of his are coming and I want to buy a couple of guns from him. Until we get ours back, I have no way of defending the house. Plus, I have to pay the Geek when he gets through checking the house. I probably won't use it all, but I want it close at hand just in case."

"I still gots my ole grandpap's pistol. They didn't get it because it was in de hole wit our money. I is gettin it out and keepin it close, just in case Mistah Jon."

I just looked at her for a minute until the picture of her standing guard at the barn came back to me. I didn't say anything else, just shook my head at her and grinned. I got a big smile in return before I went back to my study. I picked up my binoculars on the way and used them to look toward the barn. Sure enough I saw Sally and Sarah walking that way, waving their arms in animated conversation. I panned to the side of the barn and there was a big pile of fresh dirt about a hundred yards from the side of the barn. Sally must have seen it, because she pointed, and she and Sarah headed toward it. I noticed they both walked wide of the barn like it was out of bounds or something.

I watched as they walked up to Sparky's grave and stood. Sally turned and Sarah hugged her, and even as far away as I was from them, I could see she was sobbing as Sarah held her. I felt my eyes tearing up and wiped them with the tail of my shirt. God did I feel bad for her about this. I knew Sparky was her pet and friend. They had grown up together and both of them had, I was sure, comforted each other over the years. I remembered there was an old moth eaten, battle scarred cat at the orphanage. We all used to feed it when the adults weren't looking. No one could ever touch him, but it seemed like whenever one of us got upset or sad he was always able to sense it and just stood looking at us. One day he didn't show up for the scraps we had been sneaking to him, and every kid there spent every second we could sneaking out looking for him. We never saw him again, but we all missed him for a long time. I have remembered that incident several times over my adult years, and could never figure out why.

I watched as they turned and walked back toward the house, with Sarah's arm across Sally's shoulder as they talked and walked. I caught a movement in the woods line and immediately focused the binoculars on it. There was a man in a suit standing partially behind a tree watching the girls with a pair of binoculars. The fact that he was in a suit only confirmed my suspicions that this wasn't over yet. He had to be working for the runt, but unless I could catch him I couldn't prove it. Then I had an idea I would put into motion as soon as the Geek made sure the house was clear. I had thought about doing this before, but my grandfather had talked me out of it saying it would be too expensive. Well I had the money, and if I called the right person, it could be done in less than a week if he put both his crews on it.

The Geek didn't know it yet, but he was about to bring my home and property into the new age. I was going to have the whole property covered with cameras. That way there would be no uninvited visitors. I had a few other ideas I was going to run by him when he got here today. I felt sure he would take on the job, since he liked a challenge. Then I would have a talk with Tiny about buying some of his friend's guard dogs. I figured four of them roving the property would do nicely. If I was going to tangle with the Church again, I would make sure that this time I had the home front covered the best I knew how. I didn't plan on losing the battle with them again, and would involve the right authorities before I moved in on my prey. The motto "persevere" would come in handy. I didn't plan on losing and would be as hard and cruel as they were, if it was called for.



-------

Chapter 10


As I waited for someone to show up, I thought about the church and started to get mad. I couldn't believe after all this time, the girl I had been looking for was in Maryland, of all places. I still had the reward in effect, but they had hidden her well. I had never even thought about her being in the U.S., let alone just a few hundred miles from me. I was in a deep funk when I heard someone knocking at the front door. Myrna beat me to it. The pistol she was carrying looked bigger than she was. From what I could see, it was an old Colt Dragoon from the Civil War Era. Damn, that thing would kick like a horse if she decided to shoot it.

By the time I got to the door, Myrna was opening it. I very distinctly heard her cock the pistol that she had behind her back. I think the Marshal standing outside did too because he immediately stiffened. I knew him, so I quickly told Myrna it was ok.

"Hey Jon, we brought your truck and Sarah's car back. I have to have you look at them before you sign the release papers, but I don't know why since they were never impounded. We found them in a small clearing with the keys still in them, down at the edge of town. I ain't supposed to tell you this, but the FBI is raiding Dwight's house as we speak. Man, the head Marshal is having a cow over all of this. He got called on the carpet twice today. First about your arrest, then about the CASA papers."

"Mike, are there any of your men watching the house?"

"What the hell would we do that for, Jon? We all thought the shooting was righteous and that you were lucky to be alive."

I went on to tell him about the suit out by the back road watching my house. He just looked at me for a minute, and then he asked for directions to the shortest way to get to where I had seen him. I laid it all out for him and then signed the papers he had. He jumped into the unmarked unit along with the driver and the extra man they had along. They talked for a few minutes and then tore out of the driveway, headed for the shortcut to the back road.

I walked over and gave Sarah's car a good look. It looked like it had never been searched nor did my truck. I quickly grabbed the little star wrench and took the back light on my pickup out of its mountings. I pulled the box out that was wedged in the fender well behind it. I opened it, and the little .380 was still wrapped up and the money I had hidden with it was all there too. I had just finished getting it all back together when Bill's car, with a rust bucket of a pickup following it, pulled into my driveway. Bill got out and motioned for me to come over. He was laughing at something the driver of the pickup said as I walked up to them.

"Jon, this is Jeb Marley. He and your grandpap did a lot of business together."

I shook his hand and he handed me a card with his address and phone number on it. Then to my surprise, he started the old truck and left. I turned and looked at Bill and he was laughing at the expression on my face.

"Jon, he just accepted you as a customer. You will find very explicit directions on the card to his workshop in town where he does all his business. He is a very private individual. He sold a lot of guns to your grandfather over the years. Half of his collection Jeb found for him. I will stay here until you get back so the girls won't be alone. I also have some pain pills in the car for you."

"Bill, I can't leave here for a couple of hours. I have the Geek coming to go over the house for bugs and then I want to call Pete and get him out here today."

"Ok, I can call Pete, he and I are old friends. I don't know who the Geek is, so that's on you, my friend."

He grabbed the sack from his front seat and handed it to me as we walked into the house. Myrna was standing inside the door still holding that big old pistol. Bill got a big grin on his face at seeing her with it and quickly gave her a hug, laughing the whole time.

"Myrna, the last time you shot that thing it knocked you on your ass."

"I was but a little girl den, Mistah Bill."

"Oh for shit sakes Myrna, don't you think it's about time you quit talking like a slave? Jon, she graduated from Princeton with honors and speaks better English than either of us. I have no idea why she keeps talking like that, but I hate to hear it, as did your grandfather."

This came as a big shock to me and from the looks Bill was getting from Myrna, he would be poisoned if he stayed in the house much longer. After I thought about it for a minute, I totally lost it. I still hadn't completely lost my French accent, and all this time she could have been helping me with my pronunciation. There were all the new American words I had to learn when I came over here from France. Sarah and Sally came in and both of them were grinning at the expressions on our faces. If a lady of color could blush, then Myrna was doing a good job of it because her face was red as a beet. Sally asked what was so funny and of course Bill told her too. I thought Myrna was going to explode. Sally went off on her in a flash.

"Myrna Robbins, if I was a little older, I would smack you so hard you wouldn't wake up until tomorrow! All these years I been trying to help you with your English and you graduated from Princeton with honors. If you ever pull a stunt like that on me again, I will hit you over the head with one of your own iron skillets. I can't believe you made a fool out of me for all these years, and Jon too!"

"I'm sorry I had to fool you, Sally, but Jon deserved it. He was a snooty little Frenchman who thought my cooking wasn't good enough for him. It took years for me to realize he wasn't insulting me, but thought I was just a dumb cook. Then when he called me his family in the hospital, I didn't know how to come out and tell you both the truth. I have always thought until that night, he just kept me here cause of his promise to his grandfather. I never realized he really cared about me. I love you both like you're my own children, and now I feel like a fool because of my actions. If it wasn't for this old fool, I would never have said anything at all. But he had to open his big mouth, just like always."

We all looked at Bill and he was grinning from ear to ear, watching us.

"Oh God, this is so funny. I can't believe she got away with it for all these years. Jon I can understand, but I figured Sally or Sarah would have caught on by now. Myrna, I have to give you credit, but now the cat's out of the bag so maybe you better rethink how you talk and act from now on."

"Thanks to you, you old fool. If you had just kept your big mouth shut, I could have kept on. Now I have to act like I'm educated."

She stomped out of the room, muttering under her breath about being made to feel like a fool. I lost it again and they all looked at me like I was nuts.

"Hell guys, I thought all people of color talked that way. I never had a cook until I came here and it took me a year to realize she didn't belong to my grandfather. I thought that maybe some richer Americans still kept slaves in secret. Since I wasn't American, I didn't figure it was any of my business. When she came to me begging to stay, I thought I had inherited her or something. Grandfather had told me that she had been in the family her whole life. I didn't even know that she had ever gone to school until just now."

They all looked at me in surprise and Sally busted out laughing at me. The other two quickly joined in and they were having a great time at my expense. Bill was shaking his head and Sally and Sarah were almost hysterical, they were laughing so hard. Of course it was my ward that put the cap on the whole thing while gasping for air.

"Jon," gasp, "even I knew," gasp, "that it was against the law," gasp, "to own slaves when I graduated from the first," gasp, "grade."

"Well for all of your information, I have been in countries where slavery is still a big money maker for the rich. I have seen whole families broken up and sold to the highest bidder. I hated every minute of it, but I couldn't do a thing about it. I have been in places where they welcomed being a slave over starving. It still goes on to this day, and it is still an accepted way of life."

I left them and went to my study and sat down behind the desk, fuming at myself for letting their laughter get to me so badly. Hell, they all knew more than I did about this country. If they had seen half of what I had around the world, they would be sick to their stomachs every time they thought about it. I had seen and smelled the fear and desperation that surrounded the slave pens where the bidding went on. It made me think of the girl again, and I got madder as I thought about what she would have been forced to endure. If it was the last thing I did, I would break up this so called church and their way of life. If I got my hands on her uncle, he wouldn't survive the encounter, if I could help it.

I heard the knock at the front door and then heard Tiny saying something to Sally. Then he and the Geek walked into my study.

"Hey Jon, I brought the little fella. What do you want him to do?"

I had to laugh since the Geek, a.k.a. Jimmy, was almost as big as Tiny was. He looked like a weight lifter except for the thick glasses that he wore to see his computers. I told him what I thought might be going on and what I wanted him to look for. He said there wasn't anything on the market that he couldn't find with his equipment. I told him to go to work and to check out the whole house. He should be sure to check the phone box and the junction box out by the road. He grinned and gave me a thumbs up and went to work. Bill told me that he had already called Pete to come out and see about setting up security. I sent Tiny out to the kitchen to tell Myrna that I needed some coffee to take a pain pill. I sat back and thought about how I was going to protect the house when I went after the church. The ideas just kept rolling through my head. I was deep in thought when Tiny and Bill, followed by Myrna with a tray came into the study. She poured us all a cup of coffee and handed me a pill bottle.

"Jon, you're pushing too hard so soon after being shot. I called the doc and he is going to stop out tonight to change your bandages and look at your wounds. You need to slow down a little or you're gonna end up back in the hospital."

"I know what I'm capable of, Myrna. These wounds are minor and I still have a lot to do today. I know you're worried, but I think I know when to slow down better than you do."

"See, there he goes again, being a smart aleck Frenchman toward me. You know, I could just clobber you sometimes, Mista Jon."

She gave me a shit eating grin then went out of the study in a huff. Bill and Tiny were grinning at me again so I just flipped them both the bird, forgetting I still had a hot cup of coffee in my hand. Needless to say I paid for my blunder by having to go to my room and change pants. Of course they thought it was funny too. When I got back down, Pete was in the study drinking coffee and laughing up a storm with Bill.

I told him why I had called him over and he said both his crews were between jobs and could start on it tomorrow morning, if it was ok with me. Bill was frowning by the time I finished telling him what I wanted.

"Dammit Jon, the neighbors are going to have a fit about that last part. I can understand wanting the woven wire fence eight foot high, but do you have to have barbed wire on the top of it? This place will look like a prison and your grandfather will roll over in his grave. Will you please reconsider the barbed wire?"

"Ok Bill, Pete, let's do it another way. Don't put tension bars on the top and interweave razor wire in the wire on the top two feet, letting small loops hang down on the inside. That way, if anyone crawls over it, they will get tangled up in the loops and cut the hell out of themselves. With no tension bar on top, it will give easily and they won't be able to balance themselves without the fence wobbling. Does that sound better to you, Bill?"

"Jon, I'm not sure what's going on, but do you really think someone will try to crawl over the fence to get on the property?"

"I think it will happen, Bill, but I hope it's not soon. Pete, I want the posts set back three inches inside the property line all the way around. That way, if someone tries to sue me, I will be protected since they will be on my property in order to climb the fence. I also want signs put up every twenty feet. They will say the usual about trespassing and private property, but they will also say guard dogs roving free inside and to enter at your own risk."

"Jon, you don't own any dogs."

"When the fence is done, there will be. I will have three or four highly trained guard dogs roving the property at all times from now on, Bill."

He just looked at me in shock and I told him I would tell him why later. He was still thinking about it when Myrna called us to dinner. We all got up and headed for the dining room and to my surprise, all three of the women were setting the table. Jimmy came down from upstairs saying he was done up there and I told him to eat before he did the downstairs. He set his stuff down and came over and sat down next to Tiny. As we ate, I watched him. I thought he must not have had a home cooked meal for a long time, the way he was putting it away. I smiled to myself knowing Myrna would have plenty for everyone, no matter how much they could eat. We sat around the table eating with Myrna talking without the accent. I almost laughed out loud at Tiny as he watched her during whole meal. He couldn't believe this was his aunt talking to everyone. I was grinning to myself throughout the whole meal, as was Sally. She winked at me because she was watching Tiny too. Sarah just rolled her eyes at us and didn't say a word for a change.



-------

Chapter 11


We had just finished dinner when I told Bill I was going to his friend's and would be back in about an hour. As I went out the front door, I heard him tell Tiny where I was going. I had just climbed into my truck when Sarah came running up to the door.

"Jon, I want you to pick me up a nine millimeter for my own protection. I already know how to shoot, so don't worry about that. With all that's going on, I think it's time."

"I will if that's what you want, Sarah. You do know you will have to take the course to carry it concealed?"

"I have already taken the course and sent the paperwork in. The Judge in Juvenile Court told me he would make sure it got expedited for me."

"Ok, let me see what he has and I will pick out something for you."

"Thanks, Jon, I really appreciate it. See you when you get back."

I watched as she walked away, wondering why I had never paid much attention to her. She sure was pretty, I thought, as I headed for the town and Jeb's workshop. I paid careful attention to make sure I didn't have a tail as I drove, and it seemed I was the only vehicle on the road all the way to town. I found his shop without a problem and went inside, marveling at all the weapons he had displayed on the walls behind the counter. This man, I realized, really took his business seriously. I watched two men who were wandering around, watching me as I walked up to the counter. I could plainly see both were armed and both looked mean enough to bite a snake's head off if they got mad.

This had been a marvel to me since I came to this country, the casual ease in which the people here seemed to love their guns. For the most part, they all seemed to know how to shoot them well too. In France, it wasn't illegal to own a gun, but it took a lot of paperwork and checks before you could even buy a pistol legally. Shotguns were the main weapon of choice by all the farmers there. Here, anyone who lived in the country or the rural areas owned both pistols and rifles. My grandfather had told me a lot of them slept with them under their pillows from habit. Now me, I would keep one close, but not under my pillow. The way I tossed and turned and with the nightmares I still had, I would quite possibly shoot myself by accident. Nope, under the pillow was a little too close for me.

"Mr. Morgan, I am glad you decided to come tonight instead of tomorrow. Bill told me you didn't have any weapons in the house and wouldn't until yours were returned."

"Well, Myrna had her grandfather's cannon."

He busted out laughing and looked at me for a moment.

"That old Dragoon she has is worth thousands of dollars. It's one of the styles that was converted to use cartridges instead of black powder. Tell her if she ever decides to sell it to think of me first, will you? Now, come on to the back and look at what I have to offer. Since you're almost family, I will give you a good price on anything you pick out."

I followed him to another area that held an indoor shooting range. The place was huge and looked to have at least fifty firing stalls. In front of it were at least twenty large tables with red felt on them and covered with pistols of every size and shape. He went down the line, telling me which tables had new guns, which were slightly used, and so on. He also said the last table was junk that you could throw away if needed, winking at me as he said it. I was almost halfway back to the new guns when what he said and the wink that went along with it sunk in. I hoped I would never need to use a throwaway while I did my job. If I ever did something like that, I knew I would quit and return to France for the rest of my life.

I went down the side of the first table looking around before I saw what I was looking for and picked it up. Yep, this will do for my personal weapon, I thought. I also saw a nice lady's hammerless pistol with a two inch barrel that I thought would be perfect for Sarah. I remembered she wanted a nine, but this she could carry in a small holster, or in her pocket or purse while she worked. I picked it out and then looked for a backup weapon for me for my ankle holster. I found a beautiful stainless Sig Sauer with the extended mags in the .380 caliber. I had really liked that gun when I was in France so I grabbed it immediately. Now that's two Sigs and one S&W. I had another thought as I walked toward Jeb, sitting in his office.

"Jeb, do you have the extended mags for the Sig forty I want?"

"I think I have ten of them if you want them all. I will give you a wholesale price on all of them. I have three in stock for that little .380 there, if you want them too."

"Jeb, I also have an odd request for you, if you can find it for me. I want a twenty-two magnum rifle with a nine power weaver variable scope zeroed in at a hundred yards. I also want two noise suppressors for it, the type that twist and lock on instead of screwing on. I want the silencers both to be repackable by a person in the field, if necessary. Can you lay your hands on something like that? Preferably with a bull barrel and double spaced rifling."

"Jon, that's the first time I have ever heard of anyone using a twenty-two mag for a sniper rifle. You sure that's what you want?"

"Jeb, we used them in the Legion for just that purpose and they worked great up to a hundred and twenty yards. Anything over that and they are worthless, but they work great under rough conditions. If you can find the breakdown style, I will pay you extra."

"I can get what you want, Jon, but it will take me a couple of weeks to do it. You want single shot or mag fed?"

"Bolt action mag fed if you can find one. Preferably ten shot mags. I want hi-grain hollow points for it with a full jacket, not soft lead points."

He just looked at me for a minute before he went out the door and came back with the mags for the pistols and several boxes of shells. He also had an ankle holster and a fast draw breakaway shoulder for the forty. He had a small universal holster for the S&W and several speed loaders and shells for it. I immediately put the shoulder holster on and asked for a mechanical loader for the mags for the forty. I couldn't load it with one arm not working right. He sat and loaded all the mags for me, then bent down and attached the ankle holster to my left ankle. He finished up, sat back down, and looked at me for a couple of minutes before he spoke. What he said was disturbing, but I was glad for the offer he made.

"Jon, for what it's worth, I think with what you are going to do, you will need some help. You have my card and I know a couple of ex navy seals who would love to get back out in the field. I suggest that if you get in over your head, you give me a call and I will send both of them to you. They are both meaner than junk yard dogs, but they know how to follow orders. Your grandfather was a good friend to me for many years and that's why, to me, you are family."

"I appreciate the offer, Jeb, but I am staying home until I am healed and won't be getting into any trouble. I don't know where you think I am going, but I will promise you that if I do need help, I will call. Now, add up what I owe you so I can get back to the house before Bill comes looking for me."

We both laughed. He added it up much too quickly, I thought, and the total was hundreds less than I would have paid normally. I started to say something but the look on his face killed my words before I could say them. I paid in cash and didn't sign a paper of any kind. I looked at him and he quickly told me the guns weren't stolen or anything like that. They were on consignment from friends of his. They didn't want any paperwork, just the money. I shrugged and smiled as I paid. He said he would deliver the rifle as soon as he got it and it would be sighted in at a hundred yards. He said he would be able, he thought, to get the survival type I wanted without a problem. He would also have a special case made for it to hold all the extras. I thanked him and he walked me out to my truck. I got in and his parting remarks made me realize just how much my grandfather had been respected all around this area.

"Jon, don't hesitate to call me if you need help. I owe your grandfather my life three times over from when we were in the war. He was the one who loaned me the money to get started when I moved here. Bill is in the same situation as I am. Neither one of us will ever be able to repay all we owe him, so we have adopted you as his surrogate. Now, you take care of that arm and those beautiful women. You tell Sally that when she is ready for another horse, I have lots of friends I can call to help her find a good one."

"Thanks, Jeb, I appreciate it and I will pass on your message."

I drove home, wondering how I had acquired so many friends from my grandfather, with me being a foreigner to this country. When I came around the curve before the farm, I noticed an unmarked car sitting in the small pull off about a hundred feet from my driveway. The driver looked like the Marshal that had brought my truck back. When he saw me coming, he got out of the car and waved me down. I laid the forty on the seat in easy reach until I could see what he wanted.

"Hey Jon, I wanted to let you know we got your spy. He is back at the office doing some explaining to the boss. He pulled a gun on us when we caught him and he got a little bruised up in the scuffle. He was one of Dwight's men who were suspended along with him yesterday. I don't know quite what's going on, Jon, but a lot of us have worked with you several times and we don't like the hassle you are getting. You have my number and if you see anyone else snooping around, just call and we will take care of it for you. I also alerted the Sheriff and he is going to put some extra patrols around the area until this is cleared up. I know you're not originally from here, but we take care of our own. If you need us, just call anytime."

"Thanks, David, I appreciate it. After this week I will have dogs patrolling the property. Maybe the runt will come over to visit me and accidently get chewed on a little."

He got a laugh out of that, saying it couldn't happen to a nicer fella. We said our good-byes and I went to the house. The Geek was just walking out the front door. He walked up to my truck door saying he was going out to check the junction box and would be back in to talk to me in a few minutes. I thanked him and he laughed, saying I would feel different after I got his bill. Then I told him I had another job for him if he wasn't too much of a geek to do it. He glared at me, saying he would meet any challenge I could throw his way. I laughed saying we would see. He walked toward the road, mumbling under his breath as he walked. I was laughing out loud as I went into the house. My arm and side were thumping, so I stopped at the kitchen before going to my study. I asked Myrna if I could get some coffee and another pain pill. She gave me a dirty look, telling me to go sit down before I fell down. I was smiling as I went into my study and flopped down in the chair behind the desk. I set the bag with the extra mags and Sara's gun on the desk. I just hoped she liked it and not just because she thought it was a woman's gun. For what she would want it for, it would be perfect. It would be easily hidden and there was no hammer to hang up if she needed it in a hurry. I was still sitting there but sound asleep when Myrna came in and woke me up. She had a small tray with two cups and my pill. She poured us both a cup and watched as I took the pill with the first swallow.

I knew she wanted to talk to me in private, and with the house being so quiet, this was a good time. Then I wondered where everyone was.

"Jon, I wanted to say I am sorry for acting the way I have for all these years. I guess I resented you for taking up all of your grandfather's time, when he was running back and forth to France, trying to find you for all those years. He used to come home so mad and frustrated because he couldn't find out what happened to you. Before he became obsessed with finding you, we used to sit and talk for hours on end. I missed him and our time together. I took out my frustrations on you for the time I lost with him. When your grandmother died, we became good friends. I nursed her for years before she passed away. He wanted to bring in a full time nurse, but I wouldn't let him because I loved them both so much. Your grandparents and my parents were good friends for twenty years or more as I grew up. He was the one who paid for my college and taught me all about the stock market. He always said I was like a sponge and could absorb anything that caught my interest. I know I should have stepped up and helped you when you came over here, but I failed because of my jealousy toward you. Then when you brought Sally home with you, it was like I was seeing a whole different person. I saw all the love you had for her and was so proud of you both. After you got shot, I ran out and saw you laying in a pool of blood. All I could think about was that I was going to lose the two people I loved the most in this world."

"Myrna, now that you have stopped for a minute to take a breath, let me get a word in. I don't resent you in any way for the way you treated me. I deserved a lot of it because I didn't understand the customs in this country. As for Sally, well let's just say I didn't like the way she was treated. I thought I could do better for her here than where she was living. Now look at the mess I caused by doing so. I have killed her mother and she lost her best friend because I interfered in the natural way of things here."

"Jon Morgan, don't you ever say that again! Sally and I have spent hours talking about it and she in no way blames you for what happened. That girl loves you like you're her natural father. She's more worried about losing you and her home here than she is about her mother's death. Now Sarah is another matter. I think that you made a mistake by letting her move in here with us. No, I don't dislike her, but she is so deeply in love with you that it will break her heart when she finally realizes what I already have figured out. Jon, I don't think you will ever marry because I can see the restlessness in you. I think the case you are about to start on will be your last one in this country. Sally and I figure you will move back to France like you said, and I have a feeling that Sarah won't be going with you. She is such a sweet girl, but as I said, she is in for a rough awakening when it comes to you. Jon, I know I am an old woman, but if you need a house keeper when you go over there, I would love to go with you. Sally would be happy anywhere you are. You better give it some thought, because you ain't gonna leave us behind when you go. We are your family and you are ours, like it or not. Now, I think you better get things settled soon with the Geek and Bill, because the doc will be here in about an hour to change your bandages. Then you're going to bed to get some rest, whether you like it or not."

I watched, deep in thought, as Myrna poured the last of the coffee into my cup. She took the tray and left, headed for the kitchen. She was right, I knew. I didn't want to hurt Sarah, but how do I get her to realize I wasn't going to ever marry, at least I didn't think I would. I had seen too much hurt and grief in the eight years I had been in the Legion. I had promised myself I would never put myself in a position to feel that kind of grief if I could help it. I just hoped this would resolve itself naturally without breaking Sarah's heart. I liked and respected her too much to want that to happen. She had a bright future ahead of her, and I hoped she would have a family as she started her own practice working with the kids. She had a God given talent that shouldn't go to waste. Hmm, maybe I could push her to start her own practice like she had mentioned last year. If she got busy enough, maybe she would forget about me for awhile. I would have to think about it another time, I thought, as I heard the Geek talking to Tiny and Bill as they came toward my study.



-------

Chapter 12


Myrna had been right about me needing rest. By the time I finished with the Geek and Pete, I was wiped. Bill wanted an explanation, but Myrna told him to come back tomorrow because I needed my sleep tonight. Sally was driving me crazy about resting, so I went ahead and went to bed to keep from hearing all three of the bugging me about it. I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. I slept like the dead and woke up at the crack of dawn. I felt a lot better than I deserved to because of the way I had been pushing myself yesterday. I knew I had to take it easy for a while, but hated the idea of just sitting around waiting for my body to heal.

I got my shower and headed for the kitchen, figuring I had beaten Myrna up for once. But as usual, I was wrong. She was in the kitchen in an old robe sipping coffee. I sat down and she poured me a cup. She didn't say a word until I had finished my first cup. She handed me a pill and I took it immediately.

"Jon, Jimmy found several listening devices in the house, even in the girl's rooms. All the phones had been tapped. He also found three tracking devices on your truck and Sarah's car. He said to tell you he would be back out this morning sometime to go over in detail how you wanted the cameras laid out on the property. Why do they want to keep tabs on you like that?

"They think I will lead them to someone they want to find badly. Myrna, when this gets started, you and the girls are going to have to be extra careful in everything you do. I don't want any of you going anywhere by yourselves. I am going to arrange it with Tiny to make sure all of you are covered where ever you go. I am more worried about Sally, what with her prom coming up and her mother's funeral that we are going to. She is at the age where they might try to abduct her to get to me. I will tell you now that if they touch or threaten any of you in any way, there will be hell to pay before it's all over. The fence and the dogs will help, but if they want in here, there is always a way to get around all of that."

"Jon, if you need help with money or anything, you remember that I have it. I would gladly give it to you to help out."

"Myrna, I have more money than I could ever spend in my lifetime. I have investments in so many places I don't even know all of them. Bill has been investing for me over the years, and he has always made me even more money with his choice of investments. I am sure you have some with him too, and if you don't, then you might have been very unwise with your money."

This got a short laugh from her as she looked at me. She went on to tell me that she had been buying and selling penny stocks for over thirty years and had made more money than she could keep track of. She also told me she had invested in several of the dot com companies and had sold out at a large profit in a very short time. She was explaining to me how she did it, when Sarah came into the kitchen. She looked like she hadn't slept at all. I noticed the dark rings under her eyes, but I didn't say anything until she sat down with her morning tea.

"What's wrong, Sarah? You look like you haven't slept at all, girl."

"Jon, I'm worried about all my files and the personal stuff they took. There were a lot of active case histories in those files that I don't want to get out. Some of the cases haven't gone to court yet, and I need my notes in order to testify. I just can't understand why they thought my files had anything to do with what you were working on. It just keeps rolling around in my head that I let the kids down because I wasn't smart enough to keep the files in a safe place. I had a hundred or more recorded personal interviews on those cds. Those poor kids poured their hearts out to me and they don't deserve to have it become public knowledge because of some power hungry government bureaucrat."

"I don't think you have to worry about that, Sarah. The runt was raided by the FBI yesterday and all of our files should be returned to us today. If for some reason they aren't, then I will put Jerry on it with his whole firm. When Sally comes down, we are going to have a little family meeting. I have a lot to tell all of you and I don't want to keep repeating myself."

That was just about the end of the conversation until Sally wandered into the kitchen, dressed, and with a big smile on her face.

"Good morning, everyone. Man, did I sleep like a baby last night. What's on the agenda for today, Jon?"

I just shook my head smiling at her. Myrna and Sarah just looked at her in disgust as if thinking nobody should be that chipper in the morning. Myrna got up and started breakfast and I held off discussing anything until we were all finished with our food, and just sitting around the table. I sat back in the chair and proceeded to tell them what was happening, and what we all would be faced with. I went on to tell them about the church and the previous case I had been involved in. I told them that the only reason our files and personal stuff had been taken was because the runt and several of his men were enforcers for the church. I didn't hold back anything and laid it all out for them, so they would know what we were facing when I started after the church. When I finished, I looked at all of them and said that I wanted their opinions and any advice they could think of. There was total silence for about five minutes before Sarah spoke up first.

"Jon, I heard about that case but I wasn't working with you then. I also heard that her uncle had disappeared, and was still wanted for jumping bail."

"That's true, Sarah, and now I think I know where he is. I wanted to make sure all of you knew what was going on before all of this starts. I will do everything in my power to make sure all of you are as safe as possible, but there is always a chance they might try to grab one of you if they think it will make me back off. I won't lie to you and if you want, I will send you to a friend of mine in another country to make sure all of you are safe. I will bust up this church at least as much as I can. I waited for Sally to speak but to my surprise it took her longer than usual. I knew I didn't have to worry about Myrna because she already knew about most of it. I for one wouldn't want to try to grab her cause it would be like tangling with a grizzly bear. Sally finally spoke and like most kids her age, she spoke from a kids point of view, which I had always found to be refreshing.

"Jon, I don't want to leave and I don't want to get grabbed either. I think from what you have told us so far you are in the right. If it were me, I would want you out looking for me even if it took years to do it. That poor girl needs you, and I will be glad to do all I can to help. I think having Tiny as my driver for the prom is a good idea as I wouldn't want to be the poor soul who tried anything with him. God is he big. I am sure all the girls won't mind, but you will have to call the school and make sure they know he is my bodyguard. You know how the principal is, he won't let Tiny in if he isn't informed about it. I do need to have a few minutes of your time later to talk about Mom's funeral. Don't worry, Jon, we will all make it a point to watch out for each other while you're helping that poor girl."

"Sally, Sarah, Tiny is my sister's boy, and if he lets something happen while he's supposed to be watching you his life will become miserable. Not only will he get it from me, but from my sister and her husband too. He doesn't know it, but we are all good friends and tell each other everything that goes on in our lives. He has a lot of friends that are as big and rough as he is, and I will make sure they are around close by at all times when we are out anywhere. Jon, you just worry about getting well, and getting that poor girl out of that hell she was forced into. We will handle the home front, so don't you worry about us. Now, if everyone is done talking, I want to clean up the kitchen. Sally, you and Jon go to the study and talk. Sarah, you and I will have a little discussion about the house, and what we can do to make it safer for all of us."

I knew a dismissal when I heard one, so I filled my coffee cup and headed for the study with Sally following on my heels, giggling at Myrna. We went in and I sat behind the desk while she perched herself on one of the chairs sitting in front of the desk. I didn't say anything, figuring she would tell me what was on her mind when she was ready. I had always made time for her and we had many discussions about quite a few subjects, including the dreaded sex topic and girls' behavior as their bodies changed. Looking at her sitting there fidgeting in the chair, I realized she would be a beautiful woman when she grew up. I just hoped when she went out on her own that she would have learned something from me and Myrna about life and behavior.

"Jon, Mom didn't have anyone but me, and I don't even know if she had any insurance. I told the funeral director I wanted her cremated, but I did want to have a service for anyone that wants to come. Can I borrow some money to pay for it?"

"Sally, you tell the funeral director to set her up with the best and I will pay for it. You make the arrangements however you want, and don't worry about the cost. Honey, you're all I have and anything I have is yours too. I should have thought of it instead of letting it all fall on your shoulders. Honey, I'm sorry for not doing it for you."

"Jon, it isn't your fault, it's hers. She never even took the time to visit me or write. She left me with my stepfather when I was four, and I never heard another word from her. He was mean and spiteful after she left and always took it out on me because of what she did. You took me out of all of that, and gave me a life any girl would be thankful for. I know I'm only thirteen, but I really think that if not for you, I wouldn't have made it this far. Jon, since I don't have any family, will you adopt me and give me your name? I know I haven't always been easy to get along with. I just did it to get your attention and you always just let me get away with it. I love you like you're my real father, and if something should ever happen to you, I want to be able to have a say in my own future. Myrna and I have talked about just this situation and she always said I would never be happy until I asked you. Will you think about it Jon?"

"Sally, there's nothing to think about. If I can legally do it I will. I'll put Bill on it immediately. I have watched you grow from that little dirty faced girl into a beautiful young woman and I have always been proud of you. I would give anything to undo what's happened but I can't. I love you like you are my own daughter, and I think I always have, Sally. I feel honored and proud that you would consider me to be your family. What about your real father, won't he object? I never heard you mention him but if I were in his shoes, I would throw a fit."

"I don't think she knew who he was, Jon. According to my stepfather, she got pregnant when she was on one of her monthly binges. He always said she didn't even know she was pregnant until her fourth month, when she started to show. He always made it a point to scream at me that she couldn't even remember who she slept with. Whenever he beat me or sent me to my room hungry, I used to dream my real dad was like you, Jon. He loved me and would rescue me from all the misery I was living in. Then you came, and it has been like a fairytale ever since. Jon, I truthfully think you were somehow sent there that day to rescue me. Even if you don't adopt me, I will be happy living here with you and Myrna. I will always miss Sparky, but at least you gave us both a chance to grow up together. I never would have gotten that if not for you."

I just looked at her with tears running down my cheeks, thinking how happy she had just made me. She looked up at me with hope in her eyes, saw the tears, and was around the desk and in my arms in a flash. I hugged her, letting all my love for her wash over us both. I looked up, and saw Myrna was peeking around the door with a big smile on her face. I smiled at her, and she smiled back and stuck her thumb up in the air as she disappeared again.



-------

Chapter 13


I don't know how long Sally and I sat and looked at each other, sharing our feelings, but it must have been quite awhile. Finally, she sniffed and kissed me on the cheek and went out of my study. I had just wiped my eyes when the phone rang. It was the FBI on the other end, asking when would be a good time for them to return all of our personal possessions. I told them they could do it anytime but they were going to have to have someone do the filing since I was wounded and was unable to do it. The agent said they were sending along two of their office clerks to handle that and they should be arriving within the hour. When I hung up the phone, I smiled to myself thinking that since they were furnishing the clerks, my grandfathers papers could finally be filed after all these years. He had filing cabinets in the office out in the garage, but for some reason had never got around to putting anything away. I had thought about it several times, but never got into them either.

The phone rang again. This time it was Tiny and Jimmy saying they were on their way out. I had just hung it up when it rang for the third time. Pete was on his cell, telling me they were starting on the fence at the back of the property. I told him to go ahead and to remember what I wanted with the razor wire. He said he had fifteen rolls left from a job that he would use. It wouldn't cost me much since it was surplus and nothing he would ever use on his normal jobs. I thanked him and was hanging up the phone for the third time when I heard Myrna answering the door. Man this place was like a public toilet, everyone wanted in today. It was Bill, and Myrna was giving him hell saying for a change he better keep his big mouth shut unless asked a question. He was protesting and they both were laughing as he came to my office. When he came in, he had a big smile on his face. Myrna was still scowling at him as she went by headed for the kitchen. I was grinning at them as he sat down.

"Ok Jon, I came back because you promised to give me an explanation about what's going on. I was up most of the night wondering why you are taking so many precautions."

"Before I get into that, Bill, I have a more serious matter to discuss with you."

I went on to tell him about Sally's wants and my thoughts about it. He sat there and looked at me for a few minutes then started grinning like an idiot.

"Jon, I filed the papers this morning and I don't think there will be any problems unless her dad comes forward to contest it. Before you go off, Myrna called me first thing and told me to get them filed immediately. Jon, I've had those papers drawn up for about three years, just waiting on the word so I could file them. I have watched you two interact together for years and I knew this day would come sooner or later. I'm just glad I got to live long enough to see it. It will take about sixty days to finalize so now, will you please tell me what's going on?"

I spent the next hour filling him in on my history with the church. I told him about the three year old case concerning a 12 year old girl who had been taken from a foster home by her uncle. It had taken me six months to find her and get her out of a religious group in Texas, where she was being held. While on a layover during the flight home, she was snatched again and no one had any idea who had taken her or where she was. I told him that her uncle, who had been jailed at the same time, had bonded out and also disappeared. I had spent six more months looking for her, but had come up empty. I had recently found out that the church, called The National Free Church, wants the girl's mother back. The "Runt" is connected with a branch of the church located in Maryland and that is where the girl is being held now. I told him that I felt that that was the reason for my case files being stolen. Someone wanted to find out how much I knew. As I finished filling him in, I told him that the case was still haunting me, and that I wouldn't rest until the case was finally solved.

"Now I understand what's going on and if I may, I would like to offer a few suggestions that might help you out on the security end of it. I had a case similar to this about fifteen years ago and I had to make sure the security was almost impossible to break for the client's sake and his family's."

Before he got a chance to speak to me about it, the door bell rang. It was the FBI with all of our files in a large unmarked truck. There were two cars full of people with the truck. I needed to tell them where everything went and called Sarah down to help. Sally came in from somewhere and when she found out that all her stuff was in the truck, she immediately tried to get the agents to dig it out. I finally had to put a stop to it. I left Sarah in charge after telling Sally she would have to wait until her stuff was brought in. I opened the garage and showed the agent in charge where all my grandfather's papers had been before they were taken. He thanked me, saying they would all be re-filed by the end of the day. I moved my truck and Sarah's car away from the garage to give them room to back the truck in and unload. Bill and I went out on the side porch off my study and finished our little talk. We almost got done before Tiny and Jimmy arrived to interrupt us again.

Jimmy was carrying a small briefcase instead of his usual duffel bag. I wondered why he was so light today. I knew I wouldn't have long to wait for an explanation from him because he was very excited.

I had Myrna bring the small card table out to the porch and set it up with coffee and sweet rolls. I almost didn't get any because between the three of them, they were piling their plates high with all the goodies.

"You guys act like you never get fed or something. Look at you, it's like a bunch of animals sat down and someone made the mistake of putting food in front of them."

They all mumbled apologies, but their mouths were so full it came out in a spray of crumbs. Myrna came out with more coffee and I just pointed at them and shrugged. She looked at them a little closer then set the coffee pot down and smacked Tiny along side his head. He got the most shocked look on his face, trying to chew and swallow at the same time so he could speak to defend himself.

"Look at the three of you, acting like hogs at the trough. Tiny you should know better, wait till I have a talk with your wife about your manners. Jimmy, I know you're a bachelor and don't get home made sweet rolls, but I know your mom too, and if I told her how you're acting, she would have a fit. Bill, you old fool, you're supposed to be setting an example for the younger ones, not leading the way. If you all don't start acting like you're not pigs, I promise all of you there will never be another bite to eat for any of you in this house."

I was watching them as she gave them hell and I was hurting from keeping the laughter inside. I thought I had it under control until Myrna looked at me and winked and I lost it. When I finally quit laughing and wiped my eyes, they were all glaring holes through me. I just smiled at them, took a sip of my coffee and a bite of my only roll, while making sure I had my pinky stuck straight out. I very carefully set it back on the saucer and wiped my mouth. It took about a minute before Tiny lost it and the other two joined in the laughter. I smiled at them before talking.

"When are you three stooges going to learn you can't get away with anything as long as Myrna is around? Boys, she doesn't miss a trick."

Tiny quipped back as he was rubbing his head saying; "Yeah and her hand is as hard as a two-by-four."

We all laughed and then Jimmy decided to get down to business.

"Jon, I got three cameras out of the bedrooms yesterday. They all have short range wireless transmitters and wide lenses. There is a computer hidden on the property somewhere that's receiving the signal and recording it. I figure it's in the barn and I want to see if I can find it. While I do that, I have drawn a map and shown the prices for you to put the same kind of camera on your property. You look at it while I see if I can pinpoint the computer's location. The types that I'll install won't be easy to find or pinpoint by normal methods."

"Go to it, Jimmy, and when you find it, I want the computer brought back to the house so we can examine it. Also, don't say a word to the girls about the cameras or we will have a riot on our hands. Tiny, I want you to get with Sally and make arrangements for her and Sarah to be covered while they are out of the house. Myrna says you have some very big friends that might like to earn some extra cash for the next few months. Tiny, from this point on I would like you to be Sally's personal bodyguard. Do you want the job?"

"You know I do, Jon. She's like part of my family and I appreciate the honor of being the one chosen to take care of her. I promise you that unless I am dead or unconscious, nothing will happen to her."

"Tiny, even though I approved of you being the one to watch her, she was the one who chose you for the job. To her, you're like a big brother because of all the time you have spent together. I think she trusts you as much as she does me. Besides, Myrna said if you screwed up, she would take care of you in her own way, whatever that means."

"Oh God, my goose is cooked for sure."

Bill busted out laughing at the look on his face. To me, it looked like the cross between abject misery and pain. He just looked at us then got up and shuffled through the door. I guessed he was heading for the kitchen to have a talk with Myrna. Jimmy got up too, and took the little case with him as he headed around the back of the house towards the barn. That left Bill and me sitting at the table, and to my surprise, he didn't have anything to say as he sipped his coffee.

"Bill, do you think the adoption papers can be expedited somehow? I know she doesn't have any other relatives, and neither she nor her mom knew who her dad was."

"I can try, Jon, but by law, there has to be a certain amount of waiting time to let any relatives file a restraining order to stop the adoption. I had a friend of mine check into her mom's personal finances, and other than a safe deposit box she doesn't have anything. I am in the process of getting a court order to open it as Sally's attorney. Do you want me to go through it first or do you want Sally to do it?"

"I think in the name of peace and harmony, I will let her do it if she wants to. I have no idea what her mom might have kept in it as she didn't have anything, but I think that should be Sally's choice. After all, she is thirteen and old enough to make that decision. When will the court order go through, Bill?"

"I think I can have it first thing in the morning, Jon. The bank is in the county seat where Sally used to live, so it's not far from the funeral home. I know the viewing is tomorrow from one to two, so we can get the bank done first thing. Jon, I suggest you have a couple of Tiny's friends accompany you to the funeral, just in case there's trouble from the locals who knew her. I know for a fact that a lot of the circus people are planning on showing up, so it might be safer for the both of you to have someone with you that you can trust."

"That's a good idea, Bill, and I will have a limo drive us there and back. That way the extra men won't be as noticeable as they mingle with the crowd. I will fill Sally in a little later, so you be sure to tell Tiny what's going on, will you?"

"I already have, Jon, I just wanted to see if you would go along with it. I know how stubborn you can be, but for now you're in no shape to be tussling with someone if it comes down to a confrontation. Besides, it will get Tiny back in Myrna's good graces. You and Sally are her kids, as far as she is concerned."

"I'm a little worried about Myrna, Bill, she seems to think the house security is all on her. I think it would be a good idea to have Tiny put someone he trusts at the gate house when it's built this week. I don't want her to have too much responsibility in this because she has enough to worry about with the household. I know she's going to throw a fit about it, but that's just too bad."

We didn't say anything else, just sat and drank her coffee until Tiny came back out. We both busted out laughing at the expression on his face. He looked like a little schoolboy that had just been punished for doing something wrong. He had that hang dog look of a little boy who had been in detention. He sat down at the table and just glared at us while pouring a cup of coffee and sipping it.

I could see right now, this was going to be a long day. Thankfully I got a break when the lead agent came out and said the files in my den were all done. He also informed me that Sarah's files were also done. He said the girls were going through the CDs to make sure that there were none missing. He said that the group was going out to the shop to file the rest of the paperwork out there. I thanked him and his people for all the time they were putting in doing this for me. I asked if they had been offered coffee or sweets, and was informed that my housekeeper was taking very good care of them. I just smiled as he turned and went back into the house.

"If he only knew who the real boss in this house was, he would probably faint."

We all smiled at that statement. Jimmy came walking back around the house with a big metal box and his hand. He sat it down next to the empty chair where he had been sitting before.

"Jon, I finally found it, but they sure were trying to keep it well hidden. From what I've been able to find out, it is a small notebook with a big hard drive. This thing could have stayed buried for months, recording everything that went on from those three cameras. Jon, this is privately owned it doesn't belong to the government. I would say that if you had to purchase it, you would have almost three thousand dollars in it. I'm going to take all the information from it and then reformat the hard drive. Then I am going to go through it to make sure there are no tracking devices buried inside. When I'm done, I will give it to you to use as your personal computer."

"Jimmy, since the cameras were in the girls bedrooms, I would prefer that no one looked at them. I think that part of it can be erased. Anything else on there that will help find out who owns it, I want. After that is done, then just sell it to one of your friends or keep it for your self. I don't want anything to do with it."

"Okay, Jon, I can do that. I will keep it in this little briefcase since it's lead lined. That way if it's still broadcasting, it will not be able to get its signal out. I had a chance to look around, and from what I saw, your property can be well protected by remote cameras. I will put the main security screens in your den, over by your desk in that small bookshelf. It will take me and my two friends about three days to do the whole place. I have already called them, so we will start today and do the close in areas first."

I really didn't want anyone, particularly the agents filing the papers to know I was putting in cameras, so I told him to wait and start tomorrow morning. He was agreeable since it would give him time to find everything he needed. He and Tiny got up to leave, with Tiny saying he would be back as soon as he dropped Jimmy off. He said while he was gone, he would start lining up his friends that wanted to work. Bill got up to leave, saying he was going to make some more phone calls and would catch me later. I was still sitting and thinking when Myrna came out and said lunch was ready.



-------

Chapter 14


I went into the kitchen and to my surprise, the FBI team leader was coming out of the door with a tray full of sandwiches. He smiled as he passed me, thanking me for feeding his team. I smiled back at him as I sat down at the counter with Sarah and Sally. We had a pleasant meal and Sally was happy about getting her stuff back. Sarah told me that as far as she could tell, all her stuff including her CDs and interviews were all back. She said she had checked our files and could find nothing missing. I didn't say anything, but I was happy because they both were. I asked Myrna if all her stuff had been returned too. She said as far as she could tell it was all there, including her doodling pad.

I waited till the meal was over before telling Sally I wanted to talk to her for a few minutes in my study. I went out of the kitchen, with her following along behind me, and went into the study. We sat down in the same positions we had before. I explained to her what Bill had said about the safe deposit box at the bank. I asked her if she wanted to open it, or if she wanted me or Bill to do it. She immediately said she wanted to open it, but she wanted me to be there with her. I told her I would be glad to accompany her, but it was up to her whether or not she wanted me to see what was inside. I watched the emotions across her face as she thought about it.

"Jon, I think it would be best if you opened it with me. I don't know what we're going to find and that worries me."

"Sally, whatever it is, it's your mother's and now it belongs to you. I have no idea what she had that she would keep in a safe deposit box. Whatever it was or is, it must have meant a lot to her. It might answer the question of who your father is or it might just be papers and other stuff she thought was important. Honey, whatever it is, it's yours."

She came over and hugged me, then headed out to talk to Myrna. I knew this was a shock to her, but I would never lie to her about anything. For some strange reason, I fell asleep sitting in the chair again. This was getting to be habit forming for some reason. I woke up with a pair of lips pressing against my cheek. It was Sally, waking me up to tell me that the FBI was done and I had to sign their paperwork. I hugged her and walked out to the front room where the team leader was waiting on me. I signed all his papers and was thanked for being so courteous to his team. We shook hands with me telling him that he was welcome to stop back anytime.

I asked Sally if she wanted to take a ride with me to check on Pete's progress with the fence. She said yes, so I told her to tell Myrna where we were going and that we would be back shortly. When we got outside, Tiny was just pulling into the driveway. He parked and climbed in the back seat of our truck. I took the long way around, because we all needed time to talk a little among ourselves. Of course, I didn't get a word in edgewise because of the banter back and forth between Sally and Tiny. It always went on when they got together. With everything that had gone on in the last few days, I knew she needed the stress relief so I didn't say a word.

We finally made it around to the back end of the property. I pulled up and stopped next to where Pete's truck was parked alongside the road. We climbed out and walked over to where Pete was standing and yelling at one of his men. When he saw us coming, he turned around and gave Sally a big grin, then smiled at the rest of us.

"Hey, Jon, good to see you again. What, you don't trust me? You know I really don't need a supervisor or a gorilla looking over my shoulder. Now this pretty young lady can come out here and tell me what to do any time."

That got a big laugh from everybody standing around listening. Of course Sally turned red in the face, and the men got another big kick out of that. I didn't say a word because I knew, like any young girl, she was enjoying the attention. Sally and Tiny started talking again in their usual kidding manner, so I turned and started to ask Pete a few questions. That's when I saw the speeding car come around the lower curve headed straight toward Tiny and Sally, who had their backs turned to it. I yelled a warning as I pulled my gun. The car slid to a stop about 30 feet from where Tiny and Sally had been standing. I ran toward the car with my gun pointed at them, telling them not to move. When I got close enough, I could see it was just a couple of kids sitting in the front seat.

"What the hell are you trying to do? At the speed you were going, you were lucky you were able to stop before you hit someone. Also, I could have easily shot both of you while trying to protect everyone standing here. Now I suggest that both of you slow down when you're on these narrow roads."

"Yes Sir! We're sorry, Sir. I promise I will slow down from now on. I'm sorry I scared everyone by driving so fast."

"Son, I remember when I was young and didn't have a brain in my head either. Slow that thing down before you end up wrapped around a tree because you missed a curve in the road. Now take off, and act like you have some sense before I arrest both of you."

I watched as he very carefully and very slowly went around everyone by the road. I hadn't realized I was still holding my gun in my hand until Tiny told me I better put it away before I shot myself. I holstered it and when I turned around, Tiny and Sally both had big grins on their faces. I didn't think it was very funny, and to be truthful, it had scared the hell out of me. My shoulder was throbbing and for the first time I could feel shooting pain in my side. I put my hand down to the bandage on my side and realized I was bleeding again. When I pulled my hand out, Sally saw the blood and screamed, scaring the hell out of me again.

"Jon, are you okay? Have you been shot again? How come you're bleeding?"

"I think when I twisted around to face the car I ripped the stitches loose in my side. It might be a good idea if we go back to the house and let Myrna take a look at it. If I did, she will have to call the doctor to come out to the house to sew me back up again. Tiny, why don't you drive this time so I can keep pressure against the wound?"

He did as I asked and we made short work of getting back to the house. Sally drove me crazy by asking if I was all right every five minutes. When we pulled up in front of the door, she bailed out and went running into the house. Sometimes I wondered about her being wound too tight. Now Myrna, and Sarah if she were downstairs, would be all excited and worried. I kept pressure against it, but I could tell I had done something bad because it was bleeding profusely by this point.

"Jon, I don't know what you did, but you're leaving a blood trail. Maybe I better take you to the hospital and let them look at it for you."

"Tiny, if I know Myrna, the doc is on his way already. Unlike Sally, she doesn't panic that easily. I would be willing to bet that as soon as Sally told her I was bleeding from torn stitches, she called him on the phone. I will probably be even worse off by the time she gives me hell for doing it."

"Better you than me."

I was right on every point. I did catch holy hell, and the doc had already been called. Sally was a nervous wreck, thinking I had somehow been shot again. Myrna finally actually had to grab her by the arms and shake her before she would settle down. She finally quit sobbing. I just held her hand and explained what had happened. She broke down crying from relief and Myrna was smiling at her.

"Child, that man won't listen to anyone but you, so I suggest you need to calm down so you can ride herd on him until he is healed. Panicking at the sight of blood is not helping him or you. Sally, I know you worry about him, but you won't change him, regardless. The best thing for you to do is get as tough as he is so you don't repeat this little scene. Now, all of you clear out of here so I can get him undressed, so the doctor can sew him back up. Tiny, I want you to have one of your closest friends move into the house until this is all over. It better be someone we can trust around the girls. I will beat you with a baseball bat if he makes a pass at either one of them."

"Yes, Auntie Myrna."

I couldn't help it, I just busted out laughing at his childlike voice when he talked to Myrna. She looked at me and grinned. She must have realized what I was laughing at. Tiny gave me a dirty look as he went out of the room as if to say I better not tell on him.

"You shut up, Jon! Because of you, I have to put up with strangers in my house. You can bet I will be keeping an eye on whoever he sends out. If he even looks sideways at the girls, I will shoot him with my pappy's pistol. I won't put up with any tomfoolery in this house while I am in charge."

I looked at her and snorted and got a grin in return. Before she could say anything else, the doctor came in and wanted to know how I could possibly rip the stitches out of a wound that low in my side. Before I could form an answer Myrna answered for me and the doctor thought it was funny.

"He was acting like a damn fool as usual. This time it came around and bit him where the sun don't shine."

When I glared at her, all I got was a smile and a wink. Then the pain hit me when he ripped the tape off the bandage, along with a lot of hair.

"Damn, doc, leave me a little hide, will you please? You know your bedside manner stinks."

"Yea and so does my breath, but you're not paying for that. Myrna, if he complains again, put a gag in his mouth will you?"

She laughed and said that was the best idea she had heard all day. She and the doctor got a laugh out of that one. Me, I didn't think it was very funny, but I was only the one in pain. From the way they were acting, I didn't count in the equation. Dammit, doesn't anyone take me seriously anymore, I thought as I felt a needle in my right buttock. I started to complain again, but I was asleep and couldn't remember what I was about to say.

While I was in that half asleep and half awake state, I could have sworn I heard someone saying my side was badly infected and I needed to go back to the hospital until the infection was gone. Nah, I thought, it was just my imagination and then everything went black.

When I woke up, I knew I was back in the hospital. I could smell it and it pissed me off. Why couldn't they just let me recover in my own home like a normal person? I immediately thought about Sally and the funeral, wondering if I had slept through it and if I hadn't, how I could sneak out and go with her. I knew Bill and Tiny would look out for her, but it made me feel guilty because it was my place to be with her.

I opened my eyes and there was Sally sitting in a chair next to my bed. I went to move my arm and that's when I realized I was strapped down. My feet and arms were tied to the bed along with a wide belt across my chest. I just about panicked, but was able to control it enough to croak out a word. Sally immediately came over with a smile on her face and held the straw to my lips so I could drink. It was water and ice cold. I took several small sips before I turned my head away, signaling I didn't want anymore.

"Sally, where's the doctor?"

"He is out at the front desk. Do you want me to get him?"

"Yes, then leave us alone for a minute, will you please?"

I watched as she almost ran out of the room. It took a few minutes before he came in and the artificial smile on his face just finished pissing me off.

"How are we doing today, Mr. Morgan? We got your fever down and put a drain in the wound in your side. Now, what is it you wanted to see me about?"

"Doc, you don't know me, but if you don't take these restraints off of me immediately, I promise you when you finally do, I will make sure you need new teeth to go with the phony smile. Now, unless you want to bring a lot of problems down on yourself, I suggest you remove them now."

He looked at me in shock for a minute but he must have seen the anger and hate in my eyes because he came over and immediately released me.

"I'm sorry about that, but you were having some bad nightmares and we were afraid you would undo several hours worth of work by the surgical team. You tore the IVs out several times while you were under, so we had to restrain you. They weren't meant to be permanent, Mr. Morgan, just a temporary way to prevent you from harming yourself and our staff."

"Doc, I'm sorry about the attitude, but I was tortured while laying on a gurney with the same type of restraints on me. Maybe now you can understand my dislike for being tied down in any way. How soon can I get out of here and how badly did I tear the stitches?"

"Mr. Morgan, you didn't tear the stitches. The wound was so badly infected it burst and caused an excessive amount of bleeding. When the surgical team opened you back up to clean it out, we found several pieces of what looked like your shirt that was left in from when you were shot. This is what caused the infection. It would have killed you if the wound hadn't burst by itself. I don't know what hospital you were previously in, but they did some damned shoddy work. From what I saw, they just sewed the entrance and exit wounds shut without cleaning them out at all. We opened your shoulder back up and it was infected too. We didn't find any foreign matter, but the wound hadn't been cleaned or stitched up like a good surgeon would have done. It looks like an amateur worked on you, from what I saw. I think in a few days you will be well enough to return home to recuperate, if you take it easy for a few weeks. You are very lucky it was old Doc Palmer who looked at you. He probably saved your life by having you brought in right away. If you had waited too much longer, you would have bled to death or the infection would have killed you. Now, get some rest and I will check in later to see how you're doing."

With that, he left the room. I thought for a while about what he said, and it pissed me off. This was going to set my plans back a few more weeks. I watched as the girls came into my room and I smiled at them.

"Well, the doc says I am going to be fine. I will be able to go home in a few days, if I am better. I'm sorry about all of this, and I hope you aren't mad at me."

I knew I was sucking up. Sally and Sarah had smiles on their faces but Myrna was giving me the eye. I knew then and there I hadn't fooled her a bit with my little speech, and I figured she was going to call me on it. But this time, I did need to talk to her, so when she got me alone, she could raise hell all she wanted. I was more worried about Sally and what was coming up than I was about my own safety or health. I had to figure a way to mend faster and get myself back into shape for their sakes. I knew they were in good hands with Tiny watching over them, but it still was my place to protect my own family and I couldn't do it lying on my back, waiting to heal.



-------

Chapter 15


I had a good visit, but I thought a little short until I realized it was almost three in the morning. I finally caught Myrna's eye and looked toward the door and the girls. She caught on immediately.

"You girls go on down to the car and I will catch up with you shortly. I need to find out a couple of things from Jon before we go."

Sally and Sarah didn't offer any objections. They kissed me on the cheek and forehead respectively and went out the door, headed for the elevator.

"Ok, Jon, what was so important that I had to run the girls off?"

I told her about the safe deposit box and to have Tiny make sure Sally and Sarah were well-covered tomorrow at the funeral. I told her I didn't think I could sneak out to attend because my room was across from the nurses' station. I had noticed that they were watching me closely for any tricks. She looked at me and grinned.

"They better watch you close, Jon. I told the doctor what you pulled the last time and if it happened again, I would sue him and the hospital. You don't need to worry about Sally or Sarah tomorrow. We are all going together in the limo with several of Tiny's friends following in another car. I talked to Bill and Sally and she decided that Bill could pick up the contents of the safe deposit box. Sally said she would wait until you got out of the hospital so you both could go through it together. Jon, I told Bill what the doctor said about your wounds, and he has already contacted Jerry to start action against the hospital for malpractice. You should have told me they were bothering you so much, Jon. I would have had ole Doc Palmer over every day to check them. You could have died of sepsis if you hadn't twisted and burst the side wound. This time you stay in here until the infection is gone. I have Tiny and his friends covering the house and Pete said to tell you he would try to finish the fence a day or two early. Then he would put up the guard shack after he installed the new gates you wanted. Now I better go before Tiny comes up looking for me. Jon, this time, will you please stay in bed until you're well enough to come home?"

"I'll try Myrna, but you know me. I can only lay here for just so long before I have to do something. Keep me posted about what happens tomorrow, will you? I am worried about some of the people from the church trying to grab her. Tell Tiny I said to be extra vigilant."

"Don't worry, Jon, Sally and I talked and she will be by my side through the whole thing. Now you get some rest and I will see you tomorrow."

With that she got up from the chair and left. The nurse came in and asked me how I was feeling and I said fine, but after tomorrow I wanted a notation put in my chart that I would no longer accept any narcotic pain medication. She just smiled at me and said they had already been told that by my mother. I just looked at her dumbly for a minute until I realized she must have been talking about Myrna. I almost laughed, but instead I smiled, remembering that last time she had been bad, but that now she really had everyone thinking she was my mother. For some reason it tickled my funny bone and I wondered if she had told Sally about it too. That was about my last thought before I fell back asleep.

I woke up to find the food person rolling the tray over to my bed and raising it so I could eat. When she got me all set up, she took the lid off the tray and I just looked in shock at what was on it.

"No offense, but what in the hell is that? It looks like someone regurgitated on the plate. Take that crap out of my sight before I throw it out the door."

"You are on a soft diet by order of the doctor. This is dry toast and oatmeal to help your bowels move."

"Lady, I know you're just doing your job, but believe me when I say I will do what I said. If I can't get people food, I will have it brought into me. That stuff isn't fit for a dog to eat, and I doubt if he would, even if he were starving. Now get it out of here and tell the doctor if he doesn't order me some decent food, I will sue him for abuse of his patients."

She took the tray but not until I got a dirty look from her as she stomped out of the room. I almost laughed out loud at her, but thought I had better not make her any madder at me or I might end up wearing the whole thing. I didn't have long to wait for a reaction to my little bitch show. The nurse came in immediately with an attitude. This was a different one from last night and she was cute as a button, or as my grandfather would say; as cute as a speckled pup under a new wagon. She came in with an attitude, and I had to smile at the way she was slamming things around before she could get the courage up to talk to me.

"Mr. Morgan, how do you expect to get well if you refuse to follow the doctor's orders?"

"Well, nurse, I will get well just fine, but it won't be by eating that slop that I was just told was food."

To my surprise she broke out in a short laugh at my smart ass answer. Man, she was cute. She had freckles across her nose, and two cute little dimples that made her almost perfect teeth more pronounced when she smiled. Her hair, from what I could see under her cap, was a bright red and I would be almost willing to bet she had a temper to match.

"Between me and you, I wouldn't eat that stuff they try to pass off as food either. I just wish the hospital would hire a cook who knows how to cook. I'm due to go on break shortly, and I go to a small restaurant across the street. I can pick you up some scrambled eggs, home made biscuits and a large coffee. I think I can sneak it back in without losing my job."

"I would be forever grateful. Don't worry about your job, because if they are stupid enough to fire someone as pretty as you are, then the whole place is nuts."

She laughed out loud at me as she went out of the room. I had to smile at myself for flirting with her while lying flat on my back in bed. She was cute though and I would guess her to be about thirty or so. She had a mature way about her that said she wasn't a new hand at this. I thought it was becoming to her. Then it hit me what I was thinking and I was surprised at myself. This was the first time since I had been in the states that I had thought about a woman being attractive or anything other than as a friend or work partner. I hadn't seen any rings on her finger, but that didn't mean anything. The women here didn't wear them half the time even if they were married. Hospital staff, as I well knew, didn't like to wear rings because of the chance of passing on an infection from one patient to another. None the less, there weren't any marks on her finger either like she was wearing a ring outside the hospital.

I was still thinking about her dimples when I heard my cell ringing from inside the drawer next to the bed. I was able to roll over without too much pain and finally managed to get it out and answer it. It was Bill calling from the bank and he sounded upset.

"Jon, I just finished opening the safe deposit box. I hate to tell you this, but Sally's mother has a sister in Montana that she wants Sally to live with. Jon, the court will take this into consideration before they consider any adoption from non-relative. She also had a fully paid up life insurance policy that goes to Sally when she turns eighteen. She had burial insurance, and as Sally's attorney, I will file for the money in her name."

"Bill, don't say a word to her about it for now. Have Jerry send an investigator out to her sister's and do a complete background on the family. If I remember correctly, Sally's step dad went out there to live with his brother. He is supposed to own a sheep ranch or something. That's just too much of a coincidence for me to accept. I am not giving up on this yet. Sally will have a fit when she finds out, because I doubt if she has ever met her mother's family. Tell Jerry to put a rush on it and get the report back to us as soon as possible. Now about the funeral..."

"Don't worry about it Jon, Tiny has enough men in the crowd that anyone with a lick of sense wouldn't dare try anything. I have already called Jerry; I did it as soon as I found the will. Another thing Jon, it's never been filed or recorded with any court. I don't think it would stand up if it came to a serious challenge. Besides, she signed all her rights away, remember? I have all of those papers in my safe and they were also filed with the court when you became her guardian."

"Bill, I don't care about the legal mumbo jumbo, but I don't want to lose her for any reason. She, for all intents and purposes, is my daughter and nobody takes a member of my family away from me without a fight."

"Calm down Jon, we know how you feel about her. I promise you she won't ever have to leave your side, as long as there is a court we can file a motion in. I really don't think her mother's sister has the financial means to fight us here in Virginia. Since it's all filed here, they would have to come here to fight it. Now, you quit worrying about things and get better. I will call you after the funeral is over and let you know how it went."

"Thanks Bill, I appreciate it."

He hung up. I laid there in shock over what he had told me for about three minutes. Then I made a phone call to Nigeria to talk to my friend the banker. It took me about five minutes before I finally got through to him, and from his voice he was glad I had called.

"Jon, my friend, what can I do for you today? Is there something wrong I need to know about?"

"No, Quanta, but I do need a few things from you that I never asked for before, and I need them yesterday."

"You name it, my friend, and you shall have it as soon as possible."

I went on to explain what was happening, and that I wanted him to send me a complete accounting of all my cash assets and all my investments. Like I told him, I knew I had never asked for anything like this before, but I needed to know as soon as possible what I had and owned. I wanted to get some idea of where I stood financially if I needed large amounts of money. He was quiet for a moment then his laughter came over the phone.

"Jon, I think maybe I have an answer that will give you a lot of clout with the courts, if you should need it. As you know, I have always kept a complete set of books, which are updated every year for your IRS. You own your own island, and it is a French Sovereign entity on its own. If you have a facial shot of Sally, I can have her declared a French citizen and also have a French Passport issued immediately with your island listed as her home. Her name is on the ownership papers and has been for four years, ever since I bought it for you as an investment. I can have all the papers legally backdated to that date as well as her passport, if you wish. She will then hold a dual citizenship as you do. By French Law, she is an adult at thirteen and can make her own decisions which your country cannot influence."

"I have several pictures on my cell. I will e-mail them to you immediately. Get this done as soon as possible, Quanta. By the way, how are you and your family doing?"

"Both of my children are in college and doing very well, thank you. My wife still asks me if you will ever come and visit. She wants thank you in our traditional way for saving all our lives. I am now the vice president of the bank and I think I will be president before the year is out. Thanks to you and what I have been able to do with your account, I now have several of your fellow Americans that invest with me also. This has brought me great prestige with my bank and country. I will ship you an up to date copy of your financials as soon as we get off the phone, my friend. Jon, if you need anything, please call me and I will help out from my end all that I can. When I get the photos, I will start the paperwork and should be able to complete it within two weeks. You will receive her papers and her Passport at the end of that time. I will make sure that her citizenship is recorded and that all her information is sent to Interpol, so they can intercede in her behalf if needed. Is there anything else you need, my friend?"

"You have made me a very happy man with this information, Quanta. I can't think of anything else right now. Tell your lovely wife I said, "Hi," and make sure your daughters get good grades in school. Thank you again, Quanta, you have helped relieve a lot of worry that I had about my ward."

"Jon, the thanks are mine. This is the first time you have ever asked me for help since you saved my family. This has always bothered me, and I am very glad I can finally help you out for a change. Oh, one more thing, Jon. If you decide to take your ward for a vacation when you get her papers, it might be a good idea to go to your island. It is beautiful and would be a good place for you to rest and heal with the sea air and sunshine."

"That's a good idea, Quanta. I just might take you up on that and spend the summer there. Send me the information I need to make arrangements to get there and who to contact about it."

"Jon, you own seventy percent of the airline that services the islands, so the air fare will be free. I just thought you ought to know. I will send pictures and all the other information when I send the financial package. Goodbye, my friend, it was nice talking to you again."

I said bye and he hung up. I was shaking my head in wonder about how well he had done handling my money. I wondered what all I owned and had investments in since I had never asked before. I decided I would let Bill look at the financial package. Maybe he would be able to give me a better picture of it than I could ever hope to figure out, since I didn't know anything about this type of thing. I just knew I had spent a lot, both helping out people from the cases I had worked on and what I spent myself and family. My thoughts were interrupted by the cute nurse coming in my room with a bag in her hand.

"Boy, I feel like a criminal sneaking this into the hospital. Here, let me slide the table up so you can eat in comfort."

The smell coming out of the bag was making my mouth water. I watched as she set it up on the little table. When she opened the "to go" box, I was almost drooling. She set my water next to the large coffee saying she hoped I enjoyed it. She said that she would check on me later as she had to clock back in. She was out the door before I could ask her what I owed her for the meal. I didn't waste any time digging in and it tasted great. The biscuits were homemade with honey and butter already on them, and the home fries had onions cooked in them. They weren't the plain style most restaurants served. By the time I got through shoveling it all in, I was stuffed and felt great. Even the coffee tasted like it was freshly brewed. I carefully put all the empty containers back in the bag and sat it on the small table by my bed so she could get rid of the evidence. Of course, that depended on if she came back in before the doctor or another nurse came in to draw blood or something. If that happened, I was prepared to lie like a rug about where the food came from. I hoped that she would come back in, because I really did want to ask her what her name was.



-------

Chapter 16


I was so stuffed by the time I got done eating, I was feeling sleepy and decided to take a short nap. Since I wanted to make sure the little red headed nurse didn't get into trouble, I put the empty bag under the covers where it couldn't be seen by anyone coming into the room. I had just dozed off, when I was awakened by the local vampire. She wanted to take my blood for the second time in about four hours.

"Why are they drawing blood so often, Nurse? I am starting to feel like a pin cushion or something."

"I guess they are monitoring the infection to make sure it didn't spread into your blood stream. According to your chart, they were worried about you having an adverse reaction to the broad spectrum antibiotics they are pumping into you. According to this you won't be due for another check until tonight. By then they will be able to tell if the antibiotics are doing any good. I'm sorry, Mr. Morgan, but I am just doing my job."

"I'm not upset with you, but I just fell asleep. Waking up to the sight of an eight-foot needle is a little upsetting."

She looked at me and then laughed at my description of the needles on the tray she was carrying. She was a professional; I had to give her that. She took three tubes of blood about as quickly as anyone I had seen. Then she thanked me for letting her do her job without getting mad, like some of the patients do. She was out the door before I could tell her she was very good. I hadn't felt a thing as she drew my blood. I lay back and tried to drift off again, but again I was disturbed by the doctor coming in. He was accompanied by the little red headed nurse. I noticed she quickly looked around to see if the bag she had snuck in was anywhere in sight. I could see the relief in her eyes when she didn't spot anything. Fortunately, I had put the bag on the opposite side from my wounds so the doctor couldn't see it as he changed my bandages. He was very thorough as he checked my side and shoulder to see if there was any sign of the infection. He told the nurse to put fresh bandages on and left, saying that he had several other patients to see this morning.

I was glad when he left, but before I could get a word in, the nurse beat me to the punch.

"Please don't tell me you ate the bags too, Mr. Morgan."

I busted out laughing and reached under the covers and handed the empty go containers to her. She looked at me and gave me a big smile before she took it and pushed it down inside the waste bag on her cart.

"Please call me Jon, Miss, Umm, I don't think you said your name, before you saved my life."

"It's Kathleen, but everyone calls me Kat and you can call me that too, Jon. I'm afraid I won't be able to sneak in your lunch, so you'll either eat hospital food or go hungry. I get off at three, so I won't be here for the evening meal. If you don't mind me asking, how did you get shot? Are you some kind of criminal or something?"

I busted out laughing and told her most of the story, and how I ended up back in here. She was looking at me wide eyed as I finished my tale.

"Gee, I never would have guessed you were a law enforcement officer. With the accent and your politeness you just don't seem to fit the part somehow. Did I hear you say you only work CASA cases?"

"Yes, but it has its own rewards when the kids are happy."

"This hospital is one of the main ones listed for child abuse checks by all the staff. We all had to take special courses to become state certified. I never knew that the program had national CASA investigators. I bet with your job, you see a lot more of the horrors than we do. It breaks my heart every time we have to give some small child an examination. They are so afraid to talk to any of us it's like pulling teeth to even get them to let us touch them. Do you work on a lot of cases?"

"I pretty much go all over the U.S., if they have need of me. I have the ability to be able to pick the cases I work, and I try to take the ones that reunite kids with their mothers rather than the abuse type of case. I don't think my temperament would let me work too many of that type."

"Jon, how long have you lived in the states? I am still trying to place your accent, but it sounds like you spent a lot of time in France."

"I grew up outside of Paris. I came to this country a little more than seven years ago, and I still am trying to adjust to the American slang. Why, Kat, have you ever been in France?"

"I went there on my honeymoon, several years ago. I loved the sights and the activity in the bigger cities. This year would have been my sixth anniversary if my husband had lived. He was killed two years ago in Iraq by a roadside bomb. We had made plans to go back, but they didn't work out like we planned. I'm sorry I'm laying all of this on you, but this is the first time since he was killed that I have been able to talk about it with anyone. I just feel so relaxed when I'm talking to you."

"That's fine, Kat, I spent time in the service too. I know how hard it is to talk about it to just anyone. It took me several years before I could adjust to a normal life after I got back home. If you ever want to just sit down and let off steam, please don't be afraid to come in and talk to me. I may not be the smartest person in the world, but I do know how it feels to lose someone you care deeply about. Remember, I have been there too. If I can help in any way, I would be glad to. It would be like reverse therapy for both of us."

"I think I understand what you're saying. I went to a shrink but all he seemed to want to do was pry about our personal lives and my feelings about him not being there for me. I put up with it for about two months. I finally told him where to get off and that our personal life wasn't any of his business. This is the first time it has come to mind since then and I feel better just talking to you about it, for some reason. It's like you feel what I do and I can sense it somehow. Well, I better get out of here before they send the head nurse to look for me. Thanks, Jon, I will try to stop back in and check on you before I go off shift at three."

"You're more than welcome Kat. Besides, you already saved me from a fate worse than starvation."

"How's that Jon?"

"Hospital food."

She was laughing out loud as she pushed her little cart out the door. I heard her all the way to the nurse's desk. I just smiled to myself, enjoying her laughter. It sounded like a little girl who had been tickled by someone, and for some reason it made my day a lot brighter.

My cell rang, interrupting my thoughts. It was Myrna on the other end.

"Jon, all was quiet at the funeral, but Sally's stepfather showed up. He tried to talk to her several times, but Tiny finally got tired of him. Tiny escorted him to the side away from the crowd and had a few words with him. Jon, the way he was looking at her made my flesh crawl. I never realized why you took her away but after watching him, I understand fully. Sally refused to even look at him or let his presence disturb her. You would have been so proud of her today. She shook hands with all the circus people who came and even let a small person kiss her on the cheek. I am so proud of her. We are on our way home now and she has been silent the whole trip. I am going to have Tiny bring her to visit you as soon as she changes. I think she needs you right now more than ever. Jon, Sarah didn't even show up and no one has seen her since this morning. The man Tiny had watching her said she hasn't left the house. I hope you don't get mad, but I am going to have a little talk with her when Sally leaves to visit you."

"Myrna, you're closer to it than I am, and as you know, I trust your judgment. You do what you think needs to be done. I think it's time she started looking for a place of her own. I am starting to think you might have been right about me letting her move in. She has been acting strange since she came. See if you can find out what's going on, will you? This is a distraction that none of us needs right now, and we need to get to the bottom of it. Tell Sally I'm really lonely, and to bring me a couple of chicken sandwiches when she comes. The food here is horrible."

That was all it took to crack Myrna up. She was still laughing as she hung up the phone. I could hear Sally in the background asking her what was so funny. I thought about what Myrna had told me and wondered why Sally's stepfather had traveled all the way here to attend the funeral. That wasn't at the top of the list though. The thought that he would try to talk to Sally after the way he had treated her, pissed me off to the max. Then I wondered if he somehow knew about the life insurance policy, and thought for some insane reason Sally might give him part of it. Either way, I was going to have Tiny put a tail on him and make sure he didn't get near Sally for any reason. I knew if I went after him again, I wouldn't stop until he was six feet under this time.

I lay there thinking about what Quanta had told me about the island. I made up my mind that as soon as Sally got her papers, we were all going there for the rest of the summer. There I would be able to heal and get ready for the fight I was about to get into with the church. I wanted that girl free, and I would do whatever was necessary to accomplish my goal. But unlike the Runt, I would do it legally if at all possible. The area where the church had its buildings was between two states, West Virginia and Maryland. This would make it a lot more difficult, unless I could bring the FBI into it because of the underage child involved. I would have to spend some time with a good long range camera in cold weather to gather evidence to go after them legally.

I also knew if they found out I was close and spying on them, they might move her again or come after me. I would relish them coming after me because I knew I could take care of myself, but I didn't want to lose track of her again for any reason. Any way you looked at it, I was due for a long protracted battle with them until I could accomplish my goal of setting her free.

I lay there running all the scenarios through my head and I almost missed the arrival of Sally. I could tell immediately she had been crying, so I just held out my arm to her and let her climb into the bed with me. I held her, feeling the sobs racking her little body. I didn't say anything, thinking she would feel better if she got it out of her system. Tiny was with her and sat down in the chair out in the hall, allowing us to have some privacy.

I don't know how long she lay there, but when I finally was able to roll her to the side so I could see her face, I realized she was sound asleep. I just looked at her beautiful face, thinking about the first time I had laid eyes on her and the changes I was seeing now. It came to me then I had to be the happiest person in the room as I held her and watched her sleep. The stress on her must have been really bad if she was sleeping this soundly. I tried not to disturb her so she could sleep, but it was not to be. Kat came into the room and seeing her laying on the bed, started to open her mouth to say something, but I quickly shook my head.

"This is my ward, Kat. She just came from her mother's funeral so please don't disturb her."

I was whispering, but it immediately woke Sally. She smiled at me before saying she forgot my chicken sandwiches in the car.

"That's ok, honey, I think you needed the nap more than I needed the food. I'm sorry you had to go through all of that without me. Oh, this is Kat, one of my nurses. I was whispering to her when you woke up. Kat, this is Sally, my ward and soon to be daughter, if she doesn't get mad at me for some reason."

"Nice to meet you, Kat, and don't pay any attention to old grouchy here. He wouldn't be in here if he hadn't acted stupid and wouldn't listen to anyone's advice."

Kat laughed and Sally joined in. They started talking to each other like I wasn't in the room. I listened for a few minutes before I interrupted them.

"Sorry to disrupt all the gossip about me, but my arm is asleep. Sally, do you think I can have it back long enough to wake it up again?"

Sally got up and sat down in the chair, still talking to Kat while she checked my vitals and made notes in my chart. Tiny looked in with a smile on his face and I just shrugged at him. The girls talked non stop for at least fifteen minutes before Kat finally remembered I was there.

"Sorry, Jon, I came in to check your vitals and to tell you I will be going off shift in a few minutes. I hope Sally comes back tomorrow so we can talk some more. She is a lovely girl and knows so much about you. I think I would like to know more myself. Bye Sally, see you tomorrow."

Sally was smiling as she said bye and I was frowning. I hadn't expected the two of them meeting would cost me my privacy, but Sally seemed to take an immediate liking to Kat, and I could see the feeling was mutual. As I was wondering where this was going, Sally leaned over and kissed me on the cheek.

"Today wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, at least until my stepdad showed up. I was scared to death and he kept trying to talk to me for some reason. Why was he even there, Jon? I haven't seen him since you took me out of that hole I was living in. I know he made my skin crawl, the way he was looking at me the whole time. The circus people were really friendly and they all seemed sad about Mom's death. One little guy even asked if he could kiss me on the cheek. I had to bend down to let him, and I almost started giggling when he whispered I was pretty, and he wished he was my age again so he could ask me for a date. It all went so well until my stepdad showed up and ruined it."

"Sally, I don't know why he showed up but he is in trouble for doing so. He agreed when I took you never to show his face around here again and not to ever try to contact you in any way. I just wish I wasn't in the hospital so I could have a little talk with him. Don't you worry; I don't think he wants anything to do with Tiny, so he won't try to come near you. Do me a favor and go out to the nurses' station and see if they will let me get up so we can take a short walk."

She went out and I waved Tiny in.

"I don't have much time to talk. Put someone on her stepfather, and let them have a little talk with him. Find out why he came back and what he wants, will you? Tiny, have your man remind him of the agreement he made with me before he left. If he has to get physical, it won't hurt my feelings any."

"I already have a man on him and I promise you, I will know everything before the night is over, Jon. I saw the way Sally reacted to him, and it was all I could do to keep from losing my temper. I didn't like the way he stared at her the throughout the funeral, either. No, Jon, you leave this one to me and my friends. I had a little chat with him at the funeral, but he seemed like the type who doesn't like to listen to a little friendly advice. I will take care of it tonight, so don't worry."

Sally came back in followed by a nurse, so we had to drop the conversation for the moment. The nurse informed me that I could take a short walk as far as the waiting room, if I took it slow. She helped me out of bed and assisted me to get my robe on since I had one of those butt hanging out gowns that hospitals loved so much. Sally was smiling as she slowly pushed my IV down the hallway. Tiny followed along behind, snickering at Sally's comment about my hairy legs. I gave him the finger behind my back and he snorted at me when Sally looked at us funny.



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Chapter 17


We finally made it to the waiting room. Sally had a pocket full of change, so she bought us all a soda. I had a chance to look around to see what kinds of machines there were, because I was thinking that what they might offer would be better than hospital food. Sally seemed happy just being with me and I knew I was glad she was here. She started asking about Kat. She wanted to know how old she was and the typical daughter type questions, which I didn't feel comfortable answering, even if I had known the answers. Tiny was watching the two of us with a smug smile on his face, which I hated. I knew what he was thinking, but they both were wrong.

"Ok, you two, enough is enough. Sally, I just met her this morning and found out her name, just before you came in to visit. Tiny, if you open that big yap of yours, I will have a little talk with Myrna about you gossiping behind my back. Now, Sally, if you want to know more about Kat, then you will have to ask her yourself. I have told you everything I know."

"I'm sorry, Jon, but she is so sweet and pretty. Besides, if she is interested in going out with you, I need to know more about her before I give her my blessings. I can't just let anyone go out with my dad."

I looked at her in shock and big mouth just plain lost it. Tiny was guffawing so loud, one of the nurses came around the corner and told him to hold it down, there were sick people here. Well duh! I thought, as I glared holes through him. He just shook it off, still laughing at me. Sally had a sweet smile on her face, so I didn't have the heart to tell her she was way off track about me and Kat. Before I could say anything, Sally turned to Tiny and asked him if he thought Kat was pretty and did he think we would make a good pair.

He looked at her thoughtfully, then at me, before he said anything. I tried to glare him down, but it as usual didn't sink through his thick head. Tiny being Tiny, he had to have his say.

"Sally, honey, I think she is just perfect for your dad. With that red hair, I bet she has a temper and could keep him in line. I would even go as far as to say that if they had kids, they would all be pretty, just like their mother. Of course your dad's not a bad looking guy, but he is a bit plain around the edges."

I just glared at him as he rolled his eyes at me as if to say, "Pay back's a bitch, ain't it?" Sally took it serious and sniggered at him, then looked at me in a weird way.

"I think you're right, Tiny. They would make a good pair together. But knowing my dad, he will never muster the courage to ask her out. I think I better step in and see what I can arrange. I really like her, and I bet she would like Jon if I gave her a chance to get to know him a little better. I think I will have a little talk with Myrna and see what we can come up with."

Now this was getting totally out of hand, if she was dragging Myrna into it. I decided to just keep my mouth shut and head back to my room before I said something that made them both mad at me. I stood up and started toward my room. I forgot about the damned IV holder and almost tipped it over. Sally grabbed it and looked at me with that ornery grin she always used when she had something she thought I didn't know about. We walked back to my room, with Sally pushing the IVs and humming to herself. Now I was worried. When Sally hummed, that usually meant I was going to come out on the wrong end of one of her little plans. The trouble with the whole thing was that Myrna always helped her. I had never out thought either one of them yet. Whenever they got their heads together, I always lost out in the end.

We finally made it back to my room, only to find Bill and Jerry sitting in the vacant chairs waiting on us. Sally helped me back into bed and said she had to go because she had an early dress fitting in the morning. She kissed me and gave me that grin again before she and Tiny escaped through the open door, talking up a storm to each other. I wished I could have heard that conversation, but from the look on Bill and Jerry's faces, I had more important things to worry about. Bill reached into a bag beside his chair and handed me a large coffee before he opened his mouth. I took a sip, thinking this wasn't going to be very pleasant just by that little action itself.

"Jon, Sally's stepfather tried to file a motion in court to return her to his guardianship. Fortunately, I had a call from a clerk I knew and got there in time to quash the motion. He also filed a restraining order against you and all the immediate members of your family to keep away from him while he was in town. That one was granted. Of course he didn't know that Sally is your only family. He told the Judge that your half brother made threats against him at his wife's funeral. He also said they wouldn't let him speak to his own daughter to pass on his grief over her mothers passing. I showed the Judge the previous paperwork that was on file, and he just laughed at him. Jon, I don't know what's going on, but he has someone with deep pockets backing him. The lawyer he used is from Maryland and is well known and very expensive to hire."

"Bill, I would almost bet he got a call from the church, or someone connected to it and got paid to come in. This is just the start, my friends. From now on, it will be down and dirty, using any legal argument they can to keep me away from the church. They know that I know more about their dealings than anyone else but the members. They are going to use every means necessary to tie me up to keep me at a distance from them. Bill, Jerry, use your contacts in the courts to keep you informed of any legal moves they try. I can't do a thing until I get healed and out of here. Tiny and his friends will watch out for the girls until that happens. Meanwhile, we can pull a few legal maneuvers of our own, like filing a return restraining order against any member of the church and it's contractors to keep them from approaching me and mine. Bill, in the meantime, I want you to call Jeb and have him put his two friends on alert to be waiting for a call from me. He will know what you are talking about. Jerry, I want that report on Sally's mother's family as soon as possible. Have your investigator check to see if there is a tie in between the stepfather and the mother's sister. I also want to know what happened to the Runt and his people as soon as possible, Jerry."

"That last one is easy, Jon. He was fired along with four of his men for gross negligence of duty. The other men have been reassigned to other districts and put on ninety day probation. You have been returned to duty with full honors. As you were acting in the line of duty, they have cleared you in the shooting. It was entered into the books as self defense. I brought your gun and badge with me. You can put them in the drawer next to your bed, just in case. Don't worry, Jon, if they want to play dirty, I will have all my staff drop what they're doing to handle anything they can throw your way. You know me well enough to know that I hate losing. I am not about to let some God talking child molester beat me in court, or anywhere else. You have our numbers, so if you need us, call any time. One of us will come running. Jon, you may own my firm, but to me you're a friend. Bill here thinks you're the son he never had. We will see you through all of this, and we won't lose while we are doing it. I don't know what your plans are, but until you have them formed, we will make sure your family and you are safe."

"Jon, your grandfather and I grew up together, and the day he finally found you, was the happiest I ever saw him since Helen died. To me, you are like family, and he made me promise that I would always look out for you like we used to do for each other. I am the last of our little crowd, and we always were there when the others needed us. What I'm trying to say is, that I will be there for you too, if you will let me."

"Bill, you have been there for me since I came to this country and made Sally my ward. I wouldn't have it any other way. I have a plan in mind, but it will take a couple of weeks before I can lay it all out to you both. I know you want to know now, but if you wait, it will give us an edge that even the courts can't overlook. My friend in Nigeria is setting it all in motion as we speak. I promise it will throw everyone who tries to do anything to Sally into a complete state of confusion. I have a sick feeling that, within the next month or so, the church will try to say Sally is one of their members' daughters and try to take her. That won't hold up with DNA testing, but it will drag it out more. Let them try, and then we will pounce with on them with both feet, using the information Sally gave me. Bill, make sure you call Tiny and bring him up to date so he will know how to react until I can get out of here. Fellas, our war has started and it's going to be expensive for awhile because the church has deep pockets. I know they will approach me in a few days to try to make a deal, so I want a good voice activated recorder with me at all times. Have Tiny or Sally bring it in tomorrow when they come to visit. Have the Geek get me a good one, made for just this purpose, Bill. He will know exactly what I need. Now, Jerry, why don't you go home to your wife and Bill you make the calls we talked about? I need some time to do some heavy thinking."

They just smiled at me, and Jerry handed me my gun and ID before they went out the door. I immediately checked the gun by taking it down to bare frame to make sure it hadn't been tampered with. I could find no signs of it even being torn down since the last time I did it. I had a special way of marking my weapons when I cleaned them so I would know if they had been tampered with in any way. The Legion had taught us this, and with the extra training I had gotten from Interpol about how to work on them in the field, I knew more than the average soldier about my own weapons. This one hadn't been touched and the ammo in it was brand new, which I didn't like until I looked at the mag and realized it was my extra from the house. I got it when I had bought the other forty. I had also given them a certain mark in a place only I would know to look for. Evidently they had stopped by the house before they came here for some reason. I put one up the spout and put it along with my badge in the top drawer of the bedside stand. I rolled it a lot closer to the bed and plugged in the phone charger to charge my cell. That's when I noticed a strange wire coming out of the bottom of the stand. It was sticking out about an inch from the bottom connected to nothing. Dammit, I thought, my room had been bugged.

I got out and walked around to the side, rolling the IVs along with me, and got down on my knees to look under the stand. I grabbed the wire and pulled hard on it, and to my surprise it came off in my hand. I carefully lay the stand on its side and almost dropped it because it was so heavy. The IVs were not helping matters, but I didn't want to tear them out. Then I might have to stay in here even longer. I finally got it on its side and almost busted out laughing at what I found on the bottom. Glued to the bottom of the stand was an old fashioned telephone jack, with several old wires hanging out of it. I pulled it apart and it looked to be almost as old as I was, and just as cumbersome as I was feeling. I wasn't stupid, and went ahead and checked out the whole stand, but there was nothing to worry about. While I was on my knees, I checked under the bed and it was clean as far as I could tell. Well, now I had to set the stand back up and believe me, with one arm not working, it wasn't easy. I finally ended up squeezing it between my knees and lifting the heavy damn thing up that way until I could set it upright. It made a loud band when it hit the floor and I froze for a moment. I quickly put the water and pitcher back on top and rolled it close to the bed again. I had to walk around the bed and get in from the other side because of the IVs. I finally got settled back in and relaxed a little, but it didn't last long as another vampire came in and wanted my blood again. I knew it was just a matter of time before someone else came in wanting something so I tried to stay awake. I didn't make it, and dozed off thinking about Sally and her ornery grin as she left the room this evening.



-------

Chapter 18


I finally fell asleep after the nurse brought in some pills I was supposed to take. To my surprise, I wasn't bothered the rest of the night. I slept well without the usual dreams that always woke me. When I woke up the next morning, it was to the smiling face of Kat carrying a bag.

"I brought you a couple of egg sandwiches I made at home. I stopped and got you a large coffee, too."

"You still haven't told me what I owe you for the meal yesterday."

"You don't owe me a thing Jon. I was wondering though, when is Sally coming in to visit today?"

"Some time later this morning, I think. She has a final fitting for her prom dress this morning, and then Tiny will bring her by. What have you got up your sleeve, Kat? I don't mean to sound suspicious, but I know my soon to be daughter too well to think that was an innocent question."

"Well, Umm, I promised her I would show her around the hospital. By the way, Jon, who is Myrna? She sounded so nice when I talked to her last night."

She quickly put her hand over her mouth and exited the room before I could say anything in return. Oh God, I thought, she has been talking to Myrna and Sally together. I was still wondering when Sally had time to give her our number when Myrna and Sarah came into the room and sat down. Sarah wouldn't look at me, and as I looked at Myrna, she looked a little upset for some reason. I just munched on my egg sandwich and waited to see who would break the silence.

"Jon, I have to tell you something and I don't want you to take it the wrong way. I am moving to California to take a position as the director of Children Services for one of the hospitals out there. I will finally have my own practice with my own office and staff. I'm sorry I'm running out on you, but I really want to do this. I also found a Federal Express envelope addressed to me in care of you. It was in the stuff that the FBI brought back. Jon, how did you manage to get all my savings back from my ex? It was every cent that he stole. When I called him to thank him for returning it, they told me he didn't work there anymore and had moved to Texas or someplace."

"Sarah, don't worry about that. Let's just say he saw the error of his ways and decided to return it. Sarah, you are not running out on me or Sally. This is what you have been thinking about for years and now you have a chance to fulfill your dream. Hell, if it were me, I would jump at the chance. I want you to take the credit card and use it until you get yourself settled in out there. When you're done with it, just make sure you cut it up. I will call and have it cancelled in sixty days. That should give you plenty of time to get what you need. Sarah, you have been a great partner and a big asset for the kids you have worked with since I hired you. Now you can help more of them by having your own practice. I won't say I'm happy about losing my partner, but I will wish you the best because you deserve it. If there's ever anything you need, don't ever hesitate to call me."

She broke down and came running over to the bed, sobbing against my chest. I just patted her on the back and let her get it out of her system because I knew it had been building up for the last week or so. I had to admit I was sad about losing her as a partner, but I was also relieved that I had one less person to worry about with what was coming up. She finally rose up and grabbed several of the tissues and cleaned herself up a little before smiling at me.

"Jon, without your help, I never would have gotten a job like this. Working with you these few years made me realize there's more to what these kids go through than any adult can ever realize. I have loved you almost from the first time I saw you, but it took me almost a year to realize you were the ultimate professional and would never feel the same way I did. Myrna and I were up most of the night talking and she helped me realize so much more about you than what I knew. She told me about some of your background and it made me take a long hard look at myself and where I was going with my life. I have to be there by this weekend, so I will say good bye now. I probably won't see you again before I leave. Tiny is having my files and stuff delivered to Human Services, so all I have to do is pack and catch my plane. Jon, thanks for letting me use the card to get set up out there. I know even with what I have saved I didn't have near enough to buy the things I need. The hospital will help me find a house or an apartment if I need it, which I do, but I still have to furnish it. I promise I won't go overboard with the money and I will just buy the basics. If you ever come out there, you better stop and visit me or I will never speak to you again. I love you Jon Morgan, and always will."

With that, she kissed me and walked out of my life. I looked at Myrna and she had tears running down her cheeks too, but she smiled at me and left behind Sarah without saying a word. I just lay there on the bed with the partially eaten sandwich in my hand, wondering what was coming next. I laid the sandwich down and sipped the coffee, wondering if I had more feelings for Sarah than what I had thought. Any way I looked at it, I respected her and thought of her as my partner. I loved her as a person, but not in the way she obviously loved me. Damn, this was starting out to be a long day.

I lay sipping the coffee and thought about Kat. That brought a smile to my face until I remembered she had asked about Sally's visit today. I knew how Sally thought, but I had no idea what was in Kat's mind or even what she was thinking. The fact that she had talked last night to Myrna and Sally made me worried and wary about what they were planning together. I had to admit, I liked Kat a lot from talking to her, but I wondered why her sudden interest in me. Oh well, I thought, worrying about it wouldn't make it go away. I knew I would have to keep my eyes on all three of them.

I had just taken another sip of coffee when my cell rang. It startled me so bad I almost dropped the coffee. When I answered, it was Tiny on the other end.

"Jon, I am calling from the dress shop. Sally is getting her fitting but I have news I think you would like to hear. We had a little talk with our friend and he had some interesting things to tell us before he left to go back out west. Sally is not going to be bothered by her family anymore. It seems that his brother is married to Sally's mother's sister. Her aunt knew about the insurance policy and sent him to see if Sally would let them have it. He didn't know she couldn't inherit the money until she turned eighteen. He also told us the Runt paid all his bills while he was here, and that he had paid his attorney to file the motions. He told us that the Runt was mad as hell when Bill presented filed papers, showing the mother and he had signed their rights away to ever bother Sally again. There was no mention of the church by him at all, Jon. I don't think he knew about them and was just a tool they used to go after you. The Runt is some big wig in the church, at least that's what we been able to find out from a few people that know him. He and your grandfather tangled several times over your mom's and dad's property in West Virginia. I don't know what property they are talking about, but you might want to talk to Bill about it. As soon as Sally's done, I am bringing her straight to the hospital to see you. She said she had a date with a pretty redhead to talk about your future. That's the news and nothing but the news, my friend, and from where I stand, it is all good for a change."

"Yea, I agree, and it would take a load off my mind, except for the fact that Sally has a date with a redhead to talk about my future, as she put it."

"Well, if the redhead is that little nurse, then maybe you should think about it a little, my friend. She is beyond a doubt very pretty and also very smart. You could use someone like that in your life. Face it, Jon, you should think about settling down a little. Look at me, I have a good wife and a beautiful daughter. Which reminds me, what's with Aunt Myrna? She seemed a little out of sorts this morning when I picked up Sally. Has something happened that I don't know about?"

I quickly told him about my early morning visit and the news about Sarah's departure. He just sighed into the phone when I was done.

"I'm really sorry to hear we are losing her, Jon. She has helped me as well as a lot of kids since she started working with you. One way to look at it is our loss is some lucky kid's gain in her new job. Jon, I still feel like I owe her for the help she gave to my daughter, so if she ever needs help, will you let me know?"

"Of course, Tiny. If she does, we will both go running to help her. After all, she is my partner."

"Thanks, Jon, and we'll be there as soon as Sally's finished with her fitting. Oh, did you call the principal like you were supposed to do? Sally told me to remind you about it, just in case you forgot."

"I did and I will make the call when you quit gabbing."

"Go to hell, Jon, see you shortly."

He hung up with a loud click, which I figured was him slamming the lid closed on his phone. I had to smile at the mental picture. I got the number for Sally's school and had a talk with the principal. I explained to him what was going on, or at least what I thought he should know and made all the arrangements. He asked if I thought there would be any problems at the dance. I told him I could see nothing that would endanger anyone, but this was for my own peace of mind since I was in the hospital and would be unable to accompany her. He said he hoped I got better and that he would make Tiny welcome. He would ask him to help chaperone the kids since he would be there anyway. I told him I was sure Tiny would like nothing better before hanging up the phone. I laughed out loud at that picture and was startled by someone talking to me from the door of the room.

"I'm glad to see your feeling better today. The doctor will be in to see you shortly and I think he has good news for you today, Jon. How come you didn't eat your breakfast?"

"I'm sorry Kat, but my partner stopped in earlier and her news made me lose my appetite. The sandwich was delicious but I just couldn't eat anymore after she left."

"Is there anything I can do to help, Jon?"

"Not really, Kat. It's just something I have to accept. I hate to lose my partner, but she got an excellent job offer she decided to accept. I guess I will be working alone for awhile, until I can find someone to replace her."

She just gave me that cute smile before saying the doctor would be in and that I was warned.

It was about five minutes later he came in and to me the news was the best I had heard since being admitted here.

"Well, Mr. Morgan, from the results of all your tests, I think we can let you go home tomorrow. Your wounds are healing nicely, and there is no further sign of infection. I'll call ole Doc Palmer later and let him know so he can follow up on your treatments. I will prescribe several antibiotics that I want you to take for a couple of weeks. But barring any further relapses, I think you will make a full recovery. I'll have Nurse Conlin come in and change your dressings later, but other than that, you are free to leave tomorrow. We will take the IVs out this afternoon and start you on the pills. I want you to take them three times a day until they are gone. Have a good day, Mr. Morgan."

I could have shouted for joy at the news, but I remembered Kat and wondered if she would be sad I was leaving. I was wondering who Nurse Conlin was, when Kat came in pushing her little cart in front of her. I decided to be a smart ass without thinking out the consequences of my actions, as usual.

"I thought Nurse Conlin was supposed to change my bandages?"

She stopped and gave me a dirty look and roughly rolled me on my side and slowly pulled the tape off the lower bandage. Man did that ever hurt. I quickly asked her what happened to her nice and gentle bedside manner.

"I don't know, maybe you need to ask Nurse Conlin."

"I would if I knew who she was. At least maybe she would not make it so painful on my last day here."

She didn't say a word back just efficiently changed both bandages and rolled me back to a laying position before speaking.

"You know, Jon Morgan, I see what Sally means when she says you can be so dense at times. What is my name?"

I looked at her for a few minutes, thinking back over our previous conversations, and didn't have a clue to what she was asking.

"You said your name was Kathleen but that everyone called you Kat, and that I should too. Why am I supposed to be so dense, as you put it?"

She looked at me with a surprised look on her face before she started laughing up a storm. When she finally settled down, I must have been looking at her like she was nuts or something, because she gave me that cute little grin before explaining to me.

"Oh Jon, I am so sorry for laughing at you and being so mean. Nurse Conlin is me. I forgot I hadn't told you my last name, but I did remember telling Sally my whole name last night. I think I owe you an apology for being so spiteful. Now, will you let me formally introduce myself before I say I'm sorry again? My name is Kathleen Conlin, known to my friends as Kat, and I'm sorry for being so rough with you."

I looked at her trying to count her freckles before I replied to her.

"Well Kathleen Conlin, known to her friends as Kat, I'm glad you consider me to be a friend, because I would hate to be your enemy and under your care."

Well that one totally got her because she was laughing so hard she was doubled over next to my bed, holding her sides. That's where she was when Sally walked into the room. She took one look and got a big smile on her face as she came over and kissed me. Kat went over to her cart and got one of those wet wipe things out and was wiping her face, still trying to hold her laughter in. Sally went over to her and they both headed out of the room. Kat was still laughing and Sally was asking her questions as they walked. The last thing I head was Sally saying; "Oh my God Kat, he didn't say that, did he?"

Tiny came in, smiling at me and watching them as they walked around the corner.

"Do you want me to follow them, Jon?"

"No, Tiny, those two are up to no good. I can feel it in my bones. I think they will be ok while Kat shows her around the ward. I called the principal and it's all set up for you to be with Sally at the Prom, but there is one catch I had to agree to."

"What's that, Jon?"

"You not only have to watch Sally, but I volunteered you to be a chaperone for the night while you're there."

I waited for the explosion I was sure was coming, but to my surprise, he looked thoughtful for a moment then looked up at me and grinned.

"Thanks, Jon, this will be fun. I chaperoned my daughter's freshman dance and she said if I ever volunteered again, she would never speak to me again. Now I get to chaperone Sally and her friends. I am going to have a ball. Can you imagine some little teeny boppers, sneaking off to a dark corner to have a kiss and me showing up just as they try? Yep, I think I am going to enjoy this one a lot."

Oh my God, I thought, what have I done? Sally is gonna kill me when this is all over. I was smiling, though; thinking about her reaction when she found out that Tiny would be one of the chaperones. In a lot of ways, he was like a second dad to her and treated her like his own. I may not be there, but having Tiny there was almost the same as if I was. God help the boy who might try something out of line with her. Just the picture in my mind almost made me want to rub my hands together in glee.

"Jon, why have you got such a sneaky smile on your face?"

"Never mind Tiny, you wouldn't understand."



-------

Chapter 19


Tiny and I sat and talked about everything that had been going on for about an hour before Sally returned to the room. She had a big smile on her face and was upbeat and humming to herself.

"Hey, have you two had a nice visit? Jon, did you know that Kat is the first shift nursing supervisor? Man, she is in charge of everything and everybody. I think you and she will get along just fine. Oh, I forgot to tell you, since you're getting out of here in the morning, I invited her to dinner at our house tomorrow night. Myrna is fixing leg of lamb and all the trimmings for us."

This bit of news hit me with a jolt, and when I looked over at Tiny, he was smirking at the look on my face. I didn't have the heart to tell Sally no, it wasn't a good idea right now with all that's going on. She seemed happy that Kat was coming to visit. I was numb and didn't know how I felt about it. I did know I wanted to see her again, but maybe not so soon. I didn't get a chance to say anything to Sally because the subject of my thoughts came in. She proceeded to remove the IVs from my arm, all the while chatting with Sally like they had known each other for years. Watching them interact, I could see they both were completely comfortable with each other, and it made me wonder.

Sally had known Sarah since I had hired her, and they always were friendly. However, the ease of conversation and camaraderie I was seeing between Kat and Sally had never been there with Sarah and Sally. Even Myrna had never completely let her guard down with Sarah and it made me wonder what the difference was in this friendship.

"Earth to Jon! Earth to Jon!"

"What, can't a man even think in peace around here?"

When I saw the looks I got from both of them, I realized I had stepped in it again. Dammit, couldn't a man have a private thought without making someone mad at him? Kat looked at Sally and got a grin in return.

"I was asking if it was ok for me to come to dinner tomorrow. I know Sally wants me to, but what do you think about it?"

I looked her straight in those big green eyes and got lost and I think she felt the same. We just stared into each other's eyes until Sally cleared her throat and broke our connection to each other. Oh God, I thought, I am a goner. If looking into her eyes did that to me, I knew I couldn't trust myself to be alone with her for very long.

"Umm, I don't have a problem with it, but my daughter and my housekeeper run my life. It wouldn't do me any good to complain, especially if I ever wanted to live in peace again. Yes, you may come, but only if you promise not to let Myrna or Sally get you alone for any amount of time."

Kat looked at Sally, who was grinning, and then she started up that little girl laughter of hers. She pushed the IV cart into the corner and walked out of the room. I could still hear her laughing down the hall when Sally jumped on the bed next to me and hugged me.

"What was that for?"

"Oh I don't know. Maybe because I like you so much."

Tiny, who had been sitting quietly in the chair, busted out laughing. We both looked at him asking at the same time, what was so funny?

"I think I better start pressing my tux. She has you hogtied and roped, my friend. Now that I have seen for myself how you two react to each other, I am sure your daughter and my aunt Myrna have already got the wedding plans in the works."

I quickly looked at Sally who was grinning and looking way too thoughtful.

"Ok, that's it, time for you two to go home. I think there has been enough underhanded shenanigans for today. Besides Sally, your prom is day after tomorrow and Tiny is going to help out by being a chaperone while he is there."

She looked at me in shock and then at Tiny, who had a big grin on his face. He got up and headed for the door. Sally gave me one of those scorching looks that all females have before following him out. I heard her start chewing on him before they got ten feet away from my door. He was laughing and she was like a dog with a bone, just giving him hell as they walked. I leaned back and laughed, remembering the look of shock on her face. Plot against me, will she? Now if I could figure some way to get back at Myrna, then this whole thing would work out to my advantage. I figured getting Myrna wouldn't happen in my lifetime, but just thinking about it gave me a big laugh. Kat came in and sat down in the chair next to my bed and smiled at me.

"Jon, I saw Sally leave and she looked mad for some reason. Was it something I did?"

I looked at her and smiled before telling her why Sally seemed so upset. Tiny had almost been hung by his daughter the last time he chaperoned. She listened and started smiling part way through the story.

"Oh Jon, she will be so mad at you. I have to admit it was sneaky though, especially after she sprang the supper thing on you the way she did. Jon, I'm not trying to intrude into your life, but I have to tell you that for the first time since my husband died, I am interested in someone. I never thought I would find anyone else that I could connect to, but I have to you for some reason I don't quite understand. If I make a pest out of myself, please tell me before this goes too much further."

"Well, Kat, you are a pest, but a nice one. I'm still trying to count the freckles on your face. Seriously though, this is for me a first too. I haven't dated anyone since I got to the States. It hasn't been easy for me to adjust. With my grandfather dying so soon after I got here, it has been a little strained for me. I just mostly threw myself into my work and forgot about everything else in life. Sally has been a godsend to me, she has made it all worth while."

"Sally told me how she came to be your ward and soon to be your daughter. Jon, you are very lucky the courts allowed it to happen. A single man in this state taking in a small girl is somewhat of a rarity."

"No, it was having a good attorney. He is well known and respected all over this area. He and my grandfather were war heroes. They also grew up with all the judges and government officials in this area. I hadn't planned on taking in Sally, but when I saw how she was being treated, I couldn't help myself. I have never regretted it, but I sometimes wonder which one of us is the ward and who is in charge."

She broke out in that little girl laughter of hers and it sent tingles all through me. As I looked at her, I knew I was in serious trouble with this beautiful young woman. Then I asked a question that I probably shouldn't have, but I really wanted to know.

"Kat, if you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"

She abruptly stopped laughing and glared at me a moment before I saw her relax and smile at me again.

"I will be thirty-three in a few months, Jon. Is that too old for you?"

"Huh! Of course not, and I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, Kat. I was just wondering, is all. I will be thirty-four in a few months and sometimes I feel like I'm sixty. Umm, how many freckles do you have and are they just on your face?"

She looked at me for a moment and lost it again, and again I felt that tingling feeling.

"Maybe someday you'll find out, but no I have them in other places too. Why the fascination with freckles? I always hated them but my mother said it was my Irish heritage. She was covered with them too and my dad just loved to kid her about it until she got mad at him and they changed color. That's the only time I remember seeing my father run out of the house."

I would find out much later that the next thing I said was the thing that made her fall in love with me. It was said without thinking, as usual, but was heartfelt, which she realized at once.

"Not a fascination Kat, I was wondering how hard it would be to lick them off, and if they would even come off that way. I also love trying to count them when you're up close to me."

I thought she was going to fall off the chair, laughing at me. She got up and left, and I heard her mumbling something about licking them off. At least that's what it sounded like. The nurse who dispensed medicine came in just as she was leaving, and was smiling at her too. I was given two pills to take, and was told I needed to get up and walk some today. I just smiled at her, still hearing Kat laughing out by the nurses' desk. When the pill nurse left, I discovered I was hungry. But looking at the egg sandwich, I decided to pass on it. I lay back and dozed off, thinking about freckles for some strange reason.

I slept, dreaming I was chasing big freckles through a field. Every one I caught turned into a big M&M of a different flavor. I kept chasing and then for some strange reason I was smelling food cooking. The food smell was so strong it finally woke me up. As I did, I swiped my hand across my mouth and realized I had been drooling in my sleep.

I opened my eyes and saw a set of blue eyes, about three inches from mine and it startled the hell out of me. I jerked back and heard laughter, and then I realized it was Sally and she had been standing over me. I could still smell food cooking, and realized Myrna was sitting in the chair next to the bed. When I raised the bed, she got up and started to lay food out on the table the hospital used for that purpose.

"See Sally, he's just like his grandpop used to be. The smell of food would bring him back to the living in just a few minutes. Maybe we better find him a bib, though, 'cause he looks a little wet around the neck."

"Jon, what were you dreaming about? You kept muttering something about peanut butter and chocolate the whole time."

"I don't remember, Sally, but next time, don't scare me by being so close to my face when I wake up."

"Sorry, but I was trying to hear what you were saying."

I grinned at her as Myrna pushed the food over to where I could get to it. We all had a nice meal together, chatting back and forth about what was going on at the house and how far Pete and his crew had come with the fence. Myrna also told me that Jimmy had installed a state of the art burglar alarm system in the house. He was busy setting up all the cameras so that I would be able to see any part of the property day or night by using the joy stick and the keyboard. She grumbled that the place was like Grand Central Station, with everyone running in and out all day. I laughed and just looked at her.

"I bet you send them to town to eat lunch too, so you don't have to cook all morning."

That got me a dirty look, and when she started to say something, Sally piped up and shot her down, much to my delight.

"Are you kidding me? She has the back screen room set up like a restaurant. She is feeding all of them. I set up a tip jar, but she got mad about it until she saw how much money was in it. Now it sits in the middle of the table where everyone can reach it. I heard a couple of the single guys ask her out, but she says she is taken already. I still haven't figured out what she means by that. I've never seen her leave the house until you got hurt. Why I bet she has a hundred dollars tucked away by now."

"Sally Homes, if you don't shut that big mouth of yours, I'm going to have a talk with Jon about your sneaky little scheme."

I watched as they glared at each other and thought it was funny until it hit me what Myrna had said. I started to ask, but when they saw my mouth open all I got from both of them at the same time was two words; "Shut up!"

I decided to just stay out of it after that. I could see they were going to have a long discussion when they got home, if the looks they were giving each other were any sign of things to come. I hoped they had it all straightened out by the time I got home tomorrow. If not I would fake a relapse and stay here talking to Kat until it was safe to go home again. The really sad part of the whole thing was that it was my house, but I didn't have a thing to say about how it was run and never had. It didn't take them long after that to pack up the dirty dishes and get ready to leave. They still weren't speaking to each other, except for a glare now and then. Sally came over and kissed me goodbye and whispered in my ear.

"Don't worry, Jon, she's just ashamed to admit she likes the attention from all the guys. I think she really likes the older one but won't admit it. Maybe Kat and I can set her up for a date with him."

"If you need some help, you can call on me and Tiny."

She laughed out loud and Myrna was staring holes in both of us. I heard Myrna ask her something but not Sally's reply. Myrna was saying something about wait till she got Miss Big Mouth home, or something of the kind. I got out of bed after they disappeared and dug through my pants. I got some change out, and headed for the machines to get some coffee. It was like all machine coffee, not very good, but it was hot and it hit the spot after the meal I just had. I made it back to my room and sat on the chair and sipped it watching the news on TV. I must have dozed off again, because I was awakened by the night nurse helping me to bed where I slept a dreamless sleep the rest of the night.



-------

Chapter 20


When I woke up the next morning, it was very quiet and I was feeling totally refreshed. I looked at my watch and realized it was only 5 AM. Even though I knew they wouldn't release me until after the change of shifts, I decided to grab a bath and get dressed. Myrna had brought me clean clothes and taken my dirty ones with her when she and Sally left last night. I idly wondered how things had worked out after they got home, and I had to smile to myself thinking about it. Those two were closer than most mothers and daughters, but they did have their little falling outs like most people who loved each other.

I managed to get a shower without getting my bandages wet and got dressed. It felt good to have jeans and boots on again after wearing the drafty gown that the hospital had furnished. I had a little trouble spreading the clip on the pancake belt holster, but finally got it in place to suit me. I let the badge hang on the outside of my belt on the opposite side since it was made to be worn that way. I looked into the big mirror on the door and other than being a little pale, I was ready to go home where I belonged. I headed toward the coffee machine to get some of the stuff they called coffee, and almost ran over the nurse that had helped me to bed last night. She was coming out of another room.

"Mr. Morgan, you can't go home until the shift change and the discharge papers are ready for you to sign. Why are you wearing a gun in the hospital?"

I just turned so she could see my badge and when she saw what it said, she shut up and quickly walked away from me. I got my first cup of rotten coffee and was sitting in one of the visiting room chairs, when Kat came around the corner. I quickly stood up and that's when I realized just how petite she really was.

"Jon, you shouldn't be up yet. I just talked to the night nurse and you gave her quite a fright. My, but you do look a lot different fully dressed. I have a sandwich and some good coffee in your room if you're interested."

"You betcha. This stuff is hot, but has no kick to it. What time are you supposed to come to dinner tonight?"

"Well, I'm off for the next two days, so we figured around six or so. That will give me time to go home and get cleaned up. Besides, it's a half hour drive to your place from mine."

We walked back to my room together and she chatted the whole time. I noticed that she barely came up to my shoulder, I was so caught up in the lights shining in her hair that I didn't hear a word she said. At least not until we got to the door of my room, where she abruptly stopped. I banged into her so hard I had to grab her to keep her from falling. That was my undoing, because when she turned to face me, I kissed her. The moment my lips touched hers, I felt like I couldn't stand. She must have been feeling the same thing because I felt her weaving to the side. I backed away and looked at her. She was standing there with her eyes closed so I started to kiss her again. She must have realized where she was because she stepped back, still smiling at me.

"Jon Morgan, if anyone else had done that, I would have slapped them silly, but I liked it too much. If anyone saw us, I will be the talk of the hospital. Now, eat your sandwich and I will see about getting your paperwork together."

She went out the door, leaving me standing in the room, wondering what the hell had just happened. I went to pick up the coffee and noticed my hands were shaking. Damn, I needed to stay away from her if she did this to me with just a short kiss. I sat down on the edge of the bed, fumbling with the sandwich until I finally got it unwrapped. I ate it on automatic because my mind sure wasn't on eating.

I was still sitting on the edge of the bed in a daze when Sally came in.

"Jon, are you ok?"

"What! Oh, Hi Sally. What did you say?"

"I asked if you were ok. What's wrong, you look like you saw a ghost or something? We came in to get you and take you home. I'll be right back, I want to say hi to Kat."

She was back out the door in a flash and Bill came in right after she left. I got what little I had together, and put it in the bag that Kat had brought the sandwich in. I was stalling for time to get my wits back together so I wouldn't look like a total fool in front of Bill. He had a smile on his face. I remembered what Tiny had said about my parents' property and decided to ask him about it on our way home. He walked out to the front desk with me and we found Sally and Kat laughing up a storm about something. I could feel my face getting red as I walked up to the desk where they were.

"Jon, I have all the paperwork ready for you to sign. You do know I will have to wheel you out in a wheelchair though? Don't make faces, it's hospital policy. We do it for everyone, whether they can walk or not."

I signed all the papers and let her push me and the wheelchair into the elevator, with Sally smirking the whole time. I waited until everyone's attention was off me, and then stuck my tongue out at her. That was all it took to wipe the smirk off her face and have it replaced with a look of shock. Then she was laughing at me. When we rolled out of the elevator, she was holding my hand and still sniggering. Kat and Bill were looking at both of us like we were from another planet. Finally Kat couldn't stand it and had to ask, but the question was directed at Sally and I think it caught her off guard a little.

"Sally, what is so darned funny? First you were smirking at Jon, then you were laughing, and now you're holding his hand and smirking again. Would you like to let the rest of us in on the little joke?"

"I don't think so Kat. This one is between me and my dad. Besides, you already had your fun this morning."

Kat got red as a beet, even redder than her hair. Bill looked at me, then at her in a bewildered way. Then he looked at Sally, who was smirking again. I figured I had better head this one off before someone got their feelings hurt or even worse, got mad at me.

"Bill, I need to have a talk with you on the way home. I think you have been holding out on me."

This time it was Sally and Kat who looked lost at the direction this conversation had headed. Bill went to get the car and I stood up and waited. Kat and Sally were talking quietly with their heads close together.

"If you two can't say it so everyone can hear, then don't say it at all. I hate for anyone to whisper behind my back. Sally, you know better. Kat, I am going to miss your company, but I am glad to be going home. I hope you don't decide to back out of dinner for tonight. I am looking forward to it."

We climbed into the car, leaving her with her mouth hanging open in shock. I smiled at her and Sally waved as we pulled away from the hospital. We got out of the city before I started on Bill.

"Ok, Bill, tell me about the property in West Virginia. How come you never mentioned that my grandfather and Runt had words over it before?"

He glanced at me with a shocked look on his face, and then it hit me. He hadn't known about Runt and my grandfather. His next words confirmed it immediately.

"I'm sorry, Jon, but this is all news to me. Many years ago, your grandfather bought a hundred and fifty acres on one of the few high spots along the PawPaw River. He had an a-frame cabin built and we all used to go there at least once a month to fish and play cards. I never knew that he and Dwight had argued about the property. How did you find out about this when he never said a word to me?"

"I just found out about it myself. How come you never told me about the cabin, Bill? I need to know where it's located and what kind of shape it's in."

"We have a caretaker who keeps it repaired, so it should still be in good shape. Why is the cabin so important all of a sudden, Jon?"

"The church has a compound that straddles the state line in that area. If the Runt was trying to force my grandfather to sell it, it must be close to their compound or even border it. This could be the break I been looking for, Bill. I need to know more about it and its location. Do you have a plat of where it lies and how close it is to Maryland?"

"I can do you better than that, Jon. I have up to date aerial photos of the whole area that were taken last year. Your mom and dad had so many parcels of land that I commissioned aerial photos of all their properties so we could find them easier. It was all done by a professional. The photos are clear and very detailed with G.P.S. readings for each corner of the boundaries. I will bring them over to you this afternoon."

"Bill, does Jeb know where the cabin is located?"

"Sure, Jon, he used to go with us when his wife would let him slip out for the weekend. She always thought we were bringing women into the cabin. Your mom used to love the place and would go fishing there every summer with your dad. There are some huge catfish in the river and she loved to eat them, just like the rest of us."

We had pulled up in front of the house, so any further conversation was halted. I was greeted by Myrna and Tiny, who had been standing in the driveway waiting for us to arrive. From the way she jumped out, opened my door and tried to help me out, Sally must have thought she was helping an invalid. I just grinned at her and let her put on her little show. Myrna hugged me and said "Welcome home", and Tiny, being Tiny, just stood by with a stupid looking grin on his face. I knew something was up by the way he refused to meet my eyes when I looked at him. Bill said he had to go back to his office for awhile, but would be back later and would bring all the photographs with him. He almost ran back to the car, he was in such a hurry to leave.

"That's it, you three, stop it. What the hell is going on? Myrna, I don't know what you have up your sleeve, but knowing you, it has to be something I won't like. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been waiting for me to arrive. Now what's going on?"

Sally and Tiny looked at each other and started for the front door.

"Hold it you two! I know you both know about whatever is going on, so you can stay and take the heat too. Besides, I don't think it is fair for you two to abandon Myrna when she is so upset and guilty looking."

Myrna looked at me with wide eyes, and then suddenly she had tears in them that were running down her cheeks. This shocked me to the core and without thinking; I hugged her to me, trying to apologize for shouting. I looked up, and Tiny and Sally were disappearing into the house like their pants were on fire. Then I realized that this was something very personal that Myrna wanted to talk to me about without an audience.

"I'm sorry Myrna, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. If you're in trouble, you know I will help you all I can."

"I'm not in trouble Mr. Jon. I have something to tell you, but I feel so ashamed for not discussing it with you before I did it."

"Myrna, you have nothing to be ashamed about. You're the one person I can depend on when everything else is falling apart. Just say what you need to, and I'm sure we can work it out."

"Promise me you won't get mad and fire me?"

"Myrna, you're family and I wouldn't fire you, regardless of how bad you might think it is. Besides, if you left who would look after me and Sally?"

"I moved into the old caretaker's cottage with Carver."

If what she was saying was what I thought it was, I felt like shouting for joy. Myrna had finally met a man she could love and take care of. If she felt as happy as I did at this moment, then we both must be shouting inside. I decided I would play along and see what else she had to tell me. But whatever it was, I would be happy for her.

"His name is Carver Pierce. He works on the crew with Pete. I don't know how it happened, but we just sort of connected. Jon, I never thought I would care for anyone besides you and Sally, but he just kinda wormed his way into my heart. He is a kind and gentle person, and is well liked by all the men who work with him. He was looking for a place to rent and talked to me about it. Before I knew it, we were moving in together. Oh Jon, am I being an old fool? I mean, at my age, I shouldn't be chasing men, but I think I want to see where this goes. He is coming to supper tonight so you can meet him. I already told him that if you didn't like him, he would have to look for somewhere else to live. I don't want to lose my home and family over a man, even if he is special to me. There ain't no man worth that, Jon."

"Whoa, Myrna. You are old enough to decide what makes you happy. I don't think I have a say in it. If he is who you think you want, then go for it. I wouldn't dream of firing you, and I certainly wouldn't dislike someone just because you live with them. Myrna, as long as you're happy, then I am too. I will say one thing here, and I want you to fully understand what I am saying. If he ever lays one finger on you, he will become a cripple as soon as I find out about it. Tiny would kill him if he found out something like that was happening. Myrna, I will give him a chance, and I really hope it works out for you and him. Nothing in this world would make me happier that to see you happy and enjoying all life has to offer. Besides, if you have someone to keep your attention, then maybe you and Sally won't plot against me so much. Maybe after all these years I can be boss in my own house."

She hugged me and stepped back with a smile and clearly said; "That'll be the day."

I broke out in laughter and hugged her again as we walked toward the front door. As we went in the house, I wondered about this man and if him meeting Myrna was on the up and up. I would have a quiet talk with Pete to find out how much he knew about Carver and his background, before I made a few calls and had my own checks done on him. I didn't want Myrna to be hurt, but he might not be what he seemed. I was thinking that the sooner we knew for sure, the better it would be for her and the rest of us. I would reserve judgment until I had him checked out and met him, and formed my own opinion. Damn, now I had another monkey wrench thrown into the mix.

When we got in the house, Myrna went to the kitchen and I headed for my study. When I stepped inside I immediately noticed that the gun safe had been replaced. I went over to it and it wasn't locked. I opened one of the massive doors and from what I could tell, all the guns had been returned and they all looked like they had been recently cleaned. The older guns looked like the stocks had been treated with something to make them shine like new. I pulled out one of the old shotguns and looked down the barrel. It was spotless. Man, this was great I thought. I had been putting off cleaning them because of the work involved. Now it looked like it had all been done for me. My pistols were lined up on their hooks and looked like they had been gone over too. I took one down, and as soon as I pulled back the slide, I knew it had been cleaned by somebody because my marks were all gone. I would take them to Jeb and have all of them test fired to make sure they hadn't been tampered with. I took off the one I was wearing then went to my desk and unlocked the bottom drawer. I pulled out the Sig and put the shoulder holster on, after making sure my marks were still on the slide and mag. When I opened the top drawer, there laying with the speed loaders was the pistol I had bought for Sarah. I had never given it any thought after I gave it to her, but she had been smart enough to know she couldn't take it with her on the plane or in her luggage, and had given it back to me. I decided I would have Jeb ship it to her when we got her new address. He could do it since he had a Federal Firearms License for dealing anywhere.

I sat down at my desk, thinking about her and wondering how she was doing. I looked at the gun safe, then realized it was different than the old one. This one had a combination lock instead of a key lock. I didn't like this at all, because if I needed one of them in an emergency, it would take too long to get into the safe. Besides, I liked the key style better because then Myrna could have one of the keys, just in case. I would have to call the manufacturer and have it changed over to the key style as soon as possible.

I sat back, thinking about the property, when Myrna came in with coffee and some sweet rolls.

"Jon, Carver is here and asked if he could speak to you in private. Will you talk to him and see if it's ok for him to live here?"

"Of course Myrna, send him in. We can have coffee together and get to know each other a little."

She gave me that special smile of hers before she went out. It was about three minutes later when there was a knock at the study door and I said it was open. When he came, in I was impressed by him immediately, thinking to myself that Myrna had quite a man here. He wasn't young by a long shot but he certainly didn't look his age either. He asked for permission to sit and I waved at the chair. I poured us both a cup of coffee as he sat down.

"Mr. Morgan, my name's Carver Pierce and I'm in love with your house keeper. Before you ask, I know it's kinda sudden, but I want to stay here with her. I know you will have me checked out, but I have nothing to hide, so go ahead. I don't have a record and I am retired from the Army after twenty-five years of service. I'm originally from North Carolina and since I retired, I have just been driving and seeing the country. I went to work for Pete as a job supervisor and have been with him for eight months. I have never been married because I made the Army my career and didn't want to drag a wife and kids all over the world with me. I think she feels the same way about me as I do about her, and we are trying to find out if we were meant for each other or not. So far, we are very happy and I think the world of her. Oh, and I am sixty years old. If wish to know anything else, just ask, Sir."

"Ok, Carver, I can see it took a lot for you to swallow your pride and come in and talk with me this way. You are right, I will have you totally checked out, but that's not important to me. Myrna is and always will be a part of my family. She is my ward's mother in almost every sense, and my strong right arm. I have no problems with you and her in any way, and you are welcome here. I will tell you the same thing I told her, so you better take this to heart. I am not threatening you in any way, but if you ever lift a hand toward her, I will cripple you for the rest of your life. If her nephew Tiny gets to you first, he will kill you with his bare hands. There is a lot going on right now, so I would appreciate it if you would keep your eyes open for strangers on the property. If you see anyone that hasn't been to the house, let me or Tiny know immediately. Also, from now on, just call me Jon, please. Mr. Morgan was my grandfather's name and he deserved the respect of being called so."

"Ok, Jon, now let me clear the air a little too. I have never and will never hit a woman. Myrna is very special to me, even though we haven't known each other that long. I have already talked to Tiny and he told me almost the same thing you just did. I know about the things going on here, and will be glad to help out in any way I can. I will keep my eye out, not only on the house and grounds, but on Myrna and your ward, Sally. If I am here, I promise I won't let anyone touch them for any reason. Jon, if you need some extra eyes or help, don't be afraid to yell. I have served in several wars and seen more action than I care to talk about, so I am not afraid to do what's needed. From your manner and the straight forward way you speak, I would be willing to bet you have commanded too. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get back to work before I get fired for taking too long of a lunch break."

He nodded his head at me and went out the door. I sat back in the chair and thought about what he had said. I realized the way he had conducted himself told me right then he could be trusted and that there was no worry when he was around my family. How I knew this I couldn't say, but I knew I was right. It still didn't stop me from making the call to find out about him from some of my contacts in Interpol. They would run him and I would know everything about him in a day or so. Then I had to smile, wondering if Myrna would boss him around like she had always done to me. If she did, then he would be in the same boat the rest of us were in. We would all be members of the "Myrna Brow Beat Club". I chuckled at the thought and then looked at the small monitors set up next to my desk in the little bookcase.

I had a plan starting in the back of my mind, but it all hinged on what the maps showed when Bill brought them out this afternoon for me to look at. If the cabin was where I thought it was, then I knew I had the perfect cover for what I wanted to do. If the location of the cabin was right, I would have a meeting in the morning with Jeb and his two men and set it all in motion. This was coming together a lot easier than I thought it might. Then I remembered the safe. I got up and got the packet of directions off the door where it was taped, looking for the company's phone number. It was toll free and I called and found out they would come out tomorrow and change the combo lock to a key lock with no charge to me since it was under warranty and brand new. The man I was talking to told me that they had already been notified I would probably want the change, so they had the parts in stock. When I hung up the phone, I called a locksmith I had done business with before. I asked him how hard it would be to change the tumblers to fit a different set of keys. He told me it would take about an hour and to call when I wanted it done. He would send someone out right away to do it.

I sat back, wondering if I was being a little paranoid, but then I remembered the government in this country, like all others, had long arms. They wouldn't hesitate to have an extra key put in file, just in case they wanted to raid me again. If I had it changed after the factory rep put in his tumblers, then they wouldn't have any idea that they no longer had access to my safe. I wasn't stupid enough to think that the Runt wouldn't still have his contacts, and could get his hands on a copy of the key so he could set me up if all else failed. If I didn't have Sally and Myrna to worry about, I would make this into a little game of nerves. I would be willing to bet theirs would snap first. This would be guerilla warfare at its finest, if there weren't civilians involved who could get hurt.



-------

Chapter 21


I dozed off again in the chair, thinking about my plan to do a little information gathering on the church. Jimmy woke me up when he came in to check on the monitors.

"Oh, hey Jon, I didn't know you were back already. We have about ten more cameras to set up and we will be done outside. When Pete gets the gatehouse finished, I will come back out and do it too. There won't be any wires lying around so there won't be a mess. Man, I gotta tell you, it has been fun to be working outside again. I have missed it since I started my own business. Tiny is like a big kid out there, climbing trees and acting like he never grew up."

"I hate to be the one to tell you, Jimmy, but I don't think he ever did. Are these cameras going to be easy to spot and are they waterproof?"

"Jon, these are my own invention and I own the patent. This is the first time we have used them, and I am anxious to see for myself how they do. I have four receiving antennas set up so you should never lose communications with them. One is on the house and one on the barn, and two others are hidden on the grounds. When I get the monitors tested, you will be able to switch back and forth between each one or let the system do it automatically. They will run about a year before I have to change the batteries, and are virtually undetectable by most field equipment. Weather has no effect on them and you can see at night, almost as well as day, by a simple flip of a toggle switch. They all have auto focus so the picture will be clear and precise at all times. If they do well, I plan to market them commercially."

"Well, Jimmy, if you need an investor, you can count on me to help. Bill and I are always looking for new products to invest in. If it's all run by radio frequency, can't someone hear or get a lock on them?"

"They are almost silent and the frequency they operate on is so rarely looked at, I doubt if anyone would think of it. The nice thing is if you need another monitoring station, it only takes about a half hour to install before it's up and running. Your office, as you can see, has four monitors, one for each corner of the property. Oh, I forgot to tell you, the cameras have built in motion detectors that are preset for sensitivity. A deer might set one off but a squirrel or bird won't. Jon, I'm not charging for the cameras, just the labor and monitors. This is my field test before I go public with them, so I will be watching them from my place also. If there is any kind of problem, I will know immediately and can make the adjustments or repairs. Man, you couldn't have come along at a better time."

I just smiled at him and decided to go to the kitchen for a cup of coffee to get out of his way. The safe guy was due, and I was also anxiously waiting for Bill to return so I could get a look at the maps he was bringing with him. I went into the kitchen and found Myrna was sitting at the counter. If the look on her face was any indication, her mind was a million miles away. I got my coffee and sat down at the other end of the counter, trying not to disturb her train of thought. Boy, as usual, she didn't miss a thing.

"Jon, what did you think of Carver? Do you think it will be ok for him to live in the cottage house?"

"Myrna, I told you before that I didn't have a problem with it. As for what I think of him, he seems to be ok. You have to take into account that I don't know him very well yet. From our conversation he seems to be serious in his intentions toward you, though. So, how did you two meet the first time, and please don't tell me you offered him food, and he fell in love with your cooking."

She busted out laughing at that before she answered me.

"No, not really. The day Pete and his men started on the fence, he came in and asked if it was ok to fill the water jugs from the outside faucet. I guess it kind of went from there. It seemed like every time I turned around, he was there with that big smile and soft voice. We finally got a little time to talk, and before either of us knew it, over an hour had passed. Finally one of the men came looking for him to find out about their water. I guess it kind of snowballed from there. Jon, do you really think I am not too old to fall for someone?"

"No one alive is too old for that, Myrna. What you have to remember is that you have been in this house for years, doing your job and taking care of my grandfather. That would make anyone lonely and craving for some companionship. I can only advise you to take it slow and just be yourself. If it's meant to be, then it will all work out for the best. I will say that, as the owner of this fine home we all live in, if you treat him any different than you do me, you both can move."

She looked at me in shock before what I said finally dawned on her. She was laughing to beat the band as she poured me another cup of coffee saying she would start supper for my guest in about an hour. It was my turn to look shocked because I had completely forgotten about Kat coming to dinner tonight. I gave her a dirty look and got that grin I loved so much in return.

"Where's Sally? I haven't seen her or Tiny since they ran into the house after we got home."

"Those two are acting like kids; they are out in the woods with Jimmy's men. I swear, you would think they didn't have a lick of sense, swinging from trees and throwing sticks at each other like a couple of kids or something. Sally I can understand, cause she's a tomboy through and through, but Tiny is supposed to be a full grown man. He's worse than she is with his carrying on. They both are trying to avoid you because Kat is coming tonight and Sally planned the whole thing."

"Yea, like you didn't have a hand in it. Myrna, I know you better than that, so we better drop it before you and I end up like you and Sally at the hospital last night."

I got a grin from her, and then Bill came in with about ten document tubes in his hands. I told him to take them to the dining room table where we would have more room. Myrna said to go ahead, she would bring coffee in as soon as she made another pot. I followed him into the dining room and he was pulling a laminated aerial map from one of the tubes as I walked in. I grabbed several small brass statues from a shelf so we could use them to hold the edges of the map down and keep it from rolling back up.

"This is less than a year old, Jon. It shows the cabin and the surrounding property. As you can see, the cabin sits on top of a tall knoll overlooking everything in the valley. I don't know who did the original survey, but he must have been drunk because of the way it twists and turns. Here is the Paw Paw River, which is the lower boundary. I don't know what all these buildings are, but they are directly below the cabin. One of them sits about a foot across the line at the upper end."

"Bill, that has to be the church's compound. See, there are people working in the fields in the upper part of the picture. This just made my day, my friend. I can put someone in the cabin and they will have a clear shot for some camera work. No wonder the church wanted the property so bad. It had a direct view directly down on them. Anyone moving in their compound could be plainly seen from the cabin."

"If you do what I think you are planning, you are going to stir up a hornet's nest, Jon. They will have a fit about anyone living in that cabin, if they are trying to hide something from outside view."

I went on to tell him about Jeb and the two men he said would be glad to help out. The more I explained to him, the more his whole demeanor became animated. I also told him that while this was going on, I would be taking Sally and Myrna away for a month on holiday. I wouldn't be around in case they tried to do anything because I leased the cabin to someone. I told him some more of my plan and he almost exploded, he was so excited.

"Jon, this sure fell in your lap. I can't believe anyone would suspect anything, the way you are going to do it. But, if you can get Myrna to go with you and Sally, I will be surprised. Hell, Jon, she hasn't left this house except to visit you in the hospital since Helen died. Umm, if you don't mind me asking, what did you think of Carver?"

Before I could formulate an answer, Myrna came in with fresh coffee. She refilled my cup and poured Bill one. Then she saw the map and got excited.

"I know that place. It's the hunting cabin on the river. Your mom and I used to take some of the older kids there for a weekend getaway. They loved it and it got them out of the orphanage for the whole weekend. Those were the good ole days, Jon. I have walked all over this place and fished in the river for hours on end. The kids loved it and would beg to go every time they got a holiday or weekend free. The only bad thing was the neighbors who lived in the valley below. They were the most unfriendly people I have ever met. They were always complaining about this and that."

I looked at Bill in surprise and went on to tell Myrna about what we were planning on doing. She looked at me for a few minutes and sat down in one of the chairs, seeming to go into a trance. I looked at Bill again and he just shrugged at my puzzled glance. I watched her and had decided to shake her when she jumped up scaring the hell out of me. She went to one of the cupboards in the corner, digging in one of the drawers. When she turned around, she was holding a red grease pencil in her hand, smiling at us. I watched as she went to the aerial map and looked at it for a few minutes before drawing several circles at different points on the property.

"Jon, if it were me looking for good evidence, I would put several of Jimmy's little cameras at each circle, hooked up to DVD recorders. Then you would have a way to review all that's going on at the church. Jimmy showed me the little tiny recorders that are the size of a small hard drive. They could be hidden easily, and the discs could be changed every two days. I bought one of them from him to use for my stock listings, so I could record the different trends I was watching."

She gave me a smile and walked out of the dining room, leaving Bill and me in shock.

"You know, Jon, that woman never ceases to amaze me with all she knows. She does have a valid point, though. With you being a CASA investigator, it would be legal to do what she is saying, if you are looking for a child that is missing. Those discs could also be used in court or to get warrants to raid their compound. Also, if you were able to get a picture of the uncle who kidnapped her, that is also grounds for a warrant. The FBI, from what I gathered, would love to have an excuse to get their hands on some of the records from this group. The one you got into in Texas had hi speed internet, and I bet this one is in touch with all the other branches. I have been doing some subtle checking myself. This group is well known to all the different agencies, but none have been able to get inside to investigate. Even the IRS said that they file taxes and legal paperwork every year. They have audited several of them and found nothing out of the ordinary. If that girl is there like you were told, that's all the excuse the FBI would need to get search warrants. Jon, I think this is going to move a lot faster than you can imagine."

"I would love nothing better, Bill. Can you call Jeb later and have him call his two men in to meet with me tomorrow? Also, I want you to draw up a legal lease for me to use when this comes off. I need to talk to Jimmy about getting more of his little cameras and some of those recorders. Oh, and another thing, he is looking for some backing to take his invention public. We need to check into it because if they do everything he says, we stand to make a lot of money out of the deal. I suggest you have a talk with him about buying into his company. I think we can garner a lot of contracts from the government for them. I think we better stop now and meet again tomorrow. I have a guest coming tonight for dinner and I need to get a shower and change before she gets here."

He laughed and said he already knew. He also said that he thought she was very pretty and that Sally had already told him she was going to get us together, if it was the last thing she did before she went back to school this fall. He was laughing at the look on my face as he walked out the door to leave. Me, I sat down in a chair thinking about what he said, wondering why I seemed to always be behind in all the schemes going on around me. I was a fairly smart man, but for some damned reason, I was always behind my daughter and Myrna when it came to anything I should have been informed about first. If those two thought for one minute I would fall for her, then they were probably right. I had to admit I was smitten by her. All I had to do was close my eyes and think about her and that cute little smile with the dimples would instantly fill my mind. This was getting me nowhere, I thought, as I rolled up the picture and put the statues back on the shelf. I leaned all the tubes in the corner and headed for my room to see what I had to wear for dinner. I had to chuckle at myself, because now I was getting excited, wondering what she would look like in street clothes and how she would dress away from the hospital. I was singing in the shower and hadn't even realized it until Sally walked by my door and yelled in at me.

"Jon, if she hears that, she will leave before you get done washing. You sound like a bullfrog with a cold. Now hurry up, will you, she should be here at any minute."

Jeesh, now I was catching it from a thirteen year old. I could see right now I was going to have to have a talk with Sally about her manners. I had to grin to myself though because she sounded almost as excited as I felt. When I got out of the shower and shaved, I found a pair of almost new jeans and a clean western shirt to wear. I dug out my snakeskin boots. I had paid a fortune for them but never had anywhere to wear them, so they stayed in the closet. I took a good look at my wardrobe and realized I was going to have to go shopping, and soon. Everything I owned was looking ragged and worn. I had one suit to my name and no casual clothes at all. I had never been a clothes horse, unlike a lot of my friends. In the Legion, everything was furnished and you were never out of uniform under threat of ten lashes for insubordination. I heard the doorbell ring and hurried down the steps, hoping to beat everyone to the door for a change.

Of course Myrna beat me by a mile, with Sally running a close third to us. When Kat was shown in, I froze in total panic. My God! She looked like a living Barbie Doll, the way she was dressed. I was frozen in place in total amazement at the sight in front of me. It didn't bother Sally any. She ran up to Kat and they hugged, then Sally introduced Myrna to her. They all started talking and coming toward me. I didn't know whether to run or hide. I was wondering how any man could be expected to have a conversation with a vision like the one in front of me. I didn't have long to find out as she spotted me and smiled. I swear, I thought I was going to pass out when she did that.

"Jon, I'm a little early, but I thought it would give us time to talk a little more. Jon, are you ok?"

"God you're beautiful," I blurted out with the blood rushing out of my head.

Well, Sally and Myrna totally lost it. I couldn't think of a damn thing to say when she smiled at me again, after I blurted out my now famous household line. For the rest of the night, Sally and Myrna repeated it over and over. Kat told me a little later over drinks that she thought the line and my deer in the headlights look was sweet. I didn't know it at the time, but Sally and Myrna had arranged for her to stay over so she wouldn't have to drive home so late at night. We had one of the greatest evenings I could ever remember having. We sat and talked about each others' life, and all the things we had been through, and how we had both handled them in our own way to cope and go on living. She told me all about her husband, how they met and a lot of their life together. I told her about my time in the Legion and all the places they had sent me over the years. Myrna finally came in and said it was almost two in the morning and since Kat would be staying over, maybe we should continue with this tomorrow. I must have looked shocked, because I got a laugh out of both of them as she kissed me good night and let Myrna lead her to the room she was sleeping in.

I cleaned up the dirty glasses and headed for bed myself, wondering what tomorrow would bring from this childlike woman that I realized had stolen my heart in one night. As my head hit the pillow, I just hoped she felt the same, because if she didn't I was going to be hurting for a long time to come. I finally fell asleep, thinking about the girl in the compound wondering how much longer it would be before I got her out of there and back to her mother.



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Chapter 22


When I awoke the next morning, I felt like I had been reenergized somehow. I got washed and headed for the kitchen for my first cup of coffee. To my utter astonishment, Myrna wasn't there. I had already started a pot of coffee before I made the mistake of looking at the clock. It was only five in the morning, but I felt like I had slept for ten hours. Neither my shoulder nor side was hurting, which I was happy about, because I had a full day today. I was taking my first sip of coffee when Myrna came wandering in the back door. I almost choked on my sip, because she looked like she had been out in a windstorm. When she saw me sitting there with a big grin on my face, she gave me a dirty look. I decided I would get the first word in for a change to see how she reacted. Big, big mistake on my part.

"Hard night, Myrna?"

"Don't be a smart aleck Mr. 'Oh My God You're Beautiful!'"

I busted up laughing at her early morning rendition of my reaction to Kat last night. She just grinned at me with a silly look on her face. She got a cup of coffee and came over and sat down beside me looking thoughtful.

"Jon, I don't mean to make fun of you, but I have never seen anyone react the way you did last night when you first saw her. I can't believe how beautiful she is, Jon. I know I always ride you about getting out to meet someone, but now someone has come to you. If you let her slide through your fingers, you're crazy. I watched you two in the den last night, and you reminded me of your father and mother. You both were so at ease with each other. If I hadn't known you had just met, I would have thought you were married. You do know that she and Sally are already trying to figure out a way to keep you interested in her? If I thought it would help, I would join them, but I think you are already hooked. I thought my falling for Carver was quick, but after last night, I think you hold the record in this house."

"Myrna, I have been all over the world, and over the years have met a lot of women, but never have I ever been around one that does what she does to me. It's like when I am near her, I have a cloud in my mind. All I can see is her, and for the life of me, I can't concentrate enough to pay attention to anyone but her. When I first saw her last night, I thought I was going to pass out. Myrna, I don't know why, but I think I'm in love for the first time in my life."

"Well, Jon, if it means anything, I think she feels the same way about you. All evening she couldn't keep her eyes off you. Sure she talked to everyone, but her eyes were on you the whole time. I saw the same thing every time your mother looked at your father. I don't know what you have planned for today, but if you're as smart as I think you are, you will include her in your plans. I don't think she will accept anything else but to spend more time with you."

"I have that meeting with Jeb this morning, to get all my plans for spying on the church set into motion. I don't think it's a good idea to drag her to that. Some of what she would hear would shock her enough to drive her back to the city in shock."

"Don't underestimate her, Jon. I watched her last night, and under all that beauty, I have a feeling she is hard as iron. I have a feeling the feminine side of her only comes out around you and Sally. With that red hair, I would bet she has a temper almost as bad as yours. Jon, you told her what you do, and she still came, so your plans to rescue a girl from a bunch of fanatics shouldn't bother her at all. Jon, that is a very smart woman, and it wouldn't surprise me if some of her insights would be a help to you. Besides, I'll give her my little ball bat to keep you in line."

I just laughed and got a big grin from Myrna when I did.

"I'll be back in a little bit. I have to wake Carver and get dressed. Think about what I said, and if I know you at all, I think you will agree with me."

I watched her leave, wondering if, once again, she might be right about Kat. I really wanted to spend all the time I could with her, but I still didn't want to shock her or drive her away when she saw some of the dangers of my job. I did know that if she couldn't accept it, then we would go our separate ways. The kids were more important to me than my personal feelings. Hell, it would tear me apart if we did, but I had to be realistic, this case meant more to me than any other I had worked on. I felt driven, for some reason, to rescue this girl and get her home where she belonged. I had nightmares over this one, ever since she had been taken the second time. This group needed to pay for all the harm they had done to the kids, and I would do all I could to make that happen. Being the fatalist I was, all I could do was shrug my shoulders and hope for the best outcome for our relationship.

I got up, filled my cup, and went to the dining room and unrolled the map again. The first thing that caught my eye was the red rings Myrna had put on it. The more I looked, the more I had to admire where she had suggested putting the cameras. I went to the desk, got out the big magnifying glass, and went over the area an inch at a time. Yep, she had hit the best spots for observation right on the head. The farthest camera would have a complete view of the fields and garden area where I figured all the women worked every day. If the girl was there, then she had to come there sooner or later. I almost jumped on the table when Kat spoke behind me. I wondered why she was up so early.

"I'm working on a plan to free a girl from a bad situation. Why are you up so early? I figured as late as you went to bed, you would sleep in today."

She came up beside me and as I turned to her, she took my face in her hands and pulled me down and kissed me. Oh God, I thought, here we go again. It lasted for a couple of minutes then she stepped back to look at me. I felt kind of dazed and she must have seen it on my face, because she smiled that dimpled smile and stepped back up to me and kissed me again. This time I couldn't hold back and kissed her like my life depended on it. I didn't know how long we had been kissing until we were interrupted.

"Would you two like a private room, or would you like something to eat besides each other?"

If she wasn't my daughter, I would kill her, I thought, as Kat turned red and started laughing at the look on my face. She and Sally were grinning at each other as they turned to go to the kitchen. They went out the door, talking back and forth a mile a minute. I followed them, and if someone could have read my thoughts, I would have been arrested for murder. Oh, but Sally had one coming, and I would have a little private talk with Tiny before she went to the prom. Two could play this game, I thought, as I went into the kitchen for breakfast.

I sat down in my usual spot, and Kat sat down beside me, with Sally sitting across from us. When I looked at Sally, I got that dirty little grin she had when she thought she was smarter than I was. I saw Myrna look at Carver and he just shrugged at her. I sat and ate, listening to Sally and Kat talking back and forth between mouthfuls of food. To my surprise, Kat loved grits and ate them with butter and sugar. Myrna was smiling when Kat asked for seconds. I was so busy glaring at Sally and being ignored, that I didn't see Carver get up and kiss Myrna before he left. Sally did though, and made the ahhh sound and got smacked with a spoon. She giggled and Myrna smiled at her.

"Jon, what were you saying about making plans to rescue a girl?" Kat asked.

Before I could say a word, Sally was telling her the whole story. Kat sat and listened, totally fascinated by what she was hearing. I looked at Myrna and got that "I told you so" look. I just shook my head and finished eating. I knew I wasn't going to get a word in edgewise with Sally around. I finished my breakfast and grabbed my coffee, telling Kat I had some calls to make and Sally would show her around until I got finished. I got a funny look from Myrna, but she didn't say anything. I went to my study and closed and locked the door as I went in. I felt ashamed of what I was about to do, but at this stage of the game, I couldn't take any chances on anything.

I was following something that wouldn't come to the surface, but like when I was in the Legion, I knew I had to do it. I got a card out of my wallet, pulled out my cell, and dialed the number on it, trying to justify to my conscience what I was doing. I knew my feelings for Kat were real, and I had a feeling hers were too. I asked for Maurice and he came on right away, asking when I was coming back to France to live. We were speaking in French, and shot the breeze for a few minutes before he got down to business, wanting to know what I needed. I spent the next five minutes, giving him the information on Kat that he needed to answer my questions to right away. He said he had the information Carver that I wanted and was faxing it to me as we spoke. He also told me that the check he had done on the church had found some interesting facts that he had passed on to his boss. He said he was including those in the fax too. He asked how soon I needed the information on Kat, and I said I needed it immediately if he was able to look it up on the computer. He told me to hang on until he could get to his desk, and then put me on hold. The dedicated fax line in my den rang, and the paper started spitting out of the machine. I got up and added more sheets to the tray so it wouldn't run out. There were about thirty pages by the time the fax ended. I picked them up and sat back down at the desk. I had to plug my cell into the charger as the low battery indicator was blinking.

What I was looking at was a complete background on one Carver Pierce. I had just started reading it when Maurice came back on the line. The news he gave me made me sad and guilty at the same time. Well, I thought, now I knew what had been bugging me. He said he would fax me a picture and what information was on their computers about Kat. I thanked him and we talked about the church for a few minutes before he said he had to go. I thanked him again and sat back looking at Carver's service record and background check. He had retired alright, but he had been a 1st sergeant and had been decorated more times than any man I had ever heard of. He had more than just a few wars under his belt, if what I was reading was correct. He hadn't told me he retired from Special Forces and had a top secret clearance. I didn't bother reading any further because I already knew that my first feelings had been right about him. If anyone came on the property and accosted him, they were in for a big surprise. I was starting on the sheets about the church when the fax rang again.

I was standing in front of it before the first sheet started out, hoping I was wrong, but knowing I wasn't. Maurice was too good at his job to be wrong and the picture on the first sheet proved it. It was Kat all right, but she was a lot younger in the picture I was looking at. I let the rest of the sheets feed through before I picked them up and sat back down at the desk. I put the information about her on the desk with the picture on top and started reading the information from Maurice about the church. I was just starting the third page when what I read made me sit up straight in the chair. I reread it and I had to admit from the information I was reading, I had stepped into it big time. I now knew why the NSA was so interested in the church. I wondered how much of the information I was holding they already knew. Knowing Interpol, they probably hadn't shared it, but had already put a watch on the branches listed. The one that stood out was the one I was about to put under surveillance. It was the only one in the U.S. that was on the list. Now I knew I would have to confront Kat and see how much she knew before I moved any further. I knew Kat didn't know which one I was planning on watching, so I knew she couldn't tell her superiors anything.

The maps weren't marked, but I had left the one map still spread out on the table. I got up, putting the information in my top drawer and went out to grab it. It was still where I had left it, so I rolled it up and took it back into my study. I didn't see Kat or Sally, but I caught Myrna coming to bring coffee to me. I told her to come in and lock the door, we had to talk. She looked at me in surprise when I told her to lock the door, but did as I asked. She poured me some coffee and sat down in front of my desk. I got the papers out with Kat's picture on top and handed them to her. She looked at the picture with raised eyebrows and started to read the sheets she was holding. I sat and sipped my coffee, watching her reaction to what she was reading. I hadn't read them yet, but would when Myrna left. When she finished, she handed them back to me with a shocked look on her face.

"Jon, I'm not going to ask why you had her checked out, but I still say she is in love with you. Before you lose your temper, I suggest you sit down and have a private talk with her. I think there's more to her being an agent than what we know from these records. It says she resigned when her husband was killed in Iraq. It also says she is a registered nurse with a Master's in health care. Now she can't be an agent and attend school full time. Especially if she was carrying the caseload to get her masters at the age of twenty eight. It doesn't add up, Jon."

"Myrna, records can be changed, especially by the agency she works for. Also, for your own peace of mind, the check on Carver came back and we don't have any kind of problem there. He is welcome and you two can live in the cottage for free. Dammit, Myrna, what the hell am I going to do? I sure can't take her with me this morning, and I don't want Sally finding out about all of this, because she will hate Kat for tricking me. I'm not even sure I want to confront Kat with all of this. God, what a mess I got myself into."

"Jon, do you still plan on going after that little girl?"

"Hell, yes. I won't leave her there any longer than I have to, now that I know where she's at. My feelings for Kat and this mess are not going to stop that rescue. I will get her out, if I have to do it by myself."

She just smiled at my outburst and shook her head.

"There's your answer, Jon, forget about going any further with Kat for now and concentrate on going after the girl. This case has haunted you since she was taken the second time, so now you can put it to rest by getting her out of there. You let me handle Sally and do what you do best; "help kids."

"I think you better read this before you make any judgments, Myrna."

I handed her the sheets Maurice had sent to me on the church. I poured another coffee, and waited to see what she would say. When she finished reading, she just looked at me, and I could see she was thinking hard.

"Jon, if what I am reading is correct, you can't call in any help, can you?"

"If it's right, and I have little doubt it's not, I can't because it could get a lot of people killed. I am going to have to figure another way to get her out. Fortunately I have some good people helping me. Myrna, I want to have a private talk with Carver later tonight. I think his insights could help me a lot."

She looked at me, but to my surprise, she just nodded at my request. That made me wonder if Carver had told her more about his past than he had told me. I figured he had. She got up and left, and I put the sheets in the bottom drawer and locked it up. I called Jeb and asked if his men were there yet. He said they would be there by one and I could come over any time after that. I thanked him, wondering what to say to Kat without giving away what I knew about her. Dammit, of all the times for this to happen, it had to be now. I got up thinking there's no use putting it off. I would have to face her sooner or later. I just hoped we could get through it without losing the feelings we had for each other. At least the ones I had for her. Hers, I felt were real, but didn't have any idea if they would be there by the time this was over. It was going to be a long day, I thought, as I walked out of the study with the coffee tray, heading for the kitchen.



-------

Chapter 23


When I went into the kitchen, Myrna was there by herself. I asked where Sally and Kat were, and she said she thought they were out by the barn. I told her that when they came back in, to tell Kat I needed to speak to her in my study and that it was private. She just looked at me and said she would tell Kat, but not the last part because it would raise Sally's curiosity too much. I nodded then went back into my study and got on the phone. I made a couple more calls to check with my contacts to ease my own mind. What I found out helped, but I still wanted to hear it from her before I decided anything.

I sat back in the chair, thinking about Kat and how all this had happened so fast. Now I knew I had heard of it, but I never figured it would happen to me in my lifetime. I was still thinking, when a soft knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I took a deep breath before I said to come in. She came in, smiling at me, and I asked if she would close the door. I got a funny look, but she did and sat down in the chair by my desk.

"Kat, I need to talk to you, and I don't know how to approach this and not hurt the feelings we have for each other."

"Jon, I don't know why you look so upset, but just say what's on your mind. My feelings are not the problem here, but whatever is bothering you is."

I handed her the papers with her picture on top. When she saw them, her face turned white and she looked at me with a puzzled expression. I watched her as she sat back and read the sheets. She handed them back to me, smiling as she did. It made me wonder what was so funny, but as I had the thought, she started speaking to me.

"Jon, I worked there part time as a systems analyst while I went to school. I had to live and to be able to afford the accelerated classes I was taking at the time. God, I never figured it would come back to haunt me years later. If you're worried about me telling someone about the rescue you're planning, then your secret is safe. I would love to help in any way I can. I know this may be a bit soon, but I think I'm in love with you and if your actions tell me anything, then you feel the same. Jon, I would never do anything to hurt you or Sally."

"Kat, I know I'm in love with you, but I have to know about these things. Please don't ever hold anything back from me and I will do the same. The rescue of this girl just took a turn I hadn't expected, and I won't tell you because what you don't know won't hurt your career or your standing at the hospital. Let's just say I don't want you involved in this any further and I don't want Sally to know more than she already does. Myrna knows everything because I don't hold any secrets from her. Other than her and me, the information is not public knowledge. Even if you don't work for the Government anymore, it could cause you problems if they thought you knew something and didn't pass it on."

She looked at me in a quizzical way for a second, then came around and sat down in my lap and kissed me. I was lost again. I wondered to myself if I would ever be able to get control of my feelings when she did that. She leaned back and smiled at me before whispering in my ear the words that would go though my mind all the rest of the day.

"We are going to have to go to my place, Jon Morgan. I think we need to spend some serious time getting to know each other a little more intimately. If you feel like I do when we kiss, then we need to get away for awhile by ourselves. What do you say after your meeting, we slip off to my house and spend the afternoon together and see where it takes us?"

"I don't think I've ever had an invitation like that from a beautiful woman before, Kat. I think it would be a good idea, if you can slip away from my daughter long enough to leave. I don't think it will be easy the way she has attached herself to you."

"Oh Jon, you are so dense at times. She was the one who suggested I grab you and take you to the side, and ask you out for a few drinks and maybe supper in town. She said you would be too much of a gentleman to ask me so soon."

"I'm gonna kill her."

She busted out with that little girl laughter. I tried to kiss her to quiet her down, but it made her laugh even harder. Then came the sound of a fist, beating on the door. Sally was yelling, "What are you two doing in there so long?" When she opened the door, we both were laughing.

"Jon, don't you have something to do besides bother my guest? I would like to spend some more time with her before she has to go back to town. What's so funny, anyway?"

Kat got up, kissing me on the cheek as she did, and went over to Sally, still laughing. She grabbed her in a head lock, pulling her out the door as she did. I heard Sally yell; "Hey what's with the..." before she shut the door behind her. I sat back and laughed at the sight before I thought about our conversation.

Since I never had the luck to ever have a long term relationship with a woman, I was hoping that what she said meant what I thought it did. If not, I would have to tread very carefully, or end up getting slapped for doing something about what I thought she was saying but hadn't. This was like sneaking through a jungle to take out a sentry. One slip and your goose was cooked in more ways than one. I had to stop being so distracted by her, I thought. I had a rescue to plan and I really didn't need the distraction, although I was enjoying the feeling of euphoria from it.

I looked at my watch and realized I had time to go to Jeb's and start on that end of it. I got up, grabbing the map tube, and headed for the front door to go to my truck. I was still thinking about Kat and almost ran over Tiny. I got a fist shook at me and the bird, which I returned to him with a smile. As I pulled out, I could see him smiling and shaking his head. For some reason, the drive to Jeb's didn't seem to take any time at all. Probably because all I could see was Kat's face as I drove. I was still hearing that little girl laughter ringing in my ears. When I pulled up, there were several cars in the lot. The one that stuck out was an old Chevy pickup that had West Virginia tags on it. It was covered in mud and there were several dog cages in the back and a rifle hanging in plain sight in the back glass. Hmm, I thought, I bet I can guess who that one belongs to. I got out and headed inside with the tube under my arm.

When I went inside, one of the men that were here the last time saw me and motioned toward the back where the office was. I headed that way after nodding my head to thank him. Jeb was in his office with two men who, from reading and seeing pictures, looked like a modern day example of mountain men. At least by my inexperienced eyes they did. They both had jeans and flannel shirts, and full beards that were longer than my hair. I knocked on the door and Jeb waved me in. The smell that hit me was a mixture of pine and sweat, and was almost too strong to bear. Jeb was watching me, so I didn't let on, but I had a feeling he could tell what I was thinking. I sat down in the only vacant chair and waited for Jeb to speak since it was his office.

"Jon, this is Jubal and Farley, the two men I was telling you about. Now, if you would, will you tell me why you changed your mind about asking for help? I know you're not healed enough to do this, so why ask now?"

I introduced myself to both of them, and was in turn told they were ready to follow my orders, if they thought they would be interested in my plan, whatever it was. I spent the next hour or so explaining the situation to them. I told them what I had deduced about the rescue, and that we would have no backup because of what I had found out about the church. I went on to tell them what else I had planned, when they started looking at me a little strange. I stopped and asked if there was a problem.

"Yes there is, Jon. Jubal and I don't do kidnapping."

"This is not a kidnapping, fellas; this is the rescue of a fifteen year old girl who is being held against her will by a bunch of fanatics. They think the law about child slavery and molestation doesn't apply to them because they are a so called church."

I went on to tell them about my first round with this bunch in Texas, and what happened after I got the girl free. Jeb hadn't said a word, he just sat back in his chair listening to me talk. I went on to explain what I did, and how many cases I had handled in my short four or five years of finding missing children. I started to explain a few more things when Jeb interrupted me.

"Jubal, Farley, this is the kind of thing we can use your help on, but if you are squeamish about it, just go home. I have others who would give their left nut to help with this kind of thing. Now, if you boys decline to help and open your mouth to anyone about this, I will take it personally if you get my drift."

I watched as they both got a little white around the eyes as they looked at each other. Now I was wondering just what else Jeb had his fingers in, if just a few words could scare a couple of ex Navy Seals to the point that they would squirm in their chairs. Whatever it was, I decided, I didn't want to know and waited to see where this would go. Jeb was staring at the both of them pretty hard and they were getting antsier as he did. Finally Farley spoke up and directed his question toward me.

"Jon, we ain't doubting your word, but we thought we would see a little action. I mean, it ain't like we're not sorry about the girl, but we did too much surveillance in the Navy without being able to get in on the final act."

"Farley, if we get caught in the middle of setting this up, don't doubt for a minute we won't be tortured or even shot if they see us as a threat. Me especially, since I'm the only one who knows where the mother is, and they want her bad. They have contacts in some high places and won't hesitate to make us disappear, if they think it will keep their secrets. Tell you what; I will pay for your motel and food for the night and give you time to think about it. But, as Jeb said, if you decide not to go, then don't open your mouth to anyone about this. They might kill the girl to keep her from being rescued, and if that happens because one of you had a loose tongue, I will kill you myself."

Farley looked me in the eyes and asked the question I knew was coming.

"Do you really think you could handle both of us, Jon?"

I looked back at him and let him have a glimpse of my inner wolf as I answered him.

"You wouldn't stand a chance against me if I came after you. You don't know what battle is until you've spent a few years in the hell holes I have been in."

Jubal grinned and looked at Farley before saying to me.

"I don't give a damn whether Farley decides to go or not. You can count on me, Jon."

Farley looked at him in shock and then at me, before grinning at me.

"Oh hell, it ain't like I got anything else to do besides get drunk and fish."

That seemed to break the tension and we all had a laugh before grabbing a cold beer and rolling the map out on Jeb's desk. I got a surprise as Jeb pulled a forty-five out to hold the corner in front of him down. Jubal pulled a fifty and Farley a forty-four and did the same. I pulled the three-eighty out and did my corner with it. This brought a big laugh from both of them before I lay the Sig down beside it then my trusty stiletto. They both looked at me and then grinned at each other before asking what I had in mind about surveillance, looking at the map as they did. Jubal asked immediately about the red circles Myrna had drawn on the map. I told him about Jimmy's cameras and what I was planning to do with them. They both said they had never heard of anything like I was describing and wanted to know more about them.

We spent the next hour hashing out the best way to accomplish our goal and to make sure the girl wasn't harmed while we did it. We finally ran out of talk so I suggested they think about it. I told them to take the map with them tonight and try to come up with any ideas I hadn't thought of. I gave them both five hundred and told them to get a room and to stay out of trouble. I told them to make sure they safeguarded that map, because it was the only one I had. We decided to meet here tomorrow evening to go back over the plan and any new ideas. I told them I would have Jimmy build us five of the cameras. He would show them how they worked and how to set them up by the time they were ready to leave in a few days. That concluded our planning session for the afternoon. They went, out talking back and forth. When I got up to leave, Jeb motioned me to stay behind. I sat back down to see what was on his mind.

"Jon, I personally vouch for both of them. Now, why the hell did you feel the need to try to show how tough you were by saying what you did to them?"

"Jeb, I meant every word of it. When they got a look at my eyes up close, they recognized what all veterans see; a fellow warrior who has been there and knows what it's like to put your life on the line for an ideal that a civilian or a normal person would never understand. Jeb, you have been there too, so you know what I'm talking about. They didn't see that in me when I came in and started running off at the mouth. When I gave them what they were looking for, they knew they could trust me from that point on. Now I need to get back as I have a very beautiful guest awaiting my return to go to dinner."

"Yea, I heard about your famous household line to a woman. Jon, how the hell do you ever expect to have a family if all you can say is; 'God you're beautiful'?"

I stood up and put my weapons away. I looked at Jeb and gave him the courtesy finger and walked out to the sound of his laughter. Someone is going to catch hell, I was thinking. I could feel my red face as I went to my truck to leave. I was still wondering who had opened their big mouth as I climbed into my truck. I was also wondering how I was ever going to live it down, since everyone I knew had already heard about it. Sally didn't know Jeb nor did Kat, so I knew it wasn't them. Bill hadn't been there, so it had to be Myrna who had let the cat out of the bag. What the hell ever possessed her to tell Jeb about it and when did she do it, I was wondering as I pulled into my driveway. Well, I guess I am going to have a little talk with her and Sally both about privacy, especially mine. I was jolted out of my thoughts by Sally running up to the truck.

"Jon, there are two men in the barn. We called the Sheriff, but Myrna told me to watch for you. Jeb called and said you were on your way back."

I told her to go back in the house and spun out in the drive in my haste to get there to see who was in the barn and for what reason. I had already figured they were after the hidden computer. It made me mad that they would dare to try to recover it in broad daylight, as if they knew I was gone. I was almost up to the barn when a stranger stepped out and saw me coming toward him. He didn't hesitate, just pulled a gun and started shooting. Me, I didn't even slow down. I just ran him over, watching him fly in the air about ten feet as I kept going straight into the double doors.

When I crashed the truck through the doors, the other man must have been just inside because I heard him scream as I went through. I slid to a stop in the middle of the barn by Sparky's stall. I got out with my gun in my hand, but when I got a glance at the man squashed under the big door, I almost lost my beer. Thinking about the beer made me realize I needed one of the mints I had in the truck. I went back and grabbed the pack out of the console, putting one in my mouth as I did. I went over and felt for a pulse and didn't find one. I kicked the gun away from the body and went outside, looking for the other one.

He was lying in the dirt by Sparky's grave. Looking at his head which was almost twisted backwards, I knew he was dead. I still carefully went and checked for a pulse, but didn't find one. His gun was lying where I had hit him and I didn't touch it. I saw Myrna, Kat and Sally headed in my direction from the house and I waved them back. Myrna and Sally went back, but Kat kept coming. I tried to wave her back, but she just shook her head and kept walking toward me. I was heading toward her to stop her, but she saw the body and veered toward it. I met her when she was almost to it.

"Dammit, go back to the house. This has nothing to do with you, Kat."

"Jon, don't talk to me in that tone of voice. I'm a nurse and it's my duty to help it I can."

"Neither one of these assholes will ever need help again, so please, go back to the house, Kat."

"Jon Morgan, they might not need me, but you do. You're bleeding again. I need to make sure you're ok before I move from this spot, so shut your mouth and take your shirt off. I want to look at your wounds and see if you've torn them open again. If you did and ruined my evening, I will be so mad at you."

With the adrenalin wearing off from what had happened, I sat down and started laughing.

"Jon Morgan, get up out of the dirt before you get it in your wounds. If they get infected again, I will give you all your antibiotics by needle in your butt. Now get up, you idiot."

I looked up at her and that picture will forever stay blazed on my mind for the rest of my life. She was standing with both fists on her hips with the sun shining off that red hair, trying to glare a hole through me to make me do what she wanted. I finally got my laughing under control and was able to speak.

"Will you please put a hat on, that red hair is blinding me."

I watched as that grin of hers started and then she kicked me in the shin.

"I really don't see the humor in that. Now get up so I can look at you, you look ridiculous, sitting there on the ground."

I heard sirens in the distance so I did as she asked. She turned totally professional on me as she pulled my shirt up, checking the bandages on my side to see where the blood was coming from. As it turned out I hadn't torn anything loose. I had scratched my hand when I checked the pulse of the body in the barn. I must have scraped a jagged piece of the barn door when I reached down. When she found out I was ok, she gave me a dirty look and turned and walked back to the house. I let out my breath, which until that point I hadn't noticed I was holding and chuckled to myself.

"That's not funny, Jon. You could have torn your stitches out."

Damn, she had ears like an elephant, I thought. I saw a sheriff's cruiser coming around the side of the house. I stood and waited as one, then two more, came to where I was standing. It was the sheriff himself who got out of the first car. I had met him once, about six months before my grandfather died. He had dinner with us, and talked politics with my grandfather. I didn't remember his name, but he seemed to be good friends with my grandfather.

"Jon, you wanna tell me what happened here? I got a call from Myrna saying there were two men in the barn she didn't know. Now I have one body and from all that's already happened out here, I bet there's another inside."

I went through the whole thing with him. After I was done, he didn't say anything as he looked around. He told his deputy to call for the coroner and went to his car. He came back with a report pad and handed it to me.

"Write it all down while I get my men straightened out. Don't leave anything out, no matter how trivial it might sound. Jon, there will be an inquest over this and the new DA is going to want to make an example out of you, so cover your ass. I have no doubt it is a case of self defense, but he is an ass and will try to say you used too much force in handling the situation. Me, I would have done the same, but I don't think I would have totaled my truck trying to do it."

He walked away, yelling for someone to bring a camera. I just shrugged my shoulders, put the pad on the hood, and started writing.



-------

Chapter 24


I had almost finished writing when the coroner arrived. I didn't go over to where he and the sheriff were, just waited at the car. He had sent a deputy to the house to get the girls' statements. The deputy was walking back with a sandwich in his hand and a smile on his face. Leave it to Myrna, I thought, feed them and make them her friends forever.

I started thinking about what the sheriff had told me about the new DA and wondered if he was friends with the Runt too. I would give Jerry a call before I went to town with Kat later. I also had to make arrangements to get some kind of transportation, since I had no doubt mine would be towed. I hadn't looked to see how much damage I had done to it, but with the brush guard on the front, it shouldn't take too much to have it fixed. The only real damage, that I remembered, was the holes in the front glass where the one man had tried to shoot me through it. If there was one thing about this whole stupid situation that was good, it was that I hadn't fired a shot and I wouldn't lose my gun again. The sheriff had already checked both bodies and there were no bullets in either of them.

I was jarred from my thoughts by hearing my name called. I looked up and the sheriff was waving for me to come over to where he and the coroner were talking. I walked over and was introduced to him. He had a few choice words about the people getting tired of all the strangers on their land, but after that, he got in his van and left. I looked at the sheriff and he didn't have too much to say either.

"Jon, I have no reason to hold you, but I will have to tow your truck and keep it in impound for now. I will have my shooting team go over it then release it back to you in a few days. Other than a few dents and a bullet pocked windshield, there's not much damage to it. As far as I am concerned, you are free to go. Remember what I said about the new DA."

"Oh I remember, and I will call my attorney as soon as I get to the house. I will let him handle my end of it. The new DA can speak to him from this point on. Thanks sheriff, I appreciate the kindness shown toward me and my family."

"Don't thank me, young fella, I am just doing my job. I know you're a Fed, but next time give me and my men the chance to handle it. This is my county you know. I also want to tell you that neither of the men were carrying any identification. Until I can run their prints, I won't have any idea who they are or who might have sent them. Jon, you be careful from now on, will you? Seems like you have become someone's target, for some reason. Watch your back!"

I smiled and shook his hand, then started back to the house. The wrecker passed me about halfway back and the driver waved as he went by. When I got to the back door, Carver was standing there waiting for me.

"I told Pete I was going to stay a little closer to the house for awhile, since we are almost done with the fencing. I will keep an eye out around here, so don't worry about that. I don't know what that was all about, but from now on, I will be armed whenever I am wandering around, Jon."

"I don't have a problem with that, Carver. But remember, whoever these people are, they are playing for keeps. Don't take any chances. Myrna and Sally must be guarded at all times from now on, especially Sally. If they can get her to use against me, they will. So be warned, Carver."

"Jon, we don't know each other very well, but as long as I am standing, they won't touch a hair on Sally or Myrna. I give you my word on that."

"Good enough, Carver. I better go inside before they come looking for me. I figure I am going to catch hell from all of them as it is."

"Ha, I would almost be willing to bet on that. Myrna is madder than a wet hen. Why do you think I am out here instead of in the kitchen drinking coffee?"

When I walked inside, Sally was in my arms almost before the door closed. She kept asking if I was ok over and over. I finally got her settled down and assured her that I was fine. Kat had a grin on her face as she watched us. Myrna had her back to me doing something at the stove and I was waiting for her to blow up. To my surprise when she turned around I could see she had been crying. I went to her immediately and stood and held her for a few minutes. Then I asked if there was any fresh coffee.

"Oh, and Myrna? You better give Carver the all clear to come in. I got the impression he was afraid to come into the kitchen. Something about you being mad or something."

I watched with a smile as she put her hand over her mouth and rushed to the back door. She went out and I sat down next to Kat. Sally was sitting next to me like she was afraid to let me out of her sight. I knew one of them was going to ask, and I sat and sipped my coffee, waiting to see which one it was going to be. Sally was watching Kat, and Kat watched Sally, until I finally got tired of the silence and spoke up.

"Ok you two, it's all over so quit trying to talk to each other with your eyes. If you have a question, just ask."

I still hadn't caught on to the pecking order here, and to me, it looked like Sally was trying to get Kat to ask me something. As usual, I couldn't have been more wrong.

"Dad, can I go to town with you and Kat tonight? I really don't want to stay here all alone. Myrna has Carver to keep her company, and that leaves me in the house all by myself when you leave."

"I think Kat will be going back to town by herself tonight, unless she decides to stay over again. I don't have a truck, and I certainly am not going to leave you in this house by yourself. I'll tell you both what I'll do, I'll call Tiny. Then we can go out to supper in town, and come back here for the night, if that's ok with you, Kat."

"That's fine with me, Jon. All I want is to spend some more time with you before I have to go back to work. Besides, it's more fun here than at my place in town. Is it always this exciting around here?"

Ok, that did it. The floodgates broke, and she and Sally were jabbering a mile a minute. I got up and headed for my study to make some calls. I don't even think they noticed me leaving. At least if they did, the jabbering didn't slack off any.

I sat in my chair and pulled the cell off the charger. That's when I noticed the small crack on the side of the case. I looked at it a little closer, and realized that somebody had pried the case apart, and recently. There were a few other scratches around the seam. That raised the hair on my neck when I noticed them. I got on the phone and called Tiny, asking him to come out and bring Jimmy and his special case with him. He caught on to what I was saying immediately and said they would be there shortly. I leaned back in the chair, looking at the phone, trying to remember when it had been out of my possession. The only time I could think of was when I was in the hospital, or here in the house when I had left it on the charger while I went to Jeb's for my meeting. Aww no, I thought, Kat surely wouldn't do something like that. I had to admit to myself that she was the only stranger with run of the house that was here today. I thought about Carver for a minute, but dismissed that immediately. I knew his record, and I also knew he had been working all day. Man, I hated having these suspicions. I decided before I worried myself sick, I would wait until Jimmy had a chance to check it out again with his expertise. He, I knew, I could trust, because he and Tiny were like brothers in every sense of the word. Damn this electronic snooping age we were living in. I sat and impatiently waited for them to show up. When they came in, I motioned for Tiny to close the door.

"Jimmy, I want the house checked again. I also want you to check my and Sally's cell phones. Mine has been pried open recently for some reason, and I don't think it was for maintenance."

I got a big smile from Jimmy and then a chuckle. I gave him a dirty look and then he explained.

"I am the one who pried it apart, Jon, and I did the same to Sally's. Hers had a G.P.S. system in it. I disconnected it so she couldn't be traced by someone with a twenty dollar piece of electronics. Sorry, I forgot to tell you about it. If the crack bothers you, I can replace the cell with a newer one."

"I have a better idea, Jimmy, what are the chances of getting those satellite phones with the built in scrambler? I read an article about them and they sound like what I would like to have for us to use. I know they are a lot smaller now and although they are expensive, I think I would like you to look into it for me. Also, I want five or six of your little cameras for another project. If possible, I want the recorders for them too. They will need to be camouflaged for the woods. When they are ready, I will pay you to teach two men I have waiting how to install and set them up. The recorders will have to be battery operated also because of the location they are going into. Can you arrange that for me Jimmy?"

"The cameras won't be a problem, Jon. I haven't tried to hook the recorders up to run on batteries, although it does make a lot of sense to do it that way. Give me a couple of days and let me see what I can work out. Hell, I can sell them as a complete package when we go public with them. Jon, sometimes you have some good ideas that I hadn't thought of. Oh, why were all the cop cars out by the barn when we came in? I thought for a minute they weren't going to let us through. The deputy out front was pretty quiet about what happened."

I spent the next half hour or so explaining it to them before Jimmy blurted out; "If I had known taking that computer would cost someone their life, I would have left it alone."

"Jimmy, when they decided to come on my land without permission, they were trespassing and I would have arrested them for it. This way they got what they deserved. Remember, I didn't pull a gun and shoot at the owner, they did. By the way, what did you find inside of that computer anyway?"

"It had a G.P.S. tracker, just like I thought it would. They screwed up when they set it up and had it on the wrong frequency for the cameras, so that was blank. It did manage to catch about all the conversation the mics were close enough to pick up, including the phone conversations you and Sally had on your cells. I deleted them and everything else, then I did like you said, and reformatted the hard drive. The computer software was registered to some church I never heard of. They probably stole it, and after they did, decided to use it."

"Do you remember what church Jimmy?"

"I think it was something called The New Freedom Church, or something along that line. I don't really remember now, Jon."

"Ok, Jimmy, thanks. You go ahead and check out the house again while I talk to Tiny about Sally and her upcoming prom."

When he got up and went toward the door, I heard him mutter; "Poor Sally, having Tiny as a chaperone".

I laughed and he looked embarrassed that he had been overheard, glancing at Tiny who was smiling.

"Sorry Tiny, but I remember what happened when you volunteered to chaperone at your daughter's dance. She was so mad she would have gladly killed you by the end of the night. She told me all about it, and I have to admit, I would have hit you over the head, if half of what she said was true."

He went on out and left Tiny busting a gut laughing. I just looked at him until he got himself under control. He looked at me with a big smile on his face before he finally said something.

"Don't worry, Jon, I won't be as bad this time. I would like to think I have learned my lesson. After all, I was the talk of all her friends for months. When she was home last time she told me I better never show up at any of the college parties or she would drop out and join a convent."

"Tiny, all joking aside I think you better stay on your toes the whole time."

I went on to tell him the rest of the story about the barn incident and what I had surmised as to what was happening. He looked concerned when I finished, and sat back thinking for a few minutes.

"Jon, I think I am going to have a couple of extra men shadowing us the whole night. Don't forget, there will be five other girls involved, so the extra help might come in handy. Don't you worry about Sally, 'cause no one is going to get their hands on her for any reason. I will admit, I thought you were over exaggerating a little, but now I can see you're worried and serious about all of this. With what's happened, I won't take any chances on her safety."

"Tiny, do you have an extra vehicle I can borrow for a few days? I don't know how long the sheriff will keep my truck, and I don't want to lease one right now."

"I have that Oldsmobile that I bought at auction last month. It's armor plated and has an interceptor engine in it. It was the personal car of some ambassador until he got called home and had to sell it. I will call and have my friend bring it out here immediately. I guarantee, unless they have a sniper rifle, nobody could shoot through the windows. It has every little trick built into it you can think of. The guy who owned it must have thought he was James Bond with all the extras he had put in. I still don't know half of what is in it, and neither does my mechanic. He is about half afraid to touch it for fear he might set something off. I wrote to the guy, and asked him for the manual or for him to tell me who built it, but I haven't heard back from him yet. You can use it as long as you need to, Jon, but remember not to start pushing buttons or it might blow up under you."

"Sounds fair to me, Tiny. What are your plans for this evening? I have a date with Kat for dinner and drinks, and I thought if you didn't have any plans, you could go as Sally's date. I won't leave her here by herself, and after what happened today, she is scared to death to be out unless I am nearby."

"I don't foresee any problems, Jon. My wife is upstate with her sister, who is expecting at any time, so she won't be mad about me taking another woman out. Besides, if I didn't, and she found out, I would be sleeping on the couch when she got back. The last thing she told me was to make sure I kept a close eye on Sally, and not to let you get me in trouble."

"Tiny, I think your wife and I are going to have to sit down and have a little talk, and soon. It seems she has the wrong impression about me, and I wonder where she got that from?"

"Jon Morgan, you stay away from my wife. I have everything under control and I don't need you to come in and stir things up between us. I am sure my Aunt Myrna does enough of that behind my back, without your help. Nope, let's just keep the status quo right where it's at."

"Not to change the subject, but I think before too long, Myrna and Carver will be getting married. I know how she feels about him, and I can plainly see how he feels about her. What we need to think about is how big of a wedding to have for them, and where to have it. Tiny, you don't know this, but I own my own island in the Caribbean, and I would love to fly us all down there to have the wedding. It won't cost much of anything, because I own most of the airline that services the islands down there. It will mostly be a matter of logistics and making sure every one is legal to leave the U.S. for foreign travel."

"Jon, I can't get a passport. Remember I have a record, and although I have been off paper for eight years, I don't think they would let me go."

"Tiny, I know it's none of my business, but what did you do?"

"I got in a bar fight and almost killed a man with my bare hands. They said because I was a former Seal, my hands were considered registered weapons and that I was in the wrong. I spent a year in jail for it. When I got out, I went back and paid all his hospital bills and supported his family until he could go back to work. Hell, Jon, you met Tommy. He was the one I got into the fight with. When I started the construction business, he applied and now practically runs the whole works. If it weren't for him, I would have probably gone under a couple of times. I did my time, but they still won't let me forget the whole thing. If it weren't for Tommy, I wouldn't have my license and bonding. Myrna was the one that loaned me the money to get started when no one else would take a chance on me. I paid her back, but I still feel beholden to her for giving me my start."

"Tiny, have you ever filed for an expungement of record? You're a business owner and have not been in any trouble for many years, so you would have a chance."

"Never heard of anything like that, Jon. I will check it out though. I would love not having a record and no longer being called an ex-con."

"Tell you what Tiny, you're like a second father to Sally, and I trust you with her life. I will have Bill or Jerry see what they can do. Meanwhile, you concentrate on keeping Sally safe until this is all over. I also want you to find someone you trust completely to start watching over Kat, without her knowing about it. Tiny, my friend, I think I am in love for the first time in my life. I am almost positive she feels the same way, and I sure as hell don't want anything to happen to her because she is close to me."

"Jon, I am happy for you, but I already knew you two were meant for each other. Sally saw it first and told me. When I started watching the two of you, I could see it too."

"Jeesh, now you sound just like Myrna."

He got up, giving me a big grin and headed out the door while saying back over his shoulder, "Ain't it hell being the last one to know what everyone else already does?"

He was laughing as I glared at him. I sat back in the chair, thinking about all that had been said here today. I was smiling as I picked up the phone to call Jerry. He must have been able to sense I was in a good mood, but he was a little upset when I told him what had happened and what the sheriff had told me about the DA. We discussed it for a little while and I also told him about Tiny and what I wanted him to check into doing for him.

"Jon, if he hasn't been in any trouble and has been a business owner and successful like you say, I will go ahead and file the papers as soon as I have one of my staff check the records. I know a judge that will sign off on it without a problem. Do you want me to tell Tiny or do you want to do it?"

"Let me do it, Jerry. He is like a second father to Sally and it means a lot to me to be able to do this for him. Have you heard from Bill today? I haven't heard a thing from him since last night when he left here. I tried calling him but his service said he was out for the day."

"That's not like him, Jon. Let me see if I can find him and find out what's going on. Don't worry about that DA. I will personally give him a call and tell him anything to do with you has to go through me first. I haven't met him since he moved here from Maryland a couple of years ago. And from what the country club bunch has to say, he wants to get into politics."

"Jerry, seems strange to me that all of these people are moving here from Maryland. Don't forget that church has a lot of fingers in the bowl and a lot of money is involved. Keep that in mind when you talk to him. Maybe I'm getting a little paranoid, but with all that's happened, I am worried."

"I see what you mean, Jon. Don't worry; I will be on my toes with him and any others I have to deal with. You be careful, because it seems to me they want you bad because of what you know. According to Bill, you know where certain people are that they want to find. Just remember, Jon, I own the security company you have been using and it is at your disposal if you need it. If you need specialists, I have contacts that I can call to get you what ever you need."

"Let's just see where this goes for right now, Jerry. My main worry is keeping Sally safe and myself in one piece."

"Ok Jon, if you need me I am here. Besides, I don't want to be fired from my own firm, now do I?"

We both got a laugh out of that one, and I apologized for threatening him in the hospital. He just laughed and said he accepted my apology, but I had been right in chewing his ass because he hadn't been doing his best for me at the time. We hung up with him saying he would check into all I had told him about and would be careful.



-------

Chapter 25


I was sitting in my study about half asleep, when Sally came in to remind me it was getting late and I needed to get dressed, if we were going to town. She told me to dress casual since she and Kat were going that way. I got up and went to my room to see what I had clean to wear that could be considered casual. I felt a little let down as I went through my closet, looking at my worn out clothes. I found a pair of almost new jeans in my dresser drawer, that for the life of me, I couldn't remember buying. I got them out and they were the right size. I went into the shower, still trying to remember where they had came from when it hit me. I had bought them while I was in Texas looking for the girl. I had stopped at a Wrangler Outlet and bought an even dozen pairs. I thought was a real good price. As I washed, I was trying to remember what I had done with the rest of them. Suddenly it hit me, the shirts and jeans were still in a suitcase that I had never unpacked. I dried off, and with only the towel wrapped around me, I dug in the bottom of my closet, got the suitcase out and opened it. Sure enough all eleven pairs of jeans and twelve brand new western shirts were there, still neatly folded. I went through the shirts until I found one that was trimmed in a dark red. I decided to wear it, thinking it would match Kat's hair almost perfectly. I finished getting dressed, humming to myself without realizing I was doing it. I got out the snake skin boots and put them on and then looked at myself in the mirror. Not bad for an old man, I thought.

I went down the steps and almost ran into Jimmy. He was coming out of the kitchen with a huge sandwich and a grin on his face.

"Man, I do love coming out here, Jon. I get tired of eating microwave food all the time and Myrna is a great cook. You wouldn't consider renting a room to me, would you? Nah, I better stay where I'm at, 'cause I would weigh three hundred pounds from all the good food. By the way, I haven't found any new surveillance equipment in the house. As soon as Sally and her friend get done dressing, I will check their rooms again. As far as I can tell, nothing new has been added."

"I want you to check the caretaker's cottage too, Jimmy. Myrna and Carver are living in it now and I don't hold any secrets from her. It might have a mic planted because it's empty most of the day. It would be easy for someone to plant something in there. Jimmy, there has to be a mic or camera somewhere close, because those men today knew I was gone. That tells me either there is a set of electronic eyes or ears in here, or someone is reporting our movements to them. I know that nobody in the house is doing it, so that only leaves the electronics to think about."

"Ok, Jon, no problem. I will do a sweep outside the house and check the lines again. I brought a scrambler that I can mount on your trunk line to the house. It will make anything said sound like gibberish if they are using a tap of some kind. Other than that, I can't think of any way they could know what's going on in the house."

"Jimmy, you're the best at this, so just do what you need to do and let's hope it works."

"Ok, Jon, let me finish up. Tiny is dropping me off on his way to town with you guys."

"Ok, Jimmy, but make it a priority to check on those sat phones I asked about. Let me know as soon as possible, will you?"

"I'll have your answer by tomorrow, Jon."

He walked away, munching on his sandwich. I went to the kitchen to let Myrna know what was going on for the evening. When I walked in, all three of them were sitting at the counter drinking coffee. When Tiny looked up and saw me, he immediately snickered, drawing a dirty look from Myrna. She, of course, was the first to speak.

"My, but you look nice, Jon. Where did you get the new clothes? I have been going to get on you about your wardrobe, but forgot with all that's going on."

"You know, I forgot all about buying these. They were still in the suitcase in my closet. I bought them years ago when I was in Texas looking for Michelle in that compound. They have been in the closet all this time."

Tiny was still snickering so I blasted him, "What is so funny, Tiny? You seem to be a little overdressed for dinner, if you ask me."

"Well I didn't ask you, and you just helped me prove the point I was trying to make earlier."

"What point is that, big mouth?"

"That you are already feeling the effects of having a good woman to impress. Since I met my Mrs., I learned to always dress neatly to keep her happy and in a good mood. You ain't even formally dating yet, and you seem to have already got the message. I would hate to see you when you really get serious."

"Very funny! The girls said to dress casual so I did. Anyway, what's wrong with the way I'm dressed? I thought I looked like a gentleman rancher. At least I don't look like an oversized weight lifter."

Myrna broke out laughing and we both looked at her.

"He's right, Thurman, in a suit you do look like an oversized gorilla. Your wife says the same thing, but doesn't want to hurt your feelings. I think Jon looks nice and neat. He does look like his grandfather used to. He wore the same type of clothes when he was a Senator, years ago."

I was watching Tiny's face, and I could see he was getting upset. I just had to put my two cents worth into the mix.

"I never knew your name was Thurrrrrman. I am going to have to tell Sally so she can address you properly, Thurrrrrman. I always thought your only name was Tiny 'cause you had such a small brain and big muscles."

Well that tore it loose. Tiny was so mad he was glaring holes in me and gritting his teeth. I just glared back and smirked at the same time.

Myrna got up and grabbed us both by the hair and quietly said; "You two are acting like asses. Both of you settle down before I hit you both over the head with a skillet. Tiny, you deserved it by making fun of Jon. He is trying to impress Kat the only way he knows how. Remember, he ain't from here so he doesn't understand how women in this country act. Jon, you had no right making fun of Tiny's given name like that. Now both of you shake and start acting like the friends you're supposed to be."

While she was whispering to both of us she kept tightening her grip on our hair. We both were saying ow, ow, ok, ok. She let loose and poured us some more coffee. I looked at Tiny, he looked at me, and we both broke out into laughter. I was the first to speak.

"See Tiny, I never win an argument in my own home. She always tells me where to go and how to act."

"You think that's bad, try growing up with her looking over your shoulder. I guarantee it doesn't make for a happy childhood."

Now it was Myrna's turn to glare at us. We looked her right in the eye, grinned, and ran for the dining room. We were still grinning at each other when two plonks sounded. She had hit both of us on the head with a skillet. We both went down laughing and rolled over. We laid there looking up at her standing over us with one of her skillets in her hand. She was grinning down at us, looking smug as hell.

"You two will never learn, never insult the cook or her friends. Now get up before Sally and Kat come down and I have to explain why you're laying on the floor laughing like a couple of big kids."

She turned and went back to the kitchen and over the sound of our own laughter, we could hear her chuckling as she walked. I rolled over and got to one knee rubbing my head and reached a hand down to Tiny to help him up. We froze in that position when a voice from the top of the stairs said; "Aren't you two a little old to be laying on the floor when your supposed to be getting ready to go out?"

I looked at Tiny and we both lost it. I just sat down where I was and Tiny gave up trying to get up, he was laughing so hard.

"Will you two please get up and act like adults before Kat comes down and sees you like this? I would be so mortified if she did."

We finally got ourselves under control and helped each other brush off. We headed back into the kitchen with Sally close on our heels. When we sat down, I looked over at Carver. He had a big grin on his face and was shaking his head. I looked at Myrna and she seemed to be avoiding our eyes. I waited for Sally to ask why we were on the floor, but she never did. She and Tiny started talking as usual, and I remembered something I had forgotten and went into my study. I quickly put my weapons on, and for extra measure, I hid the S&W that I had bought for Sarah in a place where I didn't think it would be found. Jimmy came in and handed me a bug with a recorder attached to it, saying he had found it under the edge of the garage and that it had been wired into the garage extension. He got into his case and handed me a little recorder the size of a Bic lighter.

"I made this from scratch, Jon, for you to use. Tiny told me you needed something that would be small and extremely sensitive. This thing will pick up about any conversation within five feet of you. It automatically filters out background noise and it's voice activated. It will record up to five hours of conversation. Put it in your shirt pocket and forget about it. I have a patent pending on it, too. Also, it will light five times just like a lighter, just in case you need it to light a cigarette. I also have a private message for you from Bill. He said to tell you he will be out of touch for a couple of days, but not to worry. He also said to tell you he is using some of his friends to gather some more information that you will be able to use. Jon, you now own almost half of my newly formed business venture. I just hope it goes as well as I think it will and we both make a lot of money."

"Jimmy, did Bill say where he was going? I am worried that he is taking this too serious."

"No, Jon, just the message I already gave you. He called this morning, just before Tiny picked me up. You don't think he's in any trouble, do you?"

"Bill is a wily old buzzard. If I don't hear from him in a couple of days, I will start an all out search for him. He is probably meeting with some of his government pals and calling in a few favors to help me out. Jimmy, I want you to get me those phones, regardless of the cost. If you can figure out a way, make some kind of a small stick-on homing beacon that can be used in the field and will be easy to locate."

"Hmm, I thought about something like that before, but couldn't figure out how they could be used and for what. It seems strange you would mention it again after I had given the idea up. Let me check into the situation again and let you know. This could also be used for government work and we might be able to make a lot of money, if I can build a small enough tracker for them."

"Ok, Jimmy, if you hear anything else, let me know immediately. I am worried that Bill is getting a little too old to be playing cops and robbers. I will let you know how well the recorder worked after tonight. I have a strange feeling I will be approached while we are out tonight, and it will come in handy if I am. Keep all of this under your hat for right now. Oh, when did I buy into your business, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Yesterday when Bill approached me with an offer I just couldn't refuse. I kept controlling interest and gave some of the money to my friends that have been helping me for a couple of years. With what Bill gave me, we are set to rent a small building and begin making all the specialized equipment we might need. I am still trying to think of a name before I make it into a small LLC company."

"You just said a good name, Jimmy, 'Specialized Equipment for Special Jobs.'"

He looked at me for a couple of minutes, then smiled and walked away, chuckling to himself. Great, I thought, I now owned part of another company I didn't know anything about. I figured Bill would buy into it with me and handle the business end, but he had turned it all over to me. The more I thought about him being out of touch, the more I was worried. I wondered what he was doing that was so secretive that he couldn't call and let anyone know he was ok. I went back out to the kitchen, just in time to see Kat come in. To my surprise she was dressed almost like I was, but looked a lot better in her jeans than I ever would. We all got, up telling Myrna to lock the house and set the alarm before she and Carver went to sleep.

"Don't you worry yourself about the house, Jon. Carver and I will take good care of it while you're gone. You kids have a good time, and try to stay out of trouble. Jon, remember, you have Kat and Sally with you."

We went out to the car. I opened the door for Kat to get in and went around to the other side. Sally started to get in the back with us, but Tiny put a quick stop to that.

"Sally, you're my date tonight, so I think you can sit up front with me for a change. Kat and Jon need a little privacy."

Sally gave him a dirty look, but got in the front with him. When he started out of the driveway, he closed the glass separating the front and back. I could hear Sally chewing on him as he did. I didn't hear his reply because as soon as the glass was up, I got kissed and almost forgot where I was. When she leaned back, I almost fell on the floor because of the angle I was sitting at on the seat.

"Jon, I don't think Sally is going to be very happy with Tiny over that little trick. I am glad he thought to do it, though. I wanted to spend a little time alone with you, since we can't go to my place. Do you have any idea where he is taking us to eat? I hope it's a buffet, because I am starving."

I just looked at her in surprise, and got that little dimpled grin back when I did.

"Knowing Tiny, it will be somewhere he can get his fill, even if he knows I am paying. He's a meat and potatoes kind of guy, but he does have good taste in restaurants. I want you to stay close to me as much as possible tonight, Kat. Even if you go to the girl's room, I want either me or Tiny close by. Oh, and before you ask, I am armed, so if you feel it hitting you, don't be afraid."

"Jon, I am never afraid when I am with you. I know you wouldn't let anything happen to me or Sally, even if it meant dying to protect us. I hope it never comes down to something like that. I want you to know right now, Jon Morgan, I love you and if it's in my power, I am going to claim you for my own."

I had no come back for that one. I just stared at her in shock before I leaned in and kissed her. I was really getting into it when I heard the window coming down between the front and back. Before I could break the kiss, I heard a little voice tell Tiny, "I told you so."

I snorted, and Kat started laughing into my mouth before I could sit back. I heard Tiny giving Sally hell for snooping and interrupting grownups while they were talking. He got out voted by the next words out of Sally's mouth, which made Kat and me laugh that much harder.

"Tiny, they may be adults, but with all the kissing going on, you would think they are in high school. I love my dad, but he has no sense of timing at all. Kissing, just because they're in a limo and think we can't see them. I tell you, Tiny, it's just disgusting."

I gave her a dirty look and she stuck her tongue out at me, and then busted up in sniggers for the rest of the trip. Tiny didn't help much, but kept saying things to her that we couldn't hear and keeping her going. I was about ready to do a Myrna on him and smack him in the back of the head. Of course, Kat thought the whole thing was hilarious and laughed right along with the both of them. I finally got so disgusted I just sat back with my arms folded, thinking about fixing myself a drink from the bar. Kat must have been on the same wavelength, because she quickly fixed us a rum and coke to sip. Her toast threw me for a loop as she clinked the plastic cups together.

"Here's to fast courtships and even quicker weddings."

I almost dropped the drink in my lap. I looked at her and she was grinning at me over the rim of the glass as she sipped her drink. I took a drink, but for some reason I couldn't swallow for a few seconds as what she said sunk in. Damn, I thought, am I ready for this and for her? We pulled up in front of the big steakhouse we had always gone to when my grandfather was alive. I got out and helped Kat out of the car, and of course Sally had to be treated the same. We stood in front of the restaurant, waiting for Tiny to park the limo so we could go inside together. I was looking around as we waited and spotted a familiar face getting out of a Crown Vic. It was the Runt, but although I knew he had seen us, he kept his face turned away. Well, I thought, I wonder where he will decide to approach me? Probably when I go to the bathroom, or somewhere where he could talk to me without any ears in close proximity to our conversation. I would let Tiny know and make sure he stayed with the girls at all times while we were here. This looked like it was going to be an interesting evening, I thought, as we walked into the restaurant.



-------

Chapter 26


I waited until we were seated in the restaurant before opening my mouth.

"Tiny, the Runt and two of his men are here too. Let's make sure the girls are covered every minute. I am pretty sure he came to talk to me and will wait till I go to the men's room to do it. Don't worry about me, just keep the girls safe. Oh, and make sure Jimmy checks the limo for tracking devices. That's the only way I figure he knew where we were going to be this evening. He has no eyes or ears at the house now, so it has to be the limo since it's always coming and going. Tiny, regardless of what you hear or see, stay with the girls. I can take care of myself."

"Jon, he is in for a big surprise if he or any of his men start something here. I have four people spread throughout the restaurant and a couple outside watching the entrances. Believe me when I say he would go down quick if he tried a snatch here. The friends I have around us don't play, and they hate child abusers with a passion. I think we can enjoy our meal in peace."

"Ok, Tiny, let's go with the flow and see where it takes us. I know he will try to talk to me about some kind of deal, and I am curious to see what he comes up with. Kat, Sally can explain what we are talking about since she knows the Runt from the hospital. I really don't want to go through the whole thing again because it would ruin my evening to do so."

"Don't worry, Jon, Sally already told me all about what he tried to pull on you. She saw him before you did, I think, and pointed him out to me while we were still outside. If we have to go to the lady's room, I think one of these steak knives could do a lot of damage in the right hands. Sally and I will be just fine. On the other hand, you need to be careful with your wounds, so don't try kicking any butt tonight please."

"Spoken like a true nurse."

We all got a laugh out of it. When the waiter came over, we ordered and then sat back, chatting and enjoying a pleasant evening. Since this was the first time any of us had been out since I tied one on, it was a fun and laughter filled evening for me. Sally and I had always tried to eat out together several times a week, but since all of this started, she had been confined to the house, and I knew she was bored to tears. Tomorrow night was her prom, and there was no way in the world she was going to miss it. She had been looking forward to it for months. I knew deep inside that she would be perfectly safe in Tiny's hands for the evening. Besides, I had that meeting set with Jubal and Farley and I sure wasn't going to miss that. Maybe if it got over early enough, I would join Tiny at the school for the rest of the evening. I was brought back to the present by the waiter setting our food on the table. Kat ordered another glass of wine, and Sally asked her for a drink when it came. Kat looked at me and I nodded my head that it was ok. Hell, I thought, in Italy everyone drank wine instead of water, so this sip wasn't about to hurt her.

Kat and Tiny started laughing at the face she made when she took a sip. Of course Sally wasn't about to let it pass. She immediately started chewing on Tiny, much to Kat's amusement. I was watching them and trying to pay attention to the Runt too. I noticed he and one of the men with him were having an intense conversation. If the looks of anger meant anything, then the Runt was not in charge like I thought he was. The other man was obviously the leader of the group and I could tell the Runt didn't like what he was hearing. He was talking intensely to the man, and from what I could see, he was being over ruled at every turn. He finally said something then sat back with a look of disgust on his face. The leader started talking on a cell phone and I didn't like the look of it. I felt my inner guard raising its suspicions and I had a feeling the whole night had just changed for the worse. I immediately suspected the worst and watched them carefully as they got up and left without leaving a tip for their waitress. The movement caught Tiny's eye and he too watched as they left. When they got out the door, I saw a look of relief on his face.

"I don't think this is over, Tiny. The older man was the boss, and from what I saw, he didn't like what the Runt told him at all. I think when we leave, we had better keep a sharp lookout all the way home. I think they are going to try something, and it will probably be tonight. You girls be sure and listen to whatever either of us say if it goes down."

"Jon, my people will be following us to your house, so we will have some backup if we need it. I just find it hard to believe they would have the guts to try something when they know we saw them."

"That's just it, Tiny, that man who was leading them acted arrogant, and the Runt was forced to accept what he said. I think we just saw the leader of the church in person. He doesn't strike me as the type of person who would take no for an answer from one of his underlings. He was just too smug when he got off the phone. I have learned over the years, when someone in power looks that way, he is already sure of what he's ordered someone else to do. The only one at this table who would be any good to use against me would be Sally. Kat, as far as they know, is a nurse from the hospital. I don't think they would take that much notice of her, figuring I had hired her to take care of my wounds. They might try for me or you, except for the fact either one of us would be more trouble than it was worth to try to control. No, it has to be Sally, and I will shoot to kill if they make a move on her or Kat."

"Jon, I am an excellent shot with a small pistol. My husband taught me how to handle several different types. He used to get mad because I could out shoot him on the range with one. If you have a backup and something does happen, pass it to me and I will make sure we are safe so you don't have to worry about covering us too. I know Tiny has a gun in the limo, because I saw the stock of it under the seat when Sally got in the front."

"Dammit Tiny, suppose you got stopped or something? You could go back to jail or even go to prison for having a concealed weapon. I don't want to lose the closest thing to a friend I have over a damned gun. Next time, leave it at home and don't take any more chances like that."

"Jon, that shotgun has always been in the limo in case one of my customers has trouble. The local police know I carry it because they were the ones to suggest it years ago when I got my bond to operate Limo's for Hire. I haul the U.S. Attorney General around on his time off. He gave me his personal numbers to call if I ever had a problem with any of the authorities. I really don't think there will be a problem for me, and if what you're anticipating comes true, then it will come in handy. Don't worry, Jon, I won't go to prison. Oh, and thanks for considering me your friend. I always thought I was just a muscleman with a tiny brain to you."

"Smart ass!"

He and the girls busted out laughing as we got up to leave. I dropped a twenty on the table, feeling bad for the waitress who hadn't gotten a tip from the Runt's table. I looked over and it hadn't been cleaned yet, so I took the long way past his table as I headed to the cash register and dropped a five-dollar tip as I passed. Since they hadn't eaten, the five would be more than the coffee, so she would at least have a little bit for her time and trouble. When I got up to the register, Kat gave me a big smile, and I knew she had seen what I did. Tiny had gone out ahead of us to get the limo while we paid the bill with my credit card, but he ran back in before I had even signed the receipt.

"Jon, the limo's been towed! The boy who handles the cars said a company called Packard towing took it less than five minutes after we went inside. It was parked legal and I don't owe a thing on it. What the hell is going on?"

"Well, I think I just got one question answered. They must have had a recording device hidden in it that they wanted to recover. Call the police and report it stolen. I bet they will find it within ten minutes, abandoned on some side street. Let's get a cab home. Tiny, you wait here and fill out all the forms for the police, but have your people follow us home at a distance. I don't think we will be bothered any more tonight. When they finally hear that recording, there are going to be some mad people. They gave themselves away for nothing. Now I know why the Runt was looking so disgusted."

"Ok, Jon, but you be careful until you get home. The Olds is hidden out of sight at your place, in the garage,. The keys are under the mat on the passenger side. Use it until you can get your truck back, but remember what I said about pushing buttons."

We left Tiny there and caught a cab home and weren't bothered at all. I was surprised I couldn't catch the tails I knew Tiny had on us, so I knew his people were good at what they were doing. I tipped the cab driver heavily and he thanked, me giving me his card, saying if I ever needed him, just call. I shut down the alarm and we went inside. All of us headed straight for the kitchen. I had just started a pot of coffee when Myrna and Carver came in to join us, asking how our night went.

Of course I didn't get to say a thing, as was usual. Sally took over telling them everything that happened. I had to chuckle to myself a couple of times, hearing her put herself into the first tense as she told the story. I grabbed a refill and saw Kat was looking at me, so I nodded my head toward the other room. She slipped out behind me, leaving Sally still telling her story. We went into the studio and sat down on the couch, sipping our coffee.

"Jon, I don't want you to think I am prying into your business, but just how dangerous is this bunch you are going up against?"

"Kat I won't lie to you about this, but to be truthful, I really have no idea. You know about the brushes I've had with the Runt so far, and he has come out on the short end every time. This incident tonight is the first actual move they have made against any of us personally. I got a good look at the leader tonight and snapped a couple of pictures of him with my cell phone. I am going to send them to a couple of contacts I know and get a check done on him. I have this little nagging at the back of my mind that keeps telling me I know him from somewhere. I don't recall ever meeting him, but I have seen him before, and it hasn't been since I've been here in the US."

"Jon, you be careful how you handle him. I've seen men like him before in my husband's old unit. They are power hungry, and in his case, he has the money to do whatever he feels like doing. From what I observed tonight, he thinks he's a god with an Armani suit. That's the kind of man you put out of his misery if you have a chance. He doesn't know right from wrong, just what's in his best interest."

I just looked at her with wide eyes and got a kiss when I did. Then I dropped my cup of coffee on the floor in shock. She started giggling into my mouth before she could sit back.

"Jon, I think you need to start keeping your hands empty when we're together. Every time I kiss you, it seems you drop anything you are holding on the floor. Can't you control yourself any better than that? After all, it's just a kiss."

"Oh, very funny, Kat, it may be just a kiss to you, but when you do that, I can't seem to control my muscles. The moment your lips touch mine, it's like I spasm or something. To be truthful, it's damned embarrassing to me. I have never reacted like that before to anyone. I have been all over the world and a kiss has always been just that, a kiss. With you, it's like someone turned out the lights to my muscles, and nailed me to the spot almost instantly. I just don't understand how anyone could affect another like that."

"Jon Morgan, you do the same thing to me, only it reaches places I don't want to discuss. Let's just say the feelings are the same, but in a woman's mind and heart. I haven't felt this way toward anyone since I met Jerry. I am not trying to compare you to him or anything like that, but we were married almost seven years. I can truthfully say in all that time, as much as I loved him, I never felt the way I do with you. When they came to the door to tell me about Jerry, I thought my whole life was over. It took two months before I realized I had to do something besides sit and cry. One day I looked in the mirror and realized how bad I looked, took a deep breath, and told Jerry I was going to finish school and try to have a normal life. I felt like a hundred pounds had been lifted off of me and I swear I heard him laugh and say; "That's my girl, go get 'em." The next day I enrolled back in school under the accelerated program and never looked back. In retrospect, I think that's what he would have wanted me to do. Then you showed up and turned my whole world upside down again. First, the attraction I felt toward you; then, the first time I met Sally and sat down with her. I could tell immediately she had been raised in a loving house from the way she conducted herself. Then when I got the whole story of her life from her, I knew right then we were meant for each other. I love what you do to help kids and since I been here these two days, I can see it's more than just a vocation to you, it's your life. I want to be part of that, Jon, and down the line I want a couple dozen of my own kids to love and share with the right person."

I just stared at her for a while before I swallowed and managed to squeak out; "A couple dozen?"

Before she could say anything, Sally walked in, looking at the both of us with that I know something you don't grin.

"Tiny got the limo back. He just called Myrna and told her to tell you. Why do you have your cell turned off, Jon?"

I grabbed it out of my pocket and it wasn't off, just had an almost dead battery. It had switched itself to standby so the information on it wouldn't be lost. I quickly plugged it into the charger on my desk, and asked Sally what else he said after telling her about the phone.

"He said it was untouched other than a hole being cut into the bar in the back by where you always sit. He told me he would have it fixed and be ready to go tomorrow night like he promised. Oh, and he said before he left tomorrow, he would have Jimmy check it out. Now, can I have my guest back? I want to talk to her about tomorrow and maybe get a few tips on wearing a prom dress. I think you have been purposely keeping her away from me and Myrna for some reason. We are going to the kitchen to talk about tomorrow night. Carver is coming in here, 'cause Myrna said you wanted to talk to him about something. I will bring you some more coffee since you spilled yours on the floor. Jon, you're a slob. No wonder Myrna is always cleaning up whenever you're home any length of time."

With that, she grabbed Kat's hand and off they went before I could even formulate a comeback to her insult. Me, a slob! I couldn't believe she would say something like that, especially in front of Kat. She and I were going to have to have a heart to heart talk, and soon. She was beginning to imitate Myrna too much for my taste. I was interrupted in my thoughts by Carver coming in, carrying a tray with a clean cup for me and more coffee. He set it on my desk and sat down, sipping his cup. I got up poured myself a fresh cup and sat down behind my desk, while wondering if Sally was planning on wearing make up to the prom.

"Jon, Myrna said you wanted to talk to me about something?"

"Yea, but I forgot what it was, Carver. I know it's none of my business, but how are you and Myrna getting along?"

"Jon, I just wish we had met twenty years ago. If we had and felt about each other like we do now, we would have half a dozen kids running around here getting on everybody's nerves. God, I have never been so happy in my life."

I just stared at him and blurted out the next sentence in shock.

"You too! God it must be in the water or something. Kat just told me she wanted a dozen or more kids too."

I thought he was going to fall off the chair, he was laughing so hard. I just sat thinking, what the hell was so funny about what I said? His next wheezing statement made me almost panic.

"Well, Jon, I think if that's what she wants, then I'm afraid you're gonna be a daddy to a very large family. She is like Myrna in that she has a will of iron. She is not afraid to fight for what she wants or thinks is right for her and the ones she loves. Jon, we both love two very strong willed women. I, for one, love it, 'cause it makes life more interesting. Your lady has a worse temper than Myrna has, if that bright red hair is any indication. I have known a lot of men with red hair, and to a man, they would never give up getting what they went after. I can only wish you luck with that one. She is not only beautiful but is very smart to boot. I think you will have your hands full in the years to come."

I just stared at him, wondering what I had let myself in for. I knew I was hooked and wondered if I would ever be able to win with any of the three of them. Nope, I thought, 'cause I hadn't won with two over the years and now it looked like I had three to contend with. Hmm, maybe it's time for a long vacation alone, somewhere where there are no phones. Maybe after this was all over I would leave Sally with Myrna and sneak off for a couple of weeks, all by myself. Of course, I might get beat to death when I got back, but it would be worth it to get to make my own decisions for a change. Carver must have either been reading my mind or somehow sensed what I was thinking.

"It won't do any good to run off and hide, 'cause they would find you, and there would be hell to pay when they did. Jon, I don't know much about you, other than what little Myrna has talked about, but let me give you a little advice. When a woman sets her cap for a man, he doesn't stand a chance. Now that little redhead has decided you're her man, so you might as well accept it. You know the other two better than I do, so what do you think they are going to do when she enlists their help for her cause? If it was me, I would just lay down and give up, 'cause you ain't gonna win."

"Oh, thanks, oh great wise man. How the hell did you become so knowledgeable about women since you've never been married?"

He looked at me and grinned, then looked to see the door was clear. He leaned forward toward me and whispered; "My mama taught me," and broke out in laughter when I spilled coffee on my desk in shock. I just cleaned it up, looked him straight in the eye and said very politely; "Go to hell, Carver."

He grinned at me, got up and said, "Boy, you got a lot to learn. I hope I get to see the outcome, because it will be one for the books", and walked out of my study.

Now what the hell did he mean by that, I wondered as Sally came in and took the tray, giving me that grin again as she left. This was getting too cryptic for me, so I decided to go out and look at the car Tiny had left for me to use.



-------

Chapter 27


I was going out the front door, heading for the garage, when it hit me. Something had been bothering me about this whole thing. None of this had started until the shooting at the barn. That made me wonder if Sally's mom had been approached and paid by the church to have her and her boyfriend grab Sally. Still, it just didn't make sense to me because I had done my little raid on the church years ago. I hadn't had any contact since then. I stopped and sat down on the porch to work this out in my own mind.

Thinking about it from that angle, everything that had happened didn't make any sense to me at all. Why did the church come after me after all these years? What were they looking for in our files, and why, after all this time, were they pushing so much? There had to be a reason, and for the life of me I couldn't figure out what it would be. I was as puzzled now as I was when all this started. I wished Bill would contact me, 'cause I needed someone to bounce all this off of who was familiar with what had gone on. If I hadn't heard from him by tomorrow evening, I would contact everyone I knew to start looking for him. Since he was a former senior Senator, there would be a lot of people who wouldn't take kindly to anyone that harmed him. I already had a list of numbers he gave me to call if there was an emergency.

Then it hit me between the eyes, now I would have to keep a careful watch on Kat. If they had listened to the tape from the limo, they would know how much we cared for each other. Dammit, just what I needed, I thought, another target for them to snatch. I had to warn Kat before she went home tomorrow so she would be aware of any strangers hanging around in her vicinity. I would also make sure Tiny had someone on her at all times. I opened the garage and got my first glimpse of the car I had been loaned. It was an older Olds but it was in almost pristine condition. Looking it over and underneath, I could see it had self controlled air bags on each side as well as a beefed up suspension. The bottom was completely covered by a sheet of what looked to be steel, with small holes cut to change the oil and grease it. I counted eight airbags underneath it, and upon closer inspection the new style run flat tires. I didn't know what Tiny had paid for this boat and I would be willing to bet the gas mileage sucked. Speaking of that, when I opened the trunk, I noticed that there was a large extra tank in it, surrounded by plating. The trunk lid was also plated with steel, and it wasn't the light stuff either. No wonder there were so many air bags under it. It had to weigh a good two or three tons over what it had been when it left the factory. I sat down inside and there were buttons all over the dash where the radio used to be. None of them were labeled as to what they were for and I wasn't about to be the one to find out. I pulled the hood release and got another surprise when I looked at the engine. Tiny had said it had some kind of interceptor engine in it, and from the label, it was an Olds 455 ci. It had headers and dual carburetors on top of the engine. I won't pretend I am a mechanic, but everything I had seen so far said money and a lot of it. As Tiny had said, this had been custom built to someone's specifications, and it had cost a pretty penny to build. I went back to the driver's side and got the keys from under the mat on the passenger side, and cranked it up. It started with the first turn and sat and rumbled. I gassed it and it was so quiet I had to put my head outside to hear the engine. Damn, this thing was quiet and powerful, I thought. It rocked from side to side as I gassed it. I shut it down and closed the hood, then headed to the back to close the trunk. That's when I noticed the other car sitting in the far stall. I almost laughed out loud when I got a full view of it.

Kat and her car definitely matched. It was as small and dainty as she was. I walked over to look at it still chuckling to myself. It was a baby blue colored Ford Festiva. It looked like it had just come off the showroom floor; it was so clean and shiny. When I looked inside, I broke out laughing at the decorations. She had fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror and the seat covers made me laugh even harder. They were both were big pictures of a nurse in white with a big needle in her hand with the caption saying; "Nurses have bigger needles to work with." I was laughing out loud at her sense of humor when I noticed the back seat had the same thing. Only there, it had a man lying on a bed, looking scared to death with the nurse standing over him with a syringe that she was holding with both arms. It had to be a foot long and she had a big grin on her face as she looked down at the patient. I was still laughing as I went out and started to close the garage door. Then I noticed her personalized license plate. It said NURSE 1 with a frame around it that said "I like big needles." I closed the garage door and laughed all the way back to the house.

While I went up the steps still laughing, I wondered what I was letting myself in for with her and her sense of humor. I had to admit to myself, it would be a refreshing change for me since I had a very dry sense of humor and always had. The experiences I had with the Legion had been responsible for that. All of us always had a macabre sense of humor to cope with all the gore that seemed to surround us wherever we were sent. Then I had another thought, I wondered if Sally had seen her car yet. With her sense of humor, she would be in hysterics when she did. I sat down in the porch swing, and thought about everything that had happened, still wondering why the church was pushing so hard after all this time. There had to be a reason, but I sure was in the dark about it.

I was still sitting there watching the sun go down when I was joined by Kat with a kiss for me.

"Hello, did you miss me? I was finally able to slip away from Sally for awhile after enlisting Myrna's help. Jon, she is so sweet, but I think she is starved for company her own age."

"Yea, you're probably right, Kat. The only time she's around kids her age is when she goes to school. She used to go to the fairs and stuff with Sparky until he was killed. I guess it's pretty lonely around here. I am going to take us all on a vacation in a week or so. Maybe it will help her overcome her boredom."

"Jon, aren't you going to ask me to go too? I have almost a month of vacation time coming and I would love to spend it getting to know you better. Besides, if we can find something for Sally to do, then we could have a little private time to ourselves."

"Well, I don't mind the idea, but you're gonna need a passport to go where we are going."

"That's no problem. I still have mine from when I flew to Germany to meet Jerry when he was on leave. See, I'm all set to go. Just let me know a week ahead of time so I can give the hospital notice. They will need to get someone to cover my shift while I'm gone."

I turned to her grinning and was about to say something when I got kissed again. This time I didn't move for fear of falling off the swing. When she moved back I told her the bad news I hadn't wanted to tell her.

"Kat, I am going to have someone watching you round the clock after you leave here. If they heard the recording from the limo, they know how much you mean to me, and might go after you to get at me. I'm sorry that this is getting so complicated for us, but I can't take any chances until I can figure out what they are after."

She looked at me and then gave me that little dimpled smile before answering; "You do what you need to do, Jon. I will alert the hospital security to be watching for strangers hanging around. When we go on vacation, I expect your full attention without all these distractions."

"I don't think that will be a problem for me because you already have it whenever you're close to me. Kat, promise me you'll be careful. I really don't know what these people are capable of or what they are after."

"Oh I will, Jon, you just make sure you stay in one piece until we can get out of here. Now come in the house so I can change your bandages and check to make sure there isn't any infection."

We got up and went in and to my surprise, she had a doctor's bag with her that had everything in it except an operating room. She changed the bandages and after examining my wounds, said I was healing well and would be back to a hundred percent in a couple of weeks, if I didn't do anything stupid. Then we sat back and had a couple of drinks, with Sally, Myrna and Carver joining us. When I told the group about my plans for us to take our vacation and where, I thought Myrna and Carver were going to break their faces, they were smiling so much. They both said they had passports and they were current. I wondered why Myrna had one, because from everything I had been told, she never left the farm. Before I could ask her, Sally jumped all over me because she didn't have a passport. I smiled at her and explained what I had set up for her, and to my surprise she started bawling when I finished. I moved to her and took her in my arms, waiting to see what this was all about. I was looking around and Kat and Myrna were smiling. Carver was just shaking his head with a grin on his face too. I was still perplexed as to why Sally was crying, when she sat back and Kat handed her a box of tissues. She wiped her eyes and blew her nose before looking at me with a big smile on her face. What she said made me almost fall off the couch.

"Oh, thank you so much, Jon. Now I don't have to worry about someone taking me away from you. When we get to our island, will you and Kat, and Myrna and Carver be getting married? Does this mean I am finally going to have some brothers and sisters to look after? Oh I hope so!"

I sat there in shock with the rest of them laughing like crazy at my expression. Kat was the one who answered, and when she did, I just looked at Carver with a look of defeat. He about fell off the chair he was sitting on.

"Sally, I don't know about Myrna or Carver, but with your help I think we might be able to drag Jon in front of a Justice of the Peace or a Preacher. I don't know about Jon, but I have already made up my mind that he is mine for the rest of our lives. How about it Sally? Do you want a new stepmother to boss you around?"

"Only if it's ok with Myrna too. She is my closest friend and the only family besides Jon that I ever had. I like you a lot, Kat, but it's not just up to me."

Kat looked at her in shock while I looked at Myrna who was sitting with her mouth open in shock and the tears were pouring down her face. It looked like Sally's answer had shocked her as much as it had me and Kat. Then the thought hit me, didn't I have a say in any of this? I looked at them all one by one, and when I opened my mouth all three women immediately said; "Oh shut up, Jon!"

The next thing I knew, Myrna and Kat were hugging with Sally talking a mile a minute. I head something about wedding plans for all of us as they headed for the kitchen. I looked at Carver and he had a shocked and sickly look on his face so I couldn't resist; "Didn't your mama warn you about this too?"

He looked at me, shook his head, and then gave me a dirty look. He stood up saying; "Go to hell, Jon" and walked out of the room.

I sat back, chuckling to myself before it all hit me like a ton of bricks again. Oh God, I thought, I had been out maneuvered again. I didn't say anything as I climbed the steps to get a shower and go to bed. I was right in the middle of rinsing the soap out of my eyes when a pair of arms wrapped around my waist. I was so startled I almost fell. I grabbed the first thing I could to stop myself and I heard a squeal when I did. I caught my balance and when I realized what I was holding on to, I let loose immediately.

"I'm sorry I scared you, Jon. Myrna is keeping Sally with her tonight so we can have some privacy. She said they would be up for awhile discussing the trip and making some plans. I hope you don't mind me joining you, but showering by myself all the time is no fun."

I didn't say anything, trying to get my eyes rinsed since they were burning from the soap. I was finally able to see although it was blurred, and the sight took my breath away. I didn't know what to say so I just grinned and kissed. I don't have a clear memory of the rest of the night, but I do remember her saying something about birth control and loving me. I woke the next morning by myself, and when it hit me what she had said about birth control, I about fainted in my own bed. I hurried through a shower, dressing on the run as I went downstairs. When I walked into the kitchen the only one there was Myrna. She took one look at my face and smiled.

"Jon, are you ok? You look like you just got shocked or something. Why are you looking so glum after all my planning to give you and Kat some time to yourselves?"

I told her what Kat had said last night about birth control, and not realizing what I was saying, told her about not wearing any protection last night. She looked at me in shock for a minute, then when I turned red, she started laughing. I did not need her next comment as I was already panicked.

"Congratulations, Papa! Is it a boy or a girl?"

I fell off the chair!



-------

Chapter 28


I sat back down, listening to Myrna chuckling at me. For the rest of the morning everything was a complete daze. Later I walked Kat out to her car and got kissed again. She said that she was looking forward to our vacation. Sally and Myrna stayed on the porch and waved as she went out the driveway. I headed back to the house, telling Sally she had better start getting ready for the prom. I told her I knew it took hours for girls to get the right look before they would go out all dressed up. She got a shocked look on her face and ran for the front door. Of course Myrna wasn't that easy.

"That was a good move, Jon. Don't worry though, I will make sure she looks like the young lady she is. Now, I think you have some phone calls to make before your meeting tonight. I will have an early supper for you both."

She turned and went back inside. I just sighed to myself, wondering if I would ever have my way in my own house. I followed her inside, went to my study and got on the phone. I called Jimmy first to see if he had gotten the cameras and the recorders ready to go. I wanted to turn Jubal and Farley loose this weekend to start watching the camp. He said he was just putting the final touches on them and would send them out with Tiny. I reminded him that he had to come himself. He needed to show my people how to wire them and what to do in case there was some kind of trouble. He said he would be there and wanted to know when we were eating supper. I just laughed and told him it would be before he got here, so he would have to settle for one of Myrna's sandwiches. He didn't sound too disappointed when he hung up the phone. Next I called Tiny and told him my thoughts about Kat and the recording from the limo.

"Jon, I already thought about that and I have a good man assigned to her. I called a couple of markers in, and the police will be patrolling the area where she lives pretty heavy for the next couple of weeks. I have five extra guys tailing us tonight, so don't worry about Sally or her friends. Jon, I hate to ask, but I need some money to help cover expenses. Several of the guys owe me big time, but the rest I have to pay. I got nothing but the best, and you know they don't come cheap. Normally I wouldn't ask, but it's been a slow year this year and I can't afford to do both and still keep the Mrs. happy."

"Dammit, Tiny, I didn't expect for you to shoulder the load and expense for all of this. You should let me know each week what you need, and I will write you a check to cover it. If that's not fast enough, I will transfer the amount into your account each week. That way you won't have to wait for the check to clear. You just let me know which way you would prefer. By the way, you will be bringing Jimmy out here tonight. He is going with me to meet the men who will be handling the cameras. I will take him home, so you don't need to worry about that. I might just have him stay over. If the meeting ends early enough, I may be able to make it to the prom to see Sally. Tiny, in case I don't get to the prom, will you do me a favor and get some good pictures for me? When she gets older, she will want them for her scrapbook, and I want some for my personal album."

"Jon, will you quit worrying? I have one of the guys I am using for extra eyes bringing along his camera. He is a professional photographer and he will take all the pictures you might want. I guarantee you they will all be good. Now settle down and get your mind back on your problems. Let us take a little of the load off this evening."

"Ok, Tiny, and thanks for all the help."

"Hey, she is like my own kid, and I sure wouldn't let anything happen to her while she is in my care. You do your thing and don't worry about Sally or Kat. Besides, I've already been read the riot act by Aunt Myrna about this. She included Kat in the whole thing too. Jon, what's going on out there? Myrna said something about multiple marriages and kids, or something like that. She sure was excited and happy. Well, I gotta go pick up the limo and have Jimmy go over it again. Catch you later."

He hung up with me wondering how my whole life had been taken out of my hands by my adopted daughter and my housekeeper. I decided to call Bill's cell. It went to voice mail but I didn't leave a message. I was starting to worry about him, and decided to call Jerry. When I got him on the phone, he said he hadn't heard anything from him either, and was as worried as I was. He said he was going to give it until the morning and then start making calls. I told him I had a list of numbers too and I would start calling them in the morning. He asked if I had heard anymore about the shooting, and I said no and I wasn't worried about it because it was a case of self defense. Jerry agreed and said his call to the new DA hadn't been returned yet, so maybe he decided to drop it. We chit-chatted a few more minutes before I hung up and used my cell phone to call Maurice. When I got him on the phone, he sounded beat. I told him he needed to go home and get some rest for a change.

"Jon, my friend, it has been hitting the fan for the last four hours. That church in El Salvador was raided by the Army, looking for a wanted fugitive. When they went in under a white flag to talk to the church leaders, they were fired upon with automatic weapons. You know how it is down there; they don't worry about anything, just open up and shoot the hell out of everything. Between the mortars and the heavy artillery, they almost flattened the whole area. Jon, they only found thirty people alive, and most of them were women and kids. From what we have been able to find out, almost all of them were citizens from your country. They are in jail, waiting for the American Consulate to make an appearance. Jon, they were hiding several bands of rebels, and were furnishing them with small arms to keep fighting the Salvadorian Government. Intelligence is still coming in, but from the count of the dead, it doesn't look good."

"Damn, Maurice, I hate to hear that. I am sending you a couple of pictures from my cell phone. I think they are of the leader of the church here. Give them a good look see, will you? I think we have seen him before, but I can't remember where. If you can figure it out, let me know right away, will you? Maurice, you be careful with this one, because he might have fingers in places we don't expect."

"Ahh, Jon, you always worry about your old comrade. Do not worry, my friend, I will make sure I get an ID on him before I report anything to my commander. Of course it will be after I fax you the information. Jon, you be careful too, my friend, your name has come up in some radio traffic. We do not know who was sending it, but they mentioned you several times. I think maybe you have something these people want or need. The compound in San Mateo has been very active for the last couple of weeks. There has been a lot of night activity and truck traffic in and out of there. They have a small airport on the grounds, and it also has been very busy lately. We have not been able to get close enough to see what is going on because of all the armed guards. Jon, all the compounds we are watching have been very active of late, and no one here can figure out what's going on. I have to go now, my friend. Send the pictures to my personal cell and I will get back to you as soon as I know something. Goodbye for now, my friend."

He hung up and I immediately sent the pictures to my computer. Then I uploaded copies back into my phone and sent them to his cell. I got a text back almost immediately that said, "Got them." I was sitting at my desk staring at the two pictures, trying to remember where I had seen him, but it just wouldn't come to me for some reason. I was interrupted by a vision that I would have imprinted on my mind forever. It was Sally all dressed up for the prom.

"Boy do you look beautiful, Sally! I always thought you were really cute, but dressed like that, it seems like I have lost my little girl and gained a beautiful young lady in her place. Has Myrna seen you yet?"

"Yes, silly, who do you think helped me get my hair and makeup done? Do you really think I look beautiful, Dad?"

"Yes, Sally, I do, and I always knew you would be when you grew up. I remember that dirty faced little girl who looked so cute when I first saw her. I remember that smile, even under all the dirt on your face. I think, even back then, I knew you would turn out to be something special as you got older. Now look at you, about to start high school and the best looking girl at the prom. Wait till Tiny sees you, he will have to beat the boys off with a ball bat tonight. Why I bet he doesn't let you out of his sight the whole night long."

"Dad, I love Tiny, but if he follows me around all night, I will beat him with his own ball bat. A girl needs a little space, you know."

"Remember, Sally, he is there not only as your chaperone, but as your bodyguard too. Remember what's been going on, so don't be too hard on him. Please, for my sake, don't sneak away or get out of his sight for too long. Remember our talk and what I told you about the church."

"I remember, Dad, and all of us girls are going to stay in threes all night. All my friends will be close, and they already said if an adult grabbed me, they would start screaming as loud as they can. We all decided we would watch out for each other all night long. I'll let Tiny know as soon as we get in the limo. All the girls are meeting at Judy's, so Tiny will only have one stop to make. We arranged this yesterday with all their parents. By the way, they all said to tell you thanks for letting us have our own limo to go in. This is gonna be so cool."

With that she went back out the door after kissing me on the cheek. She said she didn't want to mess up her makeup or hair. I was a little miffed, because I wanted a hug. I sat back down at my desk and called Jeb, asking if the meeting was still on for tonight. I was assured it was and that Jubal and Farley had some good news for me when I got there. I was thinking about this when Myrna came in with coffee. Carver was on her heels with a smile on his face.

"Jon, doesn't she look beautiful? Carver and I decided we are going to get married on this island of yours. What are your plans for you and Kat? Are you gonna ask her to marry you?"

I looked at her in shock before I finally blurted out; "Dammit, Myrna, why do you always have to ruin a perfect day? Can't I ever make any decisions on my own?"

"Not in this case, Jon. Besides, I wouldn't be me if I didn't push you in the right direction. I think we ought to make it a double wedding. Carver has already got our rings, so we are ready. What about you? Have you thought about getting her a ring yet? If you need any help, I know what she likes. We had a nice discussion about it, and what we thought should happen down there."

"Yeah, Dad, I think it's time you got married. I also think she is the perfect one for you. After all, Myrna and I decided she is what you need, and I need some brothers and sisters to help keep you on your toes. Kat and I decided she would have two of each, and when I got old enough to get married, I would have three. I think a double marriage on a beautiful island is really romantic, don't you?"

I felt like screaming. How the hell did I ever get myself into this and how was I going to get out of it? Did I want to get out of it? I thought about Kat, her smile, the way I felt when she kissed me, and I knew I was sunk. I knew I didn't want to get out of it, but just be able to make up my own mind when and where. I looked over at Carver. He was looking at me and just shook his head slightly. I immediately took this as a clue to keep my big mouth shut, so I decided I would. I was saved by the arrival of Tiny and Jimmy. When Sally answered the door, I heard them both give out wolf whistles and Sally was giggling at them. I had to smile, because if nothing else good happened in my life, I had her.

Myrna gave me one of those looks that conveyed that this matter wasn't over yet, so I just grinned at her and got a glare in return. She went out, leaving Carver sitting in his chair with a smile on his face. I gave him a dirty look and he just laughed at me.

"Jon, I tried to warn you what would happen when they all got together. I personally am happy to marry that woman. She completes something in me that I have missed all these years. How old are you, Jon? How many years have you beat around this world like I did with nothing but uniforms and a gun for company? Sure, we had friends we would give our lives for, but having a smart and beautiful woman to be with is a whole new ball game for us both. I will tell you that Kat loves Sally like she is her own, and she will wait until you decide to marry her. But if you don't, you will be missing out on something, and you will regret it the rest of your life."

"Carver, it's not that I don't want to marry her, but I just want to be the one who decides when I will and how it will happen. Myrna and Sally have done this to me for years, and to tell you the truth, I am getting tired of it. I love them both, but for once I would like to make my own decision about something."

"I understand that, Jon, and I been in your shoes. Remember, I grew up with four older sisters, and I could never get to make my own decisions about anything. When I got picked on at school, one of my sisters would always beat the hell out of the bully who picked on me. I watched two of them die of cancer, and to this day I regret that I never told them how much they meant to me as I was growing up. I still have two living, and they still treat me like I don't have any brains. It took me many years to see this was how they showed their love for me. When I came home from Nam, they both were at the airport to meet me. They almost started a riot when one of those hippie chicks called me a baby killer. It took me and three of my buddies to hold them back from beatin' the hell out of that girl. One of my sisters married one of my friends, but he died of Agent Orange a couple of years ago. I stay in close touch with her, because she still hasn't recovered from his death. Yea, Jon, I know what you're feeling. Just remember, although Myrna don't say so, she loves you like the son she never had. Sally is something else entirely. There's a bond there even I don't understand. You heard her when she asked Myrna about getting her permission. Myrna talked about that most of the night. She was so proud that Sally thought that much of her."

"Carver, to Sally, Myrna is the mother she never had. I know she doesn't talk about it much, but Myrna has raised Sally since my grandfather died. Hell, even I think of her as Sally's mother. But I got to tell you, sometimes I could just turn her over my knee, because she acts so much like Myrna."

Well, Carver thought this was funny for some reason, and was still chuckling when Tiny and Jimmy came into my office. It looked like Tiny had a new suit on, and I had to admit this one seemed to fit him better than his other one. At least he didn't look like a gorilla in a suit, as Myrna put it. Jimmy was smiling and sniffing the air like he was testing to see if there was food somewhere close. Sally was behind them with a big smile on her face, and again, I was struck by her beauty.

"Dad, supper will be ready in about ten minutes. I am going to talk to Myrna before I leave. Tiny, Dad has something to say to you, and so will I, when we go to pick up the girls."

With that statement, she was gone. Tiny sat down in the chair looked at me with a smile, shaking his head at some private thought.

"Jon, she sure is a beautiful young woman. I remember when my daughter was her age. Then it seemed like the years just flew by, and she was gone out of my life to make her own way in the world. I promise you I will make sure she and her friends will be safe tonight."

"Tiny, that's not what's bothering me. I was just informed that Myrna and Carver are getting hitched on our vacation. They want me to marry Kat and make it a double wedding."

"What's wrong with that, Jon? You know I would be the last one to interfere in your personal business, but I think Kat is quite a catch for a footloose old Legionnaire like you. Jon, anybody that watches you when she's around can see how much you love her. That same look is on her face when she looks at you. I think you won't find a better woman, and I know she will always be there for you and Sally. I think you better give this some serious thought, but from my own observations, you two won't be able to stay away from each other too long. By the way, the man I have on her said she was followed after she left your place. He cut them off long enough that they lost her. He says he got the plate number and called it in to a friend of his to have it run. Jon, why is the church pushing so hard? I mean, I thought you said your brush with them was years ago."

"It was, and I have been thinking on just that. I have no idea why after all these years they are pushing me. I will tell you, Tiny, if they harm any of my loved ones in any way, they will have a war on their hands they won't win. I have people I can call in to help and they will show them what war is all about. Still, it has me stumped, and I still can't figure out why any of them haven't approached me with some kind of deal or offer, if I have something they want."

"I was telling Jimmy they same thing coming out here. I kinda figured the Runt would have tried to talk to you at the restaurant. When he didn't, I was really surprised."

"I think the man he was with is the big boss of the churches here in the states. Tiny, I have seen him someplace before, but I just can't remember where. I have a couple of photos of him being checked by Interpol as we speak. If he is known anywhere, they will have a record of it. Well, I think dinner's ready. Jimmy, you came out here early on purpose, didn't you?"

We all got a laugh out of his guilty look as we headed for the kitchen to eat. Sally had this big apron on that covered the front of her completely. I almost laughed, and was informed it was to keep her from spilling anything on her beautiful dress. I just smiled and sat down. We had a pleasant meal, with Jimmy eating enough for three people. I was seriously thinking about renting him a room, if he was starving that bad for home cooking. Of course, Sally and Tiny kept picking on him throughout the whole meal. He took it in good grace, but never missed a bite every time he filled his plate. Carver and Myrna just watched with big grins as we sat back with coffee. Jimmy finally finished and looked around like he was trying to see if he missed a crumb or something. Myrna was watching him with a puzzled look on her face before she finally asked what he was looking for.

"Umm, I was just wondering if there was any pie or something for dessert."

As if we all were of one mind, we all threw something at him. He busted out laughing with the rest of us joining in. We finished up, and Tiny and Sally headed for the limo, after I got a few good pictures of her. I turned around and asked Jimmy if he was ready to go and all I got was a nervous nod of his head. We headed for the garage, with Jimmy carrying a big silver case. I knew it had to be heavy from the way he was holding it. When we got to the garage door, I reached down to pull it up, but the hair on my neck started standing up. I backed away from it with Jimmy looking at me with a puzzled look on his face.

"Back up some Jimmy, something's not right."

I checked around the edge of the door but couldn't see anything. But, I still had that nagging sensation in the back of my neck. The last time I had this feeling, I was in a sniper's scope in Ethiopia. My man took him out before he could fire, but I still remembered the feeling for many months. I learned to let my senses watch over me from that point on. I went to the back door and looked inside and still didn't see anything. I took my gun butt and broke the window pane out because I didn't want to open the door. I reached inside, flipped the light switch on, and nothing happened. At this point my, senses were screaming at me. I backed off and went back around to the front.

"Jimmy, set the case down and come back to the house with me for a moment while I get a flash light."

"What's wrong Jon? I can open the door for you if you're afraid of hurting your wounds."

I told him my suspicions, and he got big eyed and beat me back to the porch. I noticed when he hit the front porch, he still had the case in his hand. I went to my study and got a flashlight. I picked up my small cutters from the junk drawer in the hall and headed back to the garage. Jimmy stayed on the porch, but was shifting from foot to foot. I went back around to where I had broken the window and stuck my head and an arm inside with the light. I shined it all around, but didn't see anything out of place at the big door. I was still feeling that nag in my head and checked out the door and frame. I finally saw what I had missed on the first check; a wire was running from the door bolt to the roof area. There was another wire tied to it so that when I threw the bolt back, they would separate. Someone, in a very short time, had wired the door, and in a very simple manner. I was concentrating on following the wires with the light, when a hand tapped my shoulder. I was so startled I dropped the light and banged my head on the window frame, opening a nice gash from the broken glass still in the frame. When I backed out, Carver was standing there with a grin on his face. When he saw the blood he immediately quit smiling at me. He stepped back when he saw the look in my eyes.

"What's wrong, Jon? Jimmy said something about you not wanting to open the door for some reason. What happened, why are you bleeding?"

"Dammit, Carver, you know better than to sneak up on a person like that! You startled me and I cut my head on the broken glass. Somebody wired the garage after Kat left this morning. I was trying to trace the wire to see where it led when you spooked me. Now I have dropped the damn light on the floor."

"Jon, maybe you better call the authorities and let them handle it."

"Not hardly, Carver, this I will handle myself. Go get me another light and a concrete block to stand on, will you? For God sakes don't let Myrna call anyone either. I have demolition training, and this looks like a simple circuit break bomb. I want to find the charge and disarm it."

I stood and waited for him to return, wondering why things had escalated to this stage, when it hit me. This wasn't done by a professional because it was too crude. Who in the hell besides the church was after me and for what? This mystery was getting way too complicated, and I decided we were getting out of here tomorrow. If someone died because of me, I would never be able to forgive myself. I would turn Jubal and Farley loose and get everyone else out of here, first thing tomorrow. The fence was done, and all we were waiting for were the gates and the guard shack to be built. I had been assured it would all be done in one day when the materials arrived. Carver came back with Myrna's kitchen light and the step ladder she used in the kitchen.

"Jon, she about had a fit when I told her what you were going to do. She said to tell you if it wasn't something you could handle, then to back off and call the sheriff."

"I just need to get inside without breaking the circuit. If I had pulled the bolt back, it would have separated the wires and caused it to go off. Carver, this was done by an amateur. Just give me a few minutes to trace the wires to the charge, and I will open the big door in front."

I cleaned the glass out of the frame with the metal body of the light and climbed in. I put the light Carver brought into my back pocket and picked up the one I dropped. I started following the wire along the floor to the far side of the garage and it looped back to the overhead door. On the floor was a big block of what looked like plastique explosive with several wires running out of it. I got on my knees and pulled the wire from the door out and there was no detonator on the end. It had been stuck down in the block with just a bare end showing. When I pulled the second one, it was the same way and I started smelling a skunk. The rest of the wires were all just stuck into the block of explosive. I pulled them all out, and none of them were set to blow by a detonator. I checked all around the big door and didn't see a battery or any way to set it off. I followed the wire from the front door to the back door, then back around to the block sitting on the floor. The big garage door was the same way, just one big loop of wire going back to the block. I had a hunch and squeezed a pinch of the block off and put it in my mouth. Damn, it wasn't explosive at all, just a big block of modeling clay. What the hell was going on? I rechecked the garage door for any hidden wires or anything else that didn't look right. I couldn't find a thing that triggered my sense of danger. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and opened the door. Nothing happened, other than the squeak of the garage door opening. When it was fully opened, I could see Myrna, Carver, and Jimmy standing on the front porch. When I stepped out, Myrna was running to me, asking if I was ok, and where did all the blood come from? I grinned in relief and pointed at Carver. If looks could kill, he would be dead from the look Myrna gave him. He looked at her, then at me, and just hung his head.

"Jon, what's going on? Did someone set a bomb in the garage or something?"

"No, it wasn't a bomb, Myrna, just someone's sick idea of a joke. I want all of you to go back to the porch while I finish checking the garage and the car. Something's still wrong, I can feel it."

"Well, when you're done, come in the house and let me bandage that cut. Then maybe you can tell me how you got it."

She led them back to the porch, staring daggers at Carver the whole way. When they were clear, I went back in the garage and checked out the whole interior, including my grandfather's old office. I found out how they got in, the lock had been pried away from the door jam on the outside door to his office. I didn't find anything that looked suspicious, so I headed back into the garage to check out the car. I popped the hood and checked the engine over but didn't see anything attached to it. I got down on one knee and looked under the driver's side, and that's when I saw what had set my signals off. There were two sticks of dynamite stuck to the plate under the driver's side seat. I knew this one was real, because my senses were screaming and it was remote controlled. There was a small antenna sticking out of the receiver, which had a red blinking light on it. I got up and almost ran out of the garage to the porch.

"Myrna, call the sheriff and tell him to come out with his bomb expert. There is a remote controlled bomb stuck under the driver's side of the car. Tell him to come without lights and sirens so we don't tip anyone off that we found it. I need to call Tiny and put him on full alert and have him call his man on Kat and fill him in."

I got on the phone as Myrna ran in the house to do as I said. Jimmy sat down in the swing and was shaking. I patted him on the shoulder which he smiled at. Carver was sitting next to him looking guilty for some reason. I finally got Tiny on the phone and filled him in. I told him to call his man on Kat and put him on alert too. He said it would be done and he would send another warm body over to make sure she was fully covered. I told him I didn't care what it cost, but to get it done right away. I called Jeb and told him what happened and he said we could meet tomorrow morning instead.

I sat down in the chair, and when the reaction set in, I had to grit my teeth to keep them from chattering. I hadn't had the shakes like this since Algeria. I wondered what the hell was going on, and why someone wanted me dead.



-------

Chapter 29


I was still trying to figure out who was after me when Myrna came out, carrying a pan of water and a rag with the first aid kit tucked under her arm. I just sat and let Myrna clean the blood from the back of my neck while I waited for the sheriff to arrive. After about five minutes, he came sliding into the driveway. When he got out of his car, he came directly up to the porch.

"Jon, what the hell's going on out here? Myrna said something about a bomb?"

I had him sit down and brought him up to date on the explosives I had found, as well as my thoughts about the block of clay. He said that when his demo man got here, he would have him send the clay in immediately to check for fingerprints and DNA traces. He questioned me a little more intently on the car bomb, and who I thought might have put it there.

I told him I had checked out the car this morning and it wasn't there then. I also told him whoever had set up the fake clay bomb had been an amateur, because of the way it had been done. It was almost as if he or she had actually thought they were handling the real thing. When his demo man got there, the sheriff sent him to the garage after talking to him for about fifteen minutes. I couldn't hear what he was saying, but the directions must have been pretty detailed because the deputy just kept saying, "Yes Sir."

"Jon, not to interrupt what's going on, but you need a couple of stitches in this cut. It's pretty deep and I can't get it to stop bleeding. I am going to call Kat and have her come out to look at it."

"Oh no you don't, Myrna, I will be fine! Just go in the house and get some flour and press it into the cut. That will stop the bleeding. I am not leaving here tonight, and I certainly don't want Kat back out here with all that's going on. This time you will listen to me and do as I say!"

She didn't say anything else, but took the pan back into the house and returned with a cup with flour in it. I bent my head down and hissed to myself as she roughly pushed the flour into the cut. She did it twice before finally telling me it had stopped bleeding. I was also told that when I changed my shirt, to give it directly to her so she could get the blood out before it had time to set in.

I got up and went in to change. When I came out wearing a t-shirt, I handed her the bloody shirt. The sheriff immediately tried to take it away from her, saying that since I had been crawling around the garage with it, there might be trace evidence on it. Oh well, I thought, so much for another new shirt. I thought Myrna was going to go off on him. He finally had to pull the shirt out of her hands.

"Myrna, I promise you if my lab guys ruin his shirt, I will personally pay to have it replaced. Now will you calm down? And if you don't mind, will you get us some coffee? I have a feeling we are going to be here for awhile. I have my mobile forensics truck on the way as well as a bomb container truck so we can get that thing away from here."

That seemed to mollify Myrna, because she grinned at the sheriff and went back into the house. He turned to me and started talking, and a lot of what he said was very interesting to me.

"Jon, do you think Dwight had anything to do with this? I never liked him and we have clashed several times over cases here in the county. It seemed like he always had his nose in my business until you got him fired. I almost jumped up and down when I heard he had been let go and was under indictment. I personally hope he gets convicted and has to spend a few years in jail. I heard that before this happened, he was planning on running for sheriff against me next year. Could you imagine the people having that little dictator as their sheriff? I will tell you that he and the new DA seem to be close friends. That one I don't understand, but as long as they don't try to run my department, I'm not gonna worry about it. Jon, what the hell's going on? I mean two shootings, and now this? Someone's got you in their sights for some reason. Oh, and I also have extra deputies working the Jr High Prom tonight. With what's going on, and knowing Sally was planning on going, I thought it prudent. My daughter is with her and those two are as thick as thieves."

I looked at him and smiled, saying I also had several people watching them. That got me a crafty look and a big smile from the sheriff. I couldn't see anything other than honesty in him. I knew he and Bill were friends, so I brought him up to date about the church, the Runt and what this was all about, as far as I knew. I went on to tell him that I had no idea why, after all these years, I was having so much trouble with them. He just looked at me and smiled. Myrna came out and gave us all coffee and sat back down in the swing with Carver. I waited to see what the sheriff would have to say.

"Jon, Bill and I have discussed a lot of this after the first shooting. As you know, we are friends, but what you don't know, is that he, Jeb and I were in the same outfit in the war. I'm like you; I adopted my daughter because I thought I had a lot more to offer her than living in some orphanage. I still have a flyer on the girl's uncle that you talked about. The charges were upgraded to murder about three years ago. He went after another one of his relatives in Kentucky for some reason, and things went south and he ended up killing him. He is on the FBI's ten most wanted now. What I don't understand, like you, is why after all this time the church is pushing you so hard. Jon, there has to be something you know about, or did, that they want forgotten or buried away. I also want a copy of those photos you said you sent to Interpol. I have a lot of contacts in law enforcement around the country, and maybe somebody knows him. Don't worry, I will be discreet about it."

I started to say something more, but his men called him over to the forensics truck to show him something. I heard several raised voices before he came back to the porch with a puzzled look his face.

"Jon, they found one print on that block of clay but it doesn't match anything in our database. I have them checking Federal and NCIC as we speak. My guy says the bomb under the car was a dud too. It was two road flares taped to a magnet with a blinking LED from an alarm clock. If it could have gone off, it would have just caused a bunch of sparks under the car. I am having them dust the rest of the garage, including your grandfather's old office. Jon, this is damned strange, I don't know as I've ever heard of anything like it. That bomb under the car, according to my man, was a professional job. He said it was all tied in like someone who knew what they were doing did it. They found bits of skin on the ends of the bare wires where whoever did it twisted them with his bare fingers so he could push them into the clay. We will send all that to the state lab for DNA analysis. Jon, if you have anymore vehicles, I want my men to check them out too."

I looked at Carver and he returned the look with wide eyes. I told the sheriff about the farm jeep and Carver's truck, which were kept in the caretaker's small garage. He said he would send his bomb guys to check it out. I told him to tell them to be careful, just in case. He said he would, and got up to go to the forensics truck. I waited until he was out of earshot and turned to Carver.

"Do you have any enemies from your past that may be looking for you?"

"Not that I'm aware of, Jon. You know as well as I do, with my past, it's always possible."

"That's what I'm thinking. I think maybe we need to change our approach to this. Suppose it's not the church, but someone looking to get back at one of us for something in our past? I have been out of the Legion for almost six years, but you just retired a year or so ago. I think we both need to sit down and do some soul searching, and think about who would still want to do harm to either one of us. Carver, looking at it from that point of view, it makes more sense than the church being behind it. Damn, this is getting more and more complicated, and we still don't know what the church is after or why after all these years."

"You know Jon, you might have something there. It might be someone from one of your old cases or someone from my past, but either way, we need to start standing watches here to insure that this doesn't happen again."

"I have a better idea, I will call Tiny's friend and have him send a guard and a dog out to patrol the grounds around the house and buildings. He has a security license and he has good men and the dogs are attack trained. I will have it start tonight after the sheriff and his men leave."

I pulled out my cell and put the call in to Bert. I told him what I had in mind and what had been going on.

"Jon, business has been pretty slow for the last month or so. I will have uniformed men and dogs there within the hour. I will have a single team on days and second shift, and a pair working late night so they can spread out a little further. I will come out with the first team and have you sign our standard contract. Jon, I know you and Tiny are close, but I want to be up front with you. This isn't going to be cheap."

"Bert, I don't really care as long as you and your dogs keep my family safe. Do me a favor will you? If an intruder does sneak on the property let the dog chew on him for a little bit before his handler calls him off."

That got a laugh out of him and he then said this was standard operating procedure, because the dogs deserved a reward for finding someone sneaking around. I also told him the whole property was already posted about guard dogs. I also told him that according to my attorney, if they came on the property without permission, they can't sue if they get chewed up by the roving dogs I have. He got another laugh out of that one saying that it made his men's job a lot easier with the local authorities. He hung up saying he would be out in a couple of hours.

"Jon Morgan, this is my house too. I am paying for this one with my own money. I don't want to hear any argument about it either. You been paying for everything out of your own pocket and it's about time I helped out. You sign the contract and I will write him a check for six months' service when you do. I want us safe too, and I am tired of watching you worry yourself sick trying to insure our safety. I don't know what's got all of this stirred up, but I am about tired of pussyfooting around these asses. It's time we took after them, and gave some of them a little payback. That's my final word on the subject, Jon."

I looked at Carver, almost at the same time he looked at me. We both looked at Myrna and got a glare in return. I could see she had her mind made up, so I just settled back with a sigh. I got up to get some more coffee when one of the deputies came running around the house yelling for the sheriff. He came over and talked to him a few minutes and from the look on his face I could see it wasn't good news. The deputy took off to the back again and the sheriff walked over to us with a tired look on his face. I handed him a cup of coffee and he took a sip before starting to speak.

"Carver, when Pete hired you, he had a background check done as his insurance company requires. I have to admit, it came back clean faster than any I had ever run. From what my deputy just told me, I don't think they are after Jon at all, but you!"

We all looked at Carver in shock, but it couldn't match the look of surprise on his face as he absorbed what the sheriff told him.

"My bomb tech said they found a device attached to your truck that he had only seen once before. Fortunately, he graduated at the top of his class in Quantico. He said it was done by a professional and it was so sophisticated, it took him ten minutes to figure out how to disarm it. It was tied into your speedometer cable and would have gone off at a preset speed as you drove. I have an explosives dog on the way, Jon. We are going to go through every building and house to make sure there isn't something else we missed. Carver, I don't know much about your background, other than you retired from the Army Special Forces. I think you need to sit down and think about who might want to do you harm and who you know that's a professional bomb maker, cause this one is a real doozy."

He finished his coffee, gave Myrna a smile, and walked around the house headed toward the caretaker's garage. Myrna got up to gather the tray and cups, and I noticed her hands were shaking and that tears were welling in her eyes. I stood up and hugged her to me whispering in her ear.

"Don't you worry, we are getting out of here in the morning and going where we will all be safe. I am depending on you to make sure Kat goes with us, job or not. You will have your wedding, Myrna, and we will all be there safe and sound."

She just hugged me back, whispering; "Thanks, Jon. I love that man and I shore don't wanna lose him before I have a chance to marry him. He means the whole world to me, along with you and Sally."

I looked at Carver and he was deep in thought. Jimmy was looking around with a bewildered look on his face, so I told him to go in the house and grab one of the spare rooms and relax. We would go to our meeting in the morning, and I would take him home after it was over. He looked up at me and smiled, saying thanks as he went in the house. I had turned to follow him, when a FedEx truck pulled into the driveway. He had a pouch under his arm and asked for me by name. When I signed his electronic receipt, he punched some more numbers in and had me sign it again, this time asking me for my ID. I showed it to him, asking what that was all about. He said he was also a bonded Diplomatic Courier, and that the pouch was a French Diplomatic Pouch that had to have special handling. I had to sign two more times before he was satisfied and got back in his truck. I went to the porch and opened it, and found all of the stuff Quanta had promised he would send me for Sally. Everything he had promised was there, including a new passport with her phone picture on it. She was now a citizen of France, as well as a U.S. citizen. Now this couldn't have come at a better time, and it would make a great surprise for her when she came home from her prom. I wanted to go so bad, but with what was going down, I knew I couldn't leave. I just hoped and prayed she had a good time with all her friends.

I went in the house, thinking about Bill again, wondering where he was and if he was ok. I just knew this was going to be a long night, and wondered if Myrna would be able to convince Kat to leave with us. I got on the phone again and chartered a jet to take us to the Virgin Islands so we could catch the hop to the island where we would be safe. I was planning on taking both my IDs, because I was taking several firearms with me. I knew with both IDs, I wouldn't get any hassle from customs when we arrived. I sat back in my chair, thinking about Kat, the island, the church and my upcoming marriage. Oh my god! Now I was thinking about marriage. Just what I needed to top off a perfectly shitty day, I thought.



-------

Chapter 30


When I got inside, I immediately got in touch with Pete and ran my new idea by him, asking if it could be done this evening while there was still light. He informed me it would take about an hour to do, and that he and two of his men were on their way. I got off the phone with him and called Jerry. I was told that he was out of town for the evening, and that my message would be passed on to him as soon as he called in. I sat back, thinking about everything that had happened today. Although I was worried about Carver, I had to admit I was glad to find out they weren't after me. To have harm come to anyone in my circle of friends and family, would really piss me off, but I was smart enough to realize that Carver was well able to take care of himself. It was the innocents who always got hurt in these power struggles. I had seen it first hand all over the world, as I was sure Carver had. I was wondering how Myrna was doing, convincing Kat to leave, when a deputy leading a dog came in my door. The dog hit on the safe and the bottom drawer of my desk, but other than that it was clear. Myrna came in after the deputy went out with a big smile on her face. When I looked at her, she busted out laughing. I waited until she calmed down a little to hear the reason for the mood change from what it was earlier.

"Oh Jon, that's quite a lady you have there. When I finally got her on the phone and explained everything, and why we were leaving early instead of next week, she only had one thing to say to you. I am supposed to pass the message on word for word. I quote; "If I leave tomorrow and lose my job, and Jon doesn't make an honest woman out of me, I will sue him for breach of a verbal contract." Oh God, it was so funny the way she said it!

"Jon, I have another question I want to ask but you don't have to answer. It has been bothering me since you got cut."

"Go ahead, Myrna, you know I won't lie to you."

"Where did you learn to use flour as a clotting agent for open cuts and wounds? I read about it when I was in college, but never heard of anyone doing it until today."

"When we were in the Legion, half the time we didn't have proper medical care in the field. Since most of the rebels we fought used machetes, our medic made all of us carry a large bag of flour in our field packs. He saved a lot of lives with it, and we all got in the habit of using it for almost anything, including gunshot wounds. It was the best clotting agent we had in the field, and it worked."

"I remember reading about it in my nursing class, but to see it used that way is almost unbelievable. Jon, who do you think is after Carver?"

"That one I can't answer, Myrna, but I will say, I wouldn't want to be the one who got on his bad side."

"Jon, I know you, and I know you had him checked out. Will you tell me what you found out? He has only told me a little, and I want to know more about his time in the service."

"Myrna, I have his whole file, but to be fair to him, I won't let you see it unless he gives me permission to do so. Myrna, I love you and Sally, but you have to remember that Carver and I are a lot alike. We talk about some of our past, but there's a lot of it we don't want to talk to anyone about. And sure as hell, we don't want to relive the bad parts all over again."

"I understand, Jon, but I love him, and if there's something I can help with I want to know about it. I am not trying to be nosey but, oh never mind, I will talk to him about it. Jon, thanks for thinking about all of us and Carver too. I guess I always took our lives here at the farm for granted. Your grandfather always had a security detail around him, so we never had to worry about strangers. I guess I hadn't realized how much stress you have been under with all of this going on. Jon, if you need help with all the extra expenses, will you ask me? I have the money, and I might as well use it for something constructive for a change. Right now, it just sits in the banks, doing nothing but making them money. Oh, and Kat said she would be here ready to go after she got off work."

After that last statement, she was smiling as she walked out of my office. I heard Jimmy corral her, wanting to know if there was anything to snack on. I heard Myrna laugh and tell him to come with her. I sat back, thinking about the church again. I wondered what Jubal and Farley had found out that had Jeb saying it would be good news for me. I heard the sound of a drill working and headed out the front door again. Pete and two men were just finishing up drilling two holes to put the final touches on the two massive iron gates, which were up and closed. I looked around and saw there were still two sheriff's units at the garage, but no one was around them. I walked down to where Pete was putting away his tools, and when he saw me coming, he smiled and waved. When I got up to the gates, I saw how heavy they were. I wondered how the three of them had managed to get them mounted to the two large steel posts set on either side of my driveway.

"Well, Jon, they're up and working just fine. We will finish them up and run the electronics when the package comes in. I don't think it will arrive for a couple more weeks though. These came in this morning, and we were going to come out tomorrow to mount them. By doing it today, I won't have to pay any overtime."

"Pete, we will be gone for awhile, so any work other than this will have to wait until we get back. I'll call as soon as we do. I need you to do one more thing for me before you leave. Can you take a drive around the fence and make sure it's intact? I am going to turn a couple of dogs loose in here, and I don't want them getting out through a hole. There will be a security company watching the place while we're gone, and they will have several guard dogs roving loose."

"Be glad to, Jon. When we finish, I will call you and let you know. If there are any holes, which I doubt, we will patch them immediately. I have some fencing with me we can use. Jon, I heard what happened this morning. Jeb is going to spread the word to everyone who lives in your area to keep an eye out for any strangers. If there's anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to call me."

"Thanks, Pete, I appreciate it. Do you want a check now for the gates, or do you want to wait until the whole thing's done?"

"Let's wait till the job's finished. I have already been paid for the fencing, so it won't hurt me to wait till I finish this up before you pay me. Oh, I have a couple of almost new doors that will fit your barn. I can put them in while you're gone and haul off the smashed ones, if you want. You can have them, and I will only charge you for the labor for hanging them. They are just taking up room I could use in the warehouse."

"That would be great, Pete. I was wondering what I was going to do about the repairs. I probably shouldn't have run my truck through them, but I was a little pissed at the time."

He smiled and the other two broke out laughing. I heard one of them murmur to the other something about that being a helluva way to treat a nice truck. I had to smile at that one, because I agreed with him. I watched as they piled into Pete's truck and drove to the edge of the garage. They made a u-turn and came back, driving along side the fence until they disappeared into the distance. I started back to the house when I heard a horn honking. I turned to see two cars and what looked like a dog pound truck come up to the gate and stop. I walked back and opened both gates. They drove in and parked to the side. I closed both gates and heard another beep that sounded like a sick puppy. It was Kat in her little car. I just smiled at her, opened one gate, and pointed toward the garage. When she came up to where I was standing, she motioned me to bend down and got a kiss for doing so. I almost let loose of the gate it startled me so bad.

"I hope Myrna passed on my message, Mr. Morgan, you are mine from now on."

I got a grin from her and another sick puppy beep as she drove to the garage. I did let loose of the gate in shock and it smacked me as it went swinging by. I had to run to catch it, laughing to myself at her actions. I finally got them closed again, but not before looking down the road in both directions to make sure there wasn't anyone else coming. I walked up to the security guards, who were unloading several Rotties from the pound truck.

"Hey, Jon, I know we never met, but I am Bert. I talked to Pete earlier and he told me he was putting up the gates. We brought three roving dogs that are trained to guard the property. Since they don't require handlers and can live on premises, the only cost to you is their food and water. If you have an outside hose, I won't have to worry about hauling water for them. Besides, it's good for me, because they hate to be locked up in the kennel all the time. They won't bother any livestock you have, and if they catch a prowler, they are trained to hold him or her until one of the men show up. When everyone is here that is part of your home, and is considered ok to be inside the gates, let one of the men know. They will call the dogs in and let them have a smell of everyone. That way, if someone is out walking around, they won't bother them. Jon, I guarantee when they are out roving your property, nobody is going to get inside without them knowing it. I will ask that you leave the garage door open for a few days until they get used to the place."

"That's all great, Bert, but I want to clear up a couple of things so there won't be any hard feelings later on. If my daughter, or anyone from the house, is out walking and any of the dogs act in a threatening manner toward them, I will warn you ahead of time that I will shoot them. I will pay you for their loss, but I won't stand for any one to be hurt that shouldn't be. I will also tell you that when we come back, I do want to buy three of them for my own. My daughter loves animals, and I don't want her bitten because she tried to pet any of them."

"I would react the same way, Jon. Now, let me fill you in a little bit more on how they are trained. There won't be a problem for someone from your home that has been introduced to them and they are trained to accept. Your daughter can play with them, and they wouldn't hurt her in any way. They would love it, and they are all trained to play fetch with a ball or a Frisbee, just like any other pet. If she is out here walking, they won't let any stranger approach her or touch her in any way unless they are dead. Jon, they are like big kids except they know they have a job to do. They take it as seriously as you do yours. The three I brought are young and worked a big building for six months before the bottom fell out of the economy. They love being outside and running free. For them to hold a trespasser, he has to be inside of the fence. They won't bother him until he hits the ground inside, then they consider him fair game. Let them have a couple of days to get used to your place, and then you won't have any worries about anyone breaking in. As for buying the three of them, why don't you wait and see for yourself how they act and then decide. I will give you an excellent price on them, but it won't be cheap. I will come twice a year and run them through their training again to keep it fresh in their minds. That's part of the service when you buy them. Now I have to get back to town, so let's get the contract signed and you can pay me for the first month of service."

"Bert, I will sign the contract, but Myrna insists on paying for all the charges and wants to pre-pay for six months, if that's ok with you."

"Six months in advance? Man, that's great, Jon. I have to admit, that will be a big help to me, because I was starting to have a hard time meeting my payroll. Business has been lousy, and this will help me stay afloat until I can get a couple more contracts signed."

We went into the house and to my study where I read the contract. It was a standard form contract, so I signed it and made a copy for my records. Myrna brought her checkbook in and wrote out the check for him. They already knew each other which shouldn't have surprised me, but as usual it did. I think Myrna knew half the state personally. Bert explained about the roving dogs again, and how everyone who belonged here needed to meet them. Myrna said she had already been told by Tiny how it worked. He took the check and contract, shook my hand, and went back out the front door to get the shifts set up. I got up to go with him, but was told by Myrna to stay. She said that as soon as Kat got her stuff in her room she wanted to talk to me. I sat back down with a sinking feeling in my gut, wondering what this was going to be about. I had to admit to myself I was glad to see her, but I was still a little on edge about this marriage thing Myrna was so happy about. When she came in it was like she had been doing it for years. She came around the desk and plopped herself in my lap. She was kissing me so hard I thought the old chair was going to tip over, the way she was pushing me back.

"Well, Jon, since I'm now out of a job, I hope you took my words to heart."

"They fired you! Why those dirty sons a..."

"Now, Jon, control yourself. I was the one who made the decision. I figured being with you was more important than a job, especially after Myrna told me what happened today after I left. How bad did you cut your head, darling? Myrna said she thought you might need a couple of stitches."

"Will you stop changing the subject? I want to know why you were fired. Was it because of my wanting you to leave early? If so, I will have Jerry look into it. It just doesn't sound right to me, especially since you were the head nurse. Hell, they can't get away with that. Kat, I'm sorry I cost you your job, I know how much it meant to you."

"Jon, will you stop? I didn't give them any choice in the matter. When I went to see the director, he informed me he didn't care how much vacation time I had. He said they couldn't let me take it because they were so short handed. I had already put in for it, so I asked him if I would be able to take it when I asked. He told me again he didn't care how much time I had coming, he had already turned the request down. I lost my temper and told him what I though of his leadership skills, and a few other things I probably shouldn't have said. Needless to say, when I brought up his professional conduct with a certain nurse, he fired me on the spot. To tell you the truth, I felt relieved when he did. Jon, are you really going to marry me like Myrna says you will when we get to your island?"

I leaned back and got lost in her eyes again, forgetting about the question. I don't know how long I sat looking into her eyes, before she hit me on the shoulder, snapping me out of it.

"Well, are you gonna answer my question or not?"

"Umm, what question, Kat?"

"Oh for God sakes Jon, will you get hold of yourself? How are we ever going to be together if you keep phasing out every time you get near me? Now listen to me! ARE YOU GOING TO MARRY ME OR NOT?"

I was in a daze when I answered, and I still don't remember what I said. It must have been the right thing, because she kissed me and jumped off my lap, running to the kitchen hollering for Myrna. I watched her leave, wondering what all the excitement was about. I decided to get some coffee and got up and headed for the kitchen to get some. When I came around the corner, Myrna and Kat were hugging and both of them had tears running down their cheeks. I looked at Carver, and he was so deep in thought he was oblivious to his surroundings. I got my coffee and headed back to my study to wait for Tiny to call to say when they were coming home.

"Hold it right there, Jon Morgan! Have a seat; we need to do some talking and a little planning before we leave tomorrow."

Oh God, I thought, Myrna's in command mode. What was there to talk about, I wondered. I had already made all the plans needed so we could leave after my meeting in the morning. I sat down and waited to see why she was being so bossy this time. Kat came over and sat down beside me, holding on to my arm. She had a big smile on her face as she looked up at me. I almost spilled my coffee before I could set it down. I was fast losing my control as I looked into her eyes again. Smack! Damn that hurt, Myrna had done a Tiny attention getter on me. I gave her a dirty look, and Kat started up with that little girl laugh of hers. I looked at her, then at Myrna, starting to get pissed at being treated this way in my own house. Myrna must have seen the look in my eyes, because she immediately said she was sorry. Kat stopped in mid laugh when she saw the way I was looking at Myrna.

"I'm sorry, Jon, I shouldn't have done that. It's just that you can't seem to concentrate on anything around you when Kat gets close."

"I accept your apology, Myrna, but don't ever do it again. I am not a child and no one puts their hands on me that way. If you have something you want to talk about, let's get it done so I can go back to my study. I am waiting for Tiny to call to give me an update on how the prom's going. I have a lot on my mind right now. If you're worried about traveling arrangements, I have already chartered a jet for tomorrow to take us to the Virgin Islands, where we will catch our hop to my island. When we get there, I will find out any particulars we need to know. Now, is there anything else?"

"No, Jon, I'm sorry."

I got up and headed into my study, leaving Kat sitting at the table with her mouth hanging open in shock at my tone of voice.



-------

Chapter 31


By the time I got back to my study, I was in a foul mood. I felt liquid running down the back of my neck and knew that Myrna's slap had opened the cut again. I sat down and leaned, back thinking about what I had done. To my surprise, I felt a little guilty about the way I had talked to Myrna. Even though she shouldn't have slapped me like a little kid, I was still wrong in the way I had handled it. I had not only shocked myself and her with the venom in my voice, but I could still see the look of shock on Kat's face as I walked out. In all the years I had lived here, this was the first time I had ever used the command tone of voice, as it was always called in the Legion. I heard a knock at the door and said, "Come in." Carver came in, closing the door behind him. He sat down in the chair across from my desk and looked at me.

"Jon, what happened out there? I was thinking and not paying attention. I only caught the last part of the conversation. I do know Myrna and Kat are crying and upset about something. I've heard that tone of voice before, 'cause I have used it myself. Jon, what happened to set you off?"

I explained to him what happened, even though I didn't feel I should have to explain. He listened and didn't say anything for a few minutes while he thought about what I said.

"Jon, I know I haven't been around you and your family for long, but I think you did the right thing in this instance. You're right; she shouldn't have put her hands on you. I will say that even though I agree with how you handled it, you know you're going to have to apologize to her when you get control of your temper. I didn't come in here to castigate you, but to talk about what's going on. You know, I have thought about that bomb all afternoon, and for the life of me, I can't figure out who would be after me. I haven't been on any missions for years. I spent the last six or seven years training other men at Ft. Bragg. This just doesn't make any sense to me at all. Jon, I will kill any son of a bitch who tries to harm anyone in this house. Whether you like it or not, I am in, and I mean all the way on this one. I swore I would leave my service life behind me when I retired, but with all that's happened, I am declaring myself into this. Do you have any ideas as to who, other than the church, would want to harm any of us?"

"I'm like you, Carver, I have no idea who would go to all the trouble to set that fake bomb up or who would even carry a grudge against any of us. Hell, I haven't even figured out why, after all this time, the church is pushing me so hard. What has me stymied is, if they are after something I either know or have, why haven't they approached me with some kind of offer. The records they were looking for, they never found and I know why. I have them locked up in a safe place they couldn't get into if they wanted to. I have always kept my more dangerous cases separate from the others, just for that reason. I do know that the two men out at the barn were the church's, because I already know what they were looking for, and it wasn't there. Carver, to tell you the truth, I am stumped and I'm not afraid to say so. I do know that I have seen or crossed paths with the leader of these churches before somewhere. It wasn't in this country, but I have no idea of where. I have Interpol checking a couple of photos for me, but I am still in the dark as to the reason why this is all happening now."

We sat and threw ideas back and forth until my cell rang and it was Tiny, just checking in. He was laughing into the phone as he was talking to me. I could hear Sally in the background, giving him hell about something, but I couldn't make it out over the noise of the music. He said everything was fine and that the kiddie party was just about over. They should be home in about an hour or so. I told him about the gates and guard now on duty, and to make sure he honked when he pulled up to the gate so the guard could let him in. I told him under no circumstances was he or Sally to walk around outside because of the roving dogs. They didn't know any of us yet. He laughed and said not to worry, 'cause he had already seen what they could do. We hung up with him laughing at Sally, saying she could talk to me when she got home. I had a relieved smile on my face when I hung up the phone. From what I had been able to understand, Sally was doing fine, but I had a feeling Tiny had overstepped his bounds and Sally was mad about something. I felt like a hundred pounds had been lifted off my shoulders, knowing she was safe and having a good time. I knew I would get the whole story, blow by blow, when she got home.

"I take it Sally is having a good time from that grin on your face."

"Yeah, but I could hear her in the background giving Tiny hell about something. I have a feeling he is gonna be in trouble when she has a talk with Myrna after she gets home. Those two are always at each other about something. Hell, he is a bigger kid than she is and they fight like cats and dogs. I stay out of it because they love each other so much. Carver, I have that meeting with Jeb in the morning, then we are out of here for at least two weeks, maybe longer. That will depend on what my two men come up with while we're gone. I may have to fly back early, but until this is over, under no circumstances will the girls come back. As long as they are on that island, I know they are safe. If I come back early, I don't want to have to worry about them. You will be there and watching over them. I am taking several weapons with me, and I will make sure you are well equipped to handle security if I have to come back."

"How the hell are you going to slip weapons through customs, Jon? With all the new laws and restrictions, I don't see how you will be able to accomplish that little trick."

"Carver, I have a U.S. Marshall's ID, as well as an Interpol ID. According to International Law, an Interpol agent can carry any firearm over any border he chooses. That is an international agreement signed by over thirty countries. Since we will be landing in the U.S. part of the Virgin Islands, I am safe there. I own the island, which is a French Sovereign Entity. I can legally carry there too, since I have French citizenship. As of two weeks ago, Sally is also classified as a dual citizen. I received all her papers this morning, as well as her passport showing her dual status. She is also on paper as being part owner of the island we are going to. Hell, I haven't seen it yet myself, and I didn't know I owned it till I was told about it a few days ago. I also own majority share in the airline that does all the transport among all the islands down there. Carver, I own business and different stocks that I don't even know about. I have a Nigerian banker that has invested for me, and I don't think he remembers just what all I have my fingers into."

"Damn, Jon, you sound just like Myrna. She told me she has made millions playing around in penny stocks, and has money in twenty or more banks. I gave her my life savings two weeks ago, and from what she said, she has almost doubled the amount in that short of a time. I don't understand half of what she says, but I do know she is a lot smarter than I am. I tried to tell her I wasn't after her money, just her. She got mad at me, and wouldn't talk to me for two days. I had a nice chunk of savings that would have lasted me for the rest of my life, until she got hold of it. Now I have no idea how much I have. Jon, that woman scares the hell out of me sometimes. I asked her why she stayed here as a house keeper doing menial work. She flat out told me she was as much a part of your family as you are. Her mother worked for and was friends with your grandmother, and that she and your mother grew up together. They even went to college together, and you and Sally are the only two people she considers family."

I just sat and looked at him, feeling shittier by the minute, for the way I had spoken to her. I sat looking at the photos on my computer, trying to remember where I knew that man at the restaurant from. I pictured several different scenes in my mind, the different places I had been, and all the countries the Legion had sent me to over the years. Then I thought about him in bush clothes, and it hit me where I had seen him. I almost dropped the cell in my haste to call Maurice. When my call was answered, they said he was sleeping in the back room and they would prefer not to wake him unless it was an emergency. I told them it wasn't, but it was extremely important that he call me when he woke. I gave the operator my name and told her he already had my cell number. She asked what connection I had to his office, so I gave her my ID number. She thanked me and said she would give him the message as soon as he woke up.

Carver was staring at me in surprise as I hung up the phone, but before I could say anything, it rang again.

"Jon, this is Pete. Someone cut out a whole section of fence in the back, and from what I can see, they drove a vehicle into your property. Jon, the cuts are fresh and so are the tracks. If I am right about this, I suggest you look for some company real soon. We fixed the fence, but I don't like the looks of things."

"Thanks, Pete, call the sheriff and let him know what you found, and then finish checking out the rest of the fence, will you?"

"I just talked to him, and he and one of his deputies are headed back here as we speak."

I thanked him and opened my bottom desk drawer, handing Carver the extra forty and a couple of mags. I also got the thirty-eight out for Kat and motioned him to follow me. When we got to the kitchen, Myrna and Kat were drinking coffee and talking. I handed her the pistol and two speed loaders, putting my finger up to my lips. I whispered to Carver to lock the back door while I headed out to the front to see where the guard was. He was just walking by the porch with his dog as I came out.

"We have strangers on the property. I suggest you call the roving dogs in and get me introduced to them real fast."

He didn't say a word, just put a whistle up to his lips and blew into it. It must have been the type only a dog could hear, because to me it didn't make a sound. Within a couple of minutes, three Rotties came from three different directions and sat down in front of him. He had me walk up and stop along with him. Then he had all the dogs sniff my outstretched hand. When all four of them had finished, he said something to them, in what sounded like German, and they all seemed to relax as if waiting for me to say something. I looked at him, and he said I should command them to guard. I did and the three roving dogs were off like a shot in different directions. I told him what Pete had said, and that he should be on alert. I told him that I was going to look around a little. I also told him that Tiny and Sally would be coming home shortly, and what kind of a car they would be in. He said he would direct them to go straight into the house, since I was the only one the dogs would allow to be outside.

I headed around to the back of the house, and then remembered that I didn't know how to tell if the dogs had someone down and what to do next. I went back around the house and caught a movement from the corner of my eye by the garage. It was a man with a rifle, and he was drawing a bead on the security guard. I didn't hesitate, I drew and fired all in one motion. He went down to one knee and was hit from the back by a hundred pound Rottie. When he went flat, the dog grabbed him by the back of the neck and growled. The security guard had whirled around and seemed to immediately know what happened. He let his dog go too, and instead of running to the other dog, it headed toward the other side of the house with me running and trying to catch up with him. The guard yelled at me, telling me to watch the one by the garage. He would handle his dog, unless I spoke German and knew how to call him off. I slid to a stop and he went past me with his pistol out and disappeared around the house. Carver came out and I shouted at him to go back to the kitchen and to stay inside. He closed the door and I headed toward the garage. One of the other dogs joined me as I walked up to the man on the ground. I kicked the rifle away and patted him down while the Rottie still held him by the back of his neck, growling. I took a pistol out of a shoulder holster and threw it next to the rifle. I backed off about five feet and decided to see if the dog holding him would follow hand sign and waved him away from the man. He immediately released him and stepped back, still growling.

"Mr., if you plan on living, I suggest you move to a sitting position very slowly. Now, who the hell are you and why are you on my property?"

He just looked at me and hung his head, refusing to say anything. I motioned the dog forward again, and it grabbed him by the neck in almost exactly the same place while growling. I shook my hand side to side and the dog started shaking his head and neck like I was waving. Now that's cool, I thought, and then the man started screaming out that he would talk, just call my dog off. I motioned for the dog to back off and he did immediately. Man, I thought, I gotta buy these guys, they are great at scaring the hell out of a prisoner. I did notice, other than having some teeth indentations on his neck, the skin hadn't been broken at all. Damn, these guys were good.

"Now, I'll ask again, why are you here, and for what reason?"

"We were hired to either grab a man named Jon Morgan or his daughter."

"Who hired you and when?"

"I don't know his name, but he said if we got either one, we would be paid twenty five thousand each, providing they weren't harmed. We weren't told about dogs or security guards."

"What did the man who hired you look like?"

"He was dressed in an expensive suit and didn't give his name to us. He just told us how to get here and who we were after. Mister, he gave me the creeps just talking to him. That's all I know, I swear."

"All right, slowly stand up with your hands locked behind your head and walk to the porch. I have a feeling your partner will be showing up shortly."

By the time we got to the porch, the security officer was coming around the house with another man that looked a little worse for wear. He was bleeding around his neck and arms. He must have decided to fight the dogs, and I found out later that's just what happened. The security guard handed me a set of cuffs. I got him cuffed, just as two cruisers pulled up to the gate with their lights on. I told the guard to watch the prisoners. He just laughed and told the dogs to guard. All four of them sat down, watching the two men like they were hoping they would move. We walked to the gates and opened them, letting the cruisers in. The sheriff climbed out immediately, and just froze when he saw the dogs.

"Dammit, Jon, when did you get them? Is it safe for us to get out?"

The security guard laughed and told the dogs something that sounded like Du Sluff to me. All four immediately lay down, still watching the two men.

"Come on up sheriff, they won't bother you or your deputy. Now those two are a different matter."

"Jon, before I make a move, I want to know what happened. When we left here today, everything was quiet and peaceful. Now it looks like an armed camp. Who are those two and why do they look like they tangled with the wrong end of a buzz saw?"

I took him through the whole thing, from the time I got Pete's call about the fence until he pulled up. I lowered my voice and told him what the one had told me about being hired. I also told him that I now knew who the man in the pictures was, and that he was a wanted man in five countries. I also informed him that he wasn't wanted here, as far as I knew, but if he were delivered to any of the countries' consulates, they would immediately fly him back to their countries for immediate execution. He just cussed for a few minutes, and then had his deputy put different cuffs on the two men and load them into one of the cars that had a cage. After the security guard and I both filled out the reports and gave them to him, I reminded him their car was out on my farm somewhere. He said he would send a wrecker out tomorrow to tow it. I then told him that we were all going to be gone for a couple of weeks and that the security company and the dogs would be patrolling the property. He said he would wait till I got back to have the car impounded. I took him over to the porch and let him collect the rifle and pistol, which he put in his trunk.

"Jon, I'm glad you decided to get everyone away for awhile. Maybe it will settle down a little with you gone. I am going to have to take your pistol for ballistics, though. Don't worry, I will personally see that it's returned to you. Did he give you any reason why he wanted you or Sally?"

"I really don't think he knew. He was just hired for a job. Sheriff, I've about had my fill of this church, and I guarantee you that if there's one more incident, I will take the fight to them and they won't like the way I fight."

"Personally, I don't blame you there, Jon, but officially I have to warn you against any aggression toward any member of that church. Just be careful until you can get out of here tomorrow. Call me when you leave, and I will have a couple of cars discreetly follow you to the airport and see you off. I will be sure to let it be known to the right ears about your new guard dogs, and that should deter any further moves until you leave tomorrow. Man, those things are huge and look mean as hell. Jon, be careful and call me before you come back, and I will let you know what's happening. I will book these two on several charges and the one for attempted murder."

After he thanked me and shook my hand, they pulled out with their prisoners. Just after they left, Tiny and Sally pulled in. I stopped them at the porch and told them both to stay in the car for a few minutes. I opened the door and called for the others to come out and stand on the porch. I had Tiny and Sally get out of the car and stand with them, so that the security guard could introduce them to the dogs. They all had questions, but I didn't say a thing. I almost laughed out loud at Jimmy as he jumped about three feet in the air when one of the dogs licked his hand. After the introductions were done, I commanded the dogs to "guard" and all three roving dogs scattered in different directions again. Sally watched them with wide eyes as they disappeared. We all headed into the house but the guard held me back for a minute, saying he wanted to talk to me.

"Mr. Morgan, I owe you my life. I didn't know he was getting ready to shoot me, or even realize he was there. If there's ever anything I can do for you, just yell. I promise you, while your family is away, I will make sure no one bothers anything you own."

"You don't owe me a thing. You would have done the same for me if you had been in the same situation. Do me a favor and tell your boss he is gonna have to teach those mutts English or French, because I don't speak German."

He was still laughing when I went in the front door, right into the middle of a big argument between Sally and Myrna. They were giving Tiny hell over something. Carver and Kat were just watching with big grins on their faces. I started to turn around and sneak back out, but before I could, Sally grabbed me complaining that she had been bullied all evening by Tiny. Oh God, I thought, and rolled my eyes at which Kat totally lost it. She and Carver headed for the kitchen like a couple of chickens running away, leaving me to play referee between the three of them as usual. Myrna was really giving it to Tiny and Sally was standing there watching with a big grin on her face. I started toward the kitchen and Sally asked where I was going.

"Young lady, you need to learn that I am not going to fight your battles, especially when Myrna is in the middle of it. I don't know what happened, and I don't think I want to. Besides, being shot at makes me thirsty and I need a coffee. I also want to have Kat look at my head because it's still bleeding."

With that, I beat a hasty retreat before she could say anything. I walked into the kitchen with a grin on my face and Kat looked at me and got white as a sheet. I looked behind me, thinking something had happened. She ran over to me and pulled out a chair, telling me to sit down before I fainted. I looked at her like she was nuts, then looked at Carver and he was shaking his head.

"Will one of you tell me what's wrong this time? Kat is shaking like a leaf, and Carver, you're just shaking your head. What's wrong, anyway?"

"Jon darling, how long have you been bleeding? You're covered in blood, all the way to your waist. Why didn't you tell me you needed medical attention? You could have fainted from blood loss. Oh God, Myrna is going to feel so guilty."

"Will somebody please tell me what the hell you're talking about?"

When Carver brought over the big kitchen mirror and held it up in front of me, I almost did faint. I had blood running from my head and it was running down my neck in a steady stream. My whole side and back were soaked, as well as about half way down my leg. I knew when Myrna smacked me on the head it had started to trickle again, but somewhere in all the excitement, the cut must have opened all the way again. Kat ran from the room and I just looked at Carver in a dumb manner.

"Damn, Jon, you're a mess. You didn't get shot again, did you? All of that couldn't be from that cut from this morning. I am sorry I startled you and caused it to happen. You're right, I should have known better than to creep up on someone like that. Do you want to tell me what this latest episode was about, and why those men were sneaking up on the house?"

"Carver, let's wait until everyone settles down a little. I will tell everyone together so I don't have to keep repeating myself. Don't worry, they were after me or Sally this time, and were hired by the church. I will explain as soon as I get changed and wash some of this mess off of me."

"Before you do that, you better let Kat check out that cut. If it's bleeding that much, it's more serious than you thought."

"Bull, Carver, you know as well as I do a head wound bleeds heavier than anything but arterial wounds. It looks a lot worse than what it is."

"Yeah, but Kat don't know that. If you keep putting off letting her look at it, she will enlist Myrna and Sally to hold you down. Face it, Jon, you have a registered nurse, soon to be wife, to look after you now. Believe me; they are bossy as hell when it comes to someone they care about. Just sit still, and I'll get you a cup of coffee till she gets back with her little doctor's bag."



-------

Chapter 32


I sat sipping my coffee, waiting for Kat to return. I was thinking about those dogs and how they had handled the prisoner. The one dog had gotten hold of the man, and with all the growling and fang showing, the skin hadn't been broken. Not even when he shook his head back and forth. I had pretty much made up my mind that when we got back, I was going to buy all three of them for my own. Of course I knew Sally would have them eating out of her hand, the way she was with animals. At least when I was gone, I wouldn't ever have to worry about anyone grabbing her if she were outside. That set my mind to thinking about Jason Boudrie, now that I had figured out who he was. The last time I had seen him was in a little African town called Kumba. He and his so called rebel fighters, had just finished wiping out a whole village when we came upon them. He was just moving his men out when we attacked them. We killed fifteen of them, and only had one of ours wounded. He had gotten away in a jeep, running for his life. When I had gotten back to camp and reported, I was told that if we ever saw him again, we were to make every effort to either kill or capture him. My Major had let me read Boudrie's file, and I read that he had been an ex Legionnaire who had deserted and gone native. His record folder was as big as a book, and he was wanted by at least five different countries for every charge you could think of. There was a huge bounty on him from three of the countries.

Kat came back in with that little bag of hers, followed by Myrna. She told Myrna to fill a basin up with warm water and put a tablespoon of bleach in it. Oh no, I thought, this is gonna burn like hell if she washes my wound out with bleach water. She did and it did. I yelled when she washed my neck and the cut in my head with it. Then she gave me hell for not calling the doctor to stitch up the cut when it first happened. She asked Myrna what the white stuff was, and when Myrna told her, she looked at me in surprise for a few seconds. She hauled out a suture pack and laid it on the table, along with a pair of scissors and a can of spray of some kind. I looked up at Myrna and saw she was grinning to beat the band. Tiny and Jimmy came in and sat down, then Sally came in with her jeans on and sat down too. Man, I thought, this is turning into a three ring circus. Myrna poured coffee for everyone but Sally, who got milk and cookies. Kat said something to me, but it took a few seconds to register what she was saying.

"Jon, this is gonna hurt. I have a topical anesthesia, but that's only going to make it easier to sew this gash up. It's not going to deaden the pain you're going to feel. I have to trim your hair, and then I will sew up the cut. This should have been done when it first happened. Now, while I trim this, do you want to tell us what that little scene outside was all about? Maybe if you run your mouth, it will take your mind off the pain."

I was going to come back with a smart retort for that one, until I saw her pick up the scissors and move toward the back of my head with them. I bit my tongue and started to fill them in on what happened outside. I froze in mid sentence when Kat said she could see glass particles in the wound and would have to flush it before she could sew it up. I was wondering how she was gonna do that, when she spread the wound open and started to wash it out with the bleach water. I bet Jeb heard me yell at his shop. The rest of them were cracking up in mirth. I told Kat it hurt like hell and to hurry up and finish. Sally came over and leaned down and whispered in my ear; "Will you quit being such a sissy about a little cut? I know it hurt worse when you got shot."

"Sally, that pain came later, and I didn't have someone probing my skull with a pair of scissors. So don't tell me I am a sissy, because it hurts like hell. If it hadn't been for Carver there, I wouldn't have to go through this. I am telling all of you if you keep laughing, I will get even with every one of you."

Well that seemed to quiet the mirth down a little, but I could still hear that little girl giggle of Kat's as she finished washing out the cut. She was trimming the excess hair around the cut in preparation for sewing it up and I went back into my story. When I finished, Kat said she was finishing the last of the six stitches and that I needed to just relax for awhile. I told her I had some phone calls to make and that they were important. She finished up and sprayed my cut again, saying she wanted to check it before we went to bed. My head came up rather quick at that statement, and I immediately noticed Sally had that smirk on her face again. I was afraid to say anything, so I quickly kissed her, grabbed some fresh coffee, and went into the study, closing the door behind me. Phew, I was thinking as I sat back in the old chair. I got back up and got the Capitol phone book off the shelf. I started making calls to five of the Embassies I knew would appreciate the news about Boudrie. I figured if he was being hunted and got word of it, he would go to ground and leave me and mine alone for awhile. I also knew that if he were located, he would be grabbed immediately and flown back to whichever country could get him. There he would be immediately executed, probably by a firing squad. I knew from past experience, the nations I was calling had long memories, and even longer jail sentences. Just the thought brought a smile to my face as I dialed the number of the last one. To my surprise, I was immediately put through to the senior attaché.

"May I inquire as to why you wish to speak to our security chief, Sir?" I went on to tell him who I was, and that I had worked in his country several years ago. He immediately switched to fluent French, and we continued our conversation. I told him what I knew about Boudrie, and the last place I had seen him. He in return told me his security chief had been killed just last night in the same area where I had seen Mr. Boudrie. I inquired if his country still was looking for him, and was told in return they would be very glad to question him about several instances that were still unsolved. I knew immediately that he was a dead man if they found him. I went on to describe Dwight and the other man I had seen in his company, and was soundly thanked for my information. I was also told if I ran across any further information, I was to call the Embassy and ask for him, no matter the time of day or night. I was thanked again before he hung up the phone. I put his personal cell number in my cell, and sat back with a big smile on my face, thinking about my previous conversation. I knew, without a doubt, if the runt was spotted by any of his men, he would be snatched. He would probably be tortured until he didn't have any more information, and then dumped in the river. Little did I know that I had just set into motion a chain of events that would cost a couple of senators, as well as several high ranking military officers, their jobs. This was something I wouldn't know about until a year or so in the future.

The only thing on my mind now was my upcoming nuptials. I sat back and tried to remember what I had told Kat in my dazed state that would make her so happy. For the life of me, I could not remember what I had said, and it really bugged me. She was right, I was going to have to quit phasing out every time she got near me. I was still wondering to myself how the hell I was supposed to accomplish that, when there was a knock at the door. I said come in and Carver did, but he looked like he had been beat up, he was so tired looking. He sat down and stretched out his legs and looked at me before he started speaking.

"First of all, I want to thank you. Now I remember how a recruit feels the first time he gets his ass chewed by a DI."

I looked at him for a moment and started chuckling at the absurdity of his words. He just grinned and went on with what he was saying to my snickers.

"I have been informed I have to sleep on the couch tonight, because according to Myrna, I caused her little boy to get hurt by my interference. That I understood, and she is right. I should have let you know I was behind you instead of doing what I did. Jon, I know you had me checked out and so does Myrna. She asked me to tell her about my past and some of the things I have been involved in. How the hell can I do that without breaking the oath I took? Most of what I did was top secret, and I am not allowed to talk about it to anyone. You know what I'm talking about, I am sure you took the same oath for your country. Jon, what can I do or tell her without hurting her feelings? I love her and I don't want her to think I am holding things back from her or lying to her. If you have any ideas, I am open to suggestions."

I didn't say anything, just sat for a few minutes thinking about what he said. I knew this was tearing him apart, because I had already thought about how I would handle it if Kat ever asked me. I was a little different than Carver, because I knew she could never get her hands on my records. They were buried in the vaults at Interpol, and Maurice had already sanitized them for me. I had a thought and reached into my desk. I pulled out the file Maurice had sent, handing it to Carver.

"That's the file Interpol sent to me about you. I'm not sure about what's in there, since I quit reading it when I got to the part that said you had a top secret classification. Look through it, and see if there's anything in there you don't want anyone to know about. If there is, there's a paper shredder in the corner. The rest of it, if you deem ok for someone to know, keep it and give it to her to read. Carver, that's the only suggestion I can offer. I will suggest that if you have a friend in the records department, you have him go through your jacket and sanitize it. I had it done to mine, and it was the best move I ever made. Now the only people that know things about me are the ones who were there, and they won't talk about it any more than I would."

"You know, I never thought of that, Jon. That's one of the sneakiest ideas I have ever heard of, and a damn good one. I have a couple of close friends that can do it for me without any of the brass knowing it's been done. I think later tonight while I am supposed to be sleeping on the couch, I will make a couple of calls."

I was snickering again at his mention of the couch, while he was looking through the files he was holding. I watched as he pulled two or three sheets out of the folder, and put them through the shredder before sitting back down and looking at me. I wondered what he was going to say about me knowing his past history, even if I hadn't read any of the folder, other than the first couple of pages.

"Jon, how did Interpol get some of the information in this file? Some of this stuff is classified top secret, eyes only. Man, if the brass knew that they had some of this stuff, the fur would fly. I do admire them though, 'cause it was right on the money and well documented. How much of this file did you read, Jon?"

"I won't lie about it, Carver, I read to the point where it said you had top secret clearance and quit. That answered any question I had in my mind about you being here, and I knew you weren't a plant from the church."

"I appreciate your vote of confidence, Jon. To ease your mind, I did already know about the church, but never connected the dots until you said their whole name. I was on a mission in Columbia where we blew up a warehouse they owned that was full of small arms and ammo. That's the only contact I ever had with them, and that was ten years ago. If they have their fingers in pockets that deep, maybe I was recognized from my picture. That's why the bomb on my truck. It does make sense, if you think about it that way, but hell, that was ten years ago and the mission was a complete success. We were in and out in less than three hours."

"Carver, I told you I recognized the man who is the head of that church, didn't I?

"Yeah, but what does that have to do with me after ten years?"

"That man was a deserter from my sister unit in Africa. He went native on us and became a killer. He had no guilt about who he killed, as long as he got paid for it. He is the type of person that would hold a grudge for twenty years, if he lost money, and from what you said, you cost him a pile of it. I have an old comrade in Interpol that says all of their churches in six different countries have been a frenzy of activity for the last week or so. Something big is coming down, and I have a feeling we both are being forced to play a role in what's happening. I don't know and can't figure out what they want from me or you, but I still think after today's fiasco, we will be hearing from them and soon. That's why I want everyone out of harm's way, Carver. It's gonna get down and dirty, and that I can almost guarantee. I don't want any of the women harmed or used in any way because they have a crow to pick with one of us. I think I know what they're after, or at least I have a glimmer of an idea. I need to check a couple of things in the morning, after my meeting with Jeb, and before we pull out of here tomorrow. I suggest you get a good night's sleep on your couch, because we are going to have to be alert tomorrow until we get aboard that plane and out of this country."

I got up and he gave me the finger with a grin on his face. We both went out the studio door and found three women, who were obviously listening at the door because when I opened it, they all fell inside my office. I looked at Carver and he grinned, and we both, as if we were on the same track, stepped over them. He headed toward the kitchen, and I headed for my room to take a shower and go to bed. After all, it was past eleven, and I was tired and had a mild headache. I fell asleep almost as soon as my head touched the pillow.

When I woke the next morning, it was just under five am. I had a warm body pressed up against my back. I slowly rolled over and got my first glimpse of the woman I loved without make up. She was still beautiful and looked like a little girl laying there with her hair loose and spread out over her pillow. I softly kissed her on the forehead and just lay there looking at her, knowing my life with her was going to be very interesting. To my surprise, she had a pair of Sally's PJs on. They were big and loose except in the chest area. I really wanted to pull the sheet down and see just how many buttons were still buttoned, but I knew if I did, I would never accomplish anything today. I decided to do the gentlemanly thing and slip out of bed to get a shower and shave. She was still sleeping when I came back. I dug the suitcase out of my closet to get some more of the new shirts and jeans that had been packed away so long. I also wanted to pack my bigger suitcase and have it ready to go when I got home from my meeting, to save time.

I set the smaller suitcase on the big dresser and then dug my big one out. I packed my personal things in it, then started transferring the jeans and shirts to it from the smaller one. I picked up a stack of jeans, and as I lifted them up, a ring of keys fell out and hit the floor. I immediately looked over at Kat to see if it woke her, but she hadn't moved. I put the jeans in the bigger case and picked up the ring of keys. I looked at them with a frown, trying to remember if they were mine from somewhere a long time ago. Then it hit me, what I was holding. I looked at several of them and recognized them for what they were. Every one of the thirty keys was for a safe deposit box. A couple of the keys had bank names on them, but neither one of them were from this country. The rest just had a series of numbers stamped into the tops. Now I knew why after all these years the church was after me. I held the church's main funding in my hands. How I had gotten them was still a mystery to me, but I would almost be willing to bet the keys I was holding were worth billions to them, and one man. No wonder he had come out of hiding looking for me. It had to be a case of simple deduction, but why had it taken so long?

I didn't give it any more thought, just went out the and door headed to my office to make some calls. The excitement I was feeling was getting me more fired up than my usual cup of morning coffee. When I got to the office, I immediately got on the phone and called Maurice. This time he answered the phone personally, and was excited, saying he had been trying to reach me since last night. I didn't give him a chance, just said two words. He about went off on me, wanting to know how I had figured it out. He said when he had identified the picture, he had told his boss and he in turn immediately put him on the terror list sent to every country. He said the pictures I had taken were the first they had seen since he disappeared. It turns out he had been arrested early this morning in French Guiana by an alert policeman in customs. He had tried to run, but was shot and in serious condition. They had immediately put agents on his hospital door, and were questioning him as we were speaking. He wasn't expected to live, and he, of all people, had asked for a priest to give him last rites. I took a couple of deep breaths to calm myself down before I spoke again.

"Maurice, my friend, I have more good news. I am holding the reason why they are after me after all this time. Tell me something, was there a little short man with him by the name of Dwight?"

"Yes, I think that was one of the men's names. There were four arrested all together. Why do you ask, my friend?"

I went on to tell him that Dwight was out on bail here and was not supposed to leave the state, and that the American Consulate would be very interested in him if they were to be tipped off. Maurice told me he was traveling with a Bolivian passport. I told him it was a fake and that he was under indictment here. I suggested that he should call the Consulate and give them the information so he could be shipped back here for immediate incarceration. I also told him to check the Legion files on all the men, and I would almost be willing to bet they were deserters from his old outfit. He got excited again and told me to hold on a second while he called his boss. I got put on hold, but had a grin from ear to ear at the news. Carver came in, giving me a cup of coffee, and looking puzzled at my grin this early in the morning. I threw the ring of keys at him and he looked at them with a puzzled look on his face. I covered the receiver and said to him; "You holding over a billion dollars in your hand. That's what the church was after."

If you could wear your eyebrows on top of your forehead, Carver would be. That's how high they went when he realized what I was saying. He just flopped in the chair with a shocked look on his face, staring at the ring of keys. Then he started grinning at me, almost as wide as the grin on my face. When Maurice came back on the line, he was out of breath.

"Jon, he just died. I am having the records pulled on the others."

"Maurice, tell your boss to have his body x-rayed with an agent present. I think they will be surprised at what they will find. Also, have the others x-rayed. I will call you later with more information."

"Ok, Jon. I am happy we finally caught that deserter and child killer. My boss is about dancing on his desk, he is so happy. They are going to ship his body back here to our morgue immediately for positive identification. Then he will be cremated and his ashes poured in some farmer's outhouse, as per tradition for deserters. I have to go for now, but you be sure and call, my friend. Oh, the boss said to tell you that you have done an excellent job for a transplanted Frenchman."

"Tell you boss I said to go to hell, Maurice."

"Ah, but Jon, we have already been there and they kicked us out, remember?"

He hung up laughing and I sat back. Carver threw the keys back at me with a question in his eyes. I told him all I knew up to that point, and by the time I was finished, he was grinning almost as much as I had when I got the news from Maurice.

"Does this mean we can stay home instead of running to the island and hiding?"

"Oh no you don't, Carver! Myrna and Kat would kill us both if we didn't go this morning like I promised. What's wrong, getting cold feet?"

"If you weren't the fair haired little boy of my wife to be, I would take you outside and teach you some manners."

We looked at each other and totally lost it. We were laughing and almost rolling on the floor, when Myrna walked in, glaring at both of us. I got up walked over to her, grabbed her around the waist and kissed her, spinning us around in circles.

"Put me down, Jon Morgan, have you lost your mind?"

"Yep, and so have you, Mrs. Pierce."

She looked at Carver, then at me, and started giggling. I was so shocked I quit grinning. Myrna giggling? She looked at me with tears in her eyes, and gave me a hug that almost broke my back. Me, being me, I had to start something, so I did, but it backfired big time.

"Well, Myrna, did Carver sleep on the couch last night?" I asked with a grin.

Her answer shocked me so much, I just sat with my mouth hanging open.

"Yes he did, he was cut off until we got married. After all, he is an old man and should keep something in reserve for his honeymoon."

Carver fell off of his chair and my chin hit the desk.



-------

Chapter 33


Well that started the morning out right, I thought, as I followed Myrna and Carver to the kitchen. We were all sitting and laughing when Kat came in, still in Sally's pajamas. I noticed she had the top buttoned up almost all the way, although it was a little tight. She looked good enough to kiss, which I promptly did.

"Kat, I have a pair of pajamas that you could have borrowed that wouldn't have been so binding for you to sleep in."

Boy, was that a mistake.

"Well, if a certain person had awakened me the way I planned instead of being gone when I woke up, I would have been in a better mood this morning. By the way, why are you three so happy this morning? I would think with all that's happened you would be a little more concerned."

Before I could answer, Sally came in looking like she was sleepwalking and sat down, asking for tea. I got up and went to my desk and got the pouch I had gotten yesterday. I walked back in, sat down, and slid it across the counter to her. She looked at me in a quizzical way as she opened it. It took her a few minutes to realize what she had in her hands. When she saw the passport, she ran around the table hugging me and kissing me. I hugged her back and the others were exchanging glances, trying to figure out what was going on.

"Thanks, Dad, I was worried I wouldn't be able to go with you guys today. Now no one can tell me what to do, 'cause like you said, I have the full protection of your country plus my own. Ok, let me get dressed and I'm ready to go."

"Slow down, young lady, we still have a few hours before we have to worry about that. I need to bring you all up to date on what's happened since we went to bed last night. I'm sure this is news you will all want to hear."

I sat and did just that, and when I was finished, Myrna and Kat were both smiling, but Sally looked like she had missed something. Then I remembered, she hadn't been told about anything that happened yesterday. She had been gone all afternoon and evening. I told her what had happened, and why everyone was so happy about it. She was smiling like the rest when I finished.

"Just to clear things up a little here, girls, we still have to be on guard. I don't know what the church's reaction to the news is going to be, but you can bet they will want to do something. Just because their leader is dead, it doesn't mean they will drop the whole thing. I still want to get that girl away from them, and I hope her uncle tries to interfere. He is wanted for murder, and I would love nothing better than to see him behind bars for the rest of his life. I don't want any of you leaving the house until it's time to leave for the airport. Also, I am going to make a few changes in our travel plans, since we are all legal to leave. I still have that meeting with Jeb to go to this morning. By the way, has anyone seen Jimmy?"

"I think he's still sleeping, Dad. His snoring kept me awake half the night. I have never heard anyone make that kind of noise before. I'll go wake him up and tell him Myrna's fixing breakfast. He will be here so quick I'll bet he beats me down the steps."

We all got a big laugh out of that one, and Sally left to wake him. She came back in and sat down, and it wasn't two minutes later that Jimmy arrived in the kitchen, looking disappointed that breakfast really wasn't ready. Myrna was chuckling at him as she started cooking. He had hot tea like Kat and Sally, and several times I noticed him sniffing the air, smelling the food cooking. I noticed Carver watching him also, and he had a big grin on his face as he did. Jimmy got the first plate. It was piled high with all the food she had stacked on it. It wasn't just a plate, I saw in surprise, but one of her bigger platters that she used to put meat on. When we all had our plates and dug in, I was still watching him eat in shock. I had been all over the world and had gone hungry more times than I cared to think about. To see him put it away, if I didn't know better, I would guess he hadn't eaten in over a week. I looked around, and Kat had her fork halfway to her mouth, watching him in shock. The other three were watching him just as intently as I was. I waited to see how long it would take him to notice. It was when he was using his toast to wipe up his plate, that he noticed that we were all watching him in shock. I don't think any of us had eaten more than a few bites, we were so amazed. He looked around at all of us and grinned.

"What, haven't you ever seen anyone hungry before?"

Sally had just taken a sip of her milk and snorted it out her nose when she started laughing and choking. Laughter erupted all around the table as we went back to eating. From that point on, we totally ignored him as we ate our cold food. The final icing on the cake was when he asked Myrna if there were any more eggs. She went totally off on him, and it brought us all to tears, we were laughing so hard. When Kat, Sally, and I got up laughing and headed for the steps, Myrna was still giving him hell and Carver was choking on his coffee. I found out later that Myrna relented and fixed him another platter of food, and he ate every bite. I made it to my room after being soundly kissed and thanked by my daughter.

Kat was another problem altogether, because she brought her clothes into my room and shut the door. She was grinning at me as she took her pajamas off headed for the shower. I had just gotten myself under control when she called out, asking me if I would wash her back. I never undressed so fast in my life, even considering the time I had jumped into an anthill when shots were fired at us on patrol. Needless to say, I got a second shower that morning, and I had a smile on my face as I redressed to go to my meeting.

I went back down the steps yelling for Jimmy, saying it was time to go. I was trying to remember when I had ever felt so happy. Although I tried, I couldn't bring to mind anything like I felt at that moment. I went into my study and got my other pistol and shoulder holster out, along with my backup. I got everything on, and had just put my ID in my pocket, when my cell rang. I quickly grabbed it off the charger, and it was Jerry on the other end.

"Jon, I just got back from identifying Bill's body at the DC morgue. He was shot execution style last night sometime in his hotel room."

I went to sit down and missed the chair. I ended up on the floor in shock from the news. At first a wave of anger swept across my mind, then sorrow because I had lost someone that I cared for very much without ever having realized it. He had been my right arm since he had come to my rescue when I had gotten Sally.

"Jerry, what do you know?" I asked in a voice I didn't recognize as mine.

"Not much at this time, but I have already put two of my best on the case. Jon, where are the Runt and his men?"

I quickly brought him up to date, knowing that there was no way he could have been personally involved. Then I had a sudden thought and asked Jerry to have his people check on the girl's uncle. I wanted to know if there was any news on him from the FBI, since he was on their list. We chitchatted about nothing, and he said he would let me know about the arrangements, as soon as he could set something up. I thanked him, asking that he not let anyone else know until I could tell my own family. He said he would call me later with an update. I thanked him and hung up the phone, pulling myself up off the floor. I sat down in my chair and felt the tears come. I didn't try to fight it and I knew I would be shedding more when I told Myrna and Sally. I did know I was going to get the person responsible, if it took me the rest of my life. He would suffer, oh how he would suffer, while he was begging for me to kill him. It took me awhile to pull myself together enough to start thinking coherently again. I decided I would wait until the meeting was over to tell Myrna and Sally, because if I told them now, I wouldn't be able to go because of their grief. I also wanted to be there for both of them without having to rush off. I headed to the front door and Jimmy was waiting on me. He must have seen something in my face, because his smile disappeared and he followed me outside in silence. The security officer was the same one from yesterday, and he just waved, saying he would open the gate for me. I just nodded and went directly to the car. I quickly looked under it and under the hood, and when I didn't see anything, backed it out of the garage. When we went out of the gate, my anger was coming back again and my inner wolf was starting to growl.

When we pulled up at Jeb's, the truck I had seen before was there, so I went in with Jimmy at my heels. The guy inside just waved toward the back, and I nodded as I headed toward Jeb's office. When we went in, Jubal and Farley were all smiles until they saw my face. I turned to Jimmy and told him to put his stuff on the table.

"Show Jubal and Farley how to set the cameras up and the recorders. Jeb, lets step outside a minute, I need to talk to you privately."

He looked at me and got up, and we went outside the office. I pulled the door closed and looked at him a minute before I spoke.

"Jeb, Bill's dead. They found him late last night in his hotel room. He had been executed. Jerry has his best men working on it, but I think it has to do with the church."

He looked at me and fell back against the wall like I had struck him. When I saw his eyes, I knew there was more to him than I could ever imagine. He had the look I had seen on a hundred battlefields, the look of death. He took a couple of deep breaths before he spoke.

"Jon, so far I have kept clear of whatever it is you're trying to accomplish, but no more. I want to know anything and everything you find out, from this point on. I have contacts your lawyer friend can't even imagine. I will find out who did this, and then he will pay. From this point, on I don't care what it costs or what you need. You call me and you will have it, and I do mean anything. Bill was more than a friend to me. He was my daughter's godfather and my business partner. He and I, as well as the sheriff, were the only ones left out of our old outfit. Now that he is gone, I guarantee you we will find out who did it. This damned church just stepped into something they will regret the rest of their lives. I will turn Jubal and Farley loose on them. Whatever you do, don't come near them for at least a month, and don't ask any more questions about the church. Leave it to me and my friends, from this point on. We will rescue your young lady, and I will make sure she comes directly to you when we do. For the rest of it, just stay away from this point on. Don't look at me like that, we won't harm innocents, but I am going to destroy this church if it takes me the rest of my life. I owe it to Bill and to his memory. I know what he was doing, and I warned him how dangerous it could be, but as usual he wouldn't listen. Listen to me Jon! Take your family to your island and stay there for awhile. I will contact you when the time is right. You can come back and it will all be over, and you can return that little girl to her mother in Vermont. Yes, I know where she's at, because she is my wife's cousin. We have been watching you for years, and helped when we could, but always out of sight. This time we are going to work out in the open. We know more about this church than you ever will, and we will use it to our advantage."

I just looked at him in surprise and was totally speechless. I didn't know what to say or even what I wanted to say about anything. I knew if I opened my mouth, he would just tell me to butt out, even though it was my case from the beginning. I didn't know what I was feeling or if I even wanted to at this point, so I just nodded my head.

"Jon, my family settled this country and I have relatives from one coast to the other. We number in the thousands, and we all come from mountain people. I know since you weren't raised here, that concept is hard for you to understand, but believe me, we are all close and still work together if it's needed. We have several hundred of our own people that are members of this church, and have wanted to take it down for years. Your snooping, and the fact that you're the only one who has ever gotten someone out, has helped our side immensely. It has separated the internal membership, and now there are two distinct groups battling for control. When it first started, it was almost like the Amish, but outsiders corrupted the whole thing. Now maybe we can help the ones who want it to be like the old ways to restart it. They will run it like it should be run, with no secrets and any outsider is welcome. It looks like your friend is done so why don't you take him and go home to your family. Bob has your rifle out front and you can pick it up on your way out. Jon, don't worry, we will rescue your girl and several hundred others who have been held against their will."

"Maybe you're right, Jeb, but it galls me that I am being excluded from it all. I still haven't told Myrna or Sally about Bill, so I would appreciate it if you would let me do it. Jeb, if you get Michelle's uncle, he is mine. I have a feeling he might have killed Bill, and I want him bad. I am going to make him suffer like he never has before. I don't give a damn about what the law thinks, he is mine. Get it straight, he is already a dead man, I just want to be the one who makes sure he knows it for hours."

He just looked at me and nodded his head, and then we went back into the office. Jimmy said they knew all that he knew about setting the cameras and recorders up, so we could go if I was ready. I just nodded my head and went out the door with Jimmy following me. Bob was waiting, and handed me a custom aluminum case as I went out the door. We got back into the Olds, and I headed back into Arlington to take Jimmy home like I had promised. We chatted a little, but he seemed to sense I didn't feel like talking. It was a quiet ride to his house. When we got there he opened the door and looked at me for a second.

"Jon, I don't know what's going on, but if you need me you have my numbers. I know something's happened and you don't want to talk about it, but if you need someone to talk to, remember I am here and I have a good head on my shoulders."

I thanked him sincerely and headed back to the house to impart the news. It was going to put a big damper on an otherwise happy occasion. I knew Myrna, and I also knew she would refuse to go anywhere until after Bill's funeral. Personally, I felt the same way and hoped that Kat would understand. Knowing her, I would bet she would understand and be there for Sally and myself. Well, I was thinking, the morning had started out well but it had sure gone to the dogs quick. I had done death notifications before, because all NCOs were required to do it, but never to people I loved as much as I loved those two. I was closer to Myrna than I had been to my own grandfather, and this was going to hurt a lot for me and them. I felt the tears coming as I parked the car in the garage, and slowly walked toward the house. When I stepped up on the porch, tears were running down my cheeks. Not for me, but for the ones whom I had to tell that a friend close to them was gone, and for no damned other reason than greed and power. There was one bright spot in all of this, I was thinking, there wouldn't be a happy ending for the one who ordered it. He was no longer around to gloat about how powerful he was. I took a deep breath, opened the door, and headed toward the voices I could hear talking and laughing in the kitchen.



-------

Chapter 34


While I walked toward the kitchen and the happy voices I could clearly hear, I was thinking how I was going to tell the two most important people in my life that their best friend had died while trying to help me. When I rounded the corner, the girls were sitting together, with Sally in the middle, laughing at something I hadn't heard. Sally saw me come in and immediately seemed to know there was something wrong.

"Dad, what's wrong? Why do you have tears running down your cheeks? Dad, talk to me, you're scaring me!"

"Calm down, Sally. Myrna, Sally, I have some bad news I need to tell you. I don't know how to tell you gently because I never learned how to break bad news to people I love."

They were all staring at me now and I took a deep breath.

"Myrna, Sally, I need to tell you that Bill is dead. Jerry called me and said they found him in his hotel room this morning. I don't know for sure, but I think the church might have had something to do with it."

"Jon, how did that sweet old man die?"

"Myrna, he was executed by someone, but the police don't know who."

I watched her face as the news set in. I walked around the table and she was in my arms, sobbing on my shoulder. Within seconds, Sally joined her and I was holding two sobbing women. I was at a total loss as to what to do now. Dammit, all my training from years ago hadn't shown me how to handle this. Kat was looking at them with wide eyes and had tears in her eyes too. I looked over at Carver and he just seemed shocked. As soon as I caught his eye, he got up and came over, taking Myrna in his arms, just holding her and letting her cry. I sat down with Sally in my lap and just held her, hoping I could figure out some way to ease the hurt I knew she was feeling. Here she was, only thirteen going on fourteen, and had seen more death in the last few months than most people saw in a lifetime. I had killed her mother, and now Bill, the only other person she knew outside the family, was gone. No wonder she was sobbing so hard, I thought as I held her.

"Jon, who's handling the arrangements for his body and the funeral?"

"Myrna, Jerry said he was going to set it all up and would call me later today to fill me in."

"Jon, do you think this church had anything to do with it?"

"I don't know for sure, Myrna, but he was checking into them on the sly, trying to help me get ready to go after them."

As she was talking, Myrna twisted out of Carver's arms, and came over to where I was sitting and sat down across from me. She motioned Kat to come over beside her. When she sat down, I knew she was going to give me a lecture. I sat and waited to see what she was going to say, and it sure wasn't what I expected.

"Jon, when you came here to live, I could hardly stand to be around you. I thought you were stuck up and snooty towards me and your grandfather. Do you know we spent many nights, right at this table, talking about you? I told him if you kept treating me like I was your hired help, instead of a member of the family, I would quit working for him. He kept telling me to wait, to give you time to adjust to living in this country, because you never knew you had a family. He told me all he had found out about you in the years he looked for you. I spent a lot of time reading everything I could about the French Foreign Legion, to try to understand. I even rented all the movies about them, so I could watch and try to understand you a little better. He used to sit here and watch them with me, telling me what was real and which were Hollywood Scenes. Some of the things I read made me finally realize some of the hell that you must have gone through, and you were still so young. Tiny told me a lot about your time as a Legionnaire also, and he told me about what they called training. It took me several years, before you even arrived, to realize you were a trained killer, or that's what I thought you were. When you came home with that sweet thing in your arms, I just about fainted from shock. I never would have believed you had an ounce of feeling in you. When I saw how much you loved her and how, right before my eyes, you changed from a cold and distant person to a loving father almost overnight."

She got up and got us all coffee, kissing Carver on the top of his head before she sat down again. I noticed Sally had stopped crying and was holding me, listening to Myrna as closely as I was. This was a side of Myrna that I had never seen before, and I wanted to know why she had changed her mind about me. I couldn't remember ever acting that badly. She picked up where she had left off, as soon as she was seated. Kat was watching me and Myrna, and seemed fascinated by what she was saying, and Carver seemed to be also.

"The first time I saw you watching her and that horse, and saw all the pictures you took and the money you spent on her, it seemed to me that you were trying to give her something you lacked as you grew up. Love and affection was what she needed, and you spent hours lavishing it on her to make sure she was happy. I loved her like she was my own, almost as soon as I laid eyes on her. She was so helpless and afraid to leave your side the first few weeks she was here. It seemed like she would never pull out of the shell she had covered herself with. I watched her change and gain something she didn't have until you showed it to her. She gained her pride and confidence because of the open and clear love you showed her. When you got shot at the barn, I almost died because I realized you had become like a son to me also. I was still never sure about your feelings toward me, until you said what you did in the hospital. When we came home, I cried for two days because I was so ashamed of the way I had treated you for all those years. I realized I had never given you a way or even an opening to show or tell me how you felt about me. Carver and I had a long talk last night, and it made me realize that you and Sally, and now Kat are my family. The tears and hurt in your eyes, when you told us about Bill, tore me up worse than the news about his death. Only a man who loved someone deeply would have that hurt in his eyes because he dreaded giving news that would hurt the ones he loved most. Jon, we have to attend the funeral before we leave, and I think Carver will agree with me that we can wait for a few more days before he makes an honest woman out of me. The big question now is, what are you and Kat going to do? Jon, I know I'm sounding bossy again, but if you let her slip through your fingers, it will be the biggest mistake of your life. She loves you as much as I love Carver."

When she finished, she got up and filled our cups again. I looked at Kat and her eyes were moist, and I knew deep inside there was no way I would ever let this beautiful childlike woman slip through my fingers.

"Dad, I agree with Myrna on this. I love you with all my being and always will, but you need Kat as much as she needs you. I want my father happy and she is the one who seems to make you that way. Besides, I also want some brothers and sisters to grow up with, and what girl in her right mind would not want two sets of loving parents like I will have soon. You and Myrna have been there anytime I needed you, and I am proud of all the kids you have helped over the years. I want you to keep helping them like you've helped me. We have what a lot of kids I know will never have, each other, and I don't think that will ever change. I will always do my very best to make you proud of me, and I will even quit bossing you around if you marry Kat like you promised her."

I looked at Sally and thought about whole situation, and even with my thick head, I knew she was right. I looked over at Kat, and all I could see was her love for me and how beautiful she was. I hugged Sally and kissed her, and got hugged and kissed back. For the first time in weeks, I felt at peace with myself.

"I love you, Dad," she said as she hugged me.

"I love you too, even if sometimes I don't show it. You are growing up and it scares me that you are growing up so fast."

I got up and set her on the chair, and walked around the table to where Kat was sitting. I kissed her, and almost lost it again when I felt her lips against mine. I fought to keep my senses about me as I stepped back and looked at her. I went down on one knee in front of her, and loudly said so all could hear me, "Kat, will you consent to marry me and become my wife in name as well as my heart?"

She looked at me in total shock and started crying and shouting, "Yes, yes, I will." She grabbed me and kissed me, and I wasn't able to control my emotions this time. I felt like I was being drawn into a black pit that I would never be able to get out of. I don't know how long this went on, but again, my daughter had a smart comment. She was giggling so hard, it sounded like she was stuttering as she said; "Will you two get a room, that's disgusting."

Kat snorted in my mouth, and everyone broke out in laughter. I looked at her, or I should say I glared at her, when I could get my eyes uncrossed. Once again I got the tongue from Sally, and this time I went after her. She went running, with me right behind her. She was screaming and laughing until I caught her at the steps. I put her over my knee and smacked her butt, but before I could get two swings in, we were both on the floor laughing hysterically. She tried to stick her tongue out at me again, but ended up spitting on herself, she was laughing so hard. I backed up and told her that was disgusting. She jumped on me, hugging me and laughing her head off. We finally got ourselves under control, or at least I did, but Sally was still snickering as we walked back to the kitchen. She was holding my arm and almost dancing, she was so happy. Then it hit me, I hadn't shown her any personal attention in a long time, and immediately felt ashamed of myself. We used to wrestle around outside with Sparky pushing me off her whenever I got on top tickling her. We always found time to go out to eat and to a movie every week. I was still trying to remember how long it had been since we had been out together, when I was tackled by a little redhead wanting to know if she was going to have to wrestle me to get me to talk to her. I stuttered a couple of times before I was finally able to answer her, much to Sally's delight. She was still snickering when we finally got settled back at the table. Then, of course, Myrna started on me, much to Carver's delight. He was grinning and trying to keep from laughing out loud, if the red face was any sign.

"Jon Morgan, that's the first time in months I have heard laughter in this house. From now on, we leave our troubles at the front door. That includes Kat, because she's now a part of this household. We need to start being a family again, and doing things together like we used to. And another thing, Jon, from now on, I am paying half of any expenses, including household and other incidentals. I have been living here all these years and haven't had to pay a cent, and it's about time I started. Lord knows I have enough money to have some fun with, and so does my future husband, since he let me take over his finances."

This time it was my turn to laugh, as Carver got a mortified look on his face when she said that. I did and caught hell immediately from Myrna, because I spent too much money on my cases while I ran around in rags with my butt hanging out of my jeans. Now I thought this was a bit of an overstatement, but Kat and Sally lost it when I got red. I thought all the castigation was over, until Kat dropped the other shoe.

"By the way, Jon, what are we going to do about my house and things? You have all this beautiful antique furniture, and my more modern stuff just wouldn't fit in here. I don't want to sell it, but we have to do something, since from now on I will be living here with you and Sally. Besides, I have a frog collection that I have a lot of money wrapped up in. I have been collecting them for ten years, and they mean a lot to me. I won't just abandon them to a yard sale or something."

I looked at Myrna and Carver, and they both were grinning. I then looked over at Sally and she had a big grin on her face too. I had never been to Kat's house, and didn't even know where it was. I knew I had to answer this one right, or she was gonna be mad at me for the rest of the day. Oh God, I thought, why didn't I just stay a bachelor? Then I had one of my on the spot inspirations or dumbspirations as it didn't come out of my mouth the way I was thinking.

"Well, dear, we better keep it just in case you get mad at me in the future and I have to kick you out. Umm, I didn't mean it that way, Kat. I'm sorry, hon, that didn't come out right."

I was getting looks that would kill from all three women, and I had to think quick to get myself out of this one. Then it hit me, and for better or worse, I decided to run with the idea.

"How 'bout we move your frog collection out here and rent the house furnished to Jimmy? That would be a step up from that hole he lives in. Besides, if there was a basement or garage, he could have a workshop and maybe finally meet some nice girl that can cook, before he starves."

I thought I did myself proud with that one, and sat back with a smile on my face waiting to see everyone's reaction. Believe me it wasn't long in coming either.

"Jon Morgan, are you crazy? The reason Jimmy still lives in that little shack of his is because he had to buy it after he blew the back wall out of it, when one of his experiments went wrong. It took him and Tiny three months to rebuild it so it could pass the city inspectors. Now, I don't know what Kat's house looks like, but I will bet it is a mansion and very clean compared to what Jimmy lives in. No Sir, you will not rent her house to him, or anyone else, unless one of us okays it first."

I looked at her in shock, then at Kat. She was grinning at me, so I just put my head in my arms on the table and gave up. I really hated it when one of my good inspirations got shot down. Then Kat leaned over and whispered in my ear.

"Don't worry, honey, I have an older sister that lives in a run down tenement in the city. She would be glad to rent it from me to get out of there. She's a nurse too, so you will have two of us to treat your little boo boos."

I just groaned out loud, and thought Kat was going to fall off the chair, she was laughing so hard. Of course Sally had to open her big yap and ask what was so funny. Kat proceeded to tell them about our whispered conversation, and they all started laughing then. Then I was trying to figure out something to do to get away from them, 'cause there was just no winning when all three of them worked together. Besides, if I left, Carver would be the next target instead of me. I told them I would be back in a minute and went out of the kitchen like I was headed for my study. When I wasn't followed, I quickly and quietly went up to my room and stripped to my shorts. I laid down to catch a snooze for an hour or so. I was lying on my side facing away from the door and had almost dozed off, when I felt a pressure on the bed behind me.

"Did you actually think you were gonna catch a nap when you left me hanging and all alone this morning?"

"Aww Kat, I'm really tired after all the excitement, with you guys having such a good time at my expense, I really need a short nap to recharge."

I was still thinking that when she climbed over me and lay on her side facing me, and then I realized she didn't have a stitch on. Well there goes the nap, I thought, and when she kissed me, I went into another dimension. I do remember mumbling something about locking the door, but I just didn't have the will power to get up and do it. Besides, to do that would mean I would have to uncross my eyes and actually try to move away from the soft body that was up against me. As I got lost in her kiss, I wondered what it was like to be me.



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Chapter 35


When I woke up, Kat was in the shower. I could hear her humming as she washed and I had to smile, because I wasn't the only one feeling satisfied with myself. Then I remembered I hadn't cancelled the plane to take us out of the country. It made me mad because I had just lost a thousand dollar deposit by not calling them. I got up and went into the bathroom. I joined Kat in the shower and was kissed immediately.

"I was wondering if you were going to wake up. Here, wash my back, will you?"

I did and any other parts I could reach, which had her giggling at my clumsy efforts. When we finally got out, she told me I had better get more practice in washing other bodies, because when she got pregnant, we were both going to be taking turns caring for the babies. She also informed me in the same breath, that twins run in her family and it was her generation to expect them. I dropped the shampoo bottle in shock. She took one look at my face, and started laughing up a storm. Me, I didn't think it was very funny at all. One baby to try to feed and stay up nights with was bad enough, but two? Oh God, I thought, why did I let myself be talked into getting married? As I stepped out of the shower to the sight of a nude Kat drying herself and I looked at her beautiful body, my question was answered for me.

"Will you quit staring and dry my back? We need to get dressed, because it's almost time for dinner. Sally will be knocking on the door again."

I did as she asked, whispering in her ear that I could afford to miss a meal for a change, if she wanted to stay up here with me. The loud knock at the door put the quietus to that thought.

"Dad, is Kat in there with you? If she is, Myrna sent me up to tell both of you supper's almost ready. If you don't come down, she's gonna be mad at both of you."

"Sally Homes, quit fishing for information and tell Myrna we'll be down in a little bit. Can't a man have any privacy in his own house?"

"Not if he has a teenage daughter who loves him, he can't. I need to keep you two apart until you're married. That's what daughters are for, Dad, to look out for the man in their lives."

"Well, this man is gonna turn you over his knee, if you don't quit snoopin' on him."

As she went down the hall, I could hear her laughing, and so was Kat at my mock indignation. We went out of the door with smiles on our faces, and Sally was waiting at the bottom of the steps.

"What took you two so long? It seems like I have been standing here for twenty minutes. What were you two doing that took so long?"

I looked at Kat, growled, and went down the steps three at a time. Sally took off running for the kitchen, squealing in mock terror with every step. I almost had her but she slid around the corner like she was on ice. I missed her and ran into the edge of the table.

"Jon Morgan, will you quit running in the house? Look at the mess you made."

"Sorry, Myrna, but I know one little girl that's gonna get paddled before the night's over for snooping on Kat and me. Besides, she should be helping you and learning how to cook, instead of beating on my bedroom door asking stupid questions."

"Well gee, Dad, if I don't ask, how am I gonna learn about the birds and bees?"

I didn't have a smart comeback for that one. It brought me up short, remembering that once again, we hadn't used any protection. I knew I had broken a cardinal rule that I had given Sally when we had a discussion about sex many months ago. Thank God, Kat came around the corner behind me and heard the last part of the conversation.

"Don't worry, Sally, if you have any questions I will be glad to answer them for you. Remember, I am a nurse and know all the answers about this subject."

"Don't worry, Kat, Dad explained it all to me months ago in one of our father daughter discussions. I know all about it, and the consequences if a mistake is made. I probably have better control over my emotions than he does, especially when he gets close to you."

They both broke out in laughter over that one, and I felt like hiding in the corner.

"Sally Homes! What have I told you about acting like a lady and conducting yourself like you have been taught? I think tonight it's your turn to clean up after supper, and you can also wash the dishes. You know better than to talk that way in front of adults."

"Yes, Myrna, I'm sorry. I won't do it again."

If she hadn't stuck her tongue out at me, I would have thought her feelings had been hurt. I almost gave it away, but caught myself at the last minute by coughing in my hand and Kat must not have seen it. She asked me to meet her in my study after dinner so she could change my bandages. She said she was afraid I might have gotten them wet in the shower. Boy, was that a boo-boo on her part, 'cause Sally jumped right on that one, laughing in delight.

"I knew you two weren't just talking!"

Kat turned three shades of red, which made her red hair seem dim by comparison. I looked at her, then at Sally, and totally lost it. I had to sit down I was laughing so hard. Myrna looked at us and at Kat, then started grinning and shaking her head. I couldn't see Carver as he had his head on the table with his arms hiding his face. I figured he was laughing, 'cause his shoulders were moving up and down in a regular rhythm. Kat sat down beside me and leaned over, whispering in my ear.

"Jon Morgan, if you don't quit laughing, I'm gonna get even with you, if it takes me a month."

I tried, I really did, but I just laughed harder if that was possible. It finally got to the point where I couldn't breathe and had to stop or suffocate myself. Sally was still grinning and Kat was glaring holes in me as she sat beside me. It finally got settled down when Myrna told us to act like adults. All through the meal, the undercurrent was brewing, and I hoped that Sally didn't open her big mouth again or I would be sleeping alone on my honeymoon. I tried to act normal and quickly finished eating, excusing myself saying I had to make a couple of calls, and that when Kat was ready she could come in and change my bandages. I thought I exited quite gracefully. Of course if wishes were horses, we all would own one.

I went into the study and called the airlines to cancel the flights. I was informed that since I hadn't given them 24 hours notice on my cancellation, I would lose my initial deposit. I knew I would, but it still made me mad. I then called the embassy and got the vice-attaché on the line and filled him in on what happened to Boudrie. He actually sounded sad because he had escaped so easily. He again thanked me, saying if I ever needed anything to be sure and give him a call first. He would be sure to expedite matters for me. I didn't figure I would ever go back to Ethiopia again, so I just filed it away in my mind. I called Jeb and made sure that Jubal and Farley got off ok. He said they were well on their way and that he would see me at Bill's funeral. He told me not to worry about our safety, 'cause he had it all covered from his end. I thanked him and promised he would have a seat with us for the Military Funeral. Bill had been a Decorated Veteran. He said that the services would be in the local cemetery, since that's where Bill had a plot. He would be buried by his wife's side as he had arranged years ago. I thanked him for the information and Kat came in as we finished. She quickly changed my bandages and checked my head. After shutting the door, she came over and sat in my lap.

"I'm sorry I got mad at you. I was just so embarrassed, and when you started laughing, it got my dander up a little. That daughter of yours has a wicked sense of humor. I have been around you long enough to know she didn't get it from you, so she must have got it from Myrna over the years. Jon, I love you, but we are going to have to find somewhere to be alone for a few days when we get married. I did a little surfing on the net today, and booked us into a private villa for a week. It's not far from the Virgin Islands, so we won't be too far away. Besides, Myrna and Carver need some time too. You know, we are going to have to sit down and have a little talk with Sally. I know how much you love each other, but she is curious as all girls are at her age. She needs to be told what the boundaries are, as far as her curiosity. Jon, you're going to have to do it, because if I tried, she would resent me for interfering. I don't want that to ever happen between us. I am the newcomer here, so it will be you or Myrna. I have a feeling it would mean more coming from you. I hope I am not making a big thing out of this, but we do need our own space and privacy."

"No, you're not making a big thing out of it, because you're right. If I thought you were trying to come between us, it wouldn't matter how much I love you, I couldn't shut her out. I know how much I love her, and I know all that she has been through on her own and since she's been with me. Kat, I love you from the top of my head to the tips of my toes, but don't put me in a position where I have to choose between you. As much as I love you, I think you know the answer to that one."

"No Jon, that's not what I meant. Oh God, how do I explain it so you can understand how I feel without hurting anyone feelings in the process? I know how you two feel about each other and I certainly don't want to be the so called wicked step mother to her. I love her, Jon, but I also love you and I just want some private time with you. She is so open and forward, she doesn't realize what that means and I love her for being that way. You have taught her never to hide her curiosity or feelings, and that's great. What I'm trying to say in my stupid way is, can you explain to her when the door's closed, that's our private time together and not to knock and ask what we're doing?"

When it finally dawned on me what she was saying, I started to laugh but she grabbed me around the throat with both hands.

"It's not funny, Jon! It's hard enough for me to repress my sounds when we're making love, without knowing a thirteen year old girl might be standing with her ear against the door listening. You don't realize how embarrassing that is to me. I just want to be myself when we're together."

"Ok, ok, don't choke me to death. I'll figure something out by the time we get back from the island and our honeymoon. We still have to attend Bill's funeral, and that is going to be very unpleasant for all of us. I personally would not go, but for Sally and Myrna's sake, I have to attend. There will be a lot of very important people there, and it will be with full Military honors. I am going to have to wear my full dress uniform. I hate to do it, but it will be expected of me. I don't know if I told you, but I am still in the service of France for another five years. I was discharged, but there is a clause in the enlistment papers that lets them call on me in times of emergency and I would have to go back on active duty. I don't expect it to ever happen, but I think you need to know this for your own peace of mind. I know you lost Jerry to war, but I don't think I will be called back because I have already served and was formally discharged several years ago."

"Oh God, Jon, I hope not! I don't think I could take all the worry and fear if you did. I don't ever want to go through that again."

She started crying and I just held her, wishing I hadn't opened my big mouth. I had meant all along to tell her, but hadn't gotten around to it with all that was going on. I had promised I would never lie to her, and I never would, but if it affected her like this, I might have to rethink that strategy. Maybe I would learn to omit a few things or not be so blunt about how I told her. Kat was right about how Sally was acting, now that I looked back on it. I realized she was feeling left out and maybe a little jealous because of my attention to Kat. I was going to have to sit down and talk to her, but it wasn't a chore I wanted to tackle. I was going to have to give it some serious thought. I could sit down with Myrna and see how she thought I should approach it. Then again, maybe that's why Sally never got too close to Sarah, because she saw her as a threat to my attention. Damn, it sucks to be me, I was thinking as a knock sounded on the door. This time it was Carver. When he came in and saw Kat crying, he was embarrassed.

"Sorry to disturb you, but Myrna asked me to tell you when you got a chance she wanted to talk to you about something. Sorry Kat, I didn't mean to disturb you two."

He quickly backed out and closed the door again. I heard him say something and couldn't tell who he was talking to, but I figured it was Sally coming to check on us again. Kat was right, this had to stop, but I didn't have the first clue as to how to go about doing it without alienating my daughter or hurting her feelings. Damn, it sucks to be the authority figure. I finally got Kat calmed down and she said she was going to watch some television. She suggested that maybe I would like to join her after I had my talk with Myrna. I didn't answer yea or nay, because I was trying to remember the last time I had watched the big TV in the front room. Sally had always taken it over to watch her movies on, but to me it was a waste of time. Of course, I wasn't about to tell Kat that. She headed to the front room while I went to the kitchen to see what Myrna wanted. When I walked in, just she and Sally were sitting at the counter. I took a seat, accepting the cup of coffee she poured me.

"Sally, we need to have a little talk. I have a question I want to ask and I want you to take your time and think about it before you answer. You said earlier you wanted brothers or sisters to grow up with, right?"

I didn't say a word just sat and waited to see where this was leading. Sally was looking at Myrna, and doing as she asked, and seemed to be giving the question a lot of thought.

"Yes I do, but what's wrong with that, Myrna? I want to have brothers or sisters 'cause I was an only child, and if it hadn't been for Jon, I wouldn't be as happy as I am. I really like Kat. She and Jon are a good pair and love each other a lot. It's really funny the way he seems to go off into la la land whenever she's around."

"Ok, young lady, then there are going to have to be a few changes on your part."

"What's that mean? I get along with Carver and Kat just fine, and Kat treats me like a grownup and I love it."

"Then you need to change a few of your habits, young lady. The first thing is, when a door's closed, don't go knockin' on it, wantin' to know what's going on. Adults need privacy too. We don't bother you by knockin' on your door when you close it, and you need to have the same respect for other people's feelings. Second, and the most important to me, is the rude and smart mouthed comments. You don't make fun of people or ask personal questions of them. I know we talked about this before, and it hasn't sunk in yet, but it better start, young lady. Your father's getting married, and so am I, so you need to quit snooping on everyone. That's not how a young lady acts. Sally honey, if you want to do something or need someone to talk to, just ask one of us. I saw you with your ear up against the study door, and that's snooping. I don't ever want to see it again. Sally, you need to realize that once we get married, you're not gonna have our full attention like you always have had. We will never stop loving you, but you won't have our full attention like you're used to having. If this is going to be a problem, we need to discuss it before we leave for Jon's island."

I sat and listened, but didn't have a thing to add to the conversation, so I waited to see what Sally would say. It seemed like it took forever before she answered Myrna.

"I guess I am a little jealous of both of you. I love you both, and it seems like I am losing both of you at the same time. I don't like that feeling, and after all this time of it being just us, it's bothering me more than I thought it would. I want to see you both happy, but I feel like I'm losing both of you and I'll be all alone again."

This time I looked at Myrna and I decided to get into the conversation before it tore me completely apart inside. The sound of sadness and the tears in her eyes hurt worse than I ever thought it would.

"Sally, you're not losing us in any way. I love you as much as Myrna does, and even though we have found others to love too, you'll always be the first one in both of our hearts. I don't care if Kat and I have a dozen kids, I promise you, I will always love you the most because you'll always be my first love. That won't ever change, and I am positive Myrna feels the same way about it. You're our child and always will be first in our hearts. Ever since I became your guardian, I have always tried to let you see and know how much I love you. I love Kat, but as I said, you're my first love, and I will always think of you that way. I don't know how else I can assure you that you won't be left out or forgotten, now or in the future."

"Sally, honey, I feel the same way as Jon does about you. Sure, I love Carver, but you're my baby and always will be."

Sally looked at me and ran to Myrna. Then they both were crying as they hugged each other. I just sat and watched with tears in my eyes, vowing I would never do anything to make her feel this way again. I got up, got another cup of coffee, and sat back down. I wondered if all fathers who had kids and wanted to re-marry had to go through something like this. My situation wasn't quite like that, but to me it was almost in the same bracket. She broke free from Myrna and kissed her, then came over and crawled up in my lap like she used to do when I first brought her here.

"Dad, I love you so much. I think maybe I owe you and Kat an apology for the way I have been acting. I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I was worried that if you got married, I would lose you. I know how much you and Kat love each other, and I really am happy for both of you. I just wish this thing with the church was over so I could go visit some of my friends, and have a sleep over like I used to. It seems like I have been stuck in this house all summer with nothing to do. I don't even have Sparky to ride anymore. Can I get another horse when we come back? I really want to start riding in some of the competitions again. I really miss it."

"Honey, when we get back, we'll start looking for another horse for you. As for this church thing, I have a feeling it's about over with. I have a feeling the church will be breaking up, with all their leadership out of the picture. It's only a matter of time now. All I am after is the girl, and I could care less about the rest of it. When I get her back to her mother, then my job's over and they should leave me alone. Hey, I got the information on the island I haven't gone through yet. Want to help and then we'll both get to see what we will be getting into?"

"Sure, Dad, why don't you bring it out here and we can all look at it together. Will I be able to swim and do some snorkeling while we're there?"

"You get Kat and Carver and I'll get the packet, and we will see what it has to offer."

"Cool, Dad!"

She was off my lap and out the back door in a flash. I looked at Myrna and got a smile and a short statement as I got up.

"Jon, just when I think she's being the beautiful young lady we raised, she goes and does something like that. I don't think I will ever get used to her being so changeable in such a quick way, lady to tomboy in a split second."

I walked around the table and hugged her, saying in her ear; "You raised her to be what she is, and I think you have done a helluva job for an old woman."

Well I got punched and quickly told it was just as much my fault as it was hers, and she wasn't that old. I laughed all the way to my study. I pulled open the second drawer and retrieved the big pouch. I saw the paperwork on Kat that I had gotten from Maurice, and I dropped it in the shredder as I headed for the kitchen. I almost got knocked over as Sally rounded the corner, looking for Kat. I told her she was in the living room, watching TV and I went on into the kitchen. Carver was there sipping his coffee. I helped myself while I waited for Kat and Sally to come in. When they came around the corner, they were holding hands and both of them had smiles on their faces. This in turn brought a smile to my face, because they seemed to have settled something while they were in the front room. When everyone was seated, I opened the thick packet and spread it across the table. It was full of pictures and all types of printed sheets. Everyone seemed to gravitate toward the pictures. They were being passed around the table, with me being the last in line to get to see any of them.

I picked up the papers and started reading them, and as I read, I was glad I did. I had not only bought the island, I had inherited with it, a complete tribe of natives that grew different crops on the island. The whole thing, according to what I was reading, was self sustaining and the natives had little need for outside intervention. Since I now owned the island, I was responsible for their well being and care. Hold it, I thought! How the hell did Quanta get me into this one? I needed my cell and quick. I dropped the papers on the table, and almost ran for my cell. It was in my study on the charger. I know I looked like a fool, but this was very upsetting to me to say the least. I needed information and fast. When I came back to the counter, everyone was looking at me like I had lost my mind or something. Sally passed me a picture, and as soon as I looked at it, I didn't like the connotations of what I was seeing. It was a large black man without a shirt, and he had a whip hanging off his belt. The caption below gave his name, and the fact that he was the overseer and ran the day by day operations. As I looked at it, I remembered seeing what happens to a person being whipped by one of those. I started to see red, even before I dialed the phone. There was no answer at the bank, and I realized it was after nine pm in Nigeria. I rang Quanta's home number, and when he answered, I about went off on him. Then I took a deep breath before I started asking questions.

"Quanta, how much investigation did you put into the island before you bought it?"

"Not much, because it was offered at a very cheap price and the main house and buildings had just been totally remodeled. Why are you asking, Jon?"

I went on to tell him what I had read and about the picture I was holding, and said it better not be what I thought it was. If it were so, I would be up for murder, because if he was whipping those people, I would kill him as soon as I landed. I went on to tell him we would be flying in the day after tomorrow, and he better be there to meet me with several of the banks security people by his side. He immediately said he would fly out tomorrow with four of the Police Squad the bank used as security, and would be there when I arrived. He went on to say he was sorry that he had upset me.

"Quanta, you're not the one upsetting me, this picture is. I don't know who the previous owner was, but if he allowed this to happen, he will be arrested as soon as I can contact Interpol and give them his name. Quanta, you know how I feel about this type of thing. Before you ever invest in something like this again, you make sure you have it completely investigated. Now, I think I better end this conversation before I say something that might hurt our friendship."

"Jon, I promise you that we will take care of the problem before you land. If what you are thinking is correct, then it's my responsibility to do it, not yours. I will see you and your lovely daughter when you land."

"Quanta, not only will you get to meet my daughter, but my future wife also. I have another couple who will be coming with me and we all plan on getting married while we're on the island. I just hope this little incident won't mar our stay. If it does, I will not be very happy with you, my friend."

"Do not worry, Jon, it will be all settled before you and your party land. I will have the plane waiting for you when you land in the Islands. It's only about an hour's flight from the U.S. Territory to the island. It will be by seaplane, and it lands right by the house."

"Ok, Quanta, I will leave it in your capable hands, but if you can't handle it I will, and my government may not like the way I do it. I will see you day after tomorrow then, my friend. Why don't you bring your lovely wife and daughters and make it a holiday for them?"

"That is a very good idea, but I think I will leave them at the hotel while I handle this matter. Goodbye for now, my friend."

I hung up, knowing Quanta would have the problem settled before I got there. He and his family had been slaves for awhile, and they all still had whip scars from their ordeal. I don't think I would want to be the overseer when Quanta got there, I thought. Then I noticed the silence around the table, and when I looked up, everyone was staring at me like I had two heads.

I spent the next hour explaining to them about some of the old time Frenchmen and their views on slavery, and what I thought about it. I then gave them a brief history about how I met Quanta, and what he had gone through to rescue his family. That seemed to lighten the mood a little, and then we were all looking at the pictures. The girls were going crazy over the pictures of the white sandy beaches. Then they started in on how to help the locals if they had been mistreated. They went on and on and I kind of tuned them out. I looked at Carver and he was just watching them with a smile on his face. That was when I realized he was under Myrna's thumb as I was, but I had two more to contend with. I sat back listening with half an ear to what they were saying when my cell went off. It was Jerry, asking if I could talk. I motioned to Carver and told the girls we had to take this call in the study. I don't even think they heard us, because there wasn't any lull in the conversation at all.



-------

Chapter 36


When Carver and I got to the study, I motioned for him to close the door and switched the cell to speaker phone. I told Jerry we were in my study and he could speak freely.

"Well, the news isn't good, Jon. Someone broke into Bill's office and made a mess. Even the safe was pried open. I know he never kept his important papers in it, because he always said it wasn't strong enough for that. They did take the cash he had in it, but his secretary said she couldn't find anything other than that missing. Your hunch about the uncle was right, Jon, his fingerprints were all over the place in the hotel and the office. I now have heavy security on his home, and all the alarms have been upgraded. Jon, the funeral will be tomorrow at four in the afternoon. Since it will have to be a closed coffin, we will all meet at the funeral home and go directly to the cemetery. Jon, I have another problem I need help with. This is going to be a full Military Honors Funeral, and I was wondering who should receive the flag since he doesn't have any family."

"Well, Jerry, you are his godson, so why can't you accept it as his closest relative?"

"Jon, I hate to say this, but as you know, I come from a family of war heroes like Bill was. But, I ah, well, I vehemently abhor war in any form, and I wouldn't feel comfortable accepting it. I loved that man like a father, and to me it would be a dishonor to him for me to accept it. Jon, can we have Myrna be the receiver? She and Bill were friends for over twenty five years, and I know he would be proud to see her accept it for his family. I don't know if he ever told you, but he and Myrna were engaged at one time, way back when they were in college. I don't know the whole story, but I do know they were friends and she was the maid of honor at his marriage."

"Whatever you think is right, Jerry, but I need to let Myrna know. I don't think it would be fair to her to spring it on her at the last minute. You know how she is, and both of us would have to move if we did something like that. Has the FBI found any traces of the uncle?"

"No they haven't, and they are mad as hell that they can't seem to get a lead on him. It's like he disappeared into thin air. Not to change the subject Jon but we opened his will this morning and to say there were some surprises would be an understatement. Is Carver in the study with you?"

"Yes he is, since he is part of this household now."

"Well this concerns him and Myrna, so I'm glad he is the one that has to tell her this news, because she is gonna explode. He left his home and property to them both as a wedding present. It's already been deeded over and has been for two days. Jon, he left Sally two million dollars in a trust fund for her education. It all comes to her when she graduates from college. He made allowances for her to attend Princeton and has already paid for her first four years. I have a hand written letter I'm supposed to give to her tomorrow before the funeral. He also left five million in a special account for you to use to help the kids you save and their families. Jon, he left me his business and twenty five million to use to make my business larger, and with explicit instructions that I was to use it to help the indigent as much as possible. Oh, you're the only other one, besides me, who decides who we help. Jon, there are a couple of surprises for you in this too. Sally is now your daughter. It's all legal and filed in D.C. in the Federal Court. I have no idea how he swung that one and bypassed the waiting period. I also have a complete expungement of records for Tiny, which is also legally filed in DC. Jon how did he know you asked me about this? These are dated a year ago, so I wonder why he never told Tiny about them."

"Jerry, I haven't known Bill that long, but I do know he was always full of surprises. It seemed that he could do the impossible, whenever he set his mind to it. If he were still here, we would be in a big argument because I would have had a fit about him leaving me money."

"Yeah, I know how you feel. Jon, he also left his partnership papers to Jeb's business, signed completely over to him along with a half million to keep it operating. Did you know he and Jeb were partners?"

"I just found out myself, and it was a surprise to me too."

"Well, I have another one for the sheriff tomorrow. Bill prepaid for four years of college for the sheriff's little girl Judy to attend Princeton with Sally. Did you know Judy was adopted?"

"Yeah, I was told so by the sheriff the other day. She and Sally are best friends, and have been since Sally came to live with me. Jerry, this is a lot for all of us to take in at one time. If you have any more surprises, would you wait for a few days before you spring them on me?"

"I'm sorry, Jon, but dammit, I can't believe he's gone, and now he's left me as executor. I am at a loss as to whether I should be happy about his business acumen, or cuss him for getting killed. Jon, he was a father to me, even more than my real one was. Did you know he paid for my college and pushed me to become a lawyer? He put up with a lot from me when I was younger, and was always there to support me. He was the one who got me the job as a Federal Prosecutor, and was the first to support me when I got disgusted and quit. Jon, I just don't know what I'm going to do, now that he's gone."

"Well, Jerry, you were always close to him. Why don't you go have a drink and think about what he would want you to do? Think about all the good times you two spent together, and it will come to you. If you concentrate hard enough, you will hear him in the background, giving you advice like he always did. That's what I would do, Jerry. I am going to let you go, and see if I can get a few words with Myrna before tomorrow. We'll all see you at the funeral tomorrow, my friend."

"Oh, before you go, he asked that you and Carver wear your dress uniforms and be the head pallbearers."

"We would be honored, Jerry. See you tomorrow."

I hung up and looked over at Carver and he looked like he was in shock.

"You ok there, Carver?"

He looked at me and I could see the inner conflict in his eyes, like he was fighting something inside and didn't know how to handle it.

"Carver, listen to me! This is what Bill wanted, and besides, it's too late to change it now. I don't think you and Myrna could ask for a better wedding present. When you move in, I guess I will be looking for another house keeper."

I had just been kidding with him, but when he looked at me, I could see I could see the anger in his eyes.

"Jon, don't even try to kid about something as serious as this. It's gonna break Myrna's heart. Jon, she will never leave here as long as you and Sally are alive. She even told me what you said about going back to France to live, and told me I could go with her or stay here, because she wasn't leaving you and Sally. Have you ever been to Bill's house?"

"No, can't say as I have, because he was always over here mooching meals from Myrna. Why do you ask?"

"I worked with Pete over there for two weeks when I first came down here after I retired. Jon, that place is huge. He took us through it when we bid on the job, and it has over thirty bedrooms and as many baths. It's three stories high and has everything that any person could ever want to live in luxury. Why the hell would Myrna or I even want that, with just the two of us? Your caretaker's cottage has three bedrooms, and it's better than the house I was raised in. That house of his has an intercom in every room and every room has its own television and computer. Can you imagine us living in something like that? We love where we are at, and I have to admit, other than my sisters, I finally found something I never thought I would. A good woman that I can love, and an extended family that I have had more fun with than I have had in more years than I care to think about. No way in hell will we move, and I know Myrna is going to feel the same way, Jon."

"Carver, don't blow up on me, because I am not saying you have to leave. It would break my heart to lose Myrna after all these years. Sally would have a fit because like I told you before, to her, Myrna is her surrogate mother. There is no way I am stepping into this one. That's between you and Myrna, what you decide to do. You both are welcome here as long as you want to stay, and that won't change."

"Sorry Jon, I didn't mean to get mad at you. I know it's not your fault, but what am I going to tell Myrna?"

"Ha, don't ask me. I think if you two decide to, you might talk to Jerry about leasing it to him. He has kids, and also his is one of the largest law firms on the east coast. It would be a good place for him to live and host parties for all his important clients. I know he has been looking for a bigger place for a couple of years now. I think he would love to have his godfather's place to live in. You might want to run it by Myrna when you tell her about it later. Speaking of later, I feel like I haven't eaten for hours. Let's go out and remind the women the men are hungry and they need to cook some food."

He was laughing as we got up and looked over his shoulder at me as we went out the door saying; "Good luck with that one."

When we got to the kitchen, it was like we had stepped into the middle of a hen party. Myrna was waving her arms, and Kat and Sally were laughing up a storm. I cleared my throat loudly to catch their attention and got a glare from Myrna.

"You don't suppose we could break up this little gossip meeting and talk someone into fixing us something to eat, could we?"

Myrna glared at me and Sally was sniggering again. That's when I got the distinct impression Myrna was talking about me. I don't know why, but I just seemed to have that feeling all of a sudden.

"It's too late for dinner and too early for supper. I guess both of you will have to settle for a hunk of cinnamon crisp and some coffee. That should hold you over until I get supper ready. What was the phone call about? Was it news about the funeral?"

"It's going to be tomorrow afternoon and we have to meet Jerry around four in the afternoon. The rest of it, I will let Carver fill you in on while I go outside to get some air and enjoy my food."

With that, I beat a hasty retreat out of the kitchen, leaving Carver to fend for himself. I was grinning to myself as I went out the door and sat down in one of the chairs. I set my coffee on one of the little tables and dug into the apple crisp. I could taste the cinnamon on it, and it was delicious. I had never had anything like this before, and I wondered if I could talk her into making it again. I was down to the last bite and when one of the Rotties showed up. He came up and put his head on my knee, begging for the last piece. I debated on eating it, but felt sorry for him with his sad look, so I leaned down and let him lick the plate. It was gone before I was straightened back up in the chair. He lay down at my feet as I sipped my coffee, wondering how Carver was handling this one. I had to admit, it felt good for a change, not to be the one on the spot with Myrna. I leaned back in the chair and almost dozed off, thinking about the funeral tomorrow and if I should put my medals on or just wear the plain uniform. I knew my Kepi Blanc was clean, and was as white as it could be. They had a tendency to turn a brownish yellow if not cleaned correctly. I dozed off thinking about the Legion Honor Code.

1. Légionnaire, tu es un volontaire servant la France avec honneur et fidélité.

2. Chaque légionnaire est ton frère d'arme quelle que soit sa nationalité, sa race, sa religion. Tu lui manifestes toujours la solidarité étroite qui doit unir les membres d'une même famille.

Somewhere in there, I fell asleep, thinking about the camaraderie and the friends I had made over the years.

I think what woke me was the Rottie rumbling against my feet, which he was laying on. I thought it was his stomach growling, but he was actually snarling deep in his chest. I didn't move, just let my eyes rove in the direction he was looking. Through slitted eyes, I could see a shadow outside the fence in the shadow of the garage. I couldn't make out who it was, just the shape in the shadows. I watched as he went back into the woods. The Rottie quit snarling in a few minutes and lay back down. Hmm, I was wondering, what that was all about and who it was. I didn't feel that I was being watched, but I called Jeb and told him what I had just seen, asking if he had any of his friends watching the house.

"No, Jon, but within five minutes I will have several roving the woods out there. Do you have any idea who it was?"

"No, but I have a feeling it was the girl's uncle, looking for something he never found at Bill's office."

I went on to tell him all that Jerry had told me about what the FBI had found. I thought I knew what he was looking for, and I did have it, but would keep it hidden it until this was all settled. I went on to tell Jeb to tell his people to be careful, because this man would kill at the drop of a hat. He just laughed at me saying the ole boys he was sending still had the bark on, whatever that meant. We hung, up saying we would see each other tomorrow at the funeral.

That's when it hit me, I had the keys, but without the passwords or the list of banks, nobody would be able to get into any of the accounts. Then I realized where I must have gotten the keys. They had to have been slipped into my stuff while I was at the Wrangler Outlet. That was the only place that any one had access to my truck. I thought back, and realized I had gone to lunch after I had taken the duffel bag of clothes out to the truck. I was anticipating being without anything but snacks, and had eaten a hearty meal as was my habit. I sat and thought about who had been in the store, but I just couldn't remember because it had been so long ago. Then I had another thought, what if I had the list and the keys? I hadn't looked or packed anything else after I had found the keys. I got up and headed into the house, and was glad I wasn't in the kitchen, when I heard Myrna yelling at Carver about something. I sneaked up the steps and went into my room and Kat was sitting on the bed.

"Boy, that woman has a temper, doesn't she? Sally and I snuck out when she went off on Carver. He had started telling her about Bill's house. Jon, why wouldn't she want her own place, free and clear?"

"Think about it a minute, Kat. She has lived here almost all her life, and to her, Sally is her daughter. If someone left you a house and you had to move away from your daughter, would you do it?"

I left her thinking about that one, and went to the suitcases I had been packing. I started taking the shirts and pants out, and thoroughly checking them for anything else that might be hidden away. I took the jeans out one pair at a time and checked them thoroughly, then refolded them. I packed them in the big suitcase as I finished each pair. I went through them all and didn't find a thing. I started on the shirts and was about through with them, when I picked up the ugly purple one. As I squeezed the package, I felt something hard inside of the shirt. I slipped my hand inside the cellophane package in the folds of the shirt and pulled out two floppy disks in plastic covers. Hah! I had a feeling I had just found what everyone was looking for, besides the keys. With the information I thought these contained, you wouldn't need the keys to open the safety deposit boxes. I knew if you had all the information, the bank would open them without the keys.

"What's that, Jon, and why are you digging through all your new clothes? Why would you buy a purple shirt, of all things? That thing is ugly. I can see right now, when we get married, I am going to have to do some clothes shopping with you."

I sat her down on the bed, kissed her and told her what I thought I was holding on the two disks. She looked at me for a minute with big eyes and just said two words; "Oh my."

We sat and just held each other a few minutes, and then she asked what I was going to do with the keys and the disks. I told her what Jeb had told me about the church, and said I was going to give them to him tomorrow at the funeral. From that point on it would be up to him and his people to decide what to do with the cash I knew was in the boxes. I did know I was going to look at both the disks, to verify that they held what I thought they did. I had an external floppy disk drive for my laptop in my study, but I wasn't about to go back downstairs until Myrna had settled down a little. I figured she would blame me if I showed my face. Better Carver than me, I was thinking as Sally knocked on the open door asking if I thought Myrna was going to fix supper soon because she was starving.

"Come over here and sit next to me, honey. I have something to tell you, and I also want to hold the two women in my life for a few minutes."

That got me a one of the smiles from her that I loved so much. She came over and sat on the bed on my empty side. I put my arm around her and hugged her for a minute kissing the top of her head. I went on to explain to her what Jerry had told me about college, and that she was now officially my daughter, thanks to Bill. I explained about the papers he had filed, and why Myrna was so upset right now. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes, and just hugged me tight, silently sobbing against my chest. I looked over at Kat, and she was looking at me with wide tear filled eyes, so I hugged her tight against me too. I let Sally sit and get it out of her system, before I kissed her tear covered cheek.

"Why, Dad? Why would he do something like that? I liked him a lot, but he wasn't related to me or anything."

"Sally, do you remember when he came out to your stepdad's farm when I first met you?"

"How could I forget something like that, Dad? That was the greatest day of my life."

"Well, honey, I think he took one look at your dirty skinned up face and fell in love with you, just like I did. I think he saw something there he admired. I would almost be willing to bet if I hadn't become your guardian that day, he would have. Sally, I know he never said much about that day, but I do know he loved you and Myrna. Since he didn't have any family, he wanted to make sure you and Myrna were taken care of. I think both of you were his family, in his mind."

"Yes, and if the old fool were here now, I would punch him in the nose. Oh Jon!"

Just then Myrna came in, and I stood up. She was in my arms, sobbing her head off against my shoulder. I just stood and hugged her, and didn't say a word. She finally settled down and stepped away from me, looking at me intently.

"After I got through yelling at Carver, I finally realized I was yelling and blaming the man I love for something he had no control over. Now I need to explain to you and Sally and Kat, some things that you never knew. Bill and I were engaged at one time, but we both realized it wasn't the love between a man and a woman that we felt, but it was the love that a brother and sister felt for each other. I was the one who introduced him to his wife. She was my best friend and roommate at Princeton. She thanked me, because she had fallen in love with him the first time she met him. I was and still am happy for them both. They made such a perfect pair, but when she died, it was like he didn't have any direction and withdrew from everything. He pretty much closed his practice and just flitted here and there for years. After you called him, when you found Sally, that was the first time in years I saw him excited about something. Jon, for that I thank you from my heart. He changed almost overnight, and became the Bill I used to know. It was all because of you asking him for help. Jon, that man loved you like a son, and Sally like his own daughter. It doesn't surprise me that the will was done the way it was. He did it because he knew I would have a fit about him leaving me that warehouse he called a home. Why, I bet he's up there laughing his head off about it. Jon, tomorrow I will accept the flag, but it's to be taken to his home and mounted above the fireplace with the rest of his medals from the war. If it's ok with you, I also want to put your grandfather's flag and medals up beside Bill's. Those two were thick as thieves, and I think it would be fitting. Jon, I will tell you the same thing I told Carver, this is my home, and I won't leave for any reason. You three are my family, and Carver is my husband, or will be soon. I will talk to Jerry about buying Bill's house after the funeral tomorrow, 'cause we sure don't want it. I don't know any of the other properties he owns, but we will probably just sell them and give the money to the orphanage your mother started in town. I send them a check every month to help out. Now if you three are done hiding, supper is ready."

She turned and went out, leaving me standing with my mouth open in shock. Sally came to my side and slid under my arm, looking up at me.

"Come on, Dad, I'm starving. Let's go eat before she gets mad again."

Kat broke out laughing and slipped under my other arm. She and Sally grinned at each other before pulling me out of the door to go eat.

Tomorrow would be another day, and none of us could know what it would bring.



-------

Chapter 37


We made it downstairs with a lot of laughs, all three of us were trying to walk side by side down the steps. We were squeezed, but it only seemed to matter to me, because Kat and Sally were having a ball squeezing me. We walked into the kitchen and found Myrna setting the table, so Sally pitched in to help. Carver was sitting in his usual place. He had a smile on his face, so I figured he and Myrna had patched up their differences. We had just sat down, when my phone rang in the study, and I excused myself to answer it. It was Tiny, wanting to know if he and Jimmy were welcome to come to the funeral with us. I assured him that he was more than welcome, and if he brought the Limo, we could all go together. He said they would be here at three sharp, and hung up. I went back to the kitchen, and was immediately asked by Myrna about the call. I told her who it was and the arrangements I had made with Tiny. She just smiled at me when I finished. As usual, the meal was delicious and we quickly polished it off. While Sally and Kat cleaned off the table, Myrna gave us refills and a big slab of the apple crisp for dessert. I noticed the girls were putting the dishes in the dish washer, and me, being the dumb male at the table, I had to ask the question I had always wondered about.

"Myrna, if you have a dishwasher, how come you always seem to do them by hand and make Sally do them that way too?"

"Jon, if I need to teach Sally a lesson, there's no better way than to make her wash them by hand. It also gives her time to think. I do it because I don't like that dishwasher thing, 'cause it never makes the dishes shine like when I wash them by hand. It also gives me time to think and plan, to keep ahead of the men in the house."

I knew then I had better shut up before I got in any deeper, so I just smiled and took another bite of my dessert. I had a sudden thought and decided to ask Carver about it.

"Carver, are you going to wear your medals to the funeral tomorrow?"

"I hadn't really thought about it, Jon, why do you ask?"

"Well, I didn't want to wear mine unless you were planning on doing it too. I really hate to wear them, because they look so gaudy and out of place on my chest."

Before I got an answer, Myrna broke into the conversation.

"I would appreciate it if you both wore all of your medals to honor Bill, and remember, you're both head pall bearers. You should look your best since you're representing our family and should show respect for him as a fallen hero himself. What both of you don't know is that next to your grandfather, he was one of the most decorated veterans in this part of the country. I just hope and pray Jerry has him buried in the uniform he was so proud to wear for his country. It would be a shame if he went to his maker, a hero in a business suit."

"Myrna, I will call Jerry and make sure he gets Bill's uniform for his final rest. If it means so much to you, Carver and I would be honored to wear our full dress uniforms to his funeral. I don't know about Carver, but I have only worn all of mine when I went to my commander's funeral years ago. I have them all packed away, but I will dig them out for this occasion. I will need Sally and Kat to help me pin them on straight, since it's almost impossible to do it myself."

"I already have mine on my uniform, and it was just freshly cleaned and is still in the dry cleaner's bag. In this country, we use medal bar holders to mount them on, so it's a lot easier to put them back on our uniform when we have it cleaned. If I remember correctly, the legion has to pin them in place and in a certain order."

"That's right, Carver, and it's been so long, I will have to dig out my manual and refresh my memory about their order and position."

"Remember, Jon, we use the standard march here, not the crawl that the legion uses. If you march that slow, it will throw everyone off balance as we march with the casket. Here we use the standard marching step of 120 paces per minute. If my memory serves me right, the Legion always used the 88 pace minute, thus it's known as the crawl. Try to keep that in mind tomorrow. Since I will be up front with you, I will let you know if you fall back into the old habit."

"Now that I do appreciate, Carver. I marched for so many years using it, I will probably fall into the old habit automatically. Even when we marched in the Bastille Parade, we were always the last in line. Until now, I never knew why. Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I am going to bed early and get a good night's sleep. I think tomorrow will be hard on all of us, and I am not looking forward to it. I hate funerals, and always did. I saw too many of my friends and comrades buried, in too many countries to mention. Like you, we never left a comrade behind, but we didn't have the luxury of being able to ship their bodies home. Good night, every one, I will see you in the morning."

When I got up, there was silence around the table. I headed to my room, to try to forget all of the previous funerals I was remembering, and to settle my jitters about going tomorrow. I got about a third of the way up the steps, when I remembered that I needed to call Jerry to pass on what Myrna had said about a uniform for Bill. I went to my study and called him, and he answered on the first ring. He told informed me that he was at Bill's house now, getting his suit for the funeral. I passed on what Myrna told me, and he said that was a good idea. He was glad she had thought of it, and he would make sure it was done as she asked. We hung up after that, leaving me with the distinct impression he sounded lost, and was barely holding on to his emotions through all of this. I thought about it, and came to realize I was almost in the same boat he was. I headed back to the steps, and almost run over Kat. I was deep in thought about tomorrow. She never said a word, just held my hand as she walked up the steps with me. I stopped outside my room and looked at her, wondering how I had ever found a woman so beautiful and understanding. I had always been fairly lucky, but this kind of luck only came along once in a lifetime.

"Jon, if you would prefer to be alone tonight, I understand."

"Kat, I don't want or need to be alone. I have become accustomed to waking up and looking at your beautiful face in the morning. I don't think I am ready to change that any time soon, so let's just go to bed and try to forget about tomorrow."

I got that little girl smile from her, and for the first time in a long time, I felt at peace inside. We went to bed with her wearing that ugly purple shirt as a night gown. When I looked at her in surprise, she just smiled and said; "If I wear it to bed and forget to wash it before we leave, I won't have to look at you wearing it."

Jeesh, I thought, I liked the color and thought it matched my jeans. But, I didn't tell her that, since she obviously looked a lot better in it than I did. Especially with only one button buttoned and the sleeves rolled up. I fell asleep, with her wrapped around me like an octopus.

I woke the next morning, hugging Kat's back, wondering how we had gotten switched around during the night. Since it wasn't daylight yet, I fell back asleep, still wondering. When I woke the second time, the sun was shining brightly and I was alone in the bed. I heard Kat in the shower and decided to join her. When I opened the curtain she was shampooing her hair and I decided to help. Bad mistake, because I ended up finishing my shower in almost cold water, and we hadn't been in the shower that long. That was when I remembered I had been meaning to replace the hot water tank, because this had been happening a lot lately. I would let Tiny know to go ahead and order a great big one, and have him and his crew replace it for me. I hated showering in tepid water, and I knew I was going to hear from Sally about us using all the hot water again. The last time this happened, before Kat came, Sally had gone to the caretaker's cottage to shower. The tank there was less than a year old and never seemed to run out of hot water. I quickly rinsed off and got out. I could hear Sally down the hall, yelling that there was no hot water again. I smiled to myself and yelled back for her to take a cold shower and wake up in a better mood. Kat was laughing when I went back into the bedroom. She was getting dressed to go downstairs, so I quickly put on shorts and a t-shirt. I opened the door and was faced with Sally, getting ready to knock.

"Dad, will you please fix the hot water? Now I have to go to the little house to get a shower, and you know I hate that."

"Sorry, honey, I'll have Tiny order a new tank and have him install it as soon as he can fit it into his schedule. If it's any consolation, I had to take an almost cold shower, since Kat used all the hot water."

Sally chuckled and headed down the steps with all her stuff and I got a smack from Kat.

"Jon, that was a dirty trick, blaming me for the shortage of hot water. It would have been fine if you hadn't tried to massage my scalp off. Next time, you wait till I'm done showering before you come in."

"Ahh, where's the fun in that? I like helping you wash, and I get to see things I would only normally wish I could have."

She gave me a dirty look and busted out laughing. Then she kissed me, and while I was recovering, she went down the hall to the steps. I almost had to run to catch up with her. We walked into the kitchen, and Carver and Myrna were having coffee. Kat got us some too and we sat down to wait for Sally to return. Of course, Myrna had a few things to say about Sally having to go to the little house to shower.

"Jon, I thought you were going to have that old tank replaced months ago. It's been actin' up for almost a year. You don't notice it, because you take such quick showers. Now that there's another female in the house, you better get on the ball and get it done. Hearing Sally yell is bad enough, but I have a feeling if Kat gets a dose of cold water in the middle of a shower, you're gonna be sleeping alone until it's fixed."

I looked over at Kat. She was almost choking on her coffee to keep from laughing out loud. I smiled and told Myrna I was going to have Tiny order a new one today and get it installed as soon as possible, hopefully before we got back from the island.

"That's gonna be kinda hard, since he and his family are going with us. I called and chartered a jet to fly us to the airport in the Virgin Islands, where I hired several helicopters to fly us all to the island."

"Myrna, where are we going to put everyone? I don't even know how large the house is or anything about it, other than the fact that it's just been remodeled."

"See, Jon, that just goes to prove that you men are not planners like we women are. If you had read the rest of the information, you would have realized the house itself is larger than a lot of hotels and has as many rooms. Jon, it covers almost a quarter acre and is spread out hacienda style, with all the rooms connected by a walkway outside. It's U-shaped, and the main house is two stories. The top floor has two penthouse style apartments, and according to the information I read, everything is totally soundproofed and has a separate entrance. Carver and I will stay in one of the lower floor rooms, and you and Kat will stay in one upper room with Sally in the other, unless she wants to sleep on the lower floor too. If she does, you and Kat will have the whole upstairs to yourself. Don't forget, you invited your friend and his family too."

I must have looked at her with a look akin to amazement, because Kat was snorting into her coffee cup at the look she saw on my face. I looked at Carver, and he just shrugged his shoulders with a grin on his face. A lot of help he is, I thought, as I got up to get some more coffee, thinking furiously. As I poured re-fills, I was trying to remember what I had done with the paperwork on the island that Quanta had sent me. I spied it on the counter, and snatched it on my way back to the table. When I sat down, I gave them a dirty look before opening the packet again, pulling out the typed pages to read a little more thoroughly than before. They were talking back and forth when Sally came through, saying she would be back as soon as she dried her hair and got dressed. I was so engrossed in the files, I didn't hear a word until a pair of lips kissed me on the cheek.

"Breakfast is ready Dad, why don't you put those away and eat?"

"Huh, oh, ok Sally."

I quickly stacked the sheets, making sure the one I was reading was on top with the others I hadn't read underneath it. The girls were talking back and forth, but I shut them out. I was thinking about what I had read in the papers I had been able to get through so far. If what I had read was accurate, the island was almost as big as or bigger than the Caymans, and it was almost totally self supporting. I finished my meal, grabbed a cup of coffee, and excused myself. I grabbed the papers and the packet and went into my study to finish reading them. I sat down at my desk and picked up reading where I had left off, wondering why the previous owner had sold the whole thing so cheap. According to what I had read so far, I had paid 1.5 million for the whole thing in five equal payments, which had already been paid off according to Quanta. While thinking about the island, I hooked up the floppy drive to my laptop and booted it up. I got the disks out of the gun safe and put the first one in to see what it contained. It was what I had thought in the beginning, and whoever had slipped them to me had every angle for access to the boxes covered. There was the code and password access to open the boxes at twenty two banks, with most of them being offshore in the Cayman Islands. There were two with numbered accounts in Switzerland, with the numbered account and password marked in red. There were explicit instructions on how and where to go to open four boxes in two separate banks. The rest of the information on the others was a box number and a single password to gain access to each one. All were listed as no signature required, just the password and the bank they were in. Looking at the amounts in the boxes minus the Swiss ones, there was over thirty million dollars available to whoever held the information I was looking at. Jesus, I thought, no wonder Boudrie and the upper echelons of the church wanted it so bad. At the bottom of the second disk was a warning in bold red that said; "BEWARE! Curtis Johnson is the liquidator for the churches, and is owed almost a million and a half dollars for filled contracts. He will do anything to get his hands on the money that's owed him."

When I ejected the disk, I was thinking he wouldn't be for long, once I got my hands on him. He had made a big mistake coming after me and mine in his search for his money. Even I knew what a liquidator was, and knew it was a slang word in France for a contract killer. I also knew whoever had slipped the disks to me wasn't originally from this country, because here they were called hit men, not liquidators. That's when it hit me who had slipped me the keys and disks. There had been an older woman with a funny accent in the Wrangler Store who had kept staring at me the whole time I had been looking at the shirts and jeans. I didn't remember seeing her when I came back from eating in the small café hooked to one side of the store. Since I had reentered the jean store to go out to my truck to leave, I knew for a fact she hadn't been there because being cautious, I had checked out the people for new faces before I left. The woman hadn't been there, but it still didn't answer the question of how she knew who I was. And why, after so long, had Boudrie found out that I might have the keys and disks.

I put them back in the safe, reminding myself to get them when we left for the funeral. I picked the paperwork up and started reading again, still thinking about the disks and keys. I was finally able to concentrate on the papers again, and when I got down to the last six or seven papers, I realized they were copies of the bookkeeper's files on the island, with a complete breakdown on the finances and payouts. This was beyond me to decipher, so I called in the expert. I used the intercom for the first time, and asked Myrna to come into my study. She answered immediately, sounding surprised, saying she was coming. When she came in, I told her to shut the door and have a seat. I handed her the papers, and she looked at them, then at me, with a puzzled expression on her face.

"Myrna, you're the accountant in this house. Will you break those down for me so I can understand what they're telling me? I know you, and you probably already went over them and understand what they are saying about the island's finances."

"Yes I did, Jon, and I don't think you're gonna like what they say."

"Well don't keep me in suspense, break it down to me in terms I can understand."

"In a nut shell it says the island is making over two hundred thousand dollars a year free and clear. The profits for this year have already been deposited into your account in Nigeria. It also says that none of the people on the island are paid any wages, just a small stipend after their housing, food and other essential needs are deducted from their labors to make the island profitable. It also says the overseer is paid a salary, a rather large one, plus a bonus for every year they are over a certain amount of profit. Basically, Jon, it's saying that the people are slaves in every sense of the word, and they are run by the owner and the overseer. They have the basics met, but not at the expense of the profit margin."

"Myrna, I know this is short notice, but do you have any ideas about how we can rectify what's being done to them? I mean, I own the island, but I will not be a slave owner or have anything to do with anyone being mistreated. I want you, if at all possible, to come up with a plan to give these people their lives back and make their labors worth something to them. I don't want them following someone's orders with the threat of a whip or worse."

"Jon, like you, I don't like what I read and I have already given it a lot of thought. I know you well enough to know this is not something you would or could condone happening. I can't do anything until we get there. I need to get a first hand view of their living conditions and get a feel for what they are used to. Jon, you can't make changes overnight, but neither can we just turn them loose without knowing if they can exist without someone looking over their shoulders and living their lives for them. I have a feeling this is going to be a very touchy situation until we can get a handle on what the conditions are like. You know I will do everything I can to help. Don't expect miracles, Jon, just let me feel the situation out and see what we are facing when we get there."

"That's a good idea, Myrna. I will let you decide, but under no circumstances do we interfere unless they wish to leave the island. From what I was reading, most of them are third and fourth generation natives, supplemented over the years by slaves that were bought and brought in for labor. If they are capable of it, I want them to be self ruling and self sufficient. If they sell the stuff from the island, they should get at least sixty percent of the profits after the French get their yearly taxes. I just want to keep enough to keep the house and grounds up and in good shape. I think later on we will be spending a lot of time on the island, if it's as beautiful as the pictures seem to show it is. We might make it our winter home, instead of freezing our butts off here every year."

"That's extremely generous of you, but knowing you like I do, it doesn't surprise me in the least. Let's table this for now, because it's time to start getting ready to go to the funeral. I will fix a light lunch, because Jeb is having a wake with all the trimmings at his business after the funeral."

"Dammit, Myrna, how come I'm always the last one to know anything in my own house? This is the first I heard about a wake, how did you find out about it?"

"Jeb called last night and told me. Remember, Carver and I have a separate phone line from the house. I didn't remember it until we moved in, and started getting calls for old Jimmy. He handled most of your grandfather's calls, so everyone in the county used to call him and leave messages with him for your grandfather."

"Myrna, I met the old gentleman just before he retired, remember? I don't think he even told me his name before he left."

"Yeah I know, Jon. He loved your grandfather and didn't want to stay on after he was gone. He said being here would be too hard, and your grandfather took care of him well in his will. Well we better get a bite and get ready to go."

I just looked on in amazement at her as she handed me back the papers and went out the door. No wonder I was sucking hind tit in my own house. She had her own means to keep up with everything in the whole county. The woman never ceased to amaze me, I was thinking, as I put the papers away and started for the kitchen.



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Chapter 38


We went into the kitchen where Myrna and Kat served us finger food. To me these were snacks, but that's what they called them. We finished eating and I asked Sally if she would help Kat pin the medals on my uniform after she finished dressing. All I got was a smile as she barreled out of the kitchen. I could hear her pounding up the steps and wondered why she was in such a rush. I looked at Myrna and she was frowning, so I decided not to say anything. I excused myself and with Kat trailing me, headed for our room to get out the stuff I needed. I was still digging in the closet when Kat came out of the bathroom dressed and ready to go. The sight of her took my breath away.

"Hon, don't the people in this country wear veils and stuff like that to a funeral? When I went to my grandfather's funeral, all the women had their faces covered and were wearing black."

Before she could answer me, Sally came in dressed almost identical to Kat. That's when Kat told her what I said, and they both started laughing. I just gave them a disgusted look and stuck my head back in the closet, digging the rest of the medal boxes out of the corner where I had stacked them years ago. I had them all stacked up in my arms as I carried them to the bed and dropped them next to where Kat was sitting. Her laughter abruptly cut off when she saw all the flat boxes I had dropped next to her.

"My God, Jon, how many medals do you have?"

"I think, except for a couple, these are all of them. The three most important ones I keep in my dresser drawer. Most of these are battle and unit presentations that they hand out like cookies. They look good on your record, but don't really mean anything. The three that I have in my dresser are very special to me, because of their history and how I earned them."

I went to the dresser and got in the top drawer. I took the three boxes out and handed them to her. She opened the first one and she and Sally both wanted to know what it was and how I had earned it. While I was digging out my uniform, I explained it to them, and then had to explain the other two as well. By the time I was through talking, I had my uniform hung up on the closet door. I went back to digging in the closet again for my Legion Manual so I could give myself a quick refresher course on where the medals were supposed to be pinned, and in what rotation. I knew the three they were holding went on the left side along with the Chuteur Ops Para Badge. The others were mostly personal and unit citations I earned along with the men I had lost in Algiers that night. We spent the next hour getting them all straight, and then the girls went out in the hall while I dressed. I did fine until it came time to put my sash on. I kept fumbling with it 'cause for the life of me, I couldn't remember if it went right to left or left to right. Finally I found the directions in the manual, and found I had it right the first time. It had just been too long, even though I had worn it for real in the service of France, for all those years. I called the girls back in, and they fussed over me like I was some kind of hero or something. I was embarrassed to the point that I was just about to take the whole thing off, when Carver showed up and pulled their attention off of me. While they were making a big fuss over him and asking him about all the medals he had pinned to his uniform, I snuck out and went down to the kitchen to have a cup of coffee. When I walked in, Myrna just stared at me in shock.

"Oh goodness, Jon, I have seen some of the pictures of the Legionaries, but to see one in person is quite a thrill. You look so handsome and your uniform is set off by the sash around your waist. Would you mind later if I get some pictures of you and Carver together? I am sure your daughter, as well as Kat, will want them for your children when you get married."

"Myrna, if this wasn't necessary, I would be wearing a suit. You're almost as bad as Sally and Kat. They way they acted, you would think I was a hero or something. I was able to sneak out of my bedroom when Carver showed up and took their attention off me. Hell, he has a lot more medals and decorations than I do. They will keep busy with him long enough for me to get my nerves back under control."

She looked at me in shock for a minute, and then started laughing. Now me, I didn't think all the fuss was warranted and didn't like it, but her next words made me realize I had better change my attitude before I hurt someone's feelings.

"I am sorry for laughing, Jon, but you need to remember that Kat lost her husband and he wore a uniform like you do. To her, the uniform is very special, as well as the person in it. The way that woman loves you, I think you better just go along with her and let her make a fuss over you. I know that today, with the Military Funeral, is going to bring back a lot of sad memories to her. Remember that when she starts to fuss over you and Carver. She is going to be reliving her husband's death and burial all over again. You just show her the love you feel for her, and it will help more than you realize."

"Oh God, Myrna, I had forgotten all about that. Now I feel like a total ass. I promise you I will hold on to her tight and be there if she needs me. She never mentioned it to me, and I, being a big dummy, never thought to talk with her about her feelings about going with us."

"Calm down, Jon, she and I talked it over and she said she wouldn't miss it. To her, showing her strength by going with you means a lot. You're her man now, Jon, and even though she might cry, she will be by your side. Jon, Kat is a lot stronger than you think. Under all that beauty, she has a will of iron and a very sharp mind to go with it. She knows what she is facing, but to her, it's part of her new life with you. Don't you dare say something stupid about the military customs at the funeral. I know they are completely different from yours, but just keep your comments to your self today."

"Myrna, now you're out of line! No funeral, military or otherwise, is a place for snide comments. It makes no difference what service you're in, a fallen comrade is just that. He or she can be a total stranger, but you still show respect and miss the ones you personally knew. No, Myrna, I would be the first to lose my temper at a soldier's funeral if someone made fun of the customs in any way. Don't ever say something like that in front of me again!"

"I am sorry, Jon, I didn't mean it like it sounded."

She came over and hugged me saying she was sorry into my ear again. She was pouring another cup of coffee for me when the other three came in. Sally was laughing, but Kat just had a strange look on her face as she came over and sat down next to me. Carver sat down and I finally got a chance to look at his medals. He had so many it looked like his chest was a billboard, with all the different colors and ribbons. Except for a couple, the Legion always wore the presentation medals with the ribbon and medal attached. Carver had miniatures set in small ribbons across his chest. I had to admit, it looked a lot less gaudy than what I was wearing, and a lot neater too. The only two I wore that really meant anything to me, were my paratrooper medal and one I wore on the ribbon around my neck. It had been presented to me by the President of France and the Legion Commanding General in a Special Ceremony when I returned from Algiers. I was going to put it on Bill's coffin today to show a token of respect for a man that I admired very much. Although my grandfather had been buried with Military Honors, he had written it into his will that his uniform was to be kept for his first grandchild who went into the military. I had it hanging in my closet and tried not to look at it. I know that sounds a little harsh, but I really never knew him that well. I was going to give mine and his to Sally, now that she was my daughter. I knew that if I ever had any children of my own, she would show them to him or her, and brag about me and my grandfather, like any big sister would. Hell, she knew more about my grandfather than I did, and had spent a lot more time with him after she had come to live here. Those two had been best buddies, and I figured he would be proud for her to have it. Myrna already said she was going to take my grandfather's flag and his medals to Bill's house and hang them together. I didn't have any objections, because she had been with the both of them all her life. I figured it was her place to decide something like that. I knew they meant more to her than to me.

My thoughts were interrupted by the door bell ringing. Sally ran to open it and found Tiny and Jimmy. Tiny and Sally had already started the usual picking at each other by the time they came into the kitchen. I was a bit a surprised at Jimmy's appearance though. He had a new suit on, and if it wasn't for the thick glasses he wore, he would look like a professional body guard. I knew he was muscular, but hadn't realized he was so wide and big. Tiny was taller and built the same, but Jimmy was the one who stood out. When they sat down across from us, Tiny's head looked like it was on a swivel. He kept looking at Carvers chest, then mine, and shaking his head.

"Holy cow! You two look like poster boys for heroes anonymous. Boy, when those soldiers at the cemetery get a glimpse of you two, it's going to start a riot."

"Tiny, not another word, you hear? They wouldn't have their uniforms on, if not for Bill asking them to do it."

Tiny immediately shut up, but Jimmy was looking at both of us like we were some new specimen of man. I think the only thing that kept him from giving both of us the third degree, was that fact that Myrna was standing directly behind him. I will give him credit for keeping his mouth shut until Myrna said it was time to go. We all got up and headed for the front door. When we got to the limo, I remembered the disks and keys. I went back and got them, stuffing them into my sash. I set the alarm and locked up as I went back out to the limo and got in. The security guard opened the gate and we went through, headed for the funeral home. The ride was about twenty minutes, and I don't think a word was spoken the whole way. Kat was holding my hand and Sally was holding hers as we drove.

When we got into town, Tiny said the funeral home was around the next corner and he would pull the limo up in front to let us out. Myrna thanked him, and as we came around the corner and I got a clear view of the crowd, I sat straight up in shock. Kat must have felt me go stiff, because she looked at me in alarm. Then she looked in the direction I was looking.

"What's wrong, Jon? Are you ok? What are you looking at?"

I couldn't answer around the lump in my throat, so I just pointed. She looked in the direction I was pointing and said; "Who are they Jon? They are dressed just like you are."

I swallowed a couple of times before I could answer.

"It's a squad of Legionaries, but I have no idea why they are here, Kat. This is very unusual, to say the least."

When we pulled up in front, Jimmy hopped out and opened both back doors to let us out. I helped Kat and Sally out, while Carver helped Myrna. When we were all standing together on the sidewalk, one of the men separated from the squad and headed my way. I recognized him immediately and almost ran to greet him.

"Maurice, my friend, why are you here and with a squad of your men?"

"Ahh Jon, you did not think we would let the Wolf of Algiers attend a friend's funeral by himself, did you? I made the request when we got the news, and the Commander arranged it all. I am only sorry we couldn't be here for you when your grandfather died, but we got the news too late to assemble."

I got the traditional French greeting by the men as well as Maurice. I knew most of them, having served with several in a couple of campaigns. Maurice ordered them to fall in and come to attention. I was then given the traditional salute to a superior as well as a medal holder. I called my family over and introduced them to Maurice, explaining to them why they were there. Of course Maurice, being the typical Frenchman, had to give the French greeting to all of them. I thought Carver was going to smack him at first. I just looked at him and slightly nodded my head, so he stood there, stiff as a board, while being kissed on both cheeks by the trouble making Maurice. He was speaking French as he greeted each one of them, when I introduced them. When he got to Sally, she answered him back in his native tongue. I thought he was going to split his face, he was smiling so wide. They were jabbering a mile a minute, and Kat had a shocked look on her face. I put my arm around her and called out to Maurice; "Caporal, return to your men and assume your position."

He immediately turned and saluted me, and then he went to the head of the squad, coming to attention with the rest of them. Since I was speaking in French, Carver just stared at me in surprise. I told Kat to stay with the rest for a few minutes, and went over to Maurice and the squad. I put them at ease, and told Maurice what I expected from them, and how they were to fall in at the rear when we came out with the coffin. I told him what I had already been told by Jerry, that we would be marching the short distance to the Cemetery. There we would be met by the Military Contingent, who would take over when we set the coffin down. I was again saluted, and I rejoined my daughter and Kat before we went inside. We were greeted by what I thought was a Major and given instructions. He then, to my surprise, saluted me before going to his seat. We were seated in the front row reserved for family. I asked Carver why the Major had saluted me.

"Jon, I know you don't understand, but that medal you're wearing around your neck is the equivalent to our Congressional Medal of Honor. Any officer on active duty, and a lot who are not will, automatically salute it out of habit. I know it's one of your country's highest awards, and I admit I was shocked to see you wearing it. No wonder you rate a squad of your own men to appear in a foreign country to attend a funeral that you are at."

"I don't understand all this big to do about a bravery medal. Granted, it's one of our highest awards, but I lost a whole squad of men. To me, it was given to honor their bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty and I never thought of it as mine. I only accepted it for them, and that's why I wear it today. It surprises me that anyone would even recognize it in this country. As for the squad, Maurice is a personal friend. Although I didn't expect him to be here, it is nice to see him and the men after all these years."

We didn't have a chance to discuss it any more, because the services started. We sat for about an hour, and after the final prayer was said, Carver and I went up to the casket. We went to opposite sides, and at the Major's command, we started out of the church. I had told Tiny and Jimmy to keep a close eye on the girls and Myrna, so I wasn't worried about them. When we got to the front doors and went down the steps, I could hear my squad singing "Le Boudin." We stopped for a moment in front of the church. The Major came up and stood in front of us and started the march to the cemetery. I heard the marching song from the squad stop and the familiar order to march. The walk to the cemetery was a short one.

When we arrived at the stand, we set the coffin on it and took our seats in the front row on the folding chairs. I was seated between Kat and Sally, with Jeb next to Sally on the outside. My squad came up, stopped about fifty feet away and came to attention. They started up the song again while the rest of the ceremony went on. I felt the familiar sense of pride and unity while listening to them. They were singing the "Le Boudin" as the prayers and twenty-one gun salute concluded. The flag was folded and presented to Myrna, who had tears running down her cheeks. Carver had his arm around her, and Kat and Sally were holding my hands in a death grip as they watched. Kat finally broke down crying, and it almost tore my heart out, hearing the deep wrenching sobs come out of her little body. I looked at Jerry and he was crying and holding his wife. I put my arm around Kat and just held her as she sobbed. We finally got it all over with and started filing past the coffin. I was behind Kat and Sally and watched as they both placed a rose on the top of it. When I came up to the coffin, I stopped and came to attention and saluted. Then I went to one knee, removed the medal from around my neck, and put it on top of the coffin. I stood back up, saluted again, and walked away, feeling somehow lighter deep down inside. I joined Kat and Sally along with Myrna and Carver, noticing Myrna clutching the flag to her chest like she was afraid she was going to drop it. Maurice came over to me and stopped.

"Jon, we have the whole day off before we have to leave to go back. Would it be permissible for all of us to spend it with your lovely family?"

"Maurice, we are all going to a big wake, and I think you and the men will enjoy this American custom. By all means, bring the squad and follow us to where it's being held. There will be food and drinks for all who come. Tell the men I would consider it an honor if they were to attend. Tell them to enjoy themselves, but be on their best behavior."

"Thank you, my friend. Do not worry about the men as the Commander had already given us our orders. We are in this country as guests. They have all been told what will happen if they don't conduct themselves as Legionaries and be on their best behavior."

We hugged, and I told him to get his men together. We would wait on them and they could follow the limo to where we were going. He ran off shouting orders and they fell out of formation, running toward the back of the church. Tiny brought the limo up and I told him to wait until they came around, that they were going to follow us to Jeb's. He looked at me and smiled. Myrna looked a little shocked at the news, then started grinning too.

"Ok you two, what's so funny? Is there something you're not telling me here?"

"Oh, Jon, it's just that almost all of Jeb's friends are red necks and live in the mountains all over the south. I hope, for your men's sakes, they have thick skins, or there might be some problems when the booze starts flowing. The last time we went to one of these little shindigs, Tiny had to break a couple of jaws to cut down on some of the dirty jokes they were making about us. You grandfather and Jeb beat the hell out of a couple of Jeb's cousins over it."

"Myrna, I will warn Maurice, but I think these red necks, as you call them, will be in for a big surprise if they challenge a Legionnaire. This particular squad with Maurice is the same, or even better trained than Carver and his Green Berets. Ask Carver about them. I am sure he knows what I am talking about, I know Tiny does. I don't think you will have to worry about them too much, but some of Jeb's relatives might end up in the hospital because the Legionnaires fight to win."

When we got there, I had a talk with Maurice and told him what Myrna said. He laughed and said not to worry as they all would be in threes, as usual when in a strange country. I told him if it got to the point that one of the men were challenged, to come to me and I would make sure it was fairly covered. He walked away whistling, which to me said that Maurice had something up his sleeve as usual. I knew him, and under the baby fat, he was as vicious as a pit bull when roused. I had seen him in action before, and had no doubts he could hold his own with anyone. I finally got to introduce Kat to Jeb. She was immediately taken under his Mrs.' wing and disappeared with all the women, who seemed to stick together. Sally was immediately recognized by several of her classmates, including Judy, and they were off doing whatever it was that teenagers did. I had already warned her about staying in the crowd. I was immediately told by Jeb that he had a lot of family watching over my family, and not to worry about their safety while they were in his care. I smiled, but I still had doubts about them wandering around alone and out of my sight.

"Jon, can you come into my office for a moment? I have something I want to discuss with you."

I just looked at him, wondering if he were reading my mind, because I was about to ask him the same thing. I followed him into his office, where he shut the door and told me to have a seat. I sat and looked at him expectantly. He stood by the door as if waiting for something. When I turned and looked in the direction he was looking, he hit a light switch by where he was standing. When the light came up, I saw a bearded man sitting tied up and gagged in a chair half way down one of the shooting stalls.

"That's the man who killed my friend, Jon. We caught him yesterday trying to find a way onto your property. He is deathly afraid of your dogs, and they don't seem to like him much either. He did put up a hell of a fight though, and it took six of my friends to put him down and get him tied and transported back here. I had a friend of Bill and mine give him a little something to make him talk. What he had to say was interesting and disgusting. We recorded all that he said, and it made me sick to listen to it. He has killed over sixty men, women and children at the churches leader's orders. He killed Bill because, as he put it, for an old man he sure could fight. Jon, I know you want him bad, but for your own sake and for the sake of your daughter and wife to be, I don't want you to dirty your hands on this piece of filth. Will you please let me and my kin handle this one in our own way?"

"Jeb, that animal killed one of the few friends I had. I owe him my own brand of justice, and it should be done by an expert in torture. I have seen things done to men that you can't even fathom, and I would love to try some of them out on him. His last hours on this earth should be filled with pain as hard as any human can stand. I have never done anything like that myself, but I know how. For him, I would love to try what I learned in the African bush from people who are experts on torturing enemies for days."

"No, Jon, this is not for you, my friend. I know what you want to do, but if I allow it, your conscience would drive you insane in a year. You have the ability to love and cherish life, and for you to torture and take a life in that manner, would do something to you that can't be undone. You have a daughter and a beautiful woman that clearly loves you. If you did what you want to do, that love you give to them both would be soured and poisoned by this animal. Do NOT let him have the final victory in his death. We have gotten all the information he has to give, including some things we didn't know, about the churches activities. I am going to give him a shot that will end his cruelty forever. Then we will drop him where he can be found. He will be turned over to the FBI and he will be locked up for the rest of his life. Jon, his mind will no longer exist, according to my doctor friend. He will be a total vegetable, with no memory of anything but what he is told to do. I know you don't agree, but this is best for all of us. Look at him! Don't you think I wouldn't love to use him for target practice for a couple of days and kill him a little at a time? I too know what it feels like to lose a friend like Bill. He and I shared food and warmth and our lives in places most don't understand. You do, because you have been there like we have. Please, Jon, let us do it our way."

I looked at him and thought about everything he had said. Although I knew deep down he was right, it was still hard for me to give up on taking my own vengeance on this killer. I thought about Sally and Kat, wondering if my killing him would change how I felt toward them. I didn't think it would, but I was smart enough to know it would change me, because of who I was and my own personal beliefs. I knew if I carried through with my desires and killed him in the way I wanted to, it would really bother me for years. But, did I want to pass on getting even for Bill? I was thinking hard about how this person had executed Bill. He was after information he never had gotten, because Bill had been almost more than he could handle. Thinking about all of this confused me a little, because Jeb had me facing my own conscience, and pitting it against my love for my daughter and Kat. I knew they meant more to me than life, but was having a hard time trying to figure out if they meant more to me than getting vengeance on a killer, who was doomed to be nothing more than a shell anyway. I grudgingly admitted to myself that Jeb was probably right, but I still didn't like not getting my hands on him for a few hours. Looking at him, I could see he was already on the border of being unaware of his surroundings. He was awake, but looking at his eyes, I could already see the vacant expression in them. I wondered how much of that stuff they had already used on him. Damn, I was doing it again, worrying about someone else. Jeb was right. If I did what I wanted, I would never be the same and it would affect my feelings toward Sally and Kat in ways that wouldn't be good for any of us. I took a deep breath and let it out noisily before speaking.

"Ok, Jeb, we will do it your way, but it had better work."

I reached into my sash, pulled out the keys and the two disks, and handed them to him. He looked at them in a puzzled manner until I explained what he was holding. His eyes got bigger and bigger as I told him the different amounts in each box. I told him that, after the church went back to its original ideals, he needed to get some one he could trust completely to recover the money. He was gasping like a fish out of water, and had to sit by the time I finished telling him about it.

"My God, Jon, you could have kept all of this for yourself and become rich."

"Jeb, I know a lot of that money was gotten illegally, but a lot of it was put in by simple people who believed in an ideal. They were willing to sacrifice everything they owned to try to make their beliefs work. I don't have the right to be like the rest and take that away from them again. No, my friend, when it all shakes out, they will have the money to make the church work like it should. I only want the girl and to be the one to return her to her mother, like I set out to do before everything went to hell. Now the burden rests on you, whether you like it or not. You said you were going to break up the church so the original founders could reorganize it back the way it was. Now you have the means to make that happen, if you don't get greedy like others before you did."

He looked at me with anger in his eyes for a minute then started chuckling.

"I guess I deserved that, Jon. This isn't my money and never will be, so I can't get greedy with something that I never had. I will make sure when this is finally over, the church, and I mean the real church, gets all of it to use for the good of all, including nonmembers. Thank you, Jon, for me, and for my kin, who have lost everything while trying to do something good with their lives. I promise it will never get in the wrong hands again. As for the girl, we know where she is, and Jubal and Farley already have a plan to get her out of there. They talked to her, and the baby isn't hers, but one of the foundlings that was brought in for the church to raise. She is married but still pure, as her man is not into women. He treats her good and will continue to do so, as long as she keeps his secret. She says she is ready to go home as soon as they can get her out. Jon, she said to tell you she never gave up on you finding her, and that she owes you her life. She said to tell you that she is looking forward to seeing you again, and wants to meet your family."

I smiled to myself, trying to remember what she looked like the first time I had rescued her. I couldn't bring that picture to my mind, but I was still happy about what Jeb had passed on. Jubal and Farley had a big bonus coming when this was over, and I wondered how they would like to spend a month on an island just swimming and fishing. The thought made me smile again. The phone on Jeb's desk rang so he hit a button, putting it on speaker phone.

"Jeb, we got a problem out by the pits."

"What is it, Johnny, I am busy."

"Well, Cousin Tim and Uncle Ralph are trying to get a couple of those French guys to wrestle them in a no holds barred match. You know that white hat they all wear? They knocked it off the little one's head into the mud. If Mr. Morgan's in there with you, the little one is asking for him to come out and talk to him. He is pretty mad and talkin' in two languages, and is hard to understand."

"You tell Ralph and Tim to back off, and that we will be out in a few minutes."

"Jon, how do you want to handle this? Ole Ralph and Tim are pretty rough fighters. The type of fight they are trying to start is rough as hell, but no weapons are involved. Do your men know how to fight? If they don't want to, I can run my kin back where they come from to keep the peace."

"Jeb, if they knocked a Kepi Blanc off a Legionnaire's head into the mud, I'm afraid for your kin. That is the ultimate insult to a member of the Legion, and they will kick the hell out of your kin for doing it. I will be more than glad to let them teach them a lesson, but I don't want any hard feelings when it happens. Jeb, they are some of the best the Legion has to offer, and I personally wouldn't want to tangle with the little one, if it's who I think it is."

"Well, Jon, this is what happens when some dumb hill trash comes down among the civilized. Don't worry about any hard feelings, because even their own kin can't hardly stand them. If your men teach them a lesson, they will be treated as heroes by all of my relatives. What say we make some side wagers when we get out there? Hell we might as well make some money on the thing. Let me lock up these keys and stuff, and then we will go out and watch the fun."

I looked at him and smiled, shaking my head at his simple way of putting things so it sounded like fun. I knew the two men who dared to knock the Kepi off Maurice's head would be a slaughtered. He would probably want to take them both on himself and would do it for fun and to get even. Oh God, I thought, I hope Kat or Sally don't see what's going to happen. If they found out I was making side bets, I would be toast for sure. When we started out of the office, I was chuckling to myself thinking about how much money my men were going to make with the side bets. Now, if I could just keep Myrna, Kat and Sally from showing up and putting a stop to it. Damn, the day was finally looking up, I thought.



-------

Chapter 39


Jeb and I went out the side door together, right into the middle of a big crowd of men and women. They were standing around, waiting to see what would happen. I saw Kat, Myrna, Sally and Judy all standing together watching. Shit, I thought, why were they here? I followed Jeb through the crowd, which parted for him in waves. He walked up to the edge of all the people standing around. I immediately saw all my men standing together with Maurice, who was holding a muddy Kepi. I could see his hands shaking, he was so mad. He immediately came over to me, speaking in French, telling me what had happened and that he had stopped the men from killing the big one for this insult. I turned and looked where he was pointing, and saw a big man about six foot three with scars all over his face and hands. Part of his left ear was missing, telling me he was a brawler. The one standing next to him was almost as big, but not as tall. When they saw me looking at them, they both smiled. From what I could tell, neither had any teeth in the front of their mouths. I figured they had been knocked out, if what Jeb had told me about them was true. I turned to Maurice, still speaking in French, and asked him what he wanted to do.

"Jon, you know the rules as well as I do. Nobody knocks a Kepi off of a Legionnaire and laughs about it. I demand satisfaction!"

I turned back around and noticed Tiny smiling and shaking his head. I couldn't tell if it was in humor or pity, but he was looking at the two big men in front of me. Carver was standing next to Myrna and Kat with a smile on his face, and I wondered what that was about. Before I could say anything, the big one started shouting at me.

"Hey you, since you're their leader, I guess it's too much to ask if you're a chicken shit too. They don't seem to want to fight us, so maybe you got guts enough to step up and show us how you sissy boys in those funny hats can act like men."

Before I could say anything, Jeb spoke up and had his say.

"You boys were told not to cause trouble. This is a wake for my friend, and I should have known better than to let you two come. I am going to tell you both right now, that you are making a big mistake, because I know both of you don't have sense enough to pour piss out of a boot with the directions on the heel. When this is over, you both are banned from any more family functions. You want a no holds fight with no weapons, right?"

"Yep, Jeb, we don't like those sissies, but we don't wanna kill anyone. I personally give you my word, we won't hurt 'em too bad, just teach 'em a little about how to fight hill style. Besides, they insulted us by not talking to us in English, like an American should."

"You dumb ass hill trash, they don't speak English because they're from France. Knowin' you like I do, I bet they couldn't understand half of what you say anyways. I know I can't, and most of the family can't either. I am going to let this happen, but both of you know me, and if I see any weapon of any kind, I will shoot the one who has it between the eyes immediately. That's the only warning you will get, boys."

They looked a little green as they looked at each other, and then in front of everyone, they both pulled a knife out of their boots, and threw it in front of Jeb.

"That better be the only thing you two have, 'cause your life depends on it. I will let my friend Jon pick who fights you, and there better not be any interference from friends or family in any way. Does everyone understand the rules?"

I heard a whole bunch of voices say "Yes Jeb," real fast. He picked up the knives and handed them to one of the onlookers, then came over to me. Before he could say anything the big one shouted at him.

"Hey Jeb, since none of them except that one is close to my size, I think it would be only fair that I get to fight him. My little brother can beat the fat one, but I want their leader. He looks like he is afraid to get his nice little sissy pants dirty."

I turned and looked at him, and my inner wolf jumped up at once. I was mad clear through. With all that I had been through, I had so much anger and frustration built up, I couldn't pass the chance up to get rid of it before we left tomorrow. I knew it would sure make me feel better. I looked at Maurice and smiled, and when he saw my eyes he smiled back and started to peel out of his shirt. I did the same and handed my Kepi to one of the men who were holding our shirts. We both handed him our sashes and stepped forward in step. I heard Kat say; "Oh my God, please tell me that Jon is not going to be part of this insanity."

I didn't hear anything else. I was now in full battle mode, and had shut out everything around me. I headed down into the pit, watching the man in front of me as I moved. He was light on his feet, but he had already shown me a flaw. He kept one arm close to his body like he was protecting an old injury, or was weak on that side. As I closed the distance between us, I waited for the move I knew he was going to make. I watched as his legs tensed, and when I got into punching range, he swung a roundhouse. I stepped back and stood still as he missed me. Then he made his first mistake. He stepped in toward me too close, and tried to punch me again. I went down on one knee, kicking him in the thigh with the toe of my boot. After he went off balance when he lost the use of his leg, I kicked him in the chest. I felt ribs crack when my boot connected. I stepped back and waited to see what he would do next.

It was at this point, I realized that my opponent had no training or skills at all. He used brute force and his size to overpower his opponents. I knew then that I could end this easily, and do it without maiming anyone or putting some of Jeb's kin in the hospital. I knew at that point exactly what he was going to do next, and planned my next move carefully to end it. I wanted to end it without doing anything more than breaking a few more ribs so he wouldn't be able to fight anymore today, or for several months to come. I would have to be careful and not drive a broken rib into a lung, but this was a move we had drilled into us, to maim and disable an opponent without killing him. I waited, and sure enough, I watched as he set himself to come at me to try for a bear hug. He ran toward me, and I stood and waited till he was almost upon me before dropping to my butt and bracing myself with my arms flat on the ground. I did a double kick into the center of his chest, with his momentum carrying him over my head in a complete flip. When my feet connected, I felt the ribs give and the crunch of bone on either side of his chest. I got up, brushing myself off, and headed out of the pit. When I went by him, he was trying to get up. I already knew that wasn't going to happen for a few months. Maurice met me at the top, and offered his hand to pull me up. When we got to the top, my men were chanting, "Wolf, Wolf." I took my shirt, and they all pitched in and got me all brushed off as I donned my shirt and sash. When I was handed my Kepi and put it on, they all came to attention and saluted me, which I immediately returned. I dismissed them with a laugh and a warning that I would whip the next one who got into trouble. The were all laughing, and talking about the fight, and of course Maurice had to have the last say in the matter.

"Oui, Jon, you have not lost your touch, have you my friend? You always were one of the best I ever trained, so many years ago. We all thought that they were wrong in letting you go because of a few wounds. It has been my honor to fight by your side again. Now I have worked up an appetite, and I think you have a couple of mad women to face. I will disappear before they get here."

He was gone and I was facing Kat, Sally and Myrna. They were all headed my way, and Kat looked like she had murder on her mind. I started to turn to get away and give her some time to calm down, but Tiny, Jeb and Carver were blocking my retreat. I heard Carver whisper to me; "This time you're gonna have to face the music, my friend."

All three were chuckling as Kat came up in front of me and stood with her hands on her hips. I quickly looked at Myrna, then Sally, and both of them looked like they were mad too. Oh God, I thought, there goes the wedding. She's gonna kill me for sure.

"Jon Morgan, if you tore your wounds open again and ruined my honeymoon and wedding, you better go back to France and re-enlist."

I just looked at her in shock, and they all started laughing. She jumped in my arms and kissed me, and I felt my legs buckling when she broke the kiss. All of them were laughing and smacking me on the back. I found out later that they all had made several hundred dollars apiece, betting on me in the fight.

"Jon, darling, where did you learn to fight like that? I was watching the whole thing, and you looked like a ballet dancer in motion. It was so smooth, and it looked like it was in slow motion. I was worried, until Carver said to watch and learn a few things about the man I loved. Tiny said that trash didn't stand a chance from the beginning, because he said you frogs, as he put it, didn't fight like normal soldiers. I have never seen anything like that before, and you didn't even get your uniform dirty."

They escorted me over to the food, where we all filled or plates and sat down to eat. There must have been at least fifty people who came over, and congratulated me on teaching that trash a lesson long overdue. I found out, that when Maurice finished his man off, he came up to where Kat and the rest were standing. He told them not to worry, because I was one of the most methodical fighters the Legion had ever taught. He also told them that I had never been beaten in hand to hand combat, the last four years of my enlistment. Myrna hadn't said a word, but she had a grin on her face like a proud mother. Then Sally spoke up. What she said almost made me choke, because I had just taken a mouthful of food.

"Dad, since I'm a French citizen now, can I join the Legion when I get old enough?"

By the time Myrna and Kat quit beating on my back, I felt like I had been run over by a truck.

"Sally, the Legion doesn't accept women and probably never will. If you want a career in the military, I suggest you start taking ROTC classes in school and then when you go to college. When you graduate, you can be an officer instead of a ground pounder like the rest of us."

"That's not fair Dad, I like that funny looking hat you wear and that sash is so cool."

This time it was Myrna's turn to choke. Carver totally lost it and she smacked him. Tiny was just shaking his head and grinning at all of us. I found out later, Jimmy missed the fight because he was talking to someone about setting up some cameras in their business. When he heard what happened, he got a little miffed because he had missed the whole thing. Myself, I felt relaxed and light, like I had a couple hundred pounds lifted off my shoulders. In the Legion, we had always used hand to hand sparring to relieve boredom and inactivity between assignments. I hadn't realized how much I had missed it until today. The rest of the afternoon and evening was just as easy, with Sally having a good time with her friend Judy. They had been separated almost all summer, and they sure made up for lost time. They seemed to know all the kids there.

Somewhere in there, I passed on to Jeb what Sally had said about wanting another horse. He said he would have a talk with her, to kind of feel out what she was looking for. I was happy about this, because she would know I hadn't forgotten about her. Kat had a blast once she and Myrna started circulating with the women. When I met with Maurice to say goodbye, because they had to leave, she made it a point to hurry to my side to tell him goodbye too. They were talking for about fifteen minutes before Sally noticed what was going on, and she and Judy hurried over. Much to my surprise and happiness, Judy also spoke French, and all three of them were going back and forth with smiles on their faces as they talked. Finally Maurice called the men into formation and came over to me.

"Jon, we must report back now. The men told me to tell you they had an excellent time today, and they were proud to finally see the Wolf of Algiers in person. From what is going on in the world, I think most of them will be going back to Guiana soon. Also, there has been trouble in the Congo, and I look to see a brigade sent there too. Me, I will still be on the desk in Interpol, because my boss says I have become indispensible to him. I will not get to go with my old unit. I will miss you, my friend. It has been a great honor for me to be here for you in your time of grief. Au Revoir, my old friend."

I watched with sadness as they boarded the bus and left to go back to the Embassy, then on to France later tonight. I would miss them, and deep inside I wished I was going with them. Damn, I thought, I missed my life in the Legion. Kat must have sensed what I was thinking somehow, because she pulled my head down and kissed me. I stood back up, putting my arm around her, watching the bus disappear in the distance.

"Jon darling, you miss being a Legionnaire, don't you? I mean, I could see how proud you all are, and how close all of you seemed to be with each other."

"Yes, Hon, I won't lie. I do miss it a lot, but my life is here now, and now I have you and our life together to look forward to. I think we are all going to be a very happy family in the years to come. I love you, Kat, and I am looking forward to marrying you in the next couple of days."

She smiled at me, and I guess from the kiss I got, I must have said the right thing. We walked back to rejoin Myrna and Carver. We were holding hands, and Kat had a big smile on her face. She and Myrna immediately took off, leaving me and Carver standing there.

"Jon, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Carver, what is it you want to know?"

"Do you miss it, I mean do you miss the camaraderie and the closeness you had with your fellow soldiers?"

"Every day, Carver. If I hadn't been made to quit, I would still be in the Legion and serving. But I now have another life, although it's sometimes hard to adjust to. I love my daughter and Kat. If I hadn't come back here after I was discharged, I wouldn't have what I do now. And although it's different from what I was used to, I love it. My life is going places I never could have imagined it would. I have made some good friends and have a beautiful daughter and a soon to be wife, so I guess in a way it was a fair trade for my life as a Legionnaire."

"Yeah, I know what you mean, there. When they forced me to retire, I was at a loss and didn't know how to live as a civilian. I bummed around for awhile, until I went to work for Pete. Then I met Myrna and realized what the hole in my life had been, for all those years. The only regret I have is that we met so late in our lives. I wish it could have been a lot sooner, because she would have made a wonderful mother to our children."

"Carver, I don't want to piss you off, but she already is a wonderful mother to her own child, Sally. She has raised her to be a fine young lady, and I, for one, am damned glad she was there to do it. Besides, if Kat has all the kids she wants, you're going to be awfully busy being a grandfather to a passel of little ones running all over the house. Be glad, you can spoil the hell out of them and send them home while you rest, at the end of the day."

He looked at me for a second in shock and busted up laughing. He then smacked me on the back and said, "Let's go have a beer and see if the women give us hell for it." We probably looked like we were drunk already as we headed for the kegs set up at the back of the building, laughing like a couple of idiots. We got our first, and both of us must have been dry, because we drained them almost immediately. I got re-fills and sat back down, and then we were joined by Tiny and Jimmy. Then Jeb sat down and started talking about Bill and some of their escapades in the service. Me, I was fascinated and enjoyed it all. It seemed like we all took turns telling different tales, and in a couple of hours I couldn't have hit my ass with both hands, if my life depended on it. All of us, except Tiny, were totally wasted. We were all laughing uproariously at a joke Jeb told, when the women found us. To my surprise we didn't catch hell, but even drunk I saw the grin that passed between Kat and Myrna. I wondered about it as they hustled us back to the limo after saying goodbye to Jeb and thanking him for inviting us.

To my surprise, Sally was in the back seat sound asleep. Myrna said she had worn herself out, dancing and having fun with her friend Judy. She also said one of the boys had spiked the kids' punch, and she would be in sad shape in the morning. I started to get mad and fumbled for the door handle, wanting to know where this kid was. Myrna and Kat told me they had already taken care of it, and that he would be one hung over puppy in the morning for his little trick. All the way home, I was trying to figure out how puppies fit into hangovers and punishment for the kid who did this to my daughter. By the time we got home, Myrna and Kat were having a ball, laughing at me, Carver, and Jimmy, who was snoring in the front seat. We weren't feeling any pain, and I was looking at Kat every chance I got. She must have seen something in my eyes, because I was immediately told by her that I wasn't in any shape to do what I was so obviously thinking. I gave her a drunken leer or so I thought, and said; "Wanna bet?"

When I woke the next morning with the sun in my eyes, I felt like I had been run over by a truck. All I wanted was coffee, and plenty of it. I got up and slipped into shorts and a shirt, and padded barefoot for the kitchen. Myrna was already there, and quickly set black coffee in front of me, grinning the whole time. I wasn't about to comment on it but just sipped my coffee. Carver came in and I could hear Myrna openly chuckling now. When she got his coffee, he looked up at her with bloodshot eyes.

"Thank you, sweetheart. Now I know why I don't drink anymore, I feel like shit warmed over."

Myrna totally lost it, and I snorted into my coffee, spilling most of it on the table. Carver looked at her and grinned, then looked at me.

"What the hell you laughin' at, Jon? At least I was able to walk to my house under my own power. You passed out when you got in the house, and Tiny had to carry you to bed."

Before I could speak up and defend myself, Myrna chipped in and shut us both up.

"Don't you be makin' fun of Jon, Carver, you only made it to the couch. I had to sleep by myself on the eve of our wedding. You two have been drunk before, but poor Sally is gonna be a mess this morning. I am telling both of you, if you make fun of her, you will regret it."

"Myrna, I wouldn't wish the way I feel right now on anyone, but how did Sally get drunk again?"

"One of those older idiots spiked the kids' drinks with moonshine. Neither Kat nor I noticed until all the kids drinking it started to stagger around as they were dancing to that kid's band Jeb hired. When he saw what was going on, Jeb quickly found out who did it. He made the idiot kid drink most of it, then told the kid's dad he better take him to the woodshed when they got home or he would. The boy's dad was mad as a wet hen at his son. He took him outside and beat his ass with a belt, right on the spot. He wasn't supposed to be with the younger kids, but watching his sister who was there with her beau. Needless to say, between the belt and drinking the punch, I bet he doesn't do something like that again. The sheriff helped Judy out to his car and got her in the back seat like we did with Sally. Then he and Jerry had a talk, and for the rest of the evening, he looked like he was in a daze. I guess what Bill did for Judy really shocked him to the core. Jon, Jerry gave me a letter for Sally from Bill. If it's ok with you, I will give it to her once we're in the air on our way to the island. Jon, have you gotten yours and Kat's rings yet?"

"It may surprise you, Myrna, since I never been engaged or even thought about marriage until I met Kat, but yes I have. I picked out what I liked and thought would look good on her. I have them hidden away, and planned on giving her the diamond today before we left. Now will you please quit talking and give me some more coffee and a couple of aspirin?"

She was laughing so hard, she dribbled coffee on the table as she re-filled my cup and gave me three aspirins. She asked if I wanted eggs for breakfast, and Carver and I both groaned and said yuck at the same time.



-------

Chapter 40


I was sitting and sipping my coffee when Kat came in, looking as fresh as the morning. She had on a summer dress that took my breath away. When she sat down after getting a cup of coffee, she looked up at me with a mischievous grin on her face before speaking rather loudly, I thought.

"What happened to you last night? I was all ready for some night time activities, but all I heard all night was snoring."

I must have gotten red in the face, because she and Myrna looked at each other and cracked up laughing. I did notice that Carver ducked his head as if not to draw any attention to himself. Hmm, I thought, no way was he gettin' out of this one.

"Oh, I guess I must have had too much to drink, but then again, I wasn't the only one who didn't live up to our ladies' expectations."

Myrna immediately looked at Carver with a grin on her face. Kat must have caught on, because that little girl laughter I loved so much broke out along with Myrna's guffaws at his red face. He was wise enough to just keep his head down while they had their laugh. When he was able, I got the finger and broke out in laughter myself. It was in the middle of all of this that Sally came into the kitchen looking like death warmed over. She plopped down in the first chair she came to, holding her head in her hands.

"What happened last night? I feel terrible and my head is killing me."

I almost choked into my cup to keep from laughing at her obvious misery. If she felt anything like she looked, she was more miserable than I had been when I first got up this morning. Thankfully, Myrna went on to tell her about what happened to her and Judy, and why they felt so bad. Now I had seen my daughter get upset before, but when Myrna finished, her eyes were blazing through the bloodshot look in them.

"You wait till I get back to school. Judy and I are going to make his life miserable. If any of the other girls feel like I do, we will have plenty of help. He will regret the day he made me feel like this. Myrna, can I please have some coffee this morning? I don't think tea is going to help my aching head any."

Myrna immediately poured her a cup and gave her three aspirins, along with two slices of dry toast. Sally at first refused the toast, but Myrna said it would help her feel better and settle her stomach down if she ate them. To my surprise she did as Myrna asked. When Myrna set hers and Kat's breakfast down, I almost lost it. Now let me explain that one a little. I like my eggs over easy, and Kat loves them sunny side up. I took one look at the slimy eggs, and my stomach revolted. I quickly got up, refilled my cup, and retreated to my study. I did not want to start the morning out, worshiping at the ceramic throne.

I had just settled behind the desk when Carver came in and sat down, looking a little green himself. I just smiled and sipped my coffee.

"God, Jon, I don't know how many beers we drank last night, but I haven't felt this bad since my retirement party. I thought I was ok until I watched Kat break that egg, and I knew then and there it was time to bail or end up being sick all over again. I am really hoping they don't expect us to celebrate our weddings with some local concoction they have on this island of yours. If they do, I am hiding, whether Myrna gets mad or not. I don't think I can handle another morning like this one again tomorrow."

I just chuckled at him, and then reached into the drawer and pulled out a bottle of hundred year old bourbon. I poured some in my coffee and offered him the bottle. He smiled at me and poured a stiff jolt into his cup like I had. We sat back sipping the coffee, and slowly I felt my headache going away. After the last sip of my coffee, I sipped a little of the bourbon straight. I did notice that Carver was following my lead and doing the same thing.

"Jon, I would suggest doing this with Sally, but I'm afraid it would just make her drunk all over again. I think the dry toast will work better than the hair of the dog for her."

Since I had never heard this phrase, I had to have him explain it to me. After he did, I realized we had almost the same saying in French, but it meant something entirely different.

"Jon, can I ask you a question without it sounding like I was sticking my nose into your business?"

"Sure Carver, ask, but I reserve the right to refuse to answer if I don't want to."

"Ok, why did you put your medal on Bill's coffin? I mean I know what it was, and how hard it is to get one, so why have it buried with his coffin?"

"Carver, that was the ceremonial ribbon, which is strictly used for the public ceremony and presentation when you first get it. I had the real one pinned to my uniform where it belongs. That one you can only have replaced if you have the original order awarding it to you. They keep no record, and it's up to the individual to keep the original order so he can have it replaced it he should lose it for some reason. I respected Bill, and since he served in France and Germany in World War 2, I felt he deserved the medal for his bravery. You know it was presented to a lot of the American Forces by unit over the course of the war, and it is a great sense of pride for the French that Americans fought for them during that time. To me, I was showing a friend the ultimate respect I had for him, and the help he gave me over the years I have been here. Hell, without his help and guidance, I wouldn't have Sally nor would she now be legally my daughter. Nope, the medal was only a small part of the debt I owed him."

We sat and chitchatted for another half hour. Myrna came in and said we should start getting packed and ready to leave for the airport, since Tiny would be coming with his family in about an hour. I got out the pistols I was taking and took them to my room. This time, it was my turn to get a cold shower. This morning, although I hated it, I had to admit I felt a lot better when I got out. My headache was gone, and my queasiness was missing, not like earlier when my stomach was revolting. I packed my one pistol with five extra mags in my suitcase, and put the other one on in its customary shoulder holster. Kat was watching me, but just smiled at me when I caught her watching. I finished packing and set my suitcase by hers at the door. I asked her if she had her passport in her purse. She just smiled and nodded yes. I walked over to where she was sitting on the bed and kissed her, getting weak kneed as usual by the time it was over. I got down on one knee and looked up at her with a smile on my face.

"Kat, will you marry me?"

I opened the box and offered her the ring as I finished. She took one look at it and started crying, but she took it from my hand and slipped it on her finger.

"Oh yes, Jon, I love you so much and I wondered if you would remember to get the rings for our trip."

She jumped up and told me to bring the luggage down, and out the door she went yelling for Myrna and Sally. I got back up shaking my head and wondering why she was so excited; because that was the reason we were going on this trip. I grabbed both suitcases, feeling a little let down because I hadn't got a chance to explain about the ring I had given her. I went down the steps and set the suitcases by the front door. I needn't have worried about explaining about the ring, because I had forgotten about Myrna's steel trap mind. By the time I got to the kitchen I was resoundingly kissed and hugged by my daughter and my future wife to be.

"Oh darling, I am so honored that you would give me your mother's ring for our engagement."

I must have looked a little shocked, because Myrna immediately spoke up and filled in the gap.

"Jon, I recognized that ring immediately. I didn't even know you had it. I was there the night your father gave it to your mother, and she was as happy as Kat is right now. I know how sentimental that ring is, and for you to give it to Kat shows how much she means to you."

I was poured another cup of coffee, and Sally came over and sat in my lap and hugged me. She whispered in my ear; "I love you Dad, and I hope we are all as happy in the future as we are today. I love Kat too, and I think she is just right for you."

I was hugged and kissed again, and I had to admit I liked all the attention from my daughter. When the door bell rang, she was off my lap and out of the kitchen before I could even react to the sound of it. I looked at Myrna, and she was shaking her head again. When Tiny came in, I noticed that he and Sally weren't their usual selves, and then I saw the reason why. He was accompanied by his wife and daughter. I had to look at their hands to see which was which, because they looked like twins. Myrna immediately came around and hugged them both, introducing them to the rest of us. His wife was smaller than Kat and almost as beautiful, and his daughter was almost the spitting image of her in all respects. Myrna said the women needed to talk, and for us men to go to my study and give them some time to plan. We still had about an hour before we should leave for the airport. I grabbed another coffee and cleared out of the kitchen, but not before getting another kiss from Kat.

When we got to my study, I sat behind the desk as usual, and Carver and Tiny sat in the other chairs. I should say Carver sat, but Tiny flopped with a worried look on his face.

"Jon, I hope this island of yours is not a hole. I was informed by Maggie that she was considering this the honeymoon we never had, and if it was a hole I would be sleeping on the living room floor for several months. Jon, it is nice, isn't it? I mean, I want her to be happy going with us, and have a good time while we're there."

"Relax, Tiny. Here, take a look at the pictures and judge for yourself."

I got the pictures out and handed them to him, and Carver and I watched as he looked through them. He went through the stack and was smiling to himself when he handed them back to me.

"If it's as nice as those pictures, I will have one happy wife, Jon. You see, when I went to jail for that fight, we were scheduled to leave for Hawaii for our honeymoon. I still feel guilty because we never got to go. She stuck by me when most women would have given up and said the hell with it. We have both been so tied up in the business and getting Katie off to college, we just never had the time to have a proper vacation or honeymoon. I have felt guilty about it for years, and I owe it to her. I love her Jon, and don't want to disappoint her again. She rules my life with an iron fist, but I wouldn't be anything without her by my side. Katie has never been anywhere except to college and she is looking forward to the trip, almost as much as we are."

"Relax Tiny, my friend Quanta acquired the island and sent me the pictures. I trust him, and he and his family will be there too. Hey I have an idea, why don't you and your Mrs. renew your vows when Carver and I get married? That would be a big surprise for her, and should make her very happy. I have heard about a lot of couples doing that. From what I gather, it's almost the same as getting married all over again."

"That's an excellent idea, Jon. That would be a big surprise for her, and show her how much I still love her after all these years together. Damn, I can hardly believe we have been married for almost twenty-one years. I have been so busy trying to earn a living, I never even thought of showing her how much she still means to me. I bought her a new diamond for her birthday next month, and I have it with me. Maybe when we get there and renew our vows, I will give it to her then. Man, this is looking better and better. Is there going to be a problem with us not having passports?"

"I really don't think so, 'cause we will be on U.S. soil until we fly to the island, which I own. There won't be a need for passports, but if there's some snag, I will handle it, so don't worry. The only snag I can see is the two pistols I am taking with me, but I have the ID to carry them. They shouldn't be a problem other than them running a check on me to see if I can legally carry them. We are flying down on a private charter, so customs shouldn't be a problem. Quanta will be on the island, so there shouldn't be a problem there either."

We were still discussing the legalities of my bringing the guns, when Sally stuck her head in and told us Myrna said it was time to go. We all got up and I took a deep breath, realizing that I was at the end of my bachelorhood. I headed for the door and our luggage. Of course, Kat and I were the lightest packers, and we only had one suitcase each, whereas Myrna and Sally were loaded with half the house. Carver, like me, only had one bag, but he had his hands full carrying everything that Myrna was bringing. When we got everything in the limo I was surprised again. I wasn't happy about the seating arrangements. We three men were to sit in the front, with all the women riding in the back with the glass up so they could talk, or so Myrna said. I immediately pulled her to the side after everyone else got in.

"What the hell is going on, Myrna? This is supposed to be our weddings, not a separation of the sexes. I think you better explain quickly, or Kat, Sally and I will be going down by ourselves."

I had to admit I was pissed and I wasn't going to accept any excuses I didn't think were valid from her.

"Calm down Jon, we are having a problem with Maggie. She is scared to death she will be arrested for not having a passport. I already checked, and as long as she is on U.S. soil, she doesn't need one to fly down there. She is afraid the French will arrest her and her family when we step foot on French soil, which will be your island. She is almost hysterical with fear because of Tiny having a record and not being able to get a passport. She's afraid he will be immediately arrested again, because of being warned before about leaving the U.S. I promise you won't be separated once we get to the airport and on the plane. Just let us get her calmed down until we get there and in the air."

I just looked at her for a second then laughed. I thought for a second she was going to slap me. I went on to explain what Jerry had told me about Bill having gotten Tiny a complete expungement of record last year. He could legally go wherever he wanted, and he could apply and get a passport like everyone else. He couldn't be arrested for leaving the country, because he didn't have a record anymore. She looked at me for a minute in shock and hugged me.

"I wish Jerry had told me or Tiny about all of this. Thank you, Jon, and I wish Bill were here so I could thank him in person. Maggie will be so happy and relieved, that she will be able to relax and enjoy her vacation like the rest of us. Now, get in so we can go, will you?"

I just shook my head and helped her in, closed the door behind her, and climbed into the front with Carver and Tiny.

"Well, did you find out why we are being punished?"

I looked at Carver and just chuckled.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Probably not, but knowing Myrna she has her reasons."

We hadn't been on the road for five minutes, when I heard a delighted scream through the glass. I smiled to myself, because unlike Tiny and Carver, I knew what it was all about. The rest of the trip in the front seat was very quiet and I kept looking at Carver, wondering what he was thinking about. Finally I couldn't stand it any longer and asked him.

"Having second thoughts, Carver?"

"No, but I got to admit, after all these years of being single, I am scared to death. I mean, what if it doesn't work out for some reason, or what if she decides she doesn't love me like I love her? God, I have a thousand scenarios running through my head, Jon. I know I am doing what my heart tells me is right, but what if I am making a mistake or jumping the gun by getting married so fast? God, I'm a nervous wreck."

I looked over at Tiny and we both chuckled. I took a deep breath and told them both what I was worried about.

"Jeesh, Carver, you think you're the only one who feels that way? I am in the same boat as you are, but I have another problem that you don't have to worry about. What I am about to say stays between the three of us, and if I hear of any of you talking out of turn, I will personally make your wife a widow. Kat isn't on any birth control, and I keep forgetting to use protection. For all I know, she may be pregnant already. Being a father scares the hell out of me. She said twins and triplets run in her family, and it's due again in her generation. I got news for you, Carver, getting married scares me too, but being a father to triplets scares the hell out of me. I think I would rather be in the middle of a war than have to worry about raising three kids who are just alike. How the hell would I be able to tell the difference between them, and how do you know which one is which? Now that's a scary thought for any man. Believe me when I say I love her, and that I would give my life for her, but three or maybe even two kids at once is more than any sane man should have to think about."

By the time I finished my little revelation, Tiny was laughing so hard he ran the limo off the road. Carver was guffawing so loud you couldn't hear yourself think. The final straw came when the glass window slid down about an inch and Myrna told us to settle down and quit weaving, 'cause it was causing them to spill their drinks on their clothes. When the window went back up, I just slid down in the seat, having to listen to Carver and Tiny as they started calling me Papa and Daddy Jon. When we pulled up to the gate where the jet we were taking was, I was mad enough to chew a hole in the car door. I couldn't believe they thought something that serious was so funny. I would get my revenge on these two for laughing at me. We got out and started loading the luggage onto the cart that had been brought up to the limo. The women didn't even have the courtesy to wait on us, but boarded the jet with drinks in hand, giggling and laughing up a storm.

I found out after we got in the air that Tiny had pulled a good one on me and had turned the intercom on. The girls heard everything I said. Oh, but payback is a bitch, I thought, as we flew over the Atlantic headed for the Virgin Islands and my final hours as a free man.



-------

Chapter 41


The trip down to the island was uneventful, except for the kidding I got because of my conversation in the front seat. I could have killed Tiny a dozen times over by the time we landed in the Virgin Islands. Two men in business suits were waiting by the luggage cart as we taxied up to the private hanger. We were asked the usual questions, and like I figured, they had me checked out, even with both IDs. They finally cleared me after taking down the serial numbers of both pistols. Tiny and his family weren't even checked for passports when they found out that I was the registered owner of the island we were going to. Without further delay, we were on the helicopters and in the air, heading for the island I had yet to see.

When the pilot of the helicopter announced we were coming in sight of the island, I looked out. To my surprise, it looked like the pictures Quanta had sent me. There was a huge beach below the house that was so white it almost blinded me from the sun's reflection. The pilot then said because of the palm trees and pool, we would have to set down on the beach. He would wait until we were all unloaded before he lifted off again. He said he would return in two weeks, unless he was called earlier to pick us up.

When we got closer, I could see about a dozen men on the beach, obviously waiting for us to land. I wondered who they were, until I recognized Quanta standing there with a smile on his face. The rest of the men were natives. They were dressed in bright sarongs and looked like they were glad to see us, from all the smiles I could see. Since there was just me, Kat, and Sally, but with all of the luggage in our helicopter, we sat down closest to the men on the beach. The pilot immediately shut it down, and I waited until all the rotor wash quit before sliding open the door. Quanta came running up to the door before I was able to get out. When I stepped onto the sand, he grabbed me in a big bear hug. I thought he was going to break my back.

"Jon, my friend, I am so glad to see you again after all these years. These men will take your luggage up to the house. I want to meet all your friends."

The men he motioned at made short work of grabbing the luggage. I noticed, almost to a man, they bowed to me. I could clearly see whip scars on their backs as they went up the steps to the house. I introduced him and he hugged everyone, saying he was so glad to meet them. Now this was a side of Quanta I had never seen before. I had to admit, he did look a lot happier than the last time I had seen him and his family in Nigeria. When we got up to the house, I got another surprise. There was a feast set up for us to welcome us to the island. I pulled Quanta to the side the first chance I got and lit into him.

"My friend, this is all well and fine, but do the people here have food and is all of this necessary? You were supposed to settle a few things before I got here, so bring me up to date."

"When the feast gets going good, we will slip away to the village, and meet with the headman, Jon. I assure you, that your friends will be perfectly safe. They will be treated like royalty by the men and women who have set this up. We had some problems, but I want you to meet with the elder before you make any decisions about what to do. My family is here, and I have sent the guards back to Nigeria because I know it's safe. You know I wouldn't risk my family again unless I thought they would be perfectly safe here."

With this coming from Quanta, I let my guard down a little, but I still went to the house and got the extra pistol out. I slipped it to Carver with a word of caution to be on his guard until I could check things out better. He just looked at me, then nodded his head in acknowledgment to my warning. He slipped the pistol under his shirt at his back and we went back out to the food. I finally got to meet Quanta's wife and daughters again. I almost didn't recognize the daughters because, in the years between our last meeting, beside a dusty road, they had grown up into beautiful young women. They all fussed over me so much I was starting to get dirty looks from Sally and Kat. I just smiled at them both and shrugged my shoulders, whereupon Kat gave me a big smile and just shook her head. Sally had that smirk on her face so I stuck my tongue out at her and she busted up laughing.

When Quanta gave me the high sign, I passed it on to Carver and he nodded his head that he had seen it. We went around back, climbed into a golf cart and took off, following a well used road. We traveled about half an hour before coming to a village and to my surprise, it was clean and well kept up. The huts were made with palm leaves and all natural stuff from the island, and all the people looked clean and well fed. There were kids playing all over the place, and I could hear shrieks of laughter coming from different parts of the village. We pulled up in front of the biggest hut and Quanta got out, motioning for me to follow. I looked around and saw there had been a lot of new palm leaves and other work done recently to the village. I followed Quanta up to the doorway of the hut, noticing that there wasn't a door on it and that it was all one big room. When we went inside, I immediately closed one eye and stepped to the side of the doorway, following old habits that had saved my life in the past. A voice spoke up from the side and I could see the outline of a man sitting there in the shadows. Before I could say anything, one of the sides of the hut was raised and the room became as bright as day. When I got a better look at the man behind the voice, I could see he looked to be in his late forties. He had long hair and very bright white teeth, which showed from the smile he had on his face.

"You have no need to be cautious, Mr. Morgan. You and your family are perfectly safe on the island. Thanks to your friend here following your orders, my people are once again free and happy, and well fed for the first time in many years. Please be seated and have coffee with me."

Feeling a little foolish, I went over and sat with my back against a post. He smiled when he noticed, and poured coffee for us all from the pot that was brought in by a young girl. We sat and sipped, with me waiting for him to speak. For some reason, Quanta was strangely silent and I felt my guard coming back up again.

"Mr. Morgan, my name is Michaela, but I am called Mikey by everyone in the village. When the previous elder was whipped to death by the overseer for not making us work hard enough, my people chose me to take his place. I am sure you are wondering what this meeting is about and what I am about to tell you. First, though, I would like to know what your plans are for my people. Will we have to leave our homes? Will we be forced to work for you and have nothing to show for it again? These are a few questions I have been asked by my people. I told them that until you came and answered them for us, they would have to wait and see, just like me. Your friend, Mr. Quanta here, has said that you are a kind man and hate slavery of any kind. Is this true? He also told us of your rescue of his family many years ago. Mr. Morgan, my people have lived here for many generations, and through all the mistreatment, we have managed to survive. Mr. Morgan, what are your plans for the island now that you have bought it?"

I looked at him thinking about my conversation with Myrna, wishing I had brought her with me. She could answer his questions a lot better than I could, but I knew I had to try.

"Mikey, from now on just call me Jon, please. First, let me explain something to you that you can pass on to your people. From now on, you will never be beaten for any reason, and if I hear of it happening I will shoot the man who does it myself. That goes for natives as well as strangers. Second, from now on, whatever you raise on this island, you will get sixty five percent of after taxes. I really don't care what you raise or how much money your people make, as long as the French taxes are paid on time. The house and grounds will be kept up and in pristine condition by your people. During the time that there aren't guests here, they are free to use the pool to swim. If you need it, I will even hire a school teacher to live here to teach the children. If you need foodstuffs you can't raise, I will set up an account with whoever you wish and make arrangements to have it shipped in. Mikey, let me make this very clear. If your people are ever exploited by their own or any stranger, I will not hesitate to take my anger out on anyone, including one of your own, for doing so. As the owner, I will have the final say. Quanta will tell you that I do not take something like this lightly. Quanta bought this island as a tax write off for me, and I don't care about profit in my own pocket. I would prefer that your people have their own governing body to make decisions, and your own police force to make sure that what has happened in the past doesn't happen again. This will be up to you and your people. I have a woman with me who will be more than glad to help you work it out. Quanta can invest for your people and make you even more money in the future. Mikey, your people will run the island while I am not here, and I expect it to be done right and above board. I want to be sure that you and all of your people are be happy and will want to stay here. My daughter is half owner with me, and I assure you she feels the same way I do. I am going back to my guests, so I suggest while I am there, you meet with your people and decide what you want to do."

I got up, but he stayed sitting with a shocked look on his face and his mouth hanging open. Quanta followed me out. We climbed back into the golf cart and headed back to the house.

"Jon, I think you just gave them a lot to think about all at once. According to what I found out, they have been the slave labor on this island for several generations. There is something else you need to know, Jon. The overseer tried to shoot me, and one of my body guards killed him. We dumped the weighted body out in the ocean a few miles offshore. I am sorry this had to happen, but he refused to listen to reason and left us no choice in the matter. He had several hundred thousand dollars in a safe in the floor of his cabin, along with the contract from the old owner. I have forwarded this to Interpol, along with his personal journals. I think they will be going after the old owner for some of the atrocities he committed while he owned this island. I kept the money to see what you wanted to do with it."

"Quanta, as soon as we find out all the information on these people, start investing the money in the tribe's name. Knowing you like I do, I think they will have a lot in a short time. I wonder if any of the kids would like to attend college, or if they have had any schooling of any sort."

"This I do not know, Jon, but before I leave I will gather all that information for you. Oh, and by the way, Mikey is an ordained minister. He said he would consider it an honor to perform your marriage ceremonies for you. He suggested that his people handle all the arrangements, and he would guarantee your bride would love it. Jon, there are seven large warehouses on the island full of food, mostly canned goods and things they can't grow. I hope you don't mind, but I gave Mikey the keys when I first got here, so he could give it out to his people. Jon, there is enough food there, besides what they grow, to last for a long time. I do not understand why it wasn't given to them before this."

"Quanta, I think you just answered a question I had in my mind. Is there some sort of armory or guns on this island anywhere?"

"If I remember right, there is a small armory in the main house. Why, Jon, is something wrong?"

"Quanta, I bet, within a few days, we have visitors who are going to say the food was sold to them by the overseer and they want to pick it up. I will have Carver go through the armory and see what we have there. I have a feeling they are not going to be too polite about it. Also, is there a sat phone or radio set up on this island that works?"

"There is a complete communications set up in the master suite. It has everything you need to talk by satellite anywhere in the world. I also have my sat phone just in case the bank needs to touch base with me."

"Keep it charged, Quanta. I need to make some calls tonight and alert some friends of mine who are not far away."

I was wondering, why I always had to find crooks wherever I went, when I was hit by a blond headed tornado, wanting to know where I had been and why I had abandoned her and Kat. I just smiled, and picked her up, kissing her on her button nose, laughing. The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent watching the native dances, and eating food that was grown on the island. I had to admit that we all had a great time. By eight in the evening we were just about worn out, and decided to call it quits for the night. Sally and I spent the next hour as the owners, thanking the people for a great feast. We told them that we were grateful that the people of the island had gone to so much trouble to make us feel welcome. I didn't know if it was the right thing to say or not, but from the look on some of the adults' faces, they were shocked that I was thanking them. We finally went inside and Sally went to her room. I headed to where Myrna had told me the master suite was.

By the time I got to the top of the steps, my mind was already working on a plan to handle what I thought would be coming my way in the next couple of days. I knew that in order for there to be that much food stored, there had to be a black market trade going on, run by the overseer. He was using money that he had stolen from the people to buy the stuff that should have gone to them. I didn't know if I was right or not, but I had seen this happen before in other countries I had been in. It was considered by most to be an honorable profession. Now to me, it was taking food out of the mouths of women and children, but they didn't look at it that way.

Then I realized that I didn't know which room I was supposed to go to. Myrna hadn't told me the doors to the two suites were on opposite ends of the hall. I had no idea which one Kat had chosen. I looked down at the floor and it was tile, so there weren't any tracks to lead me in the right direction. I finally got down on my knees and looked in the crack at the bottom of the doors to see if any light was showing, but they were both dark. Damn, I thought, I don't even know which room Myrna's in to ask. I chose right and went to that door and knocked. I waited a while and knocked again. No answer, so I went the other way and knocked on the left door and again no answer. Ah hell, I thought, as I opened the door and walked in. It was pitch black so I turned on the lights. The room was empty, but there was a complete communications set in front of me, so I sat down and fiddled with it until I figured it out.

I was finally able to get through to Maurice and we talked for about two hours, setting a couple of plans in motion. He also told me they had received, by special messenger, the journals and contract sent by an anonymous person or persons. They were actively investigating the allegations they contained. I told him about everything I had been told and seen since I had arrived, and he was almost as mad as I was. I was finally able to get off the radio and sat down on the bed.

When I awoke with the sun in my eyes, I sat up and the first thing I saw was Kat sitting in the chair watching me. Oh oh, I thought, now I'm in it deep.

"Good morning, my dear! Did you have fun sleeping all by your lonesome?"

"What happened to you? I checked both rooms and you were nowhere to be found."

"Well, since I took a room on the ground floor like everyone else, it's no wonder you didn't come home last night."

"Dammit, Kat, Myrna said the suites were on the top floor. Since nobody thought to tell me different, I came up here looking for you. When I didn't find you, I guess I fell asleep."

That was when I noticed our luggage by the door of the room. Man, I must have been dead to the world if she had moved all that up here without waking me up. When I looked up at her, she had that little girl grin and was sniggering at the look on my face. She must have sensed what I was thinking, because she took off running for the bathroom. I caught her and she squealed when I pulled us both in the shower and turned the cold water on. Damn the water felt like glacier water, it was so cold.

"Jon Morgan, I will get even for this, if it takes me the rest of our stay here. Quanta told us that Mikey, the tribe's elder, was an ordained preacher. When are you going to make an honest woman out of me? Besides that, I am a couple days late, and I think it's all your fault."

Since I was having so much fun helping her to get undressed in the shower, I never gave a thought to what she said. When we were through and I was dressing, it finally sunk in. I froze in mid sentence and she looked at me a little oddly, because my mouth was moving and nothing was coming out.

"Jon, are you ok?"

I just sat and looked at her, with my mind going a million miles a minute. She must have realized what was affecting my behavior, because she came over and sat down on the edge of the bed beside me with that little girl grin on her face.

"Jon, just because I'm late, it doesn't mean what you think it does. Sometimes I am a week or more late. I have been like that since I first started having my menses. Will you please calm down and say something intelligent besides umm, umm?"

I looked at her beautiful face with the big grin on it, and took a deep breath while I tried to put my jumbled thoughts into some sort of cohesive language.

"Kat, I know you want children and so do I. I don't want to hurt your feelings any, but I think we need a little more time before you get in a family way. From now on we are going to practice some sort of safe sex routine, even if it kills us."

"Well, dear, I think you need to control yourself a little better when we make love then. Remember, you're the one who always seems to lose control whenever we get together."

I looked at her in shock, feeling my face turning red again. She lost it, falling off the bed onto the hard floor, she was laughing so hard. This is not a laughing matter, I thought, as I finished getting dressed. I left her rolling on the floor to go look for some coffee. Man, I needed to get my nerves under control. When I jerked open the room door, I startled a native girl so bad she dropped the tray she was carrying on the floor and let out a shriek.

"I'm so sorry, master, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to drop your food. Please don't beat me."

I looked at her in shock and pity as she sobbed while picking up the mess on the floor. I finally got myself under control and went to both knees, helping her pick up the mess. She kept telling me she would clean up the mess, and calling me master the whole time. I finally got fed up with it and gently took her face in my hands. I looked her in the eyes as I spoke clearly to her.

"Look at me! I am not your master nor would I ever want to be. This was an accident that was my fault for scaring you. Now, will you please calm down and quit crying? Neither you nor any of your people are slaves, nor will anyone ever lay a hand on you again. Calm down, little one, and let's get this mess cleaned up."

When she blinked away the tears and got a good look at my face and eyes, I think she finally understood that I was serious. I got a little bit of a tentative smile from her as she bent to help me finish cleaning up the spilled fruit and coffee. When we finally got almost all of it cleaned up, I grabbed the tray and stood up handing it to her.

"From now on, little one, we will all eat together at the table on the patio. Now, will you please prepare another tray and bring it out to us? If you get any mouth from the cook because the tray was spilled, you tell him or her that I said they were to talk to me about it, and that the mess was my fault not yours."

I got that little smile again, and I watched as she took the tray down the steps. This shit is gonna stop, I was thinking, when Kat spoke at my side.

"Jon, she was scared to death. What kind of a monster was the previous owner of this island?"

"I don't know, but if I had to guess, I would say between him and the overseer, they terrorized these people for years. Can you imagine anyone beating a beautiful child like that? Kat, if I saw it, I would kill him with my bare hands. Now, since you are dressed and seem to be over your giggle fit at my discomfort, can we please get some coffee?"

Well, that got me another laugh, and a kiss that had me thinking about pulling her back into the room for awhile. She, much to my chagrin, seemed to know what I was thinking and grabbed my hand pulling me in the direction of the steps.

"Come on, Jon, no time for that. I am hungry and remember, I might be eating for two."

I stumbled and almost went down the steps head first. Kat looked at me and started laughing again. We went down the steps, with me holding firmly onto the railing in case she had any other surprises for me. When we finally walked out to the patio, everyone else was there and having fresh fruit and coffee. Of course, Myrna had to set the tone for the day, and I wondered if she would ever learn to mind her own business.

"Well I see you finally found him, Kat. Where was he, in some native shack, drunk?"

Well, Kat had to tell them all in graphic detail where she found me, and a few other things I thought were maybe a little too personal. The rest seemed to take great delight in my red face while they were laughing at me. Sally was the one that disappointed me though. I thought she would stick up for old dad, but she was laughing as hard as the rest of them at my discomfort. After glaring at Kat, I finally had to admit it probably was funny to them. Me sneaking around a dark house looking for my wife to be and not having any idea where she was. Then I realized I could have walked into someone's room without knocking, and felt even worse about the whole thing. Quanta and his family were laughing too. They seemed to be getting along with everyone else as we sat at the table. The little girl I had startled came out with another tray and very slowly set its contents in front of me and Kat. This time she was smiling instead of sobbing, and seemed to be much more at ease. I just gave her a big smile and thanked her like a good host should. Thinking about it, I wondered to myself how many years it would take for the native people of this island to go back to being free people and not be afraid of strangers.



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Chapter 42


The rest of the morning, I spent catching everyone up on my meeting with the tribal elder, what he had to say and what I told him. Then I told them what I thought about all the food that was stored in the other buildings and to a person, even the women, they agreed that we should fight anyone who showed up wanting to claim it. I also told Carver about the small armory that was supposed to be in the house and he and Quanta went to check it out. I waited until they were out of sight before I said the rest of what was on my mind.

"Kat, Myrna, since it's your weddings, I wanted to ask you both what you thought about the tribal ceremony the minister wants to have for us. He said to say that he would guarantee you both would love it, but I would be remiss if I didn't put my two cents worth in. I have, as I'm sure Mrs. Mutamba has, seen native wedding ceremonies before, and I have to tell you, they can be a little strange to outsiders. I know nothing about their customs here, but I wanted you two to have a chance to make up your own minds. We can fly back to the mainland, if either of you feel uncomfortable with this. This is your special day, and I am going to leave it up to you two to decide. If you have any doubts, take the golf cart and follow the road to the village, and ask Mikey what their idea of a native ceremony is."

Kat looked at Myrna and she returned the look, and it seemed as if they reached some sort of silent understanding. Myrna smiled at me and got up.

"Jon, sometimes even you come up with a good idea. Come on ladies, let's load up and have a talk with this minister."

With that they all got up and piled into the golf cart. Needless to say, a couple of them were sitting on each others laps but they all got in and went down the road out of sight. I sat back down and had poured some more coffee when Tiny broke into my thoughts. I had forgotten he was sitting at the table with me.

"You know, Jon, sometimes you shock me by the way you seem to instinctively know how to handle Myrna. I would never have thought about something like that. To let them decide is good, but I hope it doesn't come back to bite you. I love her, but she surprises me with some of the ideas she can come up with. You know you just sent eight women to talk to the preacher about your fate, don't you?"

I looked at him, thinking fast about what he said. I felt like smacking myself for not going along. He was right, and knowing how much Myrna loved to pull off the unexpected and with Sally and Kat being right in the middle of things, I realized I just might have made a big mistake by letting them talk to the preacher alone. God, I thought, when will I ever learn? I was still silently chewing myself out with Tiny chuckling in the background, when Quanta and Carver came back out and sat down, helping themselves to coffee. I looked at Carver expectantly, waiting for him to tell me what he thought of the weapons. He took a sip of coffee and started smiling at me.

"Jon, if it were me, I would throw most of that junk in the ocean. You have eight British Enfields that are so pitted I would be afraid to fire them. There is plenty of ammo for them, but again, like the rifles, it's all old World War Two issue. However, you do have twenty forty-fives from the same era in excellent condition with new mags. The ammo still boxed up and it's all new stuff. Tiny, we have the perfect weapon for you too. There is a WWII BAR in pristine condition, with two new barrels. There is enough ammo for it to start a war. That's about it for weapons, Jon. It looks like they took a lot of stuff out in boxes when the old owner moved out though. You could see where there had been stacks of boxes up the walls. I suggest we load about a hundred mags for the BAR and forty-fives, and move them up to the main house where we can lay our hands on them real quick. If these men show up like you think they will, other than the BAR, we are going to be seriously out gunned, if they have any modern weapons. Where did all the women go, Jon?"

Before I could answer, Tiny spoke up and told him. Carver smiled and looked at me for a minute.

"Jon, if they get the one up on us, I am going to blame you. Believe me when I say you will pay for it. I know Myrna and if they go with this native thing you were talking about, she will turn and twist it so it's all in their favor. Now, thanks to your big mouth, I will be walking on pins and needles until it's all over with. Jon Morgan, I thought you were supposed to be good with tactics. Now I see that you forgot the basic rule of any service, always take the advantage, and don't give it up unless you can retreat with dignity. In case you forgot, this is an island and the only retreat here is to swim for it and hope the damn sharks don't nibble on your ass as you swim away."

I thought Tiny and Quanta were going to fall off their chairs. They were laughing hard at the astonished look I must have had on my face. Carver was just shaking his head and giving me dirty looks as I tried to think of a comeback for his statement. For the life of me I couldn't, and I knew he was right. But I absolutely refused to admit it to him or anyone. Oh hell, I thought, I just left the barn door open after the animals were already gone. Thinking about it, I wasn't sure if I had that one right or not. Well, I thought it wouldn't be the first time I had gotten a saying backward. I didn't say anything, just sat and fumed at my own stupidity. Then I had the bright idea that I might look for a boat, or just start swimming before the women got back. If I did, I would reach land in about a year, and it would all blow over by the time I made landfall.

It was about this time, I noticed the sound of a helicopter. I got up and headed for the beach to see what or who it was coming in. I had my forty on me, so I wasn't too worried. I still wondered who would be coming in, since they weren't due back for two weeks. I went down the steps, and noticed that this one was coming in out of the sun. This struck me as wrong, 'cause it seemed like he was trying to hide until the last minute. I yelled back to Carver to get the guns and get ready for action as fast as he could. He didn't answer, so I figured he had started moving as fast as I did when I heard the helicopter. I got to the bottom of the steps and stopped, trying to get a better look at it. When I was finally able to see it, I started running back up the steps. This one had pontoons and was smaller than the one we had come in on. I figured that he was going to set down on the pool, since with pontoons and the size of the craft, it would be easy to do. As I got to the top of the steps and around the house, I noticed the golf cart coming down the road. I made a circling motion with my arm and pointed back the way they came from. Myrna was driving and caught the urgency of my motions. She almost turned it on its side, changing directions to go back to the village. I just hoped the helicopter hadn't seen them. The way he was coming in, the house was between them and the road. I hoped the girls got out of sight before the helicopter cleared the house. As it came in the clear, I heard the change of rotor pitch in preparation to setting down on the pool. I pulled the forty and carried it out of sight down by my side as I walked over to see who it was. I noticed it was a small four-seater, and the two men who got out were indeed sorry looking. One was about six foot tall and skinny as a rail whereas the other one must have weighed almost three hundred pounds. They both looked like they hadn't bathed in weeks. The pilot shut it down and stayed inside, as if waiting on orders. I figured the heavy one for the leader, but I was wrong as the skinny one immediately took charge. They walked toward me with AK's slung over their shoulders. He started speaking as soon as he got close enough so that he could be heard without shouting.

"Who are you and where is Sukie?"

I was surprised that he was speaking in French and I answered him in the same language.

"I have no idea who you're talking about. Who are you and what do you want? Why have you landed on private property and without permission?"

"Since I don't know you I would prefer to speak to Sukie. He has some goods of ours that we need to make arrangements to pick up. Now be a good man and go get him before I lose my temper."

I didn't say anything, just looked at him and slowly cocked the forty before I spoke. The sound of the rotors winding down covered the almost noiseless click as the hammer came back.

"Well, fellas, I own this island and again, why are you trespassing without my permission? If you were smart, you would climb back into that thing and leave before the authorities get here."

They looked at each other in surprise and the heavy one started to pull his rifle off his shoulder, so I shot him in the shoulder where the sling was. The other one froze at the sight of my pistol. I motioned for him to drop his on the ground and he did it immediately. The pilot started trying to start the craft so I shot the window in front of him. He immediately threw his hands up and froze in place.

"Mister, who the hell are you, and where is the overseer? We came here in good faith at his request to work out a deal to buy some supplies he said he had for sale."

"I don't know who you are, but you made a big mistake by coming in without radioing first. My name is Jon Morgan, and I own this island now. I am also an Interpol Agent, and I know they will be interested in both of you. Now, if either one of you have any more weapons, I suggest you drop them. Unlike most agents, I would love to put both of you at the bottom of the ocean so I don't have to stand here and smell you."

About this time, Tiny, Carver, and Quanta came out and spread out to cover them. I noticed that Tiny had the BAR strap slung over his shoulder and was covering the pilot with it. I backed up and asked Quanta for his phone. I immediately called Maurice and when he heard my voice, he said there was help on the way and would be arriving in a few minutes. He told me they had picked up the helicopter on radar when it got in range of the island. I told him what happened, and gave him a description of the men I was holding. He yelled in my ear, he was so happy. I had to hold the phone away from my ear or be deaf by the time he quit shouting.

"Jon, my friend, if you are holding who I think you are, you have done it again. We know where they took off from, and I will soon have troops on their way to raid that island. I think you have just captured two of the most wanted smugglers in that area. We have been actively searching for their base for almost a year, and then you come along and hand the whole thing over to us. My boss is going to be very happy with you, my friend."

Before I could answer him, the thumping noise of heavy rotors overhead cut me off. To my surprise, it was a fully armed battle copter with Legion markings on the side. I watched as it hovered off to the side and eight men slid down ropes in a tactical landing. Man, I thought, I used to love doing that. I waited until they were all on the ground before motioning Tiny and Carver to lower their weapons. They moved in behind the two men we had under guard and rapidly checked them for weapons. I almost laughed as I saw hardened troops trying to keep from retching from the smell. They found a small pen knife on the skinny one. I almost shot him in anger because I had warned him. The battle group's leader came over to me, saluted, and told me they would take over now. He also asked me if I wanted the helicopter pilot charged too. When I immediately said yes, he told me that they would fly the small helicopter back to their ship when they left. He thanked me and marched the three men toward the beach where I figured the copter had set down after dropping the men off. Another of the group climbed into the little craft, got it going, and immediately lifted off, heading out to sea.

Things got quiet quick, and I remembered Maurice was still holding so I lifted the phone back up to my ear but he was gone. I smiled, thinking he probably had gotten tired of waiting for me. Oh well, I would call him later to see what they found out. Besides, I wanted a care package dropped off so we could protect ourselves better. If they raided the smugglers island, I knew there would be something that they would be able to give me off the books. If not, I would remind them that I was defending a French sovereign entity and was entitled to some firearms to do it with. I had dropped the hammer on my pistol and holstered it under my arm when Carver came over to me, grinning from ear to ear. Tiny and Quanta were right behind him, and both of them had smiles on their faces too. Now this is just plain weird, I thought, as they stopped in front of me and saluted. I gave them all the finger and they threw me in the pool. Ungrateful bastards! When I surfaced, feeling like I had swallowed half the pool, they were all sitting on the ground giving each other a high five. When I finally pulled myself out on the concrete, Carver spoke up.

"That's for not waiting on us to back you up. If something had happened to you again, Myrna and Kat would kill us all. Next time, wait for help and quit trying to be The Lone Ranger."

"I got news for you. The girls were coming back from the village and I had to turn them back before they were spotted by the helicopter. That would have made matters worse, we might have had hostages. Besides, it took you so long to get back out here, that I already had it under control."

"Sorry about the dip, Jon. We didn't know you were trying to head off the girls. We apologize for throwing you in the pool."

"That's ok. I am sure Myrna, Kat, Sally, and Maggie will be glad to hear about how you thought it was so funny to try to drown me. Quanta, your wife is not gonna be too happy either when I tell her and your daughters."

I quickly left them with a big grin on my face and headed in to get a shower and change clothes. The water in that pool smelled as bad as it tasted. I had the feeling it hadn't been changed for a long time. Oh yeah, I was thinking, payback, payback. Ain't it a bitch? I chuckled to myself all the way into my suite. I was thinking about the smugglers as I stripped down, and wondered how they had not known that the overseer was gone. I decided that probably they usually came in boats, but for some reason decided to fly in to see how soon they could transport the supplies off the island. This brought another question to mind, and I wondered if they were the only ones in the deal or if there were more involved. As I dug my gun cleaning kit out to clean the forty, I thought that maybe I needed to have Mikey set up some kind of signal tower or warning system across the island. We needed someway to let us know of any boats or quiet visitors in the night. Since their safety as well as ours depended knowing of any strangers coming, it sounded like a good idea to me. The only reason we had the Legion's help now, was the fact that they were actively patrolling these waters to protect France's interests in the area. I knew from what Maurice had told me that they were trying to keep smuggled guns out of the rebel hands. The rebels were trying to get control of several of the islands for operations bases, and were killing the innocents on them. If I handled this right, I could have the natives become my own private army. Oh well, I thought, as I headed for the shower, I would have to meet with them first and see what they thought about the idea.

I had just gotten dressed and sat down at the communications console, when Kat and Sally came running into the room without knocking and started smothering me in hugs and kisses. I finally got them settled and told them both the whole story. They both seemed to be happy about the outcome and some of the ideas I had concerning the natives. Then Kat sprang a surprise on me that left me speechless, with Sally giggling in the background at the look on my face.

"Jon, I have to tell you that according to the tribe's shaman, I am pregnant with triplets. Maggie is also three months pregnant and hasn't told Tiny yet. She was planning on surprising him while they were here. Did you know they got married when she was only sixteen? She was pregnant with Katie and refused to have the abortion that her parents were trying to force her into. Also, Mrs. Mutamba is trying to get pregnant again and said if you told she would put a curse on you."

My mind was still going a thousand miles an hour when Kat nudged me and told me to close my mouth and say something. I did and I barely managed to squeeze the word out.

"Triplets?"

She and Sally totally lost it at that point and were rolling about on the floor. I think I would have gladly reconsidered about getting married; if not for what they thought was so funny. Then Sally gasped between laughs that she wanted to go live with Judy for the first two months, so she wouldn't have to get up in the middle of the night and help feed the babies. I think at that point, I must have become detached from the world around me, because when I came back to reality, we were all sitting at the patio table again with everyone looking at me funny. Hell, the last place I remember being at was in the chair in front of the communications array. Then it all came back to me in a flash and I just looked at them shock. Of course Myrna was the one who snapped me out of it.

"Well, Jon, I think you ought to say something instead of sitting there like you had just seen the world collapse around you. This is a happy occasion and you should be dancing for joy."

I just glared at her while I tried to frame up an answer. For some reason I was getting mad, and I didn't want my retort to hurt anyone feelings. I knew I had to be careful with what I was about to say.

"Myrna, this is one time I think you should butt out. This is between Kat and me. Hell, I haven't even gotten married yet, and I find out I am the father of triplets. I don't know what this shaman based his opinion on, but I will wait until Kat can see a real doctor before I believe that one. Let's drop it for now and you tell us what Mikey had to say about the marriage ceremonies. Myrna, I will warn you right now, if you have done anything to make it more than just a ceremony, I will call for a ride for you and Carver and you can spend your honeymoon somewhere else. I don't know about the rest of you, but we are talking about my life with the woman I love. I will not put up with any bullshit when we get married. No jokes, no supposed tribal crap, or any funny business of any kind. This is a very serious step for us, and I won't have it marred by some silly pranks or off the wall crap. If you have something like that planned, Myrna, you had better rethink the whole scheme."

I could see she had something planned by the guilty look she immediately got on her face. I was staring directly at her, and she knew that I knew it. I kept staring at her, waiting to see what she would say. It didn't take long for it to come out, because Myrna, although devious, did not have a mean bone in her body.

"I'm sorry Jon and Carver, it was only meant to be a joke. I will let Mikey know we do not want it to happen like we planned. I want you both to know that neither I nor Kat would do anything to harm our relationships with the men we both love so much."

"Myrna, we all know that. It's just that this is the first marriage for us both, and we would like it to be without all the jokes and melodrama that some people like to pull on bridegrooms. I saw it in the Legion, and let me tell you, they do some things that would make a hooker blush. Tiny, since you have a part in this too, I think it's time for you to ask Maggie what we talked about in my study."

As I sat and watched him, I couldn't help but smile knowing I wasn't the only one whose mouth moved without making sounds. He stared at me and it took him a few moments to get what he wanted to say straight, but then he took a loud gulp and plunged ahead.

"Maggie honey, we have been married almost twenty years, and I wanted to ask if you would honor me by renewing our wedding vows while we are here. I know we never had a honeymoon or a vacation, and Jon suggested this to me as something to show you how much I loved you. I thought it was a great idea, but I didn't expect him to put me on the spot by making me ask you in front of everyone. I love you, woman, and I think this will help me show you how much."

"Silly man, I know you love me. That is something I have never had any doubts about. There is something I need to tell you, though, before we renew our vows. Katie, this concerns you too, so both of you listen to me. Tiny, I am three months pregnant, so you're gonna be a daddy again. Katie, you're gonna have a brother or sister to help raise."

Then Tiny, in shock, asked Maggie the question that broke us all up.

"Maggie, you're pregnant? How in the world did that happen?"

Myrna started it with her screech of laughter, and then all of us were cracking up. Tiny was just sitting there and looking at us in bewilderment. What a way to get even I thought, as I roared in laughter. I figured we were even now for his little intercom trick in the limo. I did notice Quanta looking at his wife in a speculative manner as he was laughing. I caught Carver's eye, and he gave me a thumbs up, with tears running down his cheeks from laughing. Well, if nothing else happened on this trip, we were all having a ball and all of us seemed at ease with each other. Now I just had to convince the natives that they would have to protect themselves when we left. I was thinking about the native marriage ceremony, when Sally plopped herself down in my lap kissing me while laughing in my ear at Tiny's bewilderment.



-------

Chapter 43


When everyone got settled down, we had a head to head meeting and talked for several hours about almost every topic you could possibly imagine. It was about ten minutes before Tiny finally snapped out of his daze and started pitching in with some suggestions. The whole time we were all kinda watching Maggie, and could see that she was also watching Tiny. She had a look of love on her face that a blind man couldn't miss. After about three hours of conversation, several of the island women brought lunch out to us and we took a break. We were approached by one of the women, who told us that the elder and several of the men asked if they could come and join our meeting. I quickly told her to tell them they were welcome to join us. I wanted to ask Mikey some questions anyway. We finished our lunch, which was delicious by the way, and sat with refreshments, waiting to see who was going to show up. In about ten minutes, seven men, all older, showed up. They all had whip scars on their bodies, which made me feel disgusted. Myrna had them pull another table up and we all sat back and waited to see what they had to say. Mikey, being the leader, started it off.

"Jon, we feel we owe you an apology. Several of the men watched what happened today, and saw how you handled those men. They were friends of the one called Sukie, and he did a lot of dealing with them. We wish to know why you felt the need to shoot one of them."

"Let me get something straight with all of you right now, Mikey! I won't be threatened by anyone. I own this island and I will not have any dealings with scum like those two men. If I had my way, they would have been shot, weighted down, and thrown in the ocean for the sharks to feed on. I told you when we met the first time that this is my island and no one threatens anyone on it for any reason. Look at the men with you, and see why I hate all slavers. Those scars would never have happened, if the previous owner had taken the time to treat your people decently, and pay them a fair wage for their labors. No, he had to threaten and whip to get a few bucks in his pocket. I meant what I said about you being free to govern yourselves. I will not interfere with your rules unless I think someone's being mistreated, and then I will take it as a personal affront to me."

"Jon, are you willing to listen to some ideas we have that can make us all money? It would be a simple change in what we grow here. There are several people that we have been trading with over the years, who would be willing to buy any extra we can grow. There is a hidden cove only we know about, that we can use to do the trading, except this time we can do it for our tribe's benefit. I am more than willing to keep a set of books that you can inspect any time you wish. The one you call Myrna has given us several ideas that would be easy to implement and be to everyone's advantage."

"Mikey, before I answer that I want to ask you a question."

"You may ask any question you wish, and I will try to answer it."

"Until the word gets out that this island is no longer a slaver's hideout, are your people willing to keep a watch out for unexpected visitors? We will need this while I am here with my friends, as well as after we leave. It will be needed to keep your people safe from harm until you can get up and running on your own. When we leave, I don't want a repeat of history where some outlaw white man comes in and tries to take the island over. When I leave, I want to know your people are willing to fight for what I am giving them, their freedom and self rule, which I know they haven't had for generations. Think about this carefully before you answer, because your women and children, as well as mine, depend on how you answer this as the men of the island. If you need weapons, I will arrange for them and teach you how to use them. Your freedom depends on what your men and women are willing to sacrifice to keep it. If you want to be slaves again, then when I am gone, there is nothing I can do to stop it. Mikey, freedom comes at a cost, and to keep it is hard work and a lot of sacrifice, even the loss of life."

I sat and watched as they all thought about what I had said, and I could see that the ramifications of what they were facing was finally setting in. They hadn't had their own thoughts for generations, and this was the acid test for them. Would they fold, or face it like I hoped they would? This was the hundred dollar question, as far as I was concerned. I had seen people, after years of struggle; finally get their freedom, only to lose it again. They were so cowed by their former masters that they just froze at the thought of thinking for themselves. I had personally seen a warlord with just ten men and a few guns take over thousands of people. They never even put up a fight because they were so used to being told what to do. They had no idea how to act, except to accept someone who would give them orders. Fighting for a cause was one thing, but when someone else did it for you, then the ones who benefitted had no idea what to do when they won. No, this would be up to these people, or I would take it upon myself to move them somewhere safe where they could learn to live the life they deserved.

"Jon, I have thought about what you have said just now, and also what you said when you came to see me. My people have done nothing but talk about this freedom we have gotten, and I will be the first to admit we have no idea what it is like to be free. As far back as we can remember, we have always had someone to tell us what to do. Now you say we have to take care of ourselves. I agree that the whipping was greatly resented, but how do we learn what to do if we have no direction? Do you know of someone that you trust that will help us learn to live the way our ancestors did, and to help my people to learn to live with this freedom you have given us? We have followed orders for so long, none of us has any idea how to give them and what to do to make you proud of our people."

"Mikey, if that is the case, then I will have to move your people somewhere where I know you won't be taken advantage of. I told you I won't put up with slavery in any form, and if I have to bring someone in to tell your people how to raise crops and how to work them, I would be just as bad as the ones who were here before."

"No! We do not wish to leave our homes and move to a strange place. There must be some way we can work this out so everyone will be happy with the decisions. Jon, there is an old plantation on an island that is only known to a few. A lot of our people escaped there over the years and have kept in touch with us. They have their own trading boats and have asked us many times to join them. They have offered to send boats to the cove for those who want to leave. Maybe they would move back now that we have a good master who wants the best for us. Will you let us use one of the boats to contact them and see if they will meet with you?"

"I would be willing to meet with them, but understand this, Mikey, and tell your people. If they are troublemakers and only want to take over the island and cause problems for everyone, I will have Legionnaires come in and remove them by force, if necessary."

"Oh no, Jon, they are just farmers who grew tired of the whippings, and not having enough food to eat after working all day, seven days a week. Most are young and wish for a better life on their own terms, not by being whipped for small mistakes. Many have been attending the local college on the big island to learn to be better farmers, and how to increase their crops for the betterment of their people. They are not violent like the ones who lived here for several years. Those people were brought in to work, and when they caused nothing but trouble, they were all taken away in the night, never to be seen again. Since then, my people do all the work, even the children help to pick the coconuts and mangoes that we grow here. Since your friend came and told us about you buying the island, we have been well fed and happy for the first time since I can remember. You heard the children's laughter in the village. This was never allowed before, and when they did, they were given extra work to do to keep them quiet."

"Mikey, why don't you go back to your village and talk over what we have discussed today? Use one of the boats to set up a meeting with the men who left. We can meet them in your village and see what they have to say. Mikey, if they come, tell them I will not put up with any funny business, but will intelligently discuss with them what their and our options will be. Make it very clear to them what I have said, and that if they wish to reunite with their families, I will help in any way I can."

He just nodded as they got up and disappeared into the lush jungle that surrounded the patio. This set me to thinking on a path that I had fleetingly thought about before, how many people had gotten away from the brutality on this island in the past. When the men disappeared, the women started up and had a lot to say about what they had just listened to. We spent the whole afternoon talking about all the problems I was facing and every one of them was shocked about Mikey's request to having another overseer to tell them what to do. They and I had never seen such a beaten down race of people, and all of us felt sorry for them. I again reminded them that the danger we were facing might not be gone, and for everyone to keep alert and to lock their doors at night. I also told them to put a chair under the door handles as an added precaution.

"Carver, I want you and the others to be armed at all times. If need be, take several of the pistols and hide them so that only you know where they are, until we can assure ourselves that Mikey and the villagers realize just how much security means. Since they have never had to worry about it before, it is all up to us. Sally, I want you to move to the top floor and the rest of you spread out into the different rooms so we can set up a crossfire if need be. I want to minimize the danger from being all bunched up together in one part of the house. Carver, I will leave the planning for this up to you and Tiny, since you both have experience at it. Remember, we hold the ultimate tool. They don't know we are here, and how many we are. I want to keep it that way. Quanta, if you wish to leave with your family, I will call for a ride to come and take you off the island. Talk it over with your wife and let me know. If any of the rest of you wants to leave, the offer is open for you also. I don't know exactly what we will be facing or when, but I don't want any of you harmed, if staying in a hotel on U.S. soil will prevent it. This is my island, and since I seem to be responsible for these people, I will not abandon them to some smuggler or slaver to be used again."

As I looked around the table at the faces of the people I loved, I realized from the looks I was seeing that none of them would leave. So be it, I thought, then it's up to me to make sure they don't come to any harm. I needed to talk to Maurice again and set a couple of ideas I had into motion. I excused myself, telling them what I was going to do and for them to discuss the situation among themselves. When I walked through the door, I was greeted by a man who had earlier sat at the table with us.

"Mr. Jon, do not worry about someone coming onto the island at night. We have set several traps that will discourage anyone trying to sneak in. There are only two places that they can come in by boat, and we are watching them very closely. Although Mikey is our elder and leader, he doesn't realize the danger as much as the rest of us do. He is a minister and believes there is good in all men. The rest of the men on the island are not quite as cowed as he is by all of this. We do appreciate all you have done for us, and we will not let any harm come to you or your guests while you are here. A boat has already been sent to tell the others to come back to their home, and that we have an honest man as the island's owner. We saw what your friend did to Sukie, and we all cheered at his death. You have given my people something we have not had in my lifetime, hope and the ability to be ourselves and practice the old ways we all remember. We will have people watching the villa as well as any of your guests, if they wish to explore the island. Do not worry about anyone harming them, and we have our own weapons that we will use. We may have been slaves, but we still practice the ways of our ancestors. Before I leave, I wish to thank you. Today is the first time I have seen my daughter smile since she came to work in this house. After this morning, I do not think you could do any wrong in her eyes. She is proud of being your servant and maid."

"She is not my maid or servant, my friend. She, as well as any other who works in the house, will be paid a fair wage for the work they do. I will not stand to see anyone react the way she did this morning. She is a very pretty young woman and should be proud of herself, not have to cower and beg forgiveness from any person."

He just smiled widely and walked away. I started up the steps, wondering if I really had gotten the true picture of these people at the meeting today. Mikey, I had to admit, seemed a little afraid of his future. But, after talking to this man, then maybe there was more hope for these people than what I had thought. There seemed to be two thought processes going here, Mikey's, and the rest of the natives. Either way, I would make sure they had a good life here if they wanted it. I would personally do whatever was necessary to make it happen. Maybe if this all worked out, I would change the ownership deed to say that all who lived on the island had a share in it. I needed to get together with Quanta and have him trace the deed back. I wanted to know when this became a French sovereignty and how it came about. Like a lot of islands I had read about, maybe these people were an offshoot of another tribe that came from another island when they became too populous for the one they were living on. Like all islands, they could only support so many. Then they had to migrate elsewhere or starve. Well, I thought as I sat down at the console, I would have to think more about it and see where I would go from that point. I dialed Maurice's number. They must have been having some kind of party at Interpol Headquarters as the background noise was really bad in my headset. Maurice told me to hold on and it sounded like he was shouting into the phone. Finally the noise went away and I was able to hear him.

"Jon, my friend, I am glad you called so soon. The raid was a complete success. We took over a hundred prisoners and hundreds of tons of supplies. Since a lot were cases of canned goods, we can use them to feed our troops. Now I am supposed to ask you what we can do to help you in your current situation. Is there anything we can get for you or your people?"

I told him what we had found in our so called armory, and what I would like. He said to give him an hour or so to arrange a care package for us, since they had plenty of illegal arms from the raid that they were going to destroy. I also told him about my idea of maybe using my island for an R&R spot for some of the men who would enjoy the piece and quiet of the beach, but that they should bring their kits with them just in case of trouble. He laughed and said that might be arranged, but it would be senior personnel only because they didn't have the high spirits of the younger troops. I laughed and told him that they should be warned I would shoot the first one who manhandled any of the natives. Since we were talking in circles and in English, he caught on to what I was saying immediately. He assured me if it happened, they would be treated like any soldier that disobeyed a direct order. By Legion Rules, that meant a firing squad, or lashes if they were lucky. I told him we had rooms for eight or ten at a time, and that they could rotate as the Commander saw fit. He just laughed and said that the first ones should be arriving in the morning with my care package. We said good bye and I sat back with a grin on my face. Knowing Maurice, I was almost afraid to see what he would send us, but anything would be better than what we had now for protection.

I hadn't realized it was so late, but before I could leave the room, Kat came in and said everyone was turning in for the night. She said Sally was now at the other end of the hall with the other girls, since that suite was huge and had several bedrooms that they wanted to share. She also told me that the others had decided to stay and help me, and would move their rooms tomorrow. I sat her down and told her about my conversation with Maurice and what we had set into motion. She was almost jumping up and down with glee when she found out that I would have armed men besides us on the island if they were needed. I also told her about my conversation with one of the natives and she smiled at me.

"Oh yes, darling, maybe they aren't as afraid as we thought they were. If he means what he says, then we are all going to do some exploring tomorrow, and then I am going to work on my tan for a couple of days. I do want to look good for my upcoming wedding don't I?"

"Kat, when is our wedding? Neither you nor Myrna mentioned any plans, nor when it is supposed to be."

"Darling, in five days we will walk to the village and become man and wife. Mikey said to set it up like the old way of doing things, it would take that long to gather all that will be needed. We will be spending our first night together as man and wife in a hut they are building just for us to use. Myrna and Carver will have another, and since Tiny and Maggie will be included, now they will have to have a hut too. The rest of your guests will be staying in the big meeting house, sleeping on mats especially made for their comfort. Jon, starting that morning at sunrise, we have to go through several purification ceremonies and other blessings by the village healer and shaman. These will take a couple of hours each. The men and women are separated for this, and are not allowed to see each other until the sunset when the marriage ceremony will take place. I am supposed to ask if you wish to be dressed in the tribal way or wear your own clothes. I told Mikey you men would probably choose your own clothes, but we women have decided to be dressed in the tribal fashion. I think the difference will make it more exotic for us and for the pictures that all the girls will be taking. Jon, I am so excited to be able to do it this way and so is Myrna. Even with all that's happened, we are all enjoying ourselves immensely. I hope we can come back here on a regular basis after we get married."

"Kat, I'm surprised Myrna didn't tell you. I am planning on spending our winters down here instead of in Virginia in the cold. I will need to have a tutor for Sally, but that won't be a problem. Making her understand she won't be going to class with her friends might be a major battle. Well, I guess we will cross that bridge when it comes up. I sure hope that there are no more surprises on this trip. God, it seems like I can never get any peace. Between leaving with the church hounding me the troubles I found here, I can't seem to enjoy any time with the two most important people in my life."

"Jon, I can think of something to do that will take your mind off your troubles."

"What's that, Kat?"

I turned around and the sight that greeted my eyes quickly cleared my mind of all thoughts but one. That's when she turned the lights out, with that little girl laugh I loved so much. This time I remembered to take my boots off first, so I wouldn't fall on my face in the darkened room.



-------

Chapter 44


I woke the next morning to a feeling that something was going to happen today. The feeling was so strong I couldn't shake it and couldn't go back to sleep. I leaned over and kissed the sleeping Kat, and headed for the bathroom to grab a shower and shave. When I was finished, I went downstairs. I hoped that there might be some coffee left over that I could heat up, since I doubted anyone was up and stirring. Boy did I get a surprise when I finally found the kitchen. The cooks were already hard at work, and when I stepped in they all seemed to freeze in place.

"Please go ahead with what you were doing," I said as I sat down on a chair by the counter were they working.

The little girl from yesterday brought me over a mug of steaming coffee. She had a shy smile today as she handed it to me. I sat back and sipped it, watching the women working and not saying a word. They seemed nervous at my presence and I finally decided to say something to them.

"Will all of you please continue like you were? I am not here to gripe or complain, I just want a cup of coffee is all because I couldn't go back to sleep."

The oldest one, who seemed to be in charge, looked at me sharply for a moment. She must have decided I was being truthful with them, because she started talking to the other women in their dialect. She continued for a few minutes, and I finally realized it was a cross between French and Portuguese that they were speaking. I listened in and realized I could understand a lot of what they were saying, when they didn't speak too fast. I decided to keep this little kernel of information to myself for now, because it might come in handy later on. I just sat with a small smile on my face, trying to refresh my memory a little without giving myself away. The more I could learn, the better it would be for me when those people from the old plantation came over here to meet today. I just hoped they were willing to chip in and help, and not be a bunch of rebelling natives who wanted to run everything. I still had that feeling that something was about to happen, but for some unexplainable reason, I didn't feel like it was going to be bad. I got a refill for my mug of coffee and went out to the patio where I sat down facing the house, so I could watch anyone moving around. I hadn't been sitting there fifteen minutes, when Quanta came wandering out and sat down next to me. The young girl immediately brought a carafe of coffee and another cup. She filled both of our cups while smiling at me. Quanta sipped his and looked at me in a speculative way.

"You feel it too, don't you my friend. You know, even after all these years, it seems my natural instincts have never died. Something is going to happen today, and it awakened me, thinking about it. Jon, do you think after you leave, the people here will be able to take care of themselves?"

"That question I can't answer, my friend. I hope for their sakes they can, because it will be an uphill battle if I have to keep coming back to run some slaver or smuggler off my property. As much as I hate to say it, I think you got me in deep this time Quanta. I think you dropped the ball on this one, and now I will be the one paying for it. What I can't understand is why you didn't spend the time checking this purchase out a little better. That's not like you, my friend."

"Yes, and I apologize for it. I was letting my helper look for investments, and he chose this place. Much to my disappointment, I think I will have to let him go when I return. Jon, I would never knowingly put you or your family in danger. I feel very bad about this whole situation. I do have to admit that this could be a paradise, if it was used as it was meant to be. Do you wish me to start looking for a buyer when I return home?"

"I really haven't made my mind up on that one yet, Quanta. I will say this, it is going to depend a lot on the meetings I will be having later. I refuse to spend half of my life here just to try to undo generations of abuse, regardless how much I would love to make up for some of the mistreatment they've been through. That happened before I came, and if they can't protect themselves, then we will sell the island or move these people elsewhere and block any further settlement. I know it sounds cruel, but sometimes you have to do what's right for the betterment of all. I won't see these kids grow up without an education or a chance to attend college if they want to. If they cannot improve their lot, I will close this island off to anyone and sell it as a testing ground for live fire or something."

"That I would not advise, my friend, because an island that has been given its own sovereignty is a rare thing to find nowdays. There are others who would give their first born to have this, but even I would question their reasons for wanting it. No, this time if you do decide to sell, I will make sure the buyer is on the up and up. I have let you down, and with all that I owe you, this makes me feel very bad."

"You do not owe me, Quanta, and you shouldn't let it bother you. You have repaid me many times over with your wise investments on my behalf. No, my friend, the luck was with me the day I rescued your family. You have become more than just a banker and investor to me; you have become a friend and I have very few of them."

"Thank you, Jon, but I would be remiss again if I didn't try to talk you out of selling this beautiful piece of paradise. Before you decide, let us meet with these people who have escaped, and see what they have to say and what ideas they have for the people here. If they have been living and surviving on their own this long, they may be more help than we can be."

I just looked at him for a second, then Sally and Quanta's two daughters came out and sat down. They were almost immediately served fresh mango juice. All three looked like they were still half asleep, but it seemed that they were in good spirits.

"I figured you three would still be sleeping. How come you're up so early, Sally?"

"Dad, we did stay up kinda late talking, but those darn birds seem to have nested under the windows of our rooms. They started squawking at dawn and never shut up. With all that noise, there was no way we could sleep. We could have closed the windows, but I love the feel of the warm ocean breeze blowing through my window while I sleep. Dad, all three of us love it here and it's so peaceful and beautiful. Do you think we can go to the beach and lay out in the sun for awhile later?"

"Sally, for now I want all of you to stay close to the house where Tiny and Carver can keep an eye on you. With all that's happening, I don't want any of you to be separated from the adults. I have some old comrades coming in later this morning for a little R&R, and they will also be armed. Until they get here and settled, I don't want any of you wandering off. Sally, I promise you within a few days, you and the girls can go anywhere you want and be safe. Oh yeah, don't go swimming in the pool until I can have it drained and cleaned. The water smells and tastes even worse."

"How would you know that, Dad?"

I just looked at her for a minute, knowing I was going to have to tell her what had happened, and how I knew what the water tasted like. Damn, I had opened my big mouth again. I went on to tell her, and she and Quanta's daughters were laughing up a storm before I even got halfway through the explanation of how I got thrown in the pool by my best friends. Quanta was laughing almost as hard as they were, and I gave him a dirty look which only seemed to spur his laughter to another level. This is how Kat, Myrna and the rest of our party found us when they came out and sat down at the big table with us. Kat kissed me before she sat down at my side as was her custom. Myrna and Carver looked a little ragged around the edges, but they were both smiling and seemed happy. Tiny and Maggie seemed like they were even closer than they were before, but it was probably my imagination playing tricks on me. To my surprise, Myrna didn't ask Sally what was so funny this early in the morning, which told me that she had her mind on other matters.

Within a few minutes of them being seated, the cook and several others were stacking food on the table. It was way more than we could possibly eat. I did hear the cook tell one of the other women that we all seemed nice, and that the new owner had friends of all colors, not like their old master who hated everybody. I just smiled to myself at her statement, thinking that anyone who had friends that they cared for didn't see colors or any other thing other than a friend. Another lesson learned in the Legion and one of the best you could learn. I had noticed that a lot of the people I had met since coming to the United States seemed to put a lot of emphasis on a person's skin color. I went by the combat rule, when you're in a firefight with someone shooting at you, who gives a damn what the person's skin color was that was fighting at your back. Hell, we all bled in one color, red, regardless of what our skin color was. I had seen examples of this when I first joined the Legion. To a man, they had all changed their minds when their life was on the line. I think this was why we all seemed so close to outsiders, we depended on each other. We were Legionnaires, not men of different races or colors. Within the Legion, there were so many nationalities and races that after awhile, no one noticed. One time I had been carried off the field of battle by an Arab from another unit, and later I asked him why when he didn't even know me. He just looked at me and smiled and his words I have never forgotten.

"You are not a stranger to me. You are a Legionnaire and a comrade who needed help. In my country, we try to help each other all we can. Here we are all one people, and we help each other. Maybe one day you will help me when I need it."

Thus the second sentence of the Code of Honour: (in English this time) Every Legionnaire is your brother-in arms, regardless of his nationality, race, or religion. You will demonstrate this by the strict solidarity which must always unite members of the same family.

There were of course personality clashes, but they were settled within the ranks by the men involved. Sometimes the same men clashed several times, but in battle they could be seen side by side fighting together as one person. It used to be that a lot of the volunteers were wanted by the law or running away for some reason, and you always changed your name when you joined. Now the Legion gives you a new name for your length of service and they have a strict background check that they do upon you entering training. I was so deep into my thoughts that Kat punched me on the arm to get my attention.

"Jon, will you wake up and eat something? Mikey is here and wants you and Quanta to go with him to the village."

"Sorry Kat, I was just thinking and forgot where I was for a little while. When did Mikey come in?"

She laughed and told me he had come out and told me when I was finished eating he would go to the village with me and Quanta. Damn, I thought, I hope he didn't think I was being rude by not answering him. I finished eating and sat back with fresh coffee. I told Carver and Tiny about the men coming in today, and to get them situated in the rooms on the outer parts of the villa. These were to be filled before anyone was put in the main house. Carver seemed relieved when I said how many might be coming and that they would have a care package for the armory with them.

"That is good news, Jon. Do you have any idea what your friend is sending us?"

"Knowing Maurice like I do, I think it will be a lot more than what we would legally be allowed. He has a tendency to go a little overboard with this type of thing, so don't be surprised at what shows up in the care package, Carver. Check them all out and get them ready for use, just in case. I doubt with the men coming in we will need them, but it's better to be safe than sorry in our situation. The Legionnaires coming in for R&R will be coming with full kits, so they will be able to help if needed. I will speak to them when I get back, so keep your eyes open until they get here."

Having settled that I got up, and with Quanta following me, we went to the area where the golf cart was kept and found that Mikey was waiting for us. Since he was sitting in the back, I let Quanta drive while I twisted to where I could face and talk to him.

"Jon, there are about a hundred of my people from the other island here to listen to what you have to say. They are very anxious to meet you and see if you mean what you have told us so far. I think many of them are armed, but I do not know for sure."

"Mikey, if I were treated the way they have been and escaped, I would arm myself too, before coming back into the lions den so to speak. I always have a weapon on me and I do not blame them for being suspicious of me. When we get there you will pass the word that there will be no trouble, or I will have a company of Legionnaires come in and clean up. There will be ten or more staying at the main house while I am here to protect your people, and make sure we have no problems like we had the other day."

"Legionnaires! The old owner would have a heart attack if you told him they were coming here. He refused to let them give us any supplies, even though my people were starving. Jon, who are you?"

Before I could say anything more, we stopped in front of the big hut. I could see it was packed with people. There were several men standing around trying to look bored while they watched us pull up. Good, they had guards out to protect themselves, I thought. I sent Mikey in to pass the word, and told him Quanta and I would follow in a few minutes. Looking around, I could see about twenty men stationed at different parts of the village, trying to pretend they belonged. I saw bulges on several, and knew they had pistols tucked into the waists of their clothing. Some were dressed in modern clothes, wearing jeans and t-shirts, and some in the native sarongs. I motioned to Quanta, and we started up the steps to the big hut. When I stepped inside, I could see they had pulled the side panels up and there was plenty of light to see by. I went over to where Mikey was standing, with Quanta following me. The people I could see all looked healthy, and although none were laughing or joking, they all seemed at ease. When I got up to Mikey and stopped and faced them, the silence was total.

"Some of you have been told about me by Mikey and the other villagers. I agreed to this meeting for one purpose, and until I finish speaking I would appreciate no interruptions. When I am done, I will answer all your questions as best I can. My name is Jon Morgan, and I am the new owner of this island. Although I don't have to tell you this, I am an agent of Interpol and also a Deputy United States Marshal. I don't believe in slavery of any kind and will not allow it here, ever again. The old owner is being investigated for his crimes here, and will be prosecuted and fined with the proceeds coming back to the natives here for their use. The man to my right is Quanta Mutamba, and is my friend as well as my banker. He handles all my business affairs. He is the one who bought this island as an investment for me. Since I did not intend to make a profit by owning it, I have already told Mikey that you can grow what you wish and sell to whom you please. The only stipulation I am putting on it will be the fact that the main house and grounds will be kept up in pristine condition by the tribe. When I am here, I will pay all who work in the house a fair wage for taking care of me and my guests. The other stipulation is that your tribe will be responsible for the payment of the taxes that go to the government every year. I will use the villa and grounds, as well as the island depreciation as a tax write off. I expect you to be self governing, and there will be no more slavery or mistreatment of people by outsiders or each other. I want the kids to be able to get an education if they want. If they wish to attend college, I suggest you set aside an amount each year for Quanta to invest to make it possible. Due to the sudden departure of Sukie, there are several hundred thousand dollars to start you out with. If you cannot live here in peace with each other, I can and will order the Legion to clear the island and move the tribe elsewhere. This is not negotiable, nor will I discuss it with anyone. Now, if you have questions, I will try and answer them to the best of my ability."

I watched as they talked among themselves, and noticed that slowly they seemed to be smiling and laughing and more relaxed. Then it seemed like an aisle opened up, and a man came forward to me. I tensed and waited as he approached. He was young and had whip scars covering almost his whole body. Well, I thought, here comes trouble. He came up and he had me by at least four inches in height and an easy fifty pounds. He stopped and looked me in the eyes for a moment. I met his gaze and held it. He slowly brought his hand up and shook mine in a firm grasp before speaking. The whole place broke out in cheers as we shook.

"My name is Koma, and I am the tribal chief. We, who came from the plantation to hear you speak, have heard your words and they ring of truth. We will accept your proposal, with glad hearts that all our people are reunited once again on the island of our birth. We all wish very much for our children to have a school and attend the University on the big island as some of us are attending now. Since this is now both our homes, we will consult with you and discuss any major decisions that come before the tribe with you first. For years we have grown the same things here, and it has become harder and harder to raise enough to supply what was demanded. From what you said, we can now grow what we know will make money for our tribe and for you as the owner of the island. Your home here will be kept clean and ready for you to visit, any time you wish to do so. Also, we will make sure that no one takes over the island as long as we are here. Most of the men I have grown up with have all been trained in the use of weapons. This time, with your permission, we will make sure that our people are free and live in the old ways that we have been denied for so many years. I give you my word as Chief, Jon Morgan; we will honor you and your guests and will watch over them to keep them from harm. Thank you, Jon Morgan, for our freedom and giving my people back our dignity once again. We have much to discuss and a lot of work to do to move back into our homes here. I will come to you in two days. We will walk and talk with each other, as is our custom. Until then, your guests are free to visit us. We will be honored to show them our homes and to show them around the areas they visit. I have been told that you have decided to honor our village by becoming man and wife in the old ways. Is this true?"

"Well actually that was taken out of my hands by my wife to be. She, as well as the other couple with us, decided to do it in your ancestral way."

"Ahh, Jon Morgan I see you are wise also. The woman always chooses the man, and as is our custom, they choose how to mate or marry with the one they want. I think we will be honored to have our new friend be married in our native ceremonies and rituals. The shaman and Mikey will share the ceremony, so it will be accepted in your country. As you marry by our tribal ways, you shall become a tribe member also. This is part of the ceremony. This is indeed a great honor for us all, as no other of your kind has ever asked for this privilege from our people. Now, we must leave to tend to our move back here. I shall see you for our walk in a few days, Jon Morgan."

He turned and the hut seemed to clear almost magically when he left. I just looked at Quanta and he and Mikey. Both looked a little dazed by the last hour's events.

"Well Quanta, Mikey, it looks like the island and its people will be in good hands."

"Jon, I apologize for bringing you here under false pretenses. I had no idea that Koma was even alive, let alone that he would come out of hiding to meet with you. If I had known, I would have contacted him immediately on your arrival. He went into hiding after he and one of the overseers had a battle with the whip. Koma was in such bad shape, we all thought he was dead. Jon, he is a great and kind man and loves his people to the point of being obsessive about them. For him to come to you and shake your hand, a white man, is the greatest honor he could have offered you. By that act, he assured the village that you are accepted as one of us and as a chief of our people. The touching of a handshake is very rarely done among our people. Jon, you now will have to do the brother ritual with him and our shaman. If you do not, it will be considered a grave insult."

"Damn, what is the brotherhood ritual and what does it entail, Mikey?"

"Did you see the small tattoo on his shoulder?"

"Yes, the little monkey holding the torch?"

"That is it, Jon. His will have a second torch added and you will have one applied in the old way holding one torch which denotes you as a chief of our people."

"What? Oh hell no, I am not getting a tattoo and chance getting some kind of blood disease or infection. I am sorry, Mikey, but that is out of the question."

"Jon, will you please sit down with me while I have coffee sent in? I will explain a few things to you that you need to know, before you commit one of the biggest insults that you possibly could to our people. Come, sit here and I will try to explain the history and reasoning behind the significance of the ritual and the tattoo. By the way, the tattoo is perfectly safe. It won't even scab over, because the ink is made of all natural substances, and of the way that it's done. You will have very little soreness, and there is absolutely no chance of infection."

I sat down and looked over at Quanta. He raised his sleeve, and damned if he didn't have the same tattoo, but his had two torches in a group in the monkey's little hands. Then I got a sudden hunch why I ended up with this island. I had to smile at myself for the neat way I had been suckered into this. I sat back and waited to hear the whole story.



-------

Chapter 45


I sat back and made myself as comfortable as I could under the circumstances. To my surprise, a woman came in with thick woven mats for us to sit on. They were a lot more comfortable than the hard bamboo floor. Then the same young girl came in with a small table and set it down between us. She returned in a few minutes with coffee and some small cakes for us to snack on. I sat and sipped my coffee and tentatively helped myself to one of the cakes. To my great delight, they were sweet sesame honey cakes and had to be the best I had ever tasted. When Mikey saw my obvious delight, he just smiled and bit into the one he had picked up. I expected him to start talking, but it was Quanta who started the tale that would stretch my senses and beliefs to the almost unbelievable stage.

"Jon, there is something I need to clear up for you before Mikey speaks. When you rescued me and my family, you couldn't have known the importance of what you were doing. I was the last of the chiefs of my people, and the rebels wanted me dead, regardless of what it took. That's one of the reasons they followed us almost to the center of your camp. They wanted me and my family, the last of our people, dead by any means. Their leader used to be one of your soldiers, and how he found out about our society, we were never able to find out. He systematically exterminated every member who had the small tattoo on their arms. Jon, the tattoo goes back thousands of years and it denotes wisdom and the ability to seek freedom for the oppressed, and a whole lot more, that Koma will explain to you. Jon, in all the history of our society, there has only been one other white man that was ever accepted. That was in 1826 in India. He saved a village from a white man's disease, and was asked by the chief to accept the honor. Jon, the history, which Koma will explain, goes back to the days of the great wars in the Middle East between the English and the Arabs. I don't know if you have noticed, but every man in the village above the age of fifteen has the monkey tattoo. The one with the torches in their hands denotes a chief and a bearer of the ancient knowledge. What Koma will tell you, has been handed down by word of mouth for centuries from chief to chief. I would love the honor of telling you, but it falls on Koma, since he was the one who offered the invitation. I can tell you that your acceptance will be known all over the world within thirty days, and that wherever you go you will be watched and protected by members of the society."

I took a sip of coffee, trying to absorb all this, and wondered why in all the countries I had been in I had never heard of this society. Then I figured out who had been after Quanta and his family, Boudrie. He was the only one I knew of who had been a Legionnaire and went over to the other side. Although my curiosity was aroused, I could tell that there would be no more information forthcoming until I talked with Koma in two days. Then I realized that Koma hadn't disappeared, but had traveled to Nigeria to talk to Quanta to get help for his people from another member of this society they talked about. I smiled to myself, thinking about what kind of pressure Quanta and the bank had brought on the previous owner to make him suddenly sell out. I decided I didn't want to know, because I had a feeling it hadn't been pleasant at the end of his reign here. This time Mikey talked. What he had to say shook me up, but at the end of his explanation, I realized that all he said made sense in a twisted sort of way. I would have to accept it and hope Myrna or Kat didn't find out, or I would be toast.

"Jon, you have said you will have some of your troops staying here for rest and to help with the protection of the island, right?"

"Yes, that's true Mikey, why do you ask?"

"I have to explain something to you that I know you are not going to like. There are women who don't have mates because of the shortage of men and the fact that we have so few of our tribe. We do what I am about to explain for our survival. The unwed women will be visiting your friends at night on a regular basis. They will continue this until they become pregnant, then another will take their place. This is the only way we have to stop inbreeding in our tribe. I know this sounds crude to you, but we have done it every time a stranger stays on the island. It is our custom, and I have to ask that you do not interfere in this matter. The only reason you and your friends weren't asked to accept a temporary mate, was because you are soon to be married. Jon, we ask you, as the owner of this island, not to interfere because our very existence depends on fresh blood being infused into our tribe. I know it sounds crude to you, but it has been this way for hundreds of years. With the death of so many men over the years, we have not been able to find mates for many of our women."

I looked at him and lost it. I was laughing so hard I couldn't get a breath. Mikey and Quanta were looking at me like I had finally gone over the edge. I was finally able to get myself halfway under control, but every time I thought about it, I broke out in chuckles again.

"Mikey, I am sure the men who will be rotating in and out for the next few weeks will be absolutely thrilled by the idea. If my wife to be or any of the other women find out, I will send them to you for an explanation though. Mikey, if this is a custom and it's not forced on the women just to infuse fresh blood, I have no objections. I will ask, no, I will order that if any of the women are mistreated in any way, you will report it to me immediately. If any of the men don't act like gentlemen or get too rough, I will want to know and right away. If you don't agree to this, I will put a stop to it by posting guards around the house and grounds. Do we understand each other?"

I noticed he looked at Quanta before answering, and did so only after Quanta slightly nodded his head.

"I must tell you that some of the women have a forceful nature. They want to be taken, not coddled, by the ones they choose to bed with. Others want to be held and treated like the man appreciates what they are giving them. I do not know how this will work out, but I hope it will not cause problems. As you know, all men and women are different on how they approach things."

"Mikey, I know the nature of men and women as well as any man who has spent time in the Legion. I have been all over in my assignments, and I did not practice celibacy during my time in the Legion. If any woman is bruised, then it went too far. What the women want can be accomplished without any of them getting hurt. I will talk to the men when I get back, but again it is up to you to make sure that no woman is forced and none who are under eighteen are to be picked to participate. Where I come from, that is rape and I will have the man who takes her brought up on charges and the woman banned from the island. Mikey, I mean every word I say, and do not try to trick me or I will have Koma become involved. I don't think he would like it if I was disobeyed, being a member and a chief of the tribe."

He just looked at me in shock, and then Quanta had the final words on the subject.

"He is correct, Mikey, as a chief he has the last word on the rules that are to be followed. I know that Koma will back him completely. When you meet with the women, I suggest you better make sure they understand what their chief has ordered. It would be best if you pointed out that their chief has set rules, and what will happen if they are broken."

With that we both got up, with me chuckling again and Quanta looking at me in a strange way. When we got in the cart headed back to the villa, he couldn't stand it any longer and had to ask.

"Jon, why the sudden mirth? You have been acting strange since Mikey told you their customs."

I broke out in laughter again before getting myself back under control enough to answer him.

"Quanta, I came here to get married, and now I am running a bordello for the natives. Do you have any idea of what is going to happen if Kat or Myrna gets a whiff of this? I guarantee you they will be burying me here, and probably pretty quick, because between the two of them, they will tear me to pieces. Also, the men coming here have strict orders not to touch or fraternize with the native women in any way, under the threat of lashes or a firing squad. Now, suppose you tell me how I am supposed to work this one out to everyone's satisfaction?"

"I don't know Jon, but you're the chief now."

He was laughing at the look I gave him, and wouldn't do anything but look at me and laugh all the way back to the house. By the time we got back I was about ready to clobber him. When we walked around the corner, there were men sitting at the tables chatting and drinking coffee and all were in shorts and t-shirts. At first glance, I could see these were all senior men, and I doubted that any of them were less than thirty years of age. When I was spotted, they all stood up and came forward to greet me in the traditional French way. To a man, they all thanked me for letting them use my villa for some down time. They told me they all had their kits as well as side arms, and had orders to follow my lead concerning anything to do with security. While being greeted, I was thinking fast. I decided the best way was to just tell them the truth, but away from the house. Since Sally and maybe Carver spoke some French, I didn't want them to overhear the conversation I was about to have. God, I was thinking, how come I always get myself into these situations? I told them to fall in and follow me, as I led them on foot, back down the road we had just come up. When we got out of sight of the house, I told the rear two men to watch our backs and told them all to be seated. It did look kind of strange with these nine men sprawled on the trail, but I had seen odder sights.

"Men, what I am about to say is to be kept between us. Due to some recent developments, I have a change of orders. The native women on the island far outnumber the men, so they have come to me to help them with their problem. I know you have been ordered by your Commanders not to lay a hand on them for any reason, thus the secrecy of what I am about to tell you. Every night while you are here, after dark, there will be a woman visiting each of your rooms for the night. I was informed today that it is a tribal custom and that I had no say in it."

I waited for the murmurs and conversation to die down before I went on.

"You will treat these women with kid gloves, and the first one that puts a mark on them will be reported to me. I will bring that man up on charges. I didn't have a say in this, so I was the one that set the rules with the natives about this. They are to be out before dawn, because if my wife to be finds out about this, not only will your asses be in a sling, but mine will be drawn and quartered. These women want to get pregnant and will not quit visiting until they think they are. Again, I stress to you all, that this is top secret and you are not to talk about it except among yourselves. Now, if you have any questions, ask them before someone gets curious and wants to know where we all are. If any of you do not want to participate, just hang a coat hanger on your door and you will not be bothered."

I would have to remember to pass this tidbit on to the natives. I knew, as well as any other Legionnaire, that there were some in our ranks who didn't prefer women. But unlike other countries' military commands, it was accepted and not talked about. In the Legion, sexual persuasion didn't make the man. His fighting ability and following orders did. The coat hanger was the old traditional way we always used, and there would be no mention of it among the others. Then came the question I was expecting. I already had an answer for it since I had discussed it with Mikey.

"Jon, are these women clean and disease free? None of us have any social diseases and do not wish to catch any. Also, if we wish, may we wear protection? There are some of us that already have children and do not wish to have any more."

"The women, from what I know, are all clean and disease free. All are above the age of consent and do this freely. Those of you that wish to wear protection may do so, but if you do not receive a second visit, then you will know the reason why. The women wish to have children to build the tribe back up, and do it this way to reduce inbreeding. I doubt that if you do father a child you will ever know, because they will not say who became pregnant and by whom. Normally I would not condone this type of behavior, but I was told that even if I forbid it, the women would find a way. Men, all I can say is, have fun. Remember, you are here for some down time and to help me with security while I am visiting the island. All of you were chosen because you have good records and are known to follow orders. Sometime today, if any of you know how, I would like the pool drained and cleaned so that we all may use it. You will treat my guests with the utmost courtesy and respect, and none of our usual smart comments. Several of them, including my daughter, understand French. I have nothing more to say, and if there are no more questions, then you are free to enjoy your down time. Welcome, my comrades, to my little slice of paradise. I hope you all enjoy your stay."

There were a couple of laughs, and as they got up to head back, I noticed that they were all smiling and joking back and forth. While I walked back, kidding with several of them, my mind was spinning. Man, if Kat or Myrna found out about this, I was gonna be disowned and probably divorced before I was even married. I knew I had to act natural and not let on that I was trying to keep a secret, because knowing Myrna like I did, she would sniff it out in a minute.

I was greeted by Sally when I got back, asking if she and Quanta's daughters could go exploring and maybe visit the village. I smiled at her youthful enthusiasm, and told her to go ahead, but to be careful and stay on the main roads and trails. She kissed me and ran off, shouting for the others. I went to the patio table and joined the other adults where I was accosted by Myrna as soon as I sat down.

"Well, Jon, did everything go ok at the meeting? Will these delightful people be ok after we leave?"

"Myrna, if you give me a minute, I will tell everyone what happened. I had to get the men squared away and take care of a couple of points they needed to know about."

"Sorry, Jon, but we have been waiting on pins and needles wondering what happened at the meeting. Carver and Tiny are in the house, putting away all those boxes your men brought in with them. They will be back in a minute, and then you can fill all of us in on what happened. We asked Quanta, but he said it was your place to explain, since he was just a bystander to it all. Jon, we walked around a little this morning, and this place is beautiful. There are fruit trees and birds everywhere. Everything is so clean, and the views are spectacular. You are going to have to do something about that water in the pool. I don't like swimming in the ocean, and that pool stinks and needs to be cleaned so we can use it. Kat wants to work on her tan before you get married so she doesn't look so white."

"Myrna, will you please take a breath? I am working on getting the pool cleaned and filled with fresh water. I can only do so much in a day. You like to boss me around, so why don't you tell a couple of the women in the house to get the men who take care of the pool to do what you want?"

She glared at me and Kat broke out in that laugh I love so much, and immediately went into defense mode.

"Yeah Myrna, Jon has been pretty busy since we got here, don't you think? I am sure if we asked, there were men of the tribe who took care of the pool before and could probably do so again. Besides, we haven't had any time together since we got here. I want to spend some time with the man I love, so will you please quit trying to find things for him to do?"

Myrna looked at Kat then at me, and to my surprise started laughing. Kat just looked at me with almost the same expression on her face that I must have had.

"Jon, I am sorry for being so bossy. You are right, of course, Kat. I keep forgetting what we are here for, and that this is a special time for all of us to spend with each other. Jon, with all the men here now, is it safe to wander around the island?"

"Yes, I already let Sally and the others off the leash. They took off to explore ten minutes ago. I think we will all be pretty safe here now. Any way by sea onto the island is being watched, and the only other way is by plane or helicopter. We would hear them, so I think, for now, it is as safe as we can make it. By the way, Maggie, where is Katie? I haven't seen much of her since we got here."

"She has been in her room studying. Her professors gave her all her assignments before we left so she wouldn't fall behind, and she is almost done with them. If you have one, she asked if she could use your internet connection here to send her term papers in to the college."

"Maggie, I really don't know if we have an internet connection here or not. She will have to ask Quanta about that one, because he is more familiar with the communications setup than I am."

It turned out that I had satellite connections for anything and everything. The array that was installed was state of the art, and was able to do about anything its creators could think of. When Tiny and Carver came back to the table, I asked about the care package. Myrna said that they were going to take a walk and they could tell me about it later. Then Maggie grabbed Tiny, saying almost the same words. It was just me and Kat sitting at the table alone for the first time in awhile. I immediately started to get some ideas. She must have been on the same wavelength, because we both got up and headed for our room at the same time. She was grinning at me as we went up the steps. I was thinking my life with her was going to be very interesting for the next forty years or so as the door closed. She was in my arms as I flipped the lock.



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Chapter 46


We were awakened by someone knocking on the door, telling us that the evening meal was being served on the patio at our convenience. The voice was male, so I knew it wasn't the young girl. I woke Kat and got a kiss, and told her we needed to get dressed. When we came down the steps, we were greeted by the young girl saying that as soon as we were seated, our meal would be served. Everyone was there, and Sally was telling everyone about their visit to the village and how nice they had been treated by the people. I smiled to myself, hoping she and the rest continued to have a good time while we were here. The men from the Legion were seated at another table and were already eating and chattering up a storm. They were talking about how nice it was here. One spoke up and said if there was a bar for some cold beer, this would be an almost perfect place to sit back and take it easy. I looked over at Quanta and he was smiling to himself as his wife was whispering something to him.

"Quanta, do we have any beer in the cellar? I think the men would love a cold one while they are visiting."

"Jon, this place was completely stocked before you arrived. There is beer, whiskey and cognac in cases in the wine cellar next to the armory. Also, one of the buildings out behind the main house is full of the same items. I think there is enough to last several months. The cook in the kitchen has the key to it."

"Thanks, Quanta, when I get through eating I will make sure that she puts some beer in the cooler for everyone to sip as we sit and chat. I know there is soda and fresh juice for the girls so they won't be left out. Carver, what was in the care package Maurice sent us?"

"Jon, we won't have any worry about protecting ourselves. We now have plenty of automatic rifles, and the ammo to put in the hundreds of mags that he sent with them. We have grenades of all types, about twenty cases, I think. And he sent us a whole case of ten millimeter pistols and thousands of rounds of ammo for them. With what we have now, we could stand off a small army, if it came to that. Your friends came in with their own weapons, and I was told they had extra ammo with them. Jon, your friend seems to want to make sure we can protect ourselves well. I was also told all the weapons were legal and none were listed as being stolen."

"For some reason, that doesn't surprise me, Carver. I would be almost willing to bet they all were AKs and brand new. I would also be willing to bet they all had the attachments for firing grenades."

"Yes they did, Jon, and frankly in all my military experience, I have only seen a few of the modified AKs. They were made on the factory assembly line, but strictly made to order for important customers. The old AKs were known to blow up from using the grenade launchers too much, but these new ones are all made of stainless steel. One of your men told me these were the only ones that were not destroyed when they found them. Jon, these types of weapons tell me that someone very powerful is behind these rebels. Do you know what their interest could be in these small islands? It just doesn't compute that they would spend all that money to take over some islands that are worth nothing strategically to them."

"They need bases to supply the rebels, and these islands are spread out all over this area and there are thousands of them. If one gets raided, they would have others to operate from until they in turn are discovered by our troops. Why they are stirring up a civil war again, was not in my briefing. But if I had to hazard a guess, I would say it's because of the lucrative drug trade. It has been cut off almost completely in the last few years, by the constant patrolling by the United Nations and all the countries that have been cracking down on dope runners. Maurice told me they were having trouble in French Guiana again and they were sending in more troops to control the situation. The government there has been under a lot of pressure to run the French out and declare Guiana an independent country. The French Government has offered this several times over the years, but they chose to stay a French colony because of the lucrative tourist business from Europe. The people have voted overwhelmingly in the last two elections to remain a French colony. The rebels who want it to go back to the old style military junta leadership are the ones who are stirring it all up again. Their previous President, who was voted out of office by his own tribe, caused all this when he started the anti French rule party. That's when the rebels, who are mostly disenfranchised fighters from other countries, started putting pressure on the tribal leaders to overthrow the government. Those that didn't join were assassinated. The rest of the tribe was threatened with death if they didn't start growing poppies again. The government troops brought back order, but the rebels, who are being equipped by outsiders, are starting to get bold again with raids and ambushes on troops patrolling the outlying villages. When the Rebels killed an entire Legion Patrol that was on a training mission last month, it was the worst thing they could have done. That's all it took for the Legion to move in, in force, to shut this trash down and quietly try to find out who's supplying them and put him out of business. Believe me when I say, you do not kill Legionnaires and not expect some retribution to come at you. They are actively patrolling these waters and looking for rebel bases twenty-four hours a day. There are probably thirty or forty small battle cruisers in the area as we speak. Each carries a full platoon of soldiers who can be in the air and headed to a certain area in minutes. Now if you all don't mind, I think Kat and I would like to walk around and get accustomed to the island a little. I will be right back, dear, as soon as I tell the cooks to put some beer on ice for the men."

Kat was smiling, and Sally was too, as I got up and headed to the kitchen to pass on the message about the beer. I also needed to tell the cook about the coat hanger on the men's doors that I had forgotten to do earlier. I got the messages passed on, and got a strange look from one of the women when I told the cook about the signal. Other than that, they said they had already had the beer iced down and were going to take it out to the men when they were through eating. I hurriedly exited the kitchen and went straight to the men, who were just finishing up their meal. When I walked up they all started to stand but I waved them down. I looked over at our table and they all seemed to be talking, so I leaned over the men's table and spoke in a low voice that wouldn't carry.

"I have beer on ice that will be coming out for all of you when you are through with your meal. Need I remind you why you're here? There will be no drunkenness, and some of you need to stay sober at all times. There will be plenty of beer the whole time you are here, so you can switch back and forth to see who drinks and who doesn't. I will remind all of you again about any bad treatment of your visitors, and that they are to be out before dawn or I will stop all visits. Remember, you are Legionaries, and will conduct yourselves as such while you are here. I have told the women the signal that we use to not be bothered so all will know. Now have a good time, and please don't make me regret this, because if I do, so shall all of you, my friends. If there are any problems, I am on the second floor to the left at the top of the steps. Do not hesitate to wake me if something happens that I need to know about."

I turned and walked back toward my table with the men's cheers in my ears. Kat was grinning at me and got up hooking her arm in mine as we walked toward the beach. The rest of the evening was spent with talking about our future together and what we both wanted that to be. I had several questions that I asked her and to my surprise she was able to help me solve a few of the problems that had been troubling me. She told me she had an aunt that had been in the Peace Corps for many years and had been recently laid off from her teaching job due to budget cuts. She had taught junior high and high school for twenty years and was forced into early retirement and hated it. She loved kids and might be interested in living here and teaching again, if I asked her.

"Hon, why do you think she would just pack up and move here on such short notice?"

"Jon, she loves children and that's what she did in the Peace Corps, teach. To get an opportunity to teach these kids, she would gladly pack her clothes and sell her home to come here. She is fifty-one years old, and quite attractive, from the pictures I have seen. You never know, she might just marry and settle right here for the rest of her life, if she is happy here. Jon, this place is beautiful and I know a lot of people who would love to live in a place like this. I also have a friend who is a GP and has a bush pilot license and is looking for a warmer place to open up a new practice. Right now he is in Alaska, but there is one problem that might make you a little leery of him."

"What is that, Kat? God, if he put the word out to the area around here, with the shortage of doctors, he could have a large practice almost overnight. That, and the fact he can fly to the different islands, would be a big boon for him. What problems could there be that would stop him if he wanted to come?"

"Jon, let's sit down on the steps for a few minutes so I can explain why he is where he's at right now."

I looked at her and got a smile so we walked over to the steps and sat down on the bottom one where I waited for her to explain it to me.

"I guess I should start from where I met him. I was in college and he was one of the visiting instructors. At the time we all thought he was so handsome and charming, and his way of teaching was so easy to absorb. I was married and maybe that's why we became such fast friends. He was gay, and had been with his lover since high school. They were two of the leading Trauma Surgeons in the tri-state area. They both were on 24 hour call to the president and his staff. Anyway they were out having supper one night and a bunch of skinheads beat his partner up when he went to get the car. Jon, they beat him so bad he was in a coma for two years and finally died from his injuries. Patrick almost died himself, because he wouldn't leave his side the whole time. I was the only one he would talk or listen to, and it took me weeks before I was finally able to get him to eat and drink so he wouldn't die too. When Saul died, Patrick quietly sold out and moved to Alaska to start over. We have stayed in touch through emails and letters over the years. Jon, I love him like a brother, and when he said his arthritis was starting to slow him down, I suggested he find a warmer climate to work in. He told me that if he could find something, he would move out of the cold and damp in a minute. Jon, I think this would be an ideal place for him, what with the climate. He would be so happy, having a base of operations to work out of. He is very wealthy in his own right, so you wouldn't have to pay him, just give him a place to work from. Jon, I know what the military thinks about gays, but would you give him a chance? I promise he is not a child molester or anything like that."

"Kat, my darling, I don't care if he is gay or weird. If you think he would take the job, I would welcome him with open arms. If he is a friend of yours, then he is automatically a friend of mine, and be damned what anyone thinks. If you want, you can call him tonight and give him the good news. Tell him he is expected to attend our wedding while he is here."

I had a guilty feeling and decided to come clean since I didn't want her to think I ever lied to her. I told her about the native women and what I had been told by Mikey. I also told her I had already given the men permission to accept if they wanted to. I took a deep breath when I finished and waited for her to go off on me. We sat for at least five minutes, with me watching and listening to the waves coming in and smashing against the beach. I finally got up enough courage to look at her and tears were running down her cheeks. I felt like my heart had been torn in two when I saw that. I was staring at her when she looked up at me and totally lost it. She was laughing so hard her complexion matched her red hair, if that was possible.

"Well, I don't think it's funny, Kat. I feel bad enough about the whole thing without you laughing at my embarrassment. I had to tell you because I promised I would never lie to you about anything. Now will you please quit laughing and tell me why you think this whole thing is so funny?"

She leaned over and hugged me but she was still laughing so hard it was making me queasy with all the up and down motion of her body. She leaned back and wiped her eyes on the tail of her shirt and looked at me still chuckling.

"Jon, for a man who has been around the world, you sure are an innocent when it comes to the aspects of sex between men and women. Jon, I could care less about what they do, tribal customs or not. I will put two conditions on it though. One, if I catch you playing stud with some little native girl, not only will you not have a wife, but you will never be able to have children, ever. Two, I haven't known Myrna that long, but I have a feeling if she finds out your part in this breeding program, we better take Sally and run because she will kill you in a minute. Just think, Jon, the next time we come here to visit I will get to see all the new babies. None of them better resemble you, or you're gonna swim back to the mainland."

She went off again when she looked at my face, and I had to chuckle myself, thinking about what she said. We were sitting on the step holding each other up and laughing our heads off when Sally came down and wanted to know what was so funny. That set us off all over again. We finally got settled down and I told Sally we were discussing her part in life at the house if Kat did have triplets. She just looked at me and Kat for a second then said; "If you two think I am going to get up at all hours of the night to feed kids, you better think again. Besides, Kat said she was going to breast feed and I haven't matured enough to do that."

I looked at her in shock, and she said, "Gotcha," and ran like hell up the steps with me and Kat both chasing her. When we got to the top, Myrna was standing there with her hands on her hips watching us. Sally immediately ducked behind her laughing.

"Why are you two chasing my girl?"

I looked at her, then at Kat, grinned and said; "She lied to us. We just found out she isn't old enough to help Kat breast feed our kids yet."

"DAD!!"

Myrna looked at us, then over her shoulder at Sally. She grabbed Sally by the ear, mumbling something about her big mouth and smart mannerisms as she marched her toward the house. Sally was looking back at me and stuck her tongue out as Myrna took her in the house. Kat and I were both laughing as we sat down at the table after helping ourselves to one of the beers, sweating in the tropical heat. After about five minutes Sally came out and sat down with us at the table and asked for a beer.

"Don't you think you're just a might too young for a beer, young lady?"

"Well after the chewing I just got, thanks to you two, I think I deserve one."

"Have some fresh juice instead. It doesn't give you a headache if you drink too much of it."

That got me a smile as she poured a glass of juice and sat sipping it. Watching her, I could tell something was troubling her, so I asked.

"What wrong, Sally? Something else is bothering you, and it's not the butt chewing you just got either."

She took another sip, looking over the top of her glass at me and Kat. She sat pensively thinking for a minute as if trying to gather her thoughts before she spoke.

"Dad, you know I love Myrna like she's my mother, but something is bothering her. I may be wrong about this, but I think she is having second thoughts about getting married."

"Why in the world would you think something like that, Sally?"

"Well Dad, it's not what she says; it's what she isn't saying. I would think as much as she loves Carver, she would be happy and talking about it all the time. Every time I mention the subject to her, she changes moods and talks about something else. I just asked her about what I would need to wear to be her bridesmaid, and she changed the subject. She started talking about the house in Virginia, and how much work she would have to do when she got home to clean it all up after being gone so long. Dad we are only going to be here for two weeks, how much dust can there be in that time?"

I looked over at Kat and she inclined her head toward the house. As I got up, I told Sally I would talk to Myrna and see if I could find out what was wrong. Sally said her room was the first door to the right as I went in. She started talking to Kat as I walked toward the house. I knew Sally wouldn't say something like that unless she was worried, because she and Myrna were very close to each other. Knowing the two of them like I did, and the fact that it was worrying her, spoke volumes to me. Now I was worried that maybe something had happened between the two of them that I didn't know about. I didn't want to snoop into their business, but even with all her bossiness, I loved the woman myself and was worried about her. She was my family and I wouldn't stand by and let someone hurt my family, if there was something I could do to help. As I walked into the house, I took a deep breath, wondering how I was going to approach the subject with her without her thinking I was interfering in her personal business. Damn, sometimes I hated having close friends, because when you did and if you cared for them, their problems seemed to be yours, whether you wanted them to be or not. Oh well, I thought, as I raised my hand to knock on her door, this ought to be interesting.



-------

Chapter 47


I knocked on the door but there was no answer, so I knocked again. Finally I heard a weak, "Come in," and opened the door. The room was almost completely dark, so I flipped the light switch on. The sight that greeted my eyes was so totally unexpected it took my breath away for a moment. Myrna was sprawled out on the floor, leaning against a chair sobbing. The shock of seeing her like this was more than a nightmare. Here was the strongest woman I had ever met, and she was sitting on the floor sobbing like a baby. I moved over to her, sat down and took her in my arms, feeling completely helpless. All I could do was hold her as she sobbed. I never felt so useless in my life. I don't know how long I sat there holding her, until she finally started to ease off a little. I wanted so bad to ask her what was wrong, but I didn't want to intrude on her or bother her until she wanted to talk. She finally turned toward me, and looking at her red eyes and runny nose, I felt like crying myself. I dug in my pocket and got the handkerchief I always carried and silently handed it to her. She took it and wiped her eyes, then blew her nose and just hugged me tight. I held her and waited to see why she was so upset.

"Jon, I'm sorry you had to see me like this."

"Myrna, what's wrong? Is it something I said or did?"

"Of course not, Jon. Do you think I am getting married too fast? Will it work out for me, Jon?"

"Myrna, you know I can't answer that. I think you will have to decide the answer to that by yourself. Has something happened between you and Carver?"

"Oh no, nothing like that, Jon. I am just worried about our future together. Jon, will I lose you and Sally to Kat when you get married? I love Kat, but Sally is the only child I have ever had and I don't want to lose her. I love her like she's my own, and just the thought of her moving away scares me to death."

"Move away! Myrna, Sally and I are not going anywhere and I'll tell you right now, that she thinks of you as her mother and so do I. Why would you think we would move away?"

"Carver and I have been talking, and he thinks once we get married, we should buy our own place to live. He says he doesn't like living on someone else's charity. I told him I wasn't moving anywhere, and we had an argument about it. He says he doesn't want his wife being a servant to anyone."

I was furiously cussing him in my mind, and trying to hold onto my temper at the same time. I never considered Myrna my servant, and hoped that she didn't think she was. To have him, almost a stranger to all of us, say something like that, made me furious.

"Myrna, I'm sorry he feels that way, but I have never considered you a servant to me or Sally. Sally and I both love you like family, and I don't think I could have managed all these years without you being there for both of us. I know Kat considers you a friend, and is looking forward to you being there for her when we get married. Myrna, I never knew my mother or father, but I would hope she would be like you have been to me and Sally over the years. I don't know what I can do to change Carver's mind, but I can talk to him, if you want. I know how much you love him, and I would be very unhappy if I was the cause of troubles between the two of you. Myrna, I can't make this decision for you, but I will say that if you do decide to leave, we will miss you an awful lot. As much as I hate to say this, it's your life now and you deserve some happiness too. You have taken care of my family almost all your life, so you think about it and make the decision that will make you happy. Sally and I will back you in any way we can, and regardless of what you decide, we both won't ever stop loving you. This is one decision I cannot and will not try to interfere in. This one you need to talk out with the man you are going to marry, and work it out between the two of you so you're happy, Myrna. I think this is one of those times you need to think about what you want instead of everyone else. Will you be ok now?"

"I'll be fine, Jon, thanks for listening to this old woman rant."

"Myrna, I know this may be a little personal, but just how old are you? The woman I saw in the hospital looked to be in her thirties, but you have never said anything."

She looked up at me and smiled sadly, then lightly brushed her hand over my cheek before replying;

"Jon, I turn forty-eight next month. I haven't ever told anyone my age before now, so I would appreciate it if you didn't say anything to anyone. I haven't even told Carver my age, although he has asked a couple of times. Jon, I love you and Sally with all my heart and soul, and I will not choose between my love for you and my love for Carver. Yes, I love him, but if he won't listen to reason, I will not marry him. My place is with you and Sally, and there is no one who will ever come between us. I will talk to Carver again, but if he pushes me to move away, he can go to hell. I am staying with you and Sally and Kat. You are my family and the only ones I consider as such. I know this might sound harsh, but I have always made my own decisions, and I am not going to change my life to make Carver happy with his outdated way of thinking. That house we all live in is mine as much as it is yours, Jon. It's the only home I have ever known, other than when I went to college, and I was so happy to get back home when I graduated. If he can't understand that, then he is going to have a very lonely life. I love him and it hurts that he wants me to choose between my family and him. What he doesn't know is that although I love him, he better accept me as I am or we won't be getting married. This has been coming to a head for the last week or so, when he started asking why we didn't go live in the house that Bill left us. I know I have always been bossy and sometimes mean to you, but I love you like a son, Jon, and I think you have always known I felt that way. I am proud of what you do and so is my girl. No man, even one I love, is going to change me or try to make me do something I know in my heart would be a mistake and would make me miserable. Jon, I know you get mad and frustrated with me sometimes, but everything I have ever done has been because I wanted you to be the son I never had. Now that you and Kat are getting married, it makes me tingle with happiness to think that the house will have kids running around and that Aunt Myrna can be their granny. No Sir, no man is going to take that away from me. Now you go out and be with Sally and Kat. Take them for a walk and enjoy their company. You know Sally is growing up fast, and you need to show her how much you love her because you certainly haven't been spending much time with her these last few months. You let me work out this out with Carver in my own way. Jon, I know you, so please don't interfere regardless of how it turns out. This is something that I have to settle on my own without anyone interfering. Promise me?"

"I will promise you, Myrna, but if he hurts you in any way, either Tiny or I will take a hand and he won't like the way we handle it."

"Jon Morgan, don't you say a word to Tiny. He has enough on his mind right now, and you will not handle it. This is my problem to handle, so you just stay out of it. Don't worry, he would never hit me."

"Myrna, if he does and I find out, he is a dead man and that I promise you."

She hugged me and said again for me to go and spend some time with Kat and my daughter. I got up, but I didn't like the conversation and resolved to have a talk with Tiny as soon as I could. Between the two of us, we both could keep an eye on her and Carver until this got settled one way or the other. I didn't feel that Carver would hurt her, but just the thought had my inner wolf raising its head. While I was walking back to the table, I decided I would have Maurice run a deep background check on him, just for my own satisfaction. I had read part of his service record, but there were always other things that it didn't contain. These were what I wanted to know about.

When I got to the table, Sally was laughing about something. I sat down and picked up my beer. Before I could even get a sip, both of them were looking at me. Sally said one word with Kat looking at me intently.

"Well?"

"You're right, Sally, I think maybe it's just pre-wedding jitters."

Then Kat laughed and looked at Sally, then at me before saying; "What about you Jon? You have any doubts I need to know about before we go through with this? Remember, I am supposed to be pregnant with triplets, so if you have any doubts about being a daddy, speak now. But, if you back out, Sally and I will both beat you so bad you won't want to face us for the next hundred years."

I looked at both of them, and they both were glaring at me. Then they busted out laughing at the look on my face.

"Kat, what man in his right mind wouldn't want to marry a beautiful woman like you? Sally, in a few more years you will be just as beautiful. I couldn't be happier than I am right now. I don't know about you two, but I haven't seen any of the island since we got here. What say we steal the golf cart and see if we can terrorize the natives for awhile?"

Sally jumped up yelling, "I'm driving," as she ran around the house. I got up and was promptly kissed by Kat, who giggled when my knees gave out as she broke the kiss.

"I get shotgun!" Kat shouted as she ran around the house, leaving me standing with my lips still puckered from her kiss. I just shook my head, chuckling to myself as I hurried to join them. Boy, I could just see it now; these two were going to be teasing me constantly. I gingerly sat down on the back seat, and Sally took off so fast I almost flipped out the back. I started yelling at her to slow down, this isn't a race car. They both were laughing at me and Kat was yelling, "Faster, Sally, faster." Needless to say, I was holding on with a death grip as they drove along the cliff overlooking the ocean. I didn't get to enjoy the view, because every time she hit a bump, Kat would yell, "Go faster." I wasn't sure at that point if I would survive long enough to make it to wherever they were headed for. I think I actually put finger dents in the aluminum rails as I held on for dear life. They both were laughing and having a grand old time. Sally slammed on the brakes and I flew out of the side onto the ground from the unexpected stop. I think I rolled twice before I gingerly got up brushing myself off glaring at the two of them.

"Sorry Dad, I guess I should have warned you, huh?"

I glared at her for a moment and told her if she drove like that when she got old enough to get her permit, then I would never buy her a car. Kat just laughed, and of course Sally had a comeback for me almost immediately.

"You never know, Dad, I might decide to become a professional race car driver when I get old enough. Of course I want to graduate from college first, but I have thought about it many times since I saw you drive through the barn doors."

She and Kat laughed out loud at the grimace I made when she reminded me about tearing my truck up. Then Sally told me why she had brought me to this particular spot. She told me to go to the edge and look over and tell her what I saw. I looked at her in a puzzled way then did as she asked. Looking down, I saw a winding path carved into the cliff side that went all the way to the small cove at the bottom. She handed me a pair of binoculars and said to look out toward the mouth of the cove. I did as she asked and saw a long shadow on the bottom of the seabed that blocked entrance to the cove from the sea. I walked a little to the side to get out of the glare of the sun off the water and what came into focus made me gasp. It looked like a sunken submarine, but how the hell had it gotten here? I needed to talk to Maurice, and also find out if this way into the island from the sea was guarded also. Before I could say anything, a voice above me spoke. I had my pistol out pointing in the direction of the voice almost automatically.

"Do not worry, Jon Morgan; we have any way onto the island watched at all times. That pile of logs over there will keep anyone from climbing up the cliff, and they are set so one man or boy can roll them down until help arrives. That old sub has been there since World War Two when it ran aground and was abandoned by the crew. It is in about thirty feet of water, and is angled so only a shallow draft boat can pass over it. I saw your daughter and her friends here, and I am surprised they found the trail. She is very observant for one so young."

He came out of a tree and landed almost in front of me. It was the same man from the house who had talked to me earlier about his daughter.

"You are very fast with your gun, Jon Morgan, but you and your guests and family are in no danger, as I told you earlier. You are now our chief, and we would do whatever is necessary to protect you and your family and guests. My name is Suner, and I am one of the ones charged with insuring your safety. I have one of the other men coming to take my place here. I will take you to the other cove where boats land so you may see for yourself we are on guard as we promised."

"You do not have anything to prove to me or my family, Suner. If we have trouble of any kind, I have legionaries at the house and can call in reinforcements in a few minutes. This island has been given back to its people, as it should have been many years ago."

When I introduced him to Kat and Sally, he told Kat the village was looking forward to our ceremonies and the binding of our spirits in the way of their ancestors. Kat smiled and kissed him on the cheek. Sally started chuckling, so he gave her a big smile and a hug. Then it was her turn to blush and he returned it with a laugh. The replacement arrived and we all got back in the golf cart, with me driving this time. Of course Sally didn't like it, but I told her I wasn't about to let her roll me out on the ground again. Kat laughed, and Sally stuck her tongue out at me, which caused Suner to laugh at her. For the rest of the ride to the village, she alternated between glaring and laughing at me and Kat as we kept giving each other goggle eyes. She and Suner were having a ball, joking about me and Kat all the way to the village.

When we came to the village, we were greeted by a whole bunch of kids, and I noticed that a lot of them were close to Sally and Quanta's girls ages. When Sally saw them, she hopped out of the cart and took off, yelling she would be back in a little while. Kat and I were offered glasses of fresh juice. The people were all smiling and talking to Kat in English, which surprised me because. I had been under the impression that they spoke their own dialect and French only. Shows you how much I was misinformed.

Kat left with the women after kissing me. Suner and I walked toward the far end of the village and into the trees where we continued along for about fifteen minutes. He started telling me about the ceremony that I would be going through three days from now. I thought this was great, because at least it gave me some knowledge about what we would be doing. We walked out into a small clearing and Suner led me to a well beaten path that led down a small slope to the sea. The beach here was almost as large as the one below the house, and again it was a cove and narrow where it fed in from the sea. He said that only small boats could enter here and if a motor launch came, in it had to raise its engine because of the sharp reefs at the entrance. He showed me several areas that had natural defenses that had been built up so that no one could come ashore unless they were let in. He said this was a secret entrance known only to the villagers and a few outsiders like the people from the plantation. He said they watched both entrances at all times now, since they didn't want any surprises in the night.

He then took me to a large field that had been planted with coconut trees and said that they would be chopping a lot of them down. They were going to plant vegetables which had a larger market on the other islands. That's when I found out just how old some of the trees were. He told me that the trees had been producing less and less every year. We spent the better part of two hours discussing what they were going to plant in the different areas, and that the people were looking forward to having their own gardens. They wanted to be able to trade the surplus for things that they needed, like cloth and needles and thread. I asked him how many of the islands grew pot, and then had to explain to him what I was talking about, as he had never heard that name. When I finally got across to him what I was talking about, he looked at me in shock and some anger.

"We have never grown such an item on this island. If Koma heard of this, he would behead any who did such a thing. This is taboo to our people, and we all do not want any of this bad grass grown here. Also, your government would move all of us to another island if we were caught doing such a thing. We have heard of islands who do grow this and the plant called poppy. They have many wars, and are in constant danger from the ones who buy it from them. We wish to have control of our island, like you have given us, and will not do something as stupid as that. Besides, when we wish to have the ceremonial manhood rites, our shamans know how to blend our own plants to make us see into our future. This is their secret, and is only known to them. Koma only allows the manhood ceremony to be held once a year and for only three days. It is for our young who have become men and are ready to go through the rites of our ancestors."

I had to admit this relieved a lot of worries I had, because I was afraid they might have been growing pot and poppies under the old owner's orders. As it turned out, they only grew bananas and coconuts and some form of mango that was sold to the big island. The field we were standing in now had been burned off last year to plant some sort of vegetable which was new, and they had no idea of what it was. I looked out across the field, and could see no traces of it ever being burned as it was green and lush with flowers growing everywhere. Suner told me that there were fruit trees all over the island, but the old owner just let them rot rather than try to harvest them. He wouldn't even let the natives eat them, because he didn't want them getting fat and lazy. I was secretly hoping they put him away for life for treating these gentle people the way he had. I had seen nothing but fear and scars since I had come here. I hoped while I lived they would never have to endure something like that again. I made a vow to myself to make sure they had my number in the States. If they had problems, they could send a boat to call me, and I would come running to help them. We headed back to the village and I marveled at the beauty surrounding me. Suner climbed a small tree and when he came down, he handed me a banana and said to eat it. I slowly peeled it back and took a bite. It was sweet and delicious although it was only about four inches long. I asked why it was so good because the only ones I had ever seen were yellow and he just busted up laughing at my question. By the time he quit laughing, we were back in the village and I never did get a reply to my question. Once again, we were given fresh fruit drinks. I was thinking how delicious they were when Sally came around from the back of one of the huts with nothing on but a sarong. The sight of her with her hair up and wearing native garb made me smile.

"Isn't it beautiful, Dad? This is what I am wearing to your wedding, and I have a different colored one for Myrna's wedding. These are so cool and comfortable I could get used to wearing just this all the time. Kat will be out in a minute. They are putting the finishing touches on hers before the shamans bless it for your wedding. You are not allowed to see her in it before the wedding though, so don't even ask. Dad, they want Myrna to come tomorrow for her final fitting also. I told them I would tell her when we got back."

She went to change back into her jeans, and I didn't have the heart to tell her that there was a chance Myrna and Carver wouldn't be getting married here. Knowing how close they were, I had a feeling that Myrna would want to tell her herself. I looked around the village while I waited for Kat and Sally. I noticed that it was clean, with none of the residual smell of garbage and human waste I remembered from being in Africa around the villages there. I did notice several toddlers playing under one of the huts with some kind of ball. They were laughing and having a good time, and their laughter brought a smile to my face. I had always thought that the sound of a child's laughter was the most beautiful music in the world. Then I remembered what Kat said, and wondered if I would feel the same way when my own children arrived. God, I hoped for my sake it was only one and not the three Kat was expecting. Then another thought hit me. What if she did have three? I only had two arms and didn't know a thing about raising kids from babies. Sally had come to me already broken in and she was the perfect young child. But, how had she learned things, I wondered. God, I thought, this was going to drive me to drink, and I couldn't wait to get back, 'cause by now I needed a cold one.



-------

Chapter 48


Sally and I stood around talking about the village and how much she liked it, until Kat finally showed up to rejoin us. She was accompanied by several of the village women and they were talking and laughing as they walked. I could only stand and marvel to myself when I looked at her this way. For some reason I felt humbled and a little guilty because she was so beautiful. Sally must have been having the same thoughts because she had a comment for my ears alone.

"She is really beautiful, isn't she Dad? I hope I am half as beautiful as she is when I get older."

"I don't think you will have any problem, Sally. You're only thirteen, and you're already a beautiful young lady. When you get old enough to go to college, you will be beating the boys off with a club. You know sweetie, I still haven't figured out how I got lucky enough to have her to fall in love with me. Sometimes I feel like I am living in a dream world."

"Well duh! You're my dad, and even if you don't know it, you're a handsome man. All the girls at school are jealous because you're such a hunk. If I didn't love you as my dad, I would make you promise to wait and marry only me. Jeesh, Dad, Kat is a perfect match for you, even if you don't know it yet. You know I love you, but I think Kat loves you almost as much as I do. I just want you to promise me that you won't forget I'm here once you get married."

I laughed and picked her up and kissed her soundly as she giggled and struggled to get down.

"Sally, how could I ever forget the one person that means so much to me? You are my heart and I love you and always will."

I got a smile and kiss and was immediately told to put her down, 'cause I was embarrassing her in front of the whole village. I kissed her again, laughing, and put her down. I got kicked on the shin and she laughed at me the whole time as I stood on one foot rubbing it. It came to me that she was still as much of a tomboy as she ever was. Kat came over with a smile and quickly kissed me with Sally sniggering in the background as she did. Two more days, I was thinking, and I'll be married to this beautiful childlike woman who never ceased to amaze me. When we headed for the golf cart, Sally ran ahead and got in the drivers seat. When I came up she was looking for the key, which I held up for her to see.

"Aw, come on Dad, let me drive! That way you and Kat can sit in the back and play kissy face all the way to the house."

I looked at Kat, who was laughing that little girl laugh of hers at Sally's antics. I just shook my head wondering which one was worse, trying to twist me around their little fingers.

"No way, young lady. I do not want to end up rolling on the ground again or being scared out of a year's growth by your driving. I don't know who's worse, you, or Kat for encouraging you. Kat and I will sit in the front and you in the back. As far as our kissing, I guess you'll just have to close your eyes, or you can sit up front and I can kiss you all the way back."

"Eww, that's disgusting, Dad. I'll sit in the back, thank you."

Kat and I both broke out laughing at her, sitting there pouting with her arms folded. She was trying to keep from smiling, but her good nature got the best of her. She leaned up and kissed me on the cheek saying that was the only one I was getting from her until she decided to give me another one. I thought Kat was going to roll out on the ground, she was laughing so hard. I started the cart moving at an easy pace and Kat looked at me then at Sally, smiling the whole time.

"God, I love the both of you so much. You know, Jon, in a few more years when her vocabulary catches up with her education, she is going to be able to out match you in an argument. I think our children will fall in love with their big sister, just like I have. You two are great together and it amazes me to think that she is adopted. I bet when she has her own kids, dad is going to be the babysitter of choice. Sally, after your dad and I get married, will you let me adopt you as my daughter?"

Where that came from I didn't know, but it shocked Sally as much as it did me. Her mouth fell open and tears started running down her cheeks. She didn't answer, just leaned forward and hugged Kat, and then they both were crying and hugging each other. My eyes were moist too, and I again wondered how I had ever gotten so lucky in my choice of a woman to fall for. Like Sally, she had been through the flames and had come out the other side with her soul still pure and loving. To be truthful, I felt almost humbled that I had the love of both of them. I had come to this country with a lot of preconceived notions about its people and how they would react to me, but every day I saw all of my ideas and notions shattered. It came to me, watching the love these two closest to me were sharing, that this country was like any other I had been in. There was good and bad everywhere you went, and the only difference was the people involved.

When we got to the house, I was told to go ahead, as they wanted to talk some more. I was glad to head for the tub of sweating beers sitting on a table. I grabbed one, and went over and sat down with the rest of the crowd. I felt the tension almost immediately, and looked around at everyone sitting there. Myrna had tears in her eyes, and Tiny looked like he was about to explode. Maggie had a hand on his arm and was quietly talking to him. Quanta and his wife were sitting in silence, and she was staring at Carver like she wanted to kill him. I had never seen this mild mannered woman look this way before, and to be truthful, it gave me a start.

"Would someone like to tell me what's going on? All of you look like you are ready to have a fight."

They all stared at me and then Carver spoke up with a venom that had my inner wolf up and growling.

"I am taking Myrna with me, and we will be married in the states like we should be. I got news for you, Jon Morgan. She is no one's servant, and you will not influence her decision about where we will live. I suggest you mind your own business from now on, and leave Myrna out of your ideas of whom or what she should do."

I sat back in shock for a second, and then almost exploded across the table at him. I saw the silent plea in Myrna's eyes so I sat back to see where this was going to go. I did know he was out of here as soon as I could arrange transportation for him. If he didn't go, promise or not, I would beat his ass for acting this way in front of everyone. I watched as the tears in Myrna's eyes went away, and I could see she was getting ready to explode. I sat and waited to see what he would do when she did. It wasn't long in coming either.

"Carver, that's it. I have had enough of your antiquated ideas and your insults to my family. We are not getting married, and I will have Jon call for a helicopter to take you off the island so you can go home. When you get there, move your belongings off our property immediately, and find somewhere else to live. Neither you nor any other person talks to my family that way, and I won't make any exceptions for you, even if I do love you. I told you last night that I wouldn't move and I make my own decisions. I have never let anyone tell me what to do, and you're not about to be the first. I tried every way I could to talk this out with you, but you seem to think just because we were getting married that you own me. That has not happened and never will. Now, I suggest you go pack your things and move to an empty room until we can call for a helicopter for you. When you leave here, I don't ever want to look at your face again for any reason. To clarify a point, I am no one's servant, and if you had bothered to ask me or Jon, we would have told you that the house we live in belongs to us both. His grandfather set it up that way in the will, and both Jon and I are happy with it. He and Sally are my family, and now that Kat is getting married to him, so is she. We have always been happy together and I feel sorry for you, because you will never know the love we have for each other. You will spend the rest of your life alone and unhappy because you don't have a family to love. Think about it while you travel back, and you will see that I am right. Now, get out of my sight until you leave!"

All of us were watching the play of emotions across his face as what she said was processed in his mind. I saw his eyes narrow and his arm tense. Tiny must have seen it too because he turned toward him a little, and took Maggie's hand off his arm. He looked at Tiny, then at me. I narrowed my eyes, waiting for him to move. He tensed up again and I did too, getting ready to go after him. Then he just seemed to deflate and got up, heading for the house. Myrna watched him, and I could see in her eyes something I had never seen before, hate. She took a deep breath and motioned with her hand to someone out of my sight. I hadn't realized Kat and Sally had come up, and I wondered how much they had heard. My question was quickly answered when Sally ran up and hugged Myrna, crying on her shoulder, saying how sorry she was. I watched in amazement as Myrna got up, and she and Sally walked away from the table, headed for the path toward the village. Kat came over and sat down beside me with a sad look on her face, as she too watched Myrna and Sally walk away with their arms around each other, talking.

"Jon, remind me never to get on her bad side. Her words cut through me like a scalpel, and they weren't even directed at me. I know it's none of my business, being the newcomer here, but that's a side of Myrna that I hope never to see again."

"Kat, I have seen Myrna in just about any situation you could think of over the years, but I have never seen her like this. I am so proud of her I could hug her for standing up for herself like that. If Carver was acting the way she said, she would have been miserable, married to him. Although I never mentioned it to anyone, she is right about the house belonging to both of us. It was written up in the will that way, and since she is considered family by me and all my relatives, I never gave it much thought. Quanta, call for a helicopter immediately, and let's get him out of here before Tiny or I get into it with him. Other than a few incidents, I think we all have enjoyed our time here and I won't let him ruin the rest of our stay. I just hope that he hasn't ruined Myrna's visit here. I wonder why he changed so much about their relationship. He never gave a hint he was so bitter while we were at the house in Virginia."

Quanta's wife got up and came over to me and kissed me on the cheek. She whispered in my ear that she was about to put a curse on him until I showed up. I turned to her in shock, and asked her out loud if she was a witch before I could stop myself.

"My people, especially the women of my blood, have always been great witches. That is why the Kings of our people only married into my bloodline, so they would be more powerful. Quanta and I were different though, as we fell in love when we were small children. I have prayed and thanked our Gods for our safety, ever since you came along and kept us from being killed by the rebels. Jon Morgan, we owe you our very existence and our lives because of your selfless actions. I have never forgotten since I looked up from the ditch we were hiding in, and saw this white man reaching out his hand to help me and my children to safety. For that we will be forever grateful, and I have asked the Gods a hundred blessings upon you and your family since it happened. Due to the fact that all of our bloodlines are centuries old, all the women of our order know of you, and will always pray for your health and the health of the ones you love. When you complete the ceremony tomorrow with my husband and Koma, you will become one of us. We always look out for our own, regardless of where you travel in this world. In exactly eight months and ten days, your wife will have triplets and they all will have the blood of our ancestors flowing through them. They will be blessed with wisdom and knowledge that you will never begin to know about. I have been told this by the Gods, and they do not lie to one of their favored ones. By the time you and Kat grow old; you will have saved and helped more people than any army on this earth. You will have many trials, but will always triumph in the path you have chosen. I, Sylveen Mutamba, have spoken and will discuss this no further. Kat, you have chosen a very strong man to live your life with, and he will always be there when you need him because it is part of his life as a protector."

She went over to Kat and held her hands, kissing both of them and made a sign on her forehead before resuming her seat by her husband. This was the most I had ever heard her say, and to say I was shocked would be an understatement. I looked over at Kat and she returned my look with wonder in her eyes and a smile on her face. I was choked up so I took a drink of my beer. I tried to settle my feelings and make sense of what she had said. Tiny and Maggie were looking at her like she had a third eye. She smiled and took Maggie's hands in hers and looked at the palms of them, then stared into her eyes. Her next statement almost floored me and Tiny both.

"Maggie, my dear, you will have a boy and he will grow up to be a great leader of men. You and Tiny will be proud of him in all ways, like you already are of your daughter. I have looked at her soul and she carries the knowledge and wisdom of her people deep inside. I have seen that she will marry a good man, but she will be the strength of their marriage. She will never have children of her own, but will always be loved by the hundreds of children that she will come in contact with over the years in her chosen profession. You will be proud of her throughout her life. You will be there to help her and in doing so, stay young and healthy yourself."

I wouldn't be lying if I said that the first thought that entered my mind was that this was a bunch of hocus pocus. I was also wise enough to realize that women like her had existed since the dawn of time, but to meet one in person was just a little on the strange side. I watched her pour a fresh glass of juice and sip it with a small smile on her face, as if she already knew what we were all thinking.

"Jon, the helicopter will be here in an hour to pick up Carver. I also got a strange message from your U.S. Embassy saying that they wish for you to make contact with them as soon as possible. They said to tell you they had a message from someone named Jeb who has been calling since last night, trying to get in touch with you."

I took the phone from him and pulled a card out of my wallet. I dialed the contact number I had been given when I came down here, just in case I needed to get in touch with them. When I got through, the woman who answered said to hold a minute and she would patch me through to the assistant attaché's office. Two rings later I was talking to him, and was informed that they had four guests there who had no passports and were trying to find a ride to my island. He said they were upset and claiming that if they didn't get to me; their lives would be terminated within twenty-four hours. I asked him their names and when he told me who they were, I told him to contact the helicopter service we use, as they had a helicopter headed our way and they could catch a ride. I told him not to worry about the passports as I owned the island, and they would not have to have one to visit. He hung up, saying he would call the service immediately and make the arrangements. I handed the phone back to Quanta with a puzzled look on my face.

"Quanta, find one of the legionnaires and tell them to go to alert status. Tiny, grab yourself a rifle and one for me, then stand by, as we are about to have guests who may be in danger if they are followed. When we hear the helicopter, I want all of the women out of sight until I find out what's going on here. Tiny, tell Carver his ride will be here shortly, so be ready to leave."

"With pleasure, Jon. What's going on, anyway?"

"It seems the church has a longer arm than I expected, so be ready for anything. I need to call Maurice and put one of the patrol boats close to the island. Quanta, let me use your phone again, will you?"

I got through to Maurice in short order and explained the situation to him. He said there was one of the fast cruisers within an hour of my island, and he would send it my way immediately. He also gave me the number of the boat's captain and said I could contact him personally, and that he would be under my orders until he was dismissed. Typical Maurice, he didn't ask a bunch of questions, just acted with his usual quick response. Quanta came back with one of the men, and I barked out several orders in French. He ran off to follow them, running down the line of rooms shouting out the alert signal. Tiny came back out with two of the AKs and several mags for them. He handed me one, and when Quanta asked for one, I smiled and said he was my backup from inside the house, and was to make sure the women were safe. He gave me a dirty look, but quickly hustled them inside. That's when I remembered Sally and Myrna were out walking around. I sent one of the men on the golf cart to find them and to tell them to stay in the village until I sent for them. I also told him to stay with them and to warn the villagers. He said he didn't speak English very well, and I told him that almost all the villagers and my daughter spoke French, so not to worry about it, just warn them to watch the coves. Carver came out with his suitcase and stood by the steps going down to the beach. I walked over to him and quietly told him what was going down and to keep his head down until I got it all sorted out. He said he had left my pistol on the bed and that he was sorry for all that had happened.

"Carver, I have nothing to do with what happened between you and Myrna. If you blew your chance, that was your fault, not mine. I will say I am glad you're leaving, because the way you spoke and acted is inexcusable for any man. You were accepted into our home with no reservations, and to say the things you did was not only insulting but totally out of line on your part. I have a feeling that somewhere down the line, you will always regret that you lost the best thing that you could ever have found, Myrna!"

He didn't say a word and I headed down the steps to the beach with six fully battle dressed legionaries at my back. When we got to the bottom, they spread out in different positions to cover the beach. Even to my trained eye, they were hard to spot when they were settled in. Now it was just a waiting game to see what happened. I was still wondering why Jubal, Farley, Michelle, and her mother were on the run from the church, and if the church knew where they were. This was damned strange, to say the least, but it had to be bad for Jeb to send them down here to me. Oh well, I thought, I would get the whole story when they arrived, which would be shortly. I could hear the helicopter off in the distance coming this way. I motioned for Carver to come down, and when he got to my side, I told him to get aboard as soon as the passengers were on the beach. That's when I heard the deep thump of rotors behind me, and saw a fully armed legion chopper hovering above the cabins. Damn they were quick, I thought. I motioned for them to go lower and the pilot must have figured out what I was saying, because they went down out of sight of the beach. I could still hear the rotors, but they were behind the hill by the beach, just waiting to see what happened. One of my men came running up and said the legion helicopter was picking up two bogeys on his radar. I asked him for his headset and put it on, just as the first helicopter came into sight. To my untrained eye, they seemed to be coming in awful fast. I identified myself to the legion pilot and asked for an update on the other helicopter. He said it was about a mile behind the first one, and from its radar shadow, it looked like one of the old U.S. Hueys that he had seen many times in other places. I told him to arm his weapons just in case, and was told he had already done that when he flew across the island.

The first helicopter came in and almost set down on top of me. Two of my men ran over and helped the passengers down and Carver got aboard. The pilot opened his door and yelled that they had picked up the shadow fifteen minutes out and that he was outta here. I thanked him and he took off headed out over the ocean. I could see the other one in the distance. He wasn't paying any attention to the helicopter that had just taken off, but was coming straight toward the beach. I told the legion pilot to wait until he was fully committed and then to try to get him to set down without a fight. If he couldn't, he was to put him down, trying not to kill everyone on board, because I wanted a prisoner if at all possible. He said he would try, but if they opened fire on us, all bets were off. I laughed and said it was up to him from that point on. I looked behind me and all four passengers were laying flat at the bottom of the steps. They all looked like they wanted to run for cover. I smiled to myself, thinking that they didn't have anywhere to hide down here.

The other helicopter came in parallel to the beach and I could see a man in the open door aiming a machine gun at me. Before he could get it lined up, the legion helicopter popped up and cut the tail rotor completely off, using its electric Gatling guns. The helicopter went into the ocean almost immediately with a big splash, and the legion helicopter flew over it and hovered. It was angled so it could cut loose again if there was any hostile movement from the downed helicopter. I think they had had enough, because I could see three men swimming in my direction. Four of my men came up with weapons aimed and stood waiting for them to reach shore. When they did, walking towards us with their hands up, my men checked them for weapons. Other than a couple of pistols, which they threw into the deep water, they didn't find anything. They marched them at gun point up to me and stopped.

"I am going to ask just once, who are you and why did you attack the French Government on our soil?"

"We're U.S. Citizens, and these islands belong to our government. I suggest you let us go before you get into big trouble with our Government. We are all Customs Agents, and we were chasing four fugitives who stole a large amount of money. We have a wanted dead or alive BOLO and those four over there are the ones we were chasing."

"Well, you just overstepped your authority, if you are who you say you are. Who issued this BOLO and when?"

"Some retired General out of DC had the Marshal's Service send it out, saying they would prefer them dead rather than captured. Now, let us go before you end up in prison for aiding fugitives and firing on U.S. Customs Agents. I suggest you let us go before you step in it even deeper than you already have."

"All three of you are under arrest for attempted murder of a French citizen as well as threatening an Interpol Agent. You will be transported to the brig aboard our ship where the two Governments can argue it out. If I ever see any of you again, I will shoot you between the eyes and leave you to rot."

I called for the helicopter to land, and had them tied up to be transported. I told the helicopter pilot to tell the Captain to keep them locked up for at least seventy two hours before letting anyone know where they were. He just grinned and said it would be his pleasure. When the helicopter took off, two of my men went with it to guard the prisoners. I wanted to talk to Jubal and Farley, but first I also had some calls to make. I wanted to know what asshole would issue a dead or alive BOLO on two women and the reason behind it.

When I headed back to the steps one of the women got up and started running toward me. She jumped into my arms, crying and thanking me. It was Michelle, and she had grown up a lot since I had seen her the last time, years ago.

"Oh Jon, I always knew you would come for me. I prayed every day you would find me and get me out of that nuthouse. Then when Jubal and Farley showed up saying they were sent by you, I was so happy I could have just started screaming. Then when they brought my mom to me after all those years, it made my whole ordeal worth it. Why were those men trying to kill us? We don't have anything that belongs to the church. Oh Jon, thank you, thank you, for my life and reuniting me with my mother again. Are we safe here?"

"Let's all go up to the house and get everyone settled in and then we can discuss it. I need to make some calls and find out what is going on before we have more visitors. Jubal, you and Farley stick close, because I want to have a talk with you while I make those calls. Michelle, you and your mother can share one of the rooms in the main house. I'll see if I can't round up some clothes for both of you, so you can shower. Then we can sit down and have a meal while you catch me up on what's been going on."

I had to hand off my rifle to one of my men, because Michelle wouldn't let loose of my arm all the way to the house. Myrna and Sally were just coming up with the man I sent to the village to warn them, and Myrna immediately took over Michelle and her mother after I introduced them. To my surprise, she hugged Michelle and told her she was finally glad to get to meet her. Kat and Sally came over and I introduced them to everyone and told them about the clothing problem. They both looked at each other, grinned and took off, saying not to worry about it as they knew where all kinds of stuff was stored that would fit both of them. I motioned Jubal and Farley to follow me. We headed up the steps to my room where I could use the communications equipment to call Jerry and get him on the case. I could see it was going to be a long afternoon.



-------

Chapter 49


I watched as Myrna took Michelle and her mother into one of the guest rooms before heading up the steps with Jubal and Farley close on my heels. When we went into the office I dragged two chairs over to the communications console. I grabbed a fifth of whiskey, three glasses, and set them on the floor with us where anyone could reach them. I watched as they poured themselves a stiff drink. While they drank the first sip, I waited and wondered what they had been through, because both of them looked used up. Jubal spoke up first, and from the pitch of his voice I could tell he was dead tired and mad clear through.

"Jon, this has been FUBAR from the beginning. After Farley made contact with Michelle, we set up the cameras and the signal boosters Jimmy gave us. Then we moved into a motel where we could watch and scout the place out. We took turns checking the perimeter every other night to make sure the cameras were tight and to check for any strangers wandering around. The second week we got a call from Jeb telling us to grab Michelle and get out as fast as we could. We were to bring her to his place but he wouldn't tell us why. We moved in that night and went to the house where she lived with her man, if that's what you want to call him. When we got inside and went to the bedroom to get her, we found him sodomizing a young boy who was gagged. Sorry Jon, but I slit his throat when I got over the shock. I knocked the boy out and tied him up, even though I didn't want to leave him there. We found Michelle locked up in a computer room, sleeping on the concrete floor without any clothes. We got her dressed, but she wouldn't leave until we blew the floor safe so she could load a bag with a bunch of computer disks. We made it out and didn't see anyone, but we found out they had a tunnel dug from the compound into your cabin. Jon, whoever was running those shooters was a professional. He almost got all of us, and we had to abandon the truck and take to the woods. We stole a farmer's truck and finally gave them the slip. When we got away, I called Jeb and he told us to head for the nearest airport and to call him when we got there."

He took a break and another sip of the whiskey before resuming his story. When he was through draining his glass, he stood up and Farley got up with him. They unwound the wide ace bandages that they both were wearing under their shirts. I watched with amazement as they each started taking computer disks from under the bandages and stacking them on the desk where I was sitting. When they finished, I would guess there were twenty or so disks in protective cases stacked there.

"Those are what we were able to grab, and Michelle told us to give them to you. She said when you saw what was on them you would know what to do. Jon, I don't know what's on any of those, but she put her life on the line to make sure we got them to bring to you. When we got to a small dirt strip and called Jeb, he said he would send a friend of his with money and a plane to pick us up and for us to stay out of sight until he arrived. It took about an hour before he landed. After he refueled, we flew directly to Arlington where Jeb had a small charter plane waiting which flew us to the Virgin Islands. I called Jeb collect when we got there, and he said we were to go to the embassy immediately and not to leave until he got hold of you. Jeb must have some connections, because when we walked up to the gate, the Marines on duty were expecting us and took us directly to the attaché's office. Jon, we sat in his office for four hours until you called him. By the way, thanks for the ride, because we didn't have enough between us to hire a chopper to come here, even if we had known where you were. Anyway, the attaché made all the arrangements. When we went to the chopper, Michelle's mother was waiting in the lounge. We lifted off immediately and that's when the chopper pilot said he was being followed and for us to strap in. Jon, why the hell would someone put a DOA warrant on the four of us? That's the part I don't understand. I knew one of the Gunny's at the embassy and he told us to follow directions until they could get us out of there. He also told me that once we got here to tell you that he didn't figure this was over yet and for you to keep your eyes open for some unexpected visitors. Jon, that pretty much covers it and we are dead on our feet. Can you give us some place to lie down for awhile until we can recharge?"

"I can do that, Jubal. I owe you and Farley a big one. I will get you both a room and then I need to start making some calls to some friends to see what the hell is going on."

I took them down the steps and ran into Myrna and told her the problem. She said she would put them in the room next to Michelle and her mother. She also told me that one of my men wanted to talk to me. When they walked away, I went out to the patio and all the legionaries that were left were in full battle dress waiting on me. Quanta was standing with them, and when I walked up, he handed me the pistol I had loaned Carver. I tucked it in the small of my back after making sure the safety was on and turned to the Corporal who addressed me.

"Sir, the ship is anchored off the beach and the captain is sending a boat for you to come out. He is assuming the security for the island and will have guards around your home at all times. He also said to tell you that two large boats are headed this way and at their present speed, they should arrive shortly after dark."

I thanked him and handed the gun back to Quanta. I told him to tell Myrna and the women that I would be gone for awhile, and that the house was under guard so not to worry. I also informed him that Jubal and Farley could be completely trusted if he thought he might need help for anything. I ran back to the house and gathered the stack of disks to take with me as I knew the ship had a secure room and a good safe to keep them in. Besides, I would be able to make my calls and the captain and I would take a look at the disks while I was out there. When I got downstairs, the men had been reinforced by at least a dozen more. I was escorted to the beach where a rubber commando raft was waiting. I got in and we headed for the fast cruiser that was anchored about a half mile off shore. When we got close enough, I could see three fully armed legion helicopters on board with their skids clamped so they could be released almost instantly for flight.

We went to the side at the bow where a small door opened, and I was almost able to step directly into the ship. I was met by the captain, who told me his name was Jasque LeMeur, and that I could call him either by his name or Captain. I introduced myself and we shook hands. He informed me that the radio chatter was going crazy since they had anchored off my little island. I just smiled at that and asked if he had a secure room we could use for awhile. He looked at me and asked to see my credentials so I presented my Interpol ID. He handed it back and apologized, but said it was necessary for me to be able to enter any of the restricted areas. He also said that he had been getting four or five calls an hour from an agent called Maurice, wanting to know if they were on station yet. He laughed and said he would have told him to piss off, but one didn't say such things to the assistant director of the Interpol Agency and keep their commissions. I just looked at him in shock, because I hadn't known that Maurice held that position. However, it did explain a lot of things to me. I followed him down into the ship to a door marked with restricted signs, and he punched a code into the pad next to the door. We stepped into the heart of the spy part of the ship's mission in these waters. There were six men in the room at different consoles, and all of them except two looked totally bored. The two I could see were plainly excited and seemed to be listening to radio chatter from a set of ear phones they were wearing. When they saw the captain come in, one of them stood up and addressed him.

"Sir, it's just as we thought. Both boats are smugglers and are well known to us. Our agent just informed us that they both picked up a heavily armed bunch of men and are headed this way. Our agent also said that they all spoke like Americans because their accents were so bad. They are steaming full speed in our direction."

"Keep monitoring their radios and when they get close enough, we will send out one of the helicopters to see what their business is in these waters, since they fly the Dominican flag. Meanwhile, send for Peter. We have some disks he may have to break for us."

"Yes Sir!"

"Captain, I need a secure line to Interpol."

I watched as he tapped one of the men on the shoulder, and when he took off his headset, the captain told him to set me up with a link to the agent that had been calling. They both laughed and he motioned me over to his console. He handed me a headset and told me it would take a couple of minutes to get through. It would come directly to my headset as soon as he answered. I listened and when Maurice answered and I told him it was me, I almost ripped my headset off. He was so excited he was shouting at me.

"Dammit, Maurice, if you shout in my ear one more time, I will punch you in the nose the next time I see you. Now, I am aboard the ship, and we have heavily armed men headed this way as we speak. The captain has put his men on guard duty, but I think there's more to it than that, because there's a General in DC who is involved. I have twenty disks that a girl who was saved risked her life to get to me, and the captain and I are going to see what's on them. Maurice, if it concerns France, I will immediately turn them over to the captain, but if they concern the US, I will send copies immediately to the appropriate authorities. I also think there is going to be a lot of heat over this, so I am giving you advance warning to duck for cover if it gets too heavy. My friend, as you well know, the Church has a long arm and can reach out almost anywhere. I will call you back as soon as we get a look at what's on them. Maurice, if it concerns France the Captain has my full confidence to do what he thinks is right."

"Jon, my friend, I know all about Captain LeMeur and he is one of our best in that region. I have another fast cruiser, just anchoring off the other side of the island as we speak. Do not worry, that is French soil and we protect our own, my friend. I will await your news as to the contents of the disks. There will be plenty of men available to protect your family and friends, you have my word on that. Now, let me talk to the captain so I can brief him."

I took the headset off and handed it to the captain. I stood back, waiting for him and Maurice to finish their conversation. I couldn't hear both sides of the conversation, but the captain was getting agitated from what Maurice was telling him. Knowing Maurice, I figured he was giving him hell about his duty to keep the island safe from intruders. The captain looked at me with narrowed eyes a couple of times, and he said "What" a couple of times. He finally got done and told the operator to contact the other cruiser so that he could speak to the captain. This time I heard both sides of the conversation as he had it on speaker phone so everyone could listen. That's when I found out why he was so mad, so I braced myself for what I knew was coming. As usual with officers, it seemed like they had it down to an art.

"Why have you boarded my ship under false pretenses, Mr. Morgan?"

Before I ventured an answer, I looked around and all the men had big grins on their faces. Shit, I thought, will I ever be able to live a normal life? I decided to be as haughty as I possibly could with my answers because I already knew what was coming. I had been through it too many times to count before I left France.

"I was not aware I had mislead you, Mon Capitan'. I clearly stated who I was and that was checked when you asked for my credentials earlier. Now, may we continue our business? Time is short and I must return to my family as soon as possible."

"You hold our nation's highest honor, but you sneak aboard like a coward. Why is it you didn't demand your right to be piped aboard like you deserve? You have done my ship a grave insult. I am responsible for this, because I failed to recognize the name as soon as I heard it. I was there when the presentation was made, and I believe, if my memory serves me right, you are the only living legionnaire left to carry this honor. I salute you, the Wolf of Algiers, and the men you lost. We are indebted to you for your and your men's sacrifice for our country. My ship and its men are at your service."

He stood as well as the rest and saluted me, then gave me the French greeting as a brother in arms. Damn, this is embarrassing, I was thinking. If I got my hands around Maurice's neck, I would choke him. I then had to waste another hour with the meet and greet in the Captain's mess. When it was finally over, I vowed once again I would choke Maurice the next time I saw him. Knowing Maurice's sense of humor, it would be much sweeter to me when I finally got hold of him, because I knew he had done it on purpose. I also knew these men didn't get much in the way of glory, just a few down and dirty fights with rebels and smugglers. This would spread like wild fire through both ships when they found out who they were responsible for. This would give them a big boost in morale, but I just wished that it wasn't me at the middle of it all. LeMeur was like any officer of the service, looking out for his men and trying to keep the boredom down, thus there wouldn't be so much fighting between the men. I knew as well as any man what boredom and low morale could do to a team of well trained warriors. Being cooped up aboard a ship with nothing to do but PT, gets old damned quick.

We finally made it back to the secure room and I was introduced to Peter, who immediately became all business when he put the first disk in the CD. It was a list of church personnel and what they were paid for their part in whatever compound they were in charge of. The second one was an eye opener for all of us. It was a list of French men and women who ran the churches on several continents. I knew that this was big, because I knew that the list contained some of the church locations we didn't know about. I had it encrypted and immediately sent to Maurice. The third disk was a complete list of arms stashes in five countries, including two French controlled colonies. The GPS coordinates were there as well as a complete inventory for each warehouse. Good Lord, they had enough illegal arms to take over any third world country if they had the armies to do it.

The fourth and fifth disks were just finances of the compound where the disks were taken from. The next six or seven were the same thing, just from different compounds. The compound Michelle had been in must have been the main control for them all, because these wouldn't have been there if it wasn't. The next disk we put in made the captain start cussing. I leaned forward to look a little closer and got a big shock myself. I was cussing as much as the captain when I started reading. It was a complete list of boats and their captains who were smuggling weapons and other materials, as well as how much each boat could hold when filled. The names on the list were of special interest to me, because I immediately recognized one that stood out. Mikey was the go between with each captain and was responsible for the shipments that were moved and when. That meant he had to have a radio hidden where he could keep in touch. I turned to the captain, but before I could say anything, he immediately ordered that all radio jamming equipment be turned on immediately. He also told one of the operators to tell his sister ship to do the same thing. I turned back to the list and saw that I had a huge underground storage area under one of the warehouses. He now had the keys to it, thanks to me and Quanta. Damn, if it was full of arms, we could be in big trouble.

"Captain, do the headsets the men are wearing still work?"

"Yes, the jamming doesn't interfere with them. Why?"

"Send ten men as well as a helicopter to guard that warehouse immediately. If he gets his hands on those guns, we will have big problems. Tell them it's about a mile east of the main house in the middle of a field. Have a reinforced platoon land in the field to make sure no one enters until I can get there. Damn, this is not good. Alert the men at the house to be on their toes until we can get this sorted out. I don't think the local men will back him, but I don't know for sure. That disk is yours, and as far as anyone knows, I haven't seen it. Now, quickly put the last one in so I can see what's on it."

Peter did as I asked and it was the complete list of all the big wigs from the US who had their fingers in the pie of the church and what they got paid. I pulled out my wallet and grabbed several cards and handed them to Peter telling him to encrypt the contents of the disk and send copies to each of the men on the cards. I also told him to lock up the original in the ship's safe until I asked for it. I also asked for a copy so I could study the names on it later on. Now I had to get to that warehouse. The captain said the helicopter was waiting for me with fifteen men aboard who were under my orders. I ran behind the captain to the flight deck and climbed aboard. Before we lifted off, Peter ran out and handed me the disk copy in a metal protector. He told me that I could put it in my back pocket and it wouldn't harm the disk. I thanked him as the helicopter lifted off.

I was given a helmet so that I could communicate with the pilot. To my surprise, it was the same pilot I had used earlier. I gave him directions to the warehouse, and in a few minutes we were there. When we got in close enough, I could see a line of men coming out of the trees. I told the pilot to fire in front of them but not to hit them. I just wanted to stop them until we could get on the ground. He did as I asked and the dirt looked like it had been plowed from the bullets. They all stopped with their hands in the air and froze in place. We landed and I jumped out, with the men covering me. I made hand signals sending part of them around to the back side of the warehouse, while I took the rest and walked up to where the native men were frozen in place. When I saw that Mikey was in the lead, I almost had him shot right then. I restrained myself with a great deal of effort. When I was close enough, he started with the whining about us shooting at them. My men spread out to cover them and I let him go on for awhile before I knocked him on his ass in front of everyone.

"Get up, you sorry piece of garbage. If I thought I could get away with it, I would shoot you right now."

"What have I done to make you so angry at me? We were just coming out to get some canned goods for the feast for tomorrow when you become our chief."

Before I could answer, Koma came out of the trees and one of my men almost shot him. I motioned for him to let him pass and he came up to me with a puzzled look on his face.

"What has happened, my brother? Why do you look so angry and why is our elder bleeding on the ground?"

"Come with me for a moment, Koma, and I will try to explain what has happened."

I told the men to watch them and if any of them tried to run, to shoot to kill. Koma looked at me sharply, and I walked him out of everyone else's hearing range before I started talking to him. I told him what had been found and what part Mikey had played in it. I said that I would be willing to let him see for himself if he wished. The more I explained, the angrier he seemed to get. He was breathing so heavily by the time I finished, I thought he was going to hyperventilate and pass out on me. He looked me in the eyes and said he would get to the bottom of this right now.

"My brother, if he has done what you have said, then he has sold our people into slavery while making a profit for himself. I always wondered why he never had any whip marks on him, but thought it was because he had been obedient to our old masters. Tell your men to let me do this the old way, and we will have our answers. If any of the men with him are part of this, I will kill them myself for selling out our people."

"You are their chief, so I will let you try to get to the bottom of it. If it does not work, then I will shoot him myself in front of the village. Koma, this is part of the reason why I hate what has happened here. It always preys on the weak and the children and men like him never seem to feel their pain. I want his keys to the warehouse. I will leave two of my men on watch to see that none run away while you have your talk with Mikey. I will tell them not to interfere with you in any way."

"Thank you, my brother, and you shall see that your trust in me is rewarded. I will find out all the traitors names so that I can give them tribal justice like they deserve."

We walked back to the men and I left two of the older ones with my orders. Then I went to Mikey and took the keys to the warehouse. We unlocked the doors and found it was stacked high with case after case of canned goods ready for shipment. There was enough there to be used to feed the villagers for a long time. We found the radio in about five minutes of searching. It was in a small office and completely hidden behind a filing cabinet. What gave it away, were the scrape marks on the floor where he had slid it out to get to the small hole in the wall where it was hidden. It was a small short wave and since I was no expert, I let my communications man look it over. He said it had a range of at least two hundred miles with the short antenna built in the top. We also found a long cable antenna hidden under a loose board which he said would make it more than powerful enough to reach out a long way, if the person using it knew what they were doing.

Finding the door to the underground storage cellar was another headache all together. We had no idea what we were looking for and with all the cases of canned goods, I doubted very much if it was inside the warehouse. Moving all this stuff to transport guns would be too damned time consuming for anyone. I used my headset to tell the men to fan out around the building, and start looking for hidden doors. They were to look close in first, then start spreading outwards to about a hundred feet. I was thinking hard about where I would hide them so they could be easily gotten to. I knew it had to have some kind of ramp for them to handle all those heavy cases of guns. To me that meant it had to be large enough for a truck or jeep to fit into, although I hadn't seen anything but a golf cart on the island. Then it hit me. I told the men to look for the tracks from a small cart and to follow them if they found them. About five minutes later one of the men radioed me and said he was following a set of small wheel tracks when they just disappeared. I got his location and we all headed that way. When we came up to him he was about fifty feet away from the wide back doors of the warehouse.

We were careful to walk to the sides of the tracks, and sure enough, they stopped and just seemed to disappear. I sent one of the men in to look for a shovel or something we could scrape with and he came back out with several leaf rakes which did not belong on an island. We set to work and in about ten minutes had uncovered two very large steel doors which were cleverly concealed under all the dirt. There was no lock that I could see, so we grabbed one of them. It took three of us to lift it up to where the others could help us push it open. I could see these had to be old bunker doors from World War Two, because they still had Japanese markings on the inside of them. I hadn't seen the old owner's name on the list on the disk and wondered if he even knew these were here. We got the other one opened, and I asked for two volunteers to go down and check for traps. Two men stepped forward, telling me they were trained for this and it would be an honor for them to do it. They both took off their packs, which two other men quickly grabbed. Both men took out flashlights and a small tool pack and headed down into the bunker on opposite sides. I told the man next to me I was going to check on the other two men and to call me as soon as they had the bunker checked out.

I walked back around the warehouse and the sight that greeted my eyes, was to say the least, a little bit unsettling. Mikey and the men with him had been stripped and tied to a tree with their arms and legs pulled back so tight I could clearly see the muscles in their bodies stretched. Koma and another man were standing in front of Mikey, and Koma was holding Mikey's head and nose while the other man poured a brownish looking liquid into his mouth. He was choking, but from my point of view, he was swallowing as much as he was choking out. I walked a little closer, watching what they were doing. This went on for about five minutes before Koma and the other man stepped back from him. I looked at the other men tied to the trees, and to a man they all looked scared to death. I absently wondered if Mikey had just been poisoned by some native concoction only they knew about. As if he sensed me behind him, Koma and the other man turned to me. Koma introduced the other man as the tribal shaman.

"This is Pala, our head shaman. He just gave Mikey a mixture of herbs and some roots that only he knows how to mix. It will take a little time to work, but soon this one who sold our people out will tell all that he knows, whether he wants or not. This is very powerful medicine and it is rarely used on tribal members. The shaman agrees that in this case he deserves what happens to him. The other men, except for one, I do not think are involved with this. Regardless, when we are finished with Mikey, we will know for sure. We both want to thank you for letting us handle our tribal problems. We have never been allowed to do this before, and you do not know how much it is appreciated by our people. You have done all you have said and as such, you have shown that you are a wise and able leader. You have done more for my people in these few short days than any other white man we have ever known."

I told him to let me know when Mikey was ready to talk, because I wanted to ask him some questions too. Before I could say anything else, the ground rumbled slightly underneath my feet. I ran back to the other side, asking on the head set what had happened and was anyone hurt. I was quickly told that all was fine and the rumble was the generator they had found starting up. They told me I had better come on down, because I wasn't going to believe what they had found. I yelled to Koma to let me know when Mikey was ready and motioned the two men to follow me so they could see what was down there too. When I got to the other side of the warehouse, all the men were laughing. Some of them were laughing so hard they had tears running down their camouflaged faces.

"All right men, what's so damned funny about all of this?"

"Sir, if the reports we got about the contents of this bunker are true, then you are in for a big surprise. I don't think you would believe me if I described it, so I suggest we all go in and see what they found. They have power and lights now, and it is well lit for your inspection."

They were all sniggering again, so I looked at them in disgust and headed down into the bunker to see for myself. When I got to the bottom of the ramp, I was met by one of the men who had volunteered. He only had a few words to say to me.

"Sir, you're not gonna believe this."

We went into the bunker and the crates were stacked almost to the ceiling. This had been some kind of aircraft hanger from the size and looks of it. The biggest surprise was the weapons. Even with all the worry, I had to laugh myself. They were all Japanese rifles, pistols, and swords from the Second World War, and all of them were brand new. There were hundreds of crates of Nambu pistols as well as thousands of the officers' swords that had been coveted by all the GIs back then. All of them were new and in pristine condition. If they were sold on the open market to collectors, they would be worth millions. To the rebels, they would be utterly worthless as war weapons. Why the hell they were here was a question for another time. Now I had a decision to make. Did I destroy them, or contact some collectors to see about selling them for the tribe so they could have the money? Then I decided to talk to Mikey, because there had to be more modern weapons or he wouldn't be in charge of the shipment schedule. I was missing something here, and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what it was.



-------

Chapter 50


I just stood there thinking for a little bit, trying to figure out what I had missed. My thoughts were interrupted by one of the men asking a question.

"Sir, do you think it would be ok for the men to confiscate four of the cases of swords for our own use?"

"Huh? What in the world would you be able to use them for, Corporal?"

"When we raid these smugglers and board their ships, we always end up going up against knives, and almost all of them have short swords too. We have had several of our men seriously cut before we are able to defend ourselves. Our ship has an edged weapons instructor aboard, and with these swords, he be able to give us the edge in a battle on deck with the smugglers. Seriously, Sir, some of us have ordered our own and been trained by him already. Those swords in the warehouse could save a lot of men serious injuries if we had them. We know by rights they all belong to you since you own this island, so the men asked me to approach you about us having some of them."

"Corporal, you may take eight cases to split between the two ships now anchored offshore. There are over a hundred boxes of them down there, and I don't think I will miss a few if they might save one of our men from being seriously injured. Have the men load up the boxes on the flat car behind that golf cart. See if your can get all three of the golf carts running so they can move them back to the house when we close this place back up. You may feel free to tell your instructor that if he needs more swords to contact me and I will see he gets them. But, the rifles and pistols are not to be touched for any reason, and tell the men, 'No souvenirs!'"

He laughed as he thanked me and ran down the ramp to spread the news. Koma came around the side of the warehouse and beckoned for me to come. I followed him to the tree where Mikey was tied and stopped at a signal from the shaman. He asked Mikey a couple of questions in their language and seemed satisfied by the answers he received. He came over to me and bowed to me before he spoke.

"I think you can question him now, master. He seems to be totally under the spell of the truth medicine. Just keep the questions very simple, and do not push him for fast answers. The medicine controls the brain, and he will try fighting it before he answers. He may seem to go to sleep sometimes, but he is not sleeping, just fighting the effects of the medicine. The medicine will control him for about an hour or so, and then he will be very sick for many hours while his body releases the medicine."

"Pala, don't ever call me master again! I am Jon or Mr. Morgan, and not your master. You do not have to bow to anyone ever again, unless you wish to do so!"

He looked at me with an astonished expression before Koma spoke to him in his language. I caught some of it, but I was watching Mikey watching me as I walked up to him. He had a glazed look in his eyes, but seemed alert to his surroundings.

"Mikey, do you know who I am?"

"Yes, you are the new owner of the island and our new master."

I took a deep breath, wanting to slap him again, but got control of myself. I knew it was ingrained in them to call the owner master, but it still bothered me to be addressed that way. I fought not to show my displeasure and maybe he would not react to my anger. I didn't want to let it show on my face while I questioned him.

"Mikey, why did you keep all those old weapons under the warehouse a secret?"

He looked at me for a couple of minutes with a somewhat disconcerting stare before he haltingly answered me.

"I did not know they were there, master. This was Sukie's private place, and I was never allowed inside unless he sold some of the canned stuff to one of his friends. We were the ones who always had to load up the carts when he brought them around from the back. His friends always kept guns pointed at us the whole time. When we were done, we were always sent back to the village to sleep."

I stepped back, thinking furiously, trying to figure out why the underground bunker was unknown to anyone but Sukie. Damned but this was frustrating, since I was flying in the dark and had no idea what to ask him. He was controlling the shipments, but from where, and how did he know where the weapons were stored. Then I had a sudden inspiration, and stepped back up to him. I looked him in the eyes as I asked the thousand dollar question, hoping he could answer it to my satisfaction.

"Mikey, where are all the guns stored until the smugglers take them to their final destination?"

I watched his facial expressions change as he looked at me with pure hate in his eyes. Pala whispered to be patient, because he was trying to fight the medicine so he wouldn't have to answer me truthfully. I watched as Mikey shook and sweat ran down his face. He finally collapsed against the tree he was tied to, and spoke in the most resigned voice I had ever heard.

"We store all our guns in the old sub at the mouth of the cove. Another sub comes in once a month and fills it completely with the guns and other stuff. Then I call my friends and they unload it onto their boats for delivery. It was just filled two nights ago, but we have not had time to move anything because of the ships anchored by the island. I was coming here to call my friends and warn them to stay away when you caught me. Except for Sim, all the others were here only to carry cans of food back to the village for the feast tomorrow night. That is all I know, master."

I stepped back, thinking about what he had just told me, and almost smiled. But then I remembered I still hadn't found out how they were able to raise the sub. It was sunk in about thirty feet of water, so they had to have some way to raise it and lower it. They needed to be able get inside to transfer the weapons.

"Mikey, how do they raise and lower the sub to get to the weapons inside? Doesn't the water in the old sub affect the guns, or are they all sealed and waterproofed?"

"There is a hose that's hooked into the ballast tanks that we use to lift it up and down. Sukie was the one that thought it up and it has always worked fine. When it was abandoned, the sub was left with the hatches shut so it was still dry inside when it was raised the first time. From what I understand from one of the older men of the village, it was abandoned because it ran out of fuel. They could not get anymore for it because the war was about over. The Japanese on the island all surrendered and were taken off by a large battleship. Sukie was the one who had the valves installed to raise and lower it. We have done it this way for many years. The old master never knew what was going on since he never left the house while he was here. All the money I have made is in a chest under my bed in my hut. I have never been off the island since I was brought here, so I was not able to spend any of my share."

I walked away with a disgusted look on my face. I asked Koma if he had heard what was said, and he said yes. He asked if I would allow the tribe to handle Mikey and the others in the way of their people. I just looked at him for a moment, and then said it was up to him. I also warned him about the ships headed this way.

"Koma, will this interfere with the wedding or will we have to do it back in my country?"

"You are one of us now and your wedding will go on as planned with the tribe's blessing. For the marriage to be recognized off this island, you will have to have someone who can do the legal paperwork. Maybe one of the captains of the ships can do it. I know that they are allowed to marry people and it is legal almost everywhere. We will use the money that Mikey talked about to buy some better boats for our people, if that is ok with you, Jon."

"Koma, if it will help your people, then use it in anyway you need to. Very soon I may have a doctor, as well as a school teacher, living here permanently. Will your children go to school if I can arrange it?"

"Jon, my friend, if there is a teacher here for our children, it will become a tribal law that they will attend and learn all they can. If you have a doctor staying here, he will be very busy. Right now the only one available in the islands is a smuggler who was a doctor in his native country. He does not have all of the medicines that some of the islanders need. We would not allow him access to the old island we lived on, because he always wanted a young boy as payment. If he ever shows up here again, I will personally make sure he never leaves. He is an unclean person for demanding this type of payment to help the sick. I do not understand why you are doing all of this for us, but we will make you proud that you have done so. Now if you and your men will leave, we will take care of Mikey and his friends in the old ways of our tribe. Pala had finished talking to him, so now we know all who helped him. I will see you in the morning for our walk, Jon Morgan, and I already think you will make a great chief for our tribe. You have shown by your actions already that you are thinking of the people. I think that our lives here will only get better with your help. Several scattered small tribes of our people that had escaped are already coming home as word is passed. We will do everything in our power to make your island one of the best in this area, and keep it safe for all who live here."

I thanked him and tossed him the keys I was holding. I had started back to my men when over the headset, I was informed that they had the carts out and running and now they were closing the hangar doors. I told them to cover them again with the dirt that we had scraped off, and to make it look like we hadn't been there. I was given an immediate, "Yes Sir." By the time I came around the corner of the warehouse, they were closing the second door while several others threw dirt over the first one. All three golf carts were sitting to the side, and one had the trailer behind it with several boxes stacked on it. All of the boxes were stenciled in Japanese, but they had a picture of the contents stenciled on the boxes along with the writing. I could see they were all swords. For now, I would leave the rest of the contents of the hangar alone, and give some more thought later as to what to do with it. I would tell Koma about it tomorrow when we walked. The pistols, in their new condition, would be worth a lot. From the pictures I had seen stenciled on the boxes, there were at least four different types. I would also tell him that if we kept all of this a secret, we could sell a few at a time to collectors and not flood the market. We would make a lot more money for the tribe that way. I would have to go on the internet and see what they were worth to collectors. From what I had read over the years, I always thought the swords the Japanese officers carried were their personal weapons. But by quantity of all the boxes of them in the hanger, it seemed I was wrong about that. Maybe they were mass produced for the lower ranking officers who couldn't afford them, or who didn't already have their own. Hell, I would probably never know.

Now I had to have the ship on the far side of the island called to let them know about the sub full of smuggled weapons. Maybe they would be able to find out who was sending them here, if there was any paperwork or markings on the gun boxes. If they could find clues as to who was buying the weapons and where they were being shipped from, I knew that the Interpol Agents would shut them down permanently. I hadn't seen anything on any of the disks about this, so it would help if they raised the sub and examined everything in it. Instead of blowing it up like I knew they would want to, I would just have them remove the weapons and then sink the sub by flooding it. The sub was good protection for the entrance and would keep it safe from any deep drafted boats that could carry enough men on board to overrun the island. I wanted to keep it that way if at all possible.

Damn, I thought, I had too much left to do and not enough time to do it. I still had to find out who put the DOA warrant on Jubal, Farley, Michelle and her mother, and why it had been so important for them to do so. I was informed by the Corporal that they were done and a helicopter was inbound to pick up the squad as well as the boxes. Two of the men would stay behind to help with the carts. I called the Corporal over and told him about the sub and what I had in mind. He said he would immediately inform Captain LeMuer and have him contact me at the house. I thanked him and handed over the headset I had been wearing, and waited with the squad for the helicopter. We still had the problem of armed men coming in on boats, and a couple of other problems that only I could handle from the house with my radio. It was going to be a long day again today, and I didn't see any end in sight while I was here. Damn, I thought, I was going to have to go home in order to get a vacation, the way things were going here. Oh well, I will leave it in someone else's hands and take some of the weight off my shoulders for a change. I was here to get married, not to fight in a war. Kat and Myrna both would kill me if I got in the middle of this one, I was thinking as the helicopter landed. The men threw the boxes of swords on board before piling in themselves. I climbed into one of the carts and headed back to the house with the other two following behind me.



-------

Chapter 51


When we got to the house, Myrna and the other women were sitting in the shade chatting. I was immediately greeted by Michelle with a hug and a timid "Hi" from her mom. Kat and Sally gave me a kiss and asked if everything was ok. I spent the next hour bringing them up to speed on what had happened so far, and to my surprise, there weren't any questions or comments made other than Kat asking if this was going to interrupt our wedding. I kissed her before I spoke, and got another hug from Sally.

"Everything is right on track. For once I am going to let the government handle all of this. I want to stay as far away from it as possible. I do want to call Jerry and a couple of people I know to find out about this DOA warrant on our four guests. I will have to get that straightened out before Michelle and her mother go home. Michelle, I think you will be getting a big reward from the French Government for the information the disks contained. Once you and your mother go home, you will not have to worry about anything but school and boys for a few years."

"Jon, I didn't take them for a reward, but because I know what they were going to do with all those weapons. I heard my so called husband and the new leader of the Texas compound talking on the radio one night. They are trying to take over a small country in Africa and move everyone over there. They want to be self governing and be able to make their own laws. That way they cannot be prosecuted for some of the bad things they have done in the past as well as what they are doing now. Jubal saw what my husband was doing, and that happened on a regular basis. From what I have seen over the years, that was mild as far as the church is concerned. Jon, there are some really sick perverted people running the church, and it just seems to be getting worse. I wasn't molested because my husband was a co-leader, but that's the only thing that saved me. I do regret leaving little Timmy behind because I have had him since he was born. His mother was a prostitute and sold him to the church as soon as she was released from the hospital. If for some reason they get raided, is there anything you can do to help me get him back? I know I am only sixteen, but I think of myself as his mother, and mom will help me with him. I won't be going to school because mom is going to home school me. We want to make up for all the years we were apart."

"I can't give you an answer there, Michelle, but if there is anything I can do, I promise you I will do my best. I have to go up to the communications center now and get busy. I need to see if I can get some of the bugs worked out of things. We will have more time to talk later, Michelle."

"Thank you again, Jon, for my rescue. I always knew that you would find me someday and get me out of there again. Jon, Jubal and Farley really did a good job and almost got shot several times. They are both very brave and I owe them my life for getting me out of there. I am so happy you found me and rescued me that I could just scream. I think Mom's got a crush on Jubal, 'cause every time she sees him she can't seem to talk straight."

I watched as her mother blushed and Michelle laughed at her reaction. Everyone at the table busted out laughing and I took this as a good time to sneak away. They were still laughing as I went into the house and up to my rooms. As I sat down, I was thinking that she couldn't have picked a better man to fall for. I got out the frequency Maurice had made me write down and contacted the ship. The Captain answered personally, as if he was waiting for my call. We discussed the sub and what I wanted to do instead of blowing it up. To my surprise, he agreed with me. He also said I should think about dropping part of the cliff down to further narrow the channel coming into the cove. I told him if he thought it could be done without sealing the whole entrance to go ahead and do it. Thinking of the glow on Kat's face when I said the wedding was still on, I asked the Captain if he would be available to perform the ceremony for us as well as the renewal ceremony for Tiny and Maggie. He said that the least he could do was to perform a marriage ceremony. He would also have a special honor guard there as well as the Captain from the other ship to witness the proceedings. We discussed the two boats headed this way, and I told him who I thought they were and how I would handle it if it were me meeting them. I warned him to tell the pilot to watch out for missiles, because the men I thought were onboard would not hesitate to shoot a helicopter down. We talked for a few more minutes and he told me that the disk I had onboard was now in the safe. He and I were the only ones who could get to it. I thanked him for all the help and finished up so I could make the call to Jerry.

I got him on his cell, but he told me to call him back in about ten minutes at the office because he had a lot to discuss with me. After I hung up, I called Jimmy and told him to go out tomorrow and change the alarm codes on the house and the caretaker's cottage. He didn't ask any questions, but said it would be done by tomorrow afternoon since he had to install several cameras in the new hardware store in town. He asked how everything was going and we chitchatted a few minutes before I hung up saying I had to make a few more calls. I called the security company and told the owner that after tonight, Carver was no longer allowed on the property unless I was there to ok it. He said that he was there now loading his truck. The guard had just called in to report it. I thanked him and said he wasn't to come back on the property after he left. If he forgot something, he could wait until we returned to pick it up. He didn't ask any questions, but I could hear the puzzlement in his voice as he said it would be done as I asked. I got off the phone and called several of the contacts I had sent files to and was told that there was a high level meeting in progress. They would be told I had called and would want a call back number. It took me about five minutes to find the ship to shore number for the island. I rattled it off and was thanked as they hung up. I had internet conference on this thing, but had no idea how to use it. I knew there was a mic and web cam, but didn't know how to work them. I would have to ask one of the kids later, I thought, and chuckled to myself at my ignorance about computers. I would almost be willing to bet Sally and Judy had already been talking back and forth with it. There was a knock at the door and I said come in. It was Katie, looking like death warmed over.

"Katie, you look terrible! You need to take a break and get out in the sun or something."

"Jon, I've been cramming and just finished up with all my tests. Would it be ok if I used the computer tomorrow to send my tests to my instructors? I have them on a disk and I just need to send them to the college. Then I will be able to enjoy the rest of my stay here. God I miss being outside in the sun. I also want to have a look around the island, so can I borrow Kat to act as a guide?"

"I am sure she would be happy to show you around. The computer is available to you any time you need it. While you're here can you check and show me how to set up the web conference, so I can make sure it works? I know nothing about it."

When I got up, she came over and sat down in the chair, fiddled for a few minutes, then put an icon on the screen. She told me that all I had to do was to click on it, fill in the blanks, and it would come up automatically. I thanked her, and sat back down as she went out dragging her feet. She did look tired and I hoped she would get some sleep tonight so she could enjoy the rest of her stay here. I wanted to call Maurice, but I figured he could wait until I talked to Jerry. It was more important to me now to get the DOA Warrant dropped on my guests before some idiot took a shot at them when we got back to the states. I still was pissed about it because that type of warrant, from what I knew, was rarely ever issued anymore if at all. Someone very high up had to pull some mighty big strings to get it issued, and I wanted to know who it was. I wanted to check their name against the list on the disk. I remembered it was in my pocket and pulled it out. I laid it down beside the computer as I killed time until I could call Jerry back. I was wondering if I had missed anything because I had been rushing trying to get everything done so I wouldn't have to get involved. I couldn't think of anything, but knowing me, I probably had forgotten something. Then I remembered the old weapons and went on the internet and googled the collectors' sites. I got a big surprise when I found out how much used Nambu Pistols were going for in good condition. I had to chuckle thinking about what the collectors would pay for ones that had never been in circulation. I saw that one collector had a picture of a certain type, saying that he would immediately pay top prices for any of them in fair condition. I had seen at least twenty boxes of them, and I knew there were probably a lot more of them in that bunker. I got another surprise when I found the rifles on one site, and saw that they didn't bring much even in excellent condition. Then I had an idea and called Jeb. He answered, sounding a little out of breath. He became animated in his speech as soon as he heard my voice.

"Jon, I am glad you called. How are my friends doing?"

Since he hadn't mentioned any names, I decided to play along in case he had a reason. If the warrant was good, then he couldn't afford to be involved.

"They are all fine and dandy, Jeb. They arrived tired, but otherwise unharmed by their long flight. They are enjoying the sunshine and relaxing outside with everyone else."

"Good, I am glad they arrived in time to attend your wedding. Give my regards to your lovely bride, will you?"

"I sure will! How's business going in the shop?"

"Been slow here. There have been a lot of strangers and city folk in looking, but none seem to be buying. If it wasn't for relatives, I would be broke. I am still ducking that bill collector we talked about before you left. He just seems to be sticking his nose into everything. He wanted to know where you were, and I told him you were in the islands getting married. Then he asked if you would be back soon, and I told him it was none of his business. Man did he get mad. He asked the Sheriff when you would be back, and the Sheriff ordered him out of the county. The Sheriff said if he kept bothering everyone, he would lock him up for being a public nuisance. We have a new church being built just down the road from the store. They are, from what I was told, some members from another church that had a falling out. They all seem like great people, and I will be glad to introduce you to a couple of them that have bought several shotguns from me. They come from out west somewhere with their wives, and have kids who will be attending school this fall. I think our county will be growing by several hundred people by the time summer's over. I think they will be good neighbors to everyone, if the few I have met are any example. Oh, I was supposed to pass on a message from Jerry. He said if I talked to you to tell you to give him a call."

"Ok Jeb, I'll call him as soon as we get done talking. Well, I better go, but I will be calling again as soon as I get home."

"Ok, Jon, and congratulations on your marriage. Tell Sally that Judy was asking about her, and said she should have been invited to paradise too."

"I will, Jeb, and you take it easy. I have to go, so bye for now."

He said the same and hung up. That was the damnedest conversation I had ever had, and I was more puzzled than ever. I couldn't read anything between the lines, other than the migration of his relatives from the church had started, and that he probably was the one who had gotten some of the money out so they could build their church. Other than that, he didn't seem worried about anything that I could tell. The bill collector he was talking about was probably one of the old church members fishing for information. He seemed to be interested in me more than I liked, but I could handle that when I got home. I called Jerry and he answered on the first ring.

"Jon, what the hell are you into down there? I have had a dozen high ranking officials wanting you to call. There was some retired army guy in here yesterday, trying to grill me about your raid on some compound. I asked him how the hell he thought you did it when you have been in the Caribbean for the last week. He just looked at me like I was stupid. Jon, what is going on? I can't cover your butt if I don't know what's happening."

I started in and told him everything that had happened since we had arrived. He seemed shocked and asked me if I had everything straightened out, to which I said the French Government was handling it. I gave him Michelle and the rest of the parties' names and asked him to find out why some DC general had the marshals service put a DOA warrant on them. He sounded as shocked as I was about it. I went on to tell him about the information I had sent out about the payoffs of elected officials, and several high ranking military officers that were getting paid off by the church. I told him to check his mail, 'cause I had sent him a copy too, just to cover my butt. He said to hold a sec and put me on hold for about a minute before he came back on.

"Jon, where the hell did you get a list like this from? Man, when the Federal Agencies get ahold of this, it's going to blow DC apart at the seams. I know this had to come from an insider, because something like this should never have been found. I bet there are people on that list who are already leaving this country for non-extradition countries."

"It must have shaken someone up, because of all the agencies I sent it to. I called my contacts there, and was told they were all in a high level meeting. Jerry, I want you to be the attorney of record for the names I just gave you. I want this warrant and any punitive action against them rescinded immediately, or I will go public within twenty four hours. This was pushed by some general, and he is probably on that list. Jerry, you watch yourself, because if they find out you have a copy, they will come after you too. Better yet, call me back in about ten minutes with the mailing address for three or four of the big news stations, and I will send them a copy too. That way they will be too busy trying to duck to think about you or us."

"Dammit, Jon, I can and will do that, but they better not threaten me or I will go after them with my whole firm. Don't forget, I play in the big leagues too and have some of my own contacts that I will be sending this list to. Is the original disk safe?"

"It couldn't be safer, Jerry. I am getting married in two days, and when we finish up here, I will be coming home and bringing and my family and friends home with me. Jerry, I don't want my name leaked to anyone concerning this. The French Government is handling the rest of the disks, and the church disks are being copied and sent to the IRS as we speak. I know they will be interested in what's on there about the churches dealings and finances, since they haven't disclosed half of the profits and donations they got over the last year. Needless to say, they will be paying a big penalty for a lot of the money they hoarded, as well as losing their non-profit status. I have all the original disks in a safe place, and they are out of my hands now. I have two French Light Cruisers anchored off the island, as well as two reinforced Legionnaire Platoons as my body guards. They won't want to tangle with the fire power we have, if they decide to be stupid and come after me."

"I don't think that they will come after you on your island, because it's a French Sovereignty and thus they would be invading a foreign country if they did try it. Jon, I have already sent a copy of the tape to the four biggest news agencies, and I bet it will be on the news tonight. If you have TV there, I suggest you turn it on for the late news. Man, they will be slobbering over this one and fighting each other over who gets the scoop. Don't worry about Michelle and the others; I will have that warrant dropped within the next twenty four hours. I just checked, and according to Federal Law, that warrant was outlawed and struck down by the Supreme Court eight years ago. Let me get on this now and I will give you a ring back in the morning about nine our time. Jon, you be careful, will you? I just lost my other friend and mentor, and I sure don't want to lose my boss."

He hung up the phone laughing like an idiot before I could retort. Damn, I didn't see any humor in this anywhere. He was still in danger until the various agencies started arresting people after they started investigating the church. That might take a few days, although with the news agencies on it, everybody would be scrambling once it hit the air. Now I had to make a call that I didn't want to, but he deserved to hear from me since I had dropped all of this in his lap. I dialed the number and got a woman who told me he was in a meeting and had been for several hours. I gave her Quanta's number and told her to tell him to give me a call as soon as he was able. As I sat back, Sally came in to tell me to come down as supper was ready, and everyone was waiting on me. When I didn't get up right away, she came over and sat in my lap.

"Come on Dad, this is supposed to be a happy time for all of us. I know you're worried about them, but I have a feeling you have done all you can for now. Why don't you just sit back and let the people you have always been so proud of being a part of handle it. We haven't had much time together and I, for one, want to spend a little quality time with you. I bet Kat would say the same thing if she were here."

"I am here and I agree with your daughter. It's time to relax a little and have some fun. If you flip that switch there to your right, it turns the outside radio speakers on and will alert you if there's an incoming call. There are handsets all over downstairs that you can answer from, so let's go eat!"

As we went out the door, with them both hugging me, I asked Kat how come she knew more about the communications on this island than I did. She looked at me, then at Sally, then laughed that little girl laugh and said; "Because I asked the cook and she showed me how it all works."

I went out on the patio, feeling about three inches tall. In my world, I had never thought to ask, just plowed around like a bull in a blindfold. I then realized I had a lot to learn about my future bride, and realized I might be a father before the newness of the marriage wore off. I was feeling a little behind the eight ball by the time we got out to the patio. I grabbed a beer and almost drained it before I came up for air and got a frown from Sally.

"Don't drink on an empty stomach, Dad. Take it from me and all my years of experience, it WILL give you a headache!"

They were still laughing at me, and when Sally told the rest what was so funny, I was the object of their merry making until after dark. Damn, I hated it when that happened.



-------

Chapter 52


I relaxed more and more as the evening went on. I just couldn't help it, what with all the good company I had sitting with me around the big table. As I glanced around, everyone seemed to be laughing and having a good time. Even Myrna was laughing with Kat at something Farley said. Considering the fact that she had just broken up with Carver, I kind of thought of the laughter as good medicine. I started to say something when I caught the last word of a comment from Myrna, "Babies". Shut up before you stick your foot in it again, I was thinking to myself as I bit off my smart retort. Luckily before Kat could follow through with the question I just knew was coming, Quanta's cell rang. He glanced at the face of it and handed it to me. It was Maurice returning my call.

"Jon, how are you doing, mon ami? That information we got from you has shaken the minister to his boots."

I was immediately on guard, because when Maurice starts addressing anyone in formal French, it usually means trouble is coming.

"Jon, I have been in meetings with the President as well as the Commanders of the Legionnaires that are in our outlying colonies. They are overjoyed at the information you have sent us from those disks your guest furnished. By the way, I was authorized by the President to give that person a large reward. As soon as you can, send me their bank numbers and I will transfer it to them. Jon, two of the caches mentioned on that disk have already been raided and the weapons destroyed. We also have agents currently working to destroy the rest. Also, my friend, you will have to come back to France in the near future as the President is presenting you with another medal. This one is for valor with the wreath of service to France and her people. I have some more news, but I think you will not like what I am about to say, my friend. The President has been in contact with yours and he has appointed you as the go between for our two countries. Jon, your President and ours want this church stopped. They are going to put you in charge of making this happen. When you return, you will be in charge of the raids on their compounds as well as finding any arms they have hidden away. According to the disk, all four compounds have large caches of weapons hidden away. You are being attached by way of Interpol to the Homeland Security Forces there as a special liaison. Essentially, you will be in charge and all raids are to be lead by you. All arms found are to be destroyed immediately. Both Presidents have decided not to confiscate them, but to take pictures and then destroy them. With what we have, as well as pictures, it will be enough to prosecute the leaders of each compound. Jon, they want you and Homeland Security to break the churches' back as well as the grip on their members. Before you threaten to strangle me, I had no idea that the President was going to assign you to the job."

"Maurice, I am getting married the day after tomorrow and I will not let anything get in the way of that. I will do the job for them, but I will tell you right now, my family and friends come before the church. I will meet with them when I get back but until them, I do not want to be bothered by anyone for any reason. You, my friend, have stirred up enough problems for me here with your big mouth."

He was laughing so hard it sounded like he was choking. He finally was able to get a breath, and became his usual flippant self.

"Ah, but Jon, that's what friends are for. If I did not speak up for you, who would?"

"Well, if you volunteer me for anything else, I will send Kat to look you up and handle that big mouth of yours. I know how afraid you are of red headed women. Do not think I have forgotten about that little incident in Ireland a few years ago. By the way, did she ever find you to claim payment for the twin girls, Papa?"

"Ah Jon, yes she did, much to my regret. She came here to headquarters and was let in as a visitor. I will not try to relate the embarrassment I felt from her tongue in front of all my fellow agents. Even after we took the tests and it was proven they weren't mine, she still cursed me for not adopting them as mine. We found out that Jasque was the father, and his family has adopted them as their own. It is too bad he cannot be here to watch them grow. I made sure his stipend is sent to them every month, to help with their educations when they grow older. Besides, if I remember correctly, you too have a few incidents in your past that you would like to forget."

"Very funny, Maurice. Unlike yours, mine were easily explained as well as forgotten. Maurice, I will do the job, but there are a few things I am going to want as soon as it's over."

"I think if you complete this properly, you can ask almost anything and it will be granted for your service."

"I will hold you to that, my friend. Now, I have another favor to ask of you."

I went on to tell him what I wanted and how I wanted it arranged. To my surprise, he said no problem, that it would be entered into the records immediately. I let out a sigh of relief and thanked him for his help. He said that the other cruiser was in the process of lifting the sub and should have it unloaded by dawn. He asked if I wanted any of the weapons for my personal use, and I told him if there were any good pistols I would like to have several boxes of them and ammo for my armory here. He said as soon as he had a list of what was aboard, he would make sure I got what I wanted. I also told him I wanted to take some back with me when I left, and asked if he could arrange the paperwork so I could get through customs. He said it would all be ready by the time I left the islands. We hung up after a little kidding between us. I walked back to the table to see that the only person there was Kat, who was waiting on me so we could go up to our rooms together. I was immediately kissed as we headed up to bed.

I told her to turn on the TV since I had no idea how. I hadn't seen one up here. She went over to the night stand, pulled out a remote, and pushed a button. A big TV slid out of a slot in the ceiling at the foot of the bed. I must have had a weird look on my face because Kat was laughing at me as I watched it slide down. I had never seen anything like this and immediately went over to check it out. From what I could tell, without looking up into the ceiling, it was on rollers and a track with cables attached to the sides to raise and lower it. I was still thinking about how it worked when Kat pulled me into the shower with my clothes still on, laughing at me as I undressed. I took one look at her and was lost again. I silently wondered to myself if she had some kind of spell on me, because I had never been affected this way before by any woman. When she saw me looking at her so intently, she kissed me. I was in a fog from that point on until later, when we laid down together in the bed and she turned the TV on.

Jerry was right, it was the big story of the evening. Every station trying to figure out who had sent the list and if it was being actively investigated by the law enforcement agencies. They went on to say that they couldn't release any names now, but that they would be forthcoming in the morning broadcast. When they went to weather, Kat shut it off. Then I didn't think about the list or anything else but Kat until I fell asleep exhausted. I woke the next morning to someone knocking at the door and automatically said come in. It was the young native girl with our breakfast. As she arranged it on the table, she said that Myrna had told her to bring it up as she figured we were still in bed. She left and giggled as she closed the door. I smiled, thinking about that giggle and how we had met the first time.

"Wake up, sleepy head. Breakfast is on the table and I am starved."

At the sound of me announcing food, Kat popped up with a smile, kissed me, and ran for the bathroom. Now that sight woke me up and brought a big smile to my face. I wondered if she would run to the table dressed the same way. No such luck, she had gotten a robe from the bathroom and had it on when she came out. She must have seen the disappointment on my face, because she laughed and said there would be plenty of time for perving when we were married. I got on a pair of clean jeans just in time, because there was another knock at the door. Sally came in carrying a tray and set the contents on the table with ours, then sat down next to Kat.

"Dad, if we lived here could we be served like this every day?"

"No you could not! I would have you in the kitchen helping to earn your way like you do with Myrna when we're at home."

She stuck her tongue out at me and she and Kat broke up laughing when I grabbed it. She kept trying to talk as I pulled it out and sprinkled pepper on it, then let it loose. I thought Kat was going to fall off her chair laughing at the look on Sally's face when she realized it was pepper on her tongue. She quickly drank her orange juice, swishing it around in her mouth before she spoke.

"That was mean Dad and not fair. I will get even with you for that one. You know I have a long memory too."

"Well young pretty girls should be seen and not heard. Besides you get spoiled enough without being waited on hand and foot all the time. Now let's eat before the food gets cold."

We were about half way through the meal when I saw a look pass between Sally and Kat. I was instantly on my guard but what happened next caught us both by surprise.

"Dad, do you like seafood?"

"Yes, if it's prepared right. Why do you ask, Sally?"

She looked at me with a grin on her face and opened her mouth wide which it showed a mouthful of half chewed food. I made a face as I grimaced and looked over at Kat. She had a shocked look on her face, just before she busted out laughing and sprayed orange juice all over me. She calmed down and I went to the bathroom to clean up. I heard her tell Sally; "We used to pull the same trick when I was in school. I don't think Jon is going to appreciate the humor of it though. After all, I just gave him a bath in orange juice. Maybe you better duck your head and pretend to be innocent until we see how he reacts."

"Ok, Kat, but I thought the look on his face was funny."

"So did I, but you caught me by surprise too. Let's both act like nothing's happened when he comes out."

They started that snickering when I came out. I put another shirt on before I came back to the table. I sat down and grabbed another cup of coffee and just gave them both a dirty look before I said anything. The whole time I was fighting to keep from smiling at them. I looked at Sally in a stern manner trying not to laugh at the sheepish look on her face when she saw my look.

"I can see right now, young lady, that I am going to have to have a talk with Myrna about your table manners. As for you, Kat, I think from now on I will start wearing a bib when I am dining with you, in case of another accident from your drinking problem."

I thought I handled it pretty good and was chuckling to myself until I got a look at Kat's face. It was red and she was glaring at me with a look that I could easily interpret as bad. Sally was watching her, trying not to laugh out loud. I couldn't tell if she was mad or playing, but I was smart enough to keep my mouth shut until someone else spoke. It wasn't long in coming either.

"Jon Morgan, I do not have a drinking problem. I take a drink and I spray it on the closest one facing me, so they can share it with me. I see no problem with that, do you, Sally?"

My mouth fell open and they both lost it. Once again they had conspired and gotten me. They were getting as bad as Myrna. I watched both of them gasping for breath as they were laughing so hard. Man, I thought, I had to even the odds here. With the three of them, I was on the bottom rung of the ladder, waiting for something else to fall on my head. I knew instinctively that this would be happening on a regular basis, and deep inside I realized I loved all three of them regardless of what they might pull on me. I had found something I had looked for all my life without knowing what it was; a loving family that I could share my heart and soul with, without reservation. Kat must have seen something in my face, as did Sally, because they both got up and came to me, kssing me on both cheeks and whispering "We love you." I sat back, knowing my face was red, watching as they cleaned up the dishes and put them on the tray. Sally set them outside the door and came over to sit down in my lap, just as the ship to shore phone rang. I looked at my watch and it was almost nine in the morning. I knew it was Jerry calling me so I stood up and kissed them both before I answered it.

"Jon, good morning! Hope I didn't wake you. I have the papers and am going into the Judge's Chambers now to get the warrant quashed. Is there anything else I need to know?"

"Not that I know of Jerry. I was told this morning that Michelle will be getting a large reward from the French Government for the information on the disks. You can tell the Judge that both Presidents are working together to act on what she was able to give them. The French consider her and the rest to be national heroes, not hunted fugitives. He can verify this and if he needs the number to do so, call me back and I will furnish it to him. Jerry, I want them free and clear and if at all possible, I want adoption papers drawn up so Michelle can get the baby she was raising back from the church. Her mother will back her and help her raise the child. He's a foundling and his mother sold him to the church."

"I will have them ready and signed. All we will have to do is fill in the blanks. I have a few favors I can call in to expedite the adoption, if we cannot find the mother to get her to sign the papers."

"I doubt if that will ever happen, Jerry. She was a prostitute and sold the baby to the church when it was a few days old. According to Michelle, he is almost three and a half and she is the only mother he ever had. I think it's the least we can do to make up for her years of enslavement by the church."

"Ok Jon, I will get all the information from her when you get back. Well, they are calling me in, so I will call back when I am done meeting with the Judge."

He hung up and I looked at Kat and Sally. They were both smiling at me.

"Gee Dad, you never stop helping the people you care for, do you? I mean, look at me, and now look at the way you're helping Michelle and her mother. No wonder she had so much faith that you would find her again and get her out of there. Now you know why I have always been so proud to be your daughter. Can I call Judy later?"

The abrupt change of subject threw me off for a minute but I said yes. She hugged me and went out the door. Katie was getting ready to knock and they almost collided. The look of surprise on their faces was funny and I told Katie to come in. She sat down at the computer and spent the next ten minutes sending her tests to her college. When she got up, she and Kat left together, after I got a kiss from Kat. I had asked Kat about what Katie had asked me last night, and she was happy to do it. I figured as soon as Jerry called, I would be taking my walk with Koma. Then I would go to the village for my ceremony with him, the shaman, and Quanta. I was having a busy morning already, without ever leaving my rooms. I pushed the buzzer for the kitchen and when they came on the intercom, I asked for another pot of coffee and a cup. It wasn't five minutes later there was a knock at the door, and Jubal and Farley came in with a tray with three cups on it and a large carafe of coffee. We sat down at the table and Jubal poured as we discussed their love of the island and its tranquil way of life.

"Jubal, you and Farley are welcome to stay as long as you want. I should be getting a call in a few minutes telling me that the warrant on all of you has been rescinded by a Federal Judge. According to my attorney, it was an illegally issued warrant. I have a feeling that Jerry is going to push for some sanctions on whoever issued it. You two did a great job, and I will be giving you both a large reward for all your hard work."

"Jon, seeing what that little girl was going through is enough for us. We were glad to get her out of there. Besides, we both have some unfinished business with those shooters who ruined a perfectly good pickup. We also want to cave in that tunnel under your house so it can never be used again. They almost got us with that one. If Michelle hadn't told us about it, we would all be dead. Jon, for as young as she is, she was totally calm through the entire battle. If I didn't know better, I would guess she has been in battle before. There are a few other things we need to tell you that we discovered while scouting that compound. Farley and I have talked it over, and one way or another, we are going back for some payback when we get back. Neither of us like being shot at, and some of the things we saw are going to stop, if we have to kill all the guards around that hell hole."

"I understand how you feel there, fellas. I went through something like that when I first got here. This island was a slave colony as far as I was concerned."

"Yea, we saw some of the whip marks on the men around here. Jon, the church has a huge underground weapons storage area. We accidently discovered it while checking the perimeter one night. We tried to get it on one of the cameras, but it wouldn't focus in the bright lights. They brought a whole convoy of semis in one night from Texas, and it took them all night to unload. We were able to sneak close enough to see what was being brought in. What was already there shocked both of us. All the cases of weapons were stamped in foreign languages, so none of it is stolen from our bases. Farley took some pictures, but the camera was broken by a stray bullet on our way out. The storage area is under your property, by the back fence, with the entrance on your property. They seem to think the cabin is abandoned because they have a guard post set up in it. There are also a few men living there like it belonged to the church. Good thing you told us to scout it out first or we would have walked into a trap. I talked to the local sheriff, and I think he is on their payroll because he acted so hinky when we mentioned the church. He immediately went on the defensive and started to grill us about why we were asking. We just told him we were looking for some land to build a cabin on and several of the townspeople told us to steer clear of the church. That seemed to satisfy him, but I know he watched us for a couple of days. The people who do all the work in the compound are treated like animals. They work them from dawn to dusk when the weather's nice. We watched as several of the guards had a party and abused the women like they were property. Jon, we were raised to treat people better and we want some payback for them trying to kill us."

I knew I was going to have to tell them about me being appointed liaison to Homeland Security and the assignment of ending the church's power. As I opened my mouth, the radio started beeping. I figured it was Jerry so I answered it immediately.

"Jon, the warrants are void and the Judge got mad and stuck some stiff fines on the Marshal's Service for issuing them. He also issued an arrest warrant for the general who pushed them through a local judge. The local judge has been suspended pending an ethics probe. Your friends are cleared and able come home whenever they want. I also have a message from the Judge. He said to tell you that he would like to meet your friends Jubal and Farley, as he is in need of a couple of good bodyguards. I am going back to the office to start that paperwork on Timmy and should have it signed, sealed and ready to go by the time you get back here. By the way, the next time you decide to go down there, invite my family and me, will you? I would love to take my wife and kids to a place like that for a vacation. We can even use my company jet to fly down. Jon, if you need anything else, just call. If anything comes up on this end, I will call you immediately."

I thanked him and hung up, turning to Jubal and Farley.

"Well fellas, enjoy your stay with a clean conscience. You are now free to go home anytime you want and no one will bother the four of you. You also have an offer for a job as bodyguards for a Federal Judge, if you're interested. I will continue my talk with you about the compound later, but I have to go meet the native chief for some personal business."

They both thanked me as we got up, and Jubal said they would be drawing me up a detailed map of the compound. Then Farley asked a question that threw me a little and made me chuckle.

"Umm Jon, the native women seem awful friendly here. Are we allowed to, well you know?"

"Farley, if it's not forced, have fun. Jubal, before you do anything, I would have a little talk with Michelle first."

"Why, Jon?"

"Let's just say it would be wise to speak to her alone for a couple of minutes, and be sure to ask her about her mom."

"Ok, Jon, I will. Your cryptic comments have got my curiosity aroused, so I will make it a point to do it as soon as possible. Her mom is a little shy, but boy is she a looker."

They got up and went out the door, with Jubal asking Farley if he had any idea why he should talk to Michelle about her mom. Farley just shrugged and said he guessed he would find out when he talked to Michelle. I sat back chuckling to myself again, wondering if maybe I made a better matchmaker than I thought. I laughed out loud thinking about what Myrna would say if she found out about it. I got up and headed outside myself, to see if Koma was around so we could take our walk and have some of my curiosity satisfied about this torch society.



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Chapter 53


When I got outside, Koma was sitting at the patio table talking to Quanta and his wife. Myrna was listening with wide eyes at whatever they were saying. I sat down and poured another cup of coffee, waiting to see if there was something in the works I didn't know about. There wasn't, but Koma told Quanta to meet us in the village in about an hour and got up, motioning for me to follow him. Myrna smiled at me when I got up and walked off with Koma. When we got away from the patio, he led me into the jungle on a faint trail. We walked for about fifteen minutes and came to a small clearing with a spring bubbling out of the ground. He sat, leaning up against a tree, motioning for me to take a seat opposite him.

"Jon, what I am about to tell you has been passed by word of mouth to the bearers of the torch for centuries. This all started back in the crusades, and it was an agreement between the Catholic Church and the Knights Templars. We all got together and formed the Torch Society in order to preserve all the valuable artifacts we could and save them from being destroyed. If I remember your history, many of the most important artifacts from the crusades were taken away to be hidden by us, to keep them from being destroyed by the zealots that wanted Muslim as well as Christian treasures destroyed. The church was behind most of it, because they considered the zealots to be pagan and offensive. We worked closely with the Templars to sneak them out of the holy city and then hid them to keep them safe. They, of course had their own agenda, but it all worked out in the end because our national treasures were hidden. Only the torch bearers know the locations of most of these artifacts. It is all recorded in a book in South Africa that is hidden away at a remote temple high in the mountains. The monks still guard it, and unless you have the sign of the torch, you will be run out of the temple. We have maintained this society for centuries and still do to this day. This is a great honor we pass to you, and do not accept it unless you are ready to give your life to keep the secrets safe. Once you have committed to the Torch Society, you will have doors opened to you in most countries that no white man has ever known about. Before you answer and I tell you the rest, I want you to think about what you are becoming part of. Quanta's wife is a ju ju woman, often called a witch. She is very powerful in her own right, and belongs to a vanishing breed of women who have been around since the beginning of time. They have always married kings and chiefs to further their power and that of the men they marry. Before I go any further with this, I want you to think about it and decide if you wish to become a torch bearer. When you decide whether to go for it or decline, I want you to know you will still be a chief to our people. You do not have to accept this honor and we will have no ill will toward you if you don't."

I just looked at him, wondering what I had gotten myself into, and how this might help me in my job, recovering children. I knew from past experience that traveling to another country to recover a stolen child was dangerous. This would also give me an advantage if I needed help. I knew I wasn't interested in the artifacts, only the help. I could always use it if I had to go to another country like I did a few years ago. I had gone to Qatar to get two boys back. Their father had smuggled them out of the country to keep them from being raised by their mother. It had been an uphill battle the whole time because the father refused to discuss anything about them when we met. A team of three men and I had lived in abandoned buildings for a month until we could find an opportunity to snatch them. We finally were able to grab them and spirit them away, back to the states. They were almost as happy to leave as we were to get them out. The reunion with their mother brought tears to us all, and made it all worth while. Thinking about the help I might have had from torch members in that country helped me finally make up my mind. Yes, I would become a part of it, and if I needed help again in a desert country, I would have locals who knew the area to help me as needed. This alone made the aspect of joining them worth while. Koma had been watching me closely the whole time I was thinking and he must have sensed I had made up my mind in the positive. He got up and embraced me saying; "Welcome, my brother, now let us walk and I will explain the rest to you as we go to the village. Your friend and the shaman will be waiting to fulfill the final steps."

We walked while he talked, and to say I was shocked and amazed was an understatement. The knowledge he passed on to me was something that would make an archaeologist's mouth water. Not only did I find out where the many treasures were if I so wished to look, but that there were hidden temples that stored books and scrolls with the knowledge of hundreds of years of intensive study by scholars all over the world. Koma told me where I could go if I ever needed money and recover things I could sell to live like a King with the society's blessing, if I so wished. He said that if I traveled anywhere in the world, my name, and the names of my family would be known to the members of the society, and that they would always be safe from harm. I found out that the society had enforcers in almost every country that looked out for the members and their families. The members of the society numbered in the millions world wide, and the number of torch bearers only numbered around a thousand or a little more. It was a closely guarded secret that was passed down by word of mouth only. We were considered the bearers of the ancient secrets, and only when one was killed or died was he replaced by another. The society's faith and knowledge were only known by the torch bearers, and I would soon become one. Quanta was considered to be an elder by the society and would be almost lifted to godlike status today when he received his third torch. There were only three others who bore this honor.

I asked Koma why I was chosen, and he stopped and looked at me for a moment before answering.

"You, even though you are white, are honest to a fault and you saved an elder's family when you didn't have to. You fought and were wounded because of your actions and you also lost men. You could have left them to their fate but instead, you saved them. For this reason alone, we have watched you since that time, trying to figure out a way to ask you to become part of our society. The opportunity came when I went to Nigeria to ask for help from Quanta to save my people. When he told me about your unselfish actions all those years ago, we hatched the plan to have you buy this island and free my people. Quanta knows you all too well, my brother, and he knew how you would react to what was going on here. It surprised both of us when you demanded that he come first and look at the situation here. Sukie was as surprised as he could be when he tried to bully Quanta and found out under his mild exterior he was made of iron. It is my great honor to be the one who will witness the induction of a torch bearer, as well as see one of us become the holder of the third torch. This is something that only happens every hundred years or so, and I am humbled to see my people witness this. You will be the second of your race ever to receive this honor, and I am proud to call you my brother."

I walked the rest of the way to the village in silence, thinking about all he had told me. By the time I met with Pala again I was feeling humbled. The reality of what was going to happen was starting to set in. We were taken into his hut where Quanta was already seated, and I was told to remove my shirt. I did, and Quanta stood.

"This is my friend Jon Morgan, who saved my family from certain death at the hands of an evil person. He gave me money for my family when he didn't have to. It is to him we owe our position in society in my country. I took the money he gave me so many years ago and had my wife bless it so that the evil ones who had it before could not taint it with their ghosts. Yes, I knew where the money came from, but because of the way you have unselfishly used it to help others, that was no longer important. I could stand here and spend the whole day telling all of you how many people young and old he has helped, but that would sound like I was boasting about my friend."

When he said that, I looked around me and realized that almost the whole village was standing around the hut, listening to what was going on. My attention was drawn back to Quanta as he continued.

"I am proud and humbled to see my friend become a part of our society and world. I have chosen his name, which will be known by all from now on. He shall be called THE PROTECTOR, as this is what he has been doing for many years. He saves and protects the little ones and their families from those who would prey on them. He uses the money he gave me to invest to help them make a new life. He will make a great member of our society and be loved by all. I, Quanta Mutamba, Elder of the Torch, have spoken!"

When he finished, Pala started to mix some things on a small table. I realized I was about to be tattooed, and wondered how bad it would hurt. My thoughts were broken when the girl from the house came in with colorful clothing on, and served us tea. She stepped back and bowed to each of us separately before she went out again. I watched as Quanta and Koma smiled before lifting the cup to drink. I automatically lifted mine and took a small sip expecting to be drinking the local version of tea which, by the way, tastes terrible. The surprise must have shown on my face as I tasted it because Quanta and Koma started laughing.

"Jon, this is a special blend that is grown high in the mountains and blessed by the monks. Torch bearers are sent five pounds of it every year for special occasions and for their own consumption. The monks have been blending it for centuries, and it gets better every year. When you get home, you will find that yours is already waiting for you. Jon, Pala will put your tattoo on, and then Koma has asked to speak. You will be back with your family in less than an hour. You may choose what to tell them, but remember to tell them only what the society is, not about the other things Koma has told you. This is for our ears only. Remember what you have been told, because you might have to pass it down to another one day. Everything you have been told is verbal only and nothing is ever to be written down. If you keep a journal, remember this, as it is taboo to write about what has been told to you. Our members come from all societies and religions, and they are all bound by the tattoo you are about to receive. Anywhere you travel out of your own country, you will be watched over and kept from harm by the members. They will help and aid you in any way that they can, up to and including giving their lives to protect you from harm. You are a torch bearer, and by that simple fact, you are like a King in their eyes and will be treated as such. Did you ever wonder why you were allowed to leave Qatar with two small children? The society has a strong influence there and several high ranking officials were watching over you at my request. The father is also a member and he was told that he was not to pursue or bother the children without asking you first. He was not happy until he was told you were soon to be a torch bearer. He will be contacting you in the near future, to ask for forgiveness, and for your permission to visit with his sons. It will be up to you to arrange this. He will not try to remove them or bother their mother in any way. This will be just a visit so he can assure himself that they are being well taken care of. He will also turn over to the mother a bank book with a large amount of money. It is to be used by the sons for college as we know she cannot afford to send them. He has wealth and was told to use it to help them. You must convince the mother to accept this and his visit."

"I don't think it will be a problem because as you know I have been sending money every month to help them. I know she still loves him, but it was his meanness and his alcohol consumption that led to her divorcing him. I can arrange the visit, but I will stay and oversee the whole thing."

This brought a smile and a nod from Quanta. Pala came over to me and knelt down by my side. He smeared some kind of ointment on my shoulder and almost immediately the skin became numb. He spent the next forty five minutes applying my tattoo. I never felt a thing. When he was finished with me, he applied Quanta's third torch and the Koma's second one. He finished and stood up, bowed to us, and a wide smile came across his face.

"I am Pala, shaman to the people of this island. I have been shaman for sixty years, and have seen nothing but evil befall my people in all this time. Then came the one known as The Protector. My people have had happiness and full stomachs since he came to us. I was told by him never to address him as master, and so shall it be. I have had the honor that no other has had, by being able to put the sign of the torch on three of the greatest men our people have ever known, here on this small island. If I go to the spirits tomorrow, I will tell them about how proud I am that I was granted this honor."

He bowed to us again and sat down as Koma stood.

"I am Koma, chief of our people. My father, as well as my father's father, was also chief and a torch bearer as I am now. My people, I want you all to gaze upon our other chief. He will be treated as such, and as are mine, the words he speaks to you shall be law. He came here and gave us back our freedom and pride. He also helped us to find the evil ones among us so that we could stop the evil things that they were doing to our people. For this I am forever grateful, as all of you should be. We are also proud to be the village who is hosting the marriage of a torch bearer to the woman he loves. This is cause for great celebration and pride for us all. I thank you, Jon Morgan, for all you have given our people. We will always be in your debt and I am proud to call you my brother in all things."

I thought the village was going crazy, the way they were carrying on outside the hut. I was told by Koma to stand in the doorway with my new tattoo and face my new people. When I walked to the door and did as he asked, they went even crazier, if that were possible. After about five minutes, they started to quiet down a little and I sat back down at Koma's direction. We were again served tea by the girl from the house, but this time she bent and kissed my cheek before she left. I must have had a surprised look on my face, because Koma laughed at me before he explained.

"She is the daughter of one of our head men. She has done nothing but brag about you since you helped her clean up the broken dishes that morning you ran into her. She told us all of how well you treated her and what you said to her. She has changed since that time, and has become the proud woman you told her she should be. She has also been your greatest admirer since that morning. Put your shirt on, my brother, and we shall walk back to your home. There will be very little soreness from your tattoo, and the colors will never fade, even in the sun. Now come, my brother, before your lovely wife to be gets angry. We are taking up her time with you, and you both are still unwed. I myself have heard of the fire haired one's temper, and do not wish to incur her wrath by keeping her husband away from her too long."

I looked at him and busted out laughing. We were all laughing by the time we got into the tree line and headed back to the house. Quanta said he needed to get back also as his woman had a bad temper if she didn't get her afternoon loving. We all busted out laughing again at his mock worry and the face he made. We were still snickering when we walked out of the tree line. I stopped for a moment because I saw two men sitting on the patio with the women. They both had white uniforms on and I wondered who it was. I picked up my pace with Quanta and Koma copying my move. I need not have worried, because as I got closer, I recognized Captain LeMuer and another man who probably the Captain from the other ship. They were both laughing and everyone was drinking a beer, including the women. I had never seen Myrna drink before but she seemed to be enjoying herself. I noticed that Sally, Kat and Katie weren't there, nor were Quanta's girls, so I figured they were still out exploring the island. Then I noticed something else that brought a smile to my face. Jubal was sitting beside Michelle's mother and they both were smiling. Since Michelle wasn't there I figured she was with Kat and the rest. Then another thought hit me; I hoped Sally wasn't driving because they would all be scared to death by the time they got back. Koma excused himself and headed back to the jungle, saying he would see us tomorrow. When I realized what he was referring to, I kind of stumbled. Tomorrow was to be my wedding day. We grabbed a beer, found empty chairs, and joined the party. Before I could get seated Myrna gave me a dirty look saying; "I saw you stumble, Jon, have you been drinking?"

I thought Quanta was going to fall off his chair in shock. Myrna gave him a big grin and looked at me.

"There will be no bachelor parties here. Those filthy habits don't belong in such peaceful surroundings. Besides, if you found something besides beer to celebrate with, I think it would be rude of you not to share it with all of us, don't you Captain LeMeur?"

I looked over at Quanta, raising my eyebrows in a questioning manner. He looked at me and smiled before saying; "Would a case or two of good Napoleon Brandy fit the occasion?"

There was a shout of "yes" from almost everyone at the table including Myrna, to my surprise. By the time Kat and the girls got back a few hours later, all of us were feeling no pain. That's when I found out what Koma meant by fire hair.



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Chapter 54


By the time the girls returned from their explorations, all of us at the table, including Myrna, were three sheets to the wind. I was feeling great, but when Kat and Sally dragged chairs up on either side of me, I had the sense to try to act a little guilty for my inebriated condition. Not Myrna, she had to open her big mouth, telling Kat and the rest how great the Brandy we were drinking tasted, and how smooth it was going down the hatch. We all busted out in uproarious laughter at her. Kat looked at Sally, then at me, and told Sally to tell the kitchen to send out some food for all the drunks. It was obvious we were all in need of it. She also said to tell them to send out plenty of strong coffee for her drunken husband to be. She sat and glared at me, to the delight of Myrna and the rest of our guests. When the food came, I dug in almost as greedily as the rest. I ate until I thought I would bust. Myrna proposed a toast to me and Kat, with the rest of them laughing at Kat as she glared at Myrna for filling up our glasses again with the potent Brandy. We all finished it in one drink, and cheered at Kat's red face. That's when she leaned over to me and whispered the words I would remember the rest of the night.

"Jon Morgan, this is the eve of our wedding, and if you don't quit drinking, I will sleep in another room. I know you are celebrating with your friends, but remember we have to be at the village at dawn for the first ceremony. I know how you are in the morning after you drink, and if you ruin the mood tomorrow by being surly and in a bad mood, I will be going home by myself and unmarried. This means the world to me because I love you so much and I want us to be happy tomorrow. If you take one more drink of anything but coffee, Sally and I will gang up on you and make your evening miserable. I want you clear headed for tomorrow and able to share in the joy of the ceremony we are going to go through as part of our becoming man and wife."

I looked at her with double vision, and realized how drunk I really was. I set my drink down and poured myself a cup of black coffee. I spilled almost as much as I got in the cup, but finally got it full. I leaned over and kissed her on the forehead and whispered back, slurring my words somewhat; "I love you Kat and I would never set out to ruin what is going to happen tomorrow. I don't need Brandy to celebrate my feelings for you. They are imbedded so deep in my heart that they remind me every minute how much I love you. I promise you, my love, that I am looking forward to tomorrow as much as you are and no amount of alcohol would spoil it for either of us. Sally is my heart and you are my soul."

I don't know where any of that came from but I knew it was the truth because it felt completely right to me after I said it. It must have been the right thing to say because Sally and Kat were looking at me with tears running down their cheeks. The look of pure love I was getting from both of them warmed me twenty times more than the alcohol in my system. I looked up at Myrna. She winked at me and mouthed at me, "We all love you, Jon." The party started breaking up at that point, and both Captains got up saying they would see me at noon tomorrow in the village. I was grinning as they both headed down the steps to the beach, holding each other up and laughing their heads off at some private joke. By the time I looked back at the table, the only one sitting there was Myrna. She was trying to get up but wasn't having much success, so Katie and Sally went over and helped her to the house. Watching her made me feel sad for her as tomorrow was supposed to be her day too. Thanks to a bigoted hard headed man, she was once again by herself. Damn him anyway, I thought, he better never show his face around me after breaking this wonderful woman's heart. Kat must have sensed what I was thinking because she started talking to me as I staggered toward the house with her helping me navigate.

"Jon, my love, I feel bad for Myrna too. If I thought I could have gotten away with it, I would have shot that sorry excuse for a man for what he did to her. You know that as much as I love you and Sally, I know for a fact that my love will never be as strong as hers for the two of you. Now, let's get you to bed because dawn is going to come mighty early for you, especially in your condition. You should know, I watched the expressions on your face as you watched Captain LeMeur and his friend leave. I know you miss your life with them and the Legion. Jon, as much as I love you, I don't want you to ever change because you wouldn't be the man I fell in love with if that happened. All three of us will always love you and be here for you, no matter what happens in the future."

I was still trying to compute her words when I passed out on the bed, still dressed with a smile on my face.

When I woke up the next morning, it was still dark and my head felt like there were a thousand drummers having a concert in it. I looked over at Kat and she was sound asleep with a smile on her face. Again, as every time I looked at her with her hair spread out across the pillow, it took my breath away and made me feel at peace with myself. I got up very carefully and headed for the bathroom. I swallowed four aspirins, undressed, and got in the shower with the cold water on full blast. It was all I could do to keep from yelling out loud at the cold. I hated cold showers, but I knew in my condition, it would be the only thing that would make my nausea, as well as my headache, ease off so I could function. I stood there for awhile with my hands against the shower wall, letting the cold water beat down on me. I hadn't realized Kat had come in until she pulled the shower curtain open and squealed when she got splashed.

"Jon, if you think I am going to get in there with you and freeze, you better think again. Now, please put some hot water on, or get out so I can wash."

I opened my eyes and my mouth fell open at the sight that greeted me. I almost choked when the water ran in. I started coughing and noticed she had that ornery grin on her face as she watched my reaction to her standing before me naked. I quickly readjusted the water temperature and she got in with me. She asked me to wash her hair for her, but not to get against her as I was as cold as an icicle. Me, being me, I didn't listen and immediately hugged her, at which she started squealing and laughing. She looked down and made some smart comment I didn't catch, so I turned the cold water on again full blast. She pushed me out of the shower with the warning that I had better get dried and dressed. Sitting on my rear on the bathroom floor looking up at her, I started laughing at her standing there with her fists on her beautiful hips. I got up and leaned in and kissed her. Before she could react, I quickly closed the shower curtain in her face, chuckling at her look of indignation. I got dried and put on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, then called down to the kitchen to order breakfast and coffee. Kat was still in the bathroom when the knock came at the door. I said come in and the young girl from the village came in with a coffee carafe but no food on the tray.

"I thought I ordered breakfast, little one."

"You did, my chief, but you are not allowed to eat until the purification ceremony is over. They will feed you at the village when this is completed. I am sorry, my chief, but these are the customs of our people. The rest of your guests will be there a little later, but you and your bride will be escorted by the shaman to the place where you will complete your first ceremony."

"Thank you for reminding me of the customs. How soon should we come down to meet Pala?"

"You have about fifteen minutes, my chief."

With that, she grinned at me, bowed, and went back out the door. Kat came in, wrapped in a sarong that took my breath away. The colors make her red hair seem like it was on fire as she stood in the sun smiling at me. I motioned to the coffee and she made a face at me. She poured herself a glass of the juice on the tray, and sat down in my lap to drink it. I told her what the girl had told me and she just smiled.

"Kat, my love, I know I haven't said it enough since we met but I love you and have to be one of the luckiest men alive to marry a woman so beautiful. There is something else I need to say while we have a few moments together this morning. Kat, I need to make it very clear to you that me being who I am, and what I personally believe in, I want to explain something to you. The vows we are about to take today are, to me, written in stone and I will never break them as long as we are alive. I have seen what divorce does to families and I have always sworn to myself if I ever got married I would never break my vows. When we become man and wife, it is for life as far as I'm concerned. If someone had told me five years ago I would give my heart and soul to a woman, I would have laughed in their face. You own those, and everything I want is sitting here in my lap like a goddess from a movie. Sometimes I feel like I have had a spell put on me, because whenever I kiss you or look at you, it's like there is nothing in the world but you. I love you with all my heart and soul, and I don't think there is anything in this world that will ever change the feelings I have for you."

She looked at me with tears running down her face before she leaned over and kissed me. Like always, I was in a total fog when she did. She broke free, leaned back, and looked me directly in the eyes as she said she felt the same way. She told me that if I ever broke our love and vows, she would not be responsible for what would happen to me. Her next words threw me for a loop and shocked me to the core.

"Jon, if you ever leave me or break our vows and the love we have for each other, I will personally kill you rather than watch as another takes my place at your side. You are my love and my whole world, and God help anyone that tries to come between us. There isn't and never will be another for me but you. I loved my first husband, but it was nothing compared to the love I have for you. With the type of work you do I know you have seen things I don't even want to think about. That is not us and never will be. We are one in all things and I will fight tooth and nail to make sure that never changes. I will be there to council you and help you in any way I can for the rest of our lives. This is my own vow to you, my love, and I will never break it for any reason."

I felt tears running down my face when she finished. I realized that every man I knew that had ever gotten married had felt love, but it was nothing like what we had for each other. I had unwittingly picked a woman who could or would have been a queen in the old times. Soul mates came to mind and I kissed her. There was a knock at the door and Sally stuck her head in.

"Will you two wait a little longer for all this mushy stuff? The shaman is waiting for you. Hurry up, or you will be late for your own wedding!"

We busted up laughing and we got up, still holding hands as we went out the door. Sally got on my other side smiled at both of us and took my hand as we walked down the steps to go outside. When we stepped out into the rising sun, Sally kissed both of us and went back inside. Pala motioned us to follow him, and it was then I realized I didn't have any shoes on. I looked down and Kat was without hers too. I whispered, "What about our clothes?", and was told that they were already at the village waiting for us.

We followed Pala into the tree line and walked for about a half hour to a clear spot in the forest. To say it was beautiful would be an understatement. There was a small pool with a waterfall feeding it. We were told to wade in holding hands and stand directly under the falling water. We did as directed; smiling at each other when we realized the water was lukewarm. As we stood under the falling water, I could hear Pala faintly chanting over the noise of the falling water. We stood there until Pala motioned us to come out. We waded back to the shore, where he had us stand on a flat rock that looked like polished glass. We were told to kneel and bow our heads, and stay in that position for fifteen minutes.

"You will kneel and stay in this position until the Sun God lets you see each other's reflection in the rock you are kneeling on. When that happens, you are to kiss and tell each other how much your love means to each other. When you are finished, kiss and release your hands and walk back to the village. You will be met on the path by Koma, who will instruct you on your next step in the marriage ceremony. When you reach the village, you will be fed breakfast then separated until high noon. That's when your Captain will do his ceremony. Then you will be separated again until the sun is setting over the water. I will then conduct the finishing ceremony before you go to your first night together as man and wife. You, torch bearer, have another ceremony to attend before noon with the men of the village. I will leave you now and return to the village to prepare."

He turned and walked away, leaving us to the sounds of the waterfall and the birds in the forest that enclosed the clearing. As we were instructed, we didn't say anything until I realized the sun was beating on our backs and it felt hot to me. I looked down at the polished rock we were kneeling on and saw that our reflections in the stone were so clear I could see the tears running down Kat's face. I raised myself up to rest on my legs bringing Kat with me and looked at her fully. Before I could speak, she did.

"Jon, this is the wedding of a life time, and I love you with all my heart. If ever we have any troubles in our relationship, I will think about this ceremony and know that you love me."

"Kat, I am almost overcome with my love for you, and even if I passed tomorrow, it would never change. You are my everything, and I promise you that I will always strive to make you happy. I love you, Fire Hair."

Where that came from, I would always wonder about in the years to come, but it just felt right. We kissed, and again I was in a fog until she broke it. We both got up, dropping our clasped hands to our side. I saw a faint trail into the tree line, so we followed it side by side, not disturbing the sounds of the forest around us. Kat was smiling and I felt like I could start flying at any time. She looked like she was glowing, but I thought it was a trick of the light.

We had been walking on the trail for about five minutes when Koma materialized, seemingly out of thin air. When he looked at Kat, he stopped with a look of wonder on his face and knelt in front of her. I looked over and she was glowing, and I mean literally. She had a look of peace on her face and she didn't even notice Koma, She had her eyes closed, seeming to be seeing something only she could see. I froze in place with my mouth hanging open in shock at what I was seeing. I felt that she was communing with something that only she could see and understand. The glow around her got brighter before disappearing completely. She seemed to shake herself and looked at me. To my shock, her eyes, which had always been green, now looked like glowing emeralds. She smiled at me and finally seemed to realize that we were standing still. She looked down and saw Koma, then went to her knees and rubbed his head, telling him he didn't have to bow to her. He got up, and the look of adoration on his face made the scars disappear. Kat reached out and clasped his head in both of her tiny hands and kissed him on each cheek.

"I do not understand what happened, but as my husband and I walked, I was speaking with someone who seemed very powerful and all seeing. She told me about the torch society and my husband's part in it. Koma, you are a favored one with whoever was speaking to me. She didn't give me her name, but I had a deep feeling she was very old and wise. She told me I would always be called Fire Hair by all members of the society, and that my grandmother was a wise woman for many years in the old country. Koma, do you know who was speaking to me? I was told to ask you and to talk to Quanta's wife as soon as we returned to the village. I do not understand all of this; it is very confusing to me."

I watched as Koma seemed to change into the chief he was and stood tall before he answered Kat. The answer was nothing like what I expected, thinking it would be a legend or something, but I got another surprise when he bowed to her again before speaking.

"Fire Hair, you have been blessed as no other woman has been in the history of our society. If she told you about the torch society, you will be the first that she has spoken to in hundreds of years. I do not know her name, but hundreds of years ago she was a queen to millions of people. Although she is still prayed to, she has never answered any of the prayers. The fact that she has spoken directly to you, as I have seen for myself, is a great happening. Fire Hair, how much did she tell you about the torch society?"

"I did not understand a lot of it, but she began telling me about it, from the time it was formed up to yesterday's ceremony, where all three of you were honored. She told me of temples and historic things that have been hidden for hundreds of years. She also said that it was time to give some of the most important artifacts to museums all over the world, so others could see their history and understand that religion and skin color mean nothing to those who believe that the world was once ruled for the betterment of it's people. She said that the society has to lead the way to bring the people of the world back together again as one. Please take me to Sylveen. I feel that I am being urged to talk to her while my message to her is still fresh in my mind."

He didn't say a word, just turned and went down the trail at a very fast pace with us following him. I had a thousand questions to ask her, but something was telling me I would know all by the end of the day when we came together for the final ceremony. I opened my mouth twice on the way to the village to say something to her, but every time it seemed like my vocal cords were frozen and I couldn't speak. When we got to the village, she was taken by Koma to a hut where he bowed to her again. He came back to me and physically led me to another hut at the opposite end of the village. Quanta and Pala were already waiting when Koma pulled me inside. Quanta looked at Koma's face, and I could see his whole body come to attention. He looked at me, and then at Pala, before Koma started to tell him what had happened. By the time Koma was done, Quanta was sitting straight up with a look of shock on his face. He looked at Koma, then Pala, before he addressed me speaking in a tone I had never heard him use before. It was the voice of authority, and the ring of steel in his tone started to piss me off.

"Jon, where did you find this woman, and how much do you know about her background? For a God to speak directly to her is almost a sacrilege to our society. For a woman to be told our secrets is unheard of in the history of the society. We must know more about her, Jon! She might be a Goddess who has come back to give us a message, or to guide the society in what we have been discussing for hundreds of years. What to do with the artifacts we have been keeping safe all this time. We must know, Jon, and we are depending on you to find out more."

"Dammit, Quanta, I don't know any more about this than what Koma has told you. I will say, that if anyone tries to harm her, I will kill them on the spot without regret. She is my wife, and what happened today is all as new to me as my induction into your society."

"Calm down, my friend. No one will ever harm her as long as we are alive to defend her. I meant no disrespect to you or Kat. Let us have some tea and discuss this a little more."

Pala sent for tea and once we were served, he had Koma go over what he had seen all over again. When he finished, Quanta seemed as puzzled as the rest of us.

"Jon, please tell me what you observed during this time. I admit I have never heard of a God speaking through a live person like this. I cannot remember such an incident in our history. Also, why would she have such a strong urge to speak to my wife?"

"I don't know, but she was insistent that she be taken to her immediately because she said she had a message for her. No, I have no idea what the message was, but I had the feeling it was important to her. Do any of you have any idea what the hell is going on?"

"I do not understand it myself, Jon. For her to know all the society's secrets is to say the least, unsettling."

"Quanta, whatever it means her eyes have changed color. They were always green but now they look like glowing emeralds. I have never seen anything like it. She also said the person speaking to her seemed to be very old and wise."

I watched as Quanta's as well as Pala's eyes got big and they looked at each other. That's when Quanta murmured something that shocked Koma and Pala to the point where the color seemed to leave their faces completely. They all turned to me with wide eyes.

"Jon, are you sure about her eyes?"

"Of course I am. She is the love of my life and something like that I could hardly miss."

"The Emerald Queen has returned!"

I watched as he tried to sip his tea, but his hand was shaking so bad he spilled most of it on the floor. Koma and Pala were looking at him in shock. It was Koma who asked the next question, and Quanta didn't have an answer.

"If she has returned as you seem to think, what does this mean to our way of life, Quanta? Will she demand what she has said, or will she bring guidance to our people again, like it has been said she would do upon her return, and why is Kat to be her messenger?"

"I cannot answer your questions, Koma. My wife said Kat had a special feel about her, but this? I think we need to continue as if nothing has happened, and later I will speak to my wife and see what she has to say about Kat's message. Jon, Sylveen said there was something special about Kat, but she was not able to tell what it was. She said all she felt from her aura, was her complete love for you. If she is the living container for The Emerald Queen's spirit, then you are indeed doubly blessed. If my wife is able to verify this, then Kat will be the queen that has been missing from our people for thousands of years. Our history teaches us that she was kind and gentle, but had an inborn hate for anyone that would harm her people. It is said she lead her people for a thousand years in total peace. One day she went into the desert and never returned. War immediately broke out on several continents when she disappeared. No one has heard from her from that time until now. If she has returned after all this time, great changes are in store for the world. Now, my friend, let's drop this and continue with your wedding. The men of the village will come in, one at a time, and swear their allegiance to you as the new torch carrier. Afterwards you will get dressed and the Captains from the ships will conduct a marriage ceremony so it will be recognized in your country. When they leave, Pala will conduct the final steps to bind your souls to each other for life. This ceremony is the one that will mate you for life, and none will ever be able to break it. Jon, I want you to be sure before the final ceremony, because once it is performed, neither you nor Kat will ever be parted again. Even in death your spirits will be bonded together forever."

"I don't have to think about it, Quanta. She is my life and I would expect nothing less from her or myself. We have already bound ourselves together with our own oath to each other, and that won't be changed by any ceremony."

"I realize you are new to our ways and ceremonies, but don't scoff at something you don't understand. This final ceremony that you and Kat will participate in can never be undone, even in death my friend. My wife and I went through it, and even with all of our trials, we are closer than ever. Koma's mate was killed by a freak accident, and yet she is as close to him as if she were by his side. He will never marry again, because by the oath he took, his wife's spirit would kill if he remarried. He is allowed the pleasures of the flesh, but only after getting his wife's permission. I know this may sound strange to you, my friend, but that is how strong the final bonding is. Koma, you tell him in your own words, so that he can understand that I am not trying to scare him and sound like I am preaching."

Koma spent the next half hour telling me about incidents in his life since his wife died, and his interpretation of the final bonding ceremony. The hairs on the back of my neck were standing up by the time he finished, but it still didn't change how I felt about what I had told Kat this morning. If it were true, then I could live with it the rest of my life. We went through the rest of the pledge ceremony, and I was almost late for the ceremony with the Captain. Kat was already standing there with Sally by her side, dressed in native garb. When I walked up to them, I was promptly saluted by the Legion Honor Guard standing in line. Myrna, Tiny, Maggie and all the others were all lined up on either side of the raised platform in the center of the village. All the women were in native garb, and I noticed Quanta standing next to the steps with his wife. As my foot hit the first step, Kat turned to face me and I heard a sharp intake of air from Quanta. She was glowing again and I blinked my eyes two or three times, thinking it was a trick of the light. Then I saw her eyes, and drew in my own breath in shock. They were the same color of green as they were on the path, if not even greener and brighter. She smiled at me and I got lost again, but somehow managed to make it to her side. We faced the Captain, with me looking in her eyes as he recited the vows. I answered automatically, my eyes never leaving her face for a minute. I had to fumble for the rings, but was finally able to get them out of my jacket pocket. Thank God Sally was there, or I probably would have dropped them on the ground. I seemed to be all fumbles.

Kat was in perfect control and I was amazed at how graceful she was as she slipped my ring on my finger. I had to fumble a minute before I was able to find her finger, even though she was holding her hand out in plain sight. I finally made it, the Captain finished, and I was told to kiss my bride. I leaned in and kissed her. I don't know what happened, but it seemed to me like part of me went through my lips into her, and I felt something from her pass from her into me at the same time. My legs almost buckled and I would have fallen but for Sally shaking me, telling me to hug her now. I did, but I have never in my life felt so weak. It felt to me like I had been running all day and was completely drained. Kat whispered in my ear as we hugged; "It will pass in a minute, my love."

We stepped apart and the whole village went crazy. We turned to face our friends and they, to a person, had a look of wonder on their faces. Even the honor guard seemed frozen in place as we faced them.

"May I present Mr. and Mrs. Jon Morgan to all of you? May their marriage always be as happy as it is now."

That seemed to break the spell. The honor guard came to attention and saluted us as we walked through their line to the table where there was a feast laid out. Sally was talking a mile a minute, and she and Kat were laughing and joking back and forth. We filled our plates and sat at the table we were directed to, along with the rest of our party. I turned to Kat and asked about Tiny and Maggie's ceremony, but was told it had been done just before ours by the other ship's Captain. We sat down to eat, but before I had eaten three bites of food, someone, I think it was one of the villagers, started yelling "Speech, speech." Pretty soon everyone was yelling it and I took a deep breath, looking at Kat. She had that grin on her face, and I felt the cynical side of me taking over as I gave her a leer and stood up. She gave me a dirty look, but I just grinned at her. Sally was watching and sniggered at the look Kat gave me, saying just loud enough for us to hear; "Oh boy, this oughta be good!"

I gave her a dirty look as I stood, waiting for the shouts to stop.

"I thank you all for the honor of using your village, and for the excellent food you have provided for all of us outsiders today. Now that I am no longer a single man, I guess the village maidens will miss me. Ouch!"

Kat and Sally both had kicked me in either shin. I looked down at them and they were both pretending nothing had happened. As the laughter quieted down, I gave both of them a dirty look before continuing.

"Seriously, it has been my great honor to be the man chosen by such a beautiful woman to be her husband. For this I will be forever humbled and grateful. I came here, blessed with a beautiful daughter and a woman who I love as much as I would my own mother. Myrna, I will be forever grateful to you for your love and friendship, and for being the mother to my daughter that she never had. To all my other friends here today, I thank you for coming. To my comrades of the Legion, I can only say "Persevere" my friends, and may all of your battles be victories."

The cheering was loud and long and went on for several minutes. Kat leaned over and kissed my cheek, saying she was sorry for kicking me but there better not be any babies that looked like me when we came back. I looked at her, almost breaking my neck it snapped so hard in her direction. She busted out in that little girl laughter of hers that immediately made something inside of me melt. Our eyes met and I was lost again. Sally kissed me on the other cheek and gave me a big grin saying; "Pretty good speech, Dad."

When things finally wound down, the men lined up and gave Kat the formal greeting and congratulations in the French manner. By the time they were done, she was a little red in the face. I had to smile, knowing some of the comments they had whispered in her ear as they hugged and congratulated her. She took it all in good grace, and even laughed a couple of times when the Captains whispered to her. They all left and then Myrna came up to me. I could see the tears in her eyes as she hugged me. She kissed me and went to Kat and hugged her, and whispering something in her ear as she did. Kat got red again, but hugged her back, returning her kiss and whispering something back. Myrna got a little red herself, but had a big smile on her face. She stepped back and told Sally to come with her back to the house. Sally objected, but Myrna told her the evening's ceremonies were for us and Tiny and Maggie only. She said we would be back in the morning. I watched as they all headed back to the house, with Michelle running back and hugging both of us, saying how happy she was for us. I smiled when I caught Jubal's eye, and noticed he was clean shaven and looked like a young boy. He and Michelle's mother were holding hands and smiling at each other. Farley was watching them with a smile on his face, shaking his head. When he noticed me looking at him, he shook his head and gave a thumbs down motion. I busted out laughing at his antics. When they were out of sight, we turned back and Quanta and Sylveen were standing in front of us.

"Jon, you must come with me now, as Kat must go with my wife until the final ceremony. Come, my friend, and have tea with us. We will let the women talk until the sun starts down over the water."

I followed him to Pala's hut, after getting kissed by Kat. We were parted again, for the last time, I hoped. This was wearing on my nerves, but I knew it was tradition, and I steeled myself to follow through with it.



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Chapter 55


I was going over in my mind all that had transpired today while I followed them back to the hut we had been in previously. I had more questions than answers, and regardless of Kat's changes, she hadn't seemed to change towards me in any way. We went in and again were served tea and sweet honey cakes. Quanta seemed deep in thought and I waited for him to speak as we sipped our tea. We were watching him when he seemed to snap out of his deep thoughts and looked back at us.

"Jon, for the first time in my marriage, my wife has refused to answer my questions. She would only tell me that Kat had imparted a message to her, and it was for the women of the society. It did not concern the torch bearers in any way. She also told me that what it was she said to you and Koma on the path would never be repeated, as she seemed to have forgotten what she said. My wife said her eyes have indeed changed into the emerald green you described, but that Kat seemed to be unaware of any changes. Jon, I have seen many changes over the years, but none were as strange as what has transpired here today. I cannot rationalize it and say that I understand everything, but I will say you have seemed to find the one who is a perfect mate for you. I also have good news; you will be a father of two boys and a girl. Sylveen says that somehow the fetuses are already aware of what's going on around them. Congratulations, my friend, we are happy for you."

I sat and looked at him in shock, thinking about what he had just said. I had a hundred questions, but somehow I knew that he wouldn't be able to answer them. I just sat and sipped my tea, lost in thought. For the next hour, there wasn't a word spoken in the hut. Everyone seemed to be lost in the contemplation of all that had happened today. Finally, Pala spoke as if he was talking to himself, and we all just looked at him in total disbelief.

"I have spent days in meditation, thinking about my many years as shaman of this village. Today has been an epiphany for me because I have witnessed a miracle. I have seen a long forgotten God come back to us through the mouth of a torch bearer's wife. I have intensely studied all that is known about our society, and this has happened only one time before, almost four hundred years ago. The messages at that time were quickly passed on by the bearer and promptly forgotten about. Even the bearer of the message had no inkling it had happened. Jon, I too have seen Kat's aura, and it is the aura of peace and love. I know you are skeptical about this because of your training and background, but believe me when I say it is the truth. You are new to our society, and I can sense your doubt as easily I feel the wind blowing through the trees. I know you will never completely accept what we believe, but I hope you do keep an open mind. It will guide you through some of the difficulties that lie ahead of you. Trust in your wife and listen to her council. You will be one together for the many years and in all things, and it will be a great help to you. I sense that the blending ceremony tonight will not be necessary, because your spirits and hearts have already become as one. In my years of living here and in the outside world, I have never seen two people so strongly connected as you and Kat."

Both Koma and Quanta looked at him in surprise when he finished speaking. Then they looked at each other before Quanta spoke.

"Although I am not a shaman nor do I claim to be one, this is almost word for word what my wife told me earlier. Jon, I believe that there will be much happiness in your future. Our society has gained much more from you being one of us than you will ever know. Jon, before your children are born, I would ask that you and Kat make the journey to the temple in the mountains. I think what you both will find and see will have a great effect on your future together. The only living torch bearer who has the four torches is the head monk of the temple, and deep inside I feel that he needs to speak to the both of you as soon as possible. I know that you have many chores to complete, but will you consider the trip as a personal favor to me? I will make all the arrangements and I will personally guarantee your safety the whole time."

"Quanta, I know you are my friend, but I do not wish to put Kat in any danger. I know how upside down it is in South Africa today. If she is pregnant, as all of you seem to believe, I will not take any chances of her or the babies coming to any harm. I personally would love to visit the temple and talk to the monks, but taking Kat along in her condition is not something I want to think about. What I have witnessed today with my own eyes is unsettling enough, and not what I would have wished for when we came here. I have gone along with it all because she is happy, but I draw the line at putting her in any kind of danger. She has become my whole life in this short time and I won't take any chances with that."

"I understand but you still don't seem to realize how safe you both would be. Even if you stopped in the middle of a war and were surrounded by the battle, neither of you would be harmed because all there know what would happen to them if they harmed you in any way. The whole country would rise up and wipe the tribe who was responsible out of existence. This they all know, and believe me when I say it would happen. If two tribes were warring they would declare an immediate truce and come together to make you both welcome as though you were King and Queen of the land. Jon, I have never lied to you nor would I ever. You have to believe me when I say you both would be safe in your journey. This is the power that the society has in my part of the world. It is absolute and all know this. Please, talk it over with Kat and reconsider doing it and soon."

Quanta was right, and I felt it deep inside, but I still worried about Kat. In all the years I had known him, he had always been there when I needed him, and had never misled or lied to me for any reason. I would talk it over with Kat, but for my own reasons. I had wanted to visit this temple, ever since Koma had told me about it and all its magical wonders. I felt that Kat would relish going, but I still had that little nagging doubt in the back of my mind. Oh well, I would leave the decision to her, as her wants were more important than my own doubts. Who knows, I thought, maybe I could even sneak Sally and Myrna into the luggage and take them too. I knew Sally would love it, but Myrna would be another matter because of how she felt about staying home and tending the house. I didn't get any further in my thoughts, because Pala stood up and said it was time for the final ceremony to start.

I followed him outside, with Quanta and Koma, keeping a respectful distance to our rear. We walked to the cove facing the sunset out over the ocean. I immediately noticed two new huts about a hundred feet apart with the openings facing the sunset. Tiny and Maggie as well as Kat were there, and all three were talking and smiling as we approached. When they caught sight of Pala, they all knelt facing the sun. I went to Kat's side and knelt on her right, the same way I saw Tiny doing with Maggie. Just as the sun started to disappear, Pala started speaking to us.

"These two before us facing the setting of the sun are bound together by love and their love for each other. As shaman of this island, I would normally do the ceremonial cutting of the palms, but I have been told by the Gods this is not necessary for these two couples. Tiny and Maggie are already bound by love and devotion to each other. They have raised one child and now have the coming of another to bless them even more. They are as close as I have ever seen a married couple. The ritual blending would only serve to reinforce what has already been shown to me. I can and will bless their union in the name of the Sun God. As he goes to sleep, so shall they go to their hut to show their love for each other."

I watched as they were served a drink from the same cup and listened as Pala chanted as he bid them to drink all of it. When he was done, Koma took both their hands and escorted them to the hut on their side, and stood at the door as they entered. When he was finished, Pala came back over behind us and stood. Then he stepped in front of us and looked intently into our eyes before he started speaking again.

"This couple before me are as one already, but I do not understand how this has happened so quickly. They have just become man and wife, but to look at one is to see the other, their spirits and hearts are so closely bound together. Fire Hair and The Protector shall always be as one in all things, and I gladly give the Sun God's blessing to their union. I have had the honor of giving The Protector his torch, and have had the blessing to tell Fire Hair she is to be the mother of three. Those children will be a great influence to all who dwell in this land. In all my years as shaman, this is the first time I have felt like I should be the one to kneel and ask for their blessing upon myself and my people. Go in love, and may the Gods always look upon the two of you in favor and enlightenment."

We were given the drink the same way Tiny and Maggie were. Pala chanted over us as we drank the contents, taking turns until it was gone. The liquid had a sweet but biting taste that was pleasant on the tongue. It created a warmth in my stomach that reminded me of the brandy I had the day before. Koma again led us to the hut and waited as we entered. Then he, Pala and Quanta seemed to disappear into the forest. The inside had a raised platform covered in soft cushions with a single sheet to cover ourselves with. When I sat on the edge, Kat stood up and dropped her sarong to the floor with an impish grin on her face. Again I was breathless at the sight that stood before me with the sun at her back.

"Well, my husband, this is our first night as man and wife. Are you just going to sit there gawking at me, or are you going to be an equal partner in the fun we are going to have?"

I lost three buttons on my shirt, and I tripped and hit my head on the bed. I was trying to get my pants off, but fell on my ass because I forgot to take my shoes off first. Other than that, there were no other casualties to mar our celebration. When I was finally able to lay down beside her to give her a kiss, she was laughing so hard it took her almost five minutes before she was finally able to hold a decent pucker.

We fell asleep completely exhausted, just as the sun was rising. I don't know how long I slept, but I was awakened by the squawking of a noisy bird that seemed to be sitting right by my head. When I opened my eyes, it was so bright that I had to squint for a couple of seconds. I looked over at Kat, who was lying partially over my chest with a smile on her face. Looking at her, I was glad this wasn't the cave man era. I would probably have sat up and beat my chest, bragging I had made her happy enough to smile in her sleep. I extricated myself without waking her up, and went out to the side to the nearest tree to water its roots. As I stood looking around and absently scratching my head, I realized that everything that had happened up to this point had all been worth while. I was now married and had the family I had always missed during my years in the Legion. If what Sylveen and Pala said was true, I was also going to be a father in the very near future. Damn, I thought, I had it all, but for some inexplicable reason, the idea of babies still scared the hell out of me. I just hoped and prayed I would be a good father to them. I smiled to myself thinking that with all the help I had, at least I would be able to pretend I knew what I was doing.

"Jon, honey, come back to bed. It's too early to be up and I have something for you to help start the day off right."

I smiled to myself, and then almost busted out laughing. I could hear Tiny laughing and Maggie telling him to shut his big mouth. I went back in, and even I had to admit Kat's idea of starting the day off right was almost as perfect as I could ever hope for. About two hours later, Tiny yelled out asking if we were done yet. He said he was starving and wanted to go back to the house for some food and coffee. Kat and I both busted out laughing at the sound of the slap and him yelling "Ouch." We got in another kiss, then got up to get dressed. Kat deftly put the sarong on and I decided to just carry my shirt and jacket since the shirt was ripped and missing half the buttons. Good thing I had sense enough to wear a t-shirt I thought as we walked outside.

We were quickly joined by Tiny and Maggie who were smiling at us. Tiny walked up next to me and said out of the side of his mouth; "Have a good night?"

"Tiny if you open that big mouth of yours one more time, you will be walking home and take up permanent residence in the spare bedroom."

"Aw honey, can't a man have a little fun with his friends?"

"Not with your rude sense of humor. I don't want to hear another word out of you."

He snorted and smiled at me as we walked, but I noticed he was careful not to say anything more. When we got back, everyone was sitting on the patio. They stood up and clapped for us, and I think they purposely tried to bruise us while slapping us on the back in congratulations. We all sat down and were served breakfast, and Sally came over and sat on my lap. I was sipping coffee and looked at her in a quizzical manner. She grinned at me and Kat and then it started.

"Well Dad, how was the honeymoon? Come on, tell me all about it."

I almost choked on my coffee as I got a little red in the face. I thought Kat was going to fall off the chair, she was laughing so hard. To my surprise, she was the one who answered Sally and I did choke then.

"It was wonderful Sally. Your dad was like a tiger and we didn't get much sleep. Of course Tiny and Maggie were howling at the moon most of the night, but other than that it was great."

I choked and looked over at Tiny and Maggie. Maggie was red and laughing, but the look on Tiny's face made it all worth while. He was sitting with his mouth hanging open and, for a change, he was too embarrassed to even mumble. He just glared at Kat who was laughing as hard as Maggie was by this time. Then the rest of the table joined in and he just hung his head muttering to himself. I did notice that Maggie winked at Kat as they were laughing. Myrna was smiling and shaking her head. Poor Katie was red and glaring at her dad. God, I thought, what a perfect moment. I was next on the list as some of the men started coming over asking me questions in French about things that they shouldn't be asking. It was all in fun, and Sally was rolling in laughter at each question. I almost put my ripped shirt in her big mouth as she started translating the questions for Kat. At first she just laughed, but then she was staring holes in me, daring me to answer or say something. I wisely kept my pie hole shut through the whole thing. When the last question was asked, she looked at me and smiled, then lowered the boom.

"Jon, I am so glad your daughter speaks French. Be happy, because if you had answered one question, I would have told you the same as Maggie told Tiny and meant every word of it."

I then got a big smile from her at which Sally started laughing and the rest joined in. I just busied myself with eating and trying to get back under the radar. I smiled to myself and tickled Sally. She immediately started squirming and laughing and the rest just smiled at us. Then it was Katie's turn, and for a change, I got to laugh at someone else. She asked her dad if he really did howl half the night as Kat said he had.

"That's none of your business young lady," he grumpily said.

Maggie looked at him and started smiling before she spoke.

"He always howls when he gets some lovin."

"Maggie!"

He tried to keep changing the subject, but between his wife and daughter, he just couldn't seem to accomplish it. They kept at him, telling stories and kidding him, until he finally threw his hands in the air and apologized to me and Kat as well as everyone else he might have offended. I had to admit he looked like a sorry specimen by the time they were done with him. I actually felt sorry for him until they all started looking at me again. Oh no, I thought, not this time. I got up and headed for the steps intending to take a shower and change clothes. I made it as far as the door when Kat and Sally caught up with me and Kat said; "Oh no you don't, my husband. You have a daughter and a wife too, and we plan on keeping you in line. If we feel that we can't accomplish it, then we will have Myrna sit down and read to you about how to act toward your family. Just remember, my love (snigger), we hold the voting shares in this family, and besides, I believe we have a trip to talk about, don't we? I just bet that Sally and Myrna would love to go too, don't you think so?"



-------

Chapter 56


Kat and Sally followed me up to our rooms, with Sally still harping about the trip. Sally asked Kat what she was talking about and to my utter surprise, Kat knew all about the temple and what to expect when we got there. I could only guess that Sylveen had told her everything about it and she had already decided we were going to go. Kat and Sally sat down on one of the many couches and started a lively discussion about it as I snuck away to get a shower. This time I needed a nice hot shower to help ease some of the aches and pains from sleeping on that platform in the bridal hut. Although they were covered with thick cushions, I had found out the hard way that the cracks between them didn't induce a good padding between my back and the bamboo slats they were made of. I had just shut the water off and slipped on a robe, when I heard the ship to shore ringing. Kat answered it telling whoever was on the other end that I was in the shower and would call them back. I noticed that her voice sounded a little annoyed as she did so and I wondered who was calling.

Just as I started to walk out to join them, I heard a knock at our door. Sally answered it and let in Myrna, who was carrying a tray with juice and coffee. They all sat down and helped themselves to the drinks, and it was then that I spotted the honey cakes I liked so well. I made a beeline for the table to grab some before they were all gone, and managed to get four of them before Sally grabbed the last one, laughing at me because she had beaten me to it.

"Jon, I got the recipe from the cook and when we get home, I will make a bunch of them for you. Also I want to know about this trip all of you are planning. You might want to consider including me, because it sounds like an adventure I don't want to miss."

Then the conversation went out the door as the three of them set to planning like a bunch of veteran travelers, as if they had all done it many times before. To say I didn't feel excluded would be lying, as they didn't even ask me anything. They did remember to tell me that I had better call Captain LeMeur as he had called and insisted on talking to me. Kat did say that he sounded very upset to the point of being rude to her.

I grabbed my coffee and my last honey cake and headed over to the communications console. I sat down, wondering why he was so upset and about what. I found out quickly enough when he came on the phone.

"Jon, we met both boats coming this way and lost a helicopter in the initial contact. We ended up sinking both of them and didn't recover any survivors. I know you warned us about missiles, but they had heat seekers and the first helicopter didn't have a chance before it was hit. I am sorry I was short with your wife, but I am very irritated at myself for not heeding your warnings. We were able to recover their bodies and I need to ask you a personal favor to me as Captain. I put them both in for medals of valor and I would consider it an honor if you would sign the form also."

"Captain, I would consider it an honor. Can you tell me if any of the bodies had any identification on them?"

"Yes they all had passports from your adopted country. I have them in the code room as we speak being dried out so that we may photograph them. I want to have your friend Maurice make the inquiries as to why they were in these waters and for what purpose. I have been in touch with him, and he says you would be in a better position to look at them and maybe identify some of them than he would be. If I send a boat for you, would you be willing to come out here for an hour or so? I also have a complete list from our sister ship as to what was unloaded from that sub we raised. Maurice says you wanted some of the weapons from it. While you are here, you can go over the list and choose what you want before we sink them in deep water. Jon, when we ran some of the numbers on the weapons, we found out something that has disturbed Interpol greatly. I think we need to discuss this when you come out. I have men covering the island as well as eyes overhead, so your family will be safe."

"I will let my wife know and be ready to go in about a half hour, Captain."

I concluded my conversation and he thanked me as I hung up the Mic. I went back over to the table and told the Three Musketeers, as I was calling them now, that I had to go to the ship for an hour or so, but that I would return soon and we would start making plans to return home. I didn't think anything about the dirty looks from them at the time, but in retrospect, I should have.

When I was dressed, I put my shoulder holster on out of habit and a light jacket to cover it with. When I went outside, I was immediately met by two fully battle dressed legionnaires and escorted to the beach where the boat was already waiting for me. I got in and after a quick trip to the cruiser, I entered the same door as before. Captain LeMeur met me and we immediately headed to the code room. This time we sat at a desk in the back corner away from all the chatter and noise. He pushed two official looking forms toward me and as I read them, I realized it was the after action battle report and why the two pilots were being recommended for medals of valor. I immediately signed them both. The Captain sat back down and stared at me for a moment before speaking.

"Jon, I was told to completely brief you since the President has put you in charge out here until you go back to your home. We unloaded that sub and in the torpedo room, we found several small nuclear devices that are the smallest we have ever seen. They were carefully packed in small briefcases, and I think you call them dirty bombs. There were also fifteen cases of M-16's that, according to their serial numbers, were stolen from a place called Ft. Hood two years ago. They were in the same type of crates as the rest, but those had several European Countries stamped on the sides in their own languages. There were also twenty cases of Sig Saur forty caliber pistols that had no numbers on them. There were also over fifty cases of handcrafted silencers for them, made of top grade steel with extra packing kits for each of them. Jon, do you have any idea where these weapons were headed?"

I looked at him a moment, then told him about the telephone conversation Michelle had overheard between her husband and the other church leader. When I finished, he seemed to light up as if he knew what I was talking about. He jumped up and told Peter to put a call in to Interpol immediately. He came back over with two sets of headsets and handed me one. The call was answered by a woman who snottily told the Captain that Maurice was in a meeting and was not to be disturbed. I listened and started chuckling as the Captain chewed her ass and told her to get him on the line immediately or the next call she answered would be from the unemployment line. She sputtered and put him on hold. He looked at me and grinned, saying that he hated it when she answered and that Maurice needed to hire someone who showed a little more respect for the men in the field. I had to smile, because that thought had entered my head a couple of times over the years. When Maurice came on, the Captain told him the same thing, putting in that he would file a formal complaint with the Battalion General if he was ever spoken to in that manner and tone again when he called. For the first time in my memory, Maurice was sputtering and I almost laughed out loud at his reaction.

"I am sitting here with Jon Morgan, and I think we have figured out where all these weapons are going. He imparted to me some information that came to his attention from one of his guests. I think it will clear a lot of this up. Remember all the assassinations in Nabu in the last couple of months? I just learned that the church is trying to take over a small country for themselves in that part of Africa, and I think that's it. According to our intelligence, there has been an influx of white business men there, but we could never figure out why they were so interested in Nabu. They have no mines or other wealth that would interest these men. Maurice, we both believe they are trying to take over the country to rule it as their own and move the churches there so they can't be prosecuted for all their crimes. If my memory serves me right, the new Prime Minister was educated at Princeton and is white, as is his father who heads the small army the country has. The president there must be warned before he becomes a target himself. We also need more agents on the ground there, to counteract any hostile takeovers before they happen. With the release of all the information in the last few days, I think they will move their timetable up now. Please inform the President so that he can act on the information."

"I will most certainly pass this on, Captain, but why that country?"

"They have a relatively small population and one of the biggest deepwater ports in that region. If a hostile force could control that port, all the surrounding regions would have to knuckle under or face starvation. All of their supplies come through that port. I do not think we have much time to act on this, Inspector."

"I agree, Captain. That area has been stable for twenty years, and a coup now would cause all the surrounding providences to break out in war. Jon, what do you think about the Captain's ideas?"

"Maurice, although I don't know the region, what he has said makes perfect sense to me. Remember, there are at least fifty or more military personnel on that list of payouts the church was hiding. They are perfectly capable of pulling this off without a drop of blood being spilled. I think it's time you sent the President a copy of the list so he can see who is on it for himself. Also, I remember that the assistant director of Homeland Security is on the list as a member in good standing for ten years. I think you better have the President warn mine about this, as he is going to have to do some house cleaning before I come back and we start raiding the U.S. compounds. If not, we won't find a thing because they will have been warned. I also want my family and guests protected at all costs, or I will stay here and let them work it all out among themselves. Better yet, tell the President I am withdrawing myself as liaison and will stay here for now. I think it would be safer for my family and myself at this time. Give my regrets, but I will not change my mind."

"Jon, you know the President is going to be very disappointed by this decision."

"I know, Maurice, but look at it from my point of view. I have a pregnant wife and my adopted country is not like ours. They believe in playing politics before they believe in justice and protecting their own citizens. If I took the job, I would have to keep looking over my shoulder, not knowing who I could trust as the corruption runs so deep. They have turned a blind eye to what their politicians do, and only when it becomes blatant do they move to prosecute or censure them. Then they only get a slap on the wrist and turned loose to do it all over again. Did you get the paperwork I asked for completed?"

"It has been done, signed and on its way with the next supply transport, Jon. Your new ID will arrive with it, my friend. You have been promoted to assistant director in the field on extended leave. Jon, if we have to pull the ships away from the island, I will leave a reinforced platoon of soldiers there to guard you and your family. Don't worry, because with the promotion comes certain perks and this is one of them. Also, they will be mounting electric Gatling guns on strategic parts of the island to provide you with cover in case of problems. You will also have three of the battle helicopters at your disposal, as soon as they arrive. Jon, from our intelligence, they want you and your guests dead so we think there will be another try on your island. We want to make sure it doesn't succeed. They want those original disks back at all costs. Also, my friend, they seem to think you have a disk with the account numbers of their off shore accounts hidden away. Do you know anything about this?"

"I have no idea what they are talking about, Maurice, and if I did I would have given them to Captain LeMeur with the rest of the disks. I would rather not put myself and my family in danger over money since I have plenty. I don't know where they get their hair brained ideas, but this is one of the stupidest ones I have heard so far. Look, Maurice, I need to go back to the island and have a talk with my family and guests. I want to warn them and the natives so we can set up our own watches until you get everything in place. I will turn you back over to Captain LeMeur and head for home. Talk to you again, Mon Ami, and soon, I hope."

"Yes, my friend, we will. I will convey your words to our President with much regret, but I understand your position as I am sure he will."

I took the headphones off, leaving the Captain talking to Maurice and asked one of the operators for paper and pencil so I could write out a message. I sat down and wrote out what I wanted from the sub, as well as asking for four encrypted and scrambled satellite phones. They should be new and not in the records. I handed it to Peter, telling him to give it to the Captain as soon as possible, and to call the boat to take me back to the island.

When I stepped out the door, I was met and escorted to the small door where the rubber boat was waiting. I got in and as soon as it touched the sand on the beach, two men were there to escort me back to the house. I looked around as I climbed the steps, thinking about where would be the best positions for the guns. Then it hit me how I could set this up to provide protection for family and guests as well as the village. Hmm, I thought, if I did this right it would be impossible for any flying craft to come in without being immediately shot down. Then another thought hit me about the sub and the suggestion of blowing the cliff down to further narrow the cove entrance. This should be interesting, I was thinking as I was jumped on by my daughter. She was welcoming me back to the house, and telling me that everyone was waiting on the patio because they wanted to know what was going on now. I just smiled and kissed her, at which one of the men laughed and got a dirty look from Sally for doing it. She started to curse him out in French and I put my hand over her mouth, much to my escort's delight. They were both laughing at her as she glared holes in them, and one called her a little Legionnaire in training. When I dropped my hand for a moment, she stuck her tongue out at him, much to his delight. As we split off from them, they were both still laughing at her.

"Sally Morgan, if I ever hear something like that come out of your mouth again, you will be eating a bar of soap. Shame on you!"

She looked at me a minute before she grinned and said; "Dad, I love you, but you have been so busy getting married you missed my adoption into the ranks of your own men. Me, Katie, Michelle and Quanta's girls were all adopted as legionnaires in training, and have been taking French lessons for the past week for two hours a day. They have also been teaching us hand to hand combat as well as Savate'."

I looked at her in shock for a moment before losing it completely. I wondered if she had told any of them how cute and cool their sashes were, and how cute the Kepi's were too. With that picture in mind, I hugged her while tickling her as we walked up to the patio. I sat down, still laughing. I was kissed by Sally, who whispered to me that the Kepi's that the men had made for them were so cute. They kept the girls from being burned on the back of their necks as they learned how to march like soldiers. She grinned and went off with the other girls following her, and it took me almost ten minutes to quit laughing. When I settled down enough, I poured some ice cold juice in a glass, and tried to tell the others what was going on now. Of course my mirth had to be explained to them, because it was the first thing Kat asked me about. While I related what she had told me, I watched the rest of their faces and they vacillated between humor and total shock at what I said. I did notice Myrna had the biggest grin on her face and was shaking her head as she was laughing. Quanta looked shocked, and Sylveen had a big smile on her face. Tiny was watching Maggie closely and she was grinning. Kat was like me, and was watching everyone's reaction with that ornery grin I had become accustomed to from her. Farley was laughing, and Jubal was looking at Michelle's mom, trying not to grin as he waited for her reaction. They all pretty much broke out in laughter except Quanta. He made a short statement to which his wife had a snappy comeback, which made us all laugh that much harder.

"I think it is time our daughters went back to school to be the refined young ladies they were being trained to be by my wife."

"I think, my husband, that they are fine. Besides, a quick kick in the balls might keep them from being molested, as beautiful as they both are. No, I think Jon's men can teach them a lot about being ladies as well as protecting themselves. You keep them sheltered too much, my love. They are young women and need to learn how to protect themselves in the world."

It was at that point, as I said earlier, that we all lost it because at that particular time, Quanta reminded me of Tiny. His mouth kept opening and closing like a fish gasping, but nothing was coming out. His wife was almost falling out of her chair as she watched his reaction to her words, and Tiny at least had the grace to bow his head. He was laughing almost as hard as the rest of us.



-------

Chapter 57


When everyone got settled down, I just looked at them for a few moments before I started speaking. I told them what Maurice had said about the island's defense, and a few other ideas I had to improve it. I thought I had done a very good job explaining it when Jubal spoke up and was immediately seconded by Farley.

"Jon, we can't all stay here forever and you know that. Farley and I want to go back to the mainland and do a little damage to the churches' shooters for what they did to our truck and other things. Verna and I have talked it over several times and we want to be married when we get back to the states."

I thought Farley was going to fall out of his chair from shock. It must have shown on everybody's face because Jubal started turning red. Farley started giving him hell for not telling him and reminded him that they had been friends for more than fifteen years. Jubal just took the chewing and held Michelle's mother's hand while they both just grinned at each other. Oh my God, I thought, they are almost as bad as Kat and I were when we first met.

"Jubal, you and Farley are going to get your wish, but you're going to be able to do it legally, and the way you want to. You both will be getting Interpol IDs on the next supply run. You have been legally registered to operate on your own, and if you run into any problems, all you will have to do be covered is to call one of the numbers I will give you. Just remember that if either of you are detained; don't say a word until you have a rep from Interpol or an attaché from the French Government in your presence. You will be met and briefed completely, and you will also have a couple of experienced agents with you when you move on the church. Don't worry, because both of these men have years of experience and missions behind them in many different countries, and I doubt if either one of you has their experience. They also will be able to get you anything you need in the way of arms and explosives and do it legally. Just remember to take plenty of pictures, just to cover your asses, and the two agents with you will be doing the same. I do have a personal favor to ask though. If you can find Michelle's little boy, get him to my attorney. He will handle all the paperwork from that point on. He will make sure he gets here where he will be safe. I think Michelle will be able to help you when you move in as she knows where the boy will be. If you can't get him, let the U.S. Law enforcement handle it. Jerry will move in afterwards to get him. I will give you his home and cell along with my numbers here, just in case you need them. Don't hesitate to call if you need help."

They, as well as everyone else, were looking at me in surprise. I watched the glance exchanged between Jubal and Farley as what I had said sunk in.

"Jon, I don't know how you ever managed to pull that one off, but we thank you for the help. I have to admit, when I first met you, I thought you were just a loud mouthed Frenchman, bragging about your experience. Then when you let me see your eyes and after the talk we had with Jeb, I realized you were the real thing and not some wanna be. We both managed to talk to one of your men who spoke passable English, and he told us what he knew about your history. We realized that next to you, our experiences in the Seals and the few missions we were on, were walks in the park compared to what you have done. We felt like a couple of total idiots for not seeing what was right in front of us. Jon, we both consider it an honor to have been picked to rescue Michelle, but I am surprised you didn't just do it yourself, you certainly have the experience and knowhow."

"There are two reasons for that, Jubal. Bill, Jeb, and my grandfather went through World War II together. When Jeb recommended both of you, he said I would be able to depend on you to get her out. The second reason was that I was fighting the church on several other fronts at the time, and they were keeping a close eye on me. As it was, I still got blamed for the raid, even though I was here the whole time. All of us are still in danger, even though we haven't been home for over a week. I have already been warned that there might be another try at us and soon. The church seems to think I have a disk with all the information on it about their offshore accounts, and they want their money and will risk about anything to get it. That's why the rest of us can't leave here for a while longer. Farley, since Jubal has already cut off his beard, you will have to do the same. Get some sun so it will look like you never had one. When the IDs come, we will make arrangements to get you back to U.S. soil. Being clean shaven, neither one of you will be recognized. Hell, I didn't know Jubal was so young when I first saw him without it."

"That's not gonna work, Jon."

"Why not? I didn't recognize you at first."

"If Farley shaves his beard off, he will draw attention to us every where we go."

"Why's that?"

"He's so damned ugly underneath it he scares everyone who looks at him."

Farley flipped him off and everyone broke up in laughter, especially when Farley started calling him a baby face and young punk. When they finally settled down, I turned to Quanta.

"How much longer can you be away from your work, my friend?"

"Do not worry about that, Jon. I have not taken a vacation since I started with the bank, all those years ago. They will not give me a problem if I decide to extend my month away."

"Good, because you can bet the church has already checked you out, and I don't want you or your family put in danger on account of me."

"Ahh, Jon, my friend, I could go home tomorrow, and neither I nor my family would be in any danger. Remember who you belong to now? They would watch over us, even if it took years to settle this. The two guards and most of the others who work at the bank are enforcers, and would gladly give their lives to protect us if it came to that. My wife is also very powerful in our country, and unless they were foolish white men, no one would dare to even threaten her or our children for fear of being slain immediately."

"Hmm, that brings up another idea that has been rattling around in my head. I will discuss this with you later, but for now I need to go to the village and talk to Koma. I want to warn him, and to put a few plans I came up with in motion. I will be back before dark, but the people there need to know about all of this soon so they can protect themselves."

I had planned on going by myself, but Kat told me really fast that she was going too. Then the all rest decided they wanted to go too. I called one of the men over and told them where we were going, just in case the girls got worried. He just laughed and said they would be busy with their training for a while and probably wouldn't even notice that we were gone. I gave him that look that all soldiers know, and he quickly assured me that they were perfectly safe. The men would never let them come to any harm. I quickly told him that if any did, the men would answer to me personally. He backed up a little and said that any of the men would give their lives to protect my guests, and that my veiled threat was an insult to him as well as the men. He must have seen something in my eyes, because he quickly added that their duty here was considered an honor, and that the girls would be perfectly safe with them. He also said that they were enjoying teaching them the ways of the Legion, and hoped that they continued learning as fast as they were now.

I thanked him and apologized for my insult, at which he saluted me, smiled, and walked back to his post at the steps to the beach. As I got up along with everyone else, The ship to shore phone started buzzing. Kat pointed to a wall-mounted box and I quickly walked over to it. I answered and it was the Captain from the ship by the cove on the other end. He asked who I was, and when he found out, he just laughed and then started speaking.

"We have all that you requested stacked at the top of the embankment. Can you come and pick it up soon or should I have some of the men handle it?"

"My guests and I were headed your way when you called. I have a cart with a trailer on it that we can load the boxes on. We will be there in about five or ten minutes."

"Thank you, we will be standing by, Sir."

"Just call me Jon, Captain, as I don't stand on formalities. I am no longer in the Legion."

"I will make note of it and you may call me Leonardo or Captain as you see fit. I answer to both."

He chucked as he hung up, and I had to smile at his sense of humor. I told Quanta what was going on and that if he would, I wanted him to take charge of the cart with the wagon still attached to the back of it. Jubal spoke up and said that he and Farley would do it, because they were bored to tears from all the sitting around anyway. Quanta was quick to tell them to go right ahead, as he wanted to talk to Koma. I looked at him and shook my head with a smile on my face, because I knew as usual, he just didn't want to get left out of anything. We jumped into the carts, with Kat and me sitting together and the rest found space in the other two. I did notice that Sylveen had taken the driver's seat, with Quanta sitting next to her with a frown on his face. I couldn't resist starting something so I spoke up to him.

"How come you're making your wife drive, Quanta?"

I figured she would speak up before him and wasn't surprised when she quickly explained.

"I do most of the driving at home too, Jon. He has wrecked our car so many times that we have to have a chauffeur drive him on his errands and to work. He is a good husband and a good man, but is a very bad driver. He keeps hitting trees and curbs for some reason."

When all the laughter died down, I still couldn't leave it alone and dug the hook in a little deeper.

"I am sorry to hear that, Sylveen. I mean, to know that the man I call friend and brother is losing his reflexes because of old age, saddens me."

Before he could answer, I got an elbow in the ribs from Kat along with that glare I had come to recognize as a warning to shut my big mouth. I immediately took the hint but I had started something that took on a life of its own. Kat was still glaring at me when Verna spoke up, startling us all because she hardly ever said anything she was so introverted.

"Quanta, you should do as I did and take the AARP remedial driving course. I almost lost my license until I did. Now I haven't had a ticket in years and my insurance rates have dropped a whole lot."

He just stared at her in shock, like the rest of us, but Sylveen immediately asked the question we were all thinking of.

"What is this AARP course and how do I get him to take it? Maybe if he did, we wouldn't have to pay the repair shop so much every time he decided to drive to one of his outings."

We all totally lost it, and poor Quanta just put his head down, he was so embarrassed. Kat was laughing and holding her sides. She almost knocked me out of the cart she was laughing so hard. This was how we arrived at the cove where the Captain and two men were waiting for us. They were looking at us and smiling at our hilarity, as Jubal pulled the cart with the trailer up along side where several wooden boxes were stacked. They jumped out, still laughing, and started putting them on the cart with the two soldiers helping. I introduced the Captain to everyone, and he graciously kissed the ladies hands and shook with the rest of us. He made a signal to me, and headed away from the crowd to where we could talk in private. As I followed him, I saw all the women come together, talking and laughing with each other and had to smile to myself.

When we were out of earshot, he handed me a bag that looked identical to the ones banks used to put money in.

"Here are your sat phones, Jon. They were made especially for you and haven't been programmed yet nor had a number assigned to them. As far as anyone knows, they don't exist and are completely untraceable. There are six of them, and each can be charged by any light source as well as with an electrical outlet. They work off of any satellite in range, and they are scrambled as well as encrypted. When you are finished with them, you can throw them away or keep them for your personal use. The weapons we took off the sub have been scattered in the ocean in every deep spot we could find, and the wood from the crates has been burned. Jon, those dirty bombs, as your friend Maurice called them, were very deadly and were made by someone with a lot of training. We broke them down and dropped everything in the ocean, except the canisters inside of them. These were filled with heavily saturated dust, and the odd thing that we found was that it was coal dust. From the parts, which we also took photos of, they were made in your adopted country. They would have caused untold suffering if they had been set off in a populated area. Everything has been passed on to Maurice, and he in turn passed it all to the President. Also the IDs you requested are in the bag, with a small camera to take the photos to put on them, as well as the heat sealer for the plastic. Your friend sent along three blank ones with the message that you would probably be able to use them if you needed. I also have a message from the men, and they sent their thanks for the swords you so graciously gave them. We have already cut them down to machete size for those that wanted a shorter version to use for boarding smuggler ships. They are very sharp and made of excellent steel."

"Captain, tell the men those swords in original condition are worth hundreds of dollars to collectors. I thank you for all the information as well as the weapons. They will make a good addition to my personal collection."

"Oh yes, one more thing before I forget. When the fortifications to protect the island are installed, there will be twenty soldiers stationed here at all times, as well as two of the fully armed Battle Helicopters. When everything is finished and tested, we have been ordered to resume our patrols. We will be pulling up the anchor and leaving once again."

I spent the next ten minutes telling him what my ideas were for this cove, and he got a laugh out of my sneakiness. He also told me it was a good idea since the sub, upon filling with water, no longer wholly blocked the entrance to the cove. It had turned from the pressure, and settled into the mud on the bottom between the cliffs. He also told me that unless someone with a very large crane come along, it would remain on the bottom until it rusted away. They had blown some very large holes in it when they sank it. He started back toward his men and one of them yelled saying they were finished. As we walked, he said it would be done and the charges would be set today, and that I would have the remote detonator as well as a backup, just in case it didn't work for some reason.

"Jon it is too bad the Legion doesn't use women as soldiers. From what I have been told, those girls that the men have been teaching, are as vicious as any of the men. They have almost crippled a couple of teachers that got careless. Your daughter is the darling of all the men right now. Maybe I shouldn't say this, but she can out cuss any man in the platoon, and speaks French like she was born to it. You have taught her well, and the Corporal has said several times he wouldn't want her mad at him because if she didn't cuss his ears off, she would probably fix it so he couldn't have children. She is the talk of all the men and almost as rough as they are."

By the time he finished we were back with the rest, and I was shocked to the core at what he told me. Oh my God, I thought to myself, I have created a monster. If Myrna got wind of what he told me, I would be sleeping in the barn, and she and Kat would never forgive me. My daughter and I were going to take a long walk and soon, if this was true. Since a Captain had told me, I didn't doubt any of it. I stood in shock as he said goodbye to everyone. Kat took one look at my face and came right over to me, asking what was wrong. We all got back in the carts, heading to the village, with Jubal and Farley going back to the house. Kat wouldn't let it go, and when we got underway she cut loose on me again.

"Jon Morgan, what is wrong with you? If it's something you can't discuss with me that's ok, but I have a feeling it's something else altogether and I want to know what's wrong."

"I'm sorry, hon, but it was just some news that shocked me. And if it's ok with you, I would rather not discuss it right now. As a matter of fact, I don't want to discuss it at all, if that's ok."

I got that look that I had grown to recognize in the time we had been together, and knew she wasn't going to drop it. Her next statement confirmed it and shocked the hell out of me. It was like she was reading my thoughts.

"It's about Sally, isn't it? Jon, I have seen the changes in her since she started hanging around with your men. The rest of the girls all have the same attitude as she does, only she seems to be the leader. I have also seen the calluses on her knuckles and finger tips, as well as the bruises she has on her lower body. What is it, Jon? Is there something wrong or has she been hurt in some way?"

Before I realized it, I was telling her what the Captain had told me and what I thought about it. I told her my fear of Sally being hurt by changing from the loving daughter I had raised to a grown up before her time. I went on to tell her about some of my training and how brutal it could be, as well as how it had helped me stay alive for many years all over the world. I hadn't realized we had stopped until I looked at Kat and saw the tears in her eyes, and realized we were all alone at the edge of the village. She took my face in both hands and turned my head so she could look in my eyes and said to me; "My darling, she is a wonderful daughter, and I believe with all my heart that the love you and Myrna have given her won't let her become what you fear. I think you will discover that what she is learning, both good and bad, will only make her stronger as she grows up. I think if you look back a little at what she has heard and seen from what you do, you will realize that she is becoming more and more like her dad and is proud she has the chance to do it. I believe in my heart that this cycle she is going through will make her a better person as well as being better prepared to face the trials of life. She is strong willed like her father, and has a capacity for love that has no equal. Let her learn and grow, my love, but I will throw a word of caution in here. If Myrna ever finds out, you had better take a trip until she calms down. And Jon, you better pray Myrna don't decide to learn French, or you will be an outcast in your own home."

She kissed me then and leaned back, closed her eyes, and started laughing while I just looked at her in shock. As we drove into the village, she turned to me again and said the few words that would forever make me chuckle over the years every time they came to mind.

"Jon, when she is finished, I think I will have her teach what she has learned to our children too. I think they would enjoy it, and they would have a secret together that no other will ever guess how to fight and cuss someone out in French."

She smiled, kissed me, and walked over to the women. When Pala and Koma approached me, I was still sitting lost in thought and had completely forgotten what I had come to the village for.



-------

Chapter 58


Koma and Pala finally snapped me out of my thoughts when they each grabbed an arm and helped me out of the cart, laughing all the while. I finally started laughing back when they kept asking me what I was being so serious about. I explained what would be happening in the next week or so, but they both said not to worry about the village as it was perfectly capable of taking care of itself. We had discussed a few more things when the girls came out of the tree line, laughing and joking among themselves about something. As I watched them, I was actually trying to see any change in Sally, but she seemed to be the sweet young lady I had been proud to call my daughter all these years.

We all ate in the village, and Jubal and Farley came back saying all the boxes were stowed away. I noticed that Jubal immediately went to Verna's side and Farley was met by one of the native women who had a big smile for him as she led him off. Standing there watching what was going on around me, reminded me of the changes that had happened in such a short time. Other than Carver and the way he treated Myrna, I couldn't see a down side to anything that had happened since we left Virginia a little over a week ago. I smiled to myself, thinking that I had really let this island grow on me. I was going native as we used to call it in the Legion. I had to admit that I loved it here and wasn't looking forward to going back, but I knew I had to and soon. There were just too many matters that had to be dealt with and I knew there was a trial coming up that I might have to testify at. I also knew that Kat, Sally and Myrna were expecting to go to the monastery. I had to admit that the three of them were becoming closer and closer the longer we stayed here.

We finally made it back to the house where I was kissed by Sally. She said that she was going to take a nice hot shower and the rest of the girls echoed her sentiments. Kat and I went to our rooms and I promptly fell asleep, dreaming about three red headed babies yelling for me in the middle of the night wanting their diapers changed. Kat shook me and I popped up looking at her and said; "Is it my turn already? Seems like we just fell asleep."

I thought she was going to roll me out of bed she started laughing so hard. I realized where I was and that it was only a dream and smiled at her hysterical laughter. "Whew," I thought, "I am glad I was only dreaming." She finally started to settle down and I lay back down and tried to go back to sleep until she leaned over and whispered; "Since you so rudely woke me yelling about diapers, I think it's only fair that you help me to get sleepy again. Remember we are still on our honeymoon and, since I am already pregnant, it's too late to worry about any further repercussions. Kiss me, papa to be."

I did and she returned it tenfold. I remember thinking I hope I don't dream about babies again before I finally went out like a light. When I woke the next morning, I didn't remember any further dreams, and was listening to Kat singing to herself in the shower. I got up and put my robe on, fully intending to sneak into the shower with her or maybe turn the cold water on again, but it wasn't to be. I got about halfway to the shower and there was a knock at the door. I sighed and opened it, and there was Sally and the girl from the village with two trays of food.

"Good morning, Dad, I thought I would help Trina bring up our breakfast. Where's Kat?"

"In the shower, where I was headed before I was so rudely interrupted."

"Well excuuuse me! I was trying to be nice and eat with my dad again, but I can see I am not welcome to spend some time with my only father."

Trina looked at her in shock, as I did.

"Trina, please excuse us. I think I need to have a talk with my daughter."

She quickly set up the table and left without saying a word. I turned, glaring at Sally for her rude behavior.

"All right, sit down and tell me what's got a burr under your bonnet."

"It's a bee not a burr, and what makes you think I am upset?"

I sat down, looking at her as I poured a cup of coffee wondering what to say to her.

"Sally Morgan, in all the years we have been together, I have never heard you snap at me like you just did. Your rudeness is something I don't particularly like to see. Now I think it's time you told me why you are so upset."

She stood glaring at me for what seemed like forever before the tears started running down her cheeks. She ran to me and hugged me, crying hysterically on my shoulder. As she was crying, I was running my mind a million miles an hour trying to figure out why she was so upset. The only thing I could thing of was that something had happened that she couldn't handle for some reason, like maybe she had been touched or something so horrible I didn't want to think about it. I felt the rage starting up and knew if it was that, that I would kill someone and suffer the consequences after I had exacted my revenge. Kat came out of the bathroom and when I looked at her she got a little white in the face when she saw the look on my face. She came over and quietly sat down, pouring herself a cup of coffee and watching us. Sally finally quit crying and just hugged me. As I opened my mouth, she began to speak.

"Dad, I love you so much. I wanted this to be our special time together with all of us getting to know each other better, but I think I made a horrible mistake. I have been training with the men, and I might have hurt one of them badly yesterday in training. It was an accident, I swear, but I feel so guilty about what I did to him. He has been so nice to us all. The Corporal told me this morning he had to be taken to the ship and was admitted into the hospital on board. Dad, I am so sorry, but he kept teasing me and I sorta lost my temper. Will you try to find out how he is, and can I go see him to apologize for what I did to him? I really didn't mean to hurt him, but he kept pushing me and I snapped."

I immediately felt the rage and tension leave my body and I almost busted out laughing at the situation. I looked over at Kat and she had that I told you so look on her face, smiling at me the whole time.

"Let's all eat breakfast first, and I will call the ship and see how he is doing. Do you know his name honey?"

"It's Private Castille, and he is one of the edged weapons instructors."

I just looked at Kat in shock, wondering why they were being taught such a dangerous fighting technique. This I knew was reserved for the most experienced hand to hand fighters, and it was scheduled well towards the end of the Legion training. It was strictly voluntary and mostly used by the Paratrooper Regiments and the Force Recon Regiments. This was something these young girls should never have been introduced to, let alone been trained in. Yes, I would be having a talk with the Corporal of the guard about this. I told Sally to relax and I would make arrangements to go to the ship. I got a thousand watt smile and went out the door to the sound of her and Kat talking. While I went down the steps, I could feel the rage boiling up inside me. I knew I would have to be extra careful about how I approached this or it could cost some careers.

I found the Corporal at his usual guard station at the head of the steps well within range of the ship for radio purposes. When I approached him, he took one look at my face and came to attention immediately. I didn't mince any words but came right to the point.

"Corporal, who are you to decide it is ok to teach children edged weapons training? Think carefully before you answer, or it will become a matter of honor between us, and believe me when I say you would not win."

"I am sorry Sir, but I didn't know the Private was doing such a thing until yesterday. He was supposed to be teaching them Savate' basics. I had no idea that real weapons were involved in any of the training. When the accident happened yesterday, I had him immediately transferred to the ship and brought up on charges before the Captain."

"Would you care to explain to me just what happened and how he became injured?"

"From what I was able to gather, he had been teaching them knife fighting techniques. When your daughter refused to attack him, he taunted her. I am afraid he wasn't very flattering toward you, and this apparently enraged her to the point that she not only attacked, but did the flying butterfly. He said she completed the move and cut him across the chest from throat to groin. Before he passed out from the loss of blood, he said that he had never seen the two moves done in that manner before, and had no defense against it. I am sorry that I didn't keep a closer eye on their training, but I gave explicit orders that they were just to learn the basics, with none of them being hurt in any way. I take the blame for what has happened, and have put myself up on charges also for insubordination over this matter, Sir."

Before I replied, I tried to picture in my mind how a mere girl of thirteen had accomplished this particular move. It was an advanced form of Savate' that only a handful of them were familiar with, myself included. The technique he was referring to was only done by masters and very few would try it, because it left them open to a groin kick if not done right. It consisted of jumping straight up about two feet above your antagonist and coming down with both heels on his collar bones, snapping both of them and rendering both arms helpless to use in any defense. How the hell had Sally learned it, and how had she cut him in the manner the Corporal had described to me without losing her balance? It took both arms to maintain your balance doing the move. The Corporal must have seen the look of doubt on my face as he went on to tell me the rest.

"He told me that as she came down, she twisted forward after her heels hit his collar bones, and she cut him and landed perfectly. He also said she was so mad that it took two of the men to hold her and take the knife away from her. When she saw the blood, they said she became violently ill and immediately rushed to his side, yelling for them to call a doctor. I am sorry this has happened, and I have written up the other two men for their participation in this matter, Sir."

"Is the private going to be ok, Corporal?"

"Yes Sir, it took the ship's surgeon about an hour to stitch him up, but he will recover. The scar he has will be a constant reminder of his foolishness for not following orders, Sir."

"Did he say why he was teaching edged weapons tactics to children?"

"No Sir and I asked him several times. He would only say that he thought they were ready for more advanced training, since they had qualified with everything they had been taught. I am sorry, Sir, and I promise you nothing like this will ever happen again."

"Corporal, I want you to call the ship and arrange for me and my daughter to go out there in about half an hour. She wishes to see the private and assure herself that he is ok. This matter isn't over yet by a long shot, but from now on there will be just standard PT and nothing, and I mean nothing, that will bring any harm to these children. They have to go home soon, and I have no wish for any of them to hurt someone because of what they have been taught here. I went along with it because I was under the impression they were being taught French and just basic self defense, not anything so advanced. I am making you responsible for this, and if you do not oversee your men, you and I will take the walk of honor into the jungle. Do you understand me, Corporal?" He came to attention and saluted me saying "Yes Sir!"

I have to explain here that, in the Legion, the walk of honor is the men's private way of settling a dispute between them. It has been outlawed, but on rare occasions it is still done in total secrecy. It means that two men go out, and only one walks back. Usually the other is brought back by stretcher, and depending on what kind of shape he is in, it's then decided on what to tell the person in charge that day what happened. There have, over the years, been some pretty wild stories cooked up. To a man, they will all swear to it, even though the brass knows what's happening. It's usually written up in the record exactly as it has been reported by the men. One time in Uganda, I had two men go off and settle it between them. It was written up that the other man got drunk and tried to wrestle with a full grown gorilla that he had stumbled on in the bush when he went to empty his bladder. I know for a fact this one was still talked about among the men in the Regiments even today. It was one of the many ways the men became even closer together. Unlike the Military in the U.S., it was accepted, even though it wasn't condoned. Usually the problem between the two of them went away after this happened, but in rare cases they might do it a couple of times before they were transferred into separate regiments. Once they are transferred to different regiments, it is a black mark on their records. That's why it gets settled usually after the first time. Also, unlike the U.S. Military, the Legion units did everything together from the time they volunteered to the time they got their walking papers at the end of their five year enlistments. You never went on leave or passes alone nor did you ever separate for any reason while in a Foreign Country. If you went out to a bar, you always knew you had fellow legionnaires nearby to watch your back, even if you didn't know them or they weren't from your unit.

I dropped my line of thought and headed back to the house after reminding the Corporal we would be ready to leave in half an hour. He assured me that the boat would be waiting at the beach to take us out. I still needed to answer the question of where she had learned the kick, and what I was going to do about what the girls had been learning. I knew that if any of the parents found out what I knew, I would be in deep shit, clear up to my eyeballs. When I walked inside, the question became moot since I was met by all the girls as soon as I walked in the door. Michelle was the first one to speak as soon as she laid eyes on me coming in.

"Jon, have you seen Sally? We have been looking everywhere and can't find her."

"She is upstairs with Kat, having breakfast."

"Whew, we thought that after, well, that is, we wondered where she disappeared to this morning."

I tried to get them all to meet my eyes, but none of them would. That's when it hit me; they were all in on it with the men and had probably been sworn to secrecy by whoever was teaching them. Then I thought to myself, let's throw a little bait out and see who bites.

"Yes, we are going out to the ship to see Private Castille. He had to have a lot of stitches put in."

I watched as all their mouths fell open at once. To my surprise, it wasn't Michelle who defended Sally but Katie. She was the oldest and in college, so I hadn't ever thought about her going along with something like this.

"Jon, it wasn't Sally's fault, but an unfortunate accident. She hated training with the knives, but she was better with them than all the rest of us. She was better at all the training than the rest of us when it comes right down to it. Is she ok, cause she was up almost all night crying about what happened. This is my fault, Jon, and I am sorry this had to happen."

"What do you mean Katie? It was an accident from what Sally told me."

"I don't mean that, Jon. I mean us taking the knife training. We saw the men practicing one day and were all fascinated by it. I mean they were so fast and moved so gracefully, it reminded me of ballet. We asked them to teach us and we were promptly refused, saying it was against regulations. Well, we all sat down to watch and during breaks I kept making eyes at the instructor, and he kept smiling at me. Well, to make a long story short, I kinda led him on a little, and he finally said he would teach us in secret. He said we couldn't tell anyone, because they would all get in big trouble. I wish now that I hadn't pushed it after seeing how it affected poor Sally. I'm sorry I started all of this Jon. Is Private Castille in a lot of trouble over this?"

"He is being brought up on charges, as well as the time he will take to heal with a chest full of stitches. By the way Katie, who taught Sally the move she used to do so much damage?"

"It was our self defense instructor. He said he knew you and would step up our training so we would learn more while we were on the island. Man, but he really worked the snot right out of all of us. Funny thing though, Jon, the whole time he was teaching us, he had this silly little grin on his face. He used to spend a lot of time with Sally, after the class was over. He seemed to have some sort of personal interest in teaching her as much as he could. She soaked it up like a sponge too. She is so far ahead of us. She is scary sometimes the way she takes the men down. I am in college and I don't learn as fast as she does. Kat and Myrna took some of the hand offense courses from him for several days before you two got married. I think Myrna is still taking them from him every day, just like we are."

I thanked them and assured them I would make sure Sally told them how Private Castille was after she visited the ship. As I slowly walked up the steps to our room, I was racking my brain, trying to figure out who taught hand to hand that was still on duty. Also, who knew me personally and would take such an interest in teaching Sally and the women so much? Who the hell could it be, I was thinking as I walked back into the room, right into the middle of a full blown argument. Kat, Myrna, Sally and Maggie were shouting back and forth at each other at the top of their voices. I don't even think they noticed me coming in they were so engrossed in what they were doing.

"SHUT UP!"

They all froze in place like one of the old movies I used to watch. They all had their mouths hanging open in shock at my shout in command voice, just like my men used to do.

"Now, would one of you like to tell me why I have a full blown fight going on in my room when I haven't even had a cup of coffee yet? Sally, you go get dressed in jeans and be back here in fifteen minutes so we can go check on Private Castille."

I watched as she smiled at me and went out the door, and then I turned to the other three.

"One of you want to tell me what the hell this is all about?"

I saw them all look at each other guiltily, then to my relief, Maggie spoke up and then I started to get a little pissed.

"I heard about what happened yesterday, Jon. I came up to find out why my daughter was learning to use a knife at your daughter's insistence. She seems to be the ringleader, even with Katie being older. That's why we were all shouting at each other. Myrna refused to accept that it happened, and Kat threatened to yank my hair out for blaming Sally. Maybe you can give us the straight answers since Kat says you went out to talk to the Corporal. I refuse to believe my little Katie would have a part in something so dangerous."

God, if I only had hindsight I would have never come in, just walked back out the door. I was still absorbing what I had been told, and here the wives were fighting about it, and none of them knew the whole story. I went to the table to pour a cup of coffee, only to find that it was all gone. I went to the intercom and when it was answered, I commanded that more coffee be brought up immediately. I then felt remorse for shouting at whoever had answered. I went back and turned the chair around, put my chin on my folded hands, and told all three of them exactly what happened. I was watching their faces as I told them and saw the smirk Kat quickly hid. Myrna had her stone face on, but her eyes were wide with that rare look of wonder she gets when she has been taken by surprise about something. Maggie was another story though. She had a look of total disbelief on her face. Before she could say anything, there was a knock at the door and one of the native women came in. She quickly cleared the table and set up a tray with fresh coffee. After looking at all our faces, she quickly left the room. I poured a cup of coffee, took a sip, and waited for what I knew was coming from Maggie.

It didn't take long and I waited politely until she was finished, then lit into her.

"Maggie, how old is Katie?"

"She just turned twenty, why? She is still my little girl, and I don't believe she would do what you just described."

"Maggie, she is a beautiful young woman in college, not a little girl anymore. In your and Tiny's eyes, she will always be your little girl. Maggie, she is grown up and you're still treating her like a little girl. Now, before you go off on me again, think about what I just said. You have told all of us several times she hardly comes home on break anymore. Did you ever think about why?"

I sat and sipped my coffee, watching the roller coaster of emotions cross her face as she thought about it. When she finally looked up at me, I could see she finally understood what I was trying to say, and I watched as the tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Maggie, all the girls are on the patio. Why don't you go down and invite Katie to take a walk with you? Talk to her like a woman instead of a small child. I think you will be surprised by what you will learn, and maybe you can catch up on some lost time you two have missed over the years. Remember, talk to her woman to woman, not mother to daughter. Treat her as an equal, not your little girl."

I watched as the understanding hit her eyes and she got up and left the room. Of course it wasn't over, as Myrna had to get her two cents worth in.

"Since when did you gain so much insight into a woman's feelings, Jon? I seem to remember you laying awake and pacing your room all night, wondering how to talk to your own daughter about something important."

Me being me, I just had to stick my feet in my mouth again. You would think I would learn but nooo, not me.

"Well Myrna, it's a well know fact that Frenchmen understand women better than any other men on earth. After all we invented 'Amour'."

Kat snorted and they both broke out in hysterical laughter. I just grinned sickly like and took a sip of my coffee. Then, as usual, Kat got the last word in and that's when I got red as a beet.

"Myrna, do you believe that line of crap? This from a man that hasn't learned to stand up after getting a passionate kiss from his wife? I can't believe he just said that."

They both were laughing when Sally walked in and climbed into my lap. She looked at me and asked what they thought was so funny. I quickly told her the gist of what I had said and she winked at me, looked Kat straight in the eyes and said; "You might think it's funny, but he hooked you, didn't he? Come on Dad, let's go. The Corporal said the boat was waiting."

We got up, and I saw Kat's face was as red as her hair. I was still laughing as we walked out the door. As I closed the door behind me, I heard Myrna laughing again and chuckled all the way down the steps. When we got outside, I could see Maggie and Katie off in the distance, walking and talking to each other. We went down the steps to the boat and headed for the ship for Sally's visit, and for me to find the answers to a few things I was guessing about.



-------

Chapter 59


When we boarded the boat, I noticed that Sally was seated to the front so she wouldn't be splashed. My weight and the operator's would be in the center and back, picking the front out of the water. I watched as she was gently helped into the small door in the side of the ship by Captain LeMeur himself. He immediately hugged her and welcomed her aboard. When I stepped in he came over to me, and shook my hand. He welcomed me aboard again, asking what we needed. I explained to him why we were here, and he instantly became all business. He had one of the sailors escort Sally to the infirmary and told him to stay with her. When they left, he looked at me and invited me into his quarters saying he wanted to talk to me in private. When we went in, he immediately poured us coffee, looking at me in a speculative manner.

"I can see you are very upset about what happened, Jon. I do not blame you as I was livid myself when I found out what happened. The Private is facing serious problems and has already been stripped of his instructor status. He will be sent to Guyana to the stockade there to face charges of willfully disobeying orders as well as endangering civilians. I have talked to the Battalion Commander and he has taken a personal interest in this. The other two men are also facing charges, but I will personally take care of them. I will not bring the Corporal up on charges since he had no part in what happened. He was ready to shoot Castille himself when he found out what was going on. He loves those girls like they were his own, and was very upset that they were put in danger. He told his men at formation this morning that if any of them put those girls in danger again, that he would personally castrate them. Jon, I can only offer my apologies about what happened, and assure you that nothing like this will ever happen again."

"Captain, you are in command here and I will leave any punishment in your capable hands. What I want to know is, how long has Maurice Dupree been hiding from me?"

He looked at me in surprise before he busted up laughing.

"I tried to tell him it wouldn't work, but he seemed to think he could get away with his little charade. How long have you known he was onboard, Jon?"

"I had no idea until I talked to the other girls this morning. I only know one man who is a self defense instructor who has a silly little grin on his face like what the girls described. Captain, if I get my hands on him, I am going to personally put knots on his hard head. What the hell is he doing here, and why wasn't I told about it since the President put me in charge out here temporarily?"

"That I cannot answer, Jon, since I was personally told not to open my mouth about him being here. He came in the next day after we transmitted the information on the disks to Interpol. He has kept a low profile and only goes to the island when he thinks it's safe and you won't see him. I don't mind him being here, but I would love to know what he is up to since he only uses his personal phone to talk to his boss. He hasn't set foot in the safe room since he was dropped off by a private speed boat. As a matter of fact, I didn't find out he was the one teaching the self defense classes to the girls until the Corporal asked me why an Interpol agent would be wearing a Legion uniform and pretending to be a Private. When I asked him about it, he gave me that stupid grin of his, and said he was repaying an old debt to a friend and refused to talk about it anymore."

I poured myself another cup of coffee, my mind going a hundred miles an hour, trying to figure out what debt he might owe me. Why he would take it upon himself to personally teach the girls since he was an assistant director and never worked the field anymore. As a matter of fact, it had been a bit unusual to see him at the funeral. After he was almost killed in Nigeria, he went into Interpol and hardly ever left the country again. I was missing something here, and I figured now was the time to get to the bottom of it.

"Captain, is he onboard at this time?"

"Yes, he was talking to Private Castille the last time I saw him."

"If you don't mind, I would like to use your cabin to talk to him. Can you have him paged to report to you here?"

"I can and will, Jon, but do me a favor if you can and let me know what the hell he is doing aboard my ship, will you?"

He got up and went out the door saying not to tear his cabin up if we decided to get into it. He said he would send a seaman with more coffee before he paged Maurice. He did and it was delivered in short order. I heard the page go out over the ship's intercom and sat back and waited. In a short while the knock came and I said to come in. When he came in and saw me sitting there, I could see the shock and surprise all over his face. I watched as he closed the door, took a deep breath, and sat down opposite me. I poured him a cup of coffee, not saying a word because I was a little bit shocked at his appearance. Since I had last seen him at the funeral, he looked like he had lost about fifty pounds and had big bags under his eyes.

"Well Maurice, care to tell me what's going on? Posing as a private and teaching the girls and my daughter self defense moves that only you or I, and another master should know. Dammit, Maurice, why the charade?"

"I am sorry, Jon, but I was under orders. This was the only way I could gather the information I needed and stay close to you, my friend. You and your family are in terrible danger and I made them assign me to the case because of our relationship. Jon, there is a huge contract out on you and that girl you rescued. The church has spread the word all over the world and we know of at least ten top liquidators that are en route here as we speak. I was planning on talking to you as soon as I got all of my plans in motion. I feel terrible about what happened to Sally, and I take full blame for it. Castille is one of my men who was also assigned to watch over your family, but he screwed it up by doing what he did. We have agents all over the islands with orders to watch all arrivals, no matter which way they arrive. Jon, I am sorry about all of this, but it is Interpol's fault. We had a mole who leaked all the information we had to the church almost as soon as we received it. We have him in custody but we caught him too late to stop it from going out. The President has personally ordered over fifty agents into the surrounding islands to watch over you and your guests. I am sorry I let you down, my friend."

To say I was shocked would be an understatement, but I was shocked to my toes. This wasn't at all what I expected, and I didn't know what to say or how to react to the overload of information. My family was in danger as well as Michelle. I was stumped as to how I should react or what I should do. Because of my stupid reaction to the disks, I had put everyone's lives in danger. I knew then that I had to get Jubal and Farley off the island as soon as possible so they could raid that compound to take some of the heat off us. Maybe if the church was kept busy we could slip off the island and go ... where? Then it hit me what I was going to do. I needed to talk to Quanta and as soon as possible.

"Maurice, you can explain all of this to everyone with me this evening. I expect you to be present for supper and tell the whole story. My friend, I don't know what you thought you could achieve by doing it the way you did, but next time, come to me as a man and a comrade. Don't sneak around like a snake in the bush. Now, please leave before I lose my temper and demand that we take the walk again. You have insulted me and my family by your actions, and no, I don't want to hear your excuses."

He looked at me in shock for a moment and then got up and went out the door with his head low. Dammit, what the hell did he think he was trying to prove? If I had known about this sooner, I could have made plans and done what I was about to do sooner. Now I was trapped by Interpol's habit of silence and my family was caught up in it too. I knew the church wouldn't hesitate to use them to get to me, but I wasn't about to let it happen. I got up and almost ran over the Captain coming in as I was going out. I quickly gave him a short update, telling him what I had been told and asked if Sally was ready to go. He said she was waiting on the raft and that was why he was coming to get me. He looked at me for a moment and said; "If you need anything, you have the number here. I don't care what it takes, if I can help I will, Jon."

"Thank you, Captain, but right now I need to return and talk to an old friend and make some plans of my own. See if you can push the islands defenses along a little faster, will you?"

"I will get on the horn about that immediately, and I will also put one of the helicopters on alert status around the clock. I will also contact my sister ship and start flying patrols around the area, looking for boats. Do not worry, they will not be allowed to approach the island without your approval. I will have a headset sent to you with both radio frequencies on it, so you can stay in touch with both ships and us with you. If you have any doubts about anything, just call and we will immediately check it out for you. Good luck, Jon, and tell your family and guests that we are all watching over them for you. The men feel as if your family is their own, and I think to a man, they have adopted all of you. The girls mean a great deal to them, especially your daughter."

"Thank you, Captain, and thank the men for me. I know the girls love them like big brothers."

He just smiled as I climbed into the raft. Sally greeted me with a smile and a quick kiss as we got underway, heading back to the island. I was glad to see she was smiling and seemed to be happy after talking to Castille. I just hoped she didn't sense my distress and ask about it. When we hit the beach, she immediately ran up the steps leaving me to watch her enthusiasm and walking by myself. When I got to the top, I was met by Kat. I told her to spread the word that we would be having a guest for dinner and to tell Farley to get shaved immediately. She laughed and said he already had and was a handsome looking devil without his beard. Then at my look, she busted out in that little girl laughter I loved so much.

"By the way, Jon, I think you should also know that he and Myrna have been almost inseparable since he came out without it this morning, after you left. They have been walking and talking all morning. He is a lot older than Jubal, you know. I was able to finally get him to tell me that he is Jubal's uncle, and that he retired from the navy five years ago. From what I gathered, he has raised Jubal since his parents were killed in a freak accident when he was almost ten. Jon, you don't suppose?"

"Kat, don't start taking on Myrna's bad habits. If it happens it happens, but no pushing from you or Sally. Let's just let nature take its course this time, ok? I don't want to see her get hurt again like before for any reason. Now I have to do something real quick, then I will be back and we need to have a talk about something serious that affects all of us. Have Katie take a look at those sat phones in the bag I brought up to the room and see how hard it's going to be to program them. She seems to be a whiz at that sort of thing. I will be back in about a half hour and I will explain everything then, Hon."

I left her looking at me with puzzlement. I went up to the room grabbed what I needed and went back out. I grabbed one of the carts and headed to the village, feeling a sense of urgency to complete what I had set my mind to do. When I pulled up to the cliff overlooking the sub, I realized that it had indeed sunk further down than before as I could hardly see it now. All I could see was a faint shadow between the cliffs. Suner was waiting when I walked back to the cart.

"Hello again, Jon Morgan. As you can see we are still watching all known entrances to the island."

"Well Suner, in a couple of minutes you will have one less to watch. I am closing off this way in completely. Send word for Koma to come here as soon as he can, will you?"

I watched as he put his hands to his mouth in a cupping fashion and let out several short bird calls, or that's what they sounded like to me. He was almost immediately answered, and from a distance as the response was faint. He sounded a couple more then dropped his hands to his side and smiled at me.

"He is on his way, Jon. If you don't mind me asking, why are you going to seal this off when no one has tried to enter?"

"I will explain when Koma gets here, Suner. I would tell you now, but I would just have to repeat it again so we will wait."

"That makes sense to me, Jon. Why tell the same story twice when once will do."

We had been standing and talking for about five minutes when Koma and Pala showed up. They were trotting and seemingly not breathing hard from running from the village or wherever they had been. Suner immediately told them what I was going to do and Pala got a big smile on his face.

"I have wanted to close this off for years, but Mikey would never let us do it. Now I get to see it happen and I am happy about it. This way in is too hard to watch at night, unlike our cove by the village where we have men on both sides to watch for any movement. If you don't mind, Jon, can I have the honor of sealing it?"

I handed the remote detonator to him and showed him how it worked. He was laughing like a little kid when the first explosion sounded. We stood and watched as one side of the high cliff seemed to implode before sliding down into the sea on top of the old sub. He then flipped the switch the other way and I made us all back up about fifty feet so we would be safe. I knew part of the cliff we were standing on would be going up along with the other side above the sub. He pushed the button and we all felt the ground under our feet shake and move as the other side of the cliff imploded and slid down on top of the other debris that was already on the sub. I stood watching Pala smiling before I went to the edge and looked over. It was just like I had wanted. There was a long rip out of the side we were on that no man would ever be able to climb without help from above. The sub was completely covered and the whole cove sealed off. I knew from what the Captain had told me that the seaward side was almost straight up and down, so I had a feeling that no one would be coming in this way again. There was only the cove at the village, which they watched constantly, and the beach by the house where a boat could land now. I felt a little safer knowing this, and sat down in the cart. I told them I would take them back to the village and explain why I had decided to close the cove.

By the time we got back to the village, I had passed on to Koma all that I knew. I could tell he was upset about it because he was breathing like he had run for miles. When Suner and Pala got out and walked away, he stood looking at me for a few minutes.

"Jon, we will also be watching over your family. I will guarantee their safety from anyone while they are on the island. I know your men are good, but we know this island better than they ever will. You are our chief as well as a torch bearer now and we take care of our own. If you don't mind a suggestion, why don't you sit down and have a long talk with Quanta and learn about the trip he wants you to take? Jon, if you go to the monastery, he will have a virtual army that can watch over you the entire trip. If what your friend has told you is true, it would be totally unexpected by your enemies. They need not know you have left the island for several weeks. We will watch out for your home and men. Should a stranger come on the island, we will capture him and turn him over to your men after Pala lets him have the truth medicine. We can pass on any news to you, regardless of where you are. Here you can only wait for your enemies, but if you go to the monastery, you will be looked after by our followers. They know the terrain better than any because they live there. Think about it, my brother, and talk to Quanta when you get back. He is a very wise man as well as a good friend to you."

"Thank you, Koma. I had planned on talking to him today, but I had a few things I wanted to do first. I need to think about my next move before I make it. I still have to talk to Kat and get some food in me so I can think without my stomach growling at me."

He laughed and said that food is good, but talking to Fire Hair is more important than food. I would not want to make her angry by not telling her what was going on. He was laughing out loud as he walked toward the village. I had to smile to myself thinking how right he was about Kat. As I drove the cart toward the house, I couldn't help but think that she was now a part of it because I was no longer alone like I had always been. She was wise and she was a part of me now whether I liked it or not. I had promised to always include her in any decisions I made and I would honor that promise. I still couldn't help but worry about the babies she was carrying, but she would have to make that decision, not me. I instinctively knew that she would consider it as part of the equation when we made our plans about what to do next. For some odd reason it felt good having someone I could talk to about things. I had always been alone before and made all the decisions, right or wrong, on my own. When I got back to the house, I was met by her and got a kiss. She said she had sandwiches ready in our room for lunch. I was also informed that we would be able to talk alone since she had told everyone that we would be there until supper or until our guest arrived.

When we got upstairs, I sat down at the table. While we ate, I filled her in on what Maurice had told me and what I had done this morning. I also told her about my conversation with Koma and what he said. She just grinned at me when I told her about it.

"He is right, Jon, we are a team now. I think we should do as he suggested and go on this trip as soon as possible. We need to get off this island where we are all sitting ducks waiting for something to happen. If we go to the monastery, we will not only be on the move and harder to find, but we will be watched over by people who know the terrain. I would almost bet that they have a way to communicate with each other almost instantly and would know before we did if there was someone following us. I think you do need to have a long talk with Quanta and see what his ideas are, my love. I know I would feel safer on the move than just sitting here, waiting for something to happen. I think the rest of our little party would love the adventure and would agree to go without any arguments. I know Maggie has already said she would love to go, but she would have to beat Tiny over the head with a club to get him to go along with it. Of course him being a man, she could blackmail him and make him go. Hey, her words, not mine!"

I sat and thought about what she said about Maggie and Tiny and it took me a few minutes before I finally figured out what she would be blackmailing him about. Kat was watching my face closely and she must have seen the look on my face when I realized what Maggie was talking about, because she promptly broke out in that little girl laughter that I loved so much. I felt my face getting red and she just laughed harder when it did. I looked at my watch and realized we had several hours before supper, so I looked at her with my best dirty leer. I swear she was reading my mind because she beat me to the bed and was waiting for me before I could get my boots off. While I struggled to get them off, I was seriously considering wearing flip flops or having the women in the village make me some sandals, 'cause this was taking way too long.



-------

Chapter 60


When Kat and I came down to eat, Maurice had already arrived and was sitting and talking to the others. I noticed that another table had been pulled up so that we could all sit together and not have to shout between tables. The small talk went well until we finished eating. Then I told everyone that Maurice had some important news for us and that he would tell all of it to us before we discussed anything.

He sat back and then looking a little embarrassed, started to speak. When he finished about fifteen minutes later, I was sitting with my arms around Kat and Sally watching the reactions on everyone's faces. As I expected, the only people shocked at the table were Michelle and her mother as well as Tiny, and I could tell he was mad about the whole thing. Before he could explode, I stood up and addressed them.

"I know this is a shock to all of you. It was a shock to me this morning when I heard about it. Michelle, you and your mother will stay with me temporarily and I will assure you that you both will be safe. Jubal and Farley will be leaving tomorrow to harass the church as we had planned, but with a twist. They will be hitting two compounds at once, with help from Interpol. This should take some of the pressure off of us here for now. Tiny, I can see you are upset about this, but I have some plans in the works that will protect everyone for now. Tiny, I can't make you stay here, but I think you should sit down and discuss it with your family before you make any rash moves. Since this has been such a shock, I suggest we sleep on it and talk among ourselves. Tomorrow we will all meet in the morning for breakfast and discuss our options."

They got up, talking among themselves. I steadfastly refused to answer any questions until tomorrow. I caught Quanta's eye and made a motion for him to stay behind. He leaned over and said something to Sylveen, and she herded the girls off to their room. Kat got up, kissed me, and grabbed Sally, saying she wanted to talk to her. I told Maurice to go ahead and go back to the ship and I would talk to him tomorrow. He got up and walked away, looking like he was exhausted. I waited until everyone had disappeared and motioned for Quanta to follow me. I looked back as we walked away from the patio, and noticed that Myrna had joined Kat and Sally and they were talking as they went inside. I immediately headed for the path Koma had taken me on, then turned to Quanta and started talking as we walked. I purposely kept my voice down so if we were followed, whoever would follow wouldn't be able to hear what I was saying.

"Well, old friend, looks like we will be changing our plans a little. Can you make arrangements for us to be taken off the island by boat in the night?"

"That is no problem, Jon, as long as I have enough time to get things in motion. Also, I need to tell you that if you are planning what I think you are, Sylveen and I have decided to go with you. I haven't been to the monastery for many years. She wants to take our daughters before they grow up and go their own way and have their own families. Jon, if we pull this off and get off the island, how do you want to go? What I mean is, what countries do you want to travel through? There are a dozen different ways we can go and still reach our goal safely."

"Quanta, I am in over my head here and I am depending on you to set it all up. I think any arrangements you make should be kept from all of us, just in case someone speaks out of turn or is overheard talking. I do want to make sure that all of us will be safe as we travel, and that we are well guarded the whole trip. The church has a long arm and won't hesitate to do just about anything to accomplish their goals. They are all over the place as we speak, looking for us and trying to figure out how to get to me. They will not hesitate to kill any of us if they think it will help them attain their goals."

"Jon, I know I may be prying here, but what is this story about some disks that contain the secrets to getting the church's money that has been hidden over the years? I noticed you have avoided talking about this and as usual my curiosity is aroused."

I already guessed that he would ask. I figured I would face the question from several of our party as well as Maurice, so I already had my story made up. I had promised Jeb that no one would ever know that I already had given him those disks, and I would keep the promise.

"This was all news to me too. I did have two disks that were slipped into a suitcase when I rescued Michelle the first time, but they didn't contain anything remotely connected to something like that. All that was on them was the whole membership of the Texas compound I got Michelle out of. I sent them to the FBI weeks ago but they didn't seem to be interested in them or the church until I got shot the first time. If I had something like they're saying I have, I would use it to assure all our safety. The disks Michelle brought me this time are on the ship. All that they contained was what we have already sent to the appropriate agencies."

"Umm, I wondered about it Jon. I didn't figure you had them, or you would have used them by now. I just wish I knew of some way that the church could find this out so that they would not be hounding us. It seems that they are spending a lot of money for nothing."

"Yeah, I agree, Quanta, but it just doesn't make any sense. With all that has been released to the press as well as the different Law Enforcement Agencies, you would think they would be keeping a lower profile. They seem to be stuck on the fact that they think I have those disks, and I can't for the life of me figure out why. Someone high up in their church has to have them, and he or she is keeping them safe until all of this dies down. That's the only scenario I can think of that fits what's happening."

"I have to agree with you, my friend. Now do you have any idea how many of our guests will be traveling with us? This I will need to know in order to get the plans in motion."

"I will have no idea until tomorrow, Quanta. I wanted everyone to sleep on the news and make their own decisions. I guess we will find out in the morning. Quanta, you have handled money for many years, do you have any idea where a member of the church might hide something like that? If I could get my hands on them, I could make them tell me and take the pressure off of us. Hell, I don't want their money and I would rather give it to them than see any of us get hurt."

"Jon, I have no idea, not being familiar with the church. But if I were to guess, I would have to say it would have to be someone very high up in their leadership who is hoarding the disks. Another thing I don't understand about this, is why they would put such sensitive information on a disk that could be easily broken or lost. If I did something like that at the bank, I would be immediately dismissed. None of this makes any sense to me at all, Jon."

"Ha, you think you're the only one confused about all of this crap? Here I thought when we got Michelle out and the disks were made public, they would leave us alone. I can't believe they would put out a contract on any of us with all the publicity. Whoever is running the church since Boudrie died has totally lost touch with reality."

"Yes, I have to agree. I was glad to hear about his death after what he and his men did to my people. If not for you, he would have exterminated our whole line. I still haven't figured out how he got on to the society and who to look for and where they were. Someone very high up had to have talked, but I just can't believe they would give away names of the torch bearers. Even under torture I would never speak about such a thing."

"Quanta, any man can be broke by torture if the man doing it knows what he is doing. The person being tortured is the one who controls what information is given out. The torturer has to believe what is told to him or kill the person for what he perceives is a lie. I hate to change the subject, but we are getting sidetracked here. That's in the past and may someday come to light, but right now I am only worried about everyone's safety. I am depending on you to set everything in motion. Let's say we set a week from tomorrow as our jumping off time to leave here. Will that give you enough time to put everything in motion?"

"That should be plenty of time. As soon as I find out how many are going for sure, I will know how to set it all up."

We spent another half hour discussing the details. As we started back to the house, I heard a noise in the jungle to our side. I leaned over and whispered to Quanta to keep walking and talking until I got back. He looked at me like I had lost my mind, but continued on talking as I slipped into the tree line. I could hear Quanta in the distance talking as I snuck through the jungle to his side. I finally spied a figure walking quietly, listening to what he said. My old skills worked well, and I was able to come up on him from a side angle. When we came to the end of the trees, he stopped and looked around. I grabbed him from the back, putting a choke hold on him. I squeezed until I felt him starting to go down then released him, not wanting to kill anyone just in case he was harmless. He went down, and I held onto him long enough to stiff walk him out into the clearing where Quanta was standing with his mouth open in shock.

"Who is it, Jon, and how much did he hear of our plans?"

"I have no idea who it is, but he won't be able to say anything for a little while as he is out of it. I will stay with him while you go to the house and grab one of the carts. Go and get Koma and Pala so we can get this straightened out. We will wait out here so as not to spook the women until we find out what is going on."

"Ok, Jon!"

He took off at a run, and I was surprised at how fast he could move. Within a few minutes I saw one of the carts headed toward the village at full speed with its single light on. Then and there I was glad they didn't make much noise but wondered at the same time where the guards were. Come to think of it, I hadn't seen any of them since Maurice left. I looked around for a few minutes and spied movement at the end of the outside cabins to my right. I called out in French the password for this shift, and was quickly answered with the counter word. The man moved my way and I knew he could see me huddled next to the ground. To his credit, he didn't turn on a white light but a red one. It lit the area up, showing me and the man lying between my legs. He came quickly to my side with his weapon up and pointing toward the jungle, shining the light all around our area. He satisfied himself we were alone, and just as quickly shut it off. He kneeled by my side, asking me what was going on. I gave him the short version and told him to return to his post as I had it under control until the village chief could get here. He said he would stay close in case I needed him, and offered me his side arm which I refused. I had one of the new forty's tucked in my waistband with a silencer on it if I needed it. Since my shirt tail was out, it couldn't be seen unless you stood directly behind me. I had made a short detour to the small room that was our armory and liberated it, just in case.

About ten minutes had passed since Quanta left, and the man was starting to stir a little when I saw the single light headed our way. To my relief, as soon as we were spotted, it was quickly shut off but the cart kept coming. The soldier called out, wanting to know if it was ok. I answered him back with an affirmative and told him I was expecting them. He just said "Oui", and stood watching until the cart stopped in front of us. I immediately recognized Koma and Quanta, but the third man was a surprise. It was Maurice in village attire, and for some odd reason my guard went up. I pulled the forty from my hiding place, keeping it down at my side as I stood up facing them.

"What are you doing here, Maurice, and dressed like one of the villagers? Maurice, you stop where you are! Koma, you and Quanta come up and take control of this man. He is awake and is just playing possum. Don't let him move or slip back into the jungle until I get back."

"Will do, Jon" Koma answered.

Koma moved to where I was standing next to the prisoner, and put his foot in the middle of his back. I heard the oomph from the prisoner as I walked toward Maurice. When I got within arms length, I could see his body tighten and he made a quick half turn to face me. When I put the silencer snout against his belly, he looked down in surprise. I felt him relax and freeze at the same time. He knew me well enough to know that if he moved wrong, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot, friend or not. Right now I had a lot of suspicions about him being my friend.

"Let's take a little walk away from the area, and have a little one on one talk, Maurice."

We walked toward the house with the silencer stuck in his back, and my left hand on his neck muscle where I could feel if he tensed before trying anything. It was a move he had taught me so many years ago in my training, and it couldn't be beaten by anyone. Your neck muscles would always tense up first before the rest of your body. I had used it countless times and it had never failed me. When I thought we were far enough away, I had him stop. I stepped back four paces quickly telling him to turn around.

"Ahh, Mon Dieu. I see you still haven't forgot what I taught you, Jon Morgan."

"Old habits die hard, especially when dealing with traitors. How long have you been in the church's employ, my friend? Also, I would like to know why you are putting my family in danger for something I don't have and never did?"

"I am not with the church, Jon and never have been. But I accepted the contract to recover the disks because they are paying so much for them. I am broke and needed the money. It was child's play to get assigned to you since it is known we are good friends. I assure you that your family is in no danger from me. The church is another matter though. They want revenge on that girl who stole the disks and put a lot of their leaders on the run."

I felt my face harden and rage start to come up. He must have sensed it because he quickly spoke again trying to distract me.

"Do not worry; I would not harm her in any way. If that were so, I have had many opportunities to do so while I was teaching them defense. I have come to realize after talking to you, that you had no idea about the disks, and I have already told my contact so. He assured me they would start looking elsewhere, and quit spending resources they couldn't afford. So I guess I lost out all the way around, my friend. I have thrown away my career, as well as made an enemy of the only man I ever respected. If you had the disks, I might have had to resort to violence to get them back, but it would never be against women and children. I am sure by now the Captain is looking for me, and headquarters has issued a warrant for me because of Castille's stupidity. I have hired a native boat to take me off the island, and I will have to disappear for a while. That's why I am wearing this get up. The man you are holding over there is not one of mine either. I am leaving now Jon, and the only way you can stop me is to shoot me in the back as I walk away, or fight me again. The last time it was daylight and we both ended up in the hospital. It's night now, and I don't think you will shoot me in the back. Goodbye, my friend, and the best to you and your lovely family."

When he turned and started walking away, my finger tightened on the trigger, but I couldn't do it. I did have a sudden thought and called out to him.

"Maurice, do you think they will leave us alone now? Also, why didn't you come to me if you needed money? You know I would have given you all that I had without question."

He stopped and turned, and in the light I could see the tears on his face as he answered me.

"They were only after the disks and the girl, my friend. I didn't come to you because I was ashamed of myself for what I had done to you and your family. They will not be bothering you any more, but the girl is a different matter. They hate her with a passion bordering on insanity. She is a thief as well as a danger to them as long as she is alive."

I felt sick to the point where I was fighting puking my guts up as I watched him walk away into the night. He knew I couldn't shoot him in the back, because we owed each other our lives a dozen times over through the years we had served together. I stood with tears flowing to the point I finally had to wipe my face with my shirt tail before walking back to Koma and Quanta.

"Is everything ok, my brother? Should I have the men of the village stop him from leaving on the boat?"

"No, Koma, let him go. Besides, he would injure too many of your men if you tried to stop him. Do you know the man you have your foot on?"

"Yes, my brother, he is called Mung. He is one of the ones who just came in tonight on the boat your friend is leaving on. I do not know much about him as he has been away from here for many years. Quanta told me what he was doing. I was surprised he would know who you are as he just arrived. If it is ok with you, I will take him to the village and have Pala give him the truth medicine so we can find out why he did this. I will also have a talk with the guards who were supposed to be watching for people roaming around. No one but the chosen ones were supposed to leave the village. I think it is time I made some examples of the society's followers, so they will realize just how serious their duties are. They have been slaves for too long, I think. They have lost their edge and forgotten what they have been taught. I am sorry this has happened, my brother, and it will not happen again."

"Put him in the cart and take him back with you. Come to the house in the morning and let me know what you and Pala find out. I want to know who hired him as well as where he made contact with them and why. After you are through with him, banish him from the island. If I ever see him again, I will shoot him on the spot. If he has the tattoo remove it however you see fit."

"It will be done as you order. He is not a member, but if he were I would cut off his arm and feed it to the sharks for what he was doing. You go to bed, my brother, and leave the rest to me to handle."

"Thanks, Koma. Come on, Quanta, we can talk more tomorrow. I will tell you what I was told as I talked to Maurice."

We walked back to the house in silence and were challenged by the guard as we walked up to the patio. We were allowed through after a brief exchange, and I bid Quanta good night. I went up to my room, hoping Kat was still awake. I just didn't feel like sleeping, and needed someone I could trust to talk to after my exchange with Maurice. I stopped on the steps and went back to the kitchen. To my surprise, one of the women was still there and had coffee going already. It never ceased to amaze me how intuitive these people were. When I asked her how she knew I would want coffee, she just said that Koma had told her to put some on for me because I would probably want it. I thanked her and got the tray and carafe ready. I was surprised again as she put about two dozen of the honey cakes I liked so much on a plate, adding them to the tray for me to carry. I thanked her and she just smiled at me as I left the kitchen.

When I got to the door, I had started to stoop to set the tray down to open the door when Kat flung it open saying; "I heard you coming up the steps, my love."

I smiled a sad smile at her and went to the table, setting the tray down and pouring some coffee for me. Kat said she would have some of the honey cakes, but no coffee for her as the kids didn't seem to like it much. I grinned at her this time, feeling the love coming from her as she looked at me with concern. When I got comfortable, I told her all that had happened and what Maurice had told me about Michelle as well as the rest of us. I felt the moistness on my cheeks again as I told her about Maurice. She immediately came over and sat in my lap, hugging me.

"My darling, I can't say I know what you are feeling right now, but I can feel the sadness rolling off of you in waves. I do not know how to comfort you, all I can do is be here for you as you know I always will be."

"Kat, just having you here makes me feel better. I just can't seem to wrap my thoughts around why he would throw everything away for money. I would have gladly given him any amount to help him out. Lord knows I have plenty, thanks to Quanta and his wise investments over the years. Kat, he was my mentor as I worked my way up through the ranks. It hurts me so much deep inside that he would throw away his life like this, and for what, some damn disks that a perverted church wants so bad they are willing to kill for them. That's not the Maurice I know and remember. He used to have honor and the Legion was his life. What happened to him that he would change so much in such a short time. That's what's bothering me more than anything, Kat! He sold his honor to his men for money!"

"Jon, I don't have the answers you need right now. I can tell that this is going to eat away at you until you get some answers, so I suggest you try to catch a few hours sleep. Start making some calls in the morning to see if you can find out some of the information you so desperately need. Go get yourself a hot shower and lay down. I know you won't sleep, but I can't either unless you are lying beside me so I can feel the heat from your body. I think the babies love to have you near them too. Besides, in a few more months, I will be so big you will have to lay behind me instead of me hugging you in my sleep. I will miss hugging you so I want to do it all I can right now."

I snorted coffee and she broke out in that laughter that never ceased to calm me listening to it. I kissed her and got lost again. Dammit, I wish she wouldn't do that to me, I was thinking as we broke apart.

"No more of that until you get a shower. You stink like stale sweat and rotten weeds."

I laughed all the way to the bathroom.



-------

Chapter 61


I awoke the next morning, feeling like I had been dragged behind a camel. That only made me feel bad all over again, thinking about camels, because of the tricks that Maurice had pulled on all of us when we first climbed on one of the filthy beasts. I looked at Kat lying behind me and reached down and gently rubbed her stomach. She stirred a little making an mmm noise and I smiled to myself. As I looked at her lying beside me, I couldn't help wondering how an old homely Legionnaire like me had been so lucky. I knew now what I had been missing all the years I was serving; first, a dirty faced little girl, and now a beautiful woman. I was smiling as I got up and went to shower and shave before breakfast. I had just gotten dressed, when that familiar knock at the door sounded. I quickly covered Kat and went to let Trina in. Sally was with her and I put my finger up to my lips in the sign of silence to them. Sally looked over at Kat and smiled at her. Sally had always been an early riser and loved the mornings. When she was little I remembered how many times she had awakened me to look at the sunrise with her. She helped Trina set up the breakfast on the table and sat down, pouring herself some juice while Trina poured me a cup of coffee. Sally said something to Trina and she giggled as she went back out the door.

"Hon, is that food I smell? Smells good but I need my robe, will you get it for me please?"

I quickly went to the bathroom and got it, handing it to her and standing between her and Sally as she slipped it on. I helped her up and got her seated at the table.

"Kat, have the babies started kicking yet? When they do, will you tell me so I can feel it?"

I almost missed the chair and Kat broke out laughing at her.

"Sally honey, in a couple of months they will be fighting for space and will be kicking up a storm. If you want, you can help me rub lotion on my stomach so I don't have a lot of stretch marks. In a few more months I will be a big blimp and need all the help I can get."

"Gee, you mean I have to wait that long? Don't they grow faster than that?"

I looked at her in shock and Kat busted out laughing again. I just sat there, feeling that somehow this whole conversation had gone over my head. I had no idea what to say or do to change the subject. Once they got on the subject, it was like I wasn't there next to them. I thought I'd better go out and check to see if the arrangements I had made to get Jubal and Farley away were on track. I started to get up when there was a knock at the door. Myrna came in and I slipped out in the confusion. Whew, I hadn't got to eat or finish my coffee, but at least I was no longer in the middle of all of that. I went out to the patio and Captain LeMeur was there with the rest of the soldiers on R & R. I sat down and poured myself a cup of coffee and finally got to drink a little. I was thinking about the calls I had to make today and the meeting I was going to call a little later to see what my friends had decided. After what I had learned last night, I knew now that Tiny and his family could go home and not have to worry. I knew I was going on faith here, but I didn't believe what Maurice had told me was a lie. I had to make sure from this point on that I kept all of us safe. That meant I was going to have to go on the offense for a change instead of sitting around waiting for something to happen. Jubal and Farley came out and both of them had small bags. They sat down and we talked about what they had to do and where they were to strike. Captain LeMeur said it was time and I shook their hands and wished them luck. I sat for about an hour, kidding back and forth with the men. I felt right at home again with these men. I went back inside and wondered if I should go back upstairs. Before I could decide, Katie came up to me.

"Jon, I got all the phones programmed for you. It really wasn't that hard but I don't understand what they mean by the red light flashing to scramble. You have to push the yellow button to do it but it doesn't say what scrambled means. Is that something that these phones have to make them work better? I went through the whole book but there wasn't any kind of explanation in there either."

I sat down on one of the chairs and explained it to her. When I was finished all she said was "Cool." She then went on to tell me that she had assigned numbers to each phone from one to six and that the number of the phone always showed in the upper corner and when one of the others called me the number of their phone would show up under the phone number I had. She also said that the actual numbers for the phones could be assigned, but according to the book, they could be just assigned the single numbers. When I wanted to call one of the other phones, all I had to do was press the single digit. They were set up to call each other this way now, but I had to assign each phone its own separate number. It could be up to eight digits, and since these were satellite phones, the number had to be an even number of digits. I didn't understand a damn thing she said. I finally told her to assign a number to each phone and put it in phonebook in all the phones. That way all the numbers of each phone would be in all of them. By the time she got through trying to explain to me what I didn't understand, my head was hurting.

When she finally left to finish the programming, I remembered I hadn't gotten the headset for the ships yet. Damn, I thought, another call to make. I started up the steps and Myrna and Sally passed me coming down. Myrna hugged me and I got a kiss and hug from Sally. Neither one of them said a word, but they had big smiles on their faces for some reason. This should have put me on my guard, but I just shrugged it off. When I went in the room, I poured another cup of coffee and sat down at the communications console, thinking hard. I heard someone clearing their throat and when I looked that way, my jaw hit the floor.

"Well, how do you like it? I thought I better wear it before I start getting too big for anything but stretch pants."

Good lord, I thought, one of my socks had more material in it than that bikini she had on. What was standing before me had to be one of the most erotic sights I had ever seen in my thirty some years.

"Well, do you like it? I am going to lay out today and I bought it just for you. Jon, will you please say something?"

"Are you sure that thing is legal? I mean, it's nice and you look good enough to eat. What I mean is, well I think you need to remember I am not the only man on this island, Dear."

She busted out laughing, and her next words almost made me have a panic attack.

"This is mild compared to what the rest will be wearing today. Wait till you see Myrna's and Sally's, we all bought them at the same shop in the airport. The clerk told us this is the new style that everyone wears down here. They're called Wicked Weasel Bikinis. All of us except Quanta's wife and daughters bought them. Sylveen said they all wear thongs at the beach they go to. I think that's a little risqué, even for me."

Yea I thought and the guy who invented them must have been a pervert or something. I wasn't about to ruin the day by saying what I thought of them, so I just got up, kissed her, and said to have fun. I said I would probably be on the phone all morning, so she might as well work on her tan a little. She gave me a big smile and a quick kiss then ran back to the bathroom. When she came back out a couple of minutes later, she had a little short robe on, and had a big bag and towels over her arm. Out the door she went, just that quick. I wondered if I ought to see if the village had a blind guard to watch over them. I knew I wasn't about to go out where all of them were. I was only human and there were too many good looking women here. I was only a male and just married at that. I shook my head, trying to get that picture out as I sat back down.

The first call was the one I didn't want to make, but I knew I had to. I finally got the director on the line, after going through the ID check that was SOP with Interpol. When I made my report, there was silence on the other end. I was informed that the warrant had just gone out on him fifteen minutes ago and that he was considered a fugitive. We talked for about hour and he filled me in on what had happened with some of the raids. All had been successful so far, and there had only been one casualty on our side. I was also informed that the island defenses would be completed in the next three days. All the materials had been sent and the supply ship should be here today with them, including the men who would be stationed here. I was also informed that I would be having a visitor in the morning from the President to talk to me about certain matters. He wouldn't elaborate on it other than telling me he should be here by noon. I pressed him on it and he would only tell me that it was a surprise and that it would be to my benefit. I was finally able to get off the phone and then another problem came knocking at my door in the form of Tiny and he was madder than hell.

"John, have you seen the bathing suits the women are wearing?"

"Yes, I saw Kat's just before she went outside to sun herself."

"Jon, can't you do something about it? I mean those things are downright indecent. Did you know when they get wet they turn completely transparent until they dry again?"

"Tiny, I didn't like it either, but although I haven't been married as long as you and Maggie, I have learned, when it comes to Kat and the other two Musketeers, to not stick my hand in a bee's nest. They are all old enough to decide what to wear, and the men know that if the women are at the pool they are to stay away. Besides, Kat told me that she wanted to wear it before she got too big. No, Tiny, I think I will just stay out of this one. Now if you want to march down there and order them to change, you go right ahead."

He looked at me a minute then said softly; "Do you think I'm crazy or something?"

"No, but don't try to make me do it either. I am still on my honeymoon and I certainly don't want to sleep on the floor for the rest of our vacation. Besides, Kat told me Sylveen and her daughters wear thongs all the time. I guess knowing how liberal Nigeria is right now, that means they go topless. I personally have a keen interest in keeping my manhood, so if you want to go join them to swim go right ahead. Remember, this is a private island so I would be almost willing to bet that they all will be topless by the time the morning's over. Now, if there isn't anything else, I have a bunch of calls to make."

He got up, glaring at me and went to the door, but had one final shot at me before he went out.

"I thought you were my friend. I come to you since you seem to set the rules here to ask for help, and all you do is tell me to shut up. Some friend you are."

"I am your friend, Tiny, but even friends know when not to stick their noses into another friend's domestic problems. Besides, from what Myrna and Kat have told me, you probably already tried to tell them to change and got told to go to hell before you came to me. Nope, as your friend, I think you should just go for a walk. Stay out of it or I will have to find you a room to bunk in."

As he went out I heard, "Go to hell, Jon," as he slammed the door. I couldn't help it and busted out laughing; hoping that no one came in or they would think I was crazy. A man sitting in a room alone, laughing up a storm was not normal. Before I could swing back to the switch board in front of me, there was another knock at the door and I yelled come in. It was Trina this time coming, to clean up the breakfast dishes and she was smiling from ear to ear.

"Ok, young lady, what's so funny?"

"I just passed your friend going down the steps and he was talking to himself, something about bathing suits and women going topless. My chief, doesn't he know that all the women on the island never wear tops? The only time they do is when we have visitors or are working here. Word has already passed to the village about the pool being cleaned and open and a lot of the women from the village are already out there enjoying it along with Fire Hair and Sally. Fire Hair invited them, and they are all excited because this is the first time we have been allowed to use it. She said we could use it any time we wished from now on as long as the men kept it clean. My people are so happy that they are being treated so well, they are having a big feast tonight to celebrate. As soon as I finish my chores I am going to swim in the little ocean too."

She was laughing softly to herself, and humming as she gathered the dishes and went out the door. I thought back to the first time we had met and had to smile at the difference in her in such a short time. Now she was acting like a teenager and seemed to be having fun like she should. Come to think of it, I had subconsciously noticed the change in the villagers but hadn't paid any attention to it. The whole atmosphere of the island had changed for the better in a very short time. All of them seemed happier and more carefree than what I had witnessed when I first came here. I started to swing back to the desk and hesitated to see if there were any more knocks at the door. When none came I got back on the phone and called the ship. When I got through, I asked for Captain LeMeur and was told he was in a meeting with the Captains from their sister ship and the supply ship that had just arrived. I was asked if it was an emergency, and I told the operator that it wasn't. He said he would send word to the Captain that I had called. I thanked him and hung up. I went to dial another number and heard screaming outside and ran to the window.

The sight that met my eyes made me think I was seeing things. There must be a hundred women by the pool and over half of them were either totally naked or topless. My eyes seemed to be drawn to the red headed woman on the diving board, and she was naked too. Then I saw that she wasn't, but just like Tiny had said, the bikini was totally transparent and there wasn't anything hidden. She must have sensed me because she chose that time to look up and her eyes met mine. I froze like an animal in bright lights. She just smiled at me, and waved before jumping into the sparkling water. I stumbled back to my chair with that picture in my mind and realized I was soaked with sweat. I went and took a nice long cold shower, hoping to calm down. Jesus, I thought as the ice cold water beat on my back, how the hell could any man ever lay on a nude beach all day with sights like that running in front of him all day long? Now I knew how the name perv had come to be. Then I started to chuckle, wondering how many men on the ship were at the rails with binoculars.

I finally got calmed down and decided to get dressed and go to the village. I knew I couldn't stay here with the display that was right outside the window. I stuck the forty down the back of my pants and went down the steps. I got one of the carts and ran into the Corporal, and reminded him to make sure the men didn't get overly excited doing their guard duty today. He just laughed saying he had already changed the positions of the guards, but the men on standing along the rails of the ship with binoculars he couldn't control.

"Well, let us hope that they don't decide to have man overboard drill today. I have a feeling late tonight the seas are going to be a little rough with a lot of white tops, eh Corporal?"

When I pulled away, he was bent over double he was laughing so hard. I came to the cliff and automatically slowed a little and Sunar jumped into the seat next to me, almost giving me a heart attack. I hadn't seen him because I was looking toward the cliff.

"Ah Jon, did I startle you? I am sorry but I couldn't resist since you didn't see me. I was on my way to get you. Koma sent me to ask if you would come to the village. Jon, please thank Fire Hair for me. My wife and daughter were so excited to be invited to swim in the little ocean with your family and friends. They are the first of our people who have ever been in the little ocean at the house. The children are having a lot of fun in the shallow part where they don't have to worry about getting in too deep. The whole village has been honored by her invitation."

I grinned and thought back, trying to remember seeing any children but every time I did, all I could see in my mind's eye was Kat in that transparent bikini. The funny part of it kicked in again, and I broke out laughing. Sunar was looking at me in a strange way as we headed to the village. I finally got myself under control and told him about the shock I got when I looked out the window and he fell out of the cart, he was laughing so hard. Good thing I wasn't going very fast. Since we were almost at the village he waved me to go ahead, he was laughing so hard he couldn't speak. I pulled up in front of Koma's hut and he came out with a smile on his face.

"I see you came, my brother. Where is Sunar?"

"I threw him out of the cart for laughing at me."

He looked at me in shock for a moment then Sunar came running up. The exchange in their native dialect was too fast for me to follow but Koma started laughing in a few minutes. He sat down on the steps of his hut holding his sides as he laughed. I just smiled, because I had a pretty good idea of what Sunar said to him. Pala came out with a frown on his face, looking at Koma and Sunar. Sunar quickly told him and he was soon laughing at me too.

"All right you three, enough laughter at my expense. What news do you have for me today?"

This seemed to sober them up and Koma invited me in, still chuckling. When we all got inside, Pala looked at me with a smile before speaking.

"My chief, the man called Mung was a good source of information. He was sent here to find out what happened to the weapons that were in the sub. He worked for a man called Isaac Breedon who has been sending the weapons here all this time. Mung said he was supposed to search the house for them. He didn't know where the house was, and that why he was following you and Quanta. He knew about the legion guards, but had no idea who you were. He was looking for Sukie and thought he would find him at the house. We also questioned the others who came in on the boat with him, but none of them knew him until he boarded at the last moment. He says his boss is very angry about the loss of so much money. He had no idea where the weapons his boss sent here were kept before, but he did say that he worked out of a port on the Nigerian coast. I am afraid he succumbed to the medicine because he fought so hard against it. This happens sometimes but we are sure what he told us was true. We also got word that the church that is after you has had several of their leaders kill themselves. It has been all over the television in the last couple of days. We do not have that here, but the big island does, and they were the ones who sent word to us. Is this good news, my chief?"

"It is all great news, my friends. We now know who is supplying the weapons, and a possible place to look for him as well. The church is losing control because someone stole their money, and they can't afford to hire attorneys for their people. This will take more pressure off of me temporarily. This is very good news my friends. This will also protect the people here too. The defenses will be completed in three days, and there will be a platoon of soldiers here at all times from now on. I thank all of you for the news. Now I must return to the house to make some calls."

"Ah my chief, you might try to relax and maybe go swimming this afternoon. I think you will enjoy yourself."

"Yeah, and if my eyes stray Fire Hair will remove a part on my anatomy that I wish to keep. No thank you, my friends, and it is not funny."

All three of them were laughing again. This time I smiled to myself, thinking of what I had said. Besides, I thought there are some things a man didn't need to know about his daughter and the other woman he loved. Seeing Myrna in a see through bikini would be way too much of a shock. I knew just how beautiful she really was since my stay in the hospital when I had seen the real Myrna. I thanked them again and headed back to the cart. I had a song going through my head that I couldn't seem to quit silently singing. I couldn't remember where I knew it from, but it just seemed to fit my situation. It must have been a Legion marching song someone made up just to be funny, but for some reason I just couldn't think of the name of it. It was something about bare bottoms and sweet lipped women. God, I thought, I had to get that scene out of my mind. That bikini was going to drive me nuts, I was thinking as I drove back to the house. I just wished I could have taken a picture of her on that diving board. Now that would be a picture any man would be proud to keep hidden for when he got old.



-------

Chapter 62


I finally decided to go back to my room, but I had to sneak in as I spotted Tiny pacing back and forth on the patio. I went through the kitchen and managed to get by him. When I got to my room, I sat down and called the Director and brought him up to speed on the new information. When I told him who had been providing the weapons, he almost went ballistic on me.

"Jon, we know of this man and he is a French Citizen who is related to the Ambassador of Cultural Affairs. He went to Africa after a disgraceful incident with one of the Counts and has been in hiding ever since. The Count has been sending agents out looking for him for about three years now. He was also a close friend of the man who previously owned the island that you now own. With this new information, we can start watching to see if he shows his hand. He is also known to have close ties with a certain Mid-Eastern rogue nation. He is said to have been seen in the company of several African Military leaders recently. Jon, this is becoming even more wide spread than we originally thought. Maybe you better take your family home for a few months, and give us time to look into this a little more. Anyway, I think you are expected to testify within the next two weeks at a Federal hearing."

"I knew it was coming up, but I cannot in good conscience forget that two of my guests are still in danger from the church. I refuse to abandon them for any reason, Director."

"We have taken the liberty of handling that situation for you, Mon Ami. That is what the Attaché is coming tomorrow to discuss with you and your two guests. I think you and your guests will be very happy with what we are about to propose. I will not give it away, but I think it will take some of the pressure off you for right now. We also have drop-shipped the crates you wanted to a gun store for you to pick up when you get home. All the customs paperwork has been expedited and cleared. Also, I sent an agent to check out your property. From what he said, he had to change his trousers after he tried to crawl under your fence. According to him, your four legged friends knew he was there, and waited until he got halfway in before politely reminding him that he wasn't wanted. Although he wasn't injured, he said that having his head inside so many fangs would give him nightmares for many years to come. He said to tell you that only an idiot would ever try to come in without an invite. That has gotten quite a few laughs around the office. He said next time he would refuse the assignment if it was connected with your name and home."

We chatted a few minutes more and then he said he had to go. I sat back and had to chuckle to myself, trying to picture in my mind what the Director had told me. I got up to hit the intercom when Kat came in from the pool.

"Jon, why didn't you tell me this thing turned invisible when it got wet? I haven't been so embarrassed in years. Myrna and Sally both thought it was funny because my face was almost as red as my hair. Of course those two refused to go in the water, but kept telling me to go in. I found out what was going on when one of the native women asked if I would buy her one and send it to her. I was the only one out of our crowd to go swimming and now I know why. Myrna said there was a warning on the tag, but I was so excited I just ripped it off and put it on. Did you know that the native women here only wear tops when they work in the house?"

"Kat honey, I just found it out earlier myself. I thought you knew, and I didn't come out to the pool because I didn't want you mad at me for looking at all the nude women. I just about had a heart attack when I looked out and saw you on the diving board. That picture will never leave my mind, and I just wish I could have taken a picture. Besides, the men on the ships with binoculars must have had headaches, from what I saw before I went to the village earlier. Honey, you're more beautiful than any woman out there, and you certainly have nothing to be ashamed of, by showing it off. Besides, as I was reminded earlier, women in the states have an inbred fear of going nude for some reason. Now in the European countries they don't have that hang-up and think nothing of it. That's why most countries have a clothing optional beach."

"I know all that, Jon, but I still don't have to flaunt it. I am a married woman now, even if my husband isn't the jealous type."

"Yes and a very beautiful one at that Kat. Let's drop it so you can go get your shower. Then we can eat because I am starved."

"Ok, Jon, but only if you wash my back."

We finally got around to eating about three hours later. Every time I looked at Kat, she would turn a little red in the face. She told me no more Wicked Weasel Suits for her. I made a disappointed noise and she got red again and told me to stop it. I tried to leer at her but she kicked me under the table, so I started laughing instead. I was still chuckling when Trina came in to gather the dishes with Sally right behind her.

"Well Dad, what did you think of Kat's bikini? Pretty cool, huh? She was the hit of the pool today. I think the men on the boat whistled all afternoon. She sure likes the water."

By the time Sally finished, Kat was red again. Sally being Sally, she totally lost it within a few seconds. Kat jumped up and grabbed Sally and started tickling her. Sally was laughing so hard she had to run to the bathroom. I got that look from Kat so I didn't say a word, just sat and drank my coffee.

When Sally came out, Kat was sitting across from me so she came up and whispered in my ear; "God, I hope when I get that old, I am as beautiful as she is."

I choked on my coffee and sprayed it halfway across the room. While I was choking and Kat was staring at me, Sally made a run for the door. When I finally was able to breathe again, Kat wanted to know what she said. I tried changing the subject, but Kat was having none of it. I finally had to tell, her fully expecting her to get upset at me. To my surprise it was the opposite.

"Jon, I think you have done too good a job raising her. That sounds like something you would say. God, she is so sweet. I have a feeling this incident isn't over yet because Myrna will have something to say too. You do know it was Myrna's idea to buy this particular brand of suit, don't you? She said that's all they wore when she was in college. Jon, I don't know how old she is, but I have to tell you she is beautiful, and built better than I am."

Now at this point, I decided discretion was the better part of valor and changed the subject. I started telling her what Koma and Pala had learned from our prisoner. She asked me a few questions and I answered them the best I could, and then told her about the visitors coming in the morning. We discussed our going home in a few days and what it would entail, and how long I thought I would have to wait around there to see if I had to testify.

"I don't expect to have to. They have an iron clad case and it is necessary for me to be there the first day of trial, but I will probably be free to leave after that. Quanta is tying up all the loose ends on his side to make sure we get off ok. I think this is going to be an adventure we will all remember the rest of our lives."

"I am really looking forward to going to the temples, Jon. You know in a few more months I will be too big to travel, so I want to do it before that happens. Sylveen told me a little more about it and they are looking forward to going as much as I am. Sally is so happy she can hardly stand still when she talks about it. Maggie and Katie are not going to go though. She said she didn't want to chance it because of her age and being more than three months pregnant. Katie has to go back to school and Tiny says his business won't run by itself."

"Yeah, I kinda figured that one out. I knew Tiny wouldn't go because he is worried about Maggie being pregnant so late in life. I had to sneak by him to come up here earlier. He was really upset about the bathing suits, especially when he found out the effect of water on them. I think he tried to get them to change but Maggie set him straight in no uncertain terms."

Kat busted out laughing and said that somehow she must have been the only one who didn't know, turning red again as she said it. I had to admit, seeing her blush about it so much was a total delight. In my narrow-minded way and being her husband, I kinda liked seeing her in the suit earlier. Maybe I ought to build a swimming pool at the house and talk her into wearing it, just for me. Her next words made me turn a little red.

"Don't even think about it buster. I will never wear that thing again, even for you."

"How 'bout in the shower?"

"Not even there, you perv."

I must have looked at her funny because that little girl laughter I loved so much came out again. I got up and went to her and kissed her, and we went to bed early for a change.

I woke the next morning with the feeling I was being watched and when I opened my eyes, Kat was above me staring at my face. Her eyes seemed like they were glowing in the sun when I looked at them. I was immediately soundly kissed and as I turned toward her to reciprocate there came that irritating knock at the door again. We both smiled and said come in at the same time. Sally stuck her head in and asked if we were awake yet? We both shouted out "no". She looked at both of us smiling and quickly said; "I read in a book that old folks can only do it every twelve hours."

"Sally Morgan, I don't care what you read, we are not going to grace that with an answer. Now, how about a little privacy for the newlyweds here?"

"Sorry Kat, Dad, the corporal said to tell you that your visitor is about an hour and a half out."

"Thank-you, Sally. Now come back in and hour or so and remind me again, will you?"

"Ok Dad, I can take a hint."

When she closed the door, I quickly got up and locked it and slid back into bed. "Now, where were we dear?"

I was quickly shown and we took up where we left off before the knock. We were both up, showered and dressed by the time Sally knocked again and when I opened the door the first words out of her mouth were; "I knew that book was right!"

Kat and I looked at each other and both of us were laughing as we walked out the door, headed for the patio. When the Attaché landed he was shown to our table and introduced to my guests, then he joined us for breakfast. When we were finished and the table cleared Trina brought out fresh coffee and excused herself. The Attaché then proceeded to tell us the whole story as to why he was here and what he proposed.

"I have come with an offer for the brave girl known to us as Michelle. The President has asked me to convey an invitation for you and your mother to visit the President and his wife and daughter for a few months. You will stay in the presidential villa, and the Republican Guard will be responsible for your safety while you are there. Both of you will be invited to attend any functions and parties as you chose. You will also go shopping and sightseeing with the President's wife and daughter, who is, I believe, the same age as you are, Michelle. This is not mandatory for either of you, but it is our way of showing you how grateful we are for all you have done for our people. Everything you need will be furnished and I carry with me your passports as well as a personal letter from our President. Will you accept this gracious offer on behalf of our people?"

They both looked immediately to me and I just shrugged before I spoke.

"I personally think that this is a chance in a lifetime for the both of you. You don't have to accept, but I think it will be a way for both of you to be safe until we can resolve this church thing. I can almost guarantee you both will enjoy it immensely, and the Republican Guards are some of the best at what they do. I also think you both need a break from all the worry. Most of the people you will meet speak English as well as French, so there should be no language problems. Besides, all the shopping and sight seeing are something that you will regret missing if you don't go. Michelle, you have my cell as well as my home number, so if you decide you want to come home, all you have to do is call."

They looked at each other smiling, and then I saw the frown come across Michelle's face and anticipated her fear.

"Do not worry, Michelle, if either Jubal or Farley gets Timmy, I will make sure he gets to you as soon as they have him. I gave you Jerry's number, and I will make sure he knows how to reach you as soon as some news comes in. We have everything under control, and I think it would be good for the both of you to go somewhere where you will be totally safe for awhile. I recommend you accept and enjoy yourselves. If you need money, I will gladly give you one of my cards to use."

"That will not be necessary, Mr. Morgan. We will provide everything they need to make their stay with us enjoyable. After all, the President's wife and daughter are well known for their shopping and sightseeing trips."

They decided to accept with a little trepidation, but I assured them that it would be their safest recourse for now. They quickly got packed, and I took a short walk with the Attaché while they gathered their things.

"Mr. Morgan, the President said to tell you not to worry about them as he would personally guarantee their safety. He really feels as if he owes them for all the information they got to us, and he believes that with it we have saved a lot of lives. He thinks that a lot of those arms we have destroyed would have been used against our people, as well as the outlying colonies we are charged with protecting. Here is my card, and on the back are the President's personal numbers. Someone will always be available to answer at any time of day should you need to call. They will be staying at his villa on the French Riviera with his wife and daughter for the rest of the summer. I think they both will enjoy themselves very much."

"I am glad they will be safe, because I was worrying about how to protect them when we went home. Will you convey a message to the President for me?"

"I would consider it an honor, Sir."

"Will you tell him that the girl has a death warrant on her from the church, and ask him to have his men take extra precautions while they are there? Do not take this church lightly, as they have a habit of showing up where you least expect them."

"We are very familiar with this bunch of zealots. I am sure he has already thought of this, but I will remind him when we return. I also have a short message from our supreme leader to you. 'The girl and her mother's lives are in our hands and we will not fail to carry out our mission'."

We walked back toward the house and I waved the Corporal over and whispered quickly to him. He looked at me in shock, but started the events that would almost take my life in just a few short minutes from now if I had guessed right. When we got back, Michelle and her mother were coming out with just a couple of bags and I told the Attaché that I would walk with him to the helicopter and load the bags while they said their goodbyes. He immediately started to balk, but I steamed rolled over him and we went down the steps toward the Helicopter. I hoped Tiny caught on to my wink when I told the women to spend a few more minutes with their friends before they came down to the beach.

When we got to the bottom of the steps he stopped, saying he would wait here and personally escort the women to the helicopter. I sat the bags down and as I straightened, I pulled the forty, keeping it by my side so he couldn't see it. His men were coming toward us, and I quickly ascertained that they weren't soldiers by any definition of the word. I could see blood stains on one of their shirts as they walked toward me.

"The women won't be coming down and you won't be leaving. You are not the President's Attaché, nor are your men soldiers."

He looked at me for a couple of minutes and started smiling before he spoke.

"I see you figured it out, Morgan. If you don't mind me asking, what gave me away?"

"I heard the same mention of your supreme leader when I was in Texas several years ago, and if I remember correctly, you were the one giving it to the faithful, as you called them at the time. Tell your men to drop their arms, because they are covered by my men, and they will shoot to kill."

I made a motion with my hand and five of my men came out of holes in the sand, and covered his men. He just stared at them, not believing his eyes. He turned to me as his men gave up. I noticed the sharp jerk of his shoulder as he turned.

"Oh well, it was worth the try. Although I won't get the women as I was told to, I can get you before I am killed. The church doesn't want you, but I think they will be very happy if I kill you and remove a thorn in their sides."

He quickly raised his arm and I was almost caught off guard by the derringer in his hand. I raised the forty and fired point blank at his chest as he fired at me at almost the same instant. As I was going down feeling a sharp pain then numbness in my shoulder, I saw him raise the derringer and shoot himself in the head. That was the last I remembered until I woke in a hospital. Kat was sitting beside the bed with Sally and Myrna standing beside her.

"How bad is it, Kat?"

When she heard my question and looked at me, she broke down crying. Sally quickly hugged her and gave me a dirty look. Myrna came over to me and I could see the anger in her eyes as she leaned down and whispered in my ear.

"If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I will personally castrate you. You scared us all half to death. You're lucky it wasn't serious, and I am hiring bodyguards for all of us until we get home where we belong. Jon Morgan, you are a damned fool. You have a wife and babies on the way. If you don't quit taking these kind of chances ... Oh Jon, how could you be so stupid again?"

I had no idea what she was talking about, but I figured by the time we got home I would have had it explained to me, probably several times.

Note: Interpol no longer has an enforcement arm. All they do now is gather information and pass it on to the appropriate agencies. If you have traveled overseas more than once, you can bet they have a file on you.



-------

Chapter 63


I woke up to the murmur of voices and saw Kat and the Captain quietly talking. When I went to sit up, both of them noticed and came over to the bed. Kat leaned down and kissed my cheek and the Captain stood by with a big smile on his face watching her.

"How do you feel my love?"

"Better now that I see you're not crying and mad at me."

"I was never mad at you, but the sight of you lying on the beach with all that blood all over you scared me half to death. I will speak to you about some important things when the Captain is finished. He has news I think you need to hear before we talk."

I watched as she walked over to a man who appeared to be a doctor, and he poured what looked like tea for them both. The Captain sat down in the chair beside my bed and started talking to me.

"Ah, Mon Ami, either you are very lucky or very skilled. I haven't been able to figure out which yet. The man who shot you was what you call covering all the bases. When the authorities went to the private jet he flew in on, it erupted into another gun battle and almost all the occupants were either wounded or killed. Our President is very upset about what happened to the Attaché and his bodyguards. He came from a very influential family that helped to get him elected. The President is sending a large contingent of his personal bodyguards to make sure that nothing happens this time. The Corporal, with Koma's help, questioned the men we captured because of your quick thinking. They had quite a story to tell us. The church, as you knew it, no longer exists. Most of the members have been arrested or committed suicide. The four leaders who are left are hiding in Chad and the government there is protecting them. The man you shot was the fifth leader and according to the prisoners, he was ordered to leave you and friends alone. It seems they are looking for some kind of disks that disappeared several months back with the death of Boudrie. He came here against the wishes of the rest because he had a score to settle with the girl that you helped escape. One of his bodyguards said he was supposed to marry her, but when you took her, the church made him marry someone else. It is a long and convoluted story, but from what we gathered he promised her uncle he would kill them both before they became outsiders. They both were supposed to be bred to have the leader's children because of some test they had done, proving they both were descendants of their original founder from back in your west hundreds of years ago. When they escaped, the order to kill them was given by Boudrie, who was the lover of the man you killed. When we checked his prints, we found out he had been a Legionnaire with Boudrie when he deserted. They grew up together and had been lovers since childhood. His real name was Beau De Chance, and was an officer in Boudrie's personal guards. All the men who were with him had been in the Armies of several different countries at one time or another. I think I have taken up enough of your time for now. Your wife wants to talk to you before we transport you back to shore. I will keep you up to date as I find out more. I am very glad you weren't seriously injured, Mon Ami."

"Thank you, Captain; I appreciate you looking after my family and friends. Please feel free to come ashore to talk at any time. I see my wife headed this way so maybe you better duck as you pass her."

He busted out laughing and walked out of one of the doors, avoiding Kat as she came toward me with a smile on her face. God, I thought, she is so beautiful it scares me. She came over and kissed me again and sat down in the chair the Captain had just vacated.

"Jon, I know I promised never to interfere in your work, but with the babies I am carrying I think I need to clarify myself a little. Jon, I think for right now, when you are able we should just go home where I can take care of you. According to the doctor the bullet went through your collar bone and did not do any damage to it, but you will be sore and will take several months to heal. Jon, you are my husband and the babies' father, so I want them to get to meet you in person. I don't want to have to tell them stories about you because you went and got yourself killed by this church and its fanatics. Myrna, Sally, and I have been talking and they all feel the same way I do. I have talked to Quanta, and he agrees with me, we should put off the trip to the temple for now. Jon, the doctor did an ultra sound and it is as the shaman said, two boys and one girl. Sally started a pool with the men on shore and they all put names in a hat for her to draw to decide on their names. Jon, before you say anything, remember that she is floating on cloud nine because she is going to be the older sister, and she is so proud of that she is fit to bust. The men think she is one of them and treat her with a respect I have never seen before. She feels the same way about them, and asked for my permission to do it as a way to show them how much she cares. I know you want to name one of the boys after your friend and your grandfather. I told her that, and she was excited to think she would have the final say on whether it should be a first or middle name depending on which is drawn. Maybe I am making a mess of explaining this, but I wanted to warn you so you wouldn't be mad at her. Oh, Myrna is still mad at you, so I would tread lightly until she calms down."

I looked at her in shock for a couple of minutes, running over all she said in my mind. Then the funny part of it kicked in and I started laughing. It took a few minutes for me to get it under control with Kat smiling at me the whole time. I wiped my eyes with a tissue I grabbed and looked at her with a smile on my face before I said anything.

"Kat, darling, I think she has been around the soldiers too long. This sounds like something we used to do when one of my men announced his wife or sweetheart was expecting. We all paid a fee to drop our names in a hat and the money went to the mother for her to use to buy whatever she needed for her and the baby. I wonder which one of those devious friends of hers told her about it. Kat, I am not mad, but I think you are going to be very surprised at some of the names that will come up. Just remember that you are dealing with Legionnaires who have a very twisted sense of humor. I am not going to object because I have a feeling you and Myrna both are going to be very upset at some of the names that will be drawn. Remember, you agreed to go along with it, so don't get mad at me or Sally later on."

I watched as what I said sunk in, and had to laugh at the look on her face. She looked at me and got a little red and I lost it again. I was still laughing when the doctor came over and said it was time for me to get dressed to go ashore. Kat helped me, and when I was ready he put my injured arm in a tight sling. I was still chuckling, and getting dirty looks from Kat as we boarded the helicopter for the short ride to shore. She didn't say anything else but the looks she was giving me made for some great chuckles. When we landed on the beach we were met by the Corporal with three men, who immediately saluted me and formed a protective ring around us. At the base of the steps I looked at the wood and could see no signs of the violence that had occurred just a couple of days ago. When I climbed the steps to the house, I noticed that several of the rails seemed to be loose and made a note to myself to let Koma know about it so they could be repaired. When we got to the top I was surprised to see so many people. When they caught sight of us they all started clapping. I quickly looked at Kat and she seemed just as surprised as I was.

I was to get another surprise when Michelle walked up holding the hand of a little blonde haired boy. She had a big smile on her face as she came toward me. She didn't say anything until we all sat down at one of the tables on the patio. We were immediately served sweet tea by Trina who kissed me on the cheek shyly when she finished.

"Jon, I want you to meet Timmy. He is my adopted son. He arrived last night with all the papers you promised making him mine legally. Timmy, say hello to Jon, your godfather."

I just looked at her in shock with everyone around the table smiling at me as I absorbed what she said. Timmy came over, crawling up in my lap and being very careful not to touch my arm. When he got settled he looked up at me with those big blue eyes and smiled.

"Mommy says you saved us both and re ... re ... got us together again. I am happy to finally get to meet you. Mom talked about you all the time and always said we would be together as soon as you found us."

I felt the moisture on my face as I looked over at Kat who was weeping openly with a look of love and pride clearly showing. When I glanced at Myrna and Sally they both had moist eyes. I looked at Michelle and she was watching me, I think, to see how I was going to take this surprise. When she saw the tears on my face she ran over to me hugging me and Timmy. I lifted the arm that wasn't in a sling and hugged her letting her know my sudden windfall was ok with me.

"Mom, you're squishing me and Grandpa."

Talk about a tender moment changing, everyone at the table busted out in laughter at Timmy's outburst. Then it hit me what he said and I felt something inside of me that I had never felt before. I couldn't explain the feeling if asked, but I knew it was an almost immediate love for this precious little boy who had been through so much with his adopted mother, and still had a child's innocence at everything around him. I sat basking in the feeling of smiling at Michelle's embarrassed grin when Sally had to open her big mouth.

"Oh goody, I've got another brother to give all my wisdom to."

I just looked at her and busted out laughing. She gave me a dirty look when everyone else started laughing too. Then Timmy spoke up in his little voice shutting all of us up.

"Are you my big sister?"

"Well, since your grandpa is my dad that makes me your big sister. I think we will get along just fine as long as you remember that I am smarter than you are."

"You are not! Mom says I am the smartest little boy she knows, so there!"

Sally's eyes got big and her mouth fell open. That's when Timmy stuck his tongue out at her, and we all lost it at the look of shock on her face. I watched the blush on her face as she looked around at everyone laughing. I was thinking about all the times she had done the same thing when she was younger and had to smile to myself. When she looked at me I stuck my own tongue out at her and she glared for a few moments. She finally busted out laughing at me, or so I thought. Then I looked down at Timmy and he was mimicking me with his tongue sticking out of his mouth. God I thought to myself, this is gonna be a three ring circus with these two going back and forth.



-------

Chapter 64


The rest of the afternoon went well with almost everyone fussing over Timmy and me for whatever reason. We all sat around and talked until almost dark, then the fight was on. For some reason Michelle had to fight with Timmy because he refused to get off my lap when it was bedtime.

"Mom, I want to spend more time with Grandpa and it's too early to go to bed. My big sister is still up, so why do I have to leave?"

I think Michelle was torn between his begging and her feelings about how quickly he had taken to me. She couldn't come up with an answer so I finally decided to get her off the hook so to speak.

"Timmy, you will need your sleep because we have a full day tomorrow. You get to go swimming in the pool then visit the village and meet a real shaman. I am sure he will want to tell you some really neat stories. He is a very wise man, and the Chief is my brother and will probably adopt you as a member of the tribe. You will need your sleep to be able to do all of that tomorrow. Besides, I am going to bed myself in just a few minutes."

He just looked at me with wide eyes and climbed down, taking his mother's hand, almost pulling her toward the house. I had to smile watching them and realized my shoulder was thumping and I was dead tired. When I got up, Kat came over and we said goodnight to everyone and headed to our room. When we got there, she made me sit down at the table and checked my wound. She changed the bandage saying she wanted to make sure it didn't look infected. I went to the bathroom and washed up as well as I could with one arm and joined her in bed. We didn't even talk because I passed out the moment my head hit the pillow.

I woke up and kissed her and all of a sudden I was feeling like I was gonna puke so I almost ran to the bathroom. I was still heaving when Kat came in and asked if I was ok?

"I don't know Kat, I woke up and all of a sudden I was feeling nauseous and had to run in here before I barfed all over the floor."

"When you get done I will take your temperature. Maybe you're having a reaction to the antibiotics the doctor gave you."

I finished and brushed my teeth going out and sitting at the table. Kat immediately stuck a thermometer in my mouth and sat looking at me. I tried to smile at her, but I was still feeling a little queasy. When she took it out of my mouth and looked at it I could see the surprise in her eyes as she looked at me.

"You don't have a temperature, Jon. I think I will call the doctor to run a few tests on you to see if maybe something else is wrong that I can't see. This is really a little strange to me. You don't have any symptoms of having a fever or reaction to medication. Let me get on the radio and see if the doctor will come over and take some blood samples to test. They have a complete lab on the ship because they are set up for triage and emergency operations in the field."

She went over and got on the radio like she had been doing it all her life. I missed part of what she was saying because Trina came in and set up our breakfast. She asked me how I was doing and made idle chit chat the whole time before she went back out. I sat looking at the food for a few seconds until the smell hit me in the face, and I had to run for the bathroom again. This time I got the dry heaves and felt like crap when I came back out and sat down again. Dammit, I thought, I hope I hadn't picked up some kind of bug or something. I was worried about this because I didn't want to take a chance of passing it to Kat in her condition. I finally had to move away from the table because I was starting to feel nauseous again from the smell. I went and lay on the bed until Kat came over and asked again if I was ok.

"Honey, the doctor will be here in a few minutes to take some blood. He will run all the tests he is able on it and then maybe we can figure out why you keep barfing."

"Kat, I just hope it's not something I picked up here. I don't want to take a chance on giving it to you. If I don't feel any better later this morning I am moving to a separate room away from you and the babies until we find out what's causing this. Why don't you go ahead and eat while we wait for the doctor?"

She didn't like it but did as I asked, leaving me to worry about what I might have caught. Then I wondered if it might have been something that freak had put on the bullet or something like that. I was running all kinds of scenarios in my mind when Kat let the doctor in. He asked me a bunch of questions about whether I had puked blood and what I had eaten since I left the ship yesterday and these types of things while drawing several tubes of blood out of my arm. He got up and sat talking to Kat for a few minutes drinking coffee then excused himself saying he would have the results in a couple of hours. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew I was awake again with a body on both sides of me and arms hugging me from both sides. When I looked over Sally was asleep on one side and Timmy on the other. I looked over toward the table and Verna, Michelle, Myrna and Kat were all sitting there talking in low voices. Although it was a fight I was finally able to slide off the bed without waking my two bed mates and went to the bathroom. I took care of business realizing I was starving and headed for the table, sitting down in the only empty chair there. I grabbed a chunk of melon and almost inhaled it on the first bite. The women were all watching me like I had lost my mind or something.

"What? I'm starving, I didn't get to eat any breakfast and the nap seemed to help so now I am hungry."

"Jon, the tests all came back negative for any infections or bugs. All of us have been talking and we think we know what caused you to become sick this morning. I really don't want to tell you because it's rare, but it does happen."

"Well don't keep me in suspense, because I sure don't want to go through that again. I never did that even when I had a hangover in the service."

As I chewed my third piece of melon the women were all smiling at me and looking at Kat like she had been picked to give me the bad news or something. I was starting to worry about what I had when Kat spoke up, trying not to smile as she started talking.

"Jon, how long have I been pregnant?"

"I don't know, Kat, I didn't have a clue until Sylveen came out with her big announcement. What's that got to do with me being sick?"

"Jon, how many times have I been sick in the morning since I got pregnant?"

"None that I am aware of Kat, why?"

"Jon, I hate to be the one to break it to you but I think your episode this morning was caused by morning sickness from me being pregnant. We will know for sure tomorrow morning if you wake up sick again."

I looked at her like she was from another planet. I was a man and certainly wasn't pregnant, and if she was saying what I thought she was, I might be pregnant and not know it. My God, I thought, I will be a walking medical marvel.

"Ok, Kat, let me get this straight. You're saying that because you're pregnant I might be also and I am having morning sickness because of it. Do you realize, and I know you are an R.N., that men aren't supposed to get pregnant? Do you want to explain, that since I haven't been with anyone but you, how I ended up pregnant?"

I thought they were all having fits they were snorting and giggling so loud. I looked at Myrna and she was almost tipped to the side and falling out of her chair she was laughing so hard. When I looked at the others they were almost in the same condition. I sat back food forgotten wondering what the hell was so damned funny about me being pregnant and having morning sickness. Didn't they realize that if I were I would be the first man to ever give birth? What was so funny about that I wondered as I felt a sense of pride in the fact that I would be in the history books forever. I figured Sally would be proud that her dad was a walking medical mystery. It would give her something else to brag about at school this fall to all her friends. Then Myrna looked at me and must have seen something in my face. She almost quit laughing except for a snort or two.

"Jon, I think you misunderstood what Kat was saying."

"I think she was perfectly clear, Myrna, I am pregnant and have morning sickness. What I want to know is how long it's gonna last, and if I should go to the ship and have an ultra sound like Kat did, to see if I am carrying more than one baby. Do you realize what kind of a madhouse our home will be if we both have triplets? The press is gonna drive us all nuts when it becomes public news."

They all looked at me in shock before the laughter broke out again, and this time they seemed like they had no control over it. I looked at Kat and she was laughing so hard her eyes were watering and snot was dribbling out of her nose. This was starting to make me a little, no a lot, upset because they didn't realize how this was going to affect all of us and our way of life. I got up and went out the door forgetting I was only wearing briefs and a robe I was so upset. I was halfway to the village before I realized how I was dressed. I started to turn around when Kat came up in one of the carts stopping beside me. I didn't say a word but just glared at her when she smiled at me.

"Jon, please sit down and listen to me for a minute. Honey, we were making fun of you, and no, men do not get pregnant. What we were trying to explain before it all got out of hand is that some men get the morning sickness when their wife gets pregnant. We think that's what's happening to you, and I will know for sure tomorrow when you wake up. Jon, we weren't saying you were pregnant, just that you have my morning sickness instead of me. I'm sorry if we hurt your feelings with all of us laughing at you, but as much as I love you I couldn't help myself. Jon, you have been all over the world, and I am amazed that you would jump to that conclusion. That's another one of the reasons I love you so much. You have fought in wars and watched enemies die as well as your friends, but you still have that innocent way about you that we all adore so much. Jon, I promise you that you are not pregnant; one in the family way is enough. I think that for the next few months you might wish you were if you have to barf every morning. Then again, I am glad it's you and not me that has to go through it. I am not trying to be mean, my love, but I will admit it does have a certain cosmic retribution about it. Now we need to get back because Timmy is really upset because you haven't taken him to the village yet. Michelle was up half the night with him because he was so excited about being adopted as a member. Sally hasn't been much help because she keeps telling him that you are getting old and keep forgetting things."

I sat down in the cart and looked at her with her impish grin, hung my head and groaned out loud. She started laughing again and took off too fast, almost flipping me out of the cart.

"Kat, I just made a fool out of myself up there. How am I going to face all of them, especially Myrna?"

She busted out laughing again and jerked the wheel and almost sideswiped a tree. I reached out and shut the cart off taking the keys.

"Kathleen Morgan, I think it's time to quit laughing and help me figure out what to do or so help me I will move to another room until we leave. You started all of this, so I think it's only fair that you come up with a plan so I am not laughed at for the rest of our stay. Oh, and where is Tiny and his family? I haven't seen any of them since you brought me back from the ship."

She leaned over to kiss me and I got out of the cart before she could.

"Oh no you don't. This time you are not blind-siding me with one of your kisses. Will you please answer my question?"

I got that impish grin and her little girl laughter before she finally got serious.

"Ok, Jon, Tiny and the rest caught a ride back on the chopper that brought Timmy in. Katie had to get back to school and Tiny said his work was backing up so he had to leave. He said to tell you he would see you when you got back. He made sure you were ok before he left. I called the security company and gave them permission to let him into the house so he could replace the hot water tank and do a little remodeling that Myrna and I arranged before he left. Jon, we didn't have a chance to talk it over with you, but Myrna and I offered the little cottage to Michelle and her mother to live in until it was safe for them to go to her mom's house. Besides the way Timmy has taken to you, I think she would have a fight if she tried to move him away right now. She said he has never become so attached to anyone since he started to walk and talk. All I heard all morning was how he loved his gampa and all the two of you were going to do together. Jon, not to change the subject, but if Sally and Timmy get any closer there will be no splitting them up. Since he arrived she has spent almost every minute with him and they have a blast together. Michelle said she has never heard him laugh so much since she got him when he was a baby. Jon, looking at you and Sally, and now Timmy, I think our children will have a wonderful father. I love you so much, Jon Morgan, it hurts, sometimes, deep in my heart. Now as for the rest, don't worry, I gave them all a stern lecture about making fun of you because of what happened this morning. You might get a snigger or two especially from Myrna but she loves you Jon and to her it is all in fun. Now will you forgive me and let me kiss you before we get back and you and Timmy run off again?"

I just sat down and by the time she finished her idea of a kiss I was cross-eyed and my toes were curling. She took one look at me when we broke apart, and that little girl laughter I loved so much started. She took the cart keys and was headed back to the house before I could catch my breath. I have to admit I did make it to the room without getting waylaid by any of this morning's guests. I had no sooner gotten dressed when the knock at the door came. We both yelled "come in" and to my surprise it was Timmy checking to see if I had come back from my walk yet as he put it.

"Timmy, give me about five minutes and we will head for the village. Does your mom know where you're at?"

"I told her I was coming up here but she was pretty busy talking to that nice lady Myrna, I don't know if she heard me or not."

"Well before we leave we better stop and tell her where you are going to be at."

I quickly slipped the gun behind my belt in the back and let my shirt down over it. I kissed Kat goodbye, and Timmy and I headed down the steps. When we got to the bottom he grabbed my hand pulling me to the second room on the left and opened the door. He was right, and I got a snigger from Myrna before I was able to tell Michelle where we were going. She gave Timmy a hug and told him to have a good time.

He grabbed my hand when we got outside, smiling at my look. We climbed into the cart and went to the village where I introduced him to Koma, who promptly asked him if he wanted to become a member of the tribe like the rest of my family.

"My gampa said you would ask, and yes, I think I would like that Koma."

"Hmm, I didn't know my brother had a little grandson."

"He didn't until yesterday. He is supposed to be my godfather but I like gampa better. I have a big sister too, but she thinks she is smarter than I am, but I already proved she wasn't."

I didn't say anything, but I was going to ask Sally about this one. For Timmy to outsmart her had to have been a fluke or she let him. God, I thought, as I watched Timmy go with Koma to meet Pala, I am starting to act like the kids. Then it finally hit me what Kat had been talking about this morning. I was going to be puking my guts up every morning if what she said was true. I looked up at the sky and silently pleaded, "Why me?"

Timmy became a member of the tribe by way of having Pala prick his finger and murmuring some incantation. I looked at Koma and he was grinning at how serious Timmy was acting about all of this when it hit me, they were doing it just to make him feel welcome. I personally felt a burst of pride that two grown men, who I knew had better things to do, took the time to make a little boy welcome to their island. Timmy was all smiles when Pala finished up and put a small band-aid on his finger. He came running over to me showing me his finger to the smiles of both Koma and Pala. I told him we had to go back to the house and he waved bye to them as we got in the cart to leave.

"Gampa, is Mommy gonna be safe from those bad men at the compound?"

"Timmy as far as I know you all are coming back to my and Kat's house to stay for awhile. I think you will be perfectly safe as we have these big dogs that patrol the property. They won't let anyone in unless we ok it first. Maybe we can even get you a pony to ride while your there."

"Sally said she is going to look for another horse to compete with. Do you think if I learn to ride real well I can compete too? I never had anything like a pet before. When Mommy and I were at the compound, we were kept inside all the time and I wasn't even allowed to play with the other kids. Gampa, it will be nice to be able to go outside and play and even have a pet of my own. I never dreamed what Mommy said was true."

"What's that Timmy?"

"That when you found us again we would be able to do all the things we were never allowed to. Like play and have pets and not have to watch the bad men beat Mommy because she wouldn't let them hit me. Gampa, I think I would probably be dead if it wasn't for Mommy sticking up for me all the time. The one man with the beard told us if we ever tried to find you he would make sure we both were locked in our rooms forever. He was so mean to us and I think Mommy said he was her uncle or something. He hurt Mommy real bad one time because she told him that you would never give up on us. She was in bed for almost a week and cried all the time. I don't ever want her to cry again because of those bad men."

"Timmy, that particular man will never hurt your mom again. He is locked up and will never get out. As long as you and your mom are with me you never have to worry about someone hurting any of you."

"Thank you, Gampa. I like being with you because you never yell at me and answer all my questions. I think you're probably the first grownup man who never said for me to shut my mouth because I talk too much. You are everything my mommy said you would be. I don't want to ever be away from you until I can get big enough to protect my mommy and not let anyone hurt her ever again. Everyone has been so nice to us since I got here. It's almost like I am not on the same world I was before I got sent here."

I couldn't think of a reply, so I just rubbed his head and got that big smile I had come to enjoy. I thought about all he had said all the way back to the house. I sent him to his mom's room while I went upstairs to mine. Kat was sitting at the table looking out the window and I sat down beside her and told her everything Timmy had told me about his life at the compound. She just looked at me in shock before climbing into my lap and weeping.

"Oh Jon, how could anyone mistreat such a beautiful child? To think that Michelle is only sixteen and raised him by herself is truly remarkable. The fact that she willingly took such beatings shows me that she deserves every bit of happiness that we can give her while we are together. Jon, for some reason he has taken to you and Sally like you are his family. Hearing all you have said today I understand why you were named The Protector. You make me so proud that I love you and am carrying our babies. Jon, I know a lot is going on, but I want you to continue with your work of helping these forgotten children. If I can help you in any way I promise I will be right there to give it my all in regards to helping when you need me. Myrna has called the Helicopters to pick us up the day after tomorrow. Tiny is sending some of his people to escort us home. Jon, I want to come back to this island after the children are born and stay longer this time. I know we have another life but I really love it here and I think the babies will too. When they get old enough that they can walk, I want to go to the temple with them. Quanta said to tell you he can arrange it anytime you want to go."

"I would like that, Kat. By the way, Timmy has been calling me "Gampa" instead of "Grandpa". I really enjoy having him around."

"So does Sally, Jon. She already asked me if she could spend some time teaching him how to ride as soon as she gets another horse. I told her she would have to ok it with Michelle first. I am really looking forward to going home. I have so much to do, what with moving my stuff from the old house to yours and making arrangements for my friend, the doctor, to get settled. He called this morning after you left and said he would be here within the month. He is really looking forward to moving down here and getting settled in. God, I have so much to do when we get back.



-------

Chapter 65


The next day was spent packing and meeting with Koma to make sure the house was taken care of as well as informing him about the new doctor coming in. We were setting him up in a double room so he could use it as his home as well as the clinic. We finally decided that Koma and a few of his men would tear out the wall between the two end rooms on the ground floor. That way he could set up a clinic as well as have living quarters. I met with the Captain and made the arrangements for fuel for his plane as well as medicines he might need. Kat was excited that he was coming and made arrangements for him to come and visit us in Virginia after he got settled in on the island. Timmy, with the help of Sally, became the unofficial son of the soldiers on the island. He was loved by almost all the men like he was their own son. Michelle went crazy trying to keep track of him as he and Sally were always at the village or with the soldiers doing something.

It finally got so bad that Kat and I sat her down and told her that as long as he was with any of the villagers or soldiers, he was perfectly safe and not to worry so much. She thought he was in danger, and I had to explain the defenses of the island to her so she wouldn't worry as much. I was so busy trying to get all the last minute details done that I had forgotten about all the Japanese weapons I had to sell. I was reminded of it when one of the soldiers asked if I had anymore of the swords I could part with. I was informed he was with another ship that had just anchored off the other side of the island to relieve her sister ship, and give some of the men some much needed R&R while they were here. He informed me they had lost two men when they boarded a suspected pirate ship a week ago. The men aboard her all used swords and they couldn't get their rifles in play fast enough to save themselves, thus his asking me for some of the swords they had all heard about. I told him to check with the Corporal because the ships should have enough of them to spread around among the platoons on the other ships. He immediately saluted and thanked me before trotting off. I didn't mind giving them more of the swords if they were needed, but the cases I had given before contained a hundred in each one. I wasn't the best at math but seeing as how each of the eight ships only housed a platoon there should have been enough of them to go around. I went up to the communications console and rang the Captain. I informed him what had transpired and asked why the swords weren't given to the men from the other ships like I had asked when I gave them to the men.

"I do not know, Jon, but you can bet I will be checking into it. I looked at the cases and like you said, there were a hundred swords in each box. There were more than enough to give to each of the men with many left over to be given to the other Legionnaires at some of the land postings. If I find that they were not distributed as was ordered, I will personally hang the person responsible. I know you are leaving tomorrow so I will try to get an answer for you today, mon ami. Also, the men are all looking forward to the big celebration tonight. Until later, my friend."

He hung up, leaving me totally confused because I hadn't known about any celebration. I decided to hunt down Kat and find out what was going on. When I found her my first thought was here we go again, because the whole bunch was sitting on the patio with their heads together. When Kat saw me she smiled and waved me over. I almost turned around and ran, but I figured it would be better to face them now than later. When I sat down they all just smiled and my guard went up immediately. Kat was the first to speak and she set my mind at ease as if she knew what I was thinking.

"Jon, I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, but the village is having a big going away party tonight for you and the rest of us. I tried to talk Koma out of it but he wouldn't budge. He said you were their Chief and they always honored the departure of one of their own. I hope you don't mind, but I invited the Captains as well as some of the men aboard the ships to come. The Corporal and the men put up the money and the Captain had a big steer flown in for the BBQ. Koma found it on the main island and bought it just for tonight. They also brought in some more beer and other refreshments. The men even chased down a case of Coke for the children to drink. Timmy and Sally are dressing the same as the villagers and we all have decided to do the same."

Before I could even say a word Michelle started crying. I just looked at her then Kat for some explanation. It was Myrna who offered up the reason as Verna hugged Michelle.

"Jon, once again you have made me proud of you. She is crying because of you and your kindness towards her and Timmy. I know Kat told you we invited them to stay in the little cottage and knowing you like I do, I knew you wouldn't have any objections to it. Jon, I am sorry for laughing at you this morning. I felt really guilty after you left and Kat lit into all of us about it. I keep remembering you as being single and realized in my stupidity that you haven't ever had any experience with marriage and being a father to three newborns. When you got Sally she was already pretty mature and not an infant. Don't worry, Jon, we will all be there to help out all we can. Now, I have another favor to ask of you for me and Verna both. Is there any way you can find out how Jubal and Farley are doing? Verna is really worried about Jubal. I was kinda curious about Farley because a man of his age shouldn't be off fighting, that's for you young men."

I caught Verna's eye and got a little grin from her, and then it hit me that the whole idea about checking on them wasn't hers at all, but Myrna's. Now, I thought, it's my turn to have a little fun at her expense. I looked at Kat and got that look I had come to recognize, and decided to not push it. Man, I thought, it's like she can just look at me and know what I'm thinking. Then I thought I had a way to have a little bit of fun at her expense, since she had so much fun at mine this morning.

"Well, Myrna, that's the problem with single men, they have no regard for age barriers like some women I know. To you, if a man has a few grey hairs he is too old to enjoy life and just ought to sit back and take it easy. Now bachelors don't think that way, they just keep on partying until they get too old to leave the house. I think when I do talk to Farley again I will ask him if he ever thought of settling down with a steady woman. I bet he just snorts and says it ain't gonna happen. Now, what's the real reason you want me to check up on them?"

I watched as Myrna looked at Kat, then at Verna, completely avoiding my eyes. It was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud at her embarrassment. I leaned back and just smiled to myself, making sure I didn't look at Kat because I already knew I was gonna get that look again. Then my little game got busted when Michelle looked at me and winked. I started laughing and got kicked under the table, by who I couldn't guess, but Myrna was winding up to let loose on me from the look on her face. I quickly got up and headed for the back of the house to check on Sally and Timmy who were swimming with a bunch of kids from the village. I didn't make a hundred feet before Kat caught up with me.

"Jon, that was mean. You shouldn't make fun of her that way. I think she has feelings for Farley and is afraid to admit it because of Carver and the way he acted."

"Kat, I wasn't being mean, and I seem to remember she was the ringleader this morning at my expense. Besides, I would have gotten away with it if Michelle hadn't winked at me and made me laugh. Kat, I promise I will check on their status when I call in later. I wouldn't purposely hurt Myrna for any reason, but I have suffered for years at her wit and the tricks she has pulled on me. If you don't believe me, ask Sally about some of the things those two have pulled on me. Kat, as much as I love you, just drop it because this is one argument I won't have and you can't win."

I got that look, then she smiled at me, and I could tell she wasn't going to let it go like I wanted. I figured she would bring it up again in the near future. When we got in view of the pool, there must have been fifty kids playing in the water and around the pool. It took me a few minutes to spot Sally and Timmy. They were sitting in two of the chairs with their heads together and, from what I could observe, seemed to be having an intense conversation. Being around kids in all walks of life for so many years, this just didn't seem right to me for some reason. We were almost at their chairs before either of them noticed us, and they looked a little guilty as they looked at us in surprise. I looked over at Kat and she had a frown on her face and I knew she had noticed the same thing I had.

"Sally, grab your robe and come with me. Kat, keep an eye on Timmy while Sally and I have a little father and daughter talk."

"Ok, Jon, we'll be right here when you get back. I'll have Timmy rub some sun screen on my neck so I don't get burned. I will put some on him because he is getting a little red and I don't want him to burn."

Sally did as I asked and followed me to one of the carts that were nearby. We climbed in and I headed in the direction of the village. I stopped at the old cove under a tree and turned to face her.

"Now, would you mind telling me what's going on?"

"What do you mean, Dad, we were just talking."

"Sally, I know I haven't been paying much attention to you like I normally do, what with the wedding and getting shot again. But, you seem to be avoiding me and I don't like it. We have always told each other the truth and I hope we always will. You're spending an awful lot of time with Timmy, and for you to do that it means you have some kind of scheme going on. Sally, have I done something to wrong you in some way or hurt your feelings?"

"Oh God no, Dad, you would never purposely hurt me. I love you and have since almost as soon as you took me home with you. Dad, I don't know what to do anymore. Timmy has adopted me as his sister and I feel so sorry for him and Michelle. He has been telling me all the things that happened to them while they were living with that church and I am so confused."

"Sally, that's why you have me, to help you with your problems. If you need to talk, why didn't you come to me?"

"I don't know, Dad. I don't know if I should even say this, but I know Michelle is in love with you, and Timmy thinks of you like you're his dad too. I like him a lot and he looks up to me, but I am afraid I might do something that will hurt his feelings. While we are here, it's ok for him and me to hang together. But when I go back to school, I am afraid he is going to get his feelings hurt because I can't spend as much time with him. Dad, I like being thought of as a big sister but I don't think I am ready to have him adopt me as such. I want to start riding again and I won't have time with school and competitions to spend a lot of time with him. He is lonelier than I was when you found me. I have been going to tell you and Kat about Michelle, but I didn't know how to tell you without hurting Kat. I know how much she loves you and I was afraid if I said anything she would be mad at me. Dad, what can I do to help them and myself without hurting anyone feelings?"

"Honey, don't worry about Michelle, Kat and I will handle that part of it. Sally, don't ever be afraid to tell Kat anything because she loves you as much as Myrna and I do. Timmy is another matter, and I think he just needs to have a stable home where he can be a boy for a change. I think down the road that Verna and Jubal will probably be together, and Jubal is the perfect father figure Timmy needs. Michelle has been locked up and beaten most of her juvenile life. She pinned all her hopes on me finding her again to the point where she thinks she loves me. I have a feeling it will all work out as soon as she can lead a normal life and meet people her own age. I already have a beautiful daughter sitting right here by my side whom I love with all my heart. Now I am going to be a father again with the arrival of the triplets. How are you going to handle being the older sister? You know they will all follow you around like puppies. Are you ready for that, my daughter?"

"Dad, I have given that very subject a lot of thought since Kat said she was pregnant. I don't have anyone other than you and Myrna and now Kat. All of you have always been so nice to me as if I am your own blood. I have always told all the kids at school I was adopted, and they all say I am very lucky to have such a great family. Now with Kat being pregnant I am going to have brothers and a sister who will be looking up to me because I am their big sister. Dad, I am really scared because I am afraid I might let them down somehow. I have always looked up to you and Myrna because I knew in my heart that you both loved me regardless of where I came from. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, I don't know if I will be able to show my love for my own family and it scares me. I guess what I am trying to say is, will I be a good sister to them when they need me? I know I will love them just because they are my siblings, but will I love them enough to be a good sister like they deserve? Dad, this has been driving me crazy, and being with Timmy made me realize that no matter how much I love them, I am worried they won't love me the same way."

"Sally, we have always been able to talk to each other about our problems and work them out and be happy with our decisions. I know there were a lot of things that you talked about with Myrna because she was the only woman around at the time. I am happy we were always able to help you as you grew up. Would it surprise you to know I am scared to death because I am becoming a father so fast? You were always so grown up and seemed to be the perfect daughter that I always wanted. Now I am going to have three babies and I am afraid I won't be a good parent to them. I have a lot of the same fears that you do and once again you and I seem to be on the same wavelength. You are going into High School and there hasn't been one day that I wasn't proud of all your accomplishments. You, to me, have been the perfect daughter and God do I love you for that. Now I am in your shoes and I wonder if I will be able to be a good dad to the babies like I have tried to be with you as you grew up. Will I have enough love for everyone to be able to let them see it, or will I be grouchy and controlling to the babies as they grow? Sally these are just a few of the things I am worried about."

To my surprise she started laughing and then hugged me and started crying on my shoulder. I hugged her with my good arm and kissed her on top of the head like I had always done over the years. She finally broke away and looked at me with the love I had come to enjoy over these last few years and said the words that I would remember for many years to come.

"Dad, if you love them and show them the kindness you have shown me, they will grow up loving you and will always love you like I do. You will be a great father and now I know I will be a great sister when they need me. Thanks, Dad. Like always, you seem to know just what to say to make it all better. I love you so much."

She hugged me again and kissed me on the cheek before saying; "We better get back before Timmy talks Kat to death."

We both broke up in laughter and headed back to the house. For some reason I felt a lot better and from the big smile on Sally's face, I would guess they did too. When we got back to the pool Timmy was sitting in Kat's lap and I could see he was talking up a storm to her. Sally looked at me and grinned at the sight before we walked over and I got Kat away from him. He immediately starting asking Sally a bunch of questions before we got out of hearing range. Kat held my hand and we walked the same direction I had just come from. She hadn't said a word since we left the pool, so I just waited to see what she would say. It wasn't long in coming after we got out of sight of the house.

"Jon, do all kids his age ask so many questions in one breath? He must have asked me a thousand questions while you were gone and I never had a chance to answer any of them because he asked another one as soon as he finished with the previous one. I love children, but I sincerely hope our children are not as loquacious as he is. If they are, Myrna and I will be nuts within a few years trying to answer all the questions."

She looked up at me and grinned, and I lost it. I finally had to lean against a tree hugging her to me until I could get hold of my laughter. When I finally got myself under control I looked at her. She was smiling at me with those beautiful eyes shining before cracking me up again with her next statement.

"Jon, if they ask as many questions as Timmy, can Myrna and I hire a nanny to take care of them when they're awake?"

I looked at her in shock and we both busted out laughing like a couple of idiots as we walked hand in hand back toward the house. Every time one of us settled down a little we would look at each other and it would start up again.



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Chapter 66


When we got back to the house, Trina immediately told us we better get ready soon since we were the guests of honor. We went upstairs and Kat got into the shower while I shaved and brushed my teeth. When she was done, I quickly took mine. We got dressed with me in shorts and sandals and her wearing one of the sarongs the native women had made for her. I hadn't seen this one before, and to me it looked like some type of silky material. When she stood looking at me, it seemed to match her green eyes and red hair perfectly. To say her beauty was breathtaking would be a total understatement.

"Kat, I have no idea how I ever got lucky enough to meet and marry you, but I am forever grateful I found you. You have to be one of the most beautiful women I have ever laid eyes on. You have completed me in ways you can never begin to understand. Now, let's join the party so I can show you off to everyone there. Oh, by the way, remember tonight will be the name drawing, so remember what I said about some of the names you might hear, and don't get mad because its all in fun."

She didn't say a word but just smiled and quickly kissed me, almost pulling me out of the door. When we went out on the patio, all of our guests were sitting together and I was surprised by how many villagers, as well as Legionnaires, were all there. There had to be at least fifty folding chairs set up for the soldiers, and most of the villagers that weren't serving were all sitting around on the grass on mats. There was a festive atmosphere that everyone I looked at seemed to be enjoying. Quanta and his family were all on the opposite side of where Kat, Sally, Myrna, and I were seated. Verna, Michelle and Timmy were seated to my right and three ship Captains were seated at my left. The other tables were for the village elders with Koma and Pala each sitting at the head of a table. Looking around, I saw that the guard had been doubled because of all of us being in one place. I knew then the Corporal had been busy setting up the security. There were big tubs of beer as well as other refreshments sitting in different areas. Except for the soldiers, this was just like a big BBQ at home. Before the meal was served, I had to endure several speeches from Koma to the ships' Captains. That was when the fun began, or so I thought at the time.

Sally stood up and announced she would be drawing the names out of the hat for the triplets' names to be picked from. At this announcement, almost all the Legionnaires stood up clapping and shouting. She wasn't finished yet and her next statement started them booing her at which point she just grinned and made a rude gesture with her finger. I thought Myrna was going to jump up and snatch her bald if the looks were any indication.

"Men, I have already been warned by a couple of you about some of the rude names that were put in the two hats. Because of this, I, with the Corporal's help, went through them earlier. I must say that I am disappointed in you, because I thought most of you were my friends. I guess that thought was wasted because I was rather disappointed in some of the rude names I found in the hats. I told all of you that this was for my new brothers and sister and not a joke. Because of the rudeness of some of you, I have decided to keep the best and let everyone vote on them."

This almost started a riot when several of the soldiers jumped up and started shouting at Sally. I felt the familiar anger, but before I could say anything, the Corporal stepped into the light next to Sally. At the sight of him the men immediately quieted. Since he was speaking in French, I hoped that neither Myrna nor Kat could understand what he was saying because it wasn't pretty.

"You sorry bunch of trash, you would boo our host's daughter. She gave you a chance to help her name her brothers and sister and you put filthy smut in the hat, thinking it was funny. She is one of us and for you to treat her in this manner is a personal affront to me. If any of you don't like the way she is doing the names, we can take the walk in the morning. How about it, do any of you wish to take the walk with me?"

I stood up and joined Sally putting my arm around her before saying anything.

"Men if it weren't for my shoulder I would take the challenge of all comers myself. If the challengers will give me a couple of weeks to heal, I will be more than willing to accept. My daughter has become one of you by your own vote, and yes I know about the vote. She decided to let her friends, you, help with the naming of her brothers and sister. Some of you thought this great honor would be a way to embarrass her at the drawing of the names. To you, I say you are not Legionnaires but gutter trash. You have shamed those of us who came before you and gave our all to the Corps. If I hear any more comments directed at my daughter, I will burn all the names and you all will be invited to leave my home."

I went back to the table and sat down, and had to tell Kat and Myrna that it was nothing serious. The Corporal stood next to her with his hand on her shoulder as he spoke again.

"Those of you that put the filthy names in the hats, we have burned them as they should have never been there. There are many new faces here tonight that have no sense of honor from what I read of some of the names. Our little Legionnaire here is Sally, the daughter of the Wolf of Algiers. If any of you are foolish enough to accept his challenge then I will assure you, you will not come back from the walk under your own power."

Then the murmuring among them started, and the Corporal let it go on for a few minutes before he told them the rules concerning the drawing of the names. They would be drawn one at a time, and everyone present would hold up their hands signifying if they liked it or not. The most popular name would be the one Sally would have the final say on. There would be four for the boys and three for the girl. The final decision will be by hands from everyone. This time he was speaking in fractured English so most of the people sitting around could understand what he was saying. Sally helped out when he couldn't think of the right word. Sally then reached under the table and set two Kepis on the table. There was a commotion in the dark, and I saw one of the soldiers pushing his way forward toward the table where Sally and the Corporal were standing. I reached for the gun at my back and held it in my lap. When he got up to the table he formally saluted the Corporal then bowed to Sally.

"I wish to formally apologize for the name I dropped in the hat. I have shamed myself as a Legionnaire. Being one of the new guards here, I did not realize the seriousness of the name drawing. I will step forward tomorrow for formal punishment at your discretion Corporal. I also wish to formally apologize to the Wolf of Algiers for abusing his home and hospitality."

He stepped to the side and stood at attention for a moment before going back to his seat. To my surprise this was repeated by almost a dozen men over the next fifteen minutes. I had to explain to Kat and Myrna as well as the rest of my guests what was being said, and why the parade of men was coming to the table. I looked over at the Captains and to a man they were sipping beer and smiling at the men's actions. I was not only shocked at their actions, but proud of the way they were conducting themselves. Sally, being the trooper she was, just smiled and thanked them for their apologies. When the last man had come forward she reached into the hat and drew the first name.

"The first name is Alexander!"

There were cheers from all over the yard as she announced the first name. She went through and did the same thing twenty more times and only two of the names received cheers. The other two were Joshua and Nicolas. Those three ended up being the most popular by all the cheers from the crowd. Then she started pulling the girl's names, and I was watching Kat out of the corner of my eye and had to grin at some of the grimaces she made when Sally called out some of the names. Only two of the names brought a lot of cheers from the crowd. I had to admit to myself I didn't like either one of them, but I had given my word to Kat so I would accept what Sally chose. I just sat and waited to see which two of the boy's names would be chosen as she went back to them after drawing the girl's names. After it was all over and done with, my two sons would be named Alexander and Nicolas. I had to admit to myself I liked both of them, and everyone at my table had smiles including Kat and Myrna when they were the two chosen. Then came the two girl's names, and I could see Kat was gripping the table in a death grip as Sally called out the two names listening to the crowd trying to decide which was the most cheered. She finally chose and Kat smiled and released her grip on the table. I was trying to smile but found it hard because the name chosen was not one I personally would have picked.

"Ok everyone, listen up! The names chosen will now have their middle names given and they will be named after my dad's grandfather and his best friend. The first will be Alexander William Morgan. The second will be Nicolas James Morgan. The girl will have my best friend's middle name, Muriel Marie Morgan. I will call her Mimi for short. The middle name is the real name of our friend, and my best friend as I was growing up. Myrna, I name my sister after you."

I almost fell off my chair in shock. In all the years we had been together living in the same house, I never knew her name was Marie. I looked at Kat and she had tears running down her cheeks, and was looking at Myrna who was openly crying. I sat in shock for a couple minutes and realized everyone was looking at me so I forced myself to get up and walk to Sally's side. I leaned down and kissed the top of her head and got the smile I loved so much from her.

"Ladies, gentlemen, my honored guests and my fellow Legionnaires. Tonight has been an honor. By the names drawn, I now have my sons and daughter ready to come into the world with names given by friends who, I am sure, will love them like we will. I wanted to stand up and cheer and boo like everyone else, but I figured my wife would probably hit me over the head and tell me to act my age. I am proud that my daughter will have the name of the woman who has been there for me since I came to the US. Although at first she made my life miserable, until I was trained how to act by her rules, I have come to love and cherish her honesty and wisdom like no other. Other than my daughter and my new wife, there is no other in this world I trust more than my friend, Myrna. Now can we please eat 'cause I am starving!"

Everyone broke out in cheers and laughter at my last statement, and Sally and I went back to our table. She was immediately grabbed by a crying Kat and Myrna, and soundly kissed and hugged by both of them. I just sat down, thinking about the nickname Sally had given my soon to be daughter. Mimi, now where in the heck had she got that from? The rest of the evening was spent in laughter and the camaraderie I had come to expect from good friends. The villagers were having a ball with all the festivities and soon there was a soccer match going with the village men against the Legionnaires. At the end of the game they were all so drunk none of them could even kick the ball and it was cheerfully called a draw. All my male guests and the Captains ended up at one table while the women gravitated to another where they could talk out of the men's hearing, or so I thought. Koma and Pala were having a ball and Pala proudly told all of us that they had never seen the people on the island laugh and have so much fun since he had become a shaman. Of course I got all the credit for that because of my letting the people live in the traditional way of the islands. Sometime after dark Timmy had climbed into my lap and had fallen asleep. He was sleeping soundly even with all the noise around him. I looked over at Kat and got a big smile when she saw Timmy sound asleep in my lap. It was around midnight that everyone started leaving except for the villagers and soldiers passed out all over the front lawn. No one seemed bothered by this and just stepped over them and left them sleeping where they were. When Michelle came over and got Timmy, I stood up and got a good look around. The place looked like someone had dropped a bomb in the middle of it. I chuckled to myself and bid Koma and Pala goodnight, then headed over to Kat to see if she was ready to go to bed yet.

When Kat saw me coming she stood up and walked to meet me. We went up to our rooms and spent the night doing what newlyweds were supposed to. We talked for awhile about the names, and she seemed very happy with the choices. When I mentioned the nickname, she was as puzzled as I was about it but thought it was cute. I fell asleep still wondering where Sally had gotten it from.

I woke to the sun shining in my eyes because I had forgotten to close the blinds. I was happy I hadn't had too much to drink last night, unlike some of them who would be miserable this morning when they woke and found that they slept in the yard. The thought brought a smile to my face and that's when it hit me, and I ran for the bathroom and went to my knees. This time wasn't as bad as yesterday, but I was wondering why me when I got into the shower and promptly got back out again, hanging over the toilet with the dry heaves. God, I thought, I wonder how long this is going to last and why I had to be the one to get sick? Kat came in and handed me a cold towel with a smile on her face and I just glared at her. She finally broke out in that little girl laughter at my dirty look.

"I'm sorry, Jon, but I can't help laughing. I worked on the maternity ward for two years and heard all the stories about morning sickness from the mothers there. Sylveen and Verna both said they had it when they were pregnant. Now here I am pregnant with triplets and my loving husband is the one sick every morning. Don't worry, darling, it will probably pass in a couple of months."

"Kat, if this is going to happen every time you get pregnant, I am having a vasectomy as soon as possible. God this sucks!"

I thought she was going to go into hysterics she was laughing so hard. I was asked to kindly hurry up so she could use the pot. I gave her a dirty look again, and climbed back into the shower to the sound of her laughter. I was busily washing and still feeling queasy when her arms wrapped around me. She washed my back and I returned the favor. We got out with me just putting a robe on since we had several hours before the helicopters got here to pick us up. Kat got dressed in casual slacks and a light summer top. Trina knocked and came in, setting up our food on the table as usual. Me, I got smart and didn't sit at the table, but at the communications console where the smell of the food wouldn't reach me. I was determined not to have to do anymore upchucking this morning as I tried to get my stomach settled a little. I had to admit I missed my coffee, but I figured I could make up for it later.

I had just turned to Kat when the ship to shore phone went off, almost causing me to jump out of the chair. It was the Captain informing me that he had found out about the swords and the screw up had been ironed out. He said the men were already being issued swords and they all were grateful for them. He thanked me again, reminding me that the island was now covered and that what had happened before would not happen again. We chatted for a few minutes and then hung up. It almost went off as soon as I lay the receiver down and it was Tiny this time, saying that the same jet was picking us up, and that the man and woman that I had met before were going to be on it to make sure that nothing happened until we got back to the house. He asked me how I was doing, and said that he had installed a new 150 gallon hot water tank in the house. He laughed and said with the family I was going to have I would need every bit of the extra hot water. He also told me that he and his family were grateful for the great time they had on the island and that Maggie thought it was a great belated honeymoon. I immediately asked if she was having morning sickness, and was laughed at and told she never got it, even with Katie. I thanked him and hung up mumbling to myself to which Kat started laughing again. That's when the knock at the door came and we both automatically said; "Come in."

This time, instead of Sally, who I was expecting, it was Quanta and he didn't look too happy. As he sat down at the table across from Kat, he helped himself to coffee before looking at me in a speculative manner.

"Jon Morgan, the next time you invite me and my family here, please do not mention babies around my wife. I just found out that I am going to be a father again. My wife said it must be something in the water or that I was growing younger instead of older. I thought my days of getting up in the middle of the night were over, but now I find out that it is going to start all over again. Jon, I am too old for this and somehow I think you were responsible because of Kat as well as Maggie being pregnant."

I thought he was serious, but his grin came out and Kat kissed him on the cheek, and we both offered our congratulations to him and his wife. He seemed like he was walking on air when he got up and left with a big grin on his face. I wondered as he walked out of the door if he was going to get morning sickness like me. Kat must have seen something in my face because she broke out laughing again and I just gave her my now patented dirty look, which only made her laugh harder. I sat and wondered how long I had to wait before I could have my morning coffee without losing it again. Man, it would be good to get home again.



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Chapter 67


When I finally got my stomach back under control, I got dressed and packed my few clothes into my bag and set it by the door. Kat was still packing and grumbling about how she had so much stuff. I sat down at the table and was finally able to eat a little of the different pieces of fruit while I watched her. When she carried the third bag over by the door I was chuckling at her. She gave me a dirty look but kept packing. When three men from the village knocked saying they were supposed to take our luggage down to the beach, she had six large bags packed and was sitting on the edge of the bed looking around to see if she had missed anything. I was still at the table sipping lukewarm coffee and chuckling between sips.

"I really don't see the humor in all of this, Jon. You came with one small bag and I have six. Why should I have more than you do, even with the makeup and other feminine things I have to carry? Where did I accumulate all of this from?"

"Kat, half of the stuff you brought you never wore, and the other half was stuff you really didn't need. That's why I liked being a soldier. You learn real quickly only to take what you can pack in one bag, because you never know when you might have to leave in a hurry and not be able to take more than one bag. It's a good lesson to learn, hon."

"I bet the women in the Military today have more than the men to carry around."

"Actually they all have the same. If you go to a departure point they all have one large duffle bag and their weapons. The women in the Military today don't have any extras to carry unless they can fit it in their duffle bags with all their issue stuff. The services don't have room for all the extras during transport and deployment. Actually, if you can learn to pack right, you could probably fit most of what you have in those six suitcases into one regulation duffle bag. Kat, are you happy going back to Virginia or would you rather live here?"

"To be truthful Jon, I am torn about it. On one hand, I love being here, but I miss our home in Virginia. I know Sally is really excited about going back, but I think Myrna is getting spoiled because she doesn't seem as enthused about leaving as I thought she would. Jon, did you really mean it when you said we could come back and stay here during the winter?"

"Kat, if that's what you want, then we can and will do just that. I don't have a problem with living here and working cases that I can hand pick. I can work a case and come back when I finish, then go out on another one when you get tired of me lazing around. With your doctor friend coming, you will have something to do. You would be able to be a nurse again, which I know you miss. With him being here, I won't have to worry if you have problems during delivery if I am off on a case. I think he would love to have a qualified nurse on call to help. I think I could make arrangements with the Sheriff for Sally to stay with her best friend during the school year. I could check on her on a regular basis every time I went back to work a case. I know she and Judy would love it and I am sure the Sheriff wouldn't have a problem with it. With the church being in so much disarray, I don't think they would give a second thought about me or the rest of us. There are only four of the leaders alive, and they are in hiding. Sooner or later they will run out of funds to pay for their protection. Jubal will be coming back soon and I think he and Verna will end up together. Farley is the wild card but if Myrna's reaction to him was real, I think he will stick pretty close to where she is. You know, I am wondering if the relationship she had with Carver was more out of being lonely than love as she thought. The whole time I have known her I have never seen her go out, other than to the store or to visit some relative that was close by. I never saw her go out on a date or to a bar or anything. She just stayed around the house taking care of Sally and me. I hope she does finally get to meet someone she can come to really love so she can be as happy as we are."

We didn't discuss it any further because the Corporal came to the door to tell us our rides were on their way. He also informed us there would be a Legion Battle Helicopter escorting us to U.S. soil. It would land and fuel at the airport we were going to. After looking at Kat and seeing the alarm in her eyes, I immediately asked why, and was quickly told that the Captain wanted to make sure we were not bothered until we got to our jet. He assured us they had heard nothing about any threat, but the Captain felt he owed us the escort for all I had done to help the men. I thanked him and asked that he pass my thanks on to the Captain. He smiled and saluted before backing out and closing the door. She quickly kissed me before looking around one last time as we went out the door. When we got to the patio, everyone was waiting for us and we all walked down to the beach together. When the helicopters landed, we once again loaded all of luggage into one, with Kat and me as the only passengers. As we took off, I stared at all the bags and wondered if suitcases had babies, because there seemed to be twice as many as before. Kat leaned against me, looking out at the island as we flew out of sight. Somehow I knew what she was thinking and hugged her as the house went out of sight. The flight back seemed shorter somehow, and again I was met by the same customs officer. This time he didn't ask me about my guns or even if he could look in the luggage for contraband. He did ask if we were carrying any fruit or vegetables back with us and Kat just laughed and told him they were only good if freshly picked. He just smiled at her as we walked toward the jet. When we got to the steps we were met by the man and woman Tiny had sent to meet us. I recognized both of them from the restaurant and immediately smiled. We got another surprise as we climbed aboard. Jimmy was there waiting with a big smile on his face when we got in the cabin.

"We didn't bring a flight attendant this time. I volunteered to be the server on this flight to get away from the city for a free ride to a tropical paradise. You know, the sand and surf type of thing, but I haven't seen anything since we landed. I wasn't told when we left I wasn't allowed to leave the plane, so I just had to look out of the window as we flew in. Jon, the next time you go to your island can I come too?"

"Jimmy, you should have said something. You were more than welcome to come and enjoy yourself. As a matter of fact if you ever want to go on vacation, just let me know and I will make all the arrangements for you to go there to stay awhile."

"Jimmy!" I heard, and watched as Sally ran and jumped into his arms. He hugged her with a big smile on his face. They were talking a mile a minute as the plane took off. I looked around and saw Timmy with a sad look on his face as he looked out of the window at the ground rapidly disappearing. I nudged Kat and tilted my head toward him. She looked and just smiled sadly.

"Jon, that's probably the only place in his life that he ever felt safe and happy. When we get to the house, I think he will probably go back to being his normal chatty self. Jon, do you think it will be safe for him to play with the dogs when we get there?"

"Kat, once we introduce him to them and they know he is supposed to be there, I think they will all have a ball together. When we got them, their owner said they were just like a normal pet, and loved to fetch and play Frisbee. The way it was explained to me, they were like normal dogs except for the fact that they wouldn't let anyone inside the fence without one of us telling them it would be ok. I was worried about it too because I know how Sally is around any kind of animal. To her, they are all pets regardless of who they belong to. I planned on buying all three of them and maybe a fourth later on. Well, Wife, you won't have to worry about running out of hot water anymore. Tiny put a huge hot water tank in because, as he put it, we would probably need it."

"Thank God! Unlike you, I hate cold showers."

"Well, I never liked them either, until a certain beautiful redhead came along and started teasing me with her knockout body and looks. I had to take one or be uncomfortable all day thinking about it."

I got a punch and a hit and then a kiss as she smiled and laughed at my description of her. She fell asleep with her head on my arm as I sat and thought about all that had happened while we were on the island. Although we had only been there a few days longer than two weeks, it seemed to me like we had lived there all our lives. I was realistic enough to admit the place was as special to me as it seemed to be for Kat. I had just started to look around when Myrna came up and stooped next to my seat.

"Jon, were you able to find out how Farley and Jubal are doing? In all the excitement of the naming and the party I forgot to ask you," she whispered.

"Myrna, they both are doing fine. From what the Director told me they are almost done and should be coming to the house in the next week or so. He asked me about hiring both of them and I told him it was up to them, but I didn't see either one of them doing that."

"Jon, if I ask you a personal question, will you promise not to make fun of me for it?"

"Myrna, you are like a sister to me and no, I won't make fun of you. As a matter of fact, I would be happy to help in any way I could. Now what is it you need help with?"

"I don't need help, per se, but I would like an honest opinion from your perspective as a man. Did you think I moved and fell for Carver too fast? I mean, I still have feelings for him, but try as I can, I really don't think they were love. I feel completely different about Farley, and now I am starting to question whether I am just looking for a man or if I truly want to have someone in my life. I have always been totally happy with you and Sally, but it's like I am missing something in my life. I don't think I am too old to have a good relationship or maybe even get married some day. I never really though much about it until I started watching you and Kat and realized I was missing something in my life. Jon, do you think it's too late for me to have some happiness in my personal life?"

"Myrna, from my point of view, it's never too late to be happy. I have watched you for years running around the house in that old beat up robe with those ugly yellow slippers on. Until that evening you came into the hospital all dolled up, I never had a hint you were so beautiful. Kat told me you even look better in a bikini than she does and I can certainly believe it. Your life is yours no matter what anyone says, and the way you told Carver off at the island just made me proud of you for standing up for yourself. Myrna, personally I think any man that you even go out with should be proud to have such a beautiful woman with him, and yes, you deserve all the happiness you can get out of life. You spent almost your whole life taking care of my grandfather, then me and then Sally. I think it's about time you spent some of that energy on finding some happiness of your own. If it's with Farley or someone else, I will be glad to welcome them into our home. I know Kat and Sally think the same as I do. I know I don't have any experience to draw on to give someone like you advice, but even as dumb as I am about relationships, I just hope you find someone like I have to complete your life."

"Thank you so much, Jon. Coming from you, that means a lot to me. But remember, just because I asked you for your opinion; don't think our lives at the house will change. I run the kitchen, and now with Kat there too, you better behave and do what we think is right."

She gave me a kiss on the cheek and a big smile, and went back to her seat chuckling at the obvious look of shock on my face. Kat whispered from next to me that I was sweet, but Myrna was right about them running the house. I watched the smile on her face as she snuggled next to me and went back to sleep. Jeesh, I thought, maybe Timmy and I should move into the caretaker's cottage and let the women have the house. At least we could just lounge around in our underwear and not have to worry about someone yelling at us. I just hoped some of the women in my life found a man soon so we could maybe balance out the sexes. I should have stayed at the island where I wasn't the only man they could boss around. I felt the change of pitch in the engines and knew we were getting ready to land, so I buckled up, waking Kat to do the same. When we landed, it seemed to me we taxied for a long time before the plane came to a stop. I looked out of the window and realized we hadn't stopped near the passenger terminal but were by an open hangar on the other side of the field. My inner guard immediately went up. I quickly walked up to the two who Tiny had sent to act as our escorts.

"Are either of you armed?"

"Yes sir, we both are. Why, what's going on?"

"We didn't stop at the passenger terminal and I don't recognize the limo or the station wagon next to it. One of you go up and tell the pilot to radio the tower for security while I go out and check this out. Keep everyone inside until I say it's clear."

"Yes sir, do you want me to cover you outside?"

"No, just make sure no one comes outside except me."

I yelled out and told everyone to keep their seats until I said otherwise. I then went to the small door and opened it and let the folding steps down, telling the men to stay by the door. I took my arm out of the sling and checked the forty to make sure I had one up the spout before I went down the steps to the ground. It was drizzling and the tarmac was slippery as I walked toward the open hangar. When I got close to the back of the station wagon, a man popped up and took one look at my gun pointing at him and threw both hands in the air. He yelled for someone to come out here quick. I stopped and had the forty pointed at the open hangar when Jeb walked out. He took one look at the situation and started laughing.

"Damn, Jon, we're not here to rob you. Tiny had a flat coming in and called me. I borrowed my brother's hearse and came to pick all of you up. Put your arms down Ritchie, he won't hurt you. We notified security, and the tower was supposed to tell your pilot about the change when he called in for landing instructions. Just like these city folks, can't follow directions worth a damn."

He came up and hugged me telling me he was glad to see me and asked where Kat and Myrna were. I said they were all waiting in the plane for me to give the all clear. He laughed and we walked over to the steps where I told both escorts it was ok. We went up inside and Myrna and Kat both ran up and hugged him, much to his surprise. At that point he took over, telling everyone to go to the hangar and wait till his man got our luggage loaded and then he would take us home. I noticed that both Verna and Michelle seemed to be very happy to see him and I remembered he had told me they were his kin, as he put it. By the time a half hour had flown by, we were all on the road to the house. The two escorts were behind us in their own vehicle, which had already been waiting for them at the airport. I was finally able to relax a little but Kat made me put my arm back in the sling as soon as we got in the car. Damn, it felt good to be going home, I thought to myself.



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Chapter 68


When we pulled up to the gate in front of the house, we had to identify ourselves to the guard there. Ritchie took one look at all the dogs and refused to come inside the gate. I drove the hearse in and Jeb drove the station wagon. We were all laughing at Ritchie standing outside the gate while Myrna went in the house. I helped Jeb carry all the bags into the house, and he told me that my truck was at his store, as well as two large boxes that had been delivered to him about a week ago by customs. I told him what was in them and his eyes about popped out.

"Jon, if I deliver them in your truck, will you sell me a few of them?"

"Jeb, I can sell you the swords, but since all the pistols have no numbers, I can't sell them. I will have to give you a few of them, along with the extras that I got with them. Well, if you bring them by tomorrow we can unload them into the garage since that's where I am moving my office. Myrna and Kat decided that the small dining room as well as my old office was going to be combined into our room and the nursery. Tiny and his crew will be here this week to move the gun safe as well as reinforce the walls and doors of my grandfather's old office in the garage. I get married and then get thrown out of my own house. That's gratitude for you."

I thought Jeb was going to bust a gut, he was laughing so hard. He said that he had to get back, but would see me tomorrow afternoon when he brought my truck and boxes out. The guard let him out and I walked down to the guard shack. I told him I wanted to introduce three more people to the outside dogs so they could wander around the property without worry. He blew the small whistle around his neck and in a short time all three of them came running and sat down in front of us. I petted them and was licked several times in the process. I went to the front door and called Verna, Michelle, and Timmy out and let the guard go through the process with them so the dogs would know it was ok for them to be here. When it was over, Verna and Michelle went back in the house but Timmy was staring at all three of them.

"Timmy, they love to play fetch and catch a Frisbee, so if you want to play with them its ok. They won't hurt you, but I will give you a warning. Timmy, when you're out on the property, don't go near the fences for any reason. If someone should call you or try to get you to come to them, just walk away and come tell me or any of the adults right away. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Gampa, I understand. Mom says not to talk to strangers, and to never get near anyone who is calling me. She said the church might try to get me back so you can bet I won't go near anyone I don't know. Can I really play with them, Gampa?"

"Yes you can, and I think they will enjoy playing with you too. Ok, young man, lets get inside so we can get you and your mom and grandma settled into your new house. I am going to need your help to carry all the luggage to the cottage out back where you all will be staying."

He beat me inside but when we got in, the pile of suitcases was gone. He looked at me and I just shrugged at his look of puzzlement. When we went to the kitchen, the women were all coming in the back door together, talking a mile a minute about going to the store for groceries as well as other things they would need. We sat down at the counter and I had some of the coffee that was ready and found Timmy a soda. The women ignored us like we weren't even there. I heard Kat say she would get the car and Myrna could get the truck and they would meet at the gate. Kat came over kissed me and I told her to pick up several cans of tennis balls as well as three or four Frisbees for Timmy. She smiled at me and held out her hand. I looked at her for a second before it dawned on me what she wanted. I got my wallet out and handed her my credit card with a sigh, and she was out of the kitchen just that fast. I looked at Timmy and he was smiling at me but didn't say anything.

"Well young man since we have been abandoned, what say we take a walk around and you can get to know the property a little?"

"That sounds like a good idea, Gampa; can I play with the dogs while we're out walking?"

"I don't see why not, Timmy, one of them will probably be with us the whole time. Come on, I want to see if they put the new doors on the barn while we were gone."

We went out the back door and I showed him the cottage as we walked by. As soon as we went by it, one of the dogs came up and walked right next to Timmy. I watched as he walked with his hand resting on it and he had a big smile on his face. I knew then that he must have had no childhood or fun while a prisoner with his mother and that damned church. We went to the barn and found that both doors had been replaced. I opened them and the stale smell from a shut up building hit me in the face. While Timmy talked to the dog, I opened all the windows as well as the hay mow door so the air could circulate. When we went back out, I left one door pushed open so the dogs could get inside if it rained. We were walking the fence along the road in back when I noticed a car coming down the road slow. I got Timmy on my inside and kept walking. When it came abreast of us, it was a deputy I knew. He just smiled and said, "Welcome back, Mr. Morgan." I thanked him and he went on down the road.

"Gampa, do you always carry a gun, even when you're at home?"

"Yes, Timmy, I do. After all that's happened and considering the church may still cause some trouble, I want to make sure I can protect all of us."

"Good, I don't ever want to go back to the compound where me and Mom were. I am glad you're looking out for all of us, Gampa. When I get older, will you teach me how to shoot so I can protect me and Mommy and Grandma?"

"When you get old enough, I would be glad to, Timmy. I have a friend that has an indoor range where we will be able to shoot, but you still have a long time before your old enough for that."

"I know, Gampa, and that's what worries me, I don't want those bad people to grab us again. They would really hurt Mommy bad if they did that."

I didn't know how to reply to that and rubbed his head, realizing that we both needed a hair cut because we were both a little shaggy. When we got about halfway to the garage, the dog that was with Timmy turned and went back the way we had just come from. He watched it a little sadly, but as soon as we started walking again, another one came from the direction of the garage and again went to his side. It was at that point I realized just how intelligent these dogs were. They had decided among themselves where they were going to patrol. Timmy was smiling again as we walked, and this dog seemed to make it a point to lick his hand every chance it got. Timmy was giggling, and the dog seemed like it was having fun with it. When we finally got to the garage, I heard women's voices coming from the front of the house. Sure enough they were unloading a pickup load of groceries. I grabbed Timmy and we ducked into the garage. I wasn't about to be volunteered to help unload. Besides, I was still recovering and planned on milking it as long as Kat would let me. Timmy thought it was a game and kept breaking out in giggles every time Myrna or Kat mentioned that I hadn't shown up to try to help. Timmy finally gave us away when he ran out of the garage announcing we were hiding in there so we didn't have to help. Myrna gave me a dirty look, but Kat just broke out laughing when Timmy ran up to her. She hugged him and whispered something in his ear and he ran in the house laughing. I walked over looking a little sheepish and she just kissed me.

"Jon, I think you just made his day. He loves sharing secrets with his gampa, as he calls you. Jon, we didn't expect you to help and even if you had tried, I wouldn't have let you. The last thing you need to do is to tear your stitches out."

"I knew that, Kat, but Timmy didn't so I pretended to hide from you. Hey, is Myrna still mad at me? I sure got a dirty look when Timmy told on us."

Kat started laughing saying that when we went to bed she would explain it to me. I did manage to grab one bag while following her into the house. When we got to the kitchen, I asked where Timmy had gone and was brusquely told that they were at the cottage unpacking and settling in. Kat tried to help her with dinner, but we were both told to vacate as this was her kitchen and job, and she didn't need our help. Kat got a hurt look on her face, and I told her to meet me in the den and that I would be in as soon as I got a cup of coffee. I waited till she disappeared and lit into Myrna.

"Do you want to clue me in on what the hell is going on? Myrna, she wants to help and you snap both our heads off. I have never seen you act this way before and frankly it pisses me off. She is a part of this household now and she has just as much right as you to be in here. Myrna, if you want the whole house I can start looking for a place for us to move. I don't know what's going on, but I will not have it happening to Kat just because she is trying to lift some of the load off your shoulders. I thought this had been all settled, Myrna."

I watched as she froze like a deer in someone's headlights. She had a shocked look on her face and wouldn't look at me, so I just left the kitchen, planning on talking to Kat and Sally. I went to my den, or nursery as it was soon to be, and closed the door behind me. When I sat down next to Kat, she leaned over putting her head on my chest.

"Kat, what the hell is going on? I thought you and Myrna were getting along just fine. Should I start looking for a house for us?"

"Oh God no, Jon! Myrna is upset about what happened at the store."

"Well, would you mind cluing me in on it? Because I sure as hell don't need this right now, what with all that's coming up in the next two weeks. Kat, if she can't accept you, then we will move out and she can buy my half of the house and property. There are some really nice places in the area that I can buy for us to live in and remodel to suit you and Sally."

"Don't be silly, Jon, and you're overreacting. Myrna is upset because of what happened at the supermarket. She ran into two of her friends and they tried to pick her apart for not marrying Carver like they thought she should have. She listened to it for about five minutes and then she preceded to hand their butts to them in front of the whole store. I think everyone in the store, including all of us, was surprised by what she had to say. I bet Carver won't show his face in public for awhile, once what she said gets out. Jon, according to what Myrna said, Carver wanted her to make you buy her out and move to Hawaii with him. He told her she had enough money that they could live high on the hog like they should, instead of her slaving herself to take care of you and Sally like she has done all these years. She also said a few other things about him that I am glad you and Tiny didn't know about, or he would have been shot by either of you while we were on the island. She said on the way back that Carver plans on suing you for alienation of affection, because you wouldn't let them leave the island and he blames you because he didn't get married. Jon, she is really upset and embarrassed about it. I never realized he felt so strongly about running her life, and she said he about had a fit when she asked him to leave. She said he made all kinds of threats to her and that she would pay for embarrassing him like she did. Jon, just let her alone for a couple of days and I am sure it will all work itself out."

I didn't say anything, but dinner was a quiet affair with Sally and Timmy trying to carry the conversation until we got finished. I went to our room and got in the shower, thinking about all that Kat had told me. I knew if he tried to sue me that Jerry would eat him alive, if it got to a courtroom. I didn't like the threats, though, and knew if he tried anything he would and could be run out of the county. The sheriff would help because I knew he thought very highly of Myrna. Damn, I thought, what else could go wrong? We needed a vacation, just to get over our vacation. We fell asleep and were awakened by Sally pounding on the door and saying breakfast was ready and that Tiny and his crew were here to start on the garage. I rolled out of bed with a groan but was stopped in the middle of the groan by Kat's comment.

"Does this mean the honeymoon's over?"

"Not hardly, Hon, why?"

"Well you just rolled over and got up and didn't even give me my morning kiss. From my point of view, that's a little rude on your part, my husband. We haven't been married for a month and you're already taking me for granted."

When Sally knocked again an hour later, Kat was singing in the shower. I told her we were on our way down, and was told I would be eating cold eggs. I just chuckled to myself, thinking they would be better than some of the things I had to eat while serving in the African bush, many years ago. When Kat and I made it to the kitchen, Myrna wasn't there, but on a plate was a heaping stack of cold eggs and toast. Me, not being picky, I just threw them in the microwave and was satisfied. When the smell hit me I had to run for the toilet again. This time I almost didn't make it because it was upstairs. I could hear Kat laughing all the way up the steps. As I prayed to the porcelain God, I just hoped that when they finished the nursery and bedroom they remembered there was supposed to be a full bath included. God, I hoped this didn't last the whole time Kat was pregnant. When I finally got myself back in control, I went back downstairs and went directly to my office. I wasn't about to chance going into the kitchen again for at least a couple of hours. If anyone wanted to talk they would have to come to me until I got my stomach under control again.



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Chapter 69


I hadn't been in the office for ten minutes when Tiny came in and told me that they were going to set up my garage office. I asked him how he was planning on moving the gun safe with all its contents and weight. He said he had a portable lift that he could use and that he had already measured the doors so he wouldn't have any problems. When he left, I decided I better call Jeb and tell him to hold off delivering my stuff, but that I did want my truck back. When I got off the phone with him I sat back, and then Kat came in with some dry toast and coffee for me. For some strange reason, she just couldn't seem to wipe the grin off her face the whole time she was there. I, like a fool, decided to ask her what she thought was so funny. Boy did I ever ask for that one.

"Jon, you have Myrna so mad she is about to put knots on your head. What in the world did you say or do to make her so mad at you?"

I gave Kat the gist of the conversation or at least what I said, since Myrna didn't say anything back. She looked at me for a minute and I swear her hair started to move and she got red in the face.

"Jon Morgan, I told you to let it work itself out. No, you have rub salt in her wounds by threatening to move. I can't believe you would even have the nerve to say something like that to her. Jon, I love you but you're in the wrong on this one and you need to apologize to that poor woman. She loves you like her own and you had the nerve to say something like that to her. Jon Morgan, until you get this straightened out, I am not speaking to you."

She gave me that look and stomped out of the office, slamming the door behind her. Man, I thought, that will teach me to marry a redhead. Then I sat and thought about it 'till another knock came at the door. This time it was Sally who came in.

"Dad, why are Myrna and Kat so mad at you? Kat is so red she looks like she's been out in the sun too long. I went in to get a drink and got run out of the kitchen. When I asked what was wrong, I was told to speak to you."

"Sally, I think it's all a big misunderstanding, but somehow I got on the wrong side of my own big mouth."

I went on to tell her everything that gone on and I'll be damned if she didn't get mad at me too. She didn't say anything though, just stood up and glared at me and went out the door. At least she didn't slam it behind her. I sat back and ate a piece of the dry toast, pouring a cup of coffee to rinse it down with. My stomach was settled enough that it didn't seem to bother me, so I munched and sat back thinking about Kat and Myrna. I couldn't see where I was totally in the wrong like I was accused of being, but I knew I had been a little harsh with Myrna. Kat was another matter, and I had to chuckle to myself when I thought of her nickname on the island, Fire Hair.

Well, I thought, it certainly fit in this case. I knew I was in trouble with all three of the women in my life, but I still didn't know how I could fix it and still get my point across. I was saved from my own thoughts when Jeb showed up to take me to get my truck. I grabbed my forty and climbed into his car. We pulled out the gate, headed to his gun shop. He was filling me in on what had happened while I was gone when BAM, the right front tire on his car blew. I rolled out the door thinking someone was shooting at us, and when I landed it was wrong. Somehow I twisted, and when I felt the rip in my shoulder I knew I had torn the stitches out. The first thought that entered my head was; "Kat's gonna kill me for sure now."

Then the pain hit and although Jeb was laughing his head off, his eyes got big when the blood started soaking through the sling.

"Oh God, are you ok, Jon? Just stay still and I will call for the ambulance."

"No, let's just get the tire changed, and let me get my truck and go home, Jeb. All three of the women in my house are mad at me and this is really going to set them off. How the hell do you handle being married, and for so many years?"

He was trying to bust the lug nuts loose when I asked him, and he started laughing and slipped and skinned his hand on the rim of the tire. He cussed up a blue streak for a couple of minutes before he answered my question. He was laughing as he did.

"Jon, if your gonna have a happy marriage, remember one rule and never wavier from it. Learn how to say, 'Yes Dear', even when you know you're in the right. That way she's happy and thinks she has the upper hand, and you get an even tempered and happy woman who will love you regardless of your mistakes. It's worked for me for almost forty years, my boy."

I just looked at him like he was from another planet, sitting back in the seat holding pressure on my shoulder until he finished changing the tire. We finished the trip with him almost constantly asking me if I was ok. I finally told him to quit buggin' me, that I was fine, and that my wife was an RN who would take care of it when I got home. When we pulled up in front of the shop, he turned to me before I could open the door and said he needed to tell me something before I left. I knew it was serious from the sound of his tone, so I just sat still waiting for him to say what he was thinking.

"Jon, I haven't told a soul about the disks, but there have been several strangers snooping around talking to several of the church members who have started over here. They have been getting a lot of pressure from the other compounds, which seem to be having mysterious accidents and explosions. All the people here know is that I co-signed for the notes to help them. Jon, we have drained many of the accounts, but I think you need to take the disks back and hide them somewhere. We have more than enough to accomplish what we need to do, and the rest of the accounts are offshore or in foreign countries. We have no one that we can send to places like that. My friend at the body shop who fixed your truck found your little box behind the tail light and told me about it. Don't worry, he won't tell anyone else. I put the disks and the keys in the box. I hate to put this back on you, but I think it would be best if we let things settle for now, and you can get rid of the disks and keys whenever you wish. Jon, we all appreciate all you done for us and we will never forget it, but we don't want to see those disks again. I am the only one who knows about this, so the secret will go to the grave with me. Jon, what you did helped a lot of people get a new start, but we want to forget about all that happened. Considering what it has already cost all of us including you, I think that would be best. When we get out of the car in a minute this will never be mentioned again. Thank you my friend, for me and my kinfolk."

With that statement, he opened the door and got out of the car. I sat for a minute and then got out. He handed me my truck keys smiling and saying loudly he hoped I wouldn't drive it through any more barn doors. I laughed, took the keys and backed out, headed for the house. I was thinking heavily all the way home, and forgot about the pain until I pulled up to the gate and was let in by the guard. I parked in the driveway and headed in the house with blood starting to drip through my fingers. I didn't see anyone so I went directly to my office and took my shirt off. Yep, from the looks of it I had torn all or at least part of the stitches out. I pressed the intercom to the kitchen and asked if Kat was there, and she answered that she was and was I ready to talk to her and Myrna yet.

"Hon, I don't think I am ready to face that yet, but I would appreciate it if you would bring your little doctor bag in and fix my shoulder."

"What!"

Within a few seconds, the door swung open and she and Myrna came running in. She took one look at my shoulder and ran back out and I heard her running up the steps. Before her footsteps reached the top of the steps, Myrna started in on me.

"I don't know what you did but if you don't start taking care of yourself, Kat and I will hogtie you to a chair where we can watch you. For your information, if you move I will too and this house can rot before I will sell out my interest to anyone. I don't know where that idea came from, but I will never forgive you for those mean remarks you made to me last night. I have already apologized to Kat for acting so bad last night but you will not get one from me until you do it first."

"Ok, ok, I was planning on talking to you about that, and some other things I just found out, but now it will have to wait until later because I hear Kat coming back. We do need to talk, but in private, Myrna."

Before I could say anything more, Kat came running in and had me lie back, opening her little bag of goodies she always carried. She sent Myrna for some warm water and clean rags to wash my shoulder. I had to give her credit, she didn't ask for an explanation, but the looks I was getting said it all. I knew I was gonna catch hell when we went to bed later. When Myrna came back, she opened a little bottle and dripped four drops of the liquid inside into the wash pan. She then swished it around before wringing the rag out and washing my shoulder. When some of the liquid got into the wound I hissed because it felt like liquid fire was burning a hole through the meat. I watched as she carefully cleaned around the wound.

"Well, it's not as bad as I thought it was. You broke three of the upper stitches which will be easy to replace. You also have a large scrape on your shoulder and down your back that looks like road rash to me. Jon, how did you do this sitting in your office?"

"Well, you guys really must not care about me," I joked. "I left the house with Jeb to go pick up my truck and that's when it happened."

I went on to tell them both what happened and Myrna laughed out loud, but Kat gave me the look and I decided to just shut my mouth and follow Jeb's advice from here on out. When she told me to lie still until she could scrub up and get gloves on, I just looked her straight in the eye and said; "Yes Dear." She gave me a big smile, and I thought I was going to do the same from now on. When she left, Myrna looked at me for a second and then grinned.

"I see you finally got smart and asked ol' Jeb how to keep a happy home. It's about time you got smart and asked for some advice. I could have told you the same thing if you had thought to ask me."

"Asked you what?"

Oh God, I thought, now I am in trouble, but Myrna just grinned again and said she was just picking on the invalid until Kat came back. I hoped Kat didn't hear the sigh of relief I let out, and she didn't. Myrna did and grinned at me again. I didn't say a word, just let Kat do her thing and grunted when I thought it fit into what she was doing. With the topical she sprayed on the wound, I didn't feel a thing as she sewed me back up, but I had to uphold my manly honor and complain that it hurt. Bad mistake, because I got the look again and Myrna was laughing at me. Man, I just couldn't win with these two in the same room. When Kat finished she put some kind of salve on the wound and scrapes and replaced the bandage. She had brought another shirt with her, and helped me into it, putting my arm back in the sling pulling it even tighter against my side.

"Jon, like it or not you're going to have to go easy on that arm until it heals some more. Next time you leave this house, you let one of us know where you're going. We didn't even know you had left. With all that's going on, you need to make sure we know where you're at all the time. Now for a change will you listen and do as I say?"

"Yes dear."

I thought Myrna was going to choke; she was trying so hard to hold in her laughter. Kat looked at her then at me and frowned. Me, I just stayed where I was and didn't say a word. Kat took her dirty bandages and gloves out to the kitchen, still frowning at me and Myrna. This time Myrna followed her out after looking back and giving me a big grin as she closed the door. Man, I hoped she didn't let Kat in on what was going on. I had a hunch she wasn't the type of woman to accept this little tidbit of advice I had gotten with good grace. Then my mind wandered back to the disks that had been thrust back into my possession again. I would leave them where they were until Tiny got my office done. Then I would look at them to get some idea of what accounts had been drained and try to decide what to do with the rest of the money that was in offshore accounts. Damn, I had hoped I would never see those things again. I decided that in the next few days I would call Quanta on one of the sat phones and get some ideas from him on how I should handle it. I still hadn't heard from my office about whether I was going to have to testify against Dwight or not. It was going to be a long two weeks with the construction and getting moved into my new office in the garage. Damn, get married and evicted all in a month's time.



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Chapter 70


For the next two weeks, it seemed that I was getting on everyone's nerves as the construction went on. Kat made sure I did not help out unloading trucks or anything else that would possibly reinjure my arm. Finally, my office was complete after Jimmy had rewired it so that I would keep up to date with the world. Kat ran me out of the house as soon as it was done. She and Myrna were going to make sure I did not have any say in how the nursery was decorated or how our new bedroom was going to be set up. Truth of the matter was, I was happy to stay out in my office and get caught up on some paperwork as well as make some needed calls in private. I remembered fondly when I used to go to my office and close the door so I would not be bothered, but now that I was married, I just knew that was not going to happen. I was right when Jimmy came out the day after I moved in and hooked up the intercom. He was grinning at the look on my face while he worked.

"Don't be mad at me, Jon, your Mrs. is the one who called and asked me to hook it up in here. She and Myrna are having them put in the cottage as well as most of the bedrooms in the house. I am also supposed to install some top of the line baby monitors in your room as well as the nursery. Because of the fact that the old intercom is still button controlled, you can turn the sound down and ignore the irritating buzz. Kat told me just to add on to them instead of putting in a completely new system. While I am here today, I am going to walk the property and check out the condition of the cameras we installed. Man, hooking you in to the guard station as well as the two new ones in the barn area gave me a bit of a problem until I just decided to put in another monitor. The big one mounted on the wall is hooked into all the cameras and runs off channel 3 on the tuner. Each camera is numbered on the bottom left of the picture and the channel control will let you turn just that camera on by its number. They all have sound and once you press the button to move to a one camera view, the sound comes on automatically. You cannot zoom in now, but I am working on that with the new cameras I am building. I have been busy while you were getting married. I put cameras in Jeb's store as well as the new church. I also got the job to install the sound system as well as their radio system. I had never installed short-wave radio before and had to read up on it."

I have to admit that from that point; I kinda tuned him out, thinking about the short-wave he had installed. Although I wasn't an expert on them, I knew the basics. I wondered, if Jeb's kinfolk were breaking away as he said, why they would need a short-wave setup. Someone was doing some spying, and depending on the power of the radio, they could talk to almost anywhere in the world with it. I was thinking that tomorrow I would go to the gun store and have a serious talk with Jeb, and find out what he knew about the radio. Besides, I had promised Timmy we were both going to get a haircut tomorrow. I would just swing by and talk to Jeb on my way back here. I had snuck out last week under the pretense of going to the bank to get Kat her own charge card, and had shipped the disks to Quanta. He and I had had a long talk about them and he thought he could arrange wire transfers from the offshore banks to his. The Swiss accounts were a different matter because they required you to appear in person with the right account number as well as the password. I was not going to use the money but I was going to do my best to make sure the leaders in hiding did not get their hands on it. Besides, Kat and I both had been seriously talking about moving back to the island until the babies were due. Sally would be staying with Judy if we did and Myrna had not made up her mind. She seemed to be waiting for Farley and Jubal to come back before she did anything. According to the Director, they were almost done and would be coming back in a day or so. When I had told Myrna, she got a big smile on her face and Kat just shook her head, smiling at her. The rest of the time, I spent in here, with either Sally or Timmy making sure they stopped in to talk and check up on me. I had to admit I was getting bored with it all, and was already putting a few feelers out to see what cases I could take without being away from here for too long.

I still had the morning sickness, much to Kat's delight, but I had gotten used to it and just let it wash over me. I knew I could not have my coffee or anything to eat for at least an hour after I did my thing in the bathroom to Kat's chuckling. Now that was getting tiresome. I had made an appointment with my doctor until Kat found out why and threatened to choke me. Personally, I thought three kids were more than enough. She said she did not want to talk about it right now, and to just wait for a better time. At least we were safe for several months, but I would be bringing the subject up again after these three were born. I finally realized it was quiet out, and looked at my watch. The work crews had already left and I was hungry, so I headed for the house. I had been careful not to let my temper get out of control, but I was getting tired of being in the garage every day and only being allowed in my own home for meals or to sleep. It was rapidly coming to a head because I was tired of being bossed around all the time. This time I would have to be careful how I handled it. When I went through the front door I remembered Jimmy was still out on the property, so I headed out back to see if I could find him and invite him for supper. I knew it was almost ready because I could smell it. When I went around back, two of the dogs were waiting for me and led off in the direction of the barn. I followed them and within a few minutes, I found Jimmy lying on the ground between the barn and the house. He was about half out, and was bleeding around the back of his head. I helped him up and headed toward the back door, carrying most of his weight. I yelled for Kat to bring her bag as soon as we got in the door. She must have had it downstairs already because she immediately showed up with Myrna and Sally following within a few moments.

"What happened, Jon?"

"I don't know, Kat, but as soon as he is able to talk we can find out."

Kat, being her usual efficient self, had him checked out and said it was just a small cut and would not need stitches. She popped one of those ammonia inhalers under his nose and he came awake almost immediately, pushing her hand away from his nose.

"Where am I?"

"You're in the kitchen, Jimmy. I found you halfway between the barn and the house almost unconscious. What happened, anyway?"

"I don't remember, Jon. The last thing I remember was climbing up to the top of a barn rafter and it broke. Then I came to with your wife working on my head."

While Kat and Myrna, with help from Sally, were fussing over him, I switched on all the barn lights, both inside and out. I grabbed a light and headed out there to see if I could figure out what happened. Jimmy was missing his glasses as well as his toolbox and I knew he would need them. Two of the dogs walked out with me and I carefully went inside, watching the dogs' reactions as I did. They didn't seem to be upset in any way, but I was careful as I went in. I found the toolbox almost immediately, just inside of the door. His glasses were hanging over one of the stall doors and luckily, they were not broken, just bent a little. Then I saw what had broken, was confused about how, until I climbed up and got a good look at the rafter. Dammit, I had termites in the barn and it had all been treated just last year. I had a guarantee with it and I was going to make sure the company lived up to it. They would also pay for any wood that needed to be replaced and if they did not offer Jimmy something for his injury; I would turn it over to Jerry to handle. Someone could have been hurt seriously from this. They had sampled and checked as well as treated the old barn to insure something like this would not happen. By the time, I got back to the house my temper was on a slow boil. I shut the lights out and put the flashlight back in its holder before giving Jimmy his glasses and toolbox. I put the box by the door, cleaned his glasses, and headed into the dining room to eat. When I walked in and Kat and Myrna glared at me, I did not say a word, just handed Jimmy his glasses and walked out. I went upstairs to my room and packed a suitcase, then went back downstairs. Kat and Myrna met me at the bottom of the steps, but this time I was pissed and I opened the ball.

"Both of you don't say a word. I have had my fill of being chased out of my home and having to stay in the garage just so you two can be happy. I have had it with all the crap from both of you. Kat, as much as I hate to say it, if this is how our lives are going to be, we never should have gotten married. I have put up with this from Myrna since my grandfather asked me to come here. Now you are doing the same crap and I have had my fill of it. I have tried my damndest to get along but I cannot take it anymore. You two can have the house, hell I will even sign my half over to you, Kat. I will contact Tiny in a few days and let him know where I am if you should need anything. Sally can stay here or go with me when I get to where I am going, it is up to her. If an emergency comes up, contact Jerry as he always knows where I am."

I walked out the door to the shocked look on both their faces, and grabbed a couple of guns along with the holsters and my IDs from the safe. I locked the office up, and drove out, headed for somewhere I could think for awhile. I did not really have a plan but I knew I needed to get my temper in check. This was not the first time I had been this enraged, and I knew if I did not get somewhere quiet, I would end up doing something I might regret later. While I was driving through the dusk trying to think of a motel that was quiet and peaceful that I could go to, there was a small war raging back at the house with Sally being the driving force behind it.

Back at the house:

Sally: "Was that Dad leaving, Kat?"

Myrna: "Yeah, he just walked out on all of us."

Sally: "That is not surprising, the way both of you have been treating him. These last two weeks both of you have made his life miserable, and for no other reason than being petty and spiteful. Myrna, you have been doing this for years and now because of you, Kat has been caught up in it. I am going to tell both of you that if he stays gone I will move to wherever he is living. He is my dad and since his new wife will not stick up for him, I will and am proud to do so."

Myrna: "Now you listen here, young lady!"

Sally: "No, this time I am going to have my say for a change, Myrna. I love you but you have treated my dad bad for years. You tell everyone how much you are supposed to love him, but you treat him as if he was a small child. When he first brought me here to live, I thought that was how people were supposed to treat each other. I never had anyone that treated me with love and respect after my mom left. Myrna, I started to see the difference, but wondered why you did it. Kat, you married him and are carrying his babies, but you went along with Myrna and her spiteful ways like you were born to it. I thought you loved Dad, but now I see you are just like Myrna. When he is helping its great, but when he is not able to, then it's time to browbeat him and treat him as if he is baggage. Both of you need to get a dose of reality. I do not know about you two, but I will not lose him for any reason. He is my father and I love him, and I know he loves me with all his heart. Kat, I do not know why you quit loving him, but Myrna is a bad influence and you need to think about it.

Slap!

Sally: "Myrna, if you ever lay hands on me again it will be the last time you lay hands on anybody. Tomorrow I am going to stay with Judy, and you two can live here in your misery. I will make sure I call Tiny or Jerry and let them know that Dad can pick me up there. Kat, I guess everything you were told and saw on the island did not mean a thing to you after all. I hope the babies treat him better than you two do, but if they listen to you and Myrna, they will probably turn out the same. I am going to my room to pack and get ready to go tomorrow. I suggest you two decide what's more important to both of you, Dad or this petty bickering. Good night!"

Sally didn't realize just how deep her words hit until the next morning when she awoke and found Myrna gone, lock, stock and barrel. The pickup was found at the airport in D.C., but even Jon never found out where she went.



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Chapter 71


I was awakened the next morning by the phone. It was an almost hysterical Sally. She told me everything that had happened the night before, thinking it was all her fault. I finally got her calmed down and asked how Kat was doing. Sally told me that she had been up crying most of the night because I had gone away. When we got off the phone, I called my office and put out a BOLO for the truck with the rider to locate and report. Within the hour, all law enforcement in the tri-state area would have it. Then I had to run to the bathroom for my usual morning throw up. When I came back, I sat down and went over in my mind all that had happened the night before and my part in it. I felt ashamed that I had been so harsh with Kat, but as far as Myrna went, I didn't feel guilty about her leaving. Even though I had been under the assumption we had mended our fences, so to speak, this had been coming to a head for many years. I did harbor a certain amount of pride that Sally had stuck up for me when my own wife hadn't. That was what perplexed me the most. I knew she loved me as much as I loved her, but for her to act this way had me totally stumped. I thought back on our brief courtship and all we had said at the ceremony. I couldn't figure out why she would act the way she had and with no regard for my reaction. This was not the Kat I knew and fell in love with. I decided to head back to the house and see if, after having had time to think, Kat could shed some light on the way she had been acting.

I hadn't realized I had driven so far last night 'till I finally went outside and realized where I was. I decided to stop at Jeb's on the way back and discuss that radio and see if he knew what was going on. I was pulling into his parking lot when my cell went off. It was my office saying they had found the pickup I had put the BOLO on. It was in short term parking at the DC Regional Airport. I told them to have it towed back to my house and I wanted a passenger trace through the tower. I gave them Myrna's name and description and got out of the truck. When I went through the front door, one of the guys up front recognized me and waved me to the back where Jeb had his office. While walking to the back I was passed by a man that I thought looked familiar. I couldn't place from where so I didn't speak at his nod. I just nodded back and kept walking to the office. Looking in the office window, I noticed Jeb seemed to be snoozing and knocked on the door. He jerked and looked up and on seeing me, waved me in.

"Hey, Jon, what brings you all the way out here? Knowing you, it's probably something that's gonna give me gray hairs."

"Yeah, something has come to my attention I need to ask you about Jeb. It concerns the new church and its members."

I went on to tell him everything Jimmy had told me and asked a few more questions. The look of puzzlement on his face told me all I needed to know. He hadn't known about the radio and didn't know why the church would need it. He said he would call the elders in and find out what the thinking was behind its installation. He was of the same opinion I was, that the church here had broken away from the other compounds, so why would they need a powerful radio like that to keep in touch with them? We sat and hashed it back and forth for a few minutes, but neither of us could figure it out. I finally shook his hand and he promised he would be looking into it. I went back out and the same man I had passed earlier was in the front, looking through one of the displays. I could see his eyes following my every move from the reflection. When I stepped outside I ran to the right and ducked around the corner pulling the forty as I did. He came out within a few seconds and when he didn't see me he stood by the door with a look of confusion on his face. Then he pulled out a cell phone, and called someone. He talked for a few minutes before putting it away, then climbed into an old beat up Chevy at the end of the row where I was hiding. I quickly memorized the plate as he backed out and put it in my field of vision. When he pulled out of the lot headed for town, I came from behind the building and walked to my truck. I climbed in and sat reviewing what just happened for a few minutes, wondering what it was all about. I wrote the tag number down in the little book I always carried. Then I called in and had them run the tag. When the girl at the office came back on the line, what she told me set some alarms off.

"Marshal, that's an unregistered tag. We have a few of those we use ourselves. I would say this one is in use by the NSA because of the starting number. They have twelve of them and before the change of Directors, we used to let each other know the numbers. I don't know what's going on, but I would forward a report of this to your immediate supervisor."

I thanked her, saying I would certainly be doing that as soon as I got home. I drove to the house wondering why I would come to the attention of the NSA but had no clue. I decided I would file the report and then call Interpol and let them know too. I knew my Director there would not be happy about it, and would probably be on the phone to the NSA as soon as he got off with me. When I pulled in the drive of the house, I informed the guard that a tow truck would be bringing the pickup back and he was to drop it at the side of the house. I then went through the gate and parked in the garage. When I started walking toward the house with my bag, Timmy and Sally met me about halfway.

"Gampa, are we going to get our hair cut today like you promised?"

Sally just hugged me with tears in her eyes.

"I am so glad you decided to come home, Dad. Kat is inside and is still very upset. Please don't lose your temper with her today. She is already upset enough with all that's happened in the last twenty-four hours. Dad, I may be young, but I do know that she can still lose the babies if she is under too much stress. Please get her to calm down a little. Then later maybe we can all sit down and talk this whole thing out."

I just looked at her in shock and realized that for fourteen, she was too smart for her age. I did realize immediately that she was totally right and I had to get Kat to calm down and talk to me so we could get this worked out. I could never forgive myself if something happened to her or the babies because of me. I hadn't been mad at her in particular. The whole situation had ticked me off. Before I went in I turned to Timmy.

"Timmy, if we can go today we will, but I guarantee it will happen tomorrow. I have some adult things I need to handle and I don't know how long it's going to take me."

"Ok, Gampa, whatever you say. I will be out back playing with the dogs if you decide to go today."

I just smiled at him and that's when I saw the Frisbees they were both carrying. They took off again and I headed for the front door. I went in and set my bag down, and before I could turn around I had an armful of sobbing woman. I just stood and held her, feeling bad because I had hurt her. That hadn't been my intention but I had done it and now I felt like it was all my fault. We stood in the foyer for about ten minutes before she quit sobbing and finally quieted down enough for me to hand her my handkerchief. She blew her nose and tentatively smiled at me.

"Kat, darling, I think we need to sit down and have a heart to heart talk. Both of us are upset and we should have talked it out before it got to this point."

"I know, Jon, and I am so sorry for what's happened between us. Believe me when I say I never intended for it to go this far. Come into the kitchen and have some coffee while we try to work this out."

We went in and she fixed me a coffee and a glass of tea for herself. Then we sat at the counter and started talking. For the next two hours we hashed it back and forth slowly coming to the decision that we both had been manipulated by Myrna, but neither of us could figure out why she had done it and to what end. Then Kat said something that shocked me to the core and for some reason it all came together.

"Jon, I may be wrong about this but I think Myrna has been in love with you since you came here from France. Looking back on it and from what Sally and I have discussed, it's the only thing that makes any sense. I think on one hand she loves you and is happy, and on the other she is jealous of you and me and what we have together. Jon, we have to find her and try to get it worked out. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to her because of me. The way I have been acting is bad enough, but to realize that I have come between you and her is not something I want to live with. I know neither of us knew it, but it's still not right. You and she should have had time to talk and work it all out before last night's blowup happened. Jon, I love you and I promise you that what happened last night and this past two weeks will never be repeated. I don't want to ever feel like I did as I watched you walk out the door last night."

Before I could answer or even kiss her, the intercom buzzed and the guard said I had a package at the gate I had to sign for. I gave her a rueful grin and went toward the front of the house. I walked down to the gate and the messenger had me sign for the package. It was flat and of the type used for documents. For some reason I was leery of it and took it inside the guard house to the little box Jimmy had installed. I put it inside and turned on the power after clicking the latches shut. In a few minutes it built up a charge of static electricity, releasing it inside the box. When nothing happened I waited for it to recharge and do it again. Then I shut the power down and waited for several minutes while the static charge dissipated and took the envelope out of the box. I told the guard to stand back as I opened it, still being careful because I had not been expecting any papers from anyone. There was no return address on the package so I thought my precautions were necessary to protect me and my family. It was from Myrna and held several documents and a letter addressed to me. I thanked the guard and headed back to the house so that Kat and I both could examine the documents and letter. I had never hidden anything from her and I wasn't going to start now.

When I got in the house, I went back into the kitchen and Kat immediately warmed my coffee.

"Hon, this is from Myrna. I don't know when or from where she mailed it because it has no return address. There is a letter addressed to me."

"Do you want me to leave you alone to read it, Jon?"

"Absolutely not! I don't have or keep secrets from you and I am not about to start. Let's look at the documents first, and then we will read the letter."

From the smile I got I knew I had said and done the right thing and had answered her like I should have. For some weird reason her smile made me feel warm inside. The first document referred to a trust set up in Sally's name that was to be used for college and books, but only if Sally attended Myrna's alma mater. The second was for another trust she had set up for the newborns to be used toward their college or if they didn't attend they could get it at age twenty one. I knew this had to have been done since we came back from the island because the names Sally had chosen for them were on the papers. The amounts were staggering and although I knew Myrna had been well off, I hadn't realized to what extent. Then I wondered just how much she had been making sitting here everyday, trading her penny stocks as she called them. Bill had once let slip Myrna was better off than he was and I knew he was a millionaire and had hundreds of thousands in investments all over the world. From what I could read between the lines, it looked like he and Myrna had been consulting on everything so they could both make money.

The third document I almost dropped in shock when I realized what it was. It was six pages long and held copies of signed quit claim deeds made over to Kat and me from Myrna. It was for her share of the house as well as all the surrounding property that had to cover at least twenty square miles. I went and got the map of the house and the surrounding area out and spread it on the table. With what she had signed over to us, we owned from the house at the end of the road five miles away, all the way to the city limits and it included the mineral rights. The road I thought was the county road behind the property was actually owned by Myrna and now Kat and I. It was kept up by the county for use as a fire road only. I could invoke a clause in the agreement I now held and close it off at any time. The property on the other side of the road also was now ours and it consisted of over six hundred acres previously belonging to my mother. From what the title copy said, my mother had left it to Myrna because it was her home when she was growing up and she wanted to make sure it was never sold. It was leased to a close friend of the family and they farmed it along with keeping up the house and buildings. This was all news to me and it cleared up a lot of things in my own mind that I had always wondered about over the years I had lived here.

Kat was trying to pour me some more coffee and I noticed her hand was shaking. I looked at her and she had the same look on her face that I knew I had. I told her to sit down a minute as I thought we were both suffering from information overload.

"Jon, do you realize that she planned all of this long before last night? I think she was planning on leaving when we came back from the island. Oh, Jon, now I feel even worse about what happened last night."

The fourth document had a letter attached to the front with the directions that it, as well as the documents attached was to be given to Tiny at the first possible moment when he was at the house. I didn't even bother to look at them as I figured they were none of my business. I was going to have to explain to him what happened to his Aunt Myrna soon enough. I picked up the letter addressed to me and set it to the side.

"Jon, if you want to read it in private, I understand."

"No, I thought I would read it when Sally came in later for supper. I have a feeling from what she told me happened last night, it will concern her too. Now I think I will put all of this in the wall safe and take Timmy for his hair cut. I was reminded about it when I came in earlier."

Kat came over and kissed me, laughing at my impression of Timmy. She broke it looking at me saying again that she loved me. I just kissed her in answer before being stupid and pushing my luck again when I said; "I am still getting a vasectomy, because I am not going to go through being sick all over again, if you decide to get pregnant in the future."

"Jon, I do not want to discuss it until after the triplets are born."

Then it finally sank through my thick skull why she didn't want to talk about it now, and I felt ashamed that I was pushing it. Thinking about it made me realize she was afraid and this was her first pregnancy. She was worried enough without me making it worse with my nagging about how I didn't like something. Oh well, I thought, I would put up with the morning sickness for now. I winked and grinned at her before going out the back door to round up Timmy so we could go and get our flattops. He had decided he was going to get his cut like mine always was. I smiled, wondering what his mother was going to say when we came back and his long blond hair was missing. Boy, I thought, you really like to make the women mad at you. I was smiling and whistling as I walked around the house to grab my partner in crime.



-------

Chapter 72


I walked around the house looking for Timmy. When I got to towards the back, I heard yelling and laughing as well as the dogs growling. The sight that greeted my eyes made me chuckle to myself. Sally was down on her back with one of the dogs above her, trying to take the Frisbee away from her. Timmy and the other dog were watching, and Timmy was laughing to the accompaniment of the dogs barking. Jeesh, I thought, some guard dogs these were. I had been told they would interact with the kids like normal dogs, but to see it for myself was a bit of a shocker. Then Timmy saw me and started running in my direction and quick as a flash the Frisbee was stolen out of his hand. He forgot about me and ran after the thief, trying to get his Frisbee back. I watched laughing as the thief would wait till Timmy almost got up to him, and then take off again with Timmy giving him hell the whole time. I was laughing to beat the band and then Michelle came from the back. The thief ran into her and knocker her down. Timmy ran and jumped on her, and she was laughing while trying to get him off her. I whistled real loud and all parties froze looking at me.

"I hate to break this up, guys, but Timmy and I need to get to town before the barber shop closes."

Then Kat spoke from behind me, almost giving me a heart attack because she had snuck up on us without me knowing. She was grinning at my reaction and then Sally started laughing and the rest joined in.

"Jon, we decided that we need to do a little shopping too, so I volunteered you to take us all in with you. I hope you don't mind?"

"Not at all, Hon, but we will all stick together. Timmy and I will get out haircuts while you wait on us then we will take you all shopping. It's been quiet but I don't want to take any chances."

"We already decided we were going to ask you to do it that way."

I just looked at her and got that grin of hers. While Michelle went to get Verna, Kat, Sally, Timmy and I went to the garage to get the truck. While I was backing out, the thought hit me that now I knew why on sudden impulse I had bought the king cab style of truck. When the rest had all piled in, to my surprise, Timmy, Sally, and I were up front with the three women in the back. I looked through the rear view mirror and Kat winked at me. I just smiled and pulled out, heading for town. When we came to the outskirts of town, I had to refresh my memory as to where the barbershop was located and after remembering, headed in that direction. I was surprised when we walked in, the place was dead and I was immediately able to get in the chair. When the barber asked me how I would like it cut, I told him in a short flattop and Timmy immediately piped up saying he wanted the same. That's when it hit the proverbial fan. He and Michelle were really going at it, with the rest of us including the barber laughing at them. Then the focus turned to me and I almost got scalped when I slid down in the chair trying to disappear.

"Jon Morgan, this was your idea, wasn't it? You knew he would want the same haircut you got."

I had the cover they use in all barbershops pulled up far enough to cover my grin, but it wasn't helping me at all when the barber moved it, exposing my ear to ear smile. The look on Michelle's face when she saw my big grin almost made me laugh out loud. I saw her inhaling to really cut loose on me but the next words were Timmy's and he shut us all down with what he had to say.

"Mom, Gampa tried to talk me out of it because he said it would make you mad. Well I am almost four and I am tired of all the fuss you make when you wash and dry it. Even the dogs pull it when we play and it itches when I sweat. I decided to have it cut like Gampa's and I won't change my mind, so there."

I started to laugh until I saw the tears come to Michelle's eyes and cut it off. I nodded my head towards Michelle for Kat to go to her, but Verna quickly pulled her up. They went to the back of the shop and were talking back and forth quietly. The barber finished me, and then Timmy climbed up in the chair. The barber had to put in a booster for him to sit on. When they got settled and Timmy had the cloth over him, the barber looked at me before asking again how Timmy would like it cut.

"I want it cut just like my gampa's, Mr. Barber."

"Well, young man, I can cut any way you like, but I won't cut it that way unless your mom gives me permission. I certainly don't want her to get mad at me because I didn't ask first."

Timmy twisted in the chair and gave him a mean look before saying two words.

"Cut it!"

I turned towards Kat to keep from laughing out loud at his actions, and got a dirty look from her when she realized what I was doing. I was saved when Michelle walked back up, stopping in front of the chair and looking at Timmy like she was trying to memorize what he looked like. Then she spoke and I felt better about her for the first time by what she had to say to Timmy.

"Timmy, if you're sure, I won't object. I guess your trying to forget as much as I am, and I think it's time we both tried to put it all behind us. I love you and sometimes I forget you're growing up. You get it cut however you want to, my son."

Timmy scrambled up in the chair and hugged her, kissing her on the cheek, then sat back down, waiting for the barber to start with a big smile on his face. Michelle sat down and the barber started cutting. I think for every lock of hair that fell she shed a tear. I sat down next to Kat, feeling a little guilty, thinking I was the catalyst for this. Kat turned my head toward her, kissed me lightly on the lips before whispering in my ear; "I know you didn't plan this, but I think she is finally on the road to being free, and starting to heal from all she has been through."

I didn't say anything, but watched as the barber finally finished and put a little bit of hair tonic on Timmy's head so the hair would stand up. He held up a mirror so Timmy could see, and the smile when he looked in it made Sally laugh.

"Now I got two Legionnaires I have to put up with, it's just not fair."

Timmy stuck his tongue out at her which she promptly returned before turning red when she realized we were all watching her actions. We all started laughing as Timmy got out of the chair and I went up to pay.

"Mr. Morgan, yours is five-fifty, but Timmy's is free because it's his first time in my shop. I always give the first haircut free. Now when he comes back he will have to pay to have himself scalped again."

"My gampa will make sure I have the money to pay for my haircut."

As we walked out the door, we were all still laughing. We climbed back into the truck and I had just put the key in the ignition when a male voice, slurring his words, spoke next to my window.

"Mr. you don't need all those pretty women. Why don't you loan us a couple, and we will bring them back when we are finished."

There were two men standing or swaying next to the truck with big grins on their faces. I didn't even answer just slammed the door open into the one next to it, and as he staggered back, I jumped out.

"Jon, don't kill them," I heard Kat yell as I kicked the first one in the privates. He went down and the second one just stood for a few seconds with his mouth hanging open. He looked at me and started toward me, and I jumped up and kicked him in the mouth as hard as I could. I felt teeth give way as well as hearing his jaw crack. He went down, out cold, and I stood there ready to kick the other one again if he was able to get up. I heard the short burst of the siren in the background before the Sheriff came up asking what happened. I told him with the women backing me up, and he called an ambulance for them while taking my statement. I signed, as well as the others, and he said we could go on to wherever we were going. I climbed back into the truck but the mood for now was somber as we drove toward the small mall on the outskirts of town. When we pulled up and parked, Timmy, as usual, broke all of us out in laughter again.

"Mom, my neck itches."

Sally almost fell off the seat she was laughing so hard. I wasn't about to admit it out loud, but mine was itching too. Instead I tried in my own dumb way to placate him.

"That's normal after you get a haircut, Timmy. When you get home, you can take a bath, and wash away all the pieces of loose hair that the barber missed."

"Aw gee, do I have to take another bath? That will make two today."

This time it was Michelle, to my surprise, who was laughing the hardest as we got out of the truck. She was laughing at the expression that I didn't realize was on my face until Timmy spoke again.

"You don't like baths either, do you Gampa? I saw the face you made."

I just hung my head and tried to shut out the laughter around me. Timmy came up, taking my hand in his. When I looked down, he gave me an ornery looking smile and I realized he had done it on purpose without knowing why. I smiled at him and Sally came up and took control of my other arm.

"Timmy and I want to go to the tack store, Dad. We both want to look around at what kinds of gear they have for horses and ponies. Remember, you promised we could both have horses when we got back from the island."

I vaguely remembered something about horses and ponies, but the eagerness on their faces made me forget it. I just nodded as we all headed inside. When we got in the small mall, I was surprised there were so many stores under one roof.

"Ok, we will all meet back here in twenty minutes. If there are any problems, I am only a short distance away, so yell if you need me."

We all went our separate ways, but I still had misgivings about them being on their own. The next twenty minutes were spent with me being bored to death, and Sally and Timmy having a ball picking out their tack for when they got new critters, as Sally called them. When we finally, to my relief, got out of the store, all three women were waiting with three carts stuffed full of bags. The first thought that entered my mind was how the hell they could buy so much in twenty minutes of shopping. I was to learn they weren't done when Kat spoke up.

"Jon we still need to stop at the supermarket on the way home. I need to buy food for us and so do Michelle and Verna. We are running low on several items that we all need."

I let out a big sigh and got a dirty look from Kat, and Sally started giggling. I didn't say a word, just escorted them to the truck. We put all their bags in the back after I unlocked the cap. When we finally got it all stowed away, I got a kiss from Kat to the accompaniment of a loud yuck from Timmy. I almost laughed in the middle of the kiss. Kat did and it ruined the kiss. I didn't say anything, just unlocked the truck with the remote so we could all get in again. This time I had Kat next to me with Sally on the outside and the other three in the back. Timmy had a sucker and Sally was eating red licorice that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Now I loved red licorice, and tried to get Sally to give me a piece, but she said I was driving and she didn't think I could concentrate on both at the same time. I gave her a dirty look, much to Kat's delight, and they both broke out laughing. Timmy spoke up from the backseat saying; "You can have a lick of my sucker, Gampa, but mom says I have germs, whatever that means."

It took me five minutes sitting on the side of the road to get myself under control, and see clearly again around the tears. We were all still chuckling as we pulled into the parking lot of a Piggly Wiggly supermarket. I had to smile at the name, and we all piled out and everyone left me standing next to the truck as they almost ran inside. I just shook my head smiling, and locked up the truck and headed inside. Just as I got to the door, I saw the same man I had seen at Jeb's place. He stepped forward, and I turned to meet him in a defensive posture with my hand under my arm.

"I am no threat to you or your family, Mr. Morgan. I just need a few minutes of your time to see if you can answer some questions."

I knew he looked familiar to me and as soon as he spoke I realized it was the same agent who had come to my porch and warned me about Dwight.

"Well, Steve, I will help all I can. Seems like I already owe you one from awhile back."

"I am surprised you remember me. I was going to try to approach you this morning, but you had disappeared by the time I got out of the store."

"I was there, but out of sight watching you."

"So it was you who called my plate in? I caught hell over that one from my boss."

"Yep, and he probably got a call from Interpol wanting to know why an agent from NSA was following one of theirs."

He looked at me in shock, and we both broke out in a chuckle at each others precautions.

"Mr. Morgan, we are looking into the gun shop, and its connections to the new church that was built on the outskirts of town. It seems the owner of the shop gave them the land, and has loaned them a lot of money. We think he might have the disks we been looking for, the ones that have all the hiding places for the church's money. We believe they were hidden and he found them. Do you have any knowledge about him or the disks? We know you have been out of the country getting married, but after seeing you and him being so friendly this morning, my boss said I needed to talk to you."

"Steve, he doesn't have them and neither do I. I was accused of this once before, but I understood the church's leaders thought they knew where they were. The money Jeb has loaned then I have been backing with my own until they can get on their feet. If your boss wants to check this, he can ask to see the contracts at the bank. You can even come to my home, and I will get my copies out of the safe. Then you can make copies to take to your boss. There is nothing crooked going on, and I made the loans for a tax write off because my accountant said it would be an excellent investment."

"Damn, I have spent the last month beating my head against a brick wall. If we had known this sooner, we could have been looking elsewhere for the disks. I am sorry to bother you about them and I will inform my boss of your offer to see the contracts. Well, I better let you rejoin your family and guests. Oh, one more thing I need to know for my own edification. How the hell did you get the Marshal's service to raid Dwight's house?"

"The records he stole were CASA records, and the court takes a dim view of anyone looking at them. They are only open for viewing to a few select people. I have to admit the arrest was secondary, as he didn't get the ones he was looking for, only the closed cases."

He busted out laughing and thanked me for my time, still chuckling as he walked away. I let out the breath I was holding and went into the store to find the tribe wondering if my truck was going to be big enough to hold everything they would probably buy today.



-------

Chapter 73


When I got in the store, my mind was still going over my conversation with Steve. I wondered if that would pull them off from watching Jeb. The paperwork was on file although the actual figures were hidden under the client privilege out of Jerry's firm. Oh well, Jerry would make sure it was legal since he drew it up. Again the women had full baskets, and when I walked up to Kat she held her hand out, smiling at me and my big eyes. Being the typical man, I just handed her my card with a sigh at which Michelle started giggling. I gave her a dirty look but it didn't shut her up. Timmy came over looking at his mom, and then came over where I was standing. He took my hand as I waited for them to check out. Sally came over with raised eye brows looking at all the stuff in the carts.

"Geesh, Dad, do they really think we are going to be able to eat all of that? There has to be enough there for six months. Is there something we haven't been told about yet, like a famine or something?"

I just grinned at her, thinking the same thing, but had better sense that to say something where Kat might hear. She might not say anything to Sally, but I was a different matter. We finally got it all in the back of the truck and even though it was probably my imagination, I could have sworn my truck was sitting a few inches lower in the back. On the way home, Timmy spotted the Ice Cream store and of course we all had to stop for some. We came out after all of them had eaten a huge bowl. Well, not huge, just extra large banana splits for everyone except for me and Timmy. We had a half of one each. I asked Kat if there were any more stops on the agenda and she handed me back my credit card giving me that look, so I just shut my pie hole and smiled. We got in the truck and went home. When we pulled up to the gate, an old decrepit truck was sitting in front of the gate and I recognized it immediately. Jubal and Farley were back and I waved to the guard to let them in. When we parked in front of the house they got out and Verna bailed out running, and jumping in Jubal's arms before I got stopped. He was whirling her around and kissing her at the same time. I had to admit, I was glad to see both of them safe. Timmy was jabbering at Farley about something and Kat and Sally came to my side, watching them with smiles on their faces. Farley shook my hand and I had to grin when he said they drove all night because Jubal couldn't wait to see Verna.

Unloading the truck was easier after the women got everything sorted out and to my surprise it, only took three trips to get it all inside. When I went into the kitchen with the last bags, I noticed Kat and Michelle with their heads together talking and wondered what that was all about. I didn't have to wait long to find out when Michelle went out the back door.

"Jon, Michelle, Timmy and Farley are staying here in the main house tonight. Michelle asked so her mom and Jubal could have a little privacy. Everyone will be eating a late supper here tonight. Will you please carry the bags I left in the foyer to the nursery and set them down? I found some nice stuff I am going to have Tiny and his crew put up when they come back Monday. Are you ok, honey?"

"Couldn't be better, Kat. I am glad to see them back safe. I was just thinking how to break the news to Farley about Myrna leaving. I know he will ask and to be truthful, I kinda dread trying to explain it."

"Jon, Farley's a grown man. Just tell him the truth and let him decide what he wants to do about it. I have a feeling with Jubal being back, Verna will want to go home, and I wouldn't be surprised if we get invited to a wedding soon. Those two have got the bug bad. Why don't you invite Farley out to your office to show him your new guns and let it go from there? I will send Sally out in a little while with some coffee for you both."

"Good idea, hon. Have I told you today that I love you?"

"No, but I love to hear it. I love you too, Jon."

I got a kiss and that impish smile I loved so much before I went looking for Farley. I had an idea where he was since when I got out the door, I could hear Sally and Timmy out back. As I walked around the house, I could hear Sally laughing at Farley and when I saw him, I realized I hadn't introduced him to the dogs yet. I almost broke out laughing at the scene that greeted me when I walked around the house. Farley was up in the tree with both dogs trying to get to him and Sally and Timmy were almost rolling on the ground, laughing at him for yelling at them. I stood for a minute taking it in and smiling before I walked up and called the dogs down.

"Farley, go get Jubal and I will introduce you two to the dogs. If I don't, neither one of you will be able to come outside."

"Dammit, Jon, I came out to give Jubal and Verna a little privacy, and next thing I knew I had two mutts trying to eat me. Will you tell those two laughing hyenas it's not funny?"

I looked at Sally and Timmy who were rolling on the ground laughing. I told Farley to come down and to go get Jubal. He carefully got down watching both dogs as he did and I wondered where the third dog was. I turned to tell the laughing hyenas to get up when Farley yelled; "Jon!"

I turned around and got my question answered. The other dog was between him and the cottage with all its teeth showing as it moved toward him. I almost busted up laughing myself, but called him down and he joined the other two by my side. Farley gave me a dirty look as he went inside. Sally and Timmy were petting all the dogs telling them how good a job they were doing and laughing the whole time. Within a few minutes they both came out with Jubal looking a little red in the face and this time I did laugh out loud. They came over to me and stopped about ten feet in front of me. I took the dogs up and gave them Jubal's name then Farley's, telling them in German they were ok, as I had been taught. Of course, I had no idea what I was saying to them, but it seemed to work as they got up one at a time and sniffed them both. After the sniff, the one took off, while the other two went to the kids with their tongues hanging out. The kids grabbed them by the heads shaking them all around and the dogs both seemed to love it.

Jubal beat a hasty retreat back in the cottage while Farley walked over next to me watching them.

"Jon, are you sure they're safe for the kids to play with?"

"Farley, those dogs are better babysitters than the adults around here. There's nowhere on this property they can go that the dogs aren't watching over them. Actually they are safer with them than with me or anyone else. They know immediately if someone's close or near the property lines and don't hesitate to let us know. They have to be some of the smartest and well trained animals I have ever seen. They play with the kids like they were raised by them and they all have a lot of fun. Let's go to my office for a bit, there's something I need to speak to you about."

He followed me, watching the kids playing with the dogs over his shoulder. When we got inside, he sat down on an empty chair and looked at me expectantly. I proceeded to tell him what had happened with Myrna, and what I had been able to find out about where she had gone before my contacts had lost track of her. He looked at me, and I could see he was disappointed. He just sat for about five minutes thinking before he finally spoke.

"Jon, I don't mind admitting I am disappointed. I never talked about it with Jubal but I think I was falling for her. I don't know if it would have worked out with us being different races, but I shore would have liked to have given it a try."

"Farley, I never put a lot of stock in the race thing myself. If you love someone, who gives a shit what other people think. Love crosses boundaries people don't ever think about. There are examples of it all through our history in France as well as America. I have friends of every race and religion and never thought about their skin color. Hell, if you find a woman that's attractive to you, you don't see what color she is, just how pretty she is. Myrna is a beautiful woman and I feel really bad we didn't get a chance to sit down and talk it all out. If the chemistry was there, I wouldn't have given a shit who didn't like it. No, Farley, even an ole redneck like you can love someone and never think about their skin color, unless some ass says something smart and then you would do as I would, kick his ass and kiss your lady."

He looked at me sharply then grinned, sitting back in the chair. I could see he was doing some heavy thinking by the way he was sitting, not seeing anything around him and seemingly lost in thought. The intercom buzzed and Kat told us Sally was on her way with coffee. I was also reminded to remember to bring my dirty cups in again, as she said we were running short. I looked around the office and there were eight or ten sitting all around the office. I grinned to myself and jumped up when I saw Sally at the door. I opened it and got a big grin from her for it. She looked at Farley and I shook my head no, and she seemed to understand what I was trying to convey. She set the tray down and went back out. I carefully poured myself a cup of it and sat back waiting to see what he would say. He seemed to come to some decision because I watched as his face relaxed and he seemed to become aware of where he was.

"Sorry I spaced out, Jon. You know, you were right. Thinking about it, I don't care about her skin color, but I do care for the woman. Will you help me find her?"

"Farley, I will do all I can. Will you and Jubal be taking Verna and the rest back to her home?"

"God I hope so, I am tired of listening to him whine about missing her. Have you ever sat on a stakeout and heard a woman's name at least a million times in one night? Let me tell you, I was about ready to strangle him a time or two. You know I gave up my career in the Seals when he came to me. He was twelve when his folks were killed and I was my brother's only living relative so it fell to me to take care of him. The day he graduated from Seal training I couldn't have been happier than if he was my own son. I lived vicariously through the missions he went on. When he dropped out to come live with me up in the mountains, I was sad in a way, but happy he was back. Now he is in love and I will lose him again, but once again I am torn between feeling sorry for myself or being happy he has finally found someone he cares for more than me. Let me tell you, emotionally it's like riding a roller coaster. I finally came to the conclusion that if he's happy, then I am happy for him. Jon, do you have a guess where Myrna might have gone?"

"I have given that a lot of thought. My contact lost her in Hawaii but he checked all the flights out and her name wasn't on any of them. He did say there were several passenger ships docked when she disappeared, so maybe she caught one of them. I already told him to see if she was on any of the passenger lists and if so, where the ship was headed for. That takes time because they are very secretive about who's onboard. He is good so I expect he will find out if her name shows up. Farley, if I have to, I can make it an official inquiry, but I would rather wait to see if my contact comes up with anything first."

I didn't tell him if I made it official she would be stopped by immigration at her next stop, and held until she was questioned or they were told to release her. I didn't want to do that because she would know it was me, and I didn't want her to hate me for doing it. I had alerted Interpol and they would let me know immediately if she surfaced and where. They had agents in almost all known ports all over the world, watching every new face that came in or who went out that they knew.

"Jon, if you find out will you let me know right away? I am almost positive I am in love with her, and I want to go to her and see if she feels anything for me along the same line. With what Jubal and I made this last month plus all the extras, we are just about set for life. I don't mind using it for that if it answers my questions and feelings. It would be worth it to me to know one way or the other."

Before I could answer, the intercom buzzed again.

"Jon, you and Farley get ready for supper. It's almost done, and don't forget to bring in all those dirty coffee cups."

"Yes, dear."

When it quit buzzing, Farley broke out in laughter and I gave him the finger. He helped me gather them, and we headed for the house to wash up. Looking at the tray while walking across the drive, I had to admit the stack of dirty cups looked impressive, even to me, and I was the one who dirtied them. When we got to the porch, he went to the side and I went inside headed for the kitchen. When Kat saw the tray, she started in on me immediately, but in a joking way. Sally was giggling at her as I put them in the dishwasher.

"Well, Kat, I guess a certain young lady is going to start earning some of the allowance I give her. She can make sure that they are brought in at the end of every day."

"Aww come on, Dad, I help out in the kitchen and do laundry. Besides, you don't give me much of an allowance as it is."

"I guess I will just have to raise it a dollar a week then."

"Cheapskate!"

We both busted up laughing at her, because we both knew she didn't get an allowance. She knew if she needed money or something, she had her own charge card for her personal use. I had given it to her when she started school, and she had never abused it the whole time it had been hers. I had always been proud of that fact, and she had a lot of pride in it herself. Unlike a lot of the better off girls in her school, she was almost as frugal as Myrna had been. Thinking back, I wondered if she had somehow learned it from her. Thinking of Myrna, I reminded myself to make some calls after supper. When the crowd came in from the cottage, Kat and I looked at Verna and then each other and just smiled. Timmy came running over to me with a big smile.

"Gampa, Gampa, guess what?"

"What."

"Grandma and Jubal are getting married when we get home to Grandma's house."

"Timmy, you got a big mouth, I told you not to say anything until Mom had a chance to talk to Jon and Kat first."

"Well, my Gampa needed to know right away so he could get ready to move too."

"Jon and Kat won't be moving, this is their home. I told you we were only staying here temporarily."

Timmy looked at her then at me, and started bawling his head off. I glanced around and everyone looked shocked at his crying. I went to my knees looking up at Kat imploringly because this was out of my league. I just hugged him to me and Kat sat down next to us rubbing his head. This went on for a few minutes until Timmy quit sobbing.

"Timmy, honey, Jon can't move away from here. He has to take care of me and Sally, and the new babies. You can come and visit any time you want to, and you can even stay whenever your mom says it's ok with her."

"If Gampa can't move, (sniff) then, then I am staying too. Besides, (sniff) he promised me and Sally we could have our own horses, and she was gonna teach me how to ride."

I really felt bad then because this was one promise that was biting me in the ass big time. I had no idea how I was going to get around this one. Thank God Michelle was a fast thinker.

"Honey, you can keep your horse at Grandma's in her barn. She owns a big farm and you can fish and ride until you get tired of it. Jubal and I can teach you how to ride and I will even buy a horse so we can go riding together every day if you want."

"But Sally has all kinds of medals and trophies, and I want to learn from her. Mom, I don't want to hurt her feelings by not letting her teach me like she wanted too."

I looked over at Sally and to my surprise she was crying too. I couldn't tell if it was because Timmy was or she was touched by what he said. She took a deep breath and it was her turn to reassure him that it would be ok but it didn't quite come out that way.

"Oh, Timmy, I will, I will, I..." and ran from the room. I heard her going up the steps and Timmy broke out sobbing in my arms again. Kat got up and quickly turned the burners on the stove off and almost ran out of the room. I heard her tromping up the steps and looked over at Jubal and Verna. Jubal looked crestfallen at Timmy and seemed to shrink before my eyes as he stared at him. Verna had tears running down her cheeks, and was holding on to Jubal's arm like it was a life preserver. I looked over at Michelle and she looked back at me with a helpless look on her face, like she didn't know what more she could say or do to help. Looking at all of them I suddenly got that sinking sensation in my gut, like I used to get when I saw the enemy charging at us, knowing they outnumbered us three to one. I was on my own, and didn't have the slightest idea what to do. I was racking my brains for some kind of idea when Farley spoke from where he was standing.

"Timmy, do you remember the night I found you?"

"Yes sir."

"Do you remember what you told me about your mom?"

"Umm yes."

"Ok little man, this is just like that night. You know Jon loves you, but not as much as your mom does. You promised me you would take care of her if I got you out of that place and back with her, now didn't you?"

I felt him stiffen in my arms and he quit crying. He turned and looked at Farley before he spoke.

"Yes and I don't go back on my word. I made you a promise and I will stick to it whether I like it or not. I won't ever let anyone hurt her again!"

When he turned and looked me in the eyes I didn't see a little boy then, but a man that had been through it all and come out better for the experience. When he spoke this time there was steel in his voice and he no longer sounded like a boy. I felt a twinge in my chest when he spoke to me.

"Gampa, I love you and my sister, but my mom comes first. She needs me to be there for her like she was always there for me. I'm sorry I can't stay, but I promise I will come back and visit and call every day."

I hugged him to my chest feeling the tears running down my cheeks as I did. I knew I was going to miss him more than I could ever admit to anyone. He had meant as much to me in the short time we had known each other as Kat and Sally did. He hugged me and kissed my cheek and went to his mom's side taking her hand.

"Don't worry, Mom, I won't leave you."

She broke down then and Verna was there hugging both of them. I looked up at Farley and mouthed "Thank you", and he just nodded back at me. I got up then and headed up the steps, feeling a hundred years old. As I climbed I was thinking to myself, this emotional ride was too hard on all of us. We had lost Myrna, and now I felt like I was losing another chunk of me with Timmy leaving. Oh, I knew they would leave, but I never expected it to be so hard on all of us. I finally realized that Sally had been alone with no one but Myrna all these years. Now she had finally found herself someone she could relate to, and he was being torn out of her life too. God, I hated this. I made a promise to myself as I went up the steps. I would find Myrna and we would work it out, no matter how hard it would be. She was a part of my family too and I would bring her back to us, no matter how long it took to do it.



-------

Chapter 74


The next two weeks as Timmy and his family got ready to return to Verna's home, were two long, sad weeks for me. I took Timmy and Sally to several water parks as well as looking at horses all over Virginia. We didn't find anything, but we had fun doing it. As the time passed and got down to the last day, my heart felt like it was shriveling in my chest. For some reason, I loved this little boy like he was a part of my soul. I was sitting by myself in my office on the eve of their departure when Kat came in and sat in my lap, kissing me.

"Jon, I can see the hurt and sadness every time I look at you. Please try to cheer up tomorrow so Timmy doesn't pick up on your feelings. I just left Sally and she was in her room crying. I think you need to go to her and share your feelings with her so she doesn't think she's the only one who feels this way."

I looked at my wife and the mother to be of my children and had tears running down my cheeks. I had to swallow a couple of times before I could speak.

"Kat, I haven't missed your sadness at them leaving either. How do you do it and still seem so cheerful to everyone? It's tearing me up inside and it's all I can do to keep from screaming."

"Jon, my darling, I have been through this a lot more than you have. It happened all the time when I worked at the hospital. I am hurting just as much or more than you and Sally, but if I let myself go, I would be a total wreck. It hurts me just as much, watching what it is doing to the two people I love most in the world. No, Jon, I won't let myself break down until after they leave. Then I will go have a hot bubble bath and cry my eyes out. Now get up and go to your daughter, she needs your shoulder to cry on."

I helped her up and went to the door. When I opened it, I turned to her and said; "I'll probably be the one crying on her shoulder." I walked out, dragging my feet, and went in the house and up the steps. I went to Sally's room and knocked. When she sobbed out for me to enter, I went in and she was in my arms crying before I got all the way into the room. I held her, feeling the tears on my cheeks. I picked her up and sat down in the big padded chair I had spent so many hours in when she first came here to live. As she cried, I thought about how many times I had sat here holding her in my arms calming her after she had a nightmare in the middle of the night. This was a little different as it was a bad dream for both of us. I sat, thinking of all our happy times together and all the problems we had solved sitting here and talking. I thought about how much I loved her and how I had shortchanged her by always being gone, working to solve other parents problems and completely forgetting I was a parent also. I sat hugging her, smelling the baby shampoo she still used, and felt the tears running down my own cheeks. God, I thought, here I was holding a teenager I loved more than life, and now I had three more coming to care for. I knew deep in my soul I had enough love for all of them, but this one I was holding had always meant more to me than anything I ever thought I would find in my life. I sat thinking about my life and how many times I thought I was going to die, not knowing there was love in the world like I was holding in my arms right now. I was soon to be thirty five years old and had never known love until this little girl, who took a large chunk of my heart and made it hers. I thought about how I felt about Kat and realized she held the other half of my heart in her smile and her love for me. I had always believed no man could ever lose his heart and soul to someone until I met Kat. I never fully understood what love really meant until this moment. Somewhere in my thoughts of how much these two meant to me I dozed off, holding Sally who had quit sobbing and was breathing steadily like she was asleep also.

I woke to kisses on my cheek. When I opened my eyes I saw it was Sally kissing me. When she saw my eyes open, she smiled sadly at me.

"Dad?"

"What, honey?"

"This is almost like when I was little. I used to fall asleep in your arms in this same chair. Dad, will we ever see Timmy again?"

"Oh yes, I am not about to let him fade out of our lives. I just don't know what to do about it, Sally. I think after they leave I am going to sit down with Kat and see if she has any ideas. I wish they could stay right here with us."

"Me too, Dad, I don't understand why I feel so bad because he is leaving. I know we spent a lot of time together, but I didn't think he meant so much to me. Now that he's leaving, I feel like I am losing someone very special to me. This is almost as bad as I felt when Myrna left without even saying goodbye to me. Why did she do it, Dad? I know we argued, but I didn't think it was that bad. I mean, I said some things that were mean to her and Kat, but I didn't mean to drive her out of my life forever. Can't you find her and ask her to come home? I really miss her, Dad, she was like my own mother. She was always there for me and now I can't thank her or even tell her how much I love her."

"I am trying, honey, for myself as much as for you. When she left, there were a lot of things we needed to talk out between us that I never realized before."

"Oh, you mean the fact that she was in love with you?"

"Sally!"

"Dad, I may be young, but I am not blind. I saw her crying on the island when you and Kat got married. She thought no one was around, but I was watching her because she was acting funny. At first I thought it was because of Carver, but when she was crying she kept saying your name. That's when I realized how she felt about you, Dad. I thought you knew, but I guess you didn't have any idea did you?"

"No I didn't, Sally. I always thought she hated me, but when I brought you home, she seemed to finally accept me being here. I had no idea she had any feelings for me."

"Dad, this may come as a surprise to you, but even with all my fear of being here and my step dad maybe coming after me, I knew within a couple of weeks that she cared a great deal for you. I finally got her to admit it one night when I saw her crying in the kitchen. She made me promise never to tell anyone. She used a whole bunch of excuses about how it wouldn't work, but I saw right through them. She was afraid you would hate her because she was black and you were white, and she thought you thought she was your grandfather's slave. I never knew why she felt that way, because even though I was only five years old, I could see you didn't. When I found out you were a Legionnaire, I studied everything I could find about the Foreign Legion. I tried to tell her that a person's skin color didn't mean a thing to you. She wouldn't talk about it and swore me to secrecy. When you guys started laughing and talking, I thought you had worked it out together. For a long time I figured you would marry her, but as the years passed I could see for myself it would never happen. I think that's why she disliked Sarah so much. She thought something was going on between you. I tried to tell her but she got mad and told me to mind my own business. Dad, I think Kat figured it out too, but I'm not sure."

"Yes, nosey, she did. But it was after Myrna had already left. She had a hard time convincing me at first, but everything over the years finally fell into line in my thick head, and I finally accepted it. Sally, I always cared for Myrna, but love in that way never entered my mind. To me she was a cross between a witch and a bossy big sister, and it drove me crazy at times. I am sorry I was gone so much, but it was the only way I could get away from her harping at me all the time."

Sally started laughing and at the look on my face, she explained it to me.

"I remember, Dad, whenever you left she was like a bear for a few hours. I used to disappear until I figured she had calmed down. Dad, I know this is off the wall, but when Timmy and the rest leave, can we go back to the island to live?"

"God, Sally, now you sound like Kat. She mentioned the very same thing not two weeks ago. I don't think she will want to now, with the new nursery almost being done and all the other things she has in the works. Her doctor friend will be here in a week or so for a visit and what about your friend Judy? She might miss you if you didn't live here anymore. Also, what about your school work? Remember, you are going to be a freshman in high school this fall. You might want to try out for sports or cheerleading."

"Dad, I love you, but you really don't know anything about my likes or dislikes, do you."

"No, sweetie, that's another part of your growing up I missed out on by being gone so much."

"Let me explain a few things and then maybe you will understand a little better. I would never be a cheerleader because they all have their noses so far in the air it's a wonder they don't get nosebleeds. Another reason is that I am not about to jump around in some skimpy outfit in front of a bunch of hormone driven teen aged boys. If I ever find a boyfriend, it will be because he wants me for me, not because I look good half dressed. Second thing, Dad, is unless they have created a sport in high school for Martial Arts, I wouldn't be interested in anything else. Third and most important, they now have web classes that are live, and I can attend school with the rest of my classmates online. When there is bad weather, I can study the pre-assigned classes and even take the tests online. Besides, Judy and I have already talked, she will come visit me during the summer and go home in the fall. The Sheriff said it was fine with him as long as he gets a free two week vacation on the island every year. Now, is there anything else I haven't planned for?"

I looked at her and got her ornery grin in return, and had started to tickle her when a voice spoke from the door. It was Kat and I hadn't heard her come up the creaky steps.

"Don't you two think I should know about any plans being made that include me?"

I looked at her, then at Sally, and grinned.

"Yes, dear, you should. But since I have no idea what Sally is scheming about, maybe you better discuss it with her."

Kat came in and I went out, but not before getting a dirty look from Sally for abandoning her. I grinned all the way down the steps. I went to the kitchen and grabbed a glass of tea and then almost ran to my office. When I sat down I was grinning like an idiot and congratulating myself on getting out of there before it hit the fan. Little did I know it was going to come back to bite me at dinner. I made some calls and found out that Myrna hadn't been spotted at any of the ports and my contact was still trying to get the passenger lists of the cruise ships. I sat thinking about it until Kat called me over the intercom saying dinner was ready. I felt my heart sink again and took a deep breath, willing myself to keep a cheerful face.

When I got to the dining room, everyone was just getting seated and Timmy was parked beside my chair with Sally on the other side. Verna and Kat brought the meal in when we all were seated. I did my best to laugh and kid around with him, but I could tell Sally was fighting to keep back the tears again. He kept asking me when he could come to visit and if I was going to take him back to the island again. I told him yes and that everyone was welcome to come. We kidded around throughout the whole meal and when it was over I noticed Timmy seemed to be the one who seemed sad. I hugged him to me and told him that we would be seeing each other real soon and not to be sad. He smiled at me, kissed me on the cheek, then went over and did the same to Sally. He was the first one out the back door with Michelle following along behind him. When they were gone, Verna had a short speech for me, Sally and Kat.

"Jon, Kat, Sally, I really want to thank you for all you have done for me and Michelle. She never dreamed she would get Timmy back again let alone having him adopted as her son. We all owe you more than we can ever repay. I know it's hard on all three of you because of our leaving, but I need to get home and Timmy needs the stable environment of being there with Michelle. She is still having a rough time of it, and I want to get her into counseling as soon as we get home. I do know that without your help, I never would have gotten my daughter and my family back together. I know you own your own tropical island, but if you ever need a place to come to, I want you to come to our home. All of you will always be welcome. I promised Timmy he could visit with you any time he wanted to, but I would appreciate it if you put it off for several months so we can get him settled in. I want him to think of the farm as his home, and that he feels welcome there. He has never had a place that was his, and I think this is what he needs for now."

I sat listening to what she said and felt the Wolf rearing its head inside of me. I felt like she was trying to cut us off from seeing Timmy again and I didn't like it. I looked over at Kat and she wasn't showing any expression on her face at this announcement and it worried me.

"Verna, I can understand your wanting to get Timmy settled in, but understand this. I will not be cut off from him and neither will my daughter or wife. We love him too, and we will want to see him in the future. With what you are saying, you are already acting like the church. You're the one who will control what happens and who he sees. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe in a roundabout way that's what you are saying."

Jubal and Farley both looked at her in a piercing way, and Jubal was the first to speak.

"Verna, thinking about it, that's what it sounds like to me too. Are you sure you haven't been in touch with the church recently?"

When Jubal said that, the look on her face told it all, and I could see Jubal was pissed. Farley went out the back door and returned with Michelle, and in front of Verna, told her what was going on and she went off immediately.

"Mom, I thought I could trust you, but now I see you are as bad as the rest of those bastards. You knew where I was at all the time, didn't you. I'll even bet you told the church where we were at when Jon got shot trying to save our lives. Did you really escape or was that all a cover too?"

"Now Michelle, honey, it wasn't so bad there. Your uncle told me how well you were being treated. He also told me that you were in line to bear the next prophet's child. Then you escaped and it upset the order because you took all the disks with private information on them. Now we are going home and when the leaders come back, you can make amends to them. Before you say no, remember you are my daughter. I have legal custody of you, and they will get me legal custody of Timmy once you're proven to be an unfit mother. Since it's all out in the open now, it doesn't make any difference what Jon says, because even he can't fight the courts. Jubal and I will be getting married and we will be raising Timmy as our own since I can't have children. Now I want you to get yourself and Timmy packed so we can leave in the morning. Before you try to fight me about it, remember I have custody of you, and since you're underage, that means Timmy is in my custody also. Jon, you may not like what I am doing, but it's for the best. I have the last say when it comes to my daughter. She is destined for better things than to live like a kept woman under your roof. She will carry and have the prophet's child and make the church even stronger. I will be one of the leaders as will Jubal when we get married."

Holy shit, I thought, this woman is crazy if she thinks I am going to stand still for this. I opened my mouth, but Jubal exploded before I could say a word.

"Why you conniving two faced bitch! I wouldn't marry you now if you were the last woman on earth. Me and Farley risked our lives helping Michelle escape from those lunatics. They were shooting to kill, so don't stand there and say Michelle is destined for greater things. Woman, I will kill you with my bare hands before I let you corrupt that girl and that little boy. They have been through enough without a lunatic like you trying to ruin their lives."

He started toward her and she just smiled at him like he hadn't said a word. I could see at this point she was totally gone in her religious fervor. She even held out her arms to Jubal like he hadn't said a thing. Farley grabbed Jubal and yanked him away from her, just before he was about to close his hands around her neck. I figured it was time for me to speak up and throw my hole card in. Before I did, I looked at Kat and mouthed call the Sheriff. She immediately ran to the other room to use the phone.

"Hold it, Jubal, she is not taking Michelle or Timmy anywhere. Verna, I am going to have you committed so you can get some help. As for Michelle, included in that little packet of papers adopting Timmy was an emancipation paper from the court. She can go and do anything she wants as she is no longer under anyone's control. Also, the money from the French Government is in an account in her name in Nigeria, so you can't touch that either. I will make sure she is well taken care of and out of your and the church's hands."

She stood and stared at me, and I could see the change come over her right before she ran at me, grabbing a knife from the counter. She was screaming threats and I let her come. When she got close enough, she brought the knife over her head as I expected. When she started to bring it down I waited until it was level with her shoulder on the downswing, and stepped toward her. She stumbled trying to adjust so she could stab me, and I swept her arm out to the side and clocked her right in the jaw. It took her two steps before her body realized her motor functions no longer worked and she hit the kitchen floor out cold. I grabbed her arms and handcuffed her before standing up. Michelle had a shocked look on her face for a few seconds and then ran into my arms. I knew we were all going to have to sit down and talk this out, but first I wanted her locked up where she couldn't threaten any one else. I had enough charges to keep her in there without bail, and I would make it a Federal matter so she wouldn't get bail until she had a psychiatric evaluation. I looked over at Jubal and I could see the hurt on his face as he looked at Verna lying there. Then he looked at Farley with a question in his eyes. God, I thought, what a hell of a mess.



-------

Chapter 75


When the Sheriff got there, Verna was just waking up and Farley helped her to her feet. She immediately started shouting and cussing me. She was foaming from the mouth so much she looked like she had rabies. You could tell by looking at her that her mind had somehow slipped away. The Sheriff stood in the doorway and watched awhile before he came in.

"Jon, I don't have the facilities for someone in her condition. I can hold her in the small cell, but by law, not for over twelve hours before I have to have her sent to a mental facility. What happened to her?"

I explained it all to him, and told him to take her to the state facility immediately and I would handle the rest. He just shook his head as he went to her. She tried to kick him and then tried to bite him, so Farley grabbed her and between the two of them they carried her out of the kitchen to the front door to load her in the Sheriff's car. When Farley came back in, he handed me my handcuffs and sat down at the table with an audible sigh. Jubal sat down beside him with his head in his hands, not saying anything. I sent Mitchell for Timmy so we could all sit and talk this out. Kat left the room for a few minutes and returned with a fifth of Cognac from the bar in the front room. She then set out glasses for everyone but her, Sally, and Timmy. When they came in, Timmy sat down next to Sally looking puzzled because all of us were just sitting around. To his credit, he didn't say anything, but just smiled at me. I told everyone to relax and have something to drink and as soon as I made a couple of calls, I would be back. I went to the front room and called the Marshal's service and made my report, telling them where, who, and what charges I was filing on her. My supervisor came on and said he would have the facility put her on a suicide watch until they could get her evaluated. He then asked me if she had any information about the church that we didn't already know. I told him she was an insider who had probably hidden some of the church leaders at her farm in Vermont. He said he would get warrants to have it searched right away and thanked me for calling him first on this. He hung up and I called Interpol. I was connected to the Director almost as soon as I gave my name. I went through the whole thing with him and he said he would touch bases with the Marshal's service then NSA.

"Mon Ami, I think you and your lovely family are still in danger from these fanatics. Have your two friends returned yet? If they have, tell them we have deposited another fifty thousand into their accounts. On their last raid, they were able to retrieve a large stack of computer disks that had some very interesting information that we will use to further eliminate the threat to our countries. Jon, they are even more widespread than any of us realized. Some of their global plans sent chills up my spine and I have seen it all over the years. They might have succeeded if it wasn't for you, and we would never have known until it was too late. The leaders in hiding have contacted us about giving themselves up. If they do, I will send a jet for you to be there and sit in on the questioning. Your adopted country has already asked that you lead a team to question them. Jon, I know it's not my place to order you to do anything, but I suggest you return to your island as soon as you can safely do so. The disks we have say that they have at least a dozen hit teams that rove all over the world, killing those who don't fall into line. Please be careful, Mon Ami."

I hung up the phone with another weight added to what I was already carrying. I went back to the kitchen where everyone was talking normally, but they all shut up looking at me as I sat down next to Kat. She looked at my face and kissed my cheek as she poured a glass full of Cognac for me. I looked around, then sipped my drink and started in.

"Ok, everyone, seems we have a little problem to discuss and I don't mean Verna either. Farley, Jubal, I just got off the phone with Interpol and they had some news we all need to hear. Those disks you two recovered on the last raid contained some serious information that affects all of us. The Director strongly suggested that we all go back to the island as soon as possible for our own safety. I cannot and will not make that decision without all of us discussing it among ourselves. Sally has already asked about moving back and Kat has mentioned it. I will abide by what they want, but the rest of you need to think about it. How about if we table this for now, and discuss it tomorrow after everyone has had a chance to sleep on it? Michelle, you and Timmy are part of my family now, so you both have a large say in it also. I think from the smile on Timmy's face I already know what he wants to do, but it is up to you, Michelle. Farley, Jubal, I know you two can take care of yourselves, but you are welcome to stay here whatever the decision might be. Oh, and the Director said you both had another fifty thousand deposited into your accounts."

They looked at each other with a shocked expression before they broke out in grins. They both saluted each other with their drinks and downed them, smiling the whole time. I looked over at Michelle and she seemed to be deep in thought so I didn't say anything to her. Timmy was another matter because he had an ear to ear grin. He kissed Sally, surprising her, and she blushed, smiling the whole time. He jumped up and came to me, hugging me and whispering in my ear; "I want to stay with you, Gampa, and I think Mom does too."

I hugged him back, telling him it was his mom's decision and he had to do whatever she decided. This didn't seem to faze him at all. He let me loose and grabbed his mom's hand, telling her they had to talk. I almost busted out laughing at him, but was able to hold it in and just smile when he looked at me, grinning and pulling Michelle's hand. Michelle looked back at me and grinned as they went out the door. Kat went over to Farley and refilled his and Jubal's glasses.

"Jon, just what did the Director tell you?"

"Farley, I would rather discuss it tomorrow when we have all had time to think about it a little more. I do want you two to know that if we go back to the island, you both are welcome to come along for as long as you want. Jubal, I'm sorry about Verna, but it surprised me as much as I think it did you. I never expected that she was still with the church and was reporting to them. I just don't know how she was able to on the island. The only communications were in my room and we never let anyone in there except Katie to send in her college work. The radio and ship to shore is coded and only Kat and I knew the code."

"Jon, I don't blame you, but I did notice she was acting more possessive of me and my time since me and Farley came back. She kept pushing me to leave and go to her farm in Vermont for some reason. She watched Michelle like a hawk and every time she went out and you were there, she stood at the window watching her. I didn't think anything about it until all this happened. I'm just glad I found out her intentions before we got married. I asked her last night and she accepted, but only if we could do it at her home. When I asked her about you, Kat, and Sally coming, I never did get an answer from her. She just kept changing the subject. Jon, I think she was hiding something at her home she didn't want me or Farley to find out about, because she said when we got there we would have to stay in a motel the first night so she could make the house presentable."

"Hmm, maybe she has somebody hiding out there that has something to do with the church. Let me make a couple of calls and see what I can find out."

I got up and went to the other room, calling my boss at the Marshall's office again. When I got him on the phone he sounded out of breath.

"I was just getting ready to call you, Jon. There was a helluva shootout at that farm. We sent a team of Marshalls in to seize the house until we could get a warrant to search it, and as soon as they got out of their vehicles, they were fired on by the occupants. I have two wounded, and the FBI swat team is on the way to handle the situation. What the hell are we dealing with, Jon?"

"I have no idea, but I would almost bet it is some of the wanted church officials we been looking for. I called to have the deed checked as well as to have someone try to trace where she got the money to buy it. Now it seems my answer just fell in my lap. If you can, try to keep the FBI from burning it down as her daughter can sell it to support her and her son, if the deed is clear."

"Jon, I will pass the word on, but you know how it works. They wounded two of ours so we will get them regardless of what happens to the property. Anyway, it's out of my hands now as the FBI has taken over up there. We have her on suicide watch and she has tried several times to get permission to use the phone. We gave orders that until she was evaluated tomorrow, she wasn't to be let out of her cell for any reason. Jon, I don't know what's going on, but I suggest you keep your eyes open, just in case. I will call you as soon as I hear what happened up there."

"Ok, boss, I appreciate it. I will put my security company on alert to watch out for strangers around the property."

"Ok Jon, just don't take any chances until we can get this mess straightened out."

When I got off the phone with him, I buzzed the front gate, and gave him warning and told him not to take any chances. He thanked me, and I then called the Sheriff and asked him about having some extra patrols, but to tell them not to take any chances with any strangers near my property. I explained what was going on and he said he would pull in some of the specials to work my area for the next few days. I yelled at Jubal and Farley to come with me for a few minutes. We went to the garage and I opened my gun safe and gave them each one of the forties I had had shipped in. I told them both that the guns had no paperwork as I handed them several loaded mags and a shoulder holster for each of them. They both broke them down and checked them before reassembling them. Then they loading a mag into the grip and put one up the spout. While they were doing that, I told them all I had been told and that they were to sleep light for the next couple of days, just in case.

"Jon, I don't know how anyone could get past those dogs, but if they do they will have a big surprise coming. We have a few things in our truck that were left over that we kinda slipped into the tool box."

"Farley, I was told by Interpol that these teams they use are professionally trained, and have worked together all over the world enforcing the church's orders. Every building has its own intercom, so don't hesitate to use it to warn me if you think something doesn't feel right. They could always trank or shoot the dogs without us knowing, so be careful. Both of you will be staying in the caretaker's cottage with Michelle and Timmy. They are your responsibility, so take good care of them. You can tell Michelle because she knows all about the church, but I would prefer that Timmy be kept in the dark if at all possible. The main house will be locked down, but here is an extra key in case you need to move to it. It only fits the back door so don't lose it."

"Don't worry, we will take care of them like they were our own. We will set up a few surprises for any unwanted guests, so if you hear an explosion, you'll know we have company."

"Ok, let's go back in and you two do what you need to do while I have a talk with Kat and Sally. Fellas, I hate this, but I will not let some damn bunch of fanatics dictate to me how to live my life. I will protect my family and friends with every means at my disposal. I have automatic weapons hidden in almost every room of the house with enough ammo to last us for days."

"Damn, Jon, and I thought we were the only ones who prepared for a war in our own back yard."

We all laughed and headed back into the house. They said "night" to Sally and Kat as they went out, but I noticed they stopped long enough to drink the hundred year old Cognac in their glasses. I finished mine too, and Sally immediately took my glass and replaced it with a fresh cup of coffee before sitting back down across from me. Kat leaned over and kissed my cheek.

"Ok, Jon, now do you want to tell us what's going on? I recognize that look on your face because I have seen it before on the island."

I told them all I knew and didn't hold back a thing. When I was finished, Sally looked mad and when I looked at Kat, she was red as a beet. Somehow I just knew she was about to go off. I looked back at Sally and she was grinning. Yep, Kat let loose, and when she did Sally was grinning even more as she had her say.

"Jon Morgan, this church is becoming a big pain in the rear. I agree with Sally, we should move back to the island as soon as possible. If they harm one hair on any of us, I am going to declare war on them and wipe all of them out once and for all. Tiny doesn't need us here to finish the nursery and I would rather raise the babies on the island. I would have lots of help from the women in the village. Did you know several of them offered to come live with us to help me take care of them? Jon, I don't care what Michelle decides, we have to take her with us for her and Timmy's protection. I think Jubal and Farley will want to come too. Besides, the women on the island think they are great baby makers."

She blushed a bright red when she said that and looked at Sally real fast to see if she had heard. Yep, she had, and broke out laughing, with me joining her a second later. Kat was glaring at us, but couldn't keep her smile hidden.

"Honey, I would love to move back to the island, but it's up to you and Sally too. You doctor friend can do all your pre-natal checks, and even deliver the babies if you wish. As for Timmy and Michelle and the other two, I wouldn't think of leaving them behind. As for their baby making abilities, that's none of my business. I think I have already been blessed in that department. I just want to be sure Sally doesn't find some native Romeo and want to live in the village and have a dozen kids before she completes school."

"Dad, that's a horrible thing to say. But then again there were a couple of cute boys that seemed to pay me a lot of attention."

I glared at her, and both of them broke out laughing at my expression. It was hard to glare when I wanted to laugh because she had out thought me again, and thrown my own joke back in my face. I finally suggested we all get some sleep. We got everything cleaned up and set the timer on the coffee pot before we went to bed. As I brushed my teeth, I was thinking about the island and had to admit I had enjoyed every minute of our stay. I finally realized I was looking forward to going back. Kat knocked on the door, telling me to hurry up as I was still a newlywed and that I should be kissing my bride instead of fooling around in the bathroom. I didn't think Kat spoke that loud, but as I climbed into bed next to her, I could hear Sally laughing from her room. She looked at me with the other look and I thought to myself, I am not gonna get much sleep tonight. I did get up and close the door, to the sound of Kat's laughter.



-------

Chapter 76


I woke the next morning to the sound of Kat singing in the shower and smiled to myself. I started to get up to join her, but before I got out of the bed, there was a knock at the door. It was Sally and she was dressed and grinning.

"Dad, I have to go out and check on the dogs."

"Why! What's wrong?"

"I think a cat got into the yard last night."

"Huh?"

"Yeah, I kept hearing this squalling noise half the night."

"Oh, very funny, young lady. Get outta here before I turn you over my knee."

She left and I heard her laughing all the way down the steps. Cat indeed, I thought, and started laughing despite myself. I went into the bathroom just as the Kat stepped out of the shower. Believe me that sight woke me up completely. I tried to slip in without her noticing my obvious excitement, but she sniggered as I did.

"Not funny, lady."

"Oh, Jon, you're right but I still think it's so funny how the sight of me still makes you react like a teenager."

"Speaking of teenagers, Sally came to the door about some kind of disturbance outside last night with the dogs. When you go downstairs, ask her what she was talking about, will you, and let me know so I can check it out."

She went out after saying she would and I busted out laughing to myself.

"What's so funny, Jon?"

"Nothing dear, I was just thinking about a joke I heard on the island."

"Maybe you can share it if it's so funny."

"Ok, but talk to Sally first about that noise she heard. I think that's a little more important than some silly joke."

"Ok, hurry up. Breakfast will be ready shortly."

I assured her I would. I waited a few minutes till I thought she was gone and then started laughing to myself. I got out of the shower and spent my usual five minutes worshipping the enamel throne before I shaved and brushed. When I walked into the kitchen, Kat was red and Sally was laughing her head off. I smiled as I helped myself to some coffee, wondering if it would stay down for a change. I was smart enough to know not to speak but when I looked at Sally, she busted out laughing again and I decided to vacate the area for a little bit. I had just about cleared the door when Kat spoke.

"Jon Morgan, one of these days that sense of humor of yours is going to get you in trouble. I can't believe you set me up for that. If you do it again, you will be sleeping in your office. That wasn't funny at all."

I looked over at Sally and we both busted out laughing. Kat turned and gave us a dirty look, but she joined in our laughter. When the knock came at the back door, Sally opened it and Timmy came running in. He hugged all of us before sitting down at the table, asking what we were laughing about. Kat got red again and I kept my mouth shut, but Sally answered him.

"We were laughing because I heard what sounded like a cat outside last night. We wondered how it got into the yard and if the dogs caught it."

"That's really weird, Gampa, Jubal said he heard the same noise and spent about fifteen minutes outside looking for the poor thing so the dogs wouldn't eat it. Funny thing, though, when he came back in he was laughing. He said something to Farley and Mom, and they started laughing too. I wonder what they thought was so funny."

I looked over at Kat as she was facing the stove and her shoulders were shaking like she had the chills. Sally was beside her and had her hand over her mouth. When I looked at her she lost it, laughing and looking at Kat as she did. Timmy looked at me, then them, and then back at me.

"What's so funny, Gampa? I hope the dogs didn't eat that poor cat."

That's when Kat had to turn the burners off and sit down, she was laughing so hard. Sally was laughing so hard she had tears running down her cheeks. Then the door opened and the other three walked in. Jubal looked at us then back at Michelle and Farley before speaking to Timmy, who had a perplexed look on his face while watching us laugh.

"What's so funny, Timmy?"

"I don't know Jubal. I told Gampa about the cat you heard last night and that I hoped the dogs didn't eat it. They all started laughing. I still don't know what they think is so funny about the dogs eating some poor cat."

Now I have to say at this point we were all almost hysterically laughing. I looked over at Kat again and she was glaring at me, almost as red as her hair with tears running down her cheeks. She shook her fist at me, but never stopped laughing.

"Will somebody please tell me what's so funny? I worried about that poor kitty getting eaten by the dogs all night long. I even walked around the house looking for the poor thing. He wasn't in any of the trees and I didn't see any hair in the yard."

I got up and went to the front porch. I couldn't help myself. It was either that or try to explain to him and since he was looking at me, I had to get away. I figured I would let someone else explain this one to him. I plopped down on the bench and realized I had forgotten my coffee, but I wasn't about to go back after it. I finally was able to calm down enough so that I was just chuckling when Kat came out, sitting down beside me. She was still laughing and red in the face so I didn't say a word. Finally she calmed down a little and looked at me before saying; "You forgot your coffee."

We both started laughing again and it took us a few more minutes to breathe easily and just sit with Kat holding my hand and chucking sporadically. I leaned over and kissed her and she smiled at me before saying to me; "You know that's what started this whole thing. Next time, close the windows too, will you?"

I opened my mouth to give her a smart retort when Sally came out the front door, slamming it behind her. She plopped down in the chair across from us, glaring a hole in me as she did. I just had to ask.

"What are you so mad about, you started the whole thing."

She glared at me for a few seconds before she snorted then spoke.

"I got nominated to explain it to Timmy because you two bailed out and left me alone with everyone else laughing. Have you ever tried to explain to a five year old why cats don't like dogs kissing them?"

I put up a valiant fight to keep from laughing and almost made it when Kat lost it, and as usual I did too. Sally was still glaring at both of us but finally she broke out laughing too. We were still chuckling when we heard Jubal through the door saying our cat food breakfast was ready. By the time we got ourselves under control again and went in, Timmy had already eaten and Michelle said he was going to explain to the dogs why it's not nice to kiss a cat. We all looked at Sally and she was red as a beet with her head down, trying not to look at any of us. Needless to say, breakfast was a laughing affair this morning. We got finished and were cleaning up when Timmy came back in with a smile on his face. In the corner I heard a soft meow and Sally vacated the kitchen. I heard the front door slam and told Timmy to go see if Sally wanted to play Frisbee with the dogs. He ran out with a smile on his face. Michelle freshened up our coffee and sat down.

"Well, since we got all the wildcats tamed, I think it's time we decided what we are all going to do."

Kat glared at me, red again, then smiled. Farley was the first to speak and he made it clear he was speaking for all of them.

"Jon, we sat up half the night talking about it and after we weighed our options, we decided to go to the island with you and your family. I think it would be safer for all of us for now, until this church is shut down completely. Jubal and I went through hell to get Michelle and Timmy out of that mess and I am not about to let the church get their hands on them again. On the island, we have guards as well as a whole native population to watch over them. I do want you to know I plan on trying my best to find Myrna. I think we have some unfinished business to talk over and work out. I am going to hold you to your promise to help all you can."

"Farley, you don't need a promise from me to help you. As I told you earlier, I want to find her too. We need to sit down and settle some things that are way overdue to be discussed. Now, everyone go get packed and we will leave in the morning after Tiny and his crew get here. Kat can give them some last minute instructions."

Since everyone agreed, I didn't see the sense of putting it off. I went to my office and started making arrangements for our flight. I called the same services we used last time, and they went along for the same prices. Last time Myrna had paid for everything and this time I had to give my card number for the non-refundable deposits. I took a deep breath and called Tiny, telling him what was up and that I wanted the same man and woman to accompany us down there again. He assured me that it wouldn't be a problem and asked what was going on and why we were leaving so fast. I explained it to him as well as about Myrna leaving and none of us knowing where she was. He sounded a little upset and Maggie took the phone from him, asking what was going on. I told her what I had already told Tiny, and to my surprise, her next few sentences made me feel a lot better about what I had told Tiny.

"Jon, I can tell this is bothering you a lot. Just relax, she will be back before you know it. We talked a lot on the island and I had a hunch she was going to do something like this when she got back. From your voice, I think you have figured out why she left. Don't worry. Although we never saw things the same way, I knew her better than my husband ever has. Jon, would it be ok if we came out later this afternoon? I want to talk to Kat and if I am not mistaken you have some papers for Tiny from Myrna, don't you?"

"How did you know about the papers, Maggie?"

"I told you we talked a lot on the island. Jon, she has been holding all those property deeds since your mother passed away. She promised your grandfather if he ever found you she would sign them over to you upon his death. She was the executor of your mother's will as well as your grandfather's will. Jerry only handled the business part of it and Myrna was tasked to take care of the rest. Jon, you need to check with Jerry and tell him to open the envelope in his safe. She told me all of this on the island, and also told me that if she took her trip, as she called it, I was to tell you. I have an envelope for Sally that she left for me to give to her. I will bring it with me this afternoon. Jon, hang up the phone and we will talk when we come out. I gather you are going back to the island, just as Myrna thought you would. Jon, she will join you there before Kat is due to deliver the babies. She wouldn't miss it for the world."

I said goodbye and hung the phone up in a daze. Thinking about how efficient Myrna had always been, this didn't surprise me. But the fact that she already had it all arranged, simply amazed me. God, she reminded me of some of the generals in the Legion I had dealt with. They were always four steps ahead of everyone in their thinking and planning. Myrna certainly fit this bill. I couldn't explain it at the time, but Maggie telling me she would be back before Kat delivered made me feel at peace inside. Then I remembered my promise to Farley and thought this would make him a lot happier. She was coming home again and within a few months, if Maggie was right. I sat back, realizing that even with our difference of opinions and her treatment of me, I still loved her like she was an older sister and missed her badly. Myrna had, over the years, been my rock and strength in good and bad times, even if I wanted to clobber her at times. Damn, I needed to pass the news to Farley and jumped up, heading for the cottage. Good times and family being together were coming back to us and I, for one, was happy about it.



-------

Chapter 77


I walked out of my office and headed for the sidewalk going around the other side of the house toward the cottage and Farley. When I got in view of the guard's shack, I saw a late model car sitting at the gate. The security guard looked like he was arguing with the driver, so out of curiosity I walked over. Just as I reached the shack, the driver stuck a pistol out of the window and shot the guard. He went down, bleeding from the shoulder. I pulled my forty and shot the driver as he started to get out of the car. The sound of the shot must have reached the cottage, because in a minute or so Farley came running from the back of the house.

"Intruders, Farley, get everyone in the main house until I get it checked out," I yelled at him.

"Will do, Jon!"

I helped the security guard up and into the shack which I knew was almost attack proof. His animal followed us in and I closed the door.

"Are you ok?"

"Yes sir. I think it's just a flesh wound. Will you hand me the first aid kit above your head?"

I handed it to him and flipped the rotator control on the property cameras. I saw one of the dogs down at the barn and switched to the hidden camera in the barn. When it came up I saw five men hiding inside the door and they were arguing about something. The one I took as the leader was shouting and shaking his fist in one of the men's faces. One of them was bleeding heavily from the shoulder and arm and was trying to wrap it to stop the bleeding. I got on the intercom and told Farley to look in the cupboard above the stove and to lock the back door. I told him to have Jubal make sure the porch door was locked but watch for me until I could get inside. Kat was trying to say something when I shut the intercom off. I was watching the other cameras and saw another car pull up at the back fence. Four men piled out and one was using a cell phone. I looked back at the guard and reached to help him tie the bandage around his shoulder. When I got it tied he stood up and hit three different buttons. They all turned green and he smiled when they did.

"They haven't cut communications sir. We have backup on the way from your office, as well as state and county, sir. You go join your family. I will be safe here and will let them in when they arrive. Sir, thank you."

"You're welcome, officer. Don't take any chances and stay in the shack. I'll have my family covered."

I went out running for the front door. I was met by Jubal with one of the AK47's pointing at me. I smiled at his surprise and quickly locked the door behind me.

"Come on!"

We ran for the kitchen and into a man's worse nightmare. Women were yelling and asking questions, one after another, not even waiting for an answer.

"Shut the hell up, all of you! We have intruders on the property so everyone listen to me. Farley, Jubal, and I know what we are doing, so the rest of you just shut up for now!"

I got a dirty look from Kat for that one, but I smiled at her before telling everyone to follow me. I took them back into the little alcove where Myrna used to sit to trade her penny stocks during the day. In reality it was a canned goods storage area, but she had set up a card table there. I went to the big shelf at the back and reached behind it, pulling a small lever. I heard the click as I swung the shelves out away from the wall. I turned the light on and I looked down the hand carved steps. They had been carved out of the granite that the house sat on and they dated back to the Civil War. My grandfather had given me the tour of his wine cellars when I first came over here from France. The rest of what he showed me was a complete surprise as well as a secret that my family had shared for generations. I motioned for the women to go ahead and they did, with Timmy looking back at me with scared eyes.

"What about the house, Jon? Shouldn't one of us stay up here to make sure they don't burn it or something?"

"Don't worry about the house burning, Jubal. The whole place is so heavily coated with fire retardant that the only thing they could burn would be the furniture and it's treated too. Besides, it's insured, but we aren't. Our lives are more important than any house or belongings."

"What about the dogs, Gampa?"

"Timmy, they are guard dogs and trained to protect us."

"I just don't want them to get hurt either, Gampa."

I told him they would be fine, even though one was already down. I pulled the shelves closed and heard the lock click. I knew then that unless they knew about the door, they would have no idea where we had gone. When I got to the bottom, Kat was standing with her hand on her hips, and once again I could have sworn her hair was alive, the way it kept moving, seemingly on its own.

"Ok, Jon, are we safe for now?"

"Yes, no one knows about this but me and Myrna. Even Sally didn't know this was here. This dates back to the Civil War days when my family was a leader in the Underground Railroad for slaves escaping to the north."

"Then suppose you tell us what is going on."

"In a minute, dear. We need to go a little deeper and into another room where we can all sit down for a little while 'till help gets here. Now, follow me and I will explain everything."

I led them into and then through the wine cellar.

"Man, I could stay drunk for years with all this wine, Jon. How much is all of this worth?"

"Well, Farley, it's insured for six million, but it's due to be reinsured and it will be worth even more. Some of these wines are now considered one of a kind vintages. There are bottles of wine, whiskey and cognac that are over a hundred years old. Some of the original wines are left over from the 1700s when my family had them brought in from other countries on sailing ships. I have a complete list somewhere. There are rums, brandies, and other stuff here from all over the world. Somewhere on the shelves are several bottles of sake that are over four hundred years old and would sell at auction for over a quarter million per bottle."

"Wow!"

I didn't mention the wooden kegs of rum and other vintage liqueurs that were in another room still in their original wooden kegs. When we went through the wine cellar, I turned left and we went down the side passage to another large room with furniture and several handmade bunk beds. I told everyone to come in after I flipped the lights on. From the looks on their faces, I think all of them were a little startled by the opulence of the large room before them. After I pulled the covers off the couch and chairs, everyone sat down with a stunned look on their faces.

"Jon, how come you never told me about any of this?"

"Kat, I was planning on bringing you down here to pick out the wines we would be toasting our baby's birth with. To be truthful, I have only been down here once myself and that was when I first came to this country."

I went on to explain what was going on and what I had observed while I was helping the security guard. I omitted the dogs, and the one I saw down at the barn for Timmy's sake. We sat around for about fifteen minutes and I broke out one of the bottles of Virginia wine my grandfather loved so much. Everyone had a little of it, even Timmy, who thought it tasted like sweet grape juice and wanted some more. I chuckled at his eagerness, and then told him it was over 25% alcohol. Drinking any more would probably make him drunk and he would go to sleep.

"Jon, I took a cultural wine course in college, and I never heard of a Virginia wine that strong. As a matter of fact I don't remember any mention of an old Virginia wine from that era."

I showed Kat the bottle label, and as she read it, her eyes widened.

"Jon, why are we drinking this? Do you know how much money we just inhaled from that one bottle?"

Farley was taking a sip and almost choked at her outburst.

"What's so special about this Virginia wine, Kat? They have several vineyards here now and almost all of them make a good wine."

"Farley, that sip you just took was probably worth more than your bank account. The wine we are all sipping doesn't exist anymore. The vineyard was destroyed in the Civil War and they had only bottled it for two years. According to my professor, if anyone had any Manassas Blend, they could name their own price. Jon, how many bottles of this do you have?"

"I don't know about bottles, but I think there are still about forty cases of it in one of the other rooms. Why all the fuss, Kat? My grandfather drank it with his meals all of the time."

"Jon, don't you realize that according to the history books, this wine no longer exists except in some war journal in a museum. This was the favorite wine in the world for the two years they produced it before the war started. If you were to sell a bottle every three years, you would have collectors from all over the world bidding on it, and the selling prices would start in the hundreds of thousands of dollars."

Even I was shocked at her statement. If this was worth so much, I wondered what some of the kegs of the different rums would be worth. To think that Myrna, my grandfather, and I used to sit around sipping this every weekend. No wonder I always got drunk as did Myrna. But he always insisted we drink his favorite wine with him. I couldn't help myself and started to chuckle. They all looked at me like I was crazy and I just smiled at them before dropping the bomb.

"If that's the case, I wonder what those hundreds of casks of rum and other liquors are worth. Some of them, almost half, date back to the 1700s or even earlier."

This time even Kat didn't say a word, other than her eyebrows arching up almost as high as her hairline. I was still chuckling at all the stunned looks when Farley stuttered a little as he asked me a question.

"Jon, don't you think if they are that old they are probably vinegar or spoiled by now?"

"I know they aren't, Farley. My grandfather had an expert from Italy come in every few years and test them. He was required to do it in order to insure all of them. Nope, there are some casks of Jamaican rum that are from the pirate days, and that's probably who someone in my family bought them from. I know for a fact there are casks of cognac that are still good from the 1700s. They were brought in for private parties my family used to have. According to my grandfather, my forefathers were tried and true Welsh and Irish immigrants. He said they all knew how to pinch a penny. He said his father spent years tracing our family tree and he wrote it all down. He also obtained copies of anything he could lay his hands on that had to do with my family. Members of my family have been Counts as well as crooks, and almost all of them to a fault were warriors. They fought in almost every war they could fight in. To this day, even I don't know what all my grandfather has his fingers into. I asked him several times but he would just sip his wine and say; "Someday, my boy, you will know all."

"Jon, all this time you never mentioned any of this. Are you ashamed of them?"

"Why no, Kat. To be truthful, I never thought much about it. I would have told Sally about it sooner or later, but no, I never thought much about it at all. I never felt like I was part of the family here. Remember, I was raised in an orphanage and then joined the Legion as soon as I got old enough to lie my way in to escape the orphanage. I never knew I even had family until I was in the hospital after being wounded in Algiers. To sit here and tell you it was a surprise to me would be an understatement. My grandfather had to pay for DNA tests before I would even believe him, and then it took me almost four years to decide to come here and leave my beloved France. Now I have everything any man could ever ask for."

"And what's that, Dad?"

"A wonderful wife and a beautiful daughter. Friends that I would trust with my life and children on the way that I never thought I would have. I own more than a poor Legionnaire could ever hope to, and I am happy for a change. That's worth it to me to be here, although I still miss my native country. I have two countries that I love now."

"Jon, darling, when we get back to our home on the island, will you sit down with me and Sally and tell us all about your life as well as your family's lives? You have never talked about it much and I think both of us would love to know more."

"Me too, Gampa. I want to know all about you and the pirates in your family."

Michelle tried to shush him, but he got away from her and ran to me, jumping in my lap. I went oomph, and everyone broke out in laughter. I looked down at him and he was sticking out his tongue at all of them for laughing. I just smiled and hugged him, winking at Kat and Sally as I did. We sat and talked for another half hour or so before I set Timmy down. I told them that I was going up and check to see if the backup the guard had called had gotten everything under control yet. Jubal said he was coming with me just in case and Farley said he would stay here sipping this great wine until I threw him out. I just laughed and headed for the secret exit door that opened into my office with Jubal trailing along behind me, chuckling at Farley.



-------

Chapter 78


I went down the corridor to the steps, with Jubal following closely behind me. I explained where we were going and how the wall opened on a metal track so that the door, which was also fireproof, could open but from the office you couldn't tell the difference between it and the paneling on the wall. When we got there, I climbed up the metal steps to the door. Before I opened it I reached up and flipped a switch to activate the small video camera which was mounted in the ceiling. When it came on, I saw my boss and another man in a suit talking. I motioned Jubal to climb up beside me. When he got next to me although it was a little tight, the steps were wide enough for both of us to stand on the small platform in front of the door. I motioned to the camera and reached up and flipped another switch which would let us hear as well as automatically record their conversation. I had installed this after Tiny finished the remodeling of my office a few days back. The recording and the camera were on separate devices so I knew everything I saw and heard would be recorded. Sid, my boss was speaking when the sound came on for us to listen.

Sid: I told you not to pull your men back, Glen. You knew the President's orders as well as I did. If something's happened to Morgan or any of his family, your head's gonna roll on this one.

Glen: Don't you think I know that, dammit? I have eight men with serious wounds and four that will take at least a month to heal. Where the hell did these people get their training? They were hell on wheels, even the two women. We didn't have any idea that any of their hit squads were in the US, let alone after Morgan.

Sid: Dammit, Glen, didn't you hear what that one said before she died? She clearly said they were after the chosen one and the kid. Dammit, the shit's gonna hit the fan when this gets back to the President. Glen, she had dual citizenship, just like her kid. They are both under the protection of France as well as us. We, or I should say you, dropped the ball on this one. What I want to know is where in the hell they all disappeared to. The security guard says they were all in the house when Morgan shot the one at the gate to save him. According to him, Morgan came out of nowhere just when he was getting ready to shoot the guard in the head.

Glen: Yeah, I had a quick look at Morgan's jacket on the way out here. He seems to be a little trigger happy, Sid. He has been in too many shoot outs for my taste since he became a Marshal.

Sid: Glen, there's a lot you don't know about Morgan. I have to remind you that every shooting he has been in has been righteous. They were fully investigated by your department and he was cleared every time. Glen, we have been friends for a lot of years, so let me offer you a little advice, don't mess with Jon Morgan. He is not your ordinary Marshal nor is he what he appears to be on the jacket you have. Between you and me, he has more experience and smarts in battle as well as experience than you or I and half of our departments.

Before he could say anything else there was a knock at the office door and a suit came in and reported to Glen.

"Sir, we have all the wounded transported and the coroner is loading the dead. We searched the house and there is no trace of the occupants. It's like they disappeared into thin air. We did find several automatic weapons though, do you want us to confiscate them?"

This time it was Sid who spoke and he went off.

"Not only no, but hell no! He is licensed to own them, and who the hell gave you permission to search his house? If I remember correctly, you were to look for survivors only, not tear the house up. If you did you're in deep shit, agent. Tell your men that house better be spotless and put those damned weapons back where you found them. We will be out in a little bit and then we will continue the search for the family."

"Yes sir!" He almost ran back out the door, slamming it in his haste to leave. Sid turned to Glen with a thoughtful look on his face.

I turned to look at Jubal and he was grinning and trying to suppress his laughter. I glared at him and he almost dropped the 47 he was holding to put his hand over his mouth. The voice of Sid caught my attention again and I looked back at the little monitor in front of us.

Sid: Glen, because we are friends, I am going to clue you in on a few things, but it doesn't go beyond this room. Do you understand what I'm saying?

Glen: I got it, but why are you telling me? I think you should be covering your ass, just like I am going to do, Sid.

I watched as Sid almost went off, but to my surprise, he took a deep breath and spoke like he was talking to a child in a classroom.

Sid: Glen, if we weren't friends I would tell you to go to hell for that remark. It's your job and reputation on the line, not mine. You were the one who volunteered to keep him and his family safe. Glen, Jon Morgan is an Interpol agent as well as a Marshal. He also is an assistant director for Interpol. Glen, he spent seven years plus in the French Foreign Legion as a Sergeant and has fought all over Africa and Algiers. He holds France's highest medal which is equivalent to our Medal of Honor. Glen, he is considered one of the best France ever had, and the Presidents, theirs and ours, have nothing but the highest regard for him. No, Glen, if something has happened to his family or friends, it's you who will be hung out to dry, not me. This was your detail and you failed. I suggest you think about what you're going to say to the President when he calls wanting to know who screwed the pooch.

I watched Glen's face as what Sid said sunk in, and it was all I could do to keep from laughing at the different expressions that crossed his face. This time it was me who put my hand across my mouth and Jubal was almost red, he was fighting back the laughter so hard. Jubal whispered to me and I had to bite my arm to keep the laughter in.

"Jon, this is almost as much fun as I used to have watching Farley and some of his drunk girlfriends when I was a kid. I used to win bets with myself, wondering who was gonna pass out first, Farley in the middle of a kiss or the woman with her top half off."

I kicked him in the shin and had to bite my arm harder. I could taste the copper taste of blood as I turned back to the monitor to get myself under control. It was hard with Jubal snickering quietly beside me. I got turned just in time to see Glen take a deep breath before he spoke to Sid again.

Glen: Shit, shit, shit, I worked for almost twenty years, day and night to get my own department, and now because some asshole in the government decides to keep secrets, I have thrown my career away. Damn, Sid, if I had only known, I would have assigned more men to his home and family. Why wasn't I told all of this from the get go?

Sid: If it's any consolation, Glen, I just found out most of it last month when he sent in all that information he found on those tapes from the church. The President about had a heart attack when he found out how many of his staff were on the church's payroll. Glen, the other two men that were here with him are both Ex-Navy Seals and have been working with Interpol undercover for the last month. From all I could find out, they are two mean sons a bitches who don't know when to quit. I think if there hadn't been kids and women here they could have handled those hitters all by themselves. Hell, it took our demo man almost an hour to disarm those explosives in that little cottage out back, not counting the other ones in the trees and other places. No, Glen, I think they were capable of killing all of them if they hadn't had the women and kids here. I just can't understand where the hell they disappeared to. We better get back out there and make sure none of our men tear anything else up that we will have to explain to our bosses later.

I watched as they both went out the door, closing it behind them and still talking quietly. When they closed the door, Jubal lost it and broke down laughing. I wasn't far behind him myself. Then, as if on cue, Farley asked from the dark underneath our feet, what the hell was so damned funny, and where I kept more of that great wine? We had to either climb back down or fall down laughing. By the time we got down to the tunnel floor, we had to sit down we were laughing so hard. Farley was having a fit, wanting to know what the hell we thought was so funny.

"Farley, remember when I was a kid and you used to show me those old Three Stooges movies? Well what we just saw and heard was almost as funny."

"Ok, but Jon, if it's alright with you, how about some more wine to numb the ass chewing I been getting from your wife for the last half hour? Man, that woman has a hell of a temper. She scares me more than someone throwing a grenade at me."

This time it took me almost ten minutes to calm myself down enough that I could even speak clearly.

"Farley, Kat is a mouse next to Myrna when she gets started. Oh, I have some news about her I will fill you in on later. I better get back to Kat and fill her in on why Jubal and I never went outside. That's why she's so mad; she is worried about what I walked into, leaving her and the rest of you down there where she doesn't know what's going on."

"I tried to explain it to her, Jon, but she flat told me she wasn't married to me, and that the babies she was carrying didn't give a damn about facts, just their father. Then they all ganged up on me, even little Timmy. Jon, I am not equipped to sit and face three mad women and a little boy worried about his Gampa. Nope, next time Jubal is staying and I am coming with you."

"Like hell, Farley, you always told me you were the leader, so lead and quit you're whining."

"It would be easier if I was drunk," and gave Jubal the finger as he walked back down the tunnel. I looked at Jubal and we smiled at each other before we started out behind him chuckling to ourselves. I was the last one to enter the room where the women were, and as soon as Kat saw me, she was in my arms. Sally was just about as fast and Michelle was there too, hugging me as hard as the rest. I felt something pulling on my pants leg and Timmy was looking up at me with tears in his eyes when I looked down. I got free of the women and questions and picked him up. The women had quieted down and were all standing in front of me when Timmy spoke up; "Are you ok, Gampa? You were gone so long we thought something had happened."

I just hugged him, motioning for everyone to sit down. I sat down in the chair with Timmy still clinging to my neck and told all of them what happened and what Jubal and I saw and heard. All three of them were chuckling by the time I was finished. Looking over at Kat, I could tell by the grin she was ok now. Michelle was another matter and I could see she was mad clear through about what I had heard.

"Jon, I don't know what's going on with this chosen one crap other than what Mom said. Those SOB's will never get their hands on me again. I will kill myself before that happens. If it's ok with Kat and Sally, I want Timmy and myself to stay with you until you think we can be safe and lead normal lives. I will gladly pay you for our room and board until you think we can be safe again."

When she finished speaking, I looked at Kat and Sally and it was almost like someone was pulling strings, they nodded so quickly. I looked back at Michelle, then down at Timmy, asleep in my arms before I spoke.

"Michelle, you and Timmy are part of our family now and you don't have to pay any room and board. From now on we all stick together. That goes for you and Jubal too, Farley. Now, here's what we are going to do. We are going to stay here until dark and let that bunch of government lackeys worry about their careers. When dark comes, we will go back out the same way we came in. Kat, you and Michelle can start supper. The agents will be sitting in their cars outside and when they come running in, I will offer them some coffee. Let me do all the talking. None of us will mention where we've been all day. I figure there are going to be some mad agents, but as soon as we get upstairs, I will call Jerry and have him come over immediately. He has probably already heard about it and will be waiting on my call. None of you will speak or answer any questions. If they push it, just say they need to talk to me, because you have nothing to say to them until your lawyer gets here."

We all sat and talked and rehearsed for the next few hours and to my surprise, Farley was a well full of jokes which he gladly told, keeping everyone including Timmy in stitches. Actually, the laughter and camaraderie we shared was worth more than anything to me. I got to know them a lot better and realized they were true friends, and that anyone knowing them would be proud to be in their company. I was listening with one ear and thinking about my time in the Legion while looking at Kat. I was wondering for the thousandth time how I had gotten so lucky in finding such a beautiful woman. Although she wasn't showing yet, it seemed to me she had that special glow about her that all pregnant women seemed to get. Of course since I hadn't had any experience in this type of thing, I kinda wondered if my imagination wasn't making me to see things that weren't there. I looked over at Sally when she laughed at one of Farley's jokes, and could see she was going to be a very beautiful woman when she grew up a little more. I wondered what she would choose as her career. While listening to Farley, I watched Michelle too, and it hit me she was as beautiful as Kat and Sally. It seemed strange to me, even after all these years, I had never thought of her as a woman, just a kid that I had rescued once then lost. Now looking at her, I could see the difference from all those years ago, and saw the intelligence and gentleness in her I had never seen before. I wondered how I had missed it with her being with us these last few weeks. Damn, I thought, the years do change perspectives on things. I thought again about Sarah and wondered how she was doing. I wondered why she had never contacted me again after she got settled. When she had sent back the charge card cut up in small pieces, I had checked and the amount she used was seemingly small compared to what she had said she would need to get set up out there. Then my mind drifted back to Myrna again, and I remembered the letter in the safe upstairs that I had forgotten about and wondered what it contained. Maggie's news about her had shocked me a lot. Knowing Myrna for as long as I had, I wasn't surprised at all her planning and making sure even the minutest detail was carried out to perfection. I sat and thought about my feelings for her, and realized other than an almost overwhelming affection for her, they weren't the same as I felt when I was with Kat and Sally. I think she and my grandfather were more to each other than I would ever know or want to know. Then I remembered what Maggie said about the envelope in Jerry's safe, and wondered what it contained. Since his death I had never heard about any of his business dealings, even though I knew he had a lot of them. From Myrna's hints over the years, he had investments and ownership of companies all over the world. I glanced at my watch and it was 1630 hours. I decided to give it until 1700 then we would all go back upstairs and eat. I was starving, since I hadn't even had breakfast that I remembered.



-------

Chapter 79


We sat around and waited a while longer before I finally said it was time to reemerge into the world again. Everyone thought that was funny for some reason. Kat, Sally, and Michelle covered up the furniture again and I handed the sleeping Timmy off to Jubal to carry. When we left the room, I turned the light off, and led everyone back down the corridor. Farley looked at the racks of wine bottles with a wistful expression when we passed through them. I was chuckling at his expression as I headed back to the steps to go to the main house. When we all gathered at the bottom, I held them up before I started up.

"I will go up first and make sure there's no one in the house. Give me ten minutes. Then, if I'm not back on the dot go back to the room where we just were. I am not about to let a bunch of government lackeys into this wine cellar. I am going to call Jerry as soon as I have a signal on my cell. I want to sneak to the front of the house to see if they are on the grounds or not. If they are sitting in their cars outside the gate, I'm gonna tell the guard not to let them in again unless they have a search warrant. We all will have to answer questions, probably for several hours, but it will be on my terms, not theirs."

Everyone was chuckling at me as I went up the steps. I cursed myself for not having one of the little cameras of Jimmy's mounted above the door, but after tomorrow we wouldn't need it. I waited a couple of minutes before pulling my gun. I unlatched the shelf and went out into the dark room. To my surprise, the door between the pantry and kitchen was closed. That made things easier because I was afraid of the light showing when I swung the shelf back. I looked back down the steps, smiling at everyone as I swung the shelf back, hearing the latch click signaling it was once again locked. So far so good, I thought as I went to the door and cracked it open, looking out into the kitchen. It was empty and the only light was the small clock above the door. Looking toward the front of the house, I couldn't see any sign of any lights. I stepped out into the kitchen, listening to the sounds of the house. I had spent hours when I first came to this country, sitting in the dark thinking and listening to the old house. I was as familiar with its creaks as I was with my own body. I stood for a few minutes listening but couldn't hear anything out of place, so I went to the back door and locked it. Then I headed through the hall to the foyer in the dark, not making a sound. I got to the front door and looked out through the curtains at the guard shack and driveway. There were no vehicles parked in the half moon in front of the house and the guard shack was lit up like it normally was. I pulled my cell out and called Jerry. He answered on the second ring and the first thing out of his mouth was the question of whether or not we were all ok. I assured him we were, and that I needed him out here ASAP. He said he was at Jeb's and had been there since late afternoon, waiting for my call. I laughed and he said he was on the way. I thanked him and pushed the button to the guard shack. When the guard came on I was surprised to hear the owner's voice answer it. I identified myself to him and he started asking a bunch of questions and I shut him down.

"Are there any law officers inside the gates?"

"No sir, Mr. Morgan, they are all outside sitting along the road."

"Ok, this is how it's going to go down. My attorney will be here in a few minutes and you will let him in. His name is Jerry. When the officers come running up to the gate, tell them you have been instructed that they are not allowed on the property without a search warrant, by my orders. Don't let them bully you either, just refuse them entrance. Oh, the dog that was injured by the barn, is he ok?"

"Yes sir. He had to have some stitches but he will recover. Thanks for saving Clyde's life, Mr. Morgan. He will be fine, and told me what you did."

"Ok, I will talk to you some more later on. Just remember, no one in but my attorney."

"You got it, Mr. Morgan. They won't get by me unless you say so."

I chuckled and went back to the pantry, letting everyone come up. Kat immediately put coffee on, and she and Michelle started dinner. Farley and Jubal sat down at the table and I told everyone what had transpired. They were all grinning by the time I was finished. I told everyone we would stay in the kitchen for now because the lights couldn't be seen from the front. I had just gotten my first cup of coffee of the day when I saw the headlights flash across the front of the house.

"Well, people, now the circus starts. Remember what we discussed and let me do all the talking."

I went to the front door and opened it, just as Jerry started to knock. I flipped the foyer light on and to my surprise he grabbed me in a bear hug.

"My, God, Jon, is everyone ok? I was out here earlier and saw the carnage. That stupid Fed said your whole family was missing, and that I couldn't come on the property. Believe me when I say he will pay for that one."

I just grinned at him and locked the door, leading him to the kitchen. When he saw everyone sitting around the table, I thought for a moment he was going to break down in tears. Kat and Sally hugged him and I introduced him to the rest of the crowd. He grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down, and almost word for word, he told them what we had already discussed earlier. Kat started laughing and he looked at her in puzzlement until she explained that I had already told all of them the same thing earlier. I was surprised when he laughed and said he had me trained well. I gave him the finger when Timmy wasn't looking and he broke out in laughter. The whole time we sat there, eating and discussing what happened, he never asked once where we had been when everything broke out after the Feds and my back-up had arrived. I did get a chance to ask him about the envelope he had in his safe and he looked at me kinda funny for a moment before he answered.

"Funny you should ask about that, Jon. Myrna called last week and reminded me that I hadn't given it to you. She also had me do a bunch of deed changes and other personal stuff for her. Jon, that woman is eerie the way she had things organized. All of the changes she requested were pre-signed and notarized. All I had to do was transfer them and have them recorded. Jon, I have no idea what's in it because your grandfather swore me to secrecy and paid me ahead of time to handle it when the time came. He said it would be a big surprise to you and Sally both when it was opened."

I started to say something when the intercom buzzed. It was the gate saying that my boss and an FBI agent were here and wanted to come in. He said they didn't have warrants but if I insisted they would get them. I told him to just let those two in and no one else. After he said ok, I looked at everyone and they all had what looked like a grimace on their faces. Jerry was also looking and noticed it.

"Don't worry, they're in my court now so let me handle it."

I went to the front door and let in Sid and Glen. Glen started in with the bluster that all Feds seemed to think was their job. I stopped and looked at him and he sputtered to silence. I turned and they followed me out to the kitchen. When we walked in and Glen saw Jerry, he went off again. This time I just smiled as did Jerry before he interrupted him.

Jerry: Agent, I am council for Jon and his family. Anything you say or ask goes through me first. If you don't like it then leave and send someone else to ask your questions.

Glen: This is a Federal Investigation and you have no say in the matter. I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself and let me do my job. I want these people separated for questioning right now!

This time I went off on him and Sid just sat sipping the coffee Sally poured for him, smiling the whole time.

Jon: Glen, you either tone it down and shut up or leave. You have no jurisdiction here unless I say you do. If you shout in my home again, I will call my boss in Interpol and have him have the French President call yours immediately. Besides, the only involvement I have in this whole mess is the shooting of the man at the gate. My family didn't know anything about it until I came in and told them we had intruders. The rest of the mess is your doing, and they have nothing to say to you or anyone else. Now, ask me your questions or leave my property immediately.

I handed my phone to Sally and motioned with my head for her to go to the other room and make the call as we had rehearsed. She smiled at me, taking the phone and left the kitchen.

Glen: Where the hell is she going? Get her back here immediately or I will arrest her for interfering with an official investigation.

I didn't say a word, just clocked him. He went down and out immediately. Sid busted out laughing when he looked down at him lying at his feet.

Sid: I'm surprised you held out this long before doing something. You do know he will try to press charges, don't you?

Jon: Sid, by the time my daughter gets off the phone with the Director of Interpol, he won't have a job. I listened to and recorded your conversation in my office this morning, Sid, and you know as well as I do what happened out here. No, Sid, I am taking my family back to my island tomorrow, so someone better get on the ball and get my statement or they will have to come to me on the island. That sorry excuse for an agent lying there put me and my family in danger by his actions. Believe me when I say he will be fired by the President when the facts come out. Sid, I don't have a problem with you, but I will say that you need to pick some better friends, or at least one that can pour piss out of a boot without directions.

When I finished, everyone started laughing at my analogy. I found out later I left part of it out, but I ain't perfect. Even Sid was laughing.

Sid: Ok, Jon, I was put in charge before we left the office, but Glen wanted to try his scare tactics. Let me get my recorder set up and I will take everyone's statements. I have already been informed by our boss that the shooting at the gate was justified, so that won't interfere.

He sat and took statements from everyone including Timmy, with Michelle's permission. Even Timmy wouldn't say where we were when it all happened. He just said we were hiding in a dark place and that he got hungry. When he finished, he turned and came over to me climbing in my lap. I looked down at him and that little stinker winked at me when I did. I couldn't control it and busted out laughing. Everyone was looking at me and I just shrugged my shoulders. Sid finally indicated he was finished and now it was my turn to ask a few questions of him.

"Sid, how the hell did they get in, cut the fence?"

"No, they used an old boom truck to pull a couple of the posts that bordered the woods. I had it repaired before we left so your guard could let the dogs loose again. Jon, they were after two of your guests, and we don't know who was pulling their strings. They were professionals and the special teams almost got wiped out by them. None of them would surrender and all of them, even the two women, went down fighting. Jon, we didn't have any idea they were here, let alone how they found you."

"Sid, I have a feeling that woman you have locked up told them where we were. What happened in Vermont?"

"If she did, it was before we locked her up. She hasn't been out of her padded cell since she got there. When the SRT got to the house, we had it surrounded. They threw tear gas in and stormed the door. When they got inside, there was nobody there. We found a tunnel leading to the woods behind the house. There had been several vehicles parked there, but they left one behind when they escaped. It was an old pickup registered to Farley. Before you go off, we already know it was abandoned in West Virginia and impounded by the Sheriff there. We have got Marshals questioning him now. He and his whole department drew their paychecks from the church through the town council. They are under arrest too. Before you ask, we have already started repairs on the house and the tunnel has been collapsed. We traced the purchase and it was in Michelle's name, supposedly bought by her five years ago. Her mother was acting in her behalf and signed everything in her name. When the repairs are finished, she can legally sell it and pocket the money. Now, it's getting late and if there are no more questions, I will get big mouth awake and leave. Jon, you and your family are free to leave tomorrow if you wish. If there are any more questions concerning this incident, they will just have to come to you to ask them."

I didn't have any more questions and looking around, I could see Sally yawning so I just nodded my head at Sid. He got up and bent over Glen, pulling one of those little ammonia capsules out of his suit coat, popping it under his nose. I almost busted out laughing again when he snorted and asked what happened. Sid just helped him up and hustled him through the house. I nodded in their direction to Jubal, and he got up and escorted them out. Looking at everyone, I could see they were all tired so I told them to go to bed and that we would discuss it over breakfast. That's when I remembered that Tiny and Maggie were supposed to come out. I almost panicked before I got my cell back from Sally, immediately calling their home number.

When Maggie answered, she broke out crying when she heard my voice. We talked and I answered her questions as best I could. She said she and Tiny would be out first thing in the morning, and we better be there this time. I laughed and said we hadn't left, just hid out until it was all over. She didn't appreciate my remark, and let me know immediately what she thought of my flippant attitude. I apologized and she hung up saying I'd better be there. When I closed my phone sighing, I noticed just Kat and I were the only ones in the kitchen. I hadn't even realized Timmy had been taken out of my lap. I looked up at Kat and she was grinning at me as I rubbed my temples.

"Let's go to bed, Jon. Oh, and we wont be bothered by cats yowling tonight. Timmy said he had a talk with the dogs this morning and they promised not to hurt the kitties if they got in the yard again."

She was still laughing when I caught up to her on the steps. She was right, because this kitty passed out as soon as his head hit the pillow.



-------

Chapter 80


I was rudely awakened at the crack of dawn by the phone ringing. Since there was a phone in almost every room, this made a helluva racket as you can imagine. Kat elbowed me and told me to get up and answer it. I laughed as I got out of bed and grabbed the one on the dresser.

"Hello?"

"Jon, this is Sid. I have some bad news!"

I came awake immediately, and asked him what was going on.

"One of the hit teams broke into the hospital where we had Verna and broke her out. There were six nurses as well as several other staff and a doctor killed. We have reason to think she might try to get to your guest and her son. Jon, I am on my way with several of the Secret Service armored vans as well as escorts. We are about fifteen out and will stay with you until you board your flight."

"Ok, Sid, I'll alert the gate and wake everyone up. Sid, be careful. I know Verna's crazy, and I don't know anything about these teams they are using."

"We do, and so does the French Government. Jon, they are already moving two ships to guard your home as well as extra men to make sure they don't set foot on the island. We are more worried about the trip from your house to Washington. We are just about there, so I will talk to you in a few minutes."

He hung up, so I hit the intercom for the cottage, and alerted them to what was going on. I told them to get dressed, grab their luggage and come to the house. Kat was already going out the door to wake Sally, so I called Maggie. I told her that her trip out here would have to wait and that I would leave the papers for Tiny in the nursery. She wanted to gab, but I had to cut her off because I could hear Sally in the shower and Kat was headed in that direction herself. I, as usual, spent five minutes puking my guts out before I could do the same. I got dressed, noticing that Kat had already taken her one bag and gone downstairs. I came out of the room in time to help Sally with the huge suitcase she was dragging. She took my small one, giving me a grin as she did. She headed down the steps, hollering over her shoulder for me to hurry up if I wanted coffee. I stuck my tongue out at her and got a laugh.

When I got to the bottom of the steps, all the luggage was already sitting there waiting to be loaded. I added Sally's suitcase to the rest and went to the kitchen. Everyone was sitting around the table looking wide awake and cheerful. I noticed Jubal and Farley had already helped themselves to the AKs which were sitting next to their chairs. Then it hit me what Sid had said on the phone.

"Kat, get the rest and some food and drink then go to the wine cellar, right now!"

She and Michelle looked at me for a second, and they all started grabbing bread and other stuff putting them in plastic bags. While they were doing that, I told Jubal to watch the front and Farley to rove around, keeping an eye on the rear of the house. In my haste, I almost punched the button on the intercom through its plate. I alerted the guard and had him hit the button for backup, as well as to vacate the guard house immediately. I took the women to the cellar and opened the door, telling them to stay there until one of us came for them and to not get drunk. I got a snort from Kat and a smile from Michelle and Sally. Timmy pulled on my pant leg and when I bent down he whispered in my ear.

"Don't worry, Gampa, I'll make sure they are safe. You just take care of Jubal and Farley and my doggies."

"I'll make sure they are ok, Timmy. You keep a special eye on Kat, because she might try to sneak out while you're not looking."

I got a smile and a sloppy kiss on the cheek and a hug from Michelle and Sally. Kat paused for a minute, giving me a kiss before speaking.

"Jon, you make sure you watch yourself. I know I can't talk you out of this, but remember I love you and our babies need their father. Don't do anything stupid, my love."

I kissed her back and closed the shelf door when she got to the bottom. I went back to the cupboard above the stove, and grabbed an AK and several magazines. I stuffed them in any empty pocket I could find before heading to the front of the house. Jubal was watching the front door and thus the gate. He asked what was going on, and I explained Sid's comment to me, telling him that Sid already knew we never used the Washington Airport because of me being armed so heavily all the time. I explained that I thought he was under duress and was warning me the only way he could.

"Jubal, you can rove with Farley or stay here, whatever you two feel comfortable doing. I am going to the office where I can watch the cameras as well as have access to my gun safe. I have silenced pistols I can give you and Farley if you want them. I suggest you grab a bunch of the magazines and give Farley some more of them. I don't know how long this is going to last, so we better be prepared for anything."

"You got it, Jon. I think we can do more damage roving than fighting from a dwelling. I will bring Farley to the office and pick up the pistols as well as the little radios and earphones so we can keep in touch. You can be the point man and let us know which way they are coming in. You watch yourself, Jon. These people are good from what I heard, and you have been out of this type of fighting for a while. Don't ask them to give up, just shoot because they will do the same to you."

He took off towards the kitchen and I started out the door. I had a sudden hunch and went to the kitchen. I wrote the note, putting it in the center of the table, telling Jubal to leave the door open and I would do the same at the front. I went back out, ran to the office and opened the gun safe. I dug out three of the pistols as well as ten mags for them. I kept three for myself, putting on my shoulder holsters with the matched forties. When Farley and Jubal came in, grabbing their pistols and silencers. I was getting the cameras up and running. I trained the two on the front gate and the rest on the back of the property where they had come in before. I saw two of the dogs, and then remembered the third one was still at the vet's. I looked for the guard and his dog, but he must have already left because the company car was gone also. I watched the cameras as Farley and Jubal split up. Each was accompanied by one of the dogs, and they were snarling as they looked around. I figured them seeing the guns immediately put them on alert. I dug in the gun safe and got out one of the noise suppressors for the AK and screwed it on the end of the barrel. The one I had was the only one I had been able to get my hands on, and I wished I could have gotten some more. They didn't kill all the sound, but muffled it enough to confuse the enemy if you were shooting from an enclosed position. I wasn't planning on using full auto if I could help it, but spotting and shooting targets of opportunity.

I was checking out the cameras at the rear, when motion at the gate caught my eye. The first of three of the armored Suburbans that the Secret Service used to transport VIPs pulled up to the gate and honked its horn. I let Farley and Jubal know, and then watched as the driver got out and looked in the guard shack. The surprise on his face was clear to be seen when he realized it was empty. I watched as he turned toward the other two vehicles and shrugged his shoulders at them. He reached into his vehicle and came out with what looked like a pump shotgun and hit the window with the butt of it. I almost laughed out loud when it bounced off and hit his stomach. He tried it again with no success and then the others started piling out. I counted and there were eight of them in three vehicles. Verna was with them, holding a pistol on Sid as he climbed out of the last car. I could tell she was shouting, but couldn't make out what she was saying. She motioned toward the first driver and he climbed back into his car and tried to push the gate open. I knew that wasn't going to work because when the guard left, he knew to push the button to have the steel bars slide into the ground at either side, just for this reason. The only way they could get in was to climb over. They would be open targets when they did that, and I knew all the 47s had been shot in at fifty yards, just for this type of shooting. I cautioned Farley and Jubal to wait until I gave the word before we opened up on them. I gave a quick glance at the rear cameras and it was clear, so I turned my attention towards the front again.

"Farley, what are your and Jubal's locations?"

"I'm at the corner of the house on the cottage side, and Jubal's in the tree line above me. We both have a clear line of fire, Jon."

I didn't say anything, just watched as they seemed to stand around in a group arguing. Then Verna said something and they tied Sid's feet, shoved him into the back seat of the first car and closed the door. What they did next I would never understand. I couldn't believe that professionals like this bunch were supposed to be would make such a huge tactical mistake. Instead of climbing over the gate and running for cover to protect the others, they climbed over the gate one at a time, with the last man holding the next one's weapon. As each one got over, they just stood waiting for the next man to climb over. After the last man climbed over, Verna started climbing up and when several of them were occupied helping her, I decided this was as good as time as any to eliminate them.

"Open fire and take out all of them."

I immediately shot the one nearest to me before Farley or Jubal even fired. They were down before any of them even realized someone was shooting at them I think. Verna was hanging on the gate, her shirt holding her up. I walked out of the office after checking the cameras to make sure that was all of them.

"I think that's all of them, but keep a close eye on the cars just in case we have one that didn't get out. Remember, they are all but bulletproof. The back is clear, but keep your eyes on the dogs. They will alert you if anyone else shows up."

I walked the short distance to the gate, not believing it was all over so fast. Just when I got up to the one I had dropped, I heard cloth ripping and froze with my weapon up, trying to locate the noise. I saw Farley freeze almost at the same time. Then the sound came again and Verna limply fell down the side of the gate, landing on the bodies underneath her. I had a fleeting thought, wondering whether Farley or Jubal had shot her, but decided I didn't want to know. Farley started checking pulses and I leaned my rifle against the guard shack while I got out my keys. I opened the small gate and went to the first car. When I opened the door, Sid was laying on his face on the floor, not moving. I reached in and felt for a pulse and pulled back when I realized he didn't have one. Damn, how had he died? He was still fighting them when they threw him in the back seat. I couldn't see any marks on his body, but he was gone. I had lost another good friend because of this damned church.

I went to the other two cars and they were empty. I had just turned to walk toward the guard shack when I heard gravel crunching. I turned toward the noise and saw a man running down the road with a pistol in his hand. I yelled for him to stop and he fired at me while running away like a damned cowboy. I took a side stance and held my aim about a foot over his head and fired four shots one right after the other. One of my shots must have hit him in the lower back from the way he arched before he went down sliding on his front in the loose gravel. He wasn't moving when Farley came running out, throwing my AK at me. I caught it one handed and slid the forty back in my holster. I told Jubal to keep his eyes open while we checked this one out.

We split and slowly walked to where he was lying. His pistol was laying ten feet in front of him and he wasn't moving. When I bent down to check his pulse, I noticed that I had hit him with three of my shots. One in the middle of his back, one in the neck, and one in the back of his head. I didn't even bother rolling him over, already knowing what he was gonna look like when I did.

"Damn, Jon, you're pure dee hell with a pistol. Three solid hits at that distance. I think you must have pulled the first shot. Look at the chunk missing out of his left ear."

I looked at him and we both busted out laughing. Now this wasn't a funny situation, but as all old soldiers and law enforcement know, after a shoot out, you use this method to cope with all the gore around you. No one likes killing, but if it's your family's or your life against theirs, you do whatever it takes to keep you and them alive.

We walked back to the gate with Farley telling Jubal about the pistol shooting, and I could hear Jubal laughing at Farley's remarks. When we got to the gate, I opened the guard shack and started making calls. Within fifteen minutes I heard sirens approaching and I told Jubal and Farley to go sit on the porch while I handled the initial questions. Three hours later we were finally released and the bodies were gone. I was hosing down the driveway in front of the gate when the guard came back. I looked at my watch and to my utter surprise, it wasn't even noon yet. When I rolled the hose back up and walked to the porch where Farley and Jubal were sitting, I felt like I was a hundred years old.

"Fellas, we need to get the women and kids back up here. I don't know about you, but I'm starving and I need a cup of coffee in the worst way. I have been thinking, and I just don't know how to tell Michelle about her mother. I know she needs to know, but I do not want to be the one to tell her. We still have three hours before we can catch the plane."

"Jon, you saved all of us today with your fast thinking and actions. Why don't you let me and Jubal break the bad news to her? Meanwhile, I am starving too."

We went in the house laughing and I went to the door to get the girls. When I opened it, I was surprised to see Timmy sitting on the bottom step. At first I thought he was asleep and wondered why his mom would let him wander off. When I got down almost to the bottom, I realized he was sobbing and trying to fight back the noise.

"Timmy?"

He looked up at me with his face all wet and his nose running, and the smile I got when he realized it was me made my heart freeze. The look of relief and joy on his face brought tears to my eyes because I realized he was crying because he was worried about me.

"GAMPA!"

He jumped in my arms, crying and laughing at the same time, almost breaking my neck with his hugs.

I didn't get a chance to speak because Kat was trying to squeeze me, along with Michelle and Sally and all at the same time. I finally was able to get away, only because Timmy was complaining he couldn't breathe. As I walked with them, we gathered up what was left of the stuff they brought down, and headed back to the house. This time I was holding Timmy in my arms as I shut off the lights and closed the door. I fervently hoped we would never have to use it again to protect the ones I loved, those who were what my world was all about. When Timmy and I got to the kitchen, Michelle took him to the bathroom to wash his face. I almost had a fight with Jubal to get the first cup of coffee they had made while I was getting the family back up from the cellar. I knew Kat was going to ask me and when I caught her eye, I slightly shook my head no. She must have realized it was something I didn't want to discuss at that time, because she smiled and went back to getting something for us to eat. We all sat down to eat, and Sally started to say something when Kat leaned over and whispered in her ear and she just didn't ask. When the meal was done, the other four went to the cottage at Farley's insistence to see if they had left anything behind for the trip to the island. Almost as soon as they left, the questions started. I answered all of them, and when I told Sally and Kat about Verna, Sally was the one who got angry. Kat just sat looking shocked with tears in her eyes as she finally asked.

"Jon, I know this is a horrible thing to ask, but I need to know. Did you shoot her?"

I looked at her in shock and started to answer, but Sally beat me to it.

"What's the difference, Kat? She got what she deserved for the way she treated her own daughter, and my best friend and little brother. I know my dad, and I also know regardless of how much he might have wanted to, he couldn't do something like that. He loves Michelle and Timmy to much to have that on his conscience. Let's just drop it before we all say something we will regret. Besides, we are going back to a tropical paradise, and I don't want to remember that I left the only home I know and love with that thought on my mind."

Kat just looked at Sally for a moment before she gathered her up in her arms, hugging her. I was watching them and Sally winked at me, and then stuck her tongue out at me. I grinned and shook my head, and headed for another cup of coffee.



-------

Chapter 81


We were killing time before we left for the airport to catch the chartered jet, so I made some calls. I had Tiny arrange for the two who escorted us before to meet us at the airport. I called the Sheriff and pulled in a favor and tried to get all the loose ends tied up before we left. When Farley and the rest came back from the cottage about an hour later, I saw that Michelle had been crying but she seemed to be holding up ok. When Farley caught my eye, he slightly nodded his head indicating that everything was ok. Timmy came running over and climbed into my lap, much to Kat's delight because she was looking at Michelle trying to make sure she was ok. Other than Timmy's enthusiasm about going back to the island, the conversation was a little subdued until the guard said over the intercom that the Sheriff was here. I told the guard to let the Sheriff in, and I got up, heading to the front door with Timmy hanging on to my hand the whole way. The Sheriff was accompanied by two deputies that I knew and I noticed they were driving the two unmarked Crown Vics that I had requested.

"Jon, I can't stay, but you know my friends here. They both took the special course at Langley last year and volunteered to escort you and your family to the airport. They will check in when you hit the interstate, and I will make sure the State Police run a loose tail on you the whole way for added security. Jon, I know you're thinking of your family, but I wish you didn't have to leave again. You know Judy is going to go crazy without Sally's company in school this year. Those two are like sisters and I think of you as a friend as I did your grandfather."

I thanked him and we shook hands before he left to go back to town. I called to Jubal and Farley and it took all of us about five minutes to load all the suitcases into the trunks of the two cars. We decided who was riding in what car and how we should be armed. I told both deputies that we would all be armed heavily and that we would give them our weapons when we got on the plane. I had already made arrangements with the Sheriff to give the weapons to Jeb to store for me. Then I remembered the papers for Tiny. I got them out of the safe and put them under the blueprints in the nursery. I decided I would take Myrna's letter with me and read it on the island. I almost left it in the safe, but felt guilty because I hadn't taken the time to read it yet. I thought I already knew part of what it said, but in all fairness to her, I knew I had to read it.

We went back to the kitchen and Kat was the ultimate hostess as usual, offering the deputies their choices of beverages. I had a sudden hunch and called Jerry. When he answered, I asked him about the envelope from my grandfather that he was holding. He put me on hold while he went to get it. I heard him pick up the phone again but for awhile all I could hear was the rustling of papers. Then he came back on the line.

"Jon, sifting through the top few documents, I do not want to discuss any of this on the phone. You will have to come into the office."

"Then it's going to be a long wait for that, Jerry. We are leaving for the island in a few minutes and won't be coming back until I think it's safe for my family to live here again. We will be on the island, so if it's that important, then you will just have to come there."

"Jon, you are part owner of my firm, but this time I want your word that if I come to you with these papers you won't shoot me on the spot. You are my friend, but you are not going to like what I am looking at."

"Why don't you just tell me, Jerry? It can't be as bad as you're letting on. I know my grandfather had his hands in a lot of things, but as far as I know none of them were crooked."

"Jon, this is not what I would call crooked, but just the top sheaf of papers is really going to set your temper off. To reiterate my objections, I will not discuss this on the phone. This is important enough that you need to meet with me in person."

"Then it's going to have to wait for a long time, Jerry. As I said, I am not setting foot back on American soil until I feel my family is safe. If you think it's that important, then you will just have to come to me when we get settled back on the island. Bring your family with you. Take a week and relax a little for a change. We have plenty of room and it won't cost any of you a thing."

"Ok, Jon. While I have this out, I will go through it and carry out some of the personal notes your grandfather left as instructions for me to handle personally. Jon, I don't want to worry you, but with what I am holding in my hand, you are going to be public enemy number one when it gets out. The church will want your head even worse than they already do. Jon, you guys please be careful, I think I am holding the reason why they want you, as well as Michelle and Timmy, so bad. I will see you on the island as soon as I can make the arrangements."

He hung up at that point, leaving me with more unanswered questions. What the hell had my grandfather been into that would have such a wide reaching effect on me and the church, I wondered? I went back to the kitchen and rounded everyone up. When we got situated in the cars, Timmy put up a fight when he found out he wasn't riding with me. We finally compromised when Michelle asked Kat if it was ok. I immediately got out-voted by Kat and Sally to let him ride between them in the back. I just threw my hands in the air to Jubal and Farley's laughter. When I climbed in the front next to the deputy, I looked back and all three of them were grinning at me. Timmy stuck his tongue out at me to Kat's and Sally's laughter. I just turned back around with a grin on my face as we pulled out.

The ride to the small airport was anticlimactic. There must have been dozens of State police cars either parked along the highway or running interference for us to get through the traffic. They took all the way to the gate where our jet was waiting. The couple who escorted us before was waiting and the porter had our luggage stowed in minutes. We took off, heading to the Virgin Islands to catch our Helicopter ride to the island.

When we landed, I was the first one at the door when it opened. To my surprise, there were ten Legionnaires waiting at port arms at the bottom of the steps. The Corporal from the island was waiting to greet me in the traditional manner. There were also four fully armed Legion Battle Copters with rotors turning waiting on us. We all were hustled to the front two while our luggage was loaded in the others. The soldiers mounted and we took off. After we were in the air, about ten minutes into the flight, I was handed a mic and headphones by the co-pilot. The pilot started speaking to me in French as soon as I got them on.

"Welcome sir. It is our honor to be picked to provide your transportation as well as protection until we get to your home. Your home has been fully stocked with food and any extras the Captain thought you would need. Your new doctor is already in residence, and we have made arrangements for him to draw any medical supplies he might need from our supply ships. We, as well as the men stationed on the island, have been apprised of what has happened as well as why you decided to return. They, to a man, declared they would protect you and your family to the best of their ability. This church will not be able to get through our defenses and those were upgraded again just last week in anticipation of your arrival. You and your family will remain safe as long as one of us is able to fight."

When he finished his little speech, I looked at my family and felt like a thousand pounds had been lifted off my shoulders. It took awhile for me to swallow the lump in my throat before I could answer him.

"Who ordered all of this, Lieutenant?"

"This came directly from the President, Sir. He personally picked our platoon to handle your family's safety and all the men were honored to accept. To protect the family of our nations highest medal holder is beyond what any of us ever expected to be chosen to do by our President. The Wolf of Algiers, as we call you, makes this duty even more prestigious to the men. The people of the island are all eagerly awaiting your arrival along, as well as the Captain and his officers. I expect there will be quite a celebration tonight if all the activity going on when we left was any sign. Your new doctor is already in great demand on the outer islands and he is also eagerly awaiting the arrival of your beautiful wife. From what I have gathered, they are very close friends and he says he is very happy to be here. He is a huge man and has been accepted by the natives of the island. He has already done several operations and is well thought of by our men as well. The Captain has already said he would sooner tangle with a lion than your doctor."

I felt the copter shift to the side and the co-pilot told us to look of out the side window. I motioned to Kat and Sally to look out and helped Timmy to do the same. What looked like the whole village was standing on top of the bluff above the beach, and there were soldiers as well as natives waiting on the beach. My eyes were drawn to the man standing by himself with his hand up shading his eyes. He looked to be almost seven feet tall. Even at this distance, I could tell he was huge. When we sat down on the sandy beach next to the steps, the door was opened and Kat was the first one out. She ran full speed directly to the big fella and to my surprise, jumped into his arms, hugging him and kissing him on the cheeks like a long lost brother. I looked over at Sally and she had a frown on her face while watching Kat's actions. I stepped out, taking Timmy in my arms and helping Sally out at the same time. Almost as soon as my feet hit the sand, I felt at peace and safe among the people and comrades I knew so well. I was home again, and this time I wasn't worried about my family. I would be taking the war to the church and doing it under my own terms this time. My family was safe and I was free to do what I did best, crush my enemies in a way that they would understand. I had been hiding and protecting my family, but now I was going to take the offensive until I destroyed every bastard that had tried to harm my family.



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Chapter 82




This is the first of the new chapters. There won't be many! I plan on writing a continuation of the book in the near future. Enjoy these last few chapters.



As we floated in the tepid stinking water, I wondered for the thousandth time what the hell we were doing in the middle of a harbor in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, waiting for our intended target. We had been floating here for three hours, having been inserted an hour after dusk. Farley, Jubal and I were stationed at each corner of the dock so we would have clear fields of fire when our target showed. Farley had slipped aboard the yacht and planted explosives to blow it out of the water in case there were too many in the party to take out with the silenced .40s we were carrying. We were in wetsuits and had state of the art encrypted ear plugs so we would be able to talk to each other. We had been dropped off of one of the French battle cruisers onto a waiting fishing boat off the coast at Largos. The skipper of the small boat had brought us to the mouth of the port; and would return at dawn to pick us up, if we completed the mission. If not, he would provide us with shelter so we could try again the next night. Our source was the wife of one of the society members who cleaned offices for a certain Issac Breedon, the Arms Dealer. According to what she passed on to Quanta, she had overheard them setting up a meeting tonight on his yacht with his Middle Eastern buyers. Quanta had done a little checking and it seemed that he had a phobia about meeting in his offices. He always met with his buyers and sellers on the boat, after he had it swept for bugs. The electronics man had already checked it and left, so now it was just a matter of waiting for him and his guests to arrive.

"Jon, I just got word on the other channel that he is getting ready to leave his offices with his friends. I was also told that he cleaned out his safe and has all his papers in a water tight briefcase. There are ten of them with seven bodyguards. I think we ought to pull back and let them leave, and I will blow the boat when they get to the mouth of the bay. That way we will have time to search for the briefcase before the patrol boats come to see what the explosion was."

"I agree, Farley. I think ten plus the bodyguards are more than the three of us can handle without attracting too much attention. We can swim out to the point and set it off, just as they pass. It isn't too deep there and it will put them on top of us so we will have more time to recover the case if we can find it. Tell our lookout to get pictures of everyone that comes out and boards the boat. We will need the pictures to identify who is aboard and see if any of them are wanted. Let's move out or we won't get there before they do."

"Ok, Jon, I have passed the word on. Bet you a hundred Jubal and I get there before you do, old man."

I didn't say anything, but chuckled as I shoved off, heading towards the spit of land I could barely see in the distance. It had been my pleasure to work with these two. Their sense of humor kept me in stitches and my mind off Kat and Sally. As I swam towards the land in the distance, I automatically let the big diving flippers do the work as my mind drifted back to when we landed on the island. Little did I know that the look on Sally's face would start a small war between her and Kat over Pat, Kat's friend and now the island's doctor. By the time the helicopters took off our luggage had disappeared into the distance, Koma had given me a big hug and welcomed me back to our home. I watched as a smiling and laughing Kat untangled herself from a bear of a man and brought him over to me. She made the introductions and he shook my hand, smiling before he commented; "So, you're the man who won my nurse's heart? I am so happy to see how happy she is."

When Kat made the introductions to Michelle and Timmy, they both smiled at his jovial manner. Then it hit the fan when Sally gave Pat, then Kat, a dirty look and stomped off up the steps. Kat looked at me with hurt showing in her eyes and all I could do was shrug and smile in a sickly manner. We all walked up to the house together and Kat asked if I minded if she spent some time with Pat to catch up on what he had been doing for all these years.

"Go ahead, Hon, I have some calls to make and I think I need to have a little talk with my daughter. We can have dinner on the patio and all of us can get to know your friend a little better."

I knew from her smile that I had said the right thing and I walked away listening to her chatter. I headed for the rooms on the other side of ours where I knew Sally, Michelle and Timmy were planning on staying. As I climbed the steps, I was trying to figure out why Sally had been so rude towards Pat. This was totally unlike her and for the life of me I just couldn't figure out a reason for her actions. When I knocked on the door, it was immediately opened by an excited Timmy.

"Gampa, I have my own room and Mom says I can go to the village to play with the other kids if you will take me. Can I go, Gampa?"

"Sure, Timmy, just as soon as I talk to Sally. Is she here?"

"No, Gampa she acted all mad and took off, walking up the path. She was really mad for some reason. She didn't even tell me goodbye."

Michelle walked in and overheard Timmy's last remark. I told her I would take him to the village and make sure he was home by dinner. As I started back out the door, her words stopped me before I closed the door.

"Go easy on her, Jon; she was really upset for some reason."

I just nodded at her and closed the door, following an excited Timmy down the steps. He grabbed my hand, practically pulling me to where the small carts we used for transportation were. I was smiling at him as he talked a hundred miles an hour as we headed up the path.



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Chapter 83


My thoughts were jerked back to the present by a message coming in my earpiece.

"Jon, the lookout just informed me that they are arriving at the dock in two limos. You better paddle a little faster or you ain't gonna make it. Jubal and I are already here and are wondering if you got lost and need us to find you."

"Very funny, you old reprobate. I am just about there and should be climbing up to where you are standing in plain sight. Get down, just in case they have binoculars and are looking for threats. This guy is super paranoid."

"Oh, sorry, I didn't think about that. Where the hell are you?"

"Look down and be glad I am not hunting you."

When he did, the look on his face caused me to snort and then laugh out loud at his expression. I heard a murmured, "smartass", before he disappeared from my line of sight. When I climbed out of the water, pulling off my diving flippers, they were both behind a log watching me with grinning faces.

"'Bout time you got here, slowpoke. We have been waiting for five minutes for you to finally arrive."

"Jubal, you were climbing out of the water as I swam up, so don't even start. Besides, from what I saw, Farley was here several minutes before you were."

That got me a dirty look and a grin from Farley before I settled in, digging the small but powerful binoculars out of my waist pouch. I panned the glasses over the open water in front of us and realized we had inadvertently picked the perfect spot to set up our little ambush. The buoys were directly in front of us, and outgoing traffic had to swing in close to the point we were on to navigate the shallow waters. We would have time to search for the briefcase before the harbor police could get up to speed and come our way. I pointed the glasses towards the yacht in time to catch the reflection of headlights off the water as the limos pulled up, disgorging their human cargo. The guards piled out first, forming a perimeter and checking the area before they signaled their clients to come out. I inhaled sharply as I recognized the first person out of the front limo. It was Maurice, and he was dressed in a suit and seemed to be in charge of the bodyguards. Damn, I thought, I wish he wasn't in the middle of this, but I was realistic and knew he took his chances like any other paid soldier. The next person out threw me for a bigger loop as it was Breedon's father, the attaché to the French embassy. He claimed, at least to Interpol when they spoke to him, that he hadn't seen nor had any idea where his son was. To me, this answered my and Interpol's question as to where the money was coming from and I hoped our lookout got his picture. Then I watched as Issac and his other guests all piled out and from the smiles I could see, it looked like everyone was having a good time. Well, I thought, laugh it up because I would have the last laugh. If he hadn't put an open contract on the ones I loved, I wouldn't be here and he wouldn't be dying tonight. I passed the glasses to Farley and pointed to the boat. I watched as he looked the people over and I heard him sharply inhale like I had. We had all seen close up pictures of almost everyone on the dock. For the most part, they were wanted for so many crimes it was like a who's who of international criminals.

"Damn, Jon, if we pull this one off, we will kill half the terrorists wanted by your country as well as several others. I think we hit the jackpot, my friend. Here, Jubal, take a look at some of the most wanted men in the world."

He handed the glasses to Jubal and grinned at me. We got comfortable behind the large tree and waited. To me, like any other mission I had been on, this was the hardest part, the waiting. I heard the diesel motors of the boat start and then a few muffled shouts coming across the water. I strained to hear what was being shouted. Then I realized it was just the deckhands shouting orders to cast off. Jubal handed me back the glasses, stretched out, and seemed to go to sleep. I looked at Farley in a questioning manner and he grinned.

"Don't pay any attention to him, Jon, he's young and dumb and full of...

"Oh shut up, Farley, before I start telling Jon about some of your drunken girlfriends and the tricks you used to pull to get your ugly ass laid."

I lost it and was chuckling so hard I couldn't focus the glasses on the boat, which was slowly coming around the point. I finally got myself under control and spoke up before they got into one of their arguing matches again.

"Ok, you two, don't start. Farley, when they get in front of us set the charges off."

"That's just a little too close, don't you think?"

"No, they will still be on deck and that is the shallowest part of their voyage. I don't want to have to spend too much time searching for the briefcase because the harbor police will be out in full force. If we lay flat and hug the ground, the tree should protect us from any debris."

"Ok, but don't say I didn't warn you."

I settled in flat on the sandy shore, watching as Jubal did the same. Farley was peeking over the edge of the small bank, watching the boat. The explosion, when it came, surprised me, even though I was expecting it. In hindsight, I should have listened to Farley but in my need to get this over with I didn't. The concussion from the explosion very nearly blew us up too. As it was, I felt myself picked up off the sand, and rolled completely over on my back. Before I could get my breath back and finally scramble to my feet, I could hear Jubal cussing up a storm from what seemed like far away.

"Is everyone ok?"

"Yeah, but next time we do this it's gonna be my way. I think I used too much plastique."

I just looked at Farley, saw his nose bleeding, and chuckled to myself as I headed for the shoreline to go find the briefcase. I glanced towards the dock and saw that lights were coming on all over the place. I realized that we had less time to find our prize than what I thought. I stumbled over a body laying half on shore, saw the reflection of something shiny next to the body, and stooped to see what it was. Damn me if it wasn't the case we were seeking, still clutched in Breedon's hand. Then I realized he was still breathing and I hesitated, trying to decide what to do. Then it hit me that this man had ordered the death of my family in retaliation for the loss of his illegal shipment of guns in the sub. I did the humane thing and quickly broke his neck, feeling a little sick to my stomach as I did. I pried the case out of his hand and called Jubal and Farley on the earplugs, telling them I had the case and we had to get moving before we had company. They both came quickly to my side and I motioned for Farley to lead out across the land mass to the other side to meet our fishing boat. We didn't check for any more survivors, but headed out at a fast pace. When I looked back before going into the shrubbery, there was a small patrol boat with lights flashing, headed directly for our position. His spotlight was swinging in my direction as I went into the thick shrub, running to put distance between me and the explosion.

It took almost thirty minutes to get through the thick shrub to the opposite side of the island we were on. When we stopped facing open water, Farley signaled with the light he had and it was answered with the correct code almost immediately. We quickly put our flippers on and hit the water, swimming as fast as we could toward the small fishing boat anchored about a hundred yards offshore. When we got to its side, we were quickly helped aboard by the Captain.

"Go below and hide in the same place as before. I have nets out and there is a police launch coming around the point. Hurry, my friends!"

We did, trying to get below before the launch, which I could clearly hear, saw us topside. I helped Farley and Jubal to hide under the false floor before taking my spot on the other side, getting the last board over me while hearing voices coming down the steps of the galley area. I lay on my back, hearing the Captain's voice and another man arguing loudly in their native language. The footsteps went back and forth for several minutes with the sounds of cupboards being opened as closed as the argument continued the whole time. Finally I heard footsteps going back topside, silence for a few minutes, then the sound of a boat pulling away from ours. It seemed like hours before the Captain came down, telling us we could come out, and that he would start coffee while his son kept an eye out for any other boats coming in our direction.

"We will stay here until the sun rises and then we will head in again. I think they were very suspicious of me having nets out in this area because this is not my normal fishing area. The police are very upset that the yacht of one of our rich citizens blew up mysteriously. He also said that they have recovered all the bodies and that there were no survivors. The owner was found partially ashore where the explosion blew his body. They have shut down the port and are not allowing any boats to leave pending being thoroughly searched before they clear port. All fishing boats are to be docked until they have a complete investigation. You will have to stay aboard until they let us fish again."

"How long will they keep you docked before you can go out again, Captain?" I asked

"Could be one day or more, but until they are satisfied they will keep the port and all waterways closed. They will be back again if I know the police. We will just have to keep our eyes open until I can return you to the vessel which is waiting for you. Now get comfortable and have some coffee until my son and I can pull our nets in as ordered."



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Chapter 84


By the time we got back to shore, daylight was just starting. We decided to take shifts sleeping to make sure no one sneaked up on us. The Captain assured us that either he or his son would always be onboard. He said one of them were always working on nets or cleaning. I decided to take the first watch and settled back against the table in the small galley. I let my mind wander back to the island and my determination to talk to my daughter.

-------

Timmy and I spotted Sally about halfway to the village. I slowed down when I came up beside her and she gave me that look and got in the back, but refused to talk to either me or Timmy, even though he tried. I could tell he was hurt by her actions and when we stopped at the edge of the village Koma met us. Timmy went running to him, telling him that he was allowed to play with the kids his age. Koma gave him a big smile before looking at me and then Sally who was still silent.

"I will make sure he returns for his evening meal, Jon."

"Thanks, Koma, I appreciate it."

He turned and walked away, holding Timmy's hand while Timmy was trying to talk his ear off. I backed the cart up and headed back to the house, stopping where I had blown the cliff before turning to my daughter.

"Sally, your actions have hurt me and Kat. Now before I get upset and act like you are, I want to know just what your problem is, young lady!"

I waited for a few minutes to see if she was going to answer. "Well?"

"Well what?"

"Sally Morgan, if you answer me with a question again, so help me I will turn you over my knee. Now, you have hurt everyone who loves you today by your actions, and I for one want to know why?"

I got a glare, silence, and a dirty look as tears started from the corner of her eyes before she broke down sobbing. I quickly went to the seat and slid in next to her, taking her into my arms. I didn't say anything, figuring she would talk about what was bothering her when she was ready. I sat holding her and thinking about all that had happened and how it had upset her life. I again wondered how any of the people I loved were able to stand up to it all.

"Dad, I thought Kat loved you and that she was your wife. I hurt inside by the way she embarrassed us when we landed."

"Huh! Whoa ... Whoa ... Whoa ... What are you talking about? I seemed to have missed something here, Sally."

She leaned back, looking at me with the intense look I had come to recognize over the years as her way of silently telling me I was dumb and didn't know what was happening around me. She kept it up and in spite of myself, I started to think I had missed something she had seen and I hadn't. Then the next statement shocked me so bad my mouth was flapping in the wind like a fish gasping for water.

"Didn't you see the way she kissed and rubbed herself up against that big hairy Neanderthal when we landed? She acted like he was some lost lover or something. My god, dad, will you open your eyes to what's going on? If I were you, I would have shot him and turned HER over my knee. I can't believe a pregnant married woman would act that way. It's shameful, that's what it is! I don't know what you would do if you didn't have me to look out for you!"

I sat next to her in shock with my mouth opening and closing like I said earlier, until my sense of humor kicked in and I totally lost it. The laughter started deep in my stomach and just rolled out of me to the point I had tears streaming down my cheeks. The whole time Sally was giving me that look and I somehow instinctively knew she just wanted to slap me which made me laugh harder.

"DAD! Will you quit laughing? I don't see any humor in the situation at all. You should throw that hairy beast off our island!"

It took me almost five minutes to get myself under control to where I thought I could coherently put words together again. I was getting the look the whole time. I cleared my throat and sniffed, looking at my daughter, feeling the love I had for her and almost started laughing again at her indignant look.

"Sally, boy do you sound like Myrna, just a younger version. I know it's not my place to tell you this, but considering the facts, I think it's something that you can understand. I will tell you about Pat and Kat and the history behind their love for each other."

I looked at her, smiled, and spent the next half hour telling everything that Kat had told me about Pat. I watched her face as I did, and it ran the whole gauntlet of emotions from shock to blushing back to shock then when I got to the end of the story. Smiling at her as she looked up at my face, I could tell she was still adjusting to all the facts. She was red as a beet and her eyes were wide open in shock.

"Oh my god, Kat is gonna kill me!"

I fell out of the cart, landing flat on my back. I was laughing so hard I was having trouble breathing. Sally leaned over the edge of the cart, looking down at me with a shocked look again.

"Dad, do you think if I asked Koma nicely he would sneak me off the island before Kat finds out what I was thinking? I wish Myrna was here so I could stand behind her before I told Kat. I would have a few seconds to run before she blasts me."

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"JON! Snap out of it! I think we have company again, I just heard a boat go by, and it stopped close to ours."

"Sorry, Farley, I was thinking about Kat and Sally. Get the hiding places ready and wake Jubal."

I carefully went up the few steps to the deck where I could look out and see what was going on outside. When I popped my head above, the Captain was sitting facing the hatch I was coming out of and slowly made a motion with his hand for me to stay down. I ducked below the deck with the pistol in my hand, watching him to see what was going on. In a few minutes I heard voices and the Captain stood looking towards shore with a smile on his face. Then I recognized one of the voices. It was Quanta and he yelled for me to come greet him. I went outside, tucking the pistol in my swimming trunks.

"Jon, there is no need for the three of you to hide. You forgot your passports when you left the bank this morning so I brought them to you. I want you to meet Captain Kushka of the harbor police. I brought him with me to introduce you, Jubal, and Farley so he would know you're supposed to be here. I forgot to tell you about all that was going on when you arrived this morning. Captain Jubee, do you have any of that cold beer your tribe makes? I think we could all use one while we sit and talk."

When I stood up, Captain Kushka's eyes went immediately to the small tattoo on my shoulder and he slightly bowed to me.

"Ahh, Mr. Morgan. It is an honor to meet you. Mr. Mutamba has told me so much about you. I am glad he thought to bring me along to meet you and your friends. With all that happened last night, my men would have been somewhat hostile to strangers if you were seen on Captain Jubee's boat. Now I can tell them of your arrival and you will not be questioned or bothered during your stay in our country. Welcome to Nigeria, Mr. Morgan. I hope you are able to conduct your business and enjoy my country's hospitality."

"Thank you, Captain. Other than my stupidly leaving my passport at the bank this morning, I have enjoyed my stay. I have been talking with Captain Jubee and his son about the fishing here and I hope I can set up contracts for fresh fish with the Captain and his tribe to both our satisfaction. I am sure they could use the money and my country will enjoy the fresh fish they catch."

We all sat at any convenient spot and drank cold beer, laughing and discussing politics like we had known each other for years instead of a few minutes. I caught Quanta's wink and had to smile to myself at his subterfuge and quick thinking. I was somewhat puzzled about how he had gotten our passports, since we hadn't brought them from the island with us. I didn't dwell on it much, knowing how acute his business and planning was. I didn't give it much thought since all of us had French passports, and I figured Interpol had had a hand in it somehow. This was a relief, though, since now we didn't have to hide but could travel openly throughout the country and catch a plane out when we left. Once again, Quanta had come through for me. Quanta finished his beer, signifying the meeting was over as he stood. We all shook and as Quanta stepped to the dock, he informed me that his driver would pick us up before dark and take us to our hotel. I thanked him and watched as they went two docks over, boarded a bright new police launch, and went down the waterway in the direction of the main harbor.

"Did I just dream that whole thing or did it really happen, Jon?" Farley asked.

Before I could answer, Captain Jubee spoke up; "He is a member of the society also, Mr. Morgan. I think Quanta brought him here so he could see with his own eyes the honor the society has bestowed upon you. Between him and Quanta, you will be able to wander freely and will always have someone watching to make sure you have no problems while you are in our country. You could safely flag down one of the patrol boats and they would take you anywhere you wished to go with no questions. I just found out this morning when I saw you with your shirt off, and I am honored to host you, although I have been a poor host, Torch Bearer."

"No, Captain, you have saved us several times, as well as put yourself and your son in great danger. You have been a perfect host, Captain, and we are grateful for all your help. Now, since we don't have to hide any longer, maybe we could go ashore and have some fruit and sit in the shade out of this hot sun."

We all laughed and of course Farley and Jubal had to have their say about the smell of fish and such, which the Captain got a big laugh out of. We grabbed our wetsuits, flippers, and the briefcase before following the Captain to his shanty about a hundred yards from the docks. I noticed his shanty was whitewashed and that it had a screened in porch with several chairs and loungers spread around. When we all got settled into our chosen seats, his wife brought us ice cold beer as well as a huge bowl of cut up fruit to munch on.

"Welcome to our home, Torch Bearer" she said, and disappeared back inside, leaving the men on the porch.

"I am afraid that is the only English she knows, Mr. Morgan. I have tried to teach her but she always gets confused with the different words of your language. I learned your language from the missionaries, and my son from his school. I will leave you for now to snooze in the heat and tend to some other matters I have been neglecting since we returned this morning. Please feel free to look around until your ride comes."

"Before you leave, Captain, I believe we have a little matter of recompense to settle between us."

"None needed, Mr. Morgan. You are one of us and we take care of each other. Now, if you will excuse me sirs?"

He was gone before I could say anything more, and I noticed both Jubal and Farley were looking at me strangely.

"Ok, you two, what is it now?"

They looked at each other before Jubal asked the question I had been dreading since the mention of the society came up earlier.

"What the hell society are they talking about, and what is a Torch Bearer?"

I took a deep drink of beer and told them what I knew I was allowed to tell about the society, the followers as well as its roots, and how I became a member. When I finished, they looked at each other and busted up laughing. I waited scowling at them until Farley spoke up.

"Jon, we ain't knowed you that long, although it seems like years, and we are just a couple of old Navy Seals who live in the country. Now, if it was anybody but you telling that story, I would call them a liar. But since it's you, we will just forget we asked. Now I am gonna get some sleep and smell myself, until we can get to the hotel so I can shower and order room service on your dime. I would appreciate it if your fan club didn't wake me till the car shows up to take us to civilization."

I gave him the finger and Jubal started laughing before he settled back on the lounger and seemed to go right to sleep. For some reason I no longer felt sleepy, even with the heat and humidity. I was thinking about all that had happened and wondered how Kat and Sally were doing. For the first time in many months, I wondered to myself where Myrna was and when she would be coming home. Even though I knew my temper tantrum had set it all off, I had to admit to myself that I did miss her and I knew Sally did. I had a funny feeling that the problems we encountered here by blowing up the yacht were gonna compound into something else, but I couldn't figure out what it could be. I finally dozed off in the middle of these thoughts.



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Chapter 85


I don't know how long I was asleep, but I woke to the murmur of voices. I listened a little before I straightened up. It was Farley and Jubal talking, and what I was hearing sounded like it had been going on for awhile.

"Jubal, I was there just like you were when Jon got that message from Interpol, and I have seen that look before. We are not going to even try to open that brief case until Jon decides to. Besides, it was his family that was threatened and that pisses me off too. He has made us a lot of money since we met, and I kinda feel like his family is my family too."

"I know that, Farley, and I feel the same way, but I can't help but wonder what's in that case and why, if it's so important, he hasn't opened it yet."

"Jubal, I figure when the time comes he will tell us, but if he doesn't, it's really none of our business."

I figured this was a good time to stir and woke up, sitting up in the chair looking at both of them.

"Fellas, I don't know for sure what's in the case other than all the papers he had in his safe. If he was as paranoid as I understand, then we will let someone who's an expert open it. It is probably booby trapped if what Quanta told me is true, and I have no reason to doubt him. I damn sure don't want to take the chance because what it contains is not only important to me but to several governments, if what Interpol thinks is true. The papers inside of there can probably save a lot of lives and bust the arms smuggling wide open in this part of the world."

"Yeah, we know, Jon, but you know how impatient the younger generation is."

"Oh shut up, Farley, it's not like you didn't want to open it too."

I just smiled to myself, knowing they were gonna start with the arguing again. Sometimes I wondered how they ever lived together without getting into a fight. They acted more like brothers than uncle and nephew. I had to admit, listening and sometimes refereeing had broken the sheer monotony of the trip since we left the island. I sat up, grabbing the case, when I heard a horn honk. Jubal jumped up and went around the house, hollering our ride was here. I had just stood, up looking over at Farley, when Jubal came running back around the corner.

"I don't know who it is but they are armed, Jon."

I quickly motioned for Farley to go to the big tree and told Jubal to get inside the back door. I jumped off the porch and quickly slid the case under the porch as hard as I could, then got down behind the steps. It wasn't the best cover, but from where I was at, I could cover both sides of the house. We waited for almost five minutes and nothing happened. I looked at Jubal, pointed to my eyes, and then pointed to the front of the house. He disappeared inside and I looked over at Farley. He just shrugged at me with a questioning look on his face. Jubal came back out saying he didn't see anyone when I heard a shout. I couldn't tell where it was coming from for sure, but for some reason it sounded like it came from above me. I looked up and saw a man pointing a rifle from the top of the roof at Farley. Without thinking, I double tapped him and watched as he dropped out of sight. I looked back at Farley and he was now watching the roof. I heard a crash inside the house and Jubal disappeared back into the interior. I heard the distinctive chuffing sound of the forty he had and when he came out, he held up two fingers, then three, turning his thumb down. He raised his hand again and held up two turning his thumb up. Hmm, I thought, three down and two still unaccounted for. Who the hell were they and why were they looking for us? My first thought was the case, but no one had any idea I had it.

"Farley, you take the right side and I'll take the left. Jubal, you go through the house and watch from the front. I want to take one of them alive if at all possible. On the count of three, move!"

I counted out loud and we all took off to our assigned spots as soon as I said three. I slowly peeked around the corner of the house and didn't see anyone, so I moved towards the front. When I got to the front, I carefully sneaked a look and saw two men standing beside an old rusted out pickup. They were shouting at each other and gesturing. They both had AKs in their hands and both had police uniforms on. What the hell, I thought, as the one started to raise his gun. I shot him in the leg and heard another muffled shot from the front to my side. That one had to be Jubal, I thought, as the head of the second man seemed to explode. When he dropped I ran out and kicked both guns away from the live one, pulling the pistol out of his holster at the same time.

"Hell, Jon, the others have new AKs and none of them are wearing uniforms like these two. We need to call someone."

Before I could answer him, Captain Jubee came running up asking what was going on. Before I could answer him, he got a look at the live one and immediately started kicking him and shouting at him in his language. I looked over at Jubal and saw he had a big grin on his face at the Captain's actions. Then I realized that I hadn't seen the Captain's wife through all of this. I pulled the Captain away, asking him who this was and why did he try to kill us.

"I am shamed, Torch Bearer. This brother to a hyena is my wife's sister's son, and knowing her and how she gossips, she probably called her sister bragging about having a Torch Bearer in her home. This one probably thought he could rob all of you. I will have the whole story for you very shortly or I will shoot him myself for shaming my house and name by his actions."

"Before you do that, call Captain Kushka and tell him what's happened, and get him over here with a van to haul the other four bodies off. Then call Quanta and tell him what's happened, and tell him I need two of his trustworthy guards with us for the rest of the time we are here. Also, he needs to get his car here as soon as possible. We don't need more trouble than what we have and the sooner we are at the hotel, the safer it will be for all of us."

"It will be as you wish, Torch Bearer, but I will question this pile of dung before his boss gets here."

"Jubal, crawl under the back porch and get the case. Watch for snakes and keep the case with you while I handle this. Both of you get the silencers off your guns and Farley, you bury them before the Captain gets here."

I twisted mine off and handed it to him. He took mine and then Jubal's before disappearing around the house again. I was standing watching the wounded man who was glaring holes in me, when Captain Jubee showed up and kicked him in his wounded leg. He screamed and then the real questioning started. I was a little surprised at the ruthlessness of the Captain, but from his methods, I had a very strong feeling this wasn't the first time he had questioned a prisoner. I watched him, and although I couldn't understand the language, I did recognize the tone and the steps he was using in his interrogation. Watching him, I knew he had been something more in a past life than a fishing boat Captain. His actions and his methods almost screamed Officer. Before I could ask, I saw a car and truck coming down the road. It was Captain Kushka and he had eight men with him. When he got out, he ordered the men, in his language, to do something. I was surprised to see them gathering the bodies and, none too gently, throwing them into the truck. When he walked up to Captain Jubee, he asked something which was answered, then he drew his pistol and shot the man on the ground in the head. He turned and as he holstered the pistol, he went to one knee in front of me. You could have knocked me over with a feather.

"I am sorry you have been threatened like this, Torch Bearer."

"Please get up, Captain; this wasn't your fault or Captain Jubee's. You do not have to kneel to me. Now tell me how much trouble me and my friends are in for having weapons in your country without a permit."

"You are in no trouble. I know that all three of you are active agents in Interpol, and by the treaty you can carry into any country that the treaty is with. The official report will read you were attacked and defended yourselves. This trash will be buried and no one will miss them. I am sorry this has happened and I hope that you will forgive me for not assigning several of my most trusted men to assure your safety. I blame myself for this, and I will assure you that you will be well protected from this point on until you leave my country."

"Will you both walk with me while we talk?"

We walked away from everyone, and I stopped out of hearing distance, looking at Captain Kushka since most of what I had on my mind concerned him. "This is what I have in mind gentlemen." I started explaining the half assed plan I had to keep us all safe until we could fly out in the next couple of days. When I was about done explaining, both men had grins on their faces and were nodding their heads, almost in sync. "Well, do you think it will work?" They looked at each other grinning before Captain Kushka spoke by some sort of unspoken agreement.

"I think the plan, although a little on the light side, will work fine, Torch Bearer. I think that Captain Jubee and I can handle our end very well. I will call for my personal gunboat and have it shadow Captain Jubee's boat for the trip. There are no boats within our borders that can outgun her. Since the cruiser you came on is still anchored just outside our territorial waters, it will be a short trip."

I just looked at him in shock, then grinned to myself, knowing that since he seemed to be close friends to Quanta, he had probably been told how we arrived. "I will write a short note to the Captain so he will take precautions when the case is handed to him. Both of you have to realize that this case must reach his hands, because what it contains will save thousands of lives in your country and mine."

"Do not worry, Torch Bearer, I will guarantee its delivery. I do not know how you came by it and do not care, but the man who died in that explosion had many friends high up in our government. I would have had him in jail months ago, but I was warned not to bother him in any way. I did have men watching him and I must admit the ones who died were well known to law enforcement. Their deaths were no loss to our country or theirs, if what I have read about them is true. Mr. Mutamba's car will be arriving shortly to pick you and your friends up. I will have men and women scattered throughout the hotel to guarantee your safety. You will not know who they are, but they are very efficient and you will not be bothered again. Do you need more ammunition for your pistols or maybe replacements for the silencers you seem to have lost?"

"Yes, a box of bullets would be fine, but the silencers will not be needed and will only draw more attention to us at the hotel. Thank you, Captains, and if you need anything, please let me know and I will try my best to get it for you."

Once again Captain Kushka spoke for both of them. "You do not seem to realize the honor bestowed upon both of us by being allowed to serve a Torch Bearer, and receiving the trust you have shown us. To serve and protect you is a very high honor in the society. We work for years and watch over the too few Torch Bearers that are among us. You will be safe and your enemies will pay the price if you are bothered in any way, Mr. Morgan. Now, as you would say I think, let us get this show on the road."

We all laughed at his humor and headed back to where his men were standing at attention, waiting for orders. I watched as Captain Kushka pulled out a cell and made a call on it. I walked over to Jubal and Farley and filled them in on the change of plans. Jubal was the only one that had a question, but it was just something that I would ask if I were in his position. I assured him it would be fine, and took the case out of his hands and handed it to Captain Jubee.

"Do not worry, Torch Bearer it will be delivered as per your request, or I will give my life in the attempt."

"Captain, the case is important, but not worth anyone's life to see it delivered. Just do your best and I will be happy. It is your family, but if I were you I would have a serious talk with your wife about her gossiping."

The laughter that followed my statement was long and hard, and he was wiping tears as he straightened looking at me through his watering eyes. All three of us were smiling at him as he spoke to me through his laughter. "I have been married to that woman for twenty five years, and I would have to gag her to shut her up. I love her as much as the day we were married, but she, like most women of my country, has never learned to shut up. I think this goes back to tribal living when all they had to do was work and talk. No, Torch Bearer, I think it is too late to teach her to keep her mouth shut."

The shocked look on my face at his statement set Jubal off and everyone was laughing. Of course Jubal had a smart remark to add. "Sounds like Kat, Jon, but unlike the Captain's situation here, she has the red hair to go with her temper."

"Yes, Torch Bearer, we have all heard of Fire Hair and her temper. I think I will live with my little problem since my wife does not have a temper."

For some reason I couldn't fathom, this got Jubal and Farley laughing like idiots along with both Captains. I just glared at him as Quanta's car arrived, and almost at the same time, Captain Kushka's cell rang. I was watching the two men literally crawling from the back of the limo. When they stood up, I realized that I had never in my life seen two men so tall and muscular. They were both dressed in black suits. I noticed that everyone was looking at them with their mouths hanging open in shock like I was. Even Captain Kushka had stopped talking with the cell still next to his face and a look of shock on it. Both men seemed to glide as they came over to me and bowed before speaking. Other than some minor differences, they looked like twins and when they spoke it was in tandem and almost together.

"I am Paul and I am Saul. We have been assigned to you, Torch Bearer, to be your escort and to make sure that you are safe while in our country. This is a great honor to both of us and we have trained for years for this privilege. All you have to do is command us and it will be our duty to obey your orders. Anything you need, all you have to do is ask and one of us will immediately get it for you. We are to remain by your side until you dismiss us."

Before I could get over my shock, Captain Kushka informed me that the gunboat was here and if it was ok, Captain Jubee could take off. I just nodded, still trying to digest everything that seemed to be happening around me. I looked over at Jubal and Farley, and they were grinning at my discomfort. They seemed to be having a ball at my expense. I took a deep breath to get myself under control before speaking. Damn, I thought, I had forgotten to write the note, but since I had verbally told him of my fears about the case, somehow I just knew he would pass it on.

"Captain Kushka, before we leave, I want to take the time to express my thanks to you and Captain Jubee for all your help and assistance. I want you to know it is greatly appreciated. I hope you will accept my invitation for both of you to join me and my friends for dinner tonight about seven or so."

"It would be a great honor for both of us, Torch Bearer. I will take care of this mess and we both will happily join you for dinner."

"Oh, and bring your families as I wish to meet them. Tell Captain Jubee he can bring his wife and son, but to make sure she doesn't have a cell phone on her."

"Thank you and I will be sure to pass the word to Captain Jubee."

Then he busted out laughing as I climbed into the limo, with Jubal and Farley right behind me. I watched as Paul and Saul carefully squeezed into the limo from either side to Farley's laughter. I gave him a dirty look and smiled as he rolled his eyes at me. When they finally got seated, Paul, or was it Saul, smiled at us and said: "As you can see, Torch Bearer, these things weren't made for men of our stature." Farley and Jubal both cracked up as we pulled out, to the smiles of Paul and Saul.



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Chapter 86


It took us awhile in the limo to thread through the filth and litter of the area we were going through. I admit that with all the wealth in this country, I couldn't figure out why they let their people live in the squalor in front of my eyes. I saw small children playing in the filthy streets and even inside the limo I could smell the stench of sewage and decay. One of the twin's cell phones rang. I think it was Paul who answered it and handed it to me. It was Quanta and I immediately switched to French to speak to him. I laid out what had happened and the quick actions I needed him to take before we got settled into the hotel. I also told him to check his mail as I had sent ahead all our measurements so that we wouldn't need tailors to meet us at the hotel. We talked for a couple of minutes more before I switched back to English.

"Quanta, we will stay the night, but I want us on a jet out of here as early in the morning as you can arrange it. I have had a feeling all day that I need to get back to my family. We have been gone almost three months chasing this down and Kat will be almost six months pregnant by the time I get back. My friend, it is time for me to go home and be with my family. We will all have dinner tonight and then the first thing in the morning we are outta here."

I got dirty looks from Jubal and Farley, but I just knew I had to get back to Kat as soon as possible. I couldn't explain the feeling, no matter how much I thought about it. I didn't think she was in any danger or anything, but I felt I needed to get back. We were driving through a more affluent neighborhood and finally broke out into the business district. To my eyes it was still dirty looking and seemed to almost be a picture from the previous century. Everything just looked old and worn. When we came around a half circle, one of the twins pointed to a brand new hotel in front of us and told us that's where we were staying and that the penthouse had already been reserved. Looking up at how high it was, I didn't like that penthouse idea at all.

"One of you get on the phone and book us adjoining rooms on the second floor in the front. There is no way in hell I am staying that high in a penthouse with the enemies we have. We need a quick escape route as well as being able to scope out the lobby before we go to dinner. This is a chain hotel and they lay them all out the same, so there is a full length balcony around the second floor with two main sets of steps going down to the lobby and dining room."

Both of the twins just stared at me in wonder before speed dialing their cells and speaking to someone in their own language. We would probably be an unpleasant sight going in unless we went through the service entrance. We all had on t-shirts, bathing trunks and soft rubber soled bootee shoes. We were dirty, and I know we stunk of fish and diesel fuel 'cause I could smell it on myself. Saul or Paul spoke to the driver and he immediately changed direction, going around to the back of the hotel and into a loading bay. Saul or Paul climbed out telling us to stay put while he checked with security and cleared the way to the second floor. While he was inside, I was stared at the other twin, trying to figure out how to tell them apart. Then I finally saw it and smiled to myself. This was Saul in the limo with us and Paul had been the one to go check on security. I remembered their faces in my mind when they introduced themselves and remembered that Paul had a small scar right above his left eyebrow. Saul's face didn't have any marks or anything that stood out like the small white scar. I knew neither Jubal nor Farley had figured it out and I would use it against them later on. Hey, I knew it was petty, but I had put up with their little jokes this whole trip. Of course I learned more English slang than I ever wanted to from them, and all of it wasn't proper either. I also knew that I owned quite a chunk of this hotel, as my money per the bank's investment report had helped build it, so I figured I could stay where I wanted to. I had seen it listed on the tax papers Quanta had sent to me, along with investments in several other hotels built in other countries around us.

We heard a whistle and Saul got out, motioning for us to do the same. We went through the door and straight down a narrow hall to a service elevator. We were met there by a man in a chef's uniform who unlocked the elevator using a key. We went straight to the second floor and turned left, going about a hundred feet to where Paul unlocked the first room, motioning for Farley and Jubal to go in. Saul followed them in and Paul unlocked the room next to it, letting me go in first with him following. When we got inside, I was surprised that the room as a mini suite with a wet bar and a small dining table as well as a separate bedroom. Paul unlocked the connecting door and I could hear Jubal and Farley arguing about who got which bed. He looked at me and I just smiled and shook my head. He started chuckling as we listened to them go back and forth before deciding to use the rock paper scissors method to decide. It got quiet for a couple of minutes before I hear Jubal accuse Farley of cheating. By this time Paul was beyond chuckling and was bent over laughing.

"Torch Bearer, do those two do this all the time?"

"Paul, I have listened to them go back and forth like that for the last three months. Believe me when I say it creates a lot of tension relief."

"I can understand, but if it were me, I would just bang their heads together for the peace and quiet once in awhile."

"If you do that, then never go to sleep because I guarantee you would never wake up."

"Ahh, I understand."

He sat down in the chair facing the door, shaking his head as the argument went on. I went to the small refrigerator and to my surprise, they had bottles of Dark Lager and there was frost on the bottles. I quickly grabbed one and opened it, taking a long drink and sitting down, sighing in pleasure. I sat there sipping the beer and running over the last three months in my mind, and then like a switch had been thrown, I went out like a light. As I slept I was dreaming about Kat and her reaction to what Sally had told me in the cart coming back from the village. I just knew I was smiling in my sleep.



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Chapter 87




(Note to Readers; this will be the last chapter of this book series. I will be revisiting this story in the near future to complete it with the trip to the temple in the mountains. I hope you have enjoyed it and will continue to do so.)



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I was asleep, but Farley woke me when he took the beer out of my hand. "Time to get up, Jon. Our clothes are here and we have to get ready to go to the dinner you invited everyone to. Besides, you stink!

When I looked at him, I got that grin of his and he got the finger which just made him smile wider. Of course Jubal got in his two cents worth and said; "Yeah, hurry up. I am starved!" I headed for the shower, shaking my head at them. While I was showering I thought about the last three months we were together; tracing down the threat against my family, and some of the jokes they had pulled on the Frog as they liked to call me. I had to admit that you couldn't ask for better friends and fighters than I had with these two jokers. As I dressed, I thought about Myrna and wondered if and when she was going to come back. I knew Farley thought about her a lot, but since we had started on this, he hadn't mentioned her and I would bet that he wouldn't. I knew he thought about her because he had admitted it when we first caught the plane to fly to France. We were on the way to meet with Interpol to try and trace down where the threat had originated from.

While I was slipping on the boots Quanta had sent, I realized how soft and comfortable they were. When I had bought my first pair of cowboy boots back home in Virginia, it had taken over two month to break them in so that they were comfortable on my feet. Now these were brand new, but they fit like they were made for my feet. Man, this is nice, I thought as I stood, putting on the shoulder harness and adjusting it for a comfortable fit. It had room for four mags, so I slipped the rest into the pockets on the corduroy jacket that had been furnished to cover the holster. I drew several times and made a couple more adjustments, then finished dressing. I went to one knee and picked up the aluminum case that was an exact replica of the one we had shipped out. Hell, it even had a burn mark on it along with the dents and scratches. All in all it looked like a case that was many years old and had been through the wars. I had ordered it to use as a decoy to draw out any other would be assassins to be sure we weren't being followed. I knew someone would eventually miss the case and would want it and what it contained, as I was sure they hadn't found it in the wreckage. Of course there would be a big surprise when they opened it and found several folders concerning my business holdings here in Nigeria and a couple of other countries. I made sure that Quanta had put them in and also that there wasn't anything in them that would give anything away concerning my business dealings. I figured if there were any players left after the boat was destroyed, they would be sweating the contents of the case falling into the wrong hands. This would maybe draw them out in the open to be grabbed. With all the protection in the dining room, I didn't figure they would get away with it and I figured it was worth the risk.

I looked at my watch and saw we still had fifteen minutes to get down to the dining room, so I went out to the lounge area to make a few plans with my friends and my bodyguards. Farley and Jubal were dressed in western garb also and as usual, they were arguing about who looked better. Saul and Paul were just grinning at them and shaking their heads at the comments flying back and forth.

When I stepped out, Jubal looked at me and turned to Farley and said; "See, I told you he was trying to turn us into some kind of dude or something. We look like out of place cowboys. I am never gonna live it down if anyone takes a picture of me lookin' like this!"

"Oh shut up, Jubal. I like the clothes and these boots are the most comfortable pair I think I have ever worn. Hey, you can always stay up here and call room service if you don't want to be seen in public. Of course all the women will be looking at me anyways!"

"Ha, you would have to get a woman drunk like you always do to get laid. Besides, I have always been the better looking one in our family."

I stepped in and told them we needed to go over a few things before we went down to the dining room to eat. They immediately went quiet and sat down. We spent fifteen minutes hashing out a plan that we all were comfortable with. Paul and Saul were on the phone, passing on the information to the right people before we headed out.

When we got to the balcony that overlooked the main floor area and several small shops, I paused, looking at the people who were wandering or standing still. I remembered Captain Kushka telling me he would have people planted as extra security and I was trying to pick them out, as well as looking for any familiar faces in the crowd. Farley and Jubal were doing the same thing from the other side by the steps. We were wearing the ear buds so we would be able to communicate back and forth.

"Jon, I don't see any familiar faces, but I do see three males and one female that look like police officers on a vacation. Captain Jubee just came in with his wife and from the shocked look on her face, she is overwhelmed by the hotel and what she is seeing. If her eyes get any bigger I think they are going to fall out!"

I had to choke back laughter before I could answer him. "Ok, I see the same. Let's give it another five before we head down!"

I knew in my mind that Maurice was here and I could almost feel him. He would make his move and hopefully I had it covered. I didn't think he would move until we were all seated in the dining room but if he did show up, he would be taken into custody with as little as fuss as possible. Quanta had brought along extra security for just this purpose. I had shown Saul and Paul facial shots of him and warned them that they shouldn't underestimate his size as he was one of the lead hand to hand instructors in the Legion. Their size wouldn't even make him blink and as I didn't know how the two were trained, I wasn't too sure of the outcome if they fought. We had taken the Walk of Honor many years ago and we both had to be carried back on stretchers. We spent several weeks in the hospital recovering. Oh yes, I thought. Maurice is the other dangerous one who will be here tonight. I just hoped Captain Kushka had it covered in case he brought some of his men with him to recover the case.

I signaled to Farley that it was time and we started down the steps. When we got to the bottom, we folded together, looking around as Saul and Paul moved in behind us. We went through the doors and I was about two steps inside when I saw Sylveen and Myrna sitting side by side. I heard Farley's sharp intake of shock as he spied them too. Myrna saw me and the smile that lit up her face was like a thousand watt bulb being turned on. We were shown to seats that were spread out with me at the head of the table next to Quanta and Captain Kushka. We were served wine and handed menus to order from. We had placed our orders and I was talking to Quanta while watching Farley and Myrna laughing with each other when I caught something out of the corner of my eye. One of the waiters had changed and looking at him, I knew who it was immediately. I whispered my warning to Farley and Jubal and gave Saul the high sign we had practiced. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as Maurice moved around the table refilling glasses until he got next to me. I shoved the forty into his stomach loudly addressing him.

"Maurice, why are you working as a waiter? Is this the only employment you could find in your adopted country? I am really surprised you would want to work this particular dinner. Why take a chance on being recognized?"

He straightened up, looking at me with a smile on his lips. His smile turned to a frown as Saul and Paul pulled his hands behind his back. They put three sets of cuffs on his wrists while pushing him away from me and holding him facing my seat. I noticed the smirk on his face fell off as he looked around the room. None of the original waiters were in sight because the police had already arrested them without a struggle, if the report in my ear bud was right. The ones in the room now all worked for the hotel and had since it opened. The hotel manager as well as two of the security staff had been arrested as soon as we came down from our rooms. The pictures we had taken on the dock had identified them as being in the party with the ones who had died on the boat. According to Captain Kushka, the rest of them that were still alive, including the Minister of Trade, had already been taken into custody and were talking up a storm. Saul searched Maurice and the pile of weapons on the floor by his side made me wonder how he was even able to walk. His shoes were filled with what looked like some kind of explosive and the belt he was wearing was made of the same material if the twist Saul had given it was any indication.

"Ahh Jon, my friend, all of this was just a precaution to make sure I was able to recover the case you have by your side and get away with it. I would never harm you, my friend!"

I picked up the case, setting it on the end of the table, and opened it. He got a good look at the two manila files inside and from the shocked look on his face, I knew this wasn't what he expected to find.

"Maurice, I don't know why you would want my personal files but I will gladly let you read them in your cell if you wish. Now, I have dinner coming soon and I want to spend some time with my friends, so I hope you like your cell. Captain Kushka has assured me he has a special cell with lots of light for you to stay in till Interpol comes for you in a few weeks, once the paperwork is all straightened out. I hope you have learned your lesson because I do know that Legionnaires do not make good crooks. They can't seem to drop their own personal codes to do what they fought against for years in different countries. Saul, you may remove him and deliver him to his new home now!"

He looked at the case again, then at me. He smiled at me and shook his head as Saul took him out of the private dining room. I stood holding my glass and proposed a toast; "To good friends and the Society!"


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The End
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Posted:  2012-02-14
Last Modified: 2012-08-07 / 02:52:17 pm
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