Second Chance:

[610Alpha]

@Grand -- 37K+ views on this thread...I hope that makes you feel good about your story, I know it would me. Thanks again for sharing your talent.

[610Alpha]

@hua man - FYI this is a writing of fiction.

[hua man]

I know of a judge in Juvenile Court who would be instrumental in this. Nice to the children, but as an adult, you would need to watch your P's and Q's and the rest of your letters. Want her name?

[Yeti]

I'm just wondering what other fallout out from the states realizing that the 37 that withheld funds that they actually put in more than they were getting back.

[Pop_45]

I smell a fight as well. I'm for sure it will be Charlie and Erica, as well as Mitch and Sarrah. Toby's family as well. I wouldn't rule out Jeff Tillman (I think that was his name) either. So many possibilities Great story Grand. Thank you for increasing the posts to daily. I don't think my heart could have stood waiting a week between posts. LOL

[610Alpha]

I smell a fight a brewin'

[Grand58742]

CHAPTER 64



“Is everything ready?” asked Rindo as they got to the perimeter fence of the community in New York. The overwatch team had already alerted them the guards were at the front gate and were busy watching TV. The typical roving patrol had parked at the gate for the time being and was getting comfortable watching an old movie.

“Everything should be ready. What was that racket going on over there?” asked the contractor.

“Sounded like a festival or something, but it’s over now,” said Rindo.

“Let’s head in,” said the contractor as he snipped the bottom layer of the fence enough for the two men to slide underneath. Both were dressed in black from head to toe and armed with a suppressed submachine gun and a sidearm just in case. Additionally, they carried other gear, distraction devices and less than lethal weapons in case of trouble. They had on night vision, but flipped the devices up since the streetlights gave off enough illumination to navigate the carefully laid out streets. They headed to the last known location of Stacy Grant and quickly went to the back door of the house. Not hearing any activity inside, they prepared to jimmy the lock. However, Rindo reached down and turned the handle before the contractor got his lock picks out.

“How did you know?” asked the contractor in a whisper.

“Always check the door first,” whispered Rindo as they entered the house. The night vision was flipped down, giving the home an eerie green brightness as several LED panels shined from the living room area. They checked the spare bedrooms, both empty before heading to the master bedroom. They were unsure of why they hadn’t located Stacy yet, but would ask the occupants when they found them. The master bedroom was closed and locked, but a swift kick to the door handle broke off the lock and the door slammed inward. The two flipped on the flashlights on the weapons and flipped up their night vision as they entered to find a man and a woman in bed.

“Do not move and you won’t be hurt. Do not scream or yell and you won’t be hurt. Do you understand?” demanded the contractor in a gruff voice.

The two were stunned at the pair of heavily armed men standing to their front shining bright flashlights in their face. The pistol in the nightstand was useless as was the rifle and shotgun in the closet.

“Do you understand?!” demanded the contractor in an elevated voice.

“Yes, what do you want?” asked the man.

“Where is Stacy Grant?” demanded the contractor.

“Nawar Hassan? She isn’t here,” said the man.

“And where is she?” asked Rindo.

“She was wed to the Imam tonight. He is with her at the mosque,” said the man, too afraid to lie.

“She is only ten years old,” exclaimed the contractor.

“Eleven,” corrected the man. “And showing signs of womanhood.”

“We must move quickly,” said Rindo.

“Roll over on your stomachs, now!” ordered the contractor. He and Rindo quickly took zip ties and cuffed the hands and feet of the man and woman. As a good measure, Rindo applied duct tape over their mouths just in case. Hopefully, someone would be along after they had departed to free them. While they were just as guilty as the Imam for the conditions in the community, they didn’t deserve to die. The contractor would make a phone call after they were done alerting the community to the bound individuals.

“The mosque is one street over and a block up,” said Rindo.

“Front or back?” asked the contractor.

“His quarters are in the back,” said Rindo.

“Let’s move before it’s too late,” said the contractor, having the same thoughts of child in danger men around the world had when faced with a situation as he was. They quickly left the house and moved in the shadows towards the mosque. Upon arriving, it was locked unlike the house and the contractor had to make use of his lock picks to jimmy the door. It wasn’t hard, but still time consuming until he felt the tumblers release and the door opened slightly. They moved inside, using the night vision once again until the lights in the central hallway flipped on. Stuck in the hallway with no cover, they saw a figure round the corner carrying a pistol and heading towards the front door.

Ramzi had heard a noise near the front and thought he heard the door open. He had taken a weapon just in case to check out what the noise was. Naturally cautious, he felt it was probably a false alarm until he saw the two men clad in black standing in the hallway. He started bringing up the shotgun towards them, but never made it as six rounds total found their mark on his chest and head. Both Rindo and the contractor raced forward to grab him and move him out of the hallway before others were alerted to his presence.

“Where to?” asked the contractor in a whisper.

“Probably down the hallway,” said Rindo as he headed towards the end. Arabic writing was on each door signifying what was inside. Once they reached the second to last, Rindo pointed with his weapon. “This one.”

“We go on three,” said the contractor as they prepared to enter the room.

********************

“It is time you took the next step into womanhood as my wife,” said the Imam. He was facing Stacy Grant so she could read his lips. She shook her head side to side and cowered in the corner.

“You are now my wife under Allah. You will do your duty to your husband,” he said as he removed his shirt. She continued to cower in the corner before deciding she might be able to make a break for it out the door. Darting out of the corner, she almost made it before the Imam grabbed her arm and flung her back into the room. “You will be loyal to your new husband and do his bidding. Any attempt to resist will result in pain. I don’t want to cause you pain, but you will learn your place. Now get ready.”

Stacy again headed for the corner cowering in fear as he started to undo his pants. However, just as he started slipping them down, the door slammed open and two men entered the room, dressed in black and holding suppressed sub machineguns. They quickly looked around the room, found Stacy cowering in the corner wearing the traditional Muslim wedding robes covered in henna and the Imam half dressed. The contractor immediately determined there was only one threat in the room and he knew what was about to happen. The Imam was too shocked at the entry of the two violent looking men to hit the panic alarm and stood motionless in the middle of the room.

“Oh, you sick-” started the contractor as he quickly aimed and let two bursts fly towards the Imam. All four shots hit in the center of his chest and he gasped before falling down. Not content with letting him die slowly and the possibility of him screaming to sound the alarm, the contractor aimed another burst at the Imam’s head and the weapon sputtered once again. Rindo headed over to check on the Imam while the contractor went towards Stacy.

“It’s okay, we’re here to rescue you,” said the man and looked at her. She was afraid of everything at that point, but knew the man didn’t intend to harm her. She looked at him and didn’t say anything. He figured she was in some sort of shock and repeated the comment. She signed at message to him and he immediately called for help.

“You know sign language?” he asked.

“I do,” said Rindo as he walked up and removed the balaclava. His Arabic appearance made her cringe slightly, but she was puzzled by his bushy mustache. Hello, I am Rindo.

I am Nawar…no, it’s Stacy, she said to him.

Either one is a pretty name, he said. Nawar means flower, did you know this?

No, I didn’t, she said. Are you with these people?

No, I came from somewhere else to help you, he said.

From where, she asked.

From Nashville, he answered.

My sister went to Tennessee, said Stacy.

Where is the rest of your family, he asked.

I don’t have a family anymore, she cried with a sad expression on her face.

Where happened to your family, asked Rindo.

My Father told me my Mother was killed because she dishonored the family. My brother was sent away to a special school in Pakistan and my sister ran away a long time ago. She came back very briefly, but ran away again, said Stacy. Are you a Muslim?

I am a Muslim, but I am Kurdish. I do not believe in such things that happened to your family, he said.

I have heard this before. The Imam said your people were non-believers and hated us, said Stacy.

No, we just believe differently. We believe family is central to our lives, said Rindo. What is your last name?

My last name was Grant, said Stacy. But my father told me it is Hassan now.

Which name would you prefer, asked Rindo.

Stacy Grant, said Stacy.

“Where is her father?” asked the contractor. Rindo translated the question.

He went to look for my sister in Tennessee, said Stacy.

Do you have anyone you could go to, asked Rindo.

I don’t know, said Stacy.

Grandparents? Aunts or Uncles, asked Rindo.

My Grandparents are dead and my Uncle lived in California but was killed in a house fire, said Stacy. I would like to find my sister.

You can come with us. We’ll help you find a place to stay until we find your sister, said Rindo.

And my father, asked Stacy.

If he turns back up, we will talk first, said Rindo with cold eyes.

“Where are we taking her?” asked Rindo.

“Any ideas?” asked the contactor.

“She wants to go to Tennessee with me and hopefully find her sister. I can turn her over to the State and she can be reunited with her sister,” said Rindo.

“I’m sure they will ask some pointed questions,” said the contractor.

“They are good at keeping secrets. And the death of the Imam will eventually get out and they will put two and two together. But they will know it was for the better,” said Rindo.

“And the rest of the community?” asked the contractor.

“Let’s hope nobody worse replaces him,” said Rindo. “And the rest leave here quietly.”

“Can you swear the girl to secret?” asked the contractor.

“Possibly, but she will probably need counseling after tonight,” said Rindo.

“See to it she gets it,” said the contractor. “I’ll help if money is a concern.”

“I think the healing will start when she is reunited with her sister. Her mother is dead and her father is a soulless corpse walking around. Her brother is being brainwashed at one of the extremist schools in Pakistan and she has nobody in this country for the moment. It is best to get her to someone she can cling to and to a family which will love and take care of her,” said Rindo.

“But she’s probably going to need deprogramming,” said the contractor.

“Again, time will tell,” said Rindo. “But let’s discuss this another time my friend. I fear we have tempted fate long enough here and should leave now.”

“I’ll take lead,” said the contractor. “Let her know what we are doing.”

We are going to take a trip, he signed to her.

Where, asked Stacy.

To your sister in Tennessee. Do you want to go there, he asked.

Yes, I would love to see my sister, she signed back.

We need to be very quiet now as we leave. You will walk with me and if anything happens, run to the nearest hospital and ask for help. I will protect you as we go away, he signed to her.

Thank you for helping me, she signed with a brief smile.

It is my pleasure, he signed back and readied his weapon to leave. They departed down the hallway towards the main mosque area before checking the exit. The guards were still sitting at the front gate, bored and watching TV. The contractor and Rindo made a dash for the perimeter once again and slipped under the fence into the woods. They were slowed slightly by Stacy, but Rindo ended up picking her up and carrying her part of the way. The support vehicle met them at the pickup point and whisked them away from the scene.

It took nearly six hours for the community to find the Imam and Ramzi. They never detected the two men entering or leaving. And once they started taking accountability, they found the other family bound as well. But most startling was the fact Nawar Hassan was missing. The most senior member of the community sent a message to Abdul Ali notifying him of the situation. He requested instructions and waited patiently for a reply.

********************

“Your other daughter has been taken from the community,” said Abdul Ali.

“To where?” asked Mohammed Hassan.

“We don’t know. She disappeared in the middle of the night. The Imam and Ramzi are also dead, both of them shot,” said Ali.

“What?!” demanded another in their group.

“Apparently two barbarians broke into the mosque last night, killed them and abducted Nawar,” said Ali.

“What do we do now?” asked another member of the group.

“We stay the course and assist our brother with restoring his honor,” said Ali. “We have laid low long enough for interest to die down in you and can move a little easier now.”

“We stay the course and let our brothers be slain by infidels? Just like that?” asked Hassan.

“It is Allah’s will,” said Abdul. “But we will have our time.”

********************

“Why are we over at the Sheriff’s office?” asked Cindy as she sat in the conference room.

“I don’t know and Mitch wouldn’t say,” said Charlie, who had been alerted to the meeting, but not the particulars. Possibly her father had been found, but there was nothing on the news about it. So he had to wait like everyone else. He fumbled with the small package in his pocket, nervous about the situation he was in today. But he knew it was best. A visitor walked into the room, completely unexpected by Charlie and Cindy.

“Agent Anderson!” exclaimed Cindy.

“Hello you two,” he said as he shook both their hands.

“What are we doing here?” asked Charlie.

“I have a present for Cindy,” said Agent Anderson.

“What?” asked Cindy, wondering what the agent could possibly get her.

“Hang on,” he said and headed into the adjacent room. Coming back in, he held the door open for another person to walk in. Cindy’s eyes bugged out of her head and she was out of the chair like a shot, running to Stacy. However, she was met halfway as her sister darted towards her as well. A tear filled reunion happened right there in the middle of the conference room as a small part of the Grant family was able to reunite itself.

What happened? How did you get here, asked Cindy.

Some men rescued me and one brought me here, said Stacy.

I’m so happy you are safe, exclaimed Cindy as she gave her little sister another hug. While she was smiling, the tears flowed down her face and the rest decided to give the two an opportunity to be alone for a moment. They headed out of the room towards the adjacent conference room where they could watch the two and not disturb them.

“So what happened?” asked Charlie.

“We aren’t sure. We know the Imam is dead, don’t know how, just that he died and suddenly Stacy shows up at our doorstep,” said Anderson, lying to protect Rindo. He had traveled from New York on a private charter aircraft to Nashville and deposited Stacy with Anderson. He had given the story from his perspective and let Anderson draw his own conclusions. However, he had framed the story right as he had felt a threat to Stacy Grant’s life and well being from the Imam. And he had stopped the threat.

Stacy had been debriefed and it was determined she was suffering from mild Stockholm Syndrome and would need some time with the psychologists before she could return to the “normal” world. There were few details about what happened in New York, but the passing of the Imam had made the news, although reported as “natural causes.” Anderson supposed lead mixing with selected human anatomy at high speed was natural enough.

“Just fell over dead huh?” asked Charlie, not believing a word of it.

“Something like that. The Lord works in mysterious ways,” said Anderson.

“And her sister?” asked Charlie.

“Her name is Stacy and she’s going to need some help before being able to rejoin her sister. She was in there for a while and was starting to get the brainwashing like the others. But we have a special hospital that can help,” said Anderson.

“Who’s footing the bill for that?” asked Charlie.

“Some lady in New York. Her husband was murdered and she wanted the inheritance spent on children with psychological problems. I have friends in New York and they said Stacy was picked for the sponsorship,” said Anderson.

“Awful nice of her,” said Charlie.

“And Cindy can have full visitation rights during that time. It’s at Vanderbilt, so it’s not too far to go,” said Anderson.

“How long and what happens to her when she gets done?” asked Charlie.

“Well, she technically isn’t a ward of the State yet as her father is still sole guardian. But, since her sister is here, I think New York won’t mind letting her stay,” said Anderson.

“And afterwards?” asked Charlie.

“She’ll need a foster home until a determination can be made on her status,” said Anderson. “And of course access to Cindy would be very helpful as well.”

“Are you setting me up?” grinned Charlie.

“Would I do anything like that?” laughed Anderson.

“I think I know a family, or close enough, that might be willing to take her in,” said Charlie.

“Best start on your sign language now,” said Anderson with a chuckle.

Who is that man, asked Stacy as Charlie wandered back into the room.

That’s Charlie, he’s a good man. I’ve been living with him, said Cindy.

He is the one that helped you, asked Stacy.

Yes, him and another woman, said Cindy.

Can I stay there too, asked Stacy.

“Charlie? Can Stacy stay with us until…whenever?” asked Cindy.

“I don’t know, it depends,” he replied.

“Depends on?” asked Cindy.

“She has to go into a hospital for a while, but afterwards-,” he started to say and was cut off.

“Hospital?!” exclaimed Cindy.

“Your sister needs to be put into a hospital for a while. She has some psychological issues that need to be worked through before she can move on,” said Charlie.

“Will I be able to see her?” asked Cindy.

“She’s going to be in Nashville, so anytime you want to go, we’ll go,” said Charlie.

“And afterwards?” asked Cindy.

“Depends on how quickly you can teach Erica and me sign language,” said Charlie with a smile.

Cindy bounced up and gave him a hug, thanking him for helping and promising to teach them both sign language before she got out of the hospital. She and Stacy talked more while Charlie headed out to let Erica know the news. But as he called her from the outer room, she informed him she was already walking in the door and why didn’t he call her when he found out Cindy was going to be reunited with her sister. I wanted to see that, you’ve got to remember things like that Charlie they mean a lot and continued on as she walked towards the conference room, guided by a deputy and still giving him down the road over the phone. However, when she arrived, she dropped the phone on the floor and her mouth quickly followed.

“Erica Vivian Chase, will you marry me?” asked Charlie, down on a knee and holding up a box with a beautiful engagement ring.

She was speechless as tears formed in her eyes. But the smile on her face told him the answer he needed to hear. Cindy and Stacy had quietly moved to the back of the room and Cindy was happy as well. Stacy didn’t know exactly what was going on, but figured her sister would fill her in later. But still, Erica didn’t reply and stood there with the tears and huge smile.

“Well?” he asked.

“Yes, yes, yes, a thousand times yes!” she cried and observed the ring. He slipped it on and found it was a perfect fit. She rewarded his act with a long passionate kiss and earned a “woo hoo!” and catcall from Cindy in the back of the room. They broke off the embrace momentarily, although still in each other’s arms.

“Guess that certificate might have to have a date change,” she winked at him.

“Reckon so,” he said with a grin.

“I love you Charlie,” she said and gave him another peck on the lips.

“I love you Erica,” he said and pecked right back.

********************

“I Mohammed Mohammed Hassan with Allah as my witness do hereby disown my daughter, Haseena Hassan because she had become corrupted by this world and has become impure. Additionally, my former wife was defiled and has been dealt with as shari’a law would dictate. My former daughter, Haseena Hassan, will additionally be judged as shari’a law would decide as she has dishonored my family and me.”

“I do hereby renounce all ties with Haseena Hassan as well as Nawar Hassan and declare them to be orphans until such time as Allah judges them,” said the Governor of Tennessee as he finished reading the announcement from the New York Times. “What is this and what does it mean?”

“An official announcement in a paper. Not exactly legally binding, but enough so that it could be,” said the Attorney General.

“Okay,” said the Governor with the unspoken message to continue.

“This technically makes Cindy Grant and Stacy Grant orphans and wards of the State if we push it through the courts. And there’s no reason why we couldn’t contact a judge and let them know how we feel about it,” said the Attorney General. “And since they are in Tennessee, under our legal purview, they are ours to do with as we please.”

“Which means?” asked the Governor.

“They would be officially foster children and can be adopted,” said the Attorney General.

“With families lined up around the corner waiting for them both,” said the Governor.

“Including your wife?” laughed the Attorney General.

“She’ll probably be right behind yours,” he laughed in return. “Seriously, get that lady from child services, what’s her name, and let her know about this. Have her assigned to the case file.”

“Are we thinking of the special circumstances and offering her to Charlie Gray and Erica Chase?” asked the Attorney General.

“If they so desire,” said the Governor and followed with a laugh. “Raising a teenager isn’t easy.”

“True, but they’ve done a pretty dynamite job with Cindy so far,” said the Attorney General. “And I’ll work out the details with New York. They’ll probably agree outright since it relieves them of a problem.”

“Never did find that agent from up there did they?” asked the Governor.

“Nope, never did,” said the Attorney General.

“And the search for her father?” asked the Governor.

“Nothing yet. They are searching all over the Northeast, but who knows,” said the Attorney General. “He’ll pop up eventually; they always do.”

“Keep an eye out just in case,” said the Governor. He still had an uneasy feeling about the whole affair since the father still hadn’t turned up. But dismissed it to the back of his mind while he got back to running his State.

[sewbeit221]

Totally addicted to Second Chance

OMG I am hanging on anxiously awaiting my next fix!! Every aspect of the story line is a cliff hanger !!

[tech]

Grand to the rescue on a dreary rainy day! Another fantastic chapter to an excellent story.

Many thanks!

[overbore]

Once again; Great-Grand. No finer story line or writer.

Laus Deo
overbore

[Grand58742]

CHAPTER 63



It was several trying weeks for Cindy. Besides the death of her mother, she also had the thoughts of where her sister was as well. She knew her little sister was alone in the world and needed the support from her family right then. Charlie picked up on this and petitioned the State to make contact with New York to make a determination on Stacy Grant’s status. They “promised” to look into it and attempt to find her.

Diana Grant was buried in the family cemetery on the Gray property, in a quiet spot overlooking the fields. While not a member of the family, both Charlie and Erica had felt it was the best place for her to lie in rest. He had the local funeral home make up a headstone for her and the information was filled in by Cindy. But in being laid to eternal rest, she made sure the headstone reflected the true name of her mother and marked it as Diana Renee Grant. Cindy had spent considerable time with Sarah, Erica and the psychologist over the previous weeks, but Charlie knew time was the great healer. In time, her pain would ease and her life would move on. But he also knew it would not be easy and he provided as much support as he possibly could during that troubled time. He knew how hard it was to have the rug yanked out from underneath you and how he had nobody to cling to in the aftermath of his wife and child dying. And he shared Cindy’s pain as the death of her mother brought back memories long suppressed in his mind.

What made it even worse was her father still had yet to be found. A manhunt was going on in Northeast, but he had ducked far under cover and hadn’t been located. And this scared Charlie since he knew her father was still a threat. If he had indeed killed his wife, which all evidence pointed to that fact, he would probably not hesitate to kill Cindy as well. He was a maniac on the loose and Charlie would just as soon shoot him where he found him as to turn him in. But he kept these thoughts to himself as he knew some folks might take it the wrong way. But he didn’t realize most of the people he knew would help load the gun for him if it ever came down to it.

The Washington political scene was a mess. While the President barely acknowledged he was under impeachment, his trial lawyer tried every legal maneuver in the book to stall the proceedings. However, he was the first lawyer to receive a contempt of court charge from the Supreme Justice of the United States during the trial in the Senate. The evidence was overwhelming against the defense and even the most seasoned Senators could see the will of the American people regarding the actions over the past months. And so they finally heeded the call of their constituents and voted the President out of office. And as Charlie predicted, the President flat refused to vacate the office even as the movers showed up to remove the possessions from the White House. It wasn’t easy getting him removed as he went down in history as the first ex-President that had to be forcibly removed from office. He was currently in Bethesda Hospital under sedation and didn’t show signs of improvement anytime soon.

The Vice President was sworn in and immediately started an investigation into the whole affair and dismissed anyone who had a part in the scandal with Cindy Grant. However, Congress wasn’t content with just the President as they brought criminal charges against the U.S. Attorney General as well. New York followed suit with criminal charges against the Director of the New York State Police, the head of the New York Child Protective Services and a surprise announcement that Harley Waters was being charged as well. He now faced seventeen charges of perjury, bribery and violations of the RICO act. He had already posted bail, but swore to defeat the charges brought against him in the courts. The press reported on this, but things seemed to be settling down back to normal and they moved on to other stories while Cindy was forgotten. A volcano in Indonesia, more political scandals, a civil war in Africa, a new reality show and other stories gradually took over the front page and the story of Cindy Grant was lost into the archives of the news agencies.

Mitch and Sarah finally tied the knot in November with Charlie serving as Mitch’s best man. It seemed like the entire county came out for support and the couple even took a small vacation away from it all to have some time off. Sarah resigned from the Tennessee State Patrol and went back to school full time, working towards her doctorate in psychology.

Fall turned to winter and Christmas came around. Charlie finally ended up getting both rifles completed with the assistance of Cindy two days before Christmas. He took them over to John Pickens who was pleasantly surprised at the ability to get both completed in time. He paid Charlie double and looked over the fine craftsmanship they had put into them. On Christmas Day, Mack tried to turn down the gift, but cradled the rifle like a newborn child as he looked it over stock to muzzle. Charlie had even carved Mack’s initials into the stock to give it a more personal touch. And he had taught Cindy to do the same on Toby’s rifle. Mack later commented it was a match made in heaven since Cindy had given Toby a gun as a first gift. She grinned at the comment, but knew Toby was still too shy to approach her.

But throughout the winter, Cindy still remained in a darkened state. Her mother’s death still weighed heavy on her mind, but even more was her sister’s status. New York still had yet to locate the child and it was constantly on Cindy’s mind. Christmas Day, Charlie attempted to do it up right for Cindy. Since this was her first Christmas away from her family, he made sure it was something special for her. Mitch and Sarah pitched in as well along with Erica. Other members of the State that knew of her situation were just as helpful and made sure she was treated right. Even the Governor sent a card along with a handwritten note telling her he was thankful she had given him the opportunity to do the right thing and if she ever needed anything, she was to call him immediately.

Sarah got pregnant along the way and Mitch strutted around like a proud rooster. Charlie chuckled at him since he obviously was the same way when Annie was pregnant. He had thoughts of proposing to Erica several times, but still lacked the conviction to do so. While he was content to have her living under his roof, he still was afraid to take the next step with her since he was afraid of being hurt. Erica seemed to realize this as well and never pushed the issue although secretly hoping he would eventually come to his senses and propose. While she was content in her current environment, she wanted that ring on her finger and to live the rest of her life with the man she had chosen.

Winter turned to spring and the farm started getting ready for the planting season once again. Cindy helped out, as always, and continued her schoolwork, slightly improving her test scores and started to look at colleges. Charlie set her up with a college fund and diverted some of the proceeds from one of his books to help offset the cost of higher education. But he didn’t need to bother as she already qualified for dozens of academic scholarships and would get a free education if and when she wanted it. Several high level universities had already contacted the guidance counselor looking for this Cindy Gray girl to speak to her about continuing her education with their institution of higher learning. However, she was content to continue at her current pace and not let anything pass her by.

********************

“So yes, this group probably had something to do with the death of that child service agent and is probably still holding the other daughter of Mohammed Hassan hostage,” said the contractor.

“How certain are you of this?” asked Rindo Chelki, back in New York after being in Tennessee seeing to his affairs.

“Because he was working the case and got cold feet after taking a bribe. The thief never struck again after him and no other case he worked had a vendetta against him. I would imagine he started thinking of heading to the police and they killed him for it,” said the contractor.

“You believe this?” asked Rindo.

“He was a pretty straightforward guy. Straight as an arrow at work. Did his job fairly and without holding a grudge. But obviously someone thought he might have been a threat,” said he contractor. “And had him killed. We’ve got a lot of circumstantial evidence here, but it fits.”

“And the other daughter?” asked Rindo.

“Is probably at risk as well. I mean, she could be used as bait to draw out the oldest child. And Mohammed Hassan has already made his intentions known where his so called honor lies,” said the contractor.

“You are planning on rescuing her?” asked Rindo.

“I think that would be best,” said the contractor. “Remove her from the equation and put her in hiding with her sister.”

“I think that would be the best for them both,” said Rindo. “Let’s look over the photos and see if she is there.”

They started looking through the month long surveillance of the compound, pouring over photo after photo. Several caught Rindo’s eye and he set them off to the side before going through everything and coming to a decision.

“This has to be her,” said Rindo. “She is the only one that even remotely matches the description. She is at this same house here, here, here…and here.”

“I do hate telephoto lenses, but we can’t get anyone inside there. That agent from Tennessee ruined it for everyone,” said the contractor as he looked over the photos again. “You sure?”

“She doesn’t look anything like the man and woman she is staying with. And we have seen what could possibly be sign language. We know the little girl is a deaf mute so it fits,” said Rindo.

“Just checking to make sure,” said the contractor. “Now how do we get her?”

“Go to the police and have them retrieve her?” asked Rindo.

“They’ve already been in there twice looking for her. Said they couldn’t find her,” said the contractor. “It would be a waste of time.”

“We didn’t have pictures before,” said Rindo.

“I think I’ve used up all the favors I have from the New York State Police,” said the contractor.

“So we go in and get her,” said Rindo. “She cannot be allowed to stay there.”

“Problems?” asked the contractor, not dismissing the idea as he knew it was best for all concerned. And completely deniable since his group operated overseas in the armed role which was on record with every law enforcement agency in the country.

“She is coming of age so to speak. We are fairly certain the Imam likes them younger, so as soon as she advances to womanhood, he will probably go after her,” said Rindo.

“Shouldn’t he have the father’s permission for that?” asked the contractor.

“Yes he should, but that maniac probably doesn’t care,” said Rindo. “You and I could do this easily. Not much different than Iraq.”

“The difference is this is the United States,” said the contractor.

“And the problems are the same, religious extremists flaunting the law,” said Rindo.

“I suppose we could game this out,” said the contractor after thinking it over for a few moments.

“The two of us, go in, snatch her up, get out,” said Rindo. “Piece of cake.”

“More to it than that, but I get your point,” said the contractor. “Grab a new notepad and the surveillance reports. We might have a long night.”

Stacy Grant was about to get some help from an unexpected direction. And little did she know it was going to be just in the nick of time.

********************

“She has come of age,” said the woman to the Imam.

“She has?” asked the Imam.

“Yes, she was unclean for the first time yesterday,” said the woman.

“I believe she could make a suitable wife,” said the Imam. “Prepare her for the ceremony in three days time.”

“Should you not consult with her father beforehand?” asked the woman.

“Her father will support this, I guarantee it,” said the Imam. “We will do the ceremony in three nights.”

********************

“We still cannot find her,” said Abdul Ali.

“She is no longer in the news and there is no reason to hide her,” said Mohammed Hassan.

“She is no longer in the news, but unfortunately your face is still plastered up in every police station in the Northeast. And as she isn’t newsworthy, nobody cares about finding her right now,” said Abdul Ali. “But I do have an idea on how to find her.”

“Which is?” asked Hassan.

Ali spoke for several minutes, explaining and outlining his plan and what it would take. He was stopped at one point by Hassan, but explained that deception was sometimes necessary to get the job done. Hassan completely understood and agreed to the plan.

“So what now?” he asked.

“We contact the newspaper to set it up,” said Ali.

“And afterwards?” asked Hassan.

“We still have business partners in the Tennessee Government. We’ll wait for something to pop up,” said Ali as he put in another group of sunflower seeds.

********************

“Okay, so we go in three day’s time, at night, from the south and into the home. Sounds easy enough,” said Rindo.

“There’s always complications, you should know this,” said the contractor.

“True, but we can overcome them,” said Rindo.

“I just get a bad feeling about this,” said the contractor.

“And when we rescue her? What becomes of the child?” asked Rindo.

“I was thinking about that. Maybe to Tennessee with you and pass her on to her sister?” asked the contractor.

“I haven’t met her sister, but I might have a friend who knows where to find her,” said Rindo.

“She had to be staying with a foster family there or something. Makes sense to reunite the sisters,” said the contractor.

“You never answered why you were doing this,” observed Rindo.

“It’s a personal favor for a friend,” said the contractor.

“Personal favors can get messy sometimes,” said Rindo.

“You should know far better than most about that,” said the contractor.

“Good point and I see you have backed me into a corner again,” said Rindo.

“Not hard to do,” laughed the contractor.

“You know what happens when angry Kurds get cornered,” laughed Rindo.

“They shave off their facial hair and put on mascara?” laughed the contractor.

“I’ll shave your facial hair if you keep it up,” grinned Rindo.

“Okay, lets head out and start working the teamwork. It’s been a while since we worked together so a little refresher would be in order,” said the contractor.

“With weapons?” asked Rindo.

“Won’t do much good without them,” said the contractor.

“You feel we might need them?” asked Rindo.

“Better to have and not need rather than need and not have,” said the contractor.

********************

“Okay, that’s the final draft. Looks great Charlie!” exclaimed Michael O’Donnell.

“Finished it a little earlier than planned,” said Charlie.

“I kind of misled you a little,” admitted O’Donnell.

“How’s that?” asked Charlie.

“I snuck the portion you sent me last fall over to the critics,” said O’Donnell.

“And?” asked Charlie.

“They have been harassing me for more, threatened to kidnap my dog and hold him for ransom until I got more,” laughed O’Donnell. “I think you’re well on your way to another best seller.”

“We can hope,” said Charlie. “And the timeline?”

“I don’t think there will need to be much editing, maybe two months if we fast track it and you get it back up here quickly,” said O’Donnell.

“Kind of fast,” said Charlie.

“Hardcover in four months, maybe five. Puts us well into summer unless you wanted to wait for the holiday rush,” said O’Donnell. “We start the marketing blitz now.”

“Summer is fine,” said Charlie.

“And the interview schedule and book signing?” asked O’Donnell.

“Hmmm, does this mean a trip?” asked Charlie.

“Probably a quick tour, nothing major unless you want it. And of course a trip up here for a meeting with the management as usual,” said O’Donnell.

“Sounds fine,” said Charlie. “Give me a yell before you send it back down.”

“Oh Charlie, one last thing,” said O’Donnell. “Who are you dedicating this to?”

“To Erica and Cindy,” said Charlie without hesitation.

“The two special ladies?” asked O’Donnell.

“The two most responsible for getting my life back on track,” said Charlie. “And special doesn’t begin to describe how wonderful they truly are.”

********************

“Okay, it was delivered and will run in a few days. Gives me time to set it up with our contacts in Tennessee,” said Abdul Ali.

“So you honestly think this will work or this is putting me in the limelight once again?” asked Mohammed Hassan.

“I think it will flush out our enemies and force them to show us exactly where Haseena is,” said Ali.

excellent writing! thank you.

[PJaster]

Grand, when I first started ~second chance~ I thought "Lucky Cindy" Erica entered the picture.. now it is lucky Cindy & Charlie...

These latest chapters though, I really am thinking, it is Second Chance for the United States, what an elaborate Impeachment Process, and based upon actual aspects of our dismal work of art disguized as a president... NO capital letter p on purpose, I would not let him be a dog catcher, at least without some remedial training!!!!!!

Thanks, so much for the story, and its rabbit trails!

[Colt_Cowboy]

I'm thinking the contractors will retrieve the son. They're also in the best position to recover the daughter. Although, it's possible the son could be "lost" and his recovery be a completely new book. So many possibilities and such a good writer to flesh them out! Grand, I look forward to each new chapter. You are a master story teller.

[Pop_45]

I'm still waiting for the......um.........."contractor" to make his play. Great talent you have, Grand.