Second Chance:

[Elza]

Bet no one has every asked you to slow down on pumping out chapters. :confused: I can't keep up anymore:cool:

No...can't say that's ever happened lol. Normally it's "why haven't you gotten off your duff and finished it yet?"

No problem with me, Grand. I'm a fast reader. I'll keep up with you. :D

[Grand58742]

CHAPTER 61



“Mister Speaker! The President cannot continue the path he is currently on! His actions are grossly illegal and completely out of line with the standards our country was founded on! This body has been ineffectual in stopping him thus far and this needs to stop! He cannot continue to hold the money, the people’s money, from the citizens of this great nation. He has made a power grab including attempting to dismiss seven governors freely elected by the citizens of the States they lead. He cannot continue to dismiss publically elected officials in violation of State election laws. And these so called Executive Orders that are, again, illegal and in contrary to the basic freedoms we enjoy? Using government agencies of which we have no control to enforce his will? Attempting to use the military to enforce policy over what? Over a young girl attempting to find justice from a pedophile and a dangerous radical sect bent on destroying her life?”

“This cannot continue Mister Speaker! I make a motion for immediate impeachment hearings for the President as well as an official review of certain federal agencies involved in this scandal. The Attorney General needs to be confronted by this body in order to face the charges as well. But the buck stops at the top as the old saying goes. This body of elected representatives cannot continue to be effective in representing the people if we do not do something and right now! And the President must, I repeat must stand in account on what he has been doing!”

“My fellow representatives, we should be ashamed of ourselves for not doing something sooner. We should be ashamed we have not put an end to this madness before it got out of control. We should be asking, begging our constituents for forgiveness for turning a blind eye to an under aged girl who only wants to live her life free of religious persecution. Did our own forefathers not come to America to escape the very same thing we have stuck our heads in the sand over? Has this nation not always stood as a refuge for those escaping persecution? Is this nation not the bastion of the world for justice? Have we been doing our jobs fellow representatives in being the checks and balances on the Executive Branch of the government? Or are we going to continue to let this criminal activity go unchecked?”

“Mister Speaker, I bring forward the motion for impeachment of the President of the United States,” concluded the Representative from South Carolina. He was immediately drowned out by applause and yells of “seconded!” from the gathered masses in the House chambers. The Speaker attempted to regain order, but the applause continued for several minutes before his banging of the gavel finally brought them back under control.

“Order in the House! I will have order in this House!” he thundered. “As the motion was seconded by the Representative from Arkansas, I will bring it forward for a vote.”

“Mister Speaker! Point of order!” yelled a Representative from Oregon.

“The chair recognizes the Representative from Oregon,” said the Speaker.

“Where is this so called evidence? Have you considered a committee to investigate these matters? Are we going to forego the procedures of this House because it is popular to do so? There are protocols we have to follow here and we are no better than the President for dismissing them out of hand,” said the Congressman from Oregon.

“Are you out of your mind? We cannot let this go on any longer! The President has cut funding to over half the States in the Union! Half! There are currently thirty one States having discussions of secession from the United States right now! Thirty one! Are we to allow the breakup of this country, the one we are supposed to be representing, because we allowed the President to continue on a path of destruction and power grabbing? Are you prepared to allow him to withhold the taxes your constituents pay each and every day because he is trying to pressure someone to do something illegal? I am not prepared to allow this and am not prepared to let it continue one second longer! And if this body cannot act like it is supposed to in keeping the Executive Branch under check, maybe those States considering secession should leave the Union and start over.”

“Thomas Jefferson said it best when he said history will tell us of what a bad government is. Will history judge this House to be ineffective in stopping tyranny when we had the opportunity? Or will history say we stood up for the just and right cause in putting a stop to the madness sweeping this government and this nation? I for one want history to judge me as standing for the principles this great nation was founded on. Wouldn’t you want the same?” asked the Speaker, answering the call for more red tape. It was unorthodox having the Speaker go after a representative like that, but he was fed up with procedures when action was desperately needed. The vote was not necessarily agreed on as a small portion of the minority party got up in protest and left. But that meant the vote was extremely lopsided as even some in the minority party saw what the actions were doing to their States and crossed over the political lines. In a bipartisan Washington, unity was finally found and the vote recorded for posterity. But it was a foregone conclusion it would pass as the Executive Branch had upset more than a few States in the process of attempting to get Cindy back. And his so called majority in the Senate had rapidly vanished when he started cutting funds to States that typically supported him. Any trial there would likely end in disaster.

But still, even with his closest advisors urging him to back off the position, he still was too far into the situation to back off with grace. Even though he was believed globally to have been weak and ineffective, he was digging his heels in now and stubbornly resisting any attempts at resolving this latest standoff between Tennessee and the remainder of the States allied with them and his own Executive Branch. However, even though he was stubborn, the States were being more so as the so called acting governors sent by Washington were laughed out of the States they were sent to. After the first three attempts, the handpicked individuals started backing away and refusing to go. All in all, it was a standoff waiting for one side to blink.

After the vote in the House, the impeachment charges were sent to the Senate. Senators gathered in conference rooms behind closed doors to discuss the situation. They also saw no resolution to the problems and had to act quickly in order to preserve the Union. The Justices of the Supreme Court were also brought in to the back room meetings to get their opinions on the matter. And in unusual circumstances, they also agreed something needed to be done. So the Senators and Congressmen make contact quietly with the Vice President and informed him he might be getting a promotion soon. His first reaction was to inform the President, but he was smart enough to see the writing on the wall and understand, what the good Lord gives, the good Lord can also take away. So as acting President of the Senate, he would attempt to find the middle ground, but would also go with the majority opinion and cut ties to the man who had brought him along for the ride.

They decided the impeachment process would be started as soon as possible in the Senate. And with the mood of the country in what had happened, it wouldn’t take long. Additionally, the approval ratings were now the worst even for a President that had set highs for that very same category. But again, the American people wanted justice and their representatives were prepared to sacrifice anyone they needed to in order to win election again.

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

“Diana, I’m surprised you called so quickly,” said Freddie Tidwell. He noticed she wasn’t wearing the traditional Muslim garb for the dinner and also noticed her husband wasn’t around again.

“I just needed…just needed to get out,” said Diana as she took the offered seat and sat down. She had snuck out of being watched in her current situation and used some money to buy a decent outfit for once. And had done up her makeup as well. She felt like a person for the first time in such a long time and didn’t care who knew it or who saw it.

“Want to order now or wait a few minutes?” asked Freddie as he took his seat. “And is Stephen coming along?”

“No, Stephen will not be coming tonight,” she said and turned to the waiter. “The house white please.”

“And for you sir?” asked the waiter.

“The same, thanks,” said Freddie. After the waiter departed, he turned back to Diana. “I was a little worried about you the last time we talked. You didn’t seem very happy.”

Diana took in a deep sigh before replying. Frankie was a decent family friend and she had known him for several years. If she couldn’t be honest with him, who could she be honest with?

“I’m not really happy right now,” she said and went on to explain her current situation, the situation with Cindy and how it was tearing their family apart. She further ranted on about the community and how Stephen was away for something right then instead of just leaving and attempting to regain control of his family. The glass of wine arrived and she drank the entire glass down and ordered a refill before the waiter left. “So yes, we have unhappiness in our lives right now.”

“I saw that thing on the news, but thought it was a different person. Coincidence of the same name and all. I mean, it looked like Stephen, but I never thought he would do anything like this,” said Frankie.

“He has and it’s tearing our family apart. My son is somewhere in Pakistan at some school, my other daughter is staying with a family in upstate New York, my first born child is in Tennessee and we haven’t seen her in almost five months…” she said and her voice trailed off. She was close to tears and needed a few moments to compose herself. “Sorry, I think the wine is hitting already.”

“No, you just needed to get some things out,” said Frankie.

“I have more than a few things to get out,” said Diana. “I’m thinking I’m going to tell Stephen we’re getting a divorce.”

“You sure about that?” asked Frankie.

“I need something to shock him to the core,” she said and a tear escaped down her face. “Maybe I might go through with it, but hopefully it will make him understand how serious I am about him getting away from the situation we are in.”

“Listen, we can do this another time if you want,” suggested Frankie as he saw her close to breaking down fully. And he didn’t want her to be embarrassed in front of an entire restaurant or cause a scene he might have to explain.

“No, I won’t get too many opportunities right now,” said Diana, wiping the tear away.

“Want to move someplace more private so you can get it off your chest?” he suggested.

“Where else would we go?” she asked.

“I’m one of the managers, I can arrange for things,” he said and got up. Departing, he came back several minutes later and took her arm. “I’ve got something set up.”

“What?” she asked.

“Again, I can get favors in here,” he said and led her away from the table. They got into the elevator and headed towards the top floor where the executive suites were located. Using the card, he opened the nearest suite and waved her inside. “A little more private.”

“Frankie, I can’t!” she exclaimed. “This has to cost you a fortune!”

“Doesn’t cost me a dime,” he said and waved her again. “No big deal and we can order room service. This way you can cry over dinner if you want.”

“Well, I suppose,” she said and entered in, not feeling very comfortable with being in the hotel room with him alone, but again, who could she trust if she couldn’t trust him. They sat in the dinner area and ordered up from the executive menu. While waiting, he poured her another glass of wine and showed her around the room.

“A hot tub! And I didn’t bring my bathing suit,” she said with a laugh and a smile to let him know she wasn’t serious.

“Well, up here you don’t need one,” he laughed. “But down in the restaurant they might object.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” she laughed. “Can I kick off these shoes?”

“Get as comfortable as you want,” he said as they headed back towards the table. As expected, service was quick and they ate, catching up a little and letting her shed more emotions. She cried several times through dinner with him staying quiet the entire time. But the same thought kept driving through his brain; why would anyone do this to their family? What makes a person forsake their own family and cause them such pain?

A knock at the door was heard and Frankie answered the door. “Guessed on the size sir, but I think this should work.”

“Thanks,” said Frankie and passed over a tip. Heading back towards the table, he handed her over a bag. “Listen, tonight you can relax. I kind of figured you have a lot of pressure on you right now and from what you’ve said, don’t get the opportunity to get out much. So this evening, you just relax.”

“I’m already a little better off,” she said and looked inside the bag. “A bikini? Are you serious?”

“The bellhop guessed on the size,” he said. “I ordered it while we were having dinner.”

“Frankie,” she started, but the alcohol she had been drinking was clouding her judgment. “I’m not sure.”

“Nobody up here but you and me. Relax as much as you want,” he said.

“The idea of a good soak does sound nice,” she said and wavered a bit.

“You can change in the bedroom if you want. There’s privacy there,” he said.

She thought about it again for several moments before deciding she want going to relax that evening and didn’t care what anyone else thought. Getting up, she headed towards the bedroom and came out several minutes later having changed into the two piece. “At least keep me company over here.”

“I didn’t get one for myself,” he laughed.

“Sit on the outside then,” she said and shed the robe she was wearing. And not unlike Cindy, Diana Grant had genetics help her keep a good figure even though she was well into her thirties and out of shape.

“You haven’t changed a bit,” he remarked. “Look the same as you did ten years ago.”

“I wish,” she said and dipped into the hot water. He poured them both another glass of wine from a new bottle while she closed her eyes and soaked in the tub. They talked until the bottle was empty again and she was getting drunk from the alcohol and the heat of the water increasing her circulation. She saw him pouring another glass for her out of yet another bottle. “I’ve about had enough, but one more won’t hurt.”

“So you think Stephen will go for the divorce?” asked Frankie as he handed her glass over.

“I don’t know,” she said and sipped at the overfilled glass. “I feel like I need to do something though.”

“When are you going to tell him?” he asked, interested enough.

“When I see him again and when he’s away from the rest of those freaks,” she said. “Thanks for listening tonight by the way.”

“What are friends for?” he said.

“You’ve always been a good one,” she said and watched as he removed his shoes and socks. He started undressing and laying out his clothing on a nearby chair. “What are you doing?”

“Going to join you for a few minutes if that’s okay,” he said. She didn’t object as he removed everything but his underwear before sliding in himself. However, once inside, he removed his underwear as well and set them on the outside. Again, she didn’t object, but blushed up slightly. He didn’t notice as she was flushed from the hot water. “So what else is on your mind?”

They continued talking for several more minutes and she noticed he crept close to her in the tub. Again, she wasn’t sure why, but nothing bad had happened yet and she let it go. He refilled her wine glass once again and handed it over. The impairment had taken hold by then and she didn’t object to the next glass of wine. They continued talking for several minutes before she gently massaged her temples, the wine hitting harder than it should have.

“Here, let me,” he suggested and massaged her temples. She sighed in pleasure as he continued and felt his hands working around to the back of her neck. She stretched out her neck and put her arms on his shoulders while he continued. He untied the top string on the bikini around her neck, but the remainder stayed up and in place so it wasn’t a huge deal. The massage felt really nice to her and she let him continue working out her neck and shoulders. Finally she looked up and they were face to face. Out of nowhere, he kissed her and pulled her in tighter. She was lost in the moment and went back at him, kissing him passionately. She felt his hands working down her back and attempting to undo the straps on the bikini. He had just about gotten it undone when an alarm went off in her head and she withdrew from the kiss.

“Wait, this isn’t right,” she said as she withdrew, her arms still around his neck.

“I just want you to feel special tonight,” he said, but didn’t go further with the advance.

“Frankie, you are a very handsome man and have made me feel special tonight. But I still love Stephen, even with all his faults,” she said with half a smile. She had let herself slip as this was the first time she had been romanced in quite some time. But she knew it wasn't right.

“I just thought…” he started to say and didn’t finish.

“Maybe if I was divorced this could have gotten interesting, but again, I’m still in love with my husband and couldn’t betray him like that. If something like this is going to happen, I want to do it with a clear conscience after a divorce. But right now just isn’t the right time,” she said.

“Rain check then?” he asked with a grin and a laugh.

“Maybe, who knows,” she said with a smile and a kiss on the forehead for his troubles. “I’m flattered by the offer though, thanks.”

“Sorry for making you feel uncomfortable,” he said and they both withdrew from each other, both uneasy about the advance.

“You certainly didn’t make me feel uncomfortable. You’re a good looking, charming guy with a lot of things going for him. But now isn’t the time,” she said with another smile. She tied the top strings on the bikini top and got out of the tub while he searched for a towel. Dressing in the robe, she headed back towards the bedroom to dry off and change out of the bathing suit. He respected her privacy enough to change separately and headed to an adjacent room. He heard her showering up to wash off the chlorinated water before reappearing several minutes later wearing what she had for dinner.

“I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression,” she apologized.

“No, it wasn’t right of me to try and take advantage of the situation,” he admitted. “You were emotional and I tried to take advantage of that.”

“At least you admit it,” she laughed. “Apology accepted.”

“Listen, I want to help. Not because of what happened here tonight, but because I think you are a good person and it’s killing me inside to watch what they are doing to you,” he stated.

“Help how?” she asked.

“Well, I have a two bedroom place. You and your daughter could stay there until things settle down. Or at least until you get the chance to talk to Stephen,” he said.

“I wouldn’t want to be a burden,” said Diana.

“You never would be and I promise no forward advances. I’ll be on my best behavior,” he said with a grin.

“I couldn’t do that. It wouldn’t look right no matter how proper we both were,” she said.

“Okay, I can set you up here for a few days. You said during dinner the family you are staying with is reporting your movements to the community in New York, so you can stay here and not have to worry about that,” said Frankie.

“At what your hotel costs? No thanks,” she laughed.

“At no cost. Shoot, I could even get you a part time job in the meantime,” he laughed. “Seriously, the staff does it all the time, staying overnight in rooms I mean. Maybe not long term, but we can hide you here.”

“I don’t know,” she temporized.

“At the very least you will have some privacy. We have a floor of rooms that are being renovated. They are another two months or so from getting finished, but the east wing is done with everything already in there ready to receive guests,” he said.

“And when someone finds me?” she asked.

“I can talk to the other managers,” he said.

“You sure this will be okay?” she asked.

“I think it will be just fine as soon as I explain the situation,” said Frankie.

“I wouldn’t want to be a burden or have you get into trouble,” she said. But still hadn’t turned him down.

“Listen, those Muslims are taking away your soul and personality. Do you really want to wear that oppressive veil and robe everywhere? I doubt it and if you take my offer you can wear what you want again, think what you want again, drink and eat what you want and without any trouble. I can help give you your life back,” he said.

She thought about the offer for several moments before deciding he was right. For far too long they had stolen her identity, her personality and forced her to be someone she wasn’t. She was tired of being told what to eat and drink and when to pray and not being allowed the freedoms enjoyed by women around her on the streets. She decided it was far past the time for her to take back control of her life and start doing things her own way once again. And Stephen would just have to understand this was her life to live and not as others wanted her to live. He could go along with it or he could face the divorce. But she was going to get her children and start living their lives the way they were supposed to, free to choose what beliefs they wanted to have.

“I’ll do it,” she said resolutely. And for the moment, she was clear headed and felt really good about the decision she just made. She would finally stand up to Stephen and end the abuse and the substandard treatment. She was finally doing what she should have done a long time before. And she hoped she could reach Cindy in time to make a difference and bring her back into her life. If Stephen wanted to come along, he would have to change his ways as well since she wouldn’t accept him until he did. But more than anything, she wanted to be a family again. And if that meant only her and the children, she would make things work somehow.

“You want to move tonight?” asked Frankie.

“Sure, I’ll need to get some things from the house I’m at, but tonight sounds great,” she replied.

“I’ll get you a cab,” he said and they took the elevator downstairs. Once they arrived at the door, he made another suggestion. “Just as a friend, I’d like to come along with you. Just to make sure nothing goes wrong and you get out safely.”

“I think I’ll be okay,” she said.

“Seriously,” he said.

“Okay, but if I get confrontational, you have to stay out of it. Understand?” she asked.

“I’ll be a fly on the wall,” he replied as he waved down a cab. Like many in New York City, he didn’t own a car and relied on public transportation. Once inside, she gave the street address to the driver and they departed in silence. However, after entering a neighborhood, they were cut off by a dark van which screamed around the left side on the narrow road. It got in front, effectively blocking both lanes before coming to a stop in the middle of the street. The cab driver slammed on the brakes before it hit the back of the van and honked at his horn angrily. He never noticed the sedan that pulled up behind him and the four occupants that got out. The driver didn’t realize what was happening until the back door was yanked open and a scream was heard. He noticed the three others getting out of the van, carrying pistols as they approached.

“Hello Mrs. Hassan, fancy meeting you tonight,” said Ramzi as he reached in to drag her out.

[eeyore]

Another cliff hanger, keeps you wanting more.

[overbore]

Occam's Razor is a line of reasoning that says the simplest answer is often correct; to quote Mr. Spock, It is quite logical to believe the obvious. 35,000 people have been killed in Pakistan thus far by a " peaceful religion" and there is no sign whatsoever that is will not continue everywhere unless we are protected---which comes down to who is responsible for our individual protection; "Alphabet Soupers" or we the people. Soon, very soon the line of impeachment, so expertly written by Grand, will be crossed, and our first battle is impeachment.

[WiseOwl]

As The Great Ric Flair would say.............WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

[Firestorm]

Grand, this just keeps on getting better and better, Thanks

[Grand58742]

CHAPTER 62



“Your wife was found with another man in a hotel in the city,” said the Imam.

“My wife…another man,” said Mohammed Hassan. He was shocked at the announcement and it showed in his speech.

“He was not one of the faithful and he is being dealt with by others,” said the Imam.

“No, I want to deal with him myself,” said Hassan.

“This can be arranged, but for the moment, your family has been dishonored,” said the Imam.

“And how may I arrange for my family’s honor to be returned?” asked Hassan.

“As shari’a law would dictate,” said the Imam.

“Is this not against the law?” asked Hassan.

“There are laws of man and laws of Allah. Which would you rather choose to follow?” asked the Imam.

“You should know the answer to this,” said Hassan.

“What you require is in the next room,” said the Imam.

“And he is not one of the faithful?” asked Hassan.

“No,” said the Imam. “You are free to restore your honor where he is concerned.”

Hassan got up and crossed the hallway. However, before turning the doorknob he paused as this was a line he wasn’t sure he should cross. But he decided he would come face to face with the man who defiled his wife before making a judgment. Opening the door, he was shocked at the occupant. While bloody from resisting and a black eye was showing across his face, he immediately recognized his former friend.

“Frankie Tidwell?” asked Hassan.

“Yes Stephen,” he said angrily.

“You are the man that was with my wife?” asked Hassan.

“Yes, getting her away from you until you decided to change your life and start treating her better,” he spat.

“But you are my friend!” exclaimed Hassan.

“I can still be your friend Stephen, but what you are doing to your wife and children is despicable!” said Frankie angrily.

“I am no longer Stephen, I am Mohammed Mohammed Hassan, a servant of Allah,” said Hassan.

“And that right there is why your wife needs to get away from you. You are Stephen Grant,” said Frankie. “And I hope there is still a good man in there somewhere.”

“I am a devout follower of Allah and Mohammed His Prophet. That name is of a dead man who was captivated by the sinful ways of this world,” said Hassan.

“And now I see why your wife wants to leave you,” spat Frankie.

“She spoke of leaving me?” asked Hassan.

“Yes, your so called ‘life’ is destroying the wonderful person she is. It’s destroying your family. Can’t you see that man? Your family is lost to you and they have brainwashed you into believing otherwise!” shouted Frankie.

“My family is my concern!” growled Hassan. “And you have no right to be interfering with it!”

“Your wife came to me for help! She came to me to speak her mind! You’ve got her so scared she can’t even speak to you about this! Your first born child is gone, your son is gone and your other daughter is at risk from these perverts! Your family is gone man! Wake up and see this!” yelled Frankie.

But Hassan had heard enough. He knew his family’s proper place was with him and the path he had chosen. His wife’s defiance and her betrayal would be dealt with. But to have this man speak as he did was insulting and needed to be dealt with as well.

“Answer me this, what did you do with my wife?” he asked.

“She can answer that question,” said Frankie.

“Did you defile my wife?!” demanded Hassan.

“She is lost to you as long as you stay on this path,” said Frankie.

“Did you sleep with my wife?!” demanded Hassan once again.

“Diana still loves you, but you just can’t realize it,” said Frankie, still avoiding the question.

“I can see something happened between the two of you,” said Hassan as he withdrew the fixed blade knife at his waist. “Your evasiveness is all the answer I need.”

“Wait! I didn’t sleep with her! Stephen, come to your senses man! She needed help and I was there as a friend! We just talked; nothing more!” said Frankie, suddenly scared at the turn of events.

“I don’t believe you,” said Hassan.

“Okay, we kissed and nothing more! She stopped it before it could go further. We were drinking and things got a little out of control! Stephen, I didn’t defile her!” said Frankie.

“And you now covet what I have. Even the Old Testament says do not covet thy neighbor’s wife. Don’t you remember your Sunday school?” asked Hassan as he closed the gap.

“I don’t covet her! I just want her to be safe and happy again! You all are my friends and I want you all to be happy!” he yelled as his head was yanked back and his throat exposed

“A friend would not attempt to defile his friend’s wife,” said Hassan.

“Is Diana going to be okay?” asked Frankie as he knew it was pointless to argue further. He could see the mindless robot Stephen had been turned into and knew it was pointless to continue to try and sway him. He silently said a prayer to God to ask for forgiveness, knowing he was at his end, powerless to resist with his hands and feet bound as they were.

“It is no longer your concern,” said Hassan in an even voice as he said a silent prayer for Allah to forgive his friend in the afterlife…

Hassan departed the room, knowing in his heart his wife had been unfaithful. But he would at least give her the chance to explain her actions. Opening the door into the next room, he found his wife bound to a chair in the middle of the room with her abaya hanging loosely around her shoulders.

“I didn’t do what they said I did! I was not doing what they have accused me of!” she exclaimed. “Oh my God Stephen! Why is there blood all over your hands?”

“You were unfaithful with one of my friends,” he said.

“No, nothing happened!” she exclaimed. “Why are your hands covered in blood?”

“You cheated on me…with one of my friends!” he growled.

“No, I never cheated on your, I swear it!” she exclaimed.

“Why would they lie to me?” asked Hassan.

“Because they want you to become a mindless robot to their desires! Please, you have to believe me! I love you and would never do that to you!” she exclaimed.

“Again, why would they lie?” he asked as he looked around the room.

“I don’t know…please, Stephen, listen to me. Let’s go, right now. You, me and the children. Let’s just go, get out of here and be a family once again. We can find Cindy and be a family once again. But these people are twisting your brain. I want it to be like it was before! I don’t care you have converted to Islam. We can find another place to live and still be faithful! Please, let’s go and be a family again. It used to be the most important thing to you. Your own daughter is out there alone in this world and she was driven away by these people! Please! Stephen! We need to be a family once again,” cried his wife.

“With one of our friends,” he repeated when she was done. Her words fell on deaf ears.

“He…tried. But I stopped him. I couldn’t betray you like that,” she cried.

“Why did you even put yourself into that situation to begin with?” he demanded.

“Because it felt good to get out and live my own life for a change! I wanted to go out and be like I was before! I can’t continue living a lie and what I’ve become! I’m not Adila Hassan, I’m Diana Grant! I can’t do this anymore Stephen! We can’t do this anymore! I want it to be like it was before! I want us to be happy and a family! We can get Stacy, Donnie and Cindy back together and go live our lives someplace else! Please Stephen, I’m begging you! Please let’s just leave and start over someplace else! Please Stephen, I wouldn’t betray you like that!” she pleaded.

“And you spoke to Frankie of divorcing me?” he asked.

“It wasn’t serious! I needed something to shock you! Something to make you wake up and realizing what you are doing is destroying our family! Please Stephen, look at what we’ve become!” she cried.

“You made statements to one of our friends that made him believe you were on the market so to speak, you were in a hotel room by yourself with him for a considerable amount of time and you expect me not to believe you didn’t betray me? You didn’t cheat on me?” he yelled.

“Stephen, I still love you and couldn’t cheat on you!” she exclaimed.

“That name no longer means anything to me. That is the old and impure name of a man who is now dead. I am Mohammed Mohammed Hassan, a loyal follower of Allah and Mohammed his Prophet and you have dishonored me for the last time,” he said as he moved towards his wife.

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

“My honor has been restored,” said Hassan after cleaning up and finding the Imam.

“Not yet,” said the Imam.

“What else is required of me?” asked Hassan.

“Your daughter is still out there. By this time she is surely impure,” said the Imam.

“And my honor will be restored when I deal with her?” asked Hassan.

“Yes, when you do what you have to do, your honor will be restored. Allah will be pleased when you restore your honor,” said the Imam.

“And have we found her yet?” asked Hassan.

“We are close,” said the Imam.

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

“You need to go turn on the TV,” said Erica over the phone.

“What?” asked Charlie. “What’s going on?”

“Just go, now,” ordered Erica in her best doctor voice. Charlie didn’t argue and collected up Cindy before heading into the house and turning on the TV to the nearest channel. A “Breaking News” caption was playing on the bottom of the screen. He turned it over to a network he trusted and watched as the “breaking news” was all over the channel.

“…and the trial will commence immediately. We’ll be back momentarily after this word from our sponsors,” said the voice of the anchor before the screen went to a commercial break.

“What is going on Erica?” asked Charlie. “All I see is the evil pit of doom in Washington.”

“They are impeaching the President!” she exclaimed. “They are not doing the committee meetings or anything else. They are going straight to the trial with none of the normal political nonsense.”

“Is that a fact?” asked Charlie.

“Yes, the President has already stated he won’t stand trial and the whole thing is a mockery of justice. However, the Supreme Court stated he can and will be tried in absentia if they have to and removed from office that way,” said Erica.

“And he gets the notification when the movers show up?” laughed Charlie.

“Suppose so, but I’m hoping the replacement won’t be just as bad,” said Erica as the station returned to the news, speaking of the trial in the Senate, who was representing who and what evidence they had and most importantly, if they had enough votes to carry the impeachment. The two talking heads got on the news channel, cued in by a remote link. They discussed the pros and cons of the trial as well as what evidence was already outstanding against the President. Since the impeachment vote in the House came through, he had blinked and removed all the Executive Orders as well as returning the funding to the States he had removed it from. But enough was enough and on a straw poll, he would be impeached as he had gone too far and with too much. They agreed to disagree as they typically did as one blamed the other for being a radical right wing conservative hypocrite and the retort of being an ultra left wing liberal hypocrite. And they argued the points back and forth several times before moving into the substance of the debate.

“Of course there is enough evidence pointing to what went on. And the Attorney General is right in the middle of it as well. It’s hard to plead innocent when you go on network television and proclaim what you are doing in prime time,” said Ronnie Case.

“But at the time, he was more concerned with returning Cindy Grant to her family, which still hasn’t occurred,” said James Irwin.

“And he felt taking away federal funding from the States was an effective measure to coerce them? Is that an acceptable behavior in your world?” asked Ronnie.

“I never said it was acceptable, but is that an impeachment worthy offense?” asked James.

The two continued arguing on the TV as they typically did. Charlie turned to Cindy. “Not very often you are responsible for getting a President impeached.”

“I’m sorry?” she asked.

“You, young lady. Yes, you had a part in that,” said Charlie. “Of course this won’t exactly be something you can crow about.”

“What did I do for this?” asked Cindy.

“Baseline problem,” said Charlie. “You started the ball rolling on this by coming to Tennessee for help. It rolled downhill from there.”

“Actually, if you hadn’t picked me up, none of this would have ever happened,” said Cindy with a grin. “So actually, it’s your fault.”

“Can’t do that, you get the blame,” said Charlie.

“And why can’t I shift it to you?” she asked.

“Because I’m the adult,” he said with a chuckle as he continued to watch the two argue on the TV. The anchor announced the trial would start in four days and due to the nature of the crimes, the Vice President was going to be the Acting President until the outcome of the trial. The Senate had a vote of no confidence in the President and it was determined until the trial was over, the President should sit on the sidelines. It was certainly an odd time in the political scene of America, but one that was necessary nonetheless.

“So now what?” asked Cindy.

“We wait for whatever comes out of this,” said Charlie.

“And my father?” asked Cindy.

“We’ll deal with that as it comes up,” said Charlie.

“Do you think this changes anything with him?” asked Cindy.

“Maybe, the entire community up there is under the microscope, so I wouldn’t think it will be too long before they are brought to justice,” said Charlie.

“And the rest of my family safe,” said Cindy.

“Which is what we are hoping for,” said Charlie, but not wishing to give up Cindy so easily.

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

“…Police are offering a reward of ten thousand dollars for any information relating to the double homicide of a man and woman found yesterday evening. The two individuals, identified as Frank Tidwell, originally of Oregon and Diana Grant of California were found by joggers yesterday in Patterson, New Jersey. The two were victims of a knife attack to the throat and were bound prior to death. Police Detectives say they have no leads in the deaths or the disappearance of the husband Stephen Grant, also known as Mohammed Hassan. Mohammed Hassan is wanted for questioning by the police in the murder as well as the alleged child abuse of Cindy Grant, recently in the news. The police state the murders took place twenty four hours prior to the bodies being dumped. And in other police news today…”

“This isn’t good,” said Mitch as he watched the broadcast link sent to him by Anderson. The State had already been alerted by the New Jersey State Police about the murders and asked they make contact with Cindy to inform her of the death of her mother. But it certainly didn’t make it any easier telling Cindy what happened, especially since her father was still out there.

“I’ll go out with you and get the minister from Charlie’s church,” said Sarah.

“Out where?” asked Mitch.

“When you tell Cindy,” said Sarah. “You are planning on telling her right?”

“I…I have no idea how to do this,” said Mitch.

“We need to make sure Charlie and Erica are around. She’ll need a stable foundation when she gets this news,” said Sarah.

“Why do people do what they do?” asked Mitch.

“Honey, you know there isn’t an answer to that question,” said Sarah. “Let me make a few calls. And she’s probably going to need a trip to see the psychologist.”

“Yeah, I’ll get changed,” said Mitch as he went upstairs and changed clothing. He called Charlie in advance to make sure they were going to be at home before they came out. After getting Charlie away from the house, he explained what was going on and what had happened in New Jersey.

“What’s going to happen to her mother?” asked Charlie.

“What do you mean?” asked Mitch.

“She’s going to have to be buried,” said Charlie.

“I don’t know. Want Anderson to check into that?” asked Mitch.

“I think it’s the least we can do for her to see her mother has a proper burial. And also, get New York to check into the sister as well. With no mother in the picture and the father still on the run, someone knows where her sister is at. She needs to be pulled from wherever she is and entered into foster care,” said Charlie.

“In Tennessee?” asked Mitch, but knew Charlie had a point.

“Either place. Erica and I would take her in as well if she was a foster child,” said Charlie.

“You’ve got a heart five acres wide Charlie,” said Mitch.

“I just want to see her done right Mitch,” said Charlie.

“I know bud,” said Mitch. “We’ll be out there in about an hour.”

“Who’s going to tell her?” asked Charlie.

“I was thinking it might come best from you and Erica,” said Mitch.

“Mitch, I’m not sure if I can do something like that,” said Charlie.

“You’re the only one she knows and trusts enough to tell her,” said Mitch.

“Maybe the minister?” asked Charlie.

“He doesn’t know her well enough to do something like that. But we are still bringing him along just in case. Sarah is also getting the psychologist on the line to help if needed,” said Mitch.

“Mitch, this isn’t going to be easy,” said Charlie.

“I know, but again, it’s going to come better from you,” said Mitch. He ended the call and got ready himself. Charlie went back to the house and collected Erica and took her outside.

“Mitch just called,” said Charlie.

“What happened?” asked Erica.

“Cindy’s mother was murdered,” he said.

“Oh dear Lord,” said Erica. “What happened?”

“They seem to think the father is involved, but he still has yet to stick his head up,” said Charlie.

“I hope the Devil burns him for eternity for what he’s done,” said Erica.

“I’d like to arrange the meeting,” said Charlie. “But we still have the problem of telling Cindy.”

“This isn’t going to be easy,” said Erica.

“I know, but Mitch seems to think it would be better coming from me,” said Charlie.

“You are the one she trusts the most. While I hate to put you in that situation, it would come best from you,” said Erica.

“But I’m not sure what to say,” said Charlie.

“Baby, I have faith that you’ll find the words,” said Erica. “What about the burial?”

“Mitch is going to get Anderson to check into that,” said Charlie.

“Somewhere in Tennessee?” asked Erica.

“I was thinking right over there in the family plot,” said Charlie.

“I think Cindy would really appreciate that,” said Erica.

“She’s like family now anyway,” said Charlie.

“More than you realize,” said Erica. “Which is why it’s best for you to tell her. We’ll all be there, but the words should come from you.”

“Hey, you guys coming in to lunch?” asked Cindy from the porch.

“Best to go ahead and eat,” said Charlie.

“That’s not going to work, you’ve got it written all over your face,” said Erica.

“Now?” asked Charlie.

“Your decision,” said Erica. They headed back to the house and entered into the kitchen. Cindy was busy bopping around the kitchen getting the lunch things ready. Charlie stopped her and motioned for her to sit down at the table.

“What? Am I in trouble or something?” asked Cindy as she saw the look on both their faces.

“No,” said Charlie. “Cindy, I…”

“What?” asked Cindy. “Something wrong?”

“No…yes,” said Charlie. “I just got a call from Mitch.”

“Okay, and?” asked Cindy.

“They heard from New Jersey,” said Charlie.

“I don’t know anyone in New Jersey,” said Cindy.

“I know,” said Charlie and took in a breath, not finding an easy way of telling her. “They found a body yesterday and identified it. Your mother was murdered two days ago.”

Cindy’s face went pale then flushed back up. Her lip started quivering and tears filled her eyes. “No, it can’t be. Please say you are joking.”

“Cindy, I wish I was joking,” said Charlie as he took her hands.

“No! There has to be a mistake! She can’t! She can’t be dead!” exclaimed Cindy as the tears came down her face.

“The police made a positive identification,” said Charlie. “I’m so sorry.”

Cindy looked at him again with the tears blurring her vision. She didn’t know what to do right then besides cry and scream. She fell onto his shoulder crying as hard as she ever remembered crying in her life. She sobbed loudly as he patted her on the back and attempted to calm her. But he also realized how much of a shock it was to lose someone so close to you. And in that respect, he never had anyone to cry on then. But this time he could support her and be the steady rock in her life. She continued to cry and exclaim “no” under her breath. Eventually she was able to compose herself long enough to ask about her sister.

“She is missing as well, but they think she is being hidden by the community in New York,” said Erica.

“But she could be in danger!” said Cindy through more tears.

“We can only hope for the best,” said Charlie.

“But she needs me now! I’m all she has left!” she exclaimed. “They have to find her!”

“The police are looking for her as well as your father,” said Charlie. “They think he might be involved with what happened.”

“I don’t have a father anymore!” screamed Cindy. “That monster is not my father!”

She broke down once again and Charlie even had a tear come into his eye as well. Someone he cared about was hurting and he hurt along with them. Erica took over as the shoulder to cry on as she and Cindy both cried and shed their emotions. Mitch, Sarah and the minister entered the kitchen as the front door had been unlocked. Cindy barely acknowledged their presence before going off into a fit of crying once again. Charlie got up to leave for a moment while Sarah and Erica continued to console Cindy. They were joined in the adjacent room by Pat.

“Anderson said they can get the body transferred here when they complete the autopsy,” said Mitch.

“I’ve got a place she can be buried,” said Charlie.

“Figured you did,” said Pat. “And I’ll do the ceremony.”

“What’s next?” asked Charlie.

“A lot depends on finding the sister and the father. We get him and he will go away for a long time,” said Mitch.

“And the sister?” asked Charlie.

“New York is supposedly still looking into it,” said Mitch.

“Not cutting it Mitch,” said Charlie.

“I can’t force them to go faster Charlie,” said Mitch.

“They need to find her as well as her father. This is getting old,” said Charlie.

“I know,” said Mitch as his cell phone rang. The psychologist made himself immediately available if he needed to be. Mitch told him he would call back as soon as they knew something definite. They returned to the kitchen where Cindy was still in a bad state. Not that Charlie didn’t understand where she was coming from. He took her back into a hug and knew that she needed support more than anything right then. Her world had been rocked and she needed something steady in her life to cling to. Between him and Erica, they could provide the stability necessary for her to weather the crisis in her life.

Little did they know another crisis would eventually emerge. And this crisis would change their lives forever.

[overbore]

Magnificent writing---again. Now we can see what tragic events can happen if real threats are not eliminated at the outset. A pre-desposition for evil will produce more evil and a great writer will write even greater lines.

Laus Deo
overbore

[Pop_45]

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

[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.

[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!

[Mr.Grey]

excellent writing! thank you.

[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.

[overbore]

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

Laus Deo
overbore

[tech]

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

Many thanks!