Second Chance:

[Grand58742]

CHAPTER 50



The camp was going good with the exception of having to saw up more firewood as they had burned off more the previous evening than planned. Mitch had warned them they didn

[Pop_45]

Thanks Grand for taking the time to write and post your stories. They are highly anticipated by this old fart and greatly appreciated.

[RunAndGun]

Thanks Grand! Great reading as always!

[Ozarks Lady]

Well this could be a make it or break it time for Hassan. It would be really great to see him "get it" and work with the law to close down this cell of Muslims.

Thanks Grand. Looking forward to the next chapter

[RememberGoliad]

Thanks, Grand! I truly appreciate the entertaining and informative nature of your story, and I like the way you think---and that is why I enjoy the story so much!

I got a good chuckle about the interloping rafters.... and I can identify with Charlie and his protective attitude. I have enough daughters to where that almost got to be a normal expression for my face, when they were teens :)

Thanks again!

[dmfield]

Great story Grand. Keep it coming.

[saeb]

Great as always. I love reading your stories!

[tech]

Great installment as usual, Grand! Thank you for the effort you put into these...

[Grand58742]

No, I appreciate the readers taking the time to read what I post.

I appreciate the encouragement and support from ya'll.

[Grand58742]

CHAPTER 51



“Mister Governor, they are going to run with the story. We have to get a statement prepared,” said the Attorney General from Tennessee.

“What’s it looking like from the Federal side?” asked the Governor.

“I don’t know. Apparently the Circuit Court decision has them confused and they are taking their time preparing a response,” said the Attorney General.

“Did the Justice talk to the DOJ?” asked the Governor.

“He did, but it seems the Justice Department is waiting for further before making a move,” said the Attorney General.

“Waiting for further what?” asked the Governor.

“Not sure about that. Maybe checking the stories,” said the Attorney General.

“Anything else?” asked the Governor.

“I called the Sixth Circuit and asked about what was happening, especially with two levels of government getting involved, but the Justice said it didn’t matter as his ruling was binding,” said the Attorney General.

“And the Justice Department wouldn’t back his position?” asked the Governor.

“We are sure yet. Again, we’ve heard nothing so far,” said the Attorney General.

“Has the parties been notified yet?” asked the Governor.

“We tried. Anderson said both the Sheriff and Charles Gray were out camping this weekend and away from civilization,” said the Attorney General.

“About where I’d like to be,” chuckled the Governor. “I’ll start working on a press statement. When are they planning to run it?”

“Sometime next week. Probably Wednesday or Thursday,” said the Attorney General.

“Should we break it in first?” asked the Governor.

“It might not be a bad idea to give an interview to the reporter. Get our side out first,” suggested the Attorney General.

“Contact him and have him come down for a friendly visit,” said the Governor.

“Her actually. I’ll give her a call through the network,” said the Attorney General.

“How did she find out anyway?” asked the Governor.

“I don’t know. She’s more of a local political reporter in D.C. Apparently someone up there leaked the story,” said the Attorney General.

“Why?” asked the Governor.

“You know as well as I do two States not getting along is good press,” said the Attorney General.

“So one little spat with New York and the press gets a hold of it? You and I both know this won’t end well and we could look like complete buffoons,” said the Governor.

“Like I said, best to get our story out there first,” said the Attorney General.

“Set it up for Monday. That should give her enough time to take out the parts that make us look sane and keep the parts that make us look like raving lunatics,” laughed the Governor.

“I doubt it. I checked on her work. She looks to be an ally in this situation,” said the Attorney General.

“And once the network gets it?” asked the Governor.

“Lucky for us, the network leans our way as well,” said the Attorney General.

“You need to be ready to go to Washington as well,” said the Governor.

“For the Supreme Court?” asked the Attorney General.

“No, probably the Justice Department. If I know our Federal Government like I think I do, they’ll stick their nose into this big time,” said the Governor.

“I doubt it, but I’ll be prepared no matter what,” said the Attorney General as he walked away from the group and pulled out the number for the Wolf News Channel. He dialed up the central number and was greeted by an automated system. Finally after hitting several numbers, he spoke with a live person.

“Susan Brooks please,” said the Attorney General.

“I’m sorry, it might take a few moments to track down that specific person,” said the operator.

“She works the Washington desk, political beat,” said the Attorney General.

“Which office?” asked the operator.

“I don’t know exactly,” said the Attorney General.

“Sir, I cannot connect you without knowing what area to contact,” said the operator.

“Check for her father then. Neil Brooks,” said the Attorney General.

“I can say they aren’t at work sir,” said the operator.

“Ma’am, if they want to get an interview with the Governor of Tennessee in a story they are working, you need to connect me,” said the Attorney General.

“And this story is?” asked the operator.

“Look, just call their personal number and give them mine. It’s about an interview they asked for the other day. I don’t have their number or I’d call them myself,” said the Attorney General.

“Please give me the number sir,” said the operator and promptly clicked off after writing it down. The Attorney General mingled with the crowd at the barbeque hosted by the Governor and grabbed another drink. It was somewhat relaxing, but there were still political figures going this way and that, still talking business and still trying to garner favor with the Governor. After fifteen minutes, his cell phone buzzed in his pocket.

“Hello,” said the Attorney General.

“This is Neil Brooks from Wolf News. I got this number from our central operator,” said the voice on the other end.

“Hello, this is David Colby, Attorney General for the State of Tennessee,” said the Attorney General.

“And how can I help you Mister Colby?” asked Brooks.

“Apparently a member of your staff was requesting a statement from my State for a story you are working. It has to do with a dispute,” said the Attorney General.

“Yes, of course,” said Brooks.

“I’ve been asked by the Governor to set up a meeting,” said the Attorney General.

“You will want to speak to my daughter then. Hang on,” said Brooks as he went through his house and found his daughter. A female voice came onto the line.

“Hello? This is Susan Brooks speaking,” said Susan.

“Hello Miss Brooks, this is David Colby, Attorney General for the State of Tennessee,” said the Attorney General.

“Yes, how can I help you?” she asked.

“I’m calling to schedule a meeting with you with the Governor. It’s in regards to our little issue,” said the Attorney General.

“Yes, of course,” said Susan excitedly as she thought she would have to run the story without any interviews from the States involved. She had contacted New York as well, but had been stonewalled from the start.

“When is the best time for you? Monday would be best for us,” said the Attorney General.

“Monday will be fine. What time?” asked Susan.

“Just send us your flight arrangements and we’ll have you met at the airport,” said the Attorney General. It never hurt to butter up the press just a tad.

“Can I call you back on this number when I’ve made arrangements?” she asked.

“Yes, of course,” said the Attorney General. “How much time for the interview will you need?”

“An hour maybe? I’d also like to speak with the girl involved as well,” said Susan.

“That I can’t agree to right now. First off, they are out of touch with civilization right now. Off camping with the foster family that took her in. Secondly, the decision needs to be hers and I haven’t gotten the opportunity to speak with her about it. You can understand we are reluctant to schedule any interviews due to the delicate nature of the situation,” said the Attorney General.

“I understand, but she needs to get her voice on record,” Susan said.

“Yes and she will. For now, we will let you have access to the Governor for an interview as well as a look at the investigative files. I can’t provide you copies just yet since it’s an ongoing case, but we can at least answer any questions you might have,” said the Attorney General.

“And the investigators?” asked Susan.

“Possibly,” said the Attorney General.

“Okay, let me make flight arrangements and call you back,” said Susan, excited at the opportunity to run with a big story. How big, she didn’t know yet.

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

Cindy and Toby were heading down to the river after the group took a hiking trip into the old abandoned community of Lost Cove. While Charlie worried about the two going off on their own, he made sure they had a radio as well as plenty of food and water before getting the stern look from Erica. They headed out and followed the ridgeline down to the riverbank and started following it back. The remainder of the group was back in camp by that time and were relaxing and just enjoying the nice day. As they hiked along, Cindy had to use the bathroom and headed into the underbrush while Toby waited patiently at the shoreline. As she dug into the small pack, she saw Charlie had thought ahead and included toilet paper in the pack. After finishing up, she headed back to the shoreline where Toby was waiting for her just inside the woods.

“Come over here and look,” said Toby as he guided Cindy along by the hand.

“What? What is it?” she asked.

“Come on,” he said excitedly and showed her to the river bank. She looked around, but didn’t see anything.

“What am I looking for?” she asked and peered out over the river.

“See that big pine? Look at the dead tree to the right, about two thirds of the way up,” he said and pointed.

Cindy peered at the tree and saw a dark mass where he was pointing. She didn’t know exactly what it was since there was a branch in her way. “I have no idea what you are looking at.”

“Keep watching,” said Toby patiently. Cindy did as instructed and watched for several moments before the bald eagle took flight down towards the river. She gasped at the sight of the magnificent bird as it went down towards the water and unsuccessfully snatched at the water attempting to get a fish. She had never seen one in the wild before and was surprised at how large the wingspan was.

“It’s beautiful!” she gasped as the eagle came around for a second pass. Another attempt ended in failure as the eagle swooped back into the tree and continued its watch for another meal. After several moments, it dived at the water again and this time came up with a fish in its talons, flying off to wherever its nest was.

“I didn’t know there were bald eagles in Tennessee!” she exclaimed.

“I’d heard stories, but never seen one until today,” said Toby.

“It was beautiful!” exclaimed Cindy.

“I’m glad you got the chance to see it,” said Toby. He was about to walk back to the camp when he found Cindy hadn’t moved. She had an unusual look on her face and he stopped to see what she was doing. Out of nowhere, she reached up and kissed him quickly on the mouth. It was an uncoordinated action on both their parts as neither had any experience doing such things. It didn’t last long as Toby was shocked at the display and Cindy had done it on impulse. Both got beet red at the situation and the uncomfortable silence that followed. They stood there awkwardly and looked away from each other until the silence was broken.

“Why did you do that?” asked Toby.

“Dunno, just wanted to,” said Cindy quietly. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, I kinda liked it,” said Toby with a bashful grin.

“Kinda?” asked Cindy meekly.

“Okay, I liked it,” said Toby with another bashful grin.

“Was it too forward for you?” asked Cindy.

“No, not really,” said Toby. And apparently he liked it enough to give it another whirl as he leaned in and kissed her once again. And the second time didn’t last much longer than the first as they both drew back with blushed faces.

“We might want to get back to camp now,” said Cindy as she grabbed his hand and led him away. He grasped a little tighter than normal as they walked back towards the camp. Once within seeing distance, they dropped their hands and walked into the camp.

“What’s going on?” asked Charlie as a way of a greeting and not knowing something else was up.

“Nothing!” said Cindy nervously. She saw Toby was getting beet red again.

“Where did you two go?” asked Mack, being curious.

“I saw a bald eagle down by the river and took Cindy to see it,” said Toby.

“So how come there is nothing going on?” asked Charlie as he saw the defensiveness of the two.

“I meant, nothing important!” exclaimed Cindy, who believed they had been caught red handed.

“A bald eagle in this neck of the woods is pretty important,” said Charlie.

“Really?” asked Cindy.

“Yes,” said Charlie, who thought there was more to the situation, but they hadn’t been gone that long for anything completely inappropriate to have happened. “What was it doing?”

“It was out fishing on the river and came up with a trout,” said Toby.

“What kind of pole was it using?” asked Mack with a straight face.

“A…it didn’t have a pole Pap,” said Toby.

“I know Toby. I’m just wondering why you are so nervous,” said Mack also wondering what was up with the two.

“And I’m curious myself,” said Charlie.

“We were just, I don’t know, in awe or something over seeing it,” said Cindy.

“In awe huh?” asked Mack.

“Yes Pap, we were in awe,” said Toby, going along with the story. Both Charlie and Mack looked at each other and shook their heads before going back to doing what they had been doing before. Both Jennifer and Erica cornered the two of them privately and away from each other. While they were separate, they were having much the same conversation.

“You two need to lighten up,” said Erica.

“Over what?” asked Charlie under his breath.

“Over their first kiss,” said Erica.

“Over what?!” asked Charlie.

“They kissed for the first time and the guilt is showing all over them. Like kids that got their hands caught in the cookie jar,” said Erica.

“No way,” said Charlie.

“For certain. They really like each other,” said Erica.

“Well, I know that, but they are both kind of backwards,” said Charlie.

“Well, one of the two initiated physical contact on the mouth. I can see that plain as day,” said Erica.

“How can you tell?” asked Charlie.

“Because I was once a teenage girl with normal teenage emotions. She thinks you’d be mad at her for kissing a boy,” said Erica.

“I should…or should I be?” asked Charlie, protective of Cindy even though it was Toby Reynolds.

“It’s human nature and they weren’t gone long enough for anything else to happen,” said Erica.

“Suppose it could be with someone worse,” admitted Charlie. “But still.”

“Yes, and they are proper otherwise, but can’t keep their eyes off each other,” said Erica.

“I guess I’m just the mean old father figure who wants her to grow up pristine forever,” said Charlie.

“I think she has a good enough head on her shoulders not to do anything stupid. Let’s face it, at least she’s interested in a nice boy. There are far worse out there,” said Erica.

“Okay, there is that,” said Charlie. “But we should keep an eye on them out here.”

“For what? Them sneaking off for a little privacy,” said Erica.

“But she’s so young!” exclaimed Charlie under his breath.

“I’ll be willing to bet when you were his age you kissed younger girls than she is right now,” said Erica.

“Maybe I did,” said Charlie, starting to lighten up to the situation. “But she’s still so young!”

“I was eleven years old when I kissed a boy for the first time,” said Erica. She saw Mack had already surrendered and was taking his wife’s advice. They probably had the same conversation she and Charlie were having with then.

“I don’t need to hear that!” said Charlie under his breath.

“So what? It’s just a kiss. She can’t get pregnant from kissing and they both are embarrassed about it. I’ll be willing to bet pennies to dollars they don’t even make physical contact the rest of the weekend,” said Erica.

“It’s physical contact I’m worried about!” exclaimed Charlie.

“Is she a good girl with good morals?” asked Erica.

“She is,” admitted Charlie.

“Have you done your best to teach her the right things to do?” asked Erica.

“I think I have,” said Charlie.

“And we had a talk as well. You trust me to give her good advice?” asked Erica.

[Grand58742]

CHAPTER 51 CONTINUED

[tech]

Wow...looks like things are about to get a bit more complex!

Really looking forward to the next chapter. Thank you!

[Pop_45]

Thank you Grand, Great chapter!

[trapper]

Thanks Grand.

[Urban Survivalist]

When is this going to the publisher.