Stories by a Stagehand

No More Empty Chairs

2014-01-04T10:37:00.001-08:00

So yeah what a year;
Where to begin the new
Change is coming
And I am not waiting
Anymore
Every time
I sat across
From you
There was
This empty chair

No more
From now on
Not waiting
Someone wants
To take your seat
I am voting
Right then
With their feet
Take a seat
Stretch

Hey and let me
Buy you a drink
And hell
A round
For all you see
Mr. President
So thanks
For taking that place

Now we are done
Go
Fly away
And leave us alone

Christmas; Tis the Season

2013-12-20T11:16:00.003-08:00

The season
Came upon us
At midnight
So clear
Never was
A time of joy
For me

Memories past
An unwanted child
Shipped off year
After year
Love a word
Not spoken here
In my ears

Yeah presents came
But meant nothing
Just more stuff
Left behind
In time
Life went on

Hope quickly gone
In my early years
Joy found
In my journeys
The rest of the year

Peace came
In my youth
When I struck
Into my own world
No rules
Telling me
When to get up
My own dog
Adventure bound
With me

Friends made
In odd places
Waking up on road cases
Names forgotten
But not their faces

Locked in
Night after night
No rules
Or hours set
New families formed
And then were gone
The world saw the pretty
And painted facades

For the families
We saw reality
Tears, laughter
The petty fights
And hugs
To make up
And then
The curtain closed
We all moved on.

I now sit alone
Years gone past
Long hours of
Busting my ass
Peace at last
And a family of my own
Now looking
For a place
We can call home

2013-02-05T10:54:00.001-08:00

Time and distance gone
By the way side
Miles passed
Under my feet
On the Journey
Taken

Aged
A statement
That youth
Escapes me
Time gone
Never regained

Strength diminishes
Replaced
By understanding
And knowledge gained

The world seen
Through softened eyes
Watching them chase dreams
Seeking love
Hearts broken.

Where the land meets the sea

2012-12-20T21:06:00.001-08:00

A Detoured Life

2012-12-19T02:15:00.001-08:00

I can't say I planned it this way but here I am and this is where I am at. I lay here listening to the woman whose life has become mine, she is the mother of my children. Tonight she sleeps deeply, thankful I am there to keep her warm. Like I said this is not what I had planned but it is where I am at. You ask do I love her; I ask how can I not?

I suppose I should start from the beginning, but no, let me go back farther than that...

That moment

2012-07-13T17:30:00.001-07:00

That moment
When a bolt hits you
Reality sets in
The world
You said yes to
Is not of your choosing
You are living
Someone else's dream.

Wall

2012-07-13T17:18:00.001-07:00

Sitting between
The walls
Of a home
Not my own
My vision blurs
My sight fails
The city robs
My memories
The shore I see no more
The eagle
Sitting above the beach
No longer greets me
I look out
Towards the horizon
I see it not
No forest smells
To fill
My breath
No dogs
Off the leash
Gone are the mountains
In their place
A wall.

So, Here I Am

2012-04-23T11:11:00.001-07:00

A month has passed, since my move to Scottsdale, I now am asking myself was it worth it. For the hours I have been putting in I can tell you the money is not worth it not to mention I have gone from doing the work I love being involved with show production to making sure the banquets department has enough circuits to power their toasters.

Okay maybe that's simplifying it a little too much but at almost 72 hours a week I have watched my hourly calculations of what I am getting paid plummet. In the end though the job got me south and has allowed me to be warm and there are possibilities. So yes it is worth it and going back to freelancing is always a possibility. Time though will be the score keeper so for now I am taking a wait and see until hopefully after my family joins me.

Its Been Awhile

2012-03-13T17:04:00.001-07:00

Yeah its been awhile
Life is changing
Soon to leave my home
By the seashore
Will be looking for a new abode
In the land of sand
And cactus
Job already waiting
Excitement not set in yet
Sometime in those ten days
Of travel time
It will hit me
For the love of my wife
I am making this drastic change.

Recently... teaching lessons

2012-03-01T20:33:00.001-08:00

I recently was contracted to hop aboard as a production designer and technical director for a college production of Enron at the last minute. To borrow a line, I through it all together and sold it as the truth, though it was far from what I would have liked due to time and budgetary concerns we pulled it off. As apart of my daughters home school education I put her to work running a spotlight. I then had her write an essay on it. Below is what she wrote.

“Enron” is the “play” about the rise and fall of Enron. It starts out with a lawyer telling everybody that these thing may not be /exactly/ how it happened. But that they would put it all together and sell it to you as the truth. Than it goes to a party scene where the four main characters are introduced including The big boss dude (whose name I cannot remember) Some lady (whom I can also not remember her name) Skilling and Fascow. They go on to explain something about trading and the markets.
As the story progresses the lady and Skilling compete to become the next CEO of Enron. Skilling gets the job and proceeds to make many changes in the company. Those changes include quitting just selling gas and oil, and hiring a new CFO (Fascow).
They set up a banking system (that is now in widespread use today) that caused the company to become a “black box” by feeding all the debt into themselves and not actually selling anything but stock.
They ended up being caught and going to prison (the boss dude died).

The fact that is most people never knew that Enron prior to the late 1990's actually was a real company that sold real products. During the short tenure of Skilling not only did he manage to destroy a company but his business model was adopted as a teaching model at several major business schools and embraced by congress in such lovely companies as Solyndria and other green energy companies. Hello it did not work then and wow would you believe it, it does not work now but instead of sending those congressional leaders and their cronies who are partly responsible for this, not to mention our friendly neighborhood Uncle O. This house of cards they are trying to build will also fail and my daughter will have the joy of inheriting the mess.

City Nights

2012-01-28T19:04:00.001-08:00

Street lights
City bright
Saturday night
Dressed to impress
Not for success
Romantic seduction
On a cold winters night
Angelic visions
On prettified faces
Dudded up
Strutting their stuff
With a smile
I pass them by
My journey
Continues
I wonder
What believers
Will become sinners
In the morning
Sinners will become believers
Now
It's about
Chasing away
Loneliness
In the City nights.

Sunsets

2012-01-15T17:42:00.001-08:00

A good way to end the second week of the year the world ends.

Change Comes

2012-01-14T21:58:00.001-08:00

Today
Snow fell
Like soft whispers
Alighting on my skin
A nice change
From the rain
In a week maybe more
As I look
Around
Change will have happened
Like the water in the sea
And the sand forever
As its partner
In an eternal dance
Our life is about change
For me
I embrace change
Let it come
Wherever it may take me.

On A Side Note

2012-01-10T01:04:00.000-08:00

So today or I suppose I should say yesterday as the midnight hour has come and gone; the decision was made to go see two more of our grandchildren and daughter. This started as we had need to get our eldest grandson, who has severe learning disabilities due to his mothers choosing not to take care of herself while carrying him, his annual birthday card which is a gift card for ice cream, this year Cold Stone. Nothing like a family reunion at Super Walmart on a gray day in the pacific northwest. Listening to a well spoken three year old boys take on life as he explained things to Grandma got me to thinking.

It is the little treats in life that make an otherwise mundane existence livable. The puppy which greets you as a child upon your return home. Asking grandma when you first spy her in the grocery store where did she put grandpa and his mom explaining I was in her phone. For our oldest grandson, who because of his living arrangements we have not seen since he was an infant it will be the awe when he watches the pretty girl behind the counter make his ice cream. Next it will be when he gets his next robe as the last one grandma sent well it has become more of a tattered and torn after bath Hefner jacket that itself is way too short. For him it is a piece of grandma. I know the three year old will soon pass him up in both thought patterns and vocabulary but I have to wonder if maybe being able to continue to be excited over the simple things like a good game of chase with half the teachers of the school chasing you is not the better gift in this life. I know that in my twelve year old grand sons case not having to understand and think about why mommy did not want you is not his worry though it still haunts the rest of the family but still we humor my oldest step daughter as she lays claim to being a good mom, she had had two more and we are hoping if she believes she is a good mom it will come to pass. I for one am not holding my breath.

Enough about the struggles of being a dad with a prodigal child. I prefer to everyday go out at least once and look around my backyard and be awed by something as I would when I was a child myself. Today it was grandma and grandson conversing and then stopping to watch the seagulls sitting on the pier watching. When I do wake up mid morning maybe it will be listening to the patterns of the raindrops falling above my head.

Changed Plans 4

2012-01-08T00:26:00.000-08:00

The weekend came and passed, with two little ones back in the house it felt right to Christina particularly with teen mom Kimberly coming to hang out she found the riding trail and asked where the horses were. Julie who had come over told her there had not been horses on the farm for as long as she could remember. She had stared at Christina who smiled. It was the following day that mom and the girls had showed up, smiling she said if only Christopher Jr. would show up. His would have been bride told her not likely as he had been invited to see the new home of those horses. One of his stepsisters told Christina her dad would not even tell her where Mr. C was moving to. With church out of the way Christina needing to plan for her week told the girls to have fun and she would watch the twins. When her mom came over that afternoon she was not doing so well as both twins who had found crawling could get them from point A to point B and how tasty her bare feet could be which caused her to try to keep them away. When her mom came in she was holding her feet up and shaking her head. Mom told her they were not rodents as she scooped them both up. Christina thanked her mom and asked if she knew where the man who left him alone with them was. Mom ignored the question and took the twins with her when she left. Christina felt the quiet which she had not had for a long time. She went through her case notes for the week as quickly as she could and then checked on her next rotation on the Mercy Ship. Answered several messages to the family doctors of several of the service members she had helped outfit with newer prosthetics and had to take a look at her calender to see when she could go check on their progress. She knew she should really hire someone but after her year and change with her life under a microscope and she had wanted to be alone to do her work.

She had told herself she would become celibate on her return home; fat chance that had been as her very nature was flirtatious and oh God she was married again to a man who was never home. She tried to call him but found his phone was unavailable. Her message to him was help. When she finally went out of the house after a nap it was dark; she heard them first and did not think of it as she had heard horses whinnie before. Then she heard them running. Walking out to the back side of her house she found all the girls watching the horses run in what was a makeshift pasture in one of the hay fields. She saw the young mare and looked for that stallion which was not there. Julie looked happy and asked if she had seen dads new place. Christina asked how she was supposed to be able to do that if he was not talking to her at the moment and since they were married it would be their place. Handing over her phone her second oldest told her she would like to see her go without running water and have to walk to an outhouse, and well hardly any electricity at all. The first photo's were the view some in color and some in sepia giving the valley an old west feel. The picture of the cabin, and her boys along with the man she had cheated on Chris with were all in sepia and except for the hummer and the trucks she thought of the old westerns he liked. There was even a handwritten sign which Chris Jr. held up, Bar MRC ranch home of the Roughneck Country Club, boys only. Christina repeated the boys only part and asked where he had gotten that attitude from. When his lawyer and his supposed babysitter showed up, they looked tired. When she asked how their day had been Sammie asked if being tossed on a plane in more or less a vegetative state after almost thirty six house of champagne sipping pretending to be she did not know what and oh yeah apparently there were pictures that would be made public if they did not behave. Jay was only slightly better and said she was glad to see the horses made it safely. Kimberly told her as she held up the registration papers for the mare she was glad too.

Dinner which mom had cooked but was had down at Christina's was not necessarily quiet but it was more subdued as everyone seemed tired. Julie had to answer her phone and turned red before excusing herself. Jay asked Kimberly if she was okay with her dad dating again. The girl shrugged and then said her dad deserved to be happy again. It was when a second phone call came into her second oldest who told everyone to quiet down as Chris was on the phone. She put him on speaker and asked so where was dad's new secret hideout; her little brother told her to be honest he had no idea and if he did and told it would not be secret and just so mom would not worry please tell her Mr. C was resting and he was going back to the ranch with dad who wanted to take a look at the golf course which was more or less a couple of big yellow machines pushing dirt right now until dad or rather Mr. C finalized the plans. Christina asked if he new how to get a hold of this Mister C. Her son told her until he put up the cell tower and pulled in fiber optics she would have to mail him or drive out to see him if she did not get lost but he did say that he would be stopping in soon. Soon was almost a week and a half later with him coming by train once again and showing up at the office on a rather busy day. Christina noted he was on crutches. She had to go to the hospital to cover a shift as part of her agreement to be allowed to use the facilities. The administrator a gentleman she had known for years found her at dinner and tried to talk her coming on full time and she told him if he had only asked a month or two earlier she might have agreed but having just gotten married and with twin infants at home, not to mention her work with several organizations. The man smiled and grabbing her hand with the rings on it he told her he wished he had asked her out earlier then. Something told her to look behind her and found Chris standing there; pulling her hand back she went to say something but he waved for her to stay seated.

He was using one crutch and hobbled over; her colleague asked if everything was all right; Christina watched as Chris held out his hand to shake and told the man most just called him Mr. C these days and if he did not mind the intrusion he would like to borrow some of his wife's time and would make it worth his while if he could do so alone. She did not see Chris push on a nerve but saw recognition in her colleague's face. He gave a wimpy smile as he told Mr.C it was nice meeting the lucky man who finally tamed the infamous Dr. Christina. As Chris sat down he took off the brace and leaned back. He smiled and told her he supposed he would have to get used to seeing her numerous admirers grovelling for crumbs. Crossing her arms she told him as she looked toward the door of the cafeteria that first that man was not grovelling and two what admirers. He told her besides that big wig that just left he counted at least six why he was just standing there listening to her conversation. Turning to face him she asked how long he was eaves dropping. rubbing his knee he told her she had been having a conversation in a public place and he just happened to walk in as he was looking for her and did not want to interrupt her lunch date. Her mouth dropped and he smiled with his eyes and whispered if she knew how cute she looked when she was mad. He then grabbed her hand and told her as he looked at the rings he was glad she had found it. She asked if he put it on the necklace; he eyed her and asked what necklace. She told him it had been hanging on the corner of her mirror but she was still in her few last minutes of her lunch break needing to know why he had come here. He looked down and just as her name was paged to the ER he told her he had wanted to see his wife. Her name was paged with a code meaning someone was dieing so she ran with the memory of the look on his face etched into her mind.

There had been a major pileup on the interstate which had her and most of the hospital staff hopping, she was surprised to find her husband had just kind of showed up to hold hands or sit with those who had no one. When she was done it was morning already. When she went to find Chris the duty nurse asked who and she explained she was looking for Mr.C the really tall man with a brace on his knee and a crutch. She nodded and said she called him a cab earlier as he looked like hell and really needed to go home and rest. The duty nurse asked why was she looking for him; Christina showed the old gal her rings which she had just put back on. The nurse asked when did that happen, as the last time she was in here she was the focus of every single doctor and a few married ones and she should have really invited them all to her wedding. Christina told her since they had already been married once before she had kind of chose to skip that part and go straight for the desert for dessert. When one of the staff ER doctors came in he asked if she was okay and the nurse told him of course she was married and to a really nice cowboy actually that fella who had been helping last night. The ER doctor told her told her to tell Dr. and waited for her to give the name. She shook her head and told him he was no doctor as he was an engineer and her name was still the one she had as it was the one she had when they were married last. The doctor nodded and told her he would not tell anyone but tell him thanks anyway from him and the family of that little boy who would not be still with them if it had not been for her engineer knowing how to do an emergency trach so he must have been in the military as a medic. Christina told him she would tell him but needed to get to her office to see a couple of patients for follow ups. He shook his head and told her after last night she really needed to go home and go to bed but since he was not going home either.

Christina found herself swamped with calls and and besides her follow up she had to go back to the hospital and was grateful to have Jay driving her again as she was dead tired. She would nap in the car and by the time she got home she started disrobing at the door as she headed to her room., before she hit her shower she realized it was too quiet and when she went to look in on the twins they were not anywhere in the house. She started out of the house when her phone rang; Christopher told her before she ran out she might want to put some of those clothes back on. She ran back upstairs and went into the bathroom and asked where he was. He told her he was feeding the twins and getting ready to go home and was sorry for upsetting her by showing up to have lunch with her and they could talk later after she got some sleep and hopefully before she left for her mission trip thing. She told him to please stay for the night anyway. He asked if she was sure and she told him the twins would probably like to spend time with him and she doubted she could get to sleep as she was now awake as she got spooked those two got off to somewhere. He chuckled and told her would be down in a few unless he could talk Ms. Miriam into getting the ready for bed; she told him he owed her at least one massage to which mom asked if that was how he was getting everyone to do his chores and if so she was going on strike until she got hers. He asked Christina if she saw what she started, She told him he could start on her if he was up to it as her shoulders and back were sore today. She wrapped herself in a towel and waited as she watched him come down the path from moms. Even with the crutch and his right leg in a brace he moved better than when he was using the cane. She was still listed as his primary care physician but she knew only the details of a few incidents as in the last time he had been shot coming out of the courthouse not far from here and when he had collapsed in the street she thought he was not going to make it. At that moment the words he had said more than once since he had come home took over her thoughts; I don't care.

For a man who did not care the thought flashed through her mind that adopting twins and then saving a little boys life by performing an emergency trach. She stopped her thoughts there as she also remembered him saying there was nothing left for him here. She had to tell herself that he came back to see her. He had always come back to see her and the children no matter how much she had argued and screamed at him over the years. She watched as he bypassed the front door and headed toward the pasture. When he did finally come in she had already showered and was in bed reading. She listened as he put the twins to bed, when he did not come into her room she went to find him and found him sleeping in the guest room. Waking him she asked if he forgot where their room was. He sat up and rubbed sleep out of his eyes before grabbing his crutch and pushing himself up made his way to their room. She had seen that same look in his eyes when he had come home and found she had been pregnant with Christopher and then too he had gone and slept in the guest room. She told him she got it he was mad and being a jealous man he did not like seeing her having lunch with other men. He told her that was none of his business. Instead of yelling this time she helped him get his boots off and told him he really needed to remember to take his boots off before climbing into bed. She saw his face register pain and told him to relax as she was not going to bite as she began to pull off his pants. He came fully awake and told her he could do it. Grabbing his hands she told him no she wanted to look at his knee. With a little more finesse this time she pulled his jeans off; she asked to take his mind off the pain how his day was. He leaned back and told her he had gone to the office to finalize plans on the golf course and to hire Beth and Steve and then came back to moms to hang out with the twins and start putting in fencing. Looking up she asked if he had any help, and when he shrugged she began palpating his knee and feeling something she asked what the doctor had told him and just so he knew she was going to find out. He told her he was not supposed to take it easy for the next six weeks.

She told him after his shower he was getting into bed and staying there. Shrugging again he told her he had planned after getting home doing nothing for awhile. She told him as far as she was concerned he was home. He looked up and told her mom had asked if they were not going to get along for him to leave. Christina told him if he had not noticed she had a nice little practice going here and that gentleman who happened to be admiring her rings had asked her to join the staff at the hospital. As he got back up and yanked off his shirt he told her he had caught that as well, but he also had work and it was not here so for now he was heading back and as he could he and the twins would come visit. She asked what he was talking about. He paused to look at her before heading into the bathroom. When he came out again still having not gotten into the shower; he had his head lowered and told her he guessed he needed help. Walking in behind him she could not help herself as she noticed his back muscles had come back nicely. She traced the scar as he stepped into the shower. He tried to smile and she finally had to pause as she soaped up the sponge to ask if he was having second thoughts. He told her no, she asked if he was okay with her eating lunch with a colleague then what was the problem; when he did not answer she told him that by the way her colleague who ran the ER wanted her to tell him good job and the little boy lived which brought up a question in her mind and that was where did he learn to do an emergency trach. He looked around and told her he knew when he stepped in he was breaking who knows how many laws but that boy was not going to make it. She for the first time realized that look in his eyes was not anger but fear. She began scrubbing him down and could tell his right knee was swollen. She told him as she finished up she would like to help him. When he eyed her, she shivered and told him that she had actually not been thinking that but if he was afraid of being arrested for helping a boy out not to be. As he turned off the water he told her he was not afraid of being arrested.

Stepping back and taking off her now wet shirt, he looked at it and she said it had been in a one of those crates of his. He nodded and said it looked good not on her, she had to think about what he just said and shaking her head pointed to the bedroom. As she tucked him he told her thank you. As she looked at him she could tell as his face closed off again that he was lost in his own thoughts. When she got up to go check the twins who were thankfully sleeping through the night she smiled as she went back into the room; he followed her with his eyes as she headed to the closet. Grabbing another one of his shirts she slipped it over her head and walked back out to find him sitting on the edge of the bed. Walking over she pushed him back down and told him he needed to stay in bed and for at least tonight he would do just that even if she had to sit on him. He did not say anything as he let her push him back down when he tried to sit back up the third time she did exactly what she told him she would do and straddling him she asked what he was going to do now; she had not seen his hands but felt them soon enough and gave a startled scream telling him that was not fair. He let her pull his hands up where she pinned above his head and told him there needed to be some ground rules this time. He kept his passive look when he nodded. She told him first off neither of them could not start something unless they intended to finish it, secondly they needed to work on this communication thing, because he sucked at it. He went to say something and she kissed him to keep him from speaking.

When he tried to say something; she let him up for air; he told her thanks for letting him breath. Smiling she kissed him again and when she pulled back he still had an unreadable look but she pressed on and said they needed to work on their living arrangements but right now they both needed sleep and she needed to say thanks for bringing those horses. He was about to say something so she kissed him again, on his part it was not the most passionate but she made up for it and then out of her own exhaustion she lay where she was. She was not all that surprised to find him not in bed when she woke up as he had had a restless night and at some point he had told her he would finish the night in the spare room. She found a letter for her on the counter with a sticky note asking her not to be mad but he really did need to go to his cabin and since she would be leaving for her trip while mom had put her foot down the twins would be with him. Christina did not have time to speak to her mother before Jay came to pick her up. She asked where Beth was and Jay told her Beth had gone out to Arizona to oversee a development project. Her day seemed to start slow until she got a call from the hospital to take a look at several of the accident victims. The administrator lead her around to talk to half a dozen families, at least two families had children who would need some serious surgery that would take many years, one was a little boy who had a tube coming out of his airway to help him breath. She had smiled at the families and held their hands and promised she would be talking to them soon. The administrator asked if they could talk later, when she said yes he told her he would meet her at her office.

She changed her schedule for the next week as she wanted to talk to Christopher; then the Administrator at the hospital showed up and they walked to one of the restaurants along the waterfront. After a few drinks he grabbed her hand and told her he still wanted her. She told him she would have to think about it and at that moment she saw her second oldest sitting two tables away. Her eyes told her she had been listening and when she ran out, Christina pulled her hand back and told the administrator next time she asked a female colleague to join the hospital staff do not hold her hand. He smiled and told her he wanted her. She told him no thanks and as she got up to leave he threatened to expose that man as a fraud. Jay was right behind him and said the way she saw it he had just sexually harassed a married woman and a pillar in the medical community and after checking his records it seemed he had had to move to several different companies on the account he could not keep it in his pants. Holding up her phone she told him his current wife she knew would want to know as would the medical board who had already began to take a look as several reports into the impropriety of an administrator which would make his current company very concerned about possible lawsuits. When Sammie walked in there was a Dr. Morrison; when he lifted his hand she told him apparently he parked in a tow away zone. When he ran out Christina asked if her husband had anything to do with this. Jay told her no but her daughter just came running out like the gates of hell had just opened up and was even now trying to call her dad. Christina said she may as well go home to her lonely house. Sammie told her the plane should be back sometime tonight. Christina asked what plane.

She tossed and turned half the night, unable to sleep she went downstairs to get a glass of wine and to go sit outside by the fire pit. She was startled to find her mom and Christopher sitting in the kitchen in the dark, with only the moonlight to see by. She turned on the light and could tell Christopher had been crying. As she sat down he smiled weekly and told mom he guessed he would be going now. Christina asked him where he was going; he told her he was going back to his cabin. She told him he should really get off his leg. He nodded and after kissing her on the forehead he left. Christina went to get up and her mom held her arm. Christina looked at her before she pulled away and then went out only to find he was already gone. Christina walked and told her mom thanks for sending away the only good thing that had ever happened in her life. Mom told her in the morning they could talk but right now they both needed rest. Christina asked her to tell her one thing; when her mom nodded she asked if it was true she sent told her husband he was not welcome here. Her mom told her they would talk later. Christina told her not to count on it. Her mom told her to stay calm; Christina asked why since now she supposed her husband thought she was cheating on him again. Her mom looked at her with surprise and asked what she was talking about. Christina asked if she really had not heard, she had gone to dinner with a colleague who had asked her earlier to join the staff at the hospital and then after seeing those children and that little boy her husband saved from that crash he asked if they could talk over dinner and guess who happened to be eating in the same restaurant when the man grabbed her hand and told her he wanted her, none other than her second oldest daughter. Mom asked if this fellow was a doctor. Christina reached up and pulled her hair and told her the man was married and apparently under investigation by the medical review board along with who knows for being a womanizing prick although she did not know that until tonight or she would have told the man earlier when Chris caught them with her hand with her wedding ring being held by the same man.

Her mom said she was sorry but she did not want to see her hurt anymore; Christina laughed and told her that it was not she that had been hurt by Chris but rather her hurting him every time she had an affair starting with his eldest son's father who happened to be a neighbor willing to make use of her while her husband was out working so that when he came home he could find her knocked up by another man. Her mom's eyes grew large and Christina told her it had not stopped there as every he left again she would have another affair, and even after divorcing him and marrying a man that tried to kill him he still forgave her and took her back. Mom asked what about his affairs; Christina asked what affairs would that be, and she asked if she had not noticed those twins looked a lot like him. Christina said she noticed but also knew the boy who got her newest daughter pregnant was a little thug living somewhere in California. Mom told her she had seen pictures of him with Jay and Sammie his long time lawyer and Miriam had told her about their trip aboard her daddies yacht. Christina asked mom if in any of those pictures she had seen her husband actually having sex with another woman or did Miriam tell her she had actually had sex with Chris. Mom told her after she got a hold of herself that no; Christina pointed to the couch and told her after Chris had taken his tour of the inland waterways with a representative of the management company that was managing the resorts at the four communities he designed and built she and that same woman sat in her living room and made love in front of her friends that were here and despite what people think when a man finds out the woman he loves is cheating on him it hurts no matter who it is and now thanks to her that man was gone heading back to his cabin she supposed somewhere in the mountains of Colorado which happened to be a very large state. Mom told her she was sorry and she could always call him; She told her that no she could not as at his cabin there was no television, no electricity and he was still using an out house and from the pictures he had a hand pump in the kitchen for water and since he never owned anything in his name trying to find his little place in the mountains would be next near to impossible and she had commitments for the next couple months.

Mom pointed to her mail and told her more of his letters had come today. Christina told her they could talk later but now she needed rest and needed to be alone which she supposed was what she deserved after what she deserved to that boy. Her mom told her she could not blame herself. Christina told her mom Chris had been twelve years old and still scared and did not have a chance to make a decision when two years later she got herself pregnant by making use of him but instead of letting her take the blame he stepped up and accepted all responsibility and he had because of her lost any possibility of experiencing his youth and childhood, while she still got to go to school, still got to see her friends, still got to go to parties while he watched the girls, still got to let her hair down while he did everything dad asked and more so he could pay for her school and all that time he had sent his whole paycheck home to her even after she divorced him and stole his companies while he was laying in some hospital where no one visited him and she let those two lawyers of hers continue to harass him even after he kept her out of jail and managed to keep his children alive and during her interrogations he was the one who stood by her side and gave her a whole new lease on life so thanks for telling him to leave. Mom surprised her when she pulled out her phone and called the Colonel who told her he was sorry but he had no clue where that cabin was and those who did were loyal to Chris to the point of death but he did hear something about it belonging to his family which he had no idea what that meant since he had always figured he belonged to her family. Christina called Ben waking up his wife and asked if she knew if they had flown Chris to and back from Colorado . Christina was told Chris had not used him since someone had tried to declare him dead and had only talked to Ben when absolutely necessary which was not very often anymore. Christina sent out a mass email to her friends asking if anyone saw or heard from Christopher to call her.

Changed Plans 3

2012-01-05T02:29:00.000-08:00

Christina was heading down to her house when a freight delivery truck showed up, She asked Carl what he thought they might be bringing, when Bubba pulled up behind it she rolled her eyes. She was about ready to walk back up to her mom's when Beth came down with Steve. Steve walked by with a quirky grin on his face. She watched as he and Bubba helped unload something that looked like furniture. She looked at Beth who was at a loss as she was. They both walked down as they had finished pulling out what definitely looked head boards that were a dead ringer for what Christopher had built. As she approached the truck the driver pulled out a couple of envelopes and asked who the guilty party was. Everyone looked at Christina who handed Carl to Steven as he more or less grabbed the boy from her and thanked the driver for doing this on short notice. Smiling he told Steven it paid the bills. As the straight truck drove off, with Christina looking at it and then at Steven and down to the furniture she definitely recognized the matching changing table dresser. She took Carl back and asked Steven why were the twins furniture sets here. Steven told her he just got a message to show up and give a hand; she looked at Bubba and Steven told her it was okay Christopher had asked to see if he had time to lend a hand in getting it set up. Moments later Stevens children showed up with Bubba's kids in tow. Beth told Christina it appeared the twins were moving home so it was a good thing she still had all those clothes she had bought. She told Beth she did not have a room ready for infants. Julie walking down reading a text told her yes she did as both dad and Christopher confirmed that the old nursery would be used. It took less than an hour for the furniture under Ms. Jennifer's direction was moved around and the old nursery had become a nursery again.

With their help gone, Christina asked if the mother of the children had come along where was she. Julie said she was at school as she had been accepted to the governor's school. She looked at Beth and then Ms. Jennifer who told her she was just here to help. Turning back to Julie she asked where exactly was her father. Julie said she actually did not know and it seemed no one else did either but the good thing was he was back online and using his phone again or rather his new phone. Christina had her write it down and told everyone for the night she could handle the twins. She wondered after she finally got them settled into bed how Christopher could deal with both of them with his leg how it had been. She opened the letter first, it she knew was the one he had been writing to her last week. She could tell her was frustrated by her not telling him they would be having guests. Christina was still not sure why she had invited everyone, but in spite of what had taken place the women had had fun and it was another one of her weekends to remember and be talked about. Some of them had even asked what she had planned for next year. She was tired but she finished that letter. The man may not always be the best man when it came to talking to directly but reading what he was thinking and the passion he poured out onto the pages caused her to know she had done the right thing by marrying him again. She could tell he was still struggling with her past during her previous letters but what came out in this one was he no longer cared. She had planned on not opening the overnight deliveries, but seeing the handwriting she knew he had sent them. Pulling out the huge stack of hand written pages on the first there was a post-it note which told her to look at this letter until she read the other letter. Shaking her head she opened the second envelope and realized there was something wrapped in tissue paper. she shredded the tissue and found two rings that matched her old wedding band, which she went looking for. When she found it hanging on a chain off the corner of her mirror on her boudoir she wondered how it got there.

His first letter was brief as he explained to her that after thinking about the situation he had done some digging of his own which seeing her in his mind wrapped in a towel in front of him on a horse did not help in his digging and well with the doctor telling him to take it easy he was sending their little ones home and had arranged for a young mom to go finish school where she could do what she loved as her dad would soon be transferring to east coast in some training position. She went back and reread the letter and as scared, distraught and mad which she had taken out on him she had actually been grateful he had been there and even more so when he put her on that horse before riding down and finding a man in their bedroom; Christina told herself it was his bedroom in spite of the fact she had shared many a night that bed with him, and had watched him in spite of the desire she saw he had for her he had refrained like he told her he would. At first it had made her mad that he could lay there with them both unclothed comforting her after her grilling which she knew now was just a matter of fact questioning save for one man who she now also knew her husband had gotten removed. Christina also new they had looked into everyone she had slept with and anyone they had slept with so she had asked why and the Colonel had explained to her that because Mr. C had been not just privileged to know secrets he was the source of more than his fair share or at least a catalyst for those who had information to come forward. She had asked early upon her return if Christopher had killed people. The colonel had told her he had never seen him kill anyone, Christina also knew the colonel had not been a field man, as he had spent most of his adult life in the halls of power on the east coast. She had taken that question to Ben for one and that woman during one of her girls sleep overs. Ben had told her he had been half unconscious during their flight to a safe haven or rather their hike, but he had no doubt Mr. C had to fight his way out and she should remember he had not been the only one who had found a new lease on life thanks to him. As a doctor that had bothered not to mention she had taken on the outlook as many of those in that tiny hamlet of wealth in the mountains. That had begun to change after his first ordeal and hospital stay where he had been assaulted. It had completely changed after the assault of the guard dogs on him at her house.

She like everyone else could still see those scars as he did not even try to hide them but as he had redeveloped muscle they were less noticeable to her. Thinking back to this past two weeks she realized the numerous scars he had gave him character even the very noticeable scar on his shoulder. She had after that night he would have killed whoever was responsible even though she had put some of the blame on him. There was so much she still wanted to know but had accepted the fact she might never know why and since all her children were still safe and there had been no other attempts on their lives and the worst she got was a drunk Bubba showing up at her house. The only reason she had even talked to him or had lunch with him was upon her move home no one else had attempted to greet her even at church. The next letter she did not even get halfway through the first page as he was describing to her how he saw her and how he was trying to deal with the images of her and Miriam for example in his mind and the image he had of her in that ice cold shower with his most recent keeper as he had noted how nice her breasts were in that moment and figured she being the expert on breasts must have noticed them as well and was hoping that was not giving her any angst. She told the letter she was sorry but at the moment though her mind did notice it had been preoccupied with the fact some not so nice men were outside trying to get the twins and their mom. It was that thought that stopped her continued reading and as she struggled to understand why she called the number. She did not get her husband but his current babysitter and she had to ask who was watching the girls as she could tell they were somewhere not so family oriented. Judith was her real name but for some reason everyone called her Jay; Christina having had to play doctor a few times to some of the employees had seen her and that woman had caused her to take a pause and admire and wondered why she had ever joined the marines. Christina asked where she was and was told she was with Mr. C and this tall long legged looker; Christina asked where and she told her not to worry about and she would get Mr. C for her. When Christopher got on the phone she asked where he was and he asked if seductively if she was already longing for more because if she was she could lose these two and be right over. She told him she would play his game and told him as long as he told her what he was doing she might let him in the front door. He told her to hold on as he could not hear. With the phone still one he asked someone what her name was and when the woman told him he could call her Candy in a seductive voice, he told her he was really sorry but tonight was another lovely ladies lucky night.

Christina could hear an announcer in the background telling someone to give it up for Jasmine. When he was back on the phone she asked if he was in a strip club, he told her not anymore as he and his escorts which she would; he had stopped and said anyway they had gotten the information he was needing and were headed to the house. She asked again where he was and he told her he had gone to do some hunting as he wanted to know why someone wanted the twins and their mom, which is also why they had legally adopted the twins and he had enrolled mom under their name so she might want to go in and play the doting mother a couple times a week. Christina told him she had a career and he told her he knew that and when Mom got back she would be taking care of the day to day babysitting and she should be back as soon as the house was packed up and his livestock was moved and then she and the girls were going to help grandpa pack up and get his children moved so as soon as Miriam arrived she would take over from Jennifer and then well he would send her a list of her socialite gals who had signed up to come take their turn visiting. She told him that was his home and he told her actually it had just been another rest stop on the way but yeah he had grown accustomed to the lifestyle so he was selling the other desert house, and had leased the mountain house for way more than the cost of its upkeep. She told him their children had been raised there. She could almost see his smile when he told her she could always go visit as he was leasing it to Miriam and Jennifer and this gal with the longest legs he had ever seen who at the moment was teasing him and he had won the bet. When she asked what he was talking about she could hear a distinct laughter and that same normally very professional voice tell him to stop like a school girl. Then she heard two distinct female voices ask her what had she been feeding him lately. Christina asked where he was and was told he was still there just he had retreated to his corner of the limo so he could massage his wounded pride for losing the bet as she had started out wearing panties until this one legged man spilled wine all over her jeans forcing to go to the shortest mini skirt ever. Christina told her when she left he had two legs, the woman told her he still did and then when she burped she begged her pardon but she had had a few too many. When she heard someone kissing she told someone to please tell her what was going on. Christopher was back on the phone in seconds and asked if all women got like this when they were drunk. She asked what did he mean and he told her Santa's helpers were stuck together at the lips at the moment.

She asked really and he told her really but he was doing his best to look elsewhere but if she wanted a picture he could send it to her. She lost him, and moments later she received several pictures and when she called back she asked if he was okay. He told her now that he had his brace back on and he was not having to put bills into the slot to get information he was doing much better. She told him she was guessing that he was not a casino. He told her he had been earlier which is where he spilled the wine all over Sammie. Christina asked who Sammie was and he told her his lawyer and the one currently on the bottom of the wrestling match. He told her he would call her back on her house phone and stream a video of the match to her phone. She asked if he could do that and he told her yes he could. When he was back on and she was getting a video of the two grown women rolling around in a limo, they were laughing as clothes were getting ripped off. Sammie had ended up on top and she bit Jay on the thigh so Christopher told them that was enough and they both turned toward him and she saw his cane point and told them not now but if they felt they needed a spanking when they got home he would oblige. As they both went to sitting on the far bench seat he kept talking to her and she told him it was okay as they began teasing as they both looked a bit sloshed. He told her they were sloshed and he supposed having them to pretend they were intimate with him and each other probably had not helped. Christina realized before he did they were not just teasing him as they were straight out masturbating in front of him. She had realized he realized what they were doing when he asked God to save him.

He told her he was changing his plans and would stop in after he moved the cattle to Colorado as well as most of the horses. She asked what he was doing with the ranch and he told her he had contacted a few other people who like her were interested in helping wounded families reconnect so they would be starting construction on the lodge and rec center probably within the next week and they should have already started on the golf course.as well as the remodel on the barn and equipment shed but the boys scouts would also get equal use. Before he hung up Christina watched both women pass out in rather embarrassing positions. He did the best he could to cover them up before crawling back to his corner. He shut off the video stream and she asked if he was okay. He told her at the moment he was feeling a little bit on the lonely side and to be honest if they had not rushed it he would probably have been the one to put Sammie to sleep. She asked if he liked her and he asked if she did not; she told him yes she did and if she could have a year or so back she would have gladly climbed into bed with her. He asked if she had read his last letter and she told him she had gotten through the front page and had been thinking about sitting in front of him on a horse with only a towel on so she called and found her husband at the titty bar with two hotties, he told her that would be the last one for awhile. She asked if this obsession of his had been going on for some time. He told her if she was asking did he frequent those establishments on a regular basis he told her no but if he needed information about certain types of individuals knowing who to talk to and when and where to find them which since they danced for other peoples money he had been in more than his fair share and no he did not tell anyone during the inquisitions as they did not need to know his sources for their own safety meaning the resources. he told her and she might want to know he had met at least three of her past client in the last thirty six hours who were very proud of her art work and liked showing them off. Christina told him to name one and he told her that pretty little blond thing who pretended to be a lawyer. Christina rolled her eyes and asked how that happened; he told her that woman had wanted to show him they were not enemies and to prove it invited him to see she was not just a friend but a client, then there was a server at one of the casinos who just wanted to show him everything and a stripper who apparently had gotten into that line of work after she received a make over.

She told him she still did not get why strip clubs; he told her that men of all ilks frequented such establishments and when they were under the influence of either the alcohol or the hormones they loosened their tongues and said stuff and many of those women whether they wanted to have it or not had privileged information and with the right persuading they passed said information on, but he usually avoided such avenues as it could put the woman or man passing on the information in danger; but as he wanted to get the information now he could not avoid it. She asked if he was going to clue her in or let her think her first thoughts and be jealous. He told her not to be as if she really wanted to go to see other women take off their clothes he would take her. She asked if he was serious and he told her yes he was though he preferred other forms of entertainment more in line with what she had entertained herself with over their honeymoon which he also put in his letter though he was not so sure where she got all of her energy. She giggled and told him that since that was their impromptu make up, catch up and honeymoon she had kind of went overboard. He told her enough about his week what about hers. She told him she had cornered the colonel with a little help on her first day back and then saw her Monday patient today and that accident had done its damage. He asked if she was going to be able to help her. She told him yes she could give back her self esteem and fix much of the damage over time but she was never going to be what she was and if she had to guess the woman's marriage was already over and he had moved on. He told her just so she knew that if anything happened to her he would not care; she tried to bait him even though she knew what he meant but he sidestepped her. When he finally told her he had to figure out how to move two naked women from the limo to their hotel room she told him good luck. He told her he would call when he could and she should know he had always loved her.

Sleep had not come easy after that but reading his letter was out as her eyes were tired so as she was thinking about him and her while looking at the images he had sent she pretty much put herself to sleep in the same manner. She had several follow up appointments that morning so she was up early only to find the twins beat her in getting up as they were both awake. She still was asking how he did it as she got them changed, fed and dressed before taking them up to mom's house where she found Beth with her daughter who would actually be babysitting per something she worked out very early this morning with Christopher. So back to her house they went. Christina realized she did not want to leave them and was told by her now babysitter she could watch them and do her homework anywhere like at the office as they did have the boardroom and they had the park where she could walk over and see her third oldest daughter, when she winked; Christina remembered and told her that she actually liked that idea and would not mind going with her but she had to go to the surgical center today. The teen girl nodded and told her that was even closer than the office to the school. Christina felt like a mad woman trying to decide what to bring. In the end it was her babysitter that showed her and told her Uncle C had clued her in that she may be a bit out of practice. Christina asked if he really said that and was told no he actually told her his wife having missed the earlier opportunity to learn to change diapers would probably spend an hour deciding which was the front and the back. Christina asked her since when did diapers have a front and back. The deal was struck if Christina bought lunch she would not only keep that tidbit of information secret she would show her how to change a diaper.

She had seen three patients that morning and then got a call to do a consult at the hospital but was able to take the lot down to the school where a teen girl she had barely met hugged her and called her mom. It took Christina a moment to remember what she had been told. Christina asked when she would be able to come home for a visit, and was asked when dad got back. Her babysitter kept her from making the blunder, and said Uncle C was still packing and moving the horses and cattle but she should know that little filly would be waiting for her when she did come home as she was on her way even now. When several of the girls new classmates asked if she really had horses the girl smiled and said her mom and dad were part owners of a ranch in the west. Christina watched as the girls status just rose as most of the teens had not even made it out of the state. Playing the mom she was shown the dorm rooms and then met the office staff and asked since her office was just up at the far end of the park could she take her daughter out for lunch at times. She ended up with the whole schedule and found out on weekends the girl would be staying with them. She took her to dinner that night and asked if she was in the loop as what was going on. Walking in the park Christina was told dad had told her about what had happened at the ranch and she told him the boy who she had slept with, his family was involved with a motorcycle group and he called Mr. C and then she found out her children had a god mother and when she dropped her off you can only imagine the stir that came of that since it was a school dedicated to live performance. Christina told her she found her dad was transferring from San Diego out here somewhere. She nodded and looking at the children told Christina she liked the fact she and Mr. C had stepped up to help but also knew there was no way she could be a mom while she was still in school which is why she decided to ask him to adopt the twins outright. Christina asked if her dad was okay with this and she nodded telling her it did not actually make him happy but since Mr. C wanted to include him in their lives he was dealing with it and would still get to be grandpa which might be a weird as Mr/ C was older than dad as dad was only thirty seven. Christina gave her her card and told her if ever she needed someone to help her escape hers and Mr. C's offices were a hop, skip and a jump away.

The girl gave both the twins hugs before hugging Christina and then the babysitter who told her to call when she just needed to sneak out. Christina told her she did not hear that, but the two girls made arrangements to call each other on the weekend. Christina was that night alone again, but did find another letter had been dropped off with her mail. Apparently it had come by courier as there was no stamp. She could see in the writing her husband had hurriedly written it and he told her that he was willing to take up wrestling if she wanted him to. He then texted her and told her he had just saw off the last of the cattle and would be driving by their new ranch on the way home. Miriam came in as she was feeding the twins and when it was time to change them they both took the time to figure out that the side with the tape went in the back. She texted Chris back and told him he could stop telling people she did not know how to change a diaper as she just figured it out. He sent one back and asked if that was an invitation to make another one. When she reminded him she was past fifty her reminded her so was he technically and his still worked. Christina texted him back and told him so did hers and then looked up and at Miriam who asked if she was okay. Christina asked if she might have a test kit as someone just made her realize that they were not past baby making years. Miriam told her that was what Condoms were for and she told Miriam that being married to a certain man kind of precluded the use of those even if she did use them in her last short lived marriage Miriam asked if she was late and was told she would have to check but the fact still remained she had spent the better part of two weeks testing every bed, the dining room table and the kitchen counter not to mention that big old bear rug in front of the fire place. Miriam just looked at her and she told her when you were the only ones out their you could skip a lot of stuff like getting dressed except she would put on a nice blouse and a lab coat when she needed to make a video call. Miriam asked her if when she called her to tell her the news if; Christina nodded and showed her her tan lines which were now gone. Miriam changed the subject and told her they may as well get a room ready for her third daughter. Julie on cloud nine came down and helped. Miriam asked if she was okay and Julie told her now she was as she had been able to put life into perspective.

She then asked if the nice marine asked her out yet. She looked at her mom who had raised an eyebrow.

Changed Plans 2

2012-01-04T02:31:00.000-08:00

Beth could tell Christina was still suffering from this past weekends activities and rehashing in her mind what had happened to her families lives over the last ten years. Though Beth had not been directly involved with FES's field operations or with some of the side work which was done through FES which had also been involved in Security Planning as an offshoot of their municipality engineering which her boss had always referred to as social engineering it did not matter as she had kept the books from day one and when she had to send payments to a family for a man who would never make it home, or pay the hospital bills and even write the letters when one of their field engineers sent out to take a look at something did not make it home, the issue with many of those letters was in may cases there was no one to sent them too and if there were they were already happily married or more likely than not just married again to someone who would be there to help when little Johnny or Susie did what they needed to do for school, for sports or whatever else they doing and they were there for their wives whether they were happy or not. She had been mad when Christina had divorced Mr. C and stole the company out from under him and allowed someone else to come in and take over or rather companies as in order to keep ownership of FES hard to track as its owner was always in the field and usually in some very bad places it was owned by several other companies all of which were owned as LLP's in states where it was difficult to get the records. She knew how much Chris made and he sent the whole paycheck home which had further infuriated her at the time as even though it was no where near the pay of other owners or CEO's of publicly owned companies their size as in the volume of work not necessarily the size of the administrations as in reality there had been no real administration beyond her and him plus a few other office personnel and the few men and women whose job it was to translate the engineering into drawing which then could be read in the field by the men who like their boss tended to do their own math in their head. To an outsider it may have seemed backwards but to those men whose job it was to make the calls out in the field well if something went wrong which at times she new did they could not gripe and complain but had to fix it and that was what had really kept them busy as they also fixed other peoples mistakes as they were engineered by men in offices who never actually went out into the field and knew little to nothing on how to build and make work what they were engineering.

Beth had learned early how to read a blue print and learned early what worked and what did not both in operating the business on the day to day level or in the engineering aspects and because she was a woman she also knew she knew what looked aesthetically pleasing unlike many of the men who now had started to look to her as they in the company reborn with her and her husband as essentially the management in theory of all the tendrils of the company much of which she had turned over to the two people who had kept not only Chris alive but had also brought him back from his death bed more than once as the man particularly in the years since his son's birth had unlike other men in the same boat who turned to another woman or the bottle had turned to work and had taken more than his share of side jobs and from some of what she had gleaned from men like John and Ben had meant he had put himself out in front of men and women who thought American's were the reason for the world's problems and their own personal problems and in some cases she knew on a personal level their were both men and women from her country who did not help alleviate those beliefs but overall she knew the truth was the parts of the world where they had been working, for sometimes even those who more or less were sworn enemies of her nation which it turned out was a good way to keep tabs on what your enemy was doing. That had started to change even before Chris had just showed up one day and pretty much said as he had walked into their old offices which were now housing one of the surgical centers used by his ex wife or rather his un-ex wife. Beth remembered it was after Chris had taken off after spending time with Carlos after dropping off his rig in Montana at one of their equipment yards in the growing oil and gas fields of America.

The fact most of the men who had come over from FES before Chris bought it back from his ex wife which she was then had all worked the fields over in the Middle East, South America and even in the arctic had set them up early as one of the contenders and they were not trying to be the biggest as they had no stockholders but they were trying to be the best and that was what paid off for them at first but they had grown with Carlos brokering the deals to develop those first four master planned communities which had never even been marketed accept in very select circles. She herself had almost started to believe he was dead as she had listened to her best friend and had lost that anger and renewed their friendship. She had finally bullied Dr. Christianson to move home after her time of being grilled. She had not known that Chris had encouraged her to branch out from making perfectly good boobs more perfect. Her first year home had been a time of reflection and Dr. C as some of her patients now called her a time for Dr. C to put behind her her past which she did by burying herself in her job which with her work now with three different groups all trying to help people she had become the girl Beth remembered albeit without the wild streak she had carried into her marriage but she could also tell Christina's travels into some of the same war torn villages and countries which her husband had sometimes been in during those wars had had a profound effect on her, the woman no longer lived in her bubble or that false sense of security that had plagued most of America's citizens who preferred to snooze and ignore that there was really evil in the world and there were people really out to kill them not them as individuals but them as a nation. She also knew that there were people in this nation out to destroy it. She had been around long enough to know it was they who had been behind the various attempts on Mr. C. She guessed he had an inkling to that as she had realized in his own way he had tried to stir the hornet's nest to see what falls out but he had not been the man he had been over the years always knowing the next step to take once he was back out and more than anything that had made it seem like he had checked out and gave up.

She had not been aware of his time spent in an American Prison which was not listed anywhere and was not even in their country and which was used for one thing, to make men America or rather those the men, who were in the position to make such calls, wanted to to disappear. She had not been privy to every detail but over the last several years she had learned to listen, not to just the news which was constantly on in the operations room of Security Consultations Group but to the looks and hushed whispers of the men who had been over there when he had suddenly appeared in the field yard, in a country where he had not been expected to be in and he apparently had been in bad shape. Where he had gone after cleaning up no one had known and after three years of his bouncing around showing up at the most unexpected times and the most unexpected places he had come home, checked to let her know he was through and went to see his wife. That was ten years ago. Three years ago they had come home and Christina who was trying to become part of his life in baby steps again he had kept at arms distance and farther when he could. She still remembered that phone call on that dammed ranch in the middle of nowhere, fear something she had never faced before had coursed through her veins. She knew Steve had fallen in love with that dammed desert just like well all the men, most of whom had experienced way to much cold in their lives not to love the heat of the desert and the dryness as they had all experience way too much rain and snow as well. She was not surprised how many had moved to the desert and now called it home.

Beth had known right where they had dropped Chris for the most part on his dime and though they had originally wanted to put him at the estate in greener desert as it was more accessible but he had told them they could have it and since he happened to tell his story to the right doctor who told it to the right general who had brought in another general who was more than right because he had also known of Chris as the infamous Mr. C and the fact two men under his command had had to play babysitter to Chris during a recovery period. Thanks to her contacts and those of key people like John, Ben and a very beautiful and talented lawyer who for all intensive purposes had accept in the physical had become married to Chris. As she was now the company lawyer, something they had never had it was her job to keep tabs on the man who as more or less a boy had given his life to helping this country,yes he had made a nice profit off of it but that was not the driving factor. As Beth pulled into the drive of her second mom's house she knew mom was not their and she could have pulled into the back driveway but that was still knew to her. Christina had looked up and asked who might be home. Beth had not noticed the second vehicle parked on the other side of Mom Christianson's, she got nervous then particularly after this past weekend which had given her a start and cemented in her mind how much she hated the desert. She though had seen Chris move and even with a more or less bum leg it was hard to fathom someone who could react so quickly being shot twice and being stabbed. She knew Christina had been scared as no one had treated her like that in her life. Heck at the realization of what was going on all the women had been scared except for a select few, herself as she was more or less mad that they had all gone and acted like teeny bopper's in front of and with men who Lord knew the last time they had showered and where they had put their paws and other body parts last. Thankfully there had been none of that more so because of an ex marine who had made it her mission to keep an eye on Chris and that troop of hired guns which had come with or because of a few of Christina's friends. She had not seen it but had heard the lesson which he had given the leader of that troop who according to Ms. Jennifer had been in some ways like Chris but it was more like a peacock showing off his feathers where as with Chris when he stood out it was because there was substance there and not feathers.

It was Ms. Jennifer and Miriam who also from the south and an exotic beauty that turned everyone's heads including hers and she knew had done more than turn Christina's head and also Chris's though he had not actually taken what she had been more or less blatantly offered which Beth figured was why she had showed up at Christina's and had instigated their affair which was well hidden from the world but not from those who were apart of her everyday life. Beth had to admit the night they had the sleepover she had been surprised and stirred by those two women's unabashed if not slightly sloshed bout of love making on the couch next to her during the movie. Beth had never been a prude and it was not uncommon when she was home to shed her clothes and walk around in her skin but that had been beyond that; it still had intrigued her enough to let Christina in that same half sloshed state kiss her and feel her up that was until she felt it shudder her body which she had most definitely given to Steven and when dawn had come own she had left and woke him up just to prove it. That had been shortly before she found the stack of letters. Because Christina had taken liberties she had taken her liberties with those letters and opened them and read them. She had not talked with Christina about that night they or rather Christina and Miriam got very happy on Champagne so she brought it up and forced Christina as recompense to read Chris's letters. That had pretty much cut drinking out of Christina's life, that and the realization Bubba wanted more than to be friends which had kind of came to what would have been a disaster if the night he had decided to show up was the same night Chris had shown up with twins that looked like the could be his, except they were not his technically or legally but she doubted since he was now more or less back on his game in some ways no one was going to say no he could keep them. Though she wanted to tell him he could not keep the ranch even though she had no say in that as he owned that company which held the properties outright. She had voted to let the Boy Scouts have it that very night. His mom on the other hand upon seeing it said it was him to the t. That woman had a manner about her that would charm a snake out its own skin and it was her arrival that had brought a calm after not only those men bent on doing harm to Julie and the twins but Chris and the boys who had showed up at her request got hauled in as well.

That calm had remained until they showed back up, Christina had seen them laughing about the night and that had made her mad as seeing him hauled off had only scared her again. As they sat in the car just looking at the house; Miriam stepped out with an infant. Christina asked Beth if she had noticed Miriam being pregnant; climbing out Beth realized it was a twin which after seeing Chris with them she could not figure out how he had agreed to let Miriam or anyone to take them away. When Julie stepped out behind her with the second twin was when it dawned on Christina that the twins were here. She remembered the last thing besides I love you, the man who had once again disrupted her planned out life he was going to see the doctor about his knee. Memories off all the times over the last ten years she had seen him headed to the hospital with her sure he was going to die flooded her. She jumped out of the car and Julie seeing the fear in her mom's eyes shielded the baby she was holding as she had learned when mom looked like this there was not telling what she would do. Ms. Jennifer on the other hand, having declared herself god mother and had even called the young mother to tell her which Julie knew had blown the young woman away so much so they had arranged for her to come with them to prove it as her dad who had finally listened to the doctor albeit this one was an old army doctor and had been backed up by the two marines who she was introduced to. Dad had raised an eye brow as she gushed over the grandfather of the twins but had kept his mouth shut until after her coffee and breakfast meeting at the diner when he dropped his daughter off. Dad had asked how her date had gone and she told him it had not been a date and he asked who else had been there. She told him at their table just the two of them but there had been the ranchers and a few bikers, smiling he asked if that fine fellow had taken her hand. She had blushed realizing he had and asked how did he know. Dad stuck in bed had shrugged and told her since he could not take care of the twins she might as well take them to mom and make sure she brings their shots up to date and play a little hard to get. She had gotten the call on her cell phone and he asked how his angels were doing earlier this morning after getting in and that phone call had lasted more than her ten minute phone calls with her ex. She had caught herself gushing on the phone and could not help herself. She had let some of her frustration at her dad go when she had been asked if she would like to do something some time like take the kids horseback riding.

Her dad quizzing her how her phone date had gone had not gotten to her even after he asked what kind of tux he should be looking for. Julie waited, for her mom to get caught up and when Ms. Jennifer told her to meet the new grandma as she nodded to Julie; she did push back a little as she told Ms. Jennifer she had to see a ring first. Mom had expertly parted the boy from her and then hounded her on exactly why dad was not with them. Beth made the call to find out and found out that it might be because against doctors orders he was out feeding the horses and had redesigned his pool area so he could keep the trees as he kind of liked being able to climb them. When she asked John where he was at that moment, John had told her exactly they were still trying to determine as pretty much as soon as he got off the phone with his baby girl he had disappeared and they knew he had been feeding the horses was they had been fed and they knew he had climbed the tree because now there were foot marks painted on it and they knew he had redesigned the pool because it was staked out and he had a new color picture to put on his refrigerator. Christina had gotten on the phone and asked if all the women had left. She was told mom was still there as well as Ms. Miriam, her four daughters. It took a moment for her to realize he meant Christopher's half sisters and his girlfriend who at the moment he had been taken a break from. John then said he had been antsy ever since the twins had left.

Changed Plans 1

2012-01-02T23:52:00.000-08:00

Dr. Christina walked into her offices overlooking the Reedy River which were tucked into a corner of the, 'The Engineering Firm's corporate offices allowing her to use their reception area which was also used by the Security Consultation Group. Neither of those firms hardly ever received clients at these offices as most of their work was done afield. Her office here though it did have two examining rooms was not where she did the brunt of her work as that tool place in surgery centers or hospitals. Here was where she could sit down and study charts and do her research without the office politics she had endured for more than she could remember. Her move here in the timeline she called her life had been recent, or rather it was her move back she did not have to remind herself. At fifty three she knew she looked almost twenty years younger, accept for the graying at the temples in her otherwise platinum blond hair and one really did not even notice that unless they were up close and looked at her slightly darker roots. Still though she did have the cases she preferred to see in a less medically formal environment and with both of her treatment rooms overlooking the river it helped her clients or the ones she saw here. This morning it was a young mother of three who had been in a serious head on collision and after spending months in recovery just learning to walk again it was now time to give back to her something more a sense of self worth and self esteem.

Normally her sense of humor and quick wit helped both her deal with seeing the aftereffects of such a major catastrophe in someone's personal life, as well it also set her clients as well as their loved ones. Her looks which had been a good trait when she was primarily taking already gorgeous people and tweaking them to make them more perfect were almost a deterrent in this more recent aspect of her career. Thankfully it was not the young woman's husband that came with her but her sister, mom and her children. This would take time almost seven surgeries over the next year. She was pleasant enough to her newest patient but she played I am the professional and have been doing this for years card and sent her out to get lunch at one of the numerous restaurants that lined the river. In her office which actually held some of her ex husband's hand made furniture which Beth had saved when she had her lawyer sell everything. She stopped realizing her ex was not her ex anymore and the last two or rather three weeks if you count him showing up to surprise her, not that she was surprised thanks to not only her son but his handlers who had turned over him back to his own company. She had not had all the details even from her son who only let her know that he had twins. She remembered the first letters which she had let pile up which she had left unread for a year and would have continued to ignore them if had not been for Beth who had intercepted the mail man and recognized the writing on the envelope.

She looked at her hands which had begun to shake again. That had started two nights ago after he was hauled off to jail with the man who yes she had danced and flirted with but had never expected him to show up at the house and she cringed as she knew that if he had not been there she would have been somewhere south of the border after becoming a bride. When she had been told about the plans they had for her daughter she had wanted to vomit, the fact he had acted like it was a normal thing for him had made her mad, but with several of hr friends talking to her she had calmed down until he had been dropped off and stood around hanging with his men; or her men as she had thought of them during the years he had been sequestered away from the world with her not being able to tell a living soul. In a way it was his fault as it was his life and career that had been put under the microscope but so was hers and she had had to come face to face with the fact much of why he had stayed away was the fact he loved her and did not know how to deal with the fact she had had an affair which was over before it started. Then in her attempt to deal with his long absences she had turned to her friends which he had found about the night they had flown home or the home she had finished raising their daughters and her son in and it had become home for her and in some ways even for him.

With him showing up like he had when she was at the height of her career and had become a central part of the small iconic haven of ranchers turned landlords and the hideouts from the left coast. Everyone knew she was married to a man who worked overseas and traveled the world, but she had kept doing what a secret. The fact he was gone so much and she was a doctor who did her share of travelling for conferences and vacations helped her to feel apart of those jet set. His paychecks which were substantial allowed her to put her children in the private school, pay for that property in which she had made her life where she had essentially lived as a widow struggling to overcome the loss and move on with her life. Then when he came home he said permanently she had struggled to deal with that and him as he had seamed lost. Dr. Christina realized that was almost ten years ago and her life since had been turned upside down. She had gone and helped aggressively grow the medical group when she moved to the desert and tried to retain a sense of normalcy as his life had seemed to spiral out of control. In her mind she had known it was not all of his doing particularly when her Uncle showed up which she now knew was to observe and if necessary to stop him from becoming completely unwound. She started crying as she thought about trying to maintain her status quo but with the children old enough to be out of the house she had to watch as the father of her daughters and in all respects beyond the physical when he had been home he had been a father to Christopher. She realized now as she had looked back his work had revolved around the various wars and interventions her country had gotten involved in but during these past years as she struggled to maintain her life as she watched his go from absent to something out of a nightmare she had married that horrid man who had not been horrid when during her struggle to find equilibrium he had comforted her and had loved her so tenderly and then to have that boondoggle in her life try to kill the man who was more and more looking like the hero at least to her children.

That had ended after they both had come home and he had hauled off and hit two of the men who were trying to help after which he forced the law to arrest him. Then these past three years one with her spending a good deal of time with him an that arid piece of dirt with that creek which at times was no more than a mud puddle. That had been her darkest year and the man who she in reality had originally because of her own rebellious streak with which she had shed his innocence not that he had complained then or even now as he had accepted full responsibility for his part in her getting pregnant, she had not expected her dad who had brought a strange boy into their home to actually allow them to marry, but he not only did but pulled that boy out of school and finished his step into manhood almost over night. It was not until her flight back after what had to be the wildest two weeks she had ever had even thought she knew he thought she had been wild the reality was she had changed because of him, yes as soon as she got where she actually had real cell coverage she called to move her schedule around some more so that yesterday she could talk to the Colonel who for some reason beyond her understanding had been handed the oversight of Security Consultations Group after he had held a gun to her husband in front of her. He had not wanted to talk but with Steven who now ran the other half of well her company she had cornered her uncle in the board room. He had not even known she and Jonathon Christopher had gotten hitched and had actually thought she had been aboard the Mercy Ship. Nor had he known that her husband was raising twins. Something he had said after that crazy stunt he pulled with the horses had gotten her to ask where he had come from before dad brought him home and gave him a last name.

She held her hands together as they began to shake harder, he had never talked to her about his childhood which with his helping her get through school even as he worked along side her dad and continued his studies under dad not that she had noticed as being pregnant, going to school and coming home to watch him build their house or rather turn the barn into a home; which she only told them to turn into a home to try to wiggle out of getting married. By the end of college that first year she had loved being married and felt grown up and focused and he had kept her their even as he took on more responsibility, Best of all was unlike her friends in high school who were always worrying about who they would date or getting caught sneaking out to the old camp amphitheater in the woods, she found being able to have sex as soon as they hit the room in her parents house at first and then anywhere in the barn when it was being finished having her own house as she went to school, well that was good but then life moved on, because her husband had a knack for engineering almost anything and dad making him his architectural and mechanical engineer on several large projects which as she knew now had garnered the attention of others and ended up landing him larger and larger projects, and then projects overseas, she had learned some of it over the last ten years but had tried to ignore it as time after time it seemed, it was insane as he kept finding himself on the wrong side of the law or so she had believed which had been encouraged by her uncle, those friends of hers who were not in the know and the fact she lived in a world where you only got arrested if you broke the law and the fact he had broke up her life and scared her to death particularly after asking to marry her and then disappearing during those trials which she could not blame him for but by then the deed was done and he had acted like it was her fault.

She was interrupted in her thoughts by Beth standing in front of her waving her hand. She told her to snap out of it as being married was not that bad. She shook it off and asked if her client was back from lunch. Beth nodded and told her to eat something. Finished with her appointment with a second appointment scheduled after she returned from her stay on the Mercy Ship, she was ready to leave when she was handed another letter. When she looked up, Beth told her mom had the mail forwarded here when she found her daughter had gone and done something crazy like hop aboard a train and stow away in some man's cabin. Christina told her she was married to that man; Beth told her and then she went off her rocker and fell right off the front porch and she had better be in church on Sunday thanking God that man helped hide her from the railroad police. Christina new her friend was just trying to get her out of her deep thinking as it was what generally what got her into trouble, the fact Beth had taken her back as a friend still amazed her. As they left the Colonel was just coming in, he looked tired and old. He smiled and shook his head signifying he still had no idea where her husband came from. On the way home Beth asked if he ever talked about his childhood as in all reality when he had moved in to become the boy in the room next door he was over being a child which is why if she remembered correctly someone had wanted to play doctor when she was fifteen and he only twelve.

Plans Change The Story Continues 11

2011-12-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

I had not intended being gone as long as I had that day but that little mare had been full of energy and ran until she wore herself out, the walk back took hours where we stopped by the creek, I noted that there had been a flash flood recently, which though not uncommon in the desert it was still something that awed me. By the time I got back to the barn it was quiet, which was something I had grown accustomed to. Before I left the barn I realized though it was a bit too quiet as there should have been someone milling about and I half expected a woman to walk into the barn carrying a towel headed for the showers down here. It was my desire to get back to the twins though that got me moving; they were not in the house as no one was in the house. It was I looked out of the kitchen window I saw a flash, then another only a slightly different color. It registered on the third flash there was a pattern. I headed out through the living room onto the front porch and noted almost instantly the same pattern. I knew instantly those were emergency lights. I walked as fast as I could which was more of a fast hobble as I did not have my cane. When I heard a whinnie and looking back saw The Beast trotting up from the barn still with the saddle. My back was sore today from the rather long ride as was my leg but riding beat walking. Scrambling up I mounted and nudged him. I found the boys holding court near the front of the drive with my children still hanging with John on the six by six. He looked up at me and I saw two things; first since the twins were fussy he was glad to see me and he was worried. I had one of the men hand the twins up. With them in place I took in what I saw the cars which had been out on the road had been parked along the drive and in front of the cabins; several of the large pieces of equipment were now on the road as you headed out. I had to do a double take as they were parked in such a way as to block most of the access forming a road block. The colored lights were in the distance and I knew they were at the diner and then it dawned on me where all those women were.

I looked at the twins who were in no way looking sleepy so I nudged The Beast who seemed refreshed for as long as a run that he did not actually go on. John asked where I was going and I just nodded. I knew he was scrambling when I heard the six by six fire up. I did not actually go to the diner as it was where the law enforcement had come down on and as usual it was the crowd of bikers and roughnecks but added to the mix were a whole mess of high end cars. I guess someone noticed a man on a horse as several bikes fired up I did not react and would not let The Beast react at first but when the first few bikers decided to get too close as they circled I let the high strung stallion place a couple of well placed kicks before trotting back up the road By the time Christina got back smelling of cheep booze, smoke and leather; I had the children fed bathed and was sitting on a rocker on the front porch reciting passages from the good book to them. I knew she wanted to talk but was grateful she went in and showered. I went in when the children were asleep and as it was still smelling of fresh paint upstairs I put them down on the bear rug in front of the fire place and started a fire. Whistling I called the dog in which also smelled of booze and stale smoke and kicked him right back out and told him if he was going to go out drinking he did not need to come home until he cleaned himself up as I was not going to have the twins grow up in that environment as he sat and stared at me i told him if I found out he had been playing the field he could forget about becoming a daddy or seeing that pretty thing when the vet showed up. Plugging my nose I told him he really needed a bath. Then I caught the scent of an expensive perfume mixed with booze, stale smoke and exhaust. Turning around I saw the women that would be staying in my house and my daughters. Plugging my nose I motioned for them to shoo.

Christina came down and was in the kitchen for awhile and coming into the living room she asked if I had eaten. I nodded and said I had a banana earlier for breakfast but at the moment I was not that hungry and asked if she had fun at her bachelorette party. Shaking her head she said no but she did miss me at my baby shower. Making sure the twins were far enough from the fire and covered I went back through the kitchen and put onto the back porch where I found The Beast waiting with his saddle on. Removing it was a lot more difficult as my leg was now screaming in pain. Once he was free of his tack I told him if he did not mind checking on Jr I would appreciate it. As I went back in Christina was watching me and standing in my way, I could smell the wine and when I went to kiss her I saw the bruise on her neck. I kissed her on the cheek and told her I was sore after my ride today, smiling she told me she was sore after dancing today and could really use a massage. I touched her neck as I moved around her. I went and lay next to the twins. Christina came out and told me I should really learn to let her know where I was going. I rolled over and asked if the same courtesy would be afforded me, before she could answer I told her for the record I never left the property, until this evening when finding my wife had up and left with no note. Laying down next to me she quietly grabbed my face and told me to whisper and I should know I was right about not going to the Diner on the weekends as some fool on a horse started a brawl which is where she got the bruise on her neck. I told her I did not know they had allowed horses inside. She lowered her eye lids and after looking at me for almost five minutes told me they did not allow horses inside; I asked where the brawl was and she told me inside. I nodded and asked if the man on the horse got off his horse walked in and started the brawl. She told me she never saw the man on the horse as she had been dancing; I asked with who or did she not see him either. Standing up she told me she should of known better and steamed off. She was back later with a blanket and wrinkling her nose; I nodded and told her today might have not been the best day for someone to decide to repaint the house. I forced myself to stand and picked up the children and nodded to the rug. Walking out I managed to get my bedroll undone while holding both of them and walking around the house I went by the front porch and laid it out on the ground and lowered myself down. The big dog came over and sniffed the twins before laying down against my back. It did not take but thirty minutes before Christina came out and asked if I was sleeping outside all night; I nodded and watched her what to do; she finally gave in and walked out and asked if I had room for another. I nodded and told her I needed a new bed spread anyway.

As she tucked herself in she told me she danced with three different men tonight but thanks to my protege they knew to keep it clean and then she mostly line danced and ignored the leers, cat calls and the lewd comments though it did give a few of her friends a fright and something to talk about for the next year not to mention her upping and getting hitched the way she did, my little display of testosterone earlier and then that crazy stunt on the horses like I was in the circus and then that invisible horse man starting a brawl. I covered her mouth and told her sleep.and was glad I was not picking her up in Yuma or Tuscon. She rolled her head to look up and whispered how I knew about that; I asked about what she told me one of those men tried to get her to go ride with him to Tuscon. I told her he probably found someone else, she told me he asked both my daughters and then Ms. Jennifer who kicked him you know where about the time the brawl started. I told her then it was not the invisible man that started the brawl as his hands were full with the twins but there were a couple of bikers who thought they were going to have a little fun and try to scare the twins and The Beast being as protective as he is kicked a couple of those buffoons off their bikes. She asked if I seriously brought the twins down there' I told her I took the twins for a ride down the block and back as they had gotten restless and was headed back when several bikers saw us and decided we were more entertaining than the women inside and they learned my horse could do things their iron horses could not do. She told me they would probably want to come looking for me and I told her it was not that hard to find me. She quieted for awhile and then asked when I would be moving back home. I told her she talked too much and she squirmed and told me to do something about it.

I awoke after a not very restful sleep with her completely unaware of the world around her thanks to her dancing and my fingers doing their own little dance. The dew had been heavy that morning and the comforter was soaked and it looked and smelled like rain. Waking her up I got her to go inside. I was working on gathering up the twins when two very long legs stepped in front of me; as I looked up into the tired face of who I guessed was supposed to be my favorite woman my old handler and now company lawyer and friend of my wife stood wiping sleep from her eyes wearing one of my shirts mostly unbuttoned and when she stretched I found myself facing her midriff which like everything else below my shirt was bare. I asked if she wanted a baby and she smiled as she looked down; I reached up and handed her a twin and saw the look in her eyes of recognition. When she realized what I was looking at she told me sorry about that but she had to loan her night shirt out and as tired as she was last night she borrowed on of my shirts. I handed her the second baby so I could get up and take care of the bed roll and comforter which I dropped on the front porch and the big dog following me promptly claimed it as he made a nest for himself. As I opened the door for her she said I looked like I had a rough night. I shook my head and told her I had a long day yesterday riding that little wild cat; Christina from the couch told me she hoped I was talking about a horse.and raising her head she told me I still owed someone a massage and she was waiting upstairs and she was next and someone had bought me a real massage table and something to keep all those oils heated. Upstairs everywhere I looked were clothes strewn and in the rooms women were sprawled. I found Miriam in the spare room which half of had been turned into a massage studio while the other half had been turned into a bunk house Miriam was dressed in a hand towel across her backside as she slept on the table and I asked if she was ready as we could do this later. She looked at me and told me now as long as I avoided causing any more pain. I saw the rolling Island they had turned into a work table and it held everything I might need if I was planning on opening a massage therapy business. Miriam was wake almost the instant I began working on her shoulders and calling on our maker and had a few choice words for me. An hour later she though stood up and told me thanks for relieving her hangover. Christina really only needed her leg muscles worked on but I worked on her entire body and though it may have looked like I was applying pressure other than on her legs she knew I was just teasing her.but it was why I was working her legs she screamed. Afterwards though as we walked out of the room where my girls and their friends had slept there were several face in the door, more than I was sure had slept in the house.

The fact was I had never actually eaten at the diner and only knew of its food because of the caretakers and I was hungry and not about to roll out oats for oatmeal. After checking on the twins I was told I was worse than a mother hen with those two; Ms. Jennifer said try having me be the one to be your very own babysitter. I headed for the shower as Christina lifted her head. I was very sore and after turning off the water just stood in the shower for what seemed like an eternity and was letting my mind drift when I heard a noise and stepping out to check on the noise I scared a woman who I had never met who was just ready to get in; she went running. Shaking my head I went into my room which still had clothes strewn everywhere including mine I was looking in my drawers for a pair of drawers when Julie and several others rushed in. She immediately turned as I had turned to see who was now invading my space. She was telling me to put some clothes on and I told her she could at least knock and tell me where my clothes were as they were not where I left them and she should please close my door as she kindly left and remind people at least my room was off limits. Christina came in with a pair of shorts and told me I should have not scared that poor women. I told her I did not scare her as she was technically trespassing and scared herself when she realized the resident of the shower she was trying to steal was currently occupying it and I doubted she was poor, I saw laughter in Christina's eyes as she told me who knew being married could be so entertaining. Laying down I told her I supposed having some strange naked woman with those dainty fingers and cute pink toe nails and not to mention what I will not mention being so manicured I should be entertained but I think I somehow missed that. Christina asked if she really had pink toe nails and I told her that and she had a small tattoo on the inside of her right thigh about a half an inch down from something and I thought maybe she had once had a pierced tongue which almost looked like it had been split and I should not forget the cute stud in her nose and the ring in her belly button. Christina shook her head and said she would see about finding some more clean clothes and breakfast. I told her I was going to be heading into town today anyway, smiling she told me I still needed clothes and what did I mean by a split tongue. I told her her tongue had been like that of a snake. It was my favorite women who she met at the door and told her I could use my shirt back and she was told she could really use a shower. Christina told her don't let the grumpy man scare her. My shirt came flying at me as I watched flesh streak into the bathroom. Christina was still standing in the door and asked if she had anything I might want to know about. I told her long legs with an inseam equal to mine at least and a tattoo on her hip of a flower with a name in it but I had not really looked that close to see what it said.

Christina walked into the bathroom and came out had a quizzical look on her face and asked when did I know she had a tattoo; I told her this morning as I was picking up she came out to help me with the twins and she was not wearing the largest of my shirts as she planted herself in front of me when she came closer I had not intended going to bed but that was where we ended up for the length of the shower. By then clean pants had been found as someone had decided yesterday to launder all of my clothes. Dressed and with my cane I went and gathered up the twins and went and found the ranch truck along with the car seats. As I drove off I was flagged down and Christina asked where I was going with the twins; I told her I did need to go grocery shopping and I had a banana in the last two days and I thought my meal before that was a chocolate sundae. She told me to whisper as others could hear and she was already getting a reputation. I told her to give me a kiss and I would when she did I pulled her through the window into the truck. She told me most of these women had thought she was marrying a gentleman rancher. Smiling I had told her apparently they had forgotten the news reports so quickly. On the way to the diner she said she had noticed there was no television and had not seen a cell phone or computer around the house. I told her they were there I just had not needed to use them on the way out I saw the equipment had been moved farther up the road and lined up accept for the equipment being used to finish the septic system. Julie caught up to us as I drove out to see how they were coming along John told me tomorrow when I drove into get my permit the the work should be finished and if they woke anyone up this morning he was sorry but the boys not actually getting paid had wanted to get done fast. I looked at the trailer still in the equipment shed and asked exactly what he was doing now. He told me exactly he was helping me out; nodding I told him exactly then I guessed I owed him a dinner as I did not exactly remember telling him I was paying him. John looked around before he told me he had after almost getting skewered alive decided to try something else for awhile and had gone to work for the Colonel. I nodded and told him I had decided to kind of fall off the edge of the world, not that it mattered much. He asked me when he should have them pick up the portable facilities, I looked at Christina and she asked why I was looking at her and I looked over my shoulder and saw more women coming out of their cabins and mentioned that I still had no clue who most of them were and my guess was they had husbands, children, lovers and other people wondering where they were. Shrugging she told me she really did not give a time frame but she was leaving in the morning with Beth. I looked at John and asked how long until he had water up and he told me in an hour. I told him to keep it off and turn the water off to my house as soon as this round of showers was over and the portable facilities could be locked by noon tomorrow. Julie said no; I looked at her and she said Grandma was coming. I told her until someone let these fine folks decide it was time to go home at that point Christina told me I was right about the women with ping toe nails, she did have a tattoo on the inside of her thigh a pierced belly button and a slit tongue. Julie rolled her eyes and asked how could I, I told her if paying attention was a bad thing then I am guilty as charged but as no one has yet told me why they are here, I would just prefer if I could go back to alone with my wife and children preferably but since that was not going to happen I would be content for knowing, who, what, why, when, where and how

John nodded and pointed back to the numerous pits with the various parts of the new septic system going in. As I drove back over the driveway Julie asked if I knew what people were saying about me and I told her I really did not care as tomorrow they would be going back home or to wherever it was they were jetting off to. Julie told me that woman I scared and I put a finger up and told her that woman who had entered not only my house but my bedroom and bathroom unannounced and proceeded to disrobe in front of me without so much as a hello, my name is and how are you, not that I saw that part as the shower curtain was closed so one of the things I planned on doing was putting in a glass door so next time she can introduce herself properly.before trying to shower with me. Christina told me she thought I had been done. Looking at Julie I told her to tell her friend I am sorry for scaring her.as that was not my intention and I hope she is not scarred for life. Christina told me she was not scarred for life, a little jealous maybe but not scarred. Julie looked at her mom and turned red, Christina told her not to blame her dad since they all descended on his desert hideaway and invaded his pity party, I told Christina if I remember correctly they interrupted our honey moon and she told me no that was ended when the man with the gun showed up. I told her and the reason he showed up was the woman he thought he loved had somehow showed up on his doorstep, she asked if that would be the actress who thought she was still in love with the man who once saved her life, because actually he was not here to protect her. I told her to spit out and she told me to look at all the lovely ladies who showed up for my baby shower; I put my finger to her mouth and asked when she decided to make it a baby shower. She put a finger on Julie's mouth and asked why I thought it was not originally about the twins. I told her she did not or had not wanted the twins as she would rather not have that responsibility and I think she was overwhelmed with what happened over the last three weeks and wanted some sort of release but really did not think it through not that I blame her as we were kind of busy catching up and she had been working on some of her patients, projects or whatever she called what she had been doing. Smiling she told me they were called treatment plans.

I nodded and realized we were on the paved road and told Julie not to let go when she looked around she asked where we were going and I told her I had not eaten anything but a banana since yesterday morning and I had been lead to believe the diner up the road had good food. She told me there were always cops there and I nodded and told her act natural like one of those Secret Service guys she had been dating. She looked at her mom, as I pulled into the diner I noticed there were a whole mess of bikers, as well as a state trooper. Nodding to the twins I asked Julie if she minded; she told me her hair was a mess and I told her it was a good thing we were not at one of them restaurants she liked to go to. Grabbing my cane I stepped out and waited for Julie and Christina, walking in I glanced around the room and as the waitress seated us she looked at my wife and asked if she had been in that mess last night, Christina told her that it was definitely a mess and asked if she had something to work off the hangover she gave a weak smile and said black coffee as they did not serve alcohol this early.Julie asked for cappuccino, pointing to the table the waitress showed her the flavored creamers. The woman told her her children were cute; and she would see if she could figure out how to make one high chair work for two. Julie's mouth dropped as she walked off and I smiled and said her babies would be cute if she ever got around to having one. She told me the problem as she saw it was well she needed the other half. I nodded. When the coffee came the waitress eyed my leg and the cane.she asked if I got that overseas. I shook my head and told her it was a recent accident and not permanent.

I watched her eyes and noted she kept glancing over my shoulder; I told her I would like grits if she had them along with biscuits and gravy. She told me she hoped oatmeal worked. I nodded. Getting up to readjust myself I looked over where the state trooper was sitting and then took in the bikers; some were banged up all were what you would expect for a biker. There were several that were the quintessential bikers; a couple of old ranchers and a family I heard noise coming from the other room and asked where the restroom was. Julie pointed through the double doors, walking over to them I peaked in and noted these were of a different strain of bikers. Walking back I noticed the troublemakers kept looking at my table, one of them asked if I lived around here; I smiled and said for the moment just up the road a piece.and asked if they lived around here. One of them said he was about five miles up the highway and his friend nudged him. I told him I heard there was an invisible cowboy whose horse had a nasty kick which got a laugh from a couple of the old ranchers. I saw the leg come out and kicked it hard as I feigned to go down before I caught myself apologizing but I was just getting used to walking with a cane. When I sat back down Christina asked if I found the restroom and I told her I did not want to disturb the meeting. The food was good and most of my oatmeal seemed to be over the twins. Julie kept glancing over my shoulder and I asked in a whisper if she saw something that impressed her. When she gave me that look I whispered they might think so. When one of the men walked by he dropped a piece of paper in front of her; the look on my daughter's face made me laugh.

She told me it was not funny. Christina smiled as she kept feeding Carrie Ann. When the State law man got up to leave I held the paper for him. He asked how that young filly was doing; I told him she was fast, nodding he told me his daughters told him that. I nodded toward the double doors and he said they were on a Poker Run to raise money for some charity. Once outside and back in the truck, I asked Julie if I took her home or with us and pointed up the street where the bikers had stopped. Christina asked what they were doing and I shrugged saying they could just be enjoying the view or they could be waiting, Julie asked for what and I smiled saying one of those boys saw something he liked and probably wanted to know where he could come courting. Christina said he could also be mad because some poor crippled old man kicked him in the leg. I told her I apologized, she smiled as Julie lectured me. I chose to take her with us. She asked why I gave the officer the number; I told her they all used cell phones now and my guess is that someone was trying to keep up with the activities of his associates, so his phone records could help them know who he was talking to and when and then could answer why unless of course he found a good lawyer. She glared at me so I pushed a little and told her I bet he even had a matching vest for her and some leather pants. Julie told me fine she can admit she was wrong for recommending they all go out to dinner there after I warned them. Christina looked at me with a grin and said yea but it had been so much fun as there was nothing like a man who could not shower but once a year leering down your dress, though a couple of the cowboys did smell nice and the food was descent though it could use some paint, clean bathrooms, furniture that actually matched.

Having two women do my shopping well it was not what I expected and two children had even more clothes. When I asked about the baby shower; Christina told me since she forgot to include that in her email so she took cash instead, I finally told her to stop and save some for later or give some to their mom so she could get a vehicle. Julie asked why I did it; I asked what I did now. She told me the twins, I nodded and told her it made sense she was jealous of two infants. She said actually it was more than that; like where did I go and where did mom go. I told her we went to the courthouse to get our license and bypassed doing the church thing and then mom up and changed her schedule jumped on the train and hid out in my cabin. and we came here. Christina asked when I was going to take a cruise; she then looked at me and said she would be taking one but I needed to know she shared a cabin but I could hide under her bunk. I told her maybe I would call and see if they needed some help as they always gave me my own cabin. As we were loading at the Wallyworld I noticed several bikers and told Christina we should get bikes and get matching leather, she told me to start with the glass door as she remembered how good one looked on me. Julie shook her head and I told her give us a break we were still newlyweds and just starting our family or at least practicing.

The drive back was quiet with me sitting in the back with the twins. Julie asked really where were we, Christina I could tell was about to give her version but Julie told her she did not mean when she ran off to get a piece of the action. Julie told her she was gone for like a year and a half and when she got back everything was different, she was no longer out to get dad, she moved home and started her small medical practice and now she was smiling and having fun with dad; the man she had been angry with ever since Christopher was born. Christina told her she was not angry with dad well maybe a little there toward the end when he was playing the holier than thou crap and kept trying to get himself killed to prove to her how useful he had been to the world. Julie asked if that meant I was a spy; Her mom told her I was not a spy but a contractor who because of the nature of the work I did was useful and would at times come across information that if shared like that phone number today and he would pass it on. Julie asked if I had gone to prison because she could not find anything as to where I had been accept that the Marshall service had transported me to March Air Force Base. Christina told her she should leave it alone and just be glad he was back even if he was behind by twenty years or so. Julie asked if I was awake and I pretended I just woke up. When she asked if I had been in prison I told her to take her mom's advice; I could see her think and then told me the US Marshall's also did witness protection. I told her I supposed they did but if I was either in jail or under witness protection how did I end up with twins as I did not know anyone who would want a criminal to adopt their children and then hang out with them. As we turned the corner onto the dead end road I noticed the motorcycle crew sitting in front of the diner. Pulling into the drive I noticed many of the cars were gone and John was parked at the top of the drive in the six by six while the boys all had their pickups parked along the road. When Christina stopped she told me to tell John I was being a brat when I told him to turn off the water. She told me to go ahead and get out as she had to make sure everyone had their panties in the right place and just so I knew we were hosting dinner together in or around our house and make sure I grabbed the case for the boys. I did as I was told. The only thing I could find was a case of some energy drink which as soon as it was on the cart it was emptied. As she rolled down the window John told her they already grabbed a bite and would be here through Wednesday; she nodded. As soon as she was gone John asked what I did to stir the hornets nest this time.

I asked what hornets nest he would be referring to. He pointed up the road and said the cute little boys on their tricycles seemed a little antsy and my little fan and his crew had been busy escorting these lovely ladies out most of the afternoon. I told him I had not noticed any law enforcement types at the diner. He told me they were around and grandma who had shown up early was entertaining a few and their sons who all were a past of the boy scouts, I asked if the trees were down and he smiled and said none of them were about to drop those on my house but they were using them for rappelling lessons. I asked how many dads, he looked at one of the other guys who said when he had set up the rigging there were a couple dozen and they had set up their tents behind the equipment shed. John told me since technically the road was on my property they had erected a gate and pointed. just beyond the drive in the dimming light I noticed a very substantial gate. I asked him to be honest and he said yes they had been hired to kind of check up on things as someone had figured I would be more comfortable with people I already knew. I asked if they did know I technically owned the firm. John said he had never seen my name on a single card or contract and from what he understood there were a couple of investment groups that owned a large piece of the pie. One of the younger guys asked if I had been here all along; I told him for the most part but I still was not sure how many people were aware of that and it should probably not go far. He told me when they were questioned they all got to spend a week in that Palm Springs house. As the other security company came driving in he lifted his can he was holding and then told me what he found out today was one of those guys in this unit had been on the security detail that had been ripping off Ms. Christina the ones with the dogs. I shrugged and said I still wondered why they were here; John said it really was just a coincidence as a couple of the young ladies were daughters of some movers and shakers and were prime targets for kidnapping and my boy Jeff was still hot that someone had come up with the brilliant plan to go eat in the biker vs. cowboy bar and just so I understood it was him that started the rumor that the brawl was started by an invisible horseman. I shook my head and told him there had been an incident when a couple of those peanut sized brain trusts decided to try to spook The Beast and he let them have it knocking them off their bikes but I am pretty sure the fight started when Ms. Jennifer kneed a pushy fellow in an effort to make him understand he was not sleeping with anybody.

All the boys toasted her; John then looked at me and said I should start thinking about a teen girl who would be driving out to see those little ones. I said it had crossed my mind today; he said enough to maybe move closer, I told him that house I would not be staying in unless i actually was put under house arrest for two reasons and the main one currently had to do with the fact I pretty much turned it over to the government. John said that would explain his two week vacation with the bright light bulb in his face. I asked how the other two were handling that. He said Gregorio had taken it pretty hard and it kind of put him back across the water so they all kind of pitched in to help get his own construction company up and running and pee wee thought it so much fun he went and joined the Navy and last time he checked he was becoming a tadpole inspired when some Marine told him about this Mr. C fellow out swimming those boys. He told me Christopher had taken that pretty hard and had broken up with his girlfriend after I went out and knocked a couple boys to the ground just so I could have my day in court. I told him which never happened; smiling he said if you looked for them the news stories were out there like the fellow who had come home a war hero and was appointed to run a law agency having to resign over some sex scandal which his secretary brought to light shaking his head he smiled and said that one wanted to talk to the man who gave her the job. I told him not to look to me because I was not in charge of hiring. He nodded and told me the way he heard it was I went and told the senator who she had been using like bong in front of a crowded room he needed to stop sleeping with his help and in front of his wife and that man at the time happened to be on some intelligence committee which somehow was tied up in some gun running scam with the cartels south of the border who happened to not be against using local help up here to do their dirty work. I told him I had been aware of that for some time. I could here the motorcycles up the road aways. It was then I heard a voice that had just left three weeks ago ask what we were up to sitting in the dark. I looked up to see a couple of the feds who had been my room mates of a sort walking our way. I stood up and walked over and gave my half hugs saying we were just enjoying the night.

I was asked directly if i had been at the diner and I said this morning for breakfast but if he was referring to last night I had been gone all day riding the little she devil, so I had not been invited. He told me somebody was given a phone number by a wanted fugitive. Smiling I told him if they put their faces on milk cartons it would help out a lot as one of those fellows who thinks bathing will make him melt who thought he looked good with his gut hanging out over his belt in just a leather vest gave my daughter his number this morning which I promptly turned over to the State Trooper. The look on his face and him holding his hands together caused me to chuckle and I told him actually I had two older daughters and a son and the daughters were here now or at least one of them was so i do not know who has shown up and left today. The female agent Mary Jo told me I should really be keeping low profile; I raised my hands and told her I went home like I told them I would and when I got there and started discussing the wedding ceremony she decided at the courthouse to skip all that and go straight for desert. She smiled and said she just saw her and she did look happier and it appeared the twins would have to swim through those clothes, to find their door; I told her she ought to see the house in the Carolina's as the first night there she went out and had to have spent several thousand dollars on them. Patting her belly she told me to save some for her. I told her as far as I was concerned she could go shopping in the house and if it still had a price tag or looked like the twins would be out of it soon she could have at it and she should be careful if she was going to go wrestling with Mr. GQ up the road. She told me actually they were kind of hoping I might go up and see if I could spot him. I gave a whistle and was told that was not what they meant. I smiled and told her tonight she was my daughter and not only could I pick him out but I could get him back here and into one of those cabins and cuffed to the bed as long as no one told my daughter about it. Christina came up holding the reigns of The Beast and told me he had been locked in the barn and seemed rearing to get out. As he nudged me I had to hop around to keep from getting knocked over. She asked exactly what should we not tell our daughter. I pointed to the Marshall's who explained what they wanted and what I had planned. She shook her head and told them if she was that man and rode up and saw all these fine hard working boys just sitting around by themselves she would know something was up. I asked what did she suggest and she told me she had a few friends who were actresses who did not mind showing skin and put them with a couple of those boy scout daddies pretending to have a good time when that man and whoever else he rode up with would be none the wiser. I told her there were a lot of kids around and she told me they could just as well go hike to the creek along with all of their guests for a night hike as it would take time to get the grill going.

John told Christina not leave them out of the fun; she told him they were not all getting paid; one of the men cracked open another energy drink and said that they were also not boy scouts and would have loved to have been in the middle of that brawl last night. She looked at him and told him then next time they could trade places, she would stay home to watch the children while he went and danced with a bunch of flee bitten cods trying to figure out how they would get him out of his dress without that large dog chewing on them. As the laughter died down he asked what kind of shoes would he be wearing with the dress as he was leaning toward flats or boots and anyway all those bikers had seen them at lunch and of course heard them chat about the very lovely ladies who they were trying to impress with their speed and stamina as they laid down the pipe. I gave the young man a look and he said he was talking about the water main and just trying to get into character. I told him if we do this my ground rules were this each of the women were to be treated as my daughters or my sister or mother and these days I would just assume the worst and apologize for breaking fingers later.

One of the agents spoke up and told me to stop all they needed was for me to go point out the man who belonged to a number; I told them to be honest I just saw the hand place the number on the table as they walked out as I was focused on my daughter, but there had been a state officer who left just after they did and just before us so which one of the half dozen bikers who were not part of the poker run who dropped the folded piece of paper which I assumed was a number I could not be sure. I was then asked if I had been inside the bar last night; I asked since when did I start going to bars. Mary Jo said they had to ask. Smiling I told her actually yesterday I was able to ride that little girl of hers; her eyes asked for how long and I told her I figured out she liked to run so I brought her out here with her dad and while they were running I moved over and it was like I was a kid again. I heard Christopher say I was never a kid. I glanced back and asked when he got here; with his hands in his pockets he told me Grandma wanted to see Texas, and drive the hummer. He asked why I neglected to tell them I had been in prison. I looked at Christina who told me I still needed to start the charcoal. I handed the reigns to Mary Jo and apologized for not being able to help but my guess who they were looking for would be along soon enough, if not him then one of them ranch hands looking for his misses or even both of them if for nothing else just out of curiosity and the biker fellow will either be the one with the limp or with the one with the limp. I smelled the smoke of the barbecues early on so I took a seat on the porch of the first cabin which was in the shadows. Christina looked down toward the house and asked if I was going to cook; I told her to take a deep breath and tell me what she smelled.

Leaning against the rail, I knocked on the door of the cabin and when no one answered I opened the door and went in to use make use of the facility and realized they also changed the fixtures. When I walked out Christina told me she smelled dirt, rain and smoke. I told her someone had started the barbecue or my guess barbecues and she shook her head and told me to take a deep breath. I could smell smoke; apparently so could others as they began running from building to building. I took another deep breath and new it was not the smell of a building on fire but more of a grass fire mixed with plastic. I whistled and when The Beast I pulled myself up and told Christine to please check on our guests. I rode between the cabins someone had started a fire next to a stand pallet of plastic pipe but it was not going anywhere on account of the bare dirt. Nudging The Beast I told him to find him. We had just past the next cabin when I noticed a leather clad fella at the edge of the front. The Beast pretty much tried to run him over. I could tell one of the boys found the source of the fire. I glanced to see someone had noticed me and headed down to the house and heard the motorcycles first coming down the road and then they stopped. Apparently the sheriff had made use of the large area behind the house and the barn had come around. I wondered where Christina was until I happened to turn to look back up at the storage shed and saw her pushing someone away. The man was wearing jeans and was definitely not a biker. When he grabbed her hair I pushed The Beast. The cowboy I could tell was on liquid courage and he told me not to interrupt. Sliding down next to him I nodded toward the beast who nipped him when he did not let go of Christina the horse bit him harder; he let go of Christina and she came to me and I asked if she knew this poor lost soul; She shook her head and the man still rubbing his arm told me they were going to Tuscon, I nodded and told him that was funny because she told me we were going to dinner but if he would tell me where his friends were he looked at me and I told him to hand me his phone and I would call them up and we could sit down and chat about Tuscon and laugh about our party last night. He handed me his phone and I called the first person on the call list; I asked where were they as we were waiting and that pretty thing I was dancing with last night well she was in a hurry and I found their invisible man. The voice asked what about the mother and her two twins. I told him there was a problem with that as the boy scouts had showed up and there were so many moms I needed to know what she looked like because no one gave me a picture.

The voice talked to someone else and then told me the one I was looking for was the daughter of Tuscon so have her show me. The Marshall's were there by then and I asked where the motorheads were. When John showed up I asked where my babysitter was she came running and told me she had been down at the house. I told her to have all the buildings cleared and make sure everyone was in one spot and she should use her professional courtesy. Christina was about to lose it so I gave her a hug and asked if she was okay, she rubbed her head and looked at the drunk cowboy and told me he was not dressed like that last night. I asked how was he dressed, she told me he had a leather vest on but for a biker he had been well dressed and he could dance. Mary Jo asked what was up and I still holding the phone picked it up and asked if he said she was a mother; when the man cursed I said I found her in a cabin with ; and if he wanted her for himself he better come quick and hung up the phone. I told her I do believe her boy was on the way and all she had to do was go sit in that first cabin real fast and clear her boys out of sight. She started to say something and I told her it was either that or I practice my second amendment rights and start a nice little war. Grabbing the drunk cowboy's hat I told John to go make it look like they were having a good time up in the Marshall's tavern and make sure all the boys had some heat but on second thought we have all them trucks up there and we don't need that big of a road and my guess there was something besides energy drinks, When no one moved I told them I could just get on my horse and ride out to say hello. When I saw Christopher I told him sorry but I needed him to gather up his sisters and brother and if anyone tries to get to them that he did not know shoot them and he would find my rifle in a hollow behind my head board. The Marshall's looked at each other and when Mary Jo did not move I climbed back on The Beast and pulled her and Christina up. I watched as I pushed them both inside John and the boys meander up to their trucks and start rearranging them as if they were going to drag race. I looked at The Beast and told him to go hide but stay close and find that big dog and tell him to start making his rounds. When the horse shook his head I told him he had to but he only had to hide behind the cabin and if anyone walked back there he could play as much as he likes.

When he trotted off; Christina started to leave and I stopped her and told her we were going to finish our honey moon. She stared at me and told me I had my girlfriend and there were men coming and, I put my hand to her mouth and told her it was okay, I have done this kind of thing before so if she could, could she and my girlfriend go ahead and take their shirts off and get on the bed or even better into the shower. When both women asked if I was nuts I heard the motorcycles fire up. Pointing outside I told Mary Jo if that man walks in here he is going to know she is a cop the way she is dressed and he will also probably realize my wife is not my daughter fairly quickly but if we gave him something to look at besides me and their faces; Christina asked what I was going to do; I told her I was going to make sure no one touched either of them. When I heard John drunkenly talk to someone on a bike; I stared at the women. Mary Jo told me this was crazy and I told her she had seen me shower enough times; Christina looked at her and then me and was told by the agent it was part of her job. Christina said fine and yanking off her dress she came over and kissed me; when I reached down to tickle her she laughed nervously and told me to stop and wait; reaching down I told her I needed to decorate, dropping her panties. When Mary Jo stripped I told her to keep her gun and walking into the bathroom I turned on the cold water and shoved them both in and told them to scream as loud as they wanted to but keep the water cold. Someone shoved the drunk cowboy in and when I poked his head into the bathroom he let out some sort of unintelligible war cry. Pointing to the bed I told him to get himself ready for those two, Christina told me no as the man struggled to strip he fell over a couple of times and I went and stood by the half opened door, Mary jo was moaning and my wife was cussing me out telling me if I ever wanted a piece I had to better than this. When two men burst through the door, I tripped the first and smacked the second with the door and shoved him back out. When the first man looked up I recognized him as the man I kicked, when he tried to kick me I grabbed his leg and started pulling him out and saw The Beast Jr and I nodded and he came and grabbed the boot and clamping down began pulling and told him not to let anyone else interrupt. John sent the second man back up to me and I shoved him into the wall. Going back in I dragged the struggling drunk out and told him to never interrupt me again and going back in, I slammed the door. I could tell pretty much another brawl was taking place outside during which two more came in and I sent them out and followed them. Christina drug me back in by the ear and glared at me; smiling I told her she was cute when she was naked. Mary Jo reached into her pants and made a phone call and I heard the sirens and then a gun shot.

She told me she was going to have to treat me like a criminal for a moment or just until they could round up the boys, she was giving directions on her cell which after I heard the numerous returns; when wrapped in a towel she came out with a gun to the back of me head everything hit the fan as officers swarmed, I heard The Beast playing with his bit and glanced to the side of the cabin where he just stood watching. Grabbing Christina who had just wrapped a towel around herself and was behind me trying to see I went to the horse and pretty much tossed her on as I jumped on and took off. I heard Mary Jo tell someone to go after me before I did something crazy. I was checking on the twins and verifying everyone was accounted for when the sheriff said he was not sure what just went on but he was supposed to walk me back up in cuffs, I told him he would look better if he rode a horse with me on mine. Seeing my daughters give me a look I told them to get dressed put on a large hat and make sure no one say their long hair and they could go along and pretend they were deputies. Christina in her towel told me no and I needed to hurry back so I could cook dinner and make sure to get her clothes. She took the twins and headed upstairs, I asked if anyone had checked up their as I headed up and got in front of her. I found a man in my room looking through stuff and realized it was the state trooper form earlier that day. I went with him out the window but was able to catch myself as I rolled off the roof and landed on The Beast who stepped under me and held the officer down. The sheriff seemed like he had seen a ghost when he came out. He told me that horse looked like a fine idea.

It was a while before I got back to the house as they had waited until after we were all booked in the county jail before letting myself and John along with the few boys who had partaken in the brawl out. John's eye was swollen and their were more than a few black eyes, a broken lip and one knife scratch. As we were dropped off one of the boys asked what was for dinner; Christina told them there were leftovers in their fridge and they were sleeping outside and grabbing by my ear she told me I could either walk and behave or she could drag me. When we were in the room and I had been showered for the second time that night, she softened and I told her it turned out fine. She had looked at me and told me she had been scared to death and I had acted like everything was normal and she wanted to know what the hell was all that about anyway. I told her all of it I did not know but apparently from just what I had observed was their little stunt of all piling into their fancy cars and running up to dance with the local rodents got the local rodents into thinking that they were up for grabs. She asked if I was saying it was her fault and I shook my head and told her no I was just explaining that it was not mine and she should be thankful that nothing more than a brawl had taken place and that now the local biker gang thought I was some hard ass from back east because now when she and her gals come out they will be left alone. She told me she did not want me to stay here; I told her as I held the twins who were crying that when I could I would move. She added home and I asked if that was so the next Bubba that came over i could smack down when he did not listen when I explained to him that just because a pretty woman smiles at him does not mean he is getting a piece. She looked away and told me she had not wanted an argument and told me for the sake of the twins we should stop. I handed her Carl and told her I would need my cane for a little while longer as in my attempt to save my damsel in distress I tore my knee up some more and we should probably go down and tell her guests what was going on. She told me my girlfriend the really pretty one with those very perfect chest muscles who was having my child; when I looked at her she smiled and said she meant my God child had told them some and with all the boy scouts and now their families camping out front we should not worry and she was staying for a bit as she just took her maternity leave.

Raising my hands I asked Christina if she was still mad; she looked down and told me she had not been mad just scared out of her wits earlier and had thought; I touched my finger to her mouth and told her it did not happen and now if I could get some dinner and she told me sorry about that but tonight again since she had a household of nervous women they pretty much ransacked the kitchen. I nodded and told her just as soon as I got the twins to sleep I would run down to the diner and pick up something either that or I was driving into town and shopping. She got that look and told me no I was staying in and hanging with the family. I told her I needed calories as in the last two days I had a banana and biscuits and gravy so she had a choice find me something I would like to eat or I would and I did not want any chips or cookies as I needed real food. She had to take both twins as I could not make it down the stairs without both hands. Now that the adrenaline rush was gone my leg pretty much had become more of a hindrance.and even with the cane it hurt so as I sat in the living room waiting for food with the twins on my lap I knew it was back to the doctor. It was almost midnight when i finally got the most real meal I had had since getting married for the second time. Three hours later the gals from the Carolina's left with Christina but not before we made up and me telling her I was going to make another appointment to see the doctor for my leg.

Plans Change The Story Continues 10

2011-12-30T01:11:00.000-08:00

My plans that day changed not that I had set out with any real plans other than ti begin working on the prep work for the additional area, accept there were way more folks than I had planned on having around moving about, and my leg was feeling the strain of the last two weeks. I went into find the twins only to find my two older daughters were here along with a few other young women, Julie asked what happened to walking mom down the aisle of the church. I called time out and told her to back up. When she looked at me I told her hello, nice to see her again without going so long between visits and I was wondering if I could at least get a hug as my day was not going so well. Handing the spoon to one of the other girls she walked over and told me she was not trying to be mean. Smiling I told her first she could start by telling me why she was there not that she could not just show up and stop in but my guess was mom was up to something, because I had not old a single soul beyond those who needed to know we got married again. My second in line came over and told me she thought the place was kind of cute and really liked the furniture. One of the girls who I did not know told her especially the yard furniture. I told her I did not know I had yard furniture and as I looked out I saw one of the loaders go by. My daughters red face gave me a clue. I told her just so she knew those boys had not been invited by me and I guessed they were married. Julie told me not all of them. I pushed my way in front of the twins apologizing to the young women saying a daddy could not be too careful these days around strangers. Julie looked at me and looking at the ladies I realized I had met one of them and apologized and told her her name had slipped my mind since we last met. She smiled and told me it happens and asked how I had been doing and I told her my guess she had finished her degree by now. Nodding she said yes she had; I asked if it had brought her everything she had ever wanted; Julie scolded me. I told her to please not interrupt up my reintroduction to, she told me her name was Sarah. I told her thank you and she rolled her eyes. I finally asked Sarah which one of them had been at the house it disappeared. Sarah pointed and I eyed her and saw the same cheekbones as Christopher on a slightly more oval face and then looking at the other young woman I saw the same bone structure but her eyes were definitely her dads and I told them I knew their dad.

They looked at each other and I told them my bark was worse than my bite these days, the one who had been at the house asked if I was alright as she pointed to my leg and I told her that had not come from my car getting blown up as it happened recently when I was working with one of the horses. I watched as several faces got brighter and asked Sarah said they had been kind of hoping they could go for a ride, I told her that depended on whether or not someone was actually clue me in the names of her friends and let me on mom's secret. Julie told me mom did not have a secret; I nodded and asked if that was why I had a steady stream of women in various states of undress parading through not only my house but my bedroom also. She offered that my water lines were broken. I told her no they had been leaking for some time but they had still worked. Sarah said I knew Christina and she always knew how to have a good time and knew how to do up a women's night out and by the way the two young women who were so kind in helping babysit whoever's children those two were were Michelle and Kelly Jo and were Chris's other sisters. Nodding I told her I had deduced that from their facial structure and those children were Christopher's twin brother and sister. Julie told her I had adopted them. Sarah told her that her mom must have loved that. When she said yes she did; I asked how her shower was and was told it was a wee bit on the chilly side and I might like to know the man with the gun was back. I told her with all the traffic driving by the diner I bet he was a bit curious and my guess most of the neighbors were up there as well watching all those fancy cars turn down the dead end road and never come out not to mention the supply trucks. Sarah told me it was bit full when they drove by this morning. Smiling I told her if she liked good old comfort food she couldn't beat it but I would not recommend going there on a Friday or Saturday night even with the live music or more to the point because of the live music. Michelle asked if I did not like country music and I told her I liked country music just fine but in her case my guess some good ole boy would buy her a drink; and she would say yes to a dance or two and sometime between that first drink and the morning she would have to ask herself if she was sober enough to understand if she really wanted to do the horizontal two step and get whisked away on the back of a Harley with only a leather vest to keep her warm.

Christina told me she had not been to a biker bar in a long time and I told her that was no biker bar just a middle of the nowhere diner which had a dance floor and a small stage in their lounge and banquet hall. Eyeing her I told her if she really wanted to dance there were much more family friendly places not as close but close enough to make it worthwhile and there was also Laughlin or an Indian Casino which all had at least one night of Country music and line dancing at least a couple times a month if not every week. When another large piece of equipment drove by heading to the front of the house I picked up the twins and hobbled out and told her I would be watching the show. I asked someone if the could get the child gate from under the stairs. Sarah brought it out and I told her later I would show her what horse she could ride if she could promise not to fall off. Once the gate was secure I gave a whistle which brought the movement to a stop. Beth and John who were surveying came over and she told me the trees had to come down and I told her I knew that and had put out and invitation for the boys scouts to come over when I dropped them. She looked at my leg and I asked since she was volunteering her services did she really want her boys doing that part of the job When she nodded she showed me the computer aided version of my colored drawings. I eyed her and she told me it was john's doing not hers as most of these boys had enough trouble reading the black and white prints and she did have a team of decent mechanical engineers who when she sent out my renderings jumped on it right away and I should have a complete set of construction drawings to turn in when I went to pull a permit. Smiling I told her she already knew I was going to get my own colors and make new ones. John told me the new septic system was on its way and the figured on letting leach behind the cabins. I told him I had already figured that as it would also make a good place to put a ball field. Eyeing the twins he asked how long I intended on staying. I told him for the moment mom had another year of school and we were close enough when she got her car next month we were close enough for her to jump in it on Friday's drive out and then be back to school on Monday morning.

I saw Christina raise her eyebrow but she did not say anything. When my big dog showed up I let him on the porch and seeing the twins he sniffed them and then lay down. Carrie Ann saw him and let me know it was time for her to get down. Setting them down I took a seat and studied the lawn area and looked at the conceptual blue print. I made some notes and redrew the facing and added a second story to the rec center drawing on the back I drew what I wanted it to look light and even added a few people. I handed it back and told Beth I was looking to stay with the old west thing but I liked the idea of a steel building. She took the drawing back and I told her I had not planned on building this in one day so as long as she finished the water and the newer septic system and used it for the cabins and out buildings I could take care of the rest. John told me my water would be on in another hour and then tomorrow the boys said they could have water on to the other buildings and if no used the toilets he doubted anyone would care if the shower water ran out for a couple of days. I asked if he had a line on portable toilets and he nodded and said he had thought of that but wanted to check with me first. I told him I was not having a thousand women strolling through my house all hours of the night. They walked off; Christina asked if that was how we were going to treat our guest and I smiled and told her know it was how I was going to deal with having not to tell them they would have to take a shovel out back as my septic system was not designed to deal with that number of women and neither was the septic system on the barn. Smiling I told her John was smart enough to bring in the trailered bathrooms with showers. She asked if I told someone the house was off limits; I told her yes I did and again the reason was this place was too small to be a meeting room and since they could use the hangout. She told me we also had to figure out how to feed them; I asked her why as I did not remember inviting anyone over for dinner last night and there was not much to begin with and my guess would be when I went to get my breakfast there would be not much more than a bottle of wine and water in the fridge.

Before she got mad I told her it was okay I would not let them starve but right now I was not driving into town. Sarah started to offer to go to town and then told me to look down. The twins had curled up next to the dog and were sleeping. Looking at her I asked if she was up to taking a look through the barn and making sure everyone was fed and watered and there should be a couple of children already in there taking care of their animals and were pretty good about making sure mine were fed and on every stall it was listed what they were to be given and how much. As I looked at the women who were now wandering around in small groups with a few looking like they were getting ready to go jogging, I told Christina I think I might be able to handle breakfast with a little help but lunch was more or less borrow a carrot or apple from the barn. Looking down at the still napping twins I glanced at my wife and saw her looking down. I asked if she minded if I left for only a few minutes; her look changed to one of worry. Looking at the daughters of her one time fling I asked if they had found a place to sleep yet, Julie told me all the beds were filled in the cabins. I asked why she thought she needed to sleep in the cabin. She answered that on there way in the security told them the house was off limits to guests. Taking her hand I told her she was not a guest and since she was kind of a sister to her three friends they were not guests either and if one them would be so kind to help mom with the wee ones I needed to see to some things. As I began my journey I decided to skip the cane and push my leg a little.

Christina spoke my name and I waved as I hobbled down the stairs. I forced myself to walk as normal as I can even though it shot pain up my spine. but it was nothing like the shoulder had been or my two weeks of electric shock therapy which I had not thought about over the last year as if having to lay it out for the world to see was a therapy in itself and made it someone else's problem. I was aware that the man behind that was on his way out from his political appointment and that he had taken credit or had been given credit for some of the information I had passed on during the months of debriefing my entire adult life or much of it as there was some things I did not tell as I knew there would be ramifications and then I saw one of those objects of some of that information looking around the corner of the equipment shed; she saw me so I waved her over. She was in her jogging attire and for some reason caused me to think of what I supposed were our intimate times together serving as a security consultant but immediately jumped to the meeting Christina and I had with her in Colorado. When she jogged down to me across the lawn I saw why she had been lurking as the man with the gun came around the corner and headed straight for her. Shaking my head i watched as he looked more mad at her than as if he was concerned for her protection and the look of fear in her eyes. I kept walking toward the equipment shed; he was not focused on me at all until too late and just to prove a point i dropped him while taking his side arm and wallet. The man was agile and was up as fast as he went down. His focus was still on her and not me; so I pulled her in front of me and whispered to her to play along and with that I put the barrel of the gun which I had already cleared and removed the clip from to her head. At that point he stopped focusing on her and looked at me. I lowered the piece and started walking a woman who I once had to babysit in a manner of speaking up the hill and when I stopped to take a look back he was using his comm to call for reinforcements. I told my captive if she wanted to lose this babysitter to kiss me. I did not expect the kiss to be in the middle of my face and with tongue or the grip she would have around my neck. When I pried her off he was three steps behind me and raging. I got the hint and when he swung I put him down again. Beth's boys who had been my boys or at least many of them had stopped their work and had closed in on me while his team came in with guns drawn. I waved them off and told them if this had been real the person they were supposed to be protecting who their team leader had decided to make his main squeeze would be dead. Pointing to the man who was back on his feet I told him to stand down or the next time he went down he would be staying there and if I ever caught him sleeping with his charge again it would not be her life but his he had better be worried about.

He tried to stare me down and when that did not work I told him twice now a crippled man had disarmed him albeit the first time I had help from The Beast so he also needed to learn to stop relying on his sidearm and start relying on his mind and use it which brought me to another point and that was his trespassing which I could forgive the first two times but now it seemed we would have to deal with that as well. That shocked him into regaining his composure and I handed him his gun back and told him his clip was somewhere in the lawn about fifteen meters back so his charge was never in any real danger other than she was about to get a spanking for trying to suck my tonsils out. When I looked at her I gave her the look telling her not to argue yet. She looked at me and then past me and I could tell Christina was coming toward us; she said she was sorry about that and had been overwhelmed with emotions that got the best of her and would explain it to the lovely bride. As she hurried off the man before me shook his head and told me that one, I told him not to take it personally. Just then my marine stepped out of the trailer and asked if we were done playing. I told her the lesson for today was over. Looking at me she smiled and told me good and for my information she asked for some help for two reasons, one as a professional courtesy and two she had no idea who all these people were and now with my little construction project she was also having to deal with delivery issues as well as having to worry about those bunch of fellows sitting up at the diner who had taken an interest in all the well heeled ladies driving down the dead end road. Looking around she said she was more than willing to undo her professional courtesy if they were not willing to remain where she assigned them. Pointing to the fellow I had to school she told him to please stay put as she had talked to his boss. When she went back inside the others walked off and he looked at me and said damn. I nodded and said she was one of the best. Christina who had stood off chose to step forward and holding the clip she said someone dropped something and she had little children running around, I looked down and noticed the girls had them out on the lawn helping them walk. As the security guard took his clip her voice softened and asked if he had been hurt anywhere. He called her ma'am when he told her he was fine and she told him Ms.Jennifer was just a bit tired of the overwhelming show of force and if he could tone it down a wee bit it would help her emotional state. Reaching up she grabbed my ear like mom used to and told me I should no better than scaring her like that. I said yes ma'am.

Patting my chest she told me about breakfast not to worry about the women as most had brought snacks for that very purpose and if I needed a cup of coffee there were at least a dozen coffee machines in The Marshall's Tavern and if I could not figure out how they worked without taking them apart she gave me permission to smile nicely and at least half a dozen women would come running but if she heard I asked one of them to kiss me.. she let it go and reaching up gave me a kiss which forget the tonsils she was going for my lungs. As she turned to stroll off she stopped and turning her head she told me that as they were short of beds, my boys would be shacking up with John, the five girls, Ms Miriam, Ms.Jennifer, Beth and her daughters would be staying at the house and of course my favorite women in the whole world. Smiling I told her I was glad and would be glad to continue sharing a bed with her. She shook her head and told me she was not my favorite woman. I told her I guessed I could give up the bed for mom. Looking at me she told me mom was not here as she was a little bit mad because I forgot to invite her to the wedding ceremony; I shook my head and told her it was her idea to skip the whole church thing when we got to the courthouse. Waving her hand she told me it all seemed kind of fuzzy now, but she did talk mom into coming out to help me next week and she was bringing her sister. Leaving me she walked along talking to the men who worked for Beth getting several laughs as she kept moving on. I had to sit so I moved into the equipment shed which at the moment was empty accept for the portable refinery I had been working on which was nearing completion. The fellow told me he guessed he might as well introduce himself; reaching his hand out he called himself Jeff. I think he was trying to test me a little and when I pulled him onto the drum next to me. i asked Jeff why he was here; he told me he was here to protect Ms. Jennifer; I raised my eyebrow. He said yes and no; yes they had gotten close and no they had not. I asked who he worked for, when he said Sir; I asked if that was a hard question. He did not have to answer as my current keeper walked out of the trailer. I looked at her and followed her eyes;

She glanced our way then walked to the far end of the shed, I was asked how long did he have to stay and I told him it was not like she was his boss. He started to get up and then sat back down, then got up and feigned interest in my project, one of many during my stay. He asked what it was for; I told him that was too keep me from going stir crazy. He asked who I was and how did I do that thing out there. I shrugged, looking up he told me no one had ever dropped him. I told him then it was a good lesson for him and he really needed to learn not to rely on firepower.and not get emotionally attached with women who liked to play the field, particularly if they would not get emotionally attached to you. Shaking his head he said that was done with, he had just wanted to talk to her. I told him here was not the time or place. He told me she kissed me, I nodded and said that I had not expected after I did not even remember how many years. He stared at me but before he could ask a thing a dump truck drove by causing him to look behind him. I left going behind the trailer and ran into an ex marine who said if you listened it was amazing what one can learn. She handed me a banana and told me to enjoy breakfast and I should really think about grocery shopping. I told her I went shopping the other day. Before she got by me I asked who she was babysitting. Smiling she told me don't worry about it and have fun and then motioned for me to move on. I ate the banana on the way to what was now a meeting room. Walking over I looked at the numerous machines and not one of them had a coffee pot. I don't think I was smiling when my handler came up she asked what flavor did I want; I asked if they had coffee flavored coffee, she smiled and asked if I still made coffee on the stove. I shook my head and told her now I preferred the campfire. She kissed me on the cheek and told me thanks; I eyed her as she walked off, smiling I wondered what was she up to. Five women came up to get there coffee and watching I was impressed with the way they warmed the milk with steam. When I went to pick one up Christina told me to put it down and step away. She handed me a cup and told me she found the coffee maker in the barn. One of he women turned to offer me a cup and seeing I had one she got that stance I had seen so many times over the years. I traded coffee with her and headed outside and had to jump out of the way of the loader starting to push dirt back in the trench twisting my leg.

I headed back toward the house and found the lawn had become a haven for most of the women all in the large hats and sun dresses and I had to check myself as I realized this was some sort of Garden Party. Turning to watch the boys who were ignoring the women for the most part as they were hustling to get done with the main pipe running to the house. I wanted to go riding and avoid the mess, I was grateful for the help but over my time spent here I had been doing the projects more or less by myself with some help from whatever visitor was in or the Marshall's though they mostly just handed me tools accept for their area in the equipment shed, I made them do the work themselves. By the time I made the back porch my leg was definitely a pain. In the kitchen I stopped as it was a mess, Julie looked up from where she was bent over pulling out all the contents of the cupboards. There was stuff on the floor I had never seen. She told me I should clean once in awhile and nodding I told her I did clean but the house had come as is. She asked what I was up to; I told her I was looking for my cane. She pointed up, I could hear a racket going on there as well. It took me some time to get up the stairs and I could smell fresh paint, the first one I met was Michelle who had paint all over her but at least they covered the floors was my thought. Pulling me along she brought me into the nursery which was undergoing a transformation she asked what color I wanted the furniture; whispering I told her it was log furniture so it made sense if it was the color of logs. She told me no really and I told her yes really and that way no matter what color they used on the walls they would go well together and when I was done with this set and handed them to her then she could paint them. Her sister asked when she got pregnant which got my daughter number two rushing in asking if she was really pregnant and if her dad knew. Michelle looked at me and I told her not to worry this furniture would hold out until she was ready. I found my cane laying under plastic on my bed. I angered my daughter when I ripped a hole in the plastic. With cane in hand I left and first went in search of the twins. John came cruising up on the six by six and had them both strapped in and told me he had rescued them from certain doom as he pointed to the far side of the house. Jumping on he gave me a ride to the far end of the barn. Walking in found the locals teaching some of my guests mainly a girl who had gotten to know me through Christopher about the different parts of the tack. She looked up as John told me he would watch the wee ones for a bit. One of the locals, Kimberly I thought her name was told me they had fed my horses and were about to go riding to check on the water and to see if more hay needed to be put out.

I figured I ought to know there names now as I had not actually set up the boarding aspect of the ranch, that had been the the state detective and his wife. I asked if she was Kimberly and she said no and pointed to another girl who had brown hair; she told me she was Amber. Looking past me Amber asked if we were having a party and I told her we were having something but since I had not been invited I was still not sure what it was so I thought I would come down and see if that demon child was ready to give it another try just as soon as I found her daddy. Someone said she was in the arena and The Beast had been wandering around earlier. As I walked toward the tack room someone asked why I let him just wander around; I chuckled and said he made a better guard dog than Junior. Kimberly asked who Junior was and I had to explain that I finally learned the dogs name. I heard the Beast before I saw him come in the far side of the barn at full speed before he slid to a halt. As usual this got the other horses making noise. I had him saddled in short order and then tossed a second saddle on the railing in easy reach. After I mounted I rode out with the second saddle in hand which when I got to the arena went on the rail. I was glad to see the filly still had her halter on and after thinking about I opted not to go through the process of climbing down getting her calmed down in order to get the saddle on her but I was going to add two leads to her halter. Riding back in I grabbed them off the hook tied the the loose ends together and used her daddy to pin her so I could hook the leads onto her. I knew if she bolted in the arena again ti would not bode well so with her leads turned reigns hooked over the horn I took her out of the arena and headed up to the road the dirt road was actually a sand jeep trail mostly. I was not actually thinking about much more than how I wanted to get from her daddy's back to hers.

Thankfully the machines stopped as the men watched me ride by. Out on the paved road I was surprised at the number of cars lining the one side as trucks were waiting to be off loaded. My thought was how much pipe did I need; though I was happy to see the local portable toilet vendor pulling a real portable bathroom. I trotted about a mile up he sand road to warm her muscles before I took a breath and nudged her daddy into a trot I could tell she was straining to run and since he was slightly faster I shrugged and let him have his head and we were off. At that speed with them running almost touching the transfer was easy but I could tell it was a shock as she poured on the speed. I just let her go as I used my legs to hold on as I tucked down. She soon forgot about me as she was free to run. I was a kid again and like so many other things recently that riding triggered memories so distant I did not know I had them. It was even before I moved in with mom and dad and Christina. They were only snapshots really but they were vivid.

Plans Change The Story Continues 9

2011-12-28T03:58:00.000-08:00

The fact the twins had actually been able to sleep in their own beds during the last two weeks at least some of the time was not lost on me but as if to let me know fate sometimes had a twisted sense of humor they both decided it was time not to sleep. Once outside on the porch sitting in my lap they went back to sleep as did I but that sleep was short lived as the sun began its slow climb over the horizon. I was aware even before my walking fur rug who now was actually cleaned up alerted me to the fact there were vehicles approaching. I noted them and knew what they were; so much for my honey moon. The man who stepped out of the first dark colored Expedition was already taking in the details of the layout; I knew his type and guessed he had been a specialist or Sergeant during his military career. With two infants in my arms I approached him slowly and asked if I could be of assistance. He spotted the overpriced vehicle and as he walked over he told me he found what he was looking for; I knew his next move was to send the men and women who had climbed out behind him looking through buildings.

I informed him very quietly that maybe I had not been clear in my question and would like to know how I could be of assistance or should i rather give the sheriff a call and tell him to please remove the trespassers on my ranch. Right then Carrie Ann woke up letting out a scream. When she realized she was in my arms she quieted down and I told the leader of this troop that he had woken up my daughter who I barely got to sleep again after spending an few hours trying to comfort her. He was about to say something until an older man closer to my age stepped forward and whispered into his ear. The leader asked if I happened to be the owner of this establishment; I told him actually it was not an establishment but a private residence and at the moment he was trespassing and being that I neither knew him or invited him and I was in for a rather busy day I did not have time to entertain him or his friends but if he would like to come back later in the afternoon after calling first I was usually available for a chat around three. I had while talking to him planted myself on the porch of the cabin where my guests or rather my wife's guests were sleeping. I saw Christina start to come out before ducking back into the house, when she came back out she was fully dressed. She headed toward the barn and one of the men headed that way and shaking my head I told Carrie Ann that maybe they did not speak English so maybe I should try French or maybe Spanish since we were so close to the border. My very large dog had planted himself in front of the member of this security detail and smiled. When the fellow asked if the dog was smiling I told him yes he was as he liked it when new chew toys came over to play. The leader told me he was not hear to start trouble and I told him he was still trespassing and as of yet since he has not given me any details as to why he was hear I could only assume it was not for very nice reasons. During the distractions with the dog one of the women had opened the door and took Carl from me replacing him with my cane. I walked out among the group and told the gentlemen that I was sorry if I seemed rude but being that this was also my honeymoon he could understand why I really did not need visitors and with twins both teething I really did not need salesman or looky loos poking around.

The man asked if he might give me his card and I told him that would be more appropriate and he should tell his firm before barging onto a property to make sure it was not under contract to another firm and if his client did happen to be here she was in good hands and if he left his number I would be glad to let him know when she was leaving. Someone said gate and I told her know my property line ended at the paved road and if they hurried they could get out before the sheriff made his rounds. It was not the sheriff who pulled up behind them but the state troopers who asked how my morning was going; I told the officers if they had not heard I got hitched a weak or so ago and between that and both the twins teething I was not getting much rest and was having trouble explaining the directions back to the motor inn, out by the highway where they fed you those frozen eggs and the waffles in the morning.so if he could have someone show these fine folks who seemed a bit lost how to get back there The leader of the group nodded and everyone climbed back into their vehicles and with me blocking their way from going forward to turn around they had to back up. The state law officer told me he heard about my spill' I asked if he wanted to see her; he looked at my dog and eyed him and I told him I still had not come up with a name for him since they sent him to me. He told me he heard at the training academy they called him Beast Jr. I looked at him and told the dog he was about as big as Beast when he barked it got Carrie Ann to laughing. When the dog barked again the officer told me he would follow my visitors out, I told him not to be too hard on them as I think they might actually have a client visiting us. As he left I knocked on the door and it as opened by my handler who asked what that was all about; I shrugged and told her I did not invite them and they did not seem interested in talking to me so my guess they were looking for someone else someone who probably did not tell her security detail she was stepping out.

I told her she could give me my son back now, she told me he was not there at the moment; nodding i asked if he just walked out and she sneered and told me don't be silly Christina came and picked them up. I asked who was they and when she opened the door to so I could see the only other person was Miriam just getting out of the shower; I turned away but not quick enough. Momentarily my nightmares came back causing me to grab the rail on the porch and wait till it passed. I saw Christina walking toward me as I got to walking toward the barn. She looked worried and asked if I was okay, I told her I was fine and would get a nap when I was done with the chores. I told her she could tell her friend to come out now and she told me she had wanted to pet the horse. I looked down at Beast Jr and told him to go and he went running With the cane I could move fast though it was a bit rocky which had Carrie Ann laughing. I found a very frightened actress breathing hard and told her she should learn to listen and maybe I should call down to motor inn and tell her security detail where she was and they could come babysit her because at the moment my hands were full. Standing up she told me she did not need babysitting; I waited for a moment to calm myself down and asked if last night she heard me warn her about the horse in the round pen. She told me she did not try riding her. Smiling I told her in the future if she was to visit to please first tell her security detail to call ahead and then if a gate was shut please do not open it and when I tell her not to try to ride a horse please understand I probably meant not to even get in the pen with the horse which she should probably never do unless she actually knew the horse. Christina got into my face and told me she was not a little girl' I told her no she was not and yet still someone felt she needed babysitting or they would have not sent the knight in shining armor into save her.

She told me that man had never backed down before and I told her then today she got to see a first. When she blurted out it was like having prison guards twenty four hours a day I told her, welcome to my world. She looked up and told me I was one of him and I shook my head and told her no at one point in my previous life I had arranged for men like him to do their jobs but I was not like him. Handing Carrie Ann to her I told her for now she had a reprieve and she could start her day getting to know those who mattered most around here. For the next several hours I cleaned the stall of the horses that were currently being trained and began letting them out into their paddocks. After checking on the mares I would be artificially inseminating I saddled up The Beast and after changing the twins I mounted the stallion and had Christina hand me the twins. I really had no need to check the fences as not only were they electric but if they broke someone somewhere would know and a team would be sent out to fix it. Today only confirmed my suspicions but like I had told Christina I was planning on ignoring the restrictions of my life now when I chose. As that had been my first day riding with the twins alone since my fall, I took advantage of the alone time and as I sang some of the range songs the Marshall's had come up with I did some thinking and decided Christina had a pretty good idea. When I got down to the creek after a solid afternoon getting off the Beast seemed to be something that was not going to happen holding two infants. I had been teaching him to lay down to pick up a wounded rider and figured he could lay down to drop off a rider as well. The fact it worked surprised him but it did take him hopping out of the way waking up both children. When he heard Christina ask what the hell was that he did not even look up when he told her it was called a dismount. He had never even seen or heard the six by six she was driving come up and realized she must have come out to have a picnic when he saw the basket. He apologized if he interrupted her; she asked what he was talking about and he nodded toward the picnic basket sitting next to her.

I looked around and she told me they were not here as she had come alone knowing I was in a foul mood. I told her I was not and she laughed and getting out told me it had been our lunch but since someone stood her up some really big dog stole it and she drank the wine, but she managed to save the baby food. Shifting the children to one arm I pulled down the blanket and saddle bags which I used as a diaper bag. Christina watched as I spread out the blanket which I supposed needed to be cleaned soon. The huge dog showed up and was thankfully not muddy and while I took care of the back half he kept the children occupied Today it was his teeth and tongue that amused them. Once I finished that I let the twins play with their favorite toy as I took off the saddle and planted it on the blanket, removing the head stall I let the stallion run. Christina asked how I was going to get back; looking up I told her the nice thing about that horse is he always knew when it was time to go back. Setting the children up against the saddle I pulled out their afternoon meal. When Christina came over she plopped down on my lap which did not bode well with my leg and told me she was going to feed them, My first thought was not that she was drunk even though that was evident I pinned her arms while I fed the twins very aware that the bikini she was wearing only enhanced her attributes. Then she started crying. Then I watched Carl lean forward and drag himself to her, I told her to take a look at that she asked what through her tears, I had to turn her head down where Carl was playing with her feet which were normally very sensitive. I asked her how much did she have to drink; she bit her lip and did not answer. I told her okay I am sorry for being late for our picnic; she told me I was not late.as she stared at Carl. I asked if she ate anything and and she shook her head and then held her mouth.and mumbled something about being sick. I told the dog to watch the children and he crawled in between them. Carl rolled over and grabbed the dogs paw I managed to get up and then pulled Christina up and holding her on my hip spun her toward the bushes and let her do what she needed to do. Carrie Ann leaned forward and grabbing onto the dog pulled herself over and hearing Christina throwing up started pulling herself over. When I went to let go of Christina she told me if I left her with the children alone again it was over. Picking them both up I told her actually I wasn't planning on leaving them with anyone, but I could use some help sometimes now that they were crawling.

Christina tried hard to get me into an argument with her until she finally finished paying homage to the god's of wine. When she seemed like she could stand well enough I asked if she could go sit in her little toy and hold at least one of the twins while I picked up. She looked at the blanket and I told her no she needed food and supposedly a large dog stole what was in the basket; grabbing onto my arm she half smiled and told me she had been mad when I did not show up and gave the sandwiches to the dog. I kept an eye on her as she held both of the twins as I got everything put into the back. When I finally got in Carl had her bikini top in his mouth while Carrie Ann was trying to get to the back seat where the dog had decided it was a good place to lay down.. I had to dig under Christina to find the buckle and told me I was like a man trying to take advantage of her when she was, and looking down at Carl she smiled and told me someone beat me to it. Buckling her in, I decided to hold both children as I drove. It proved only a minor challenge but by the time we got back my leg was hurting. Christina looked like she had seen a ghost. To make matter worse my guest from earlier was pulling up. Thankfully, three women were there to help me get Christina and the children inside. Christina asked who the cute guy in the truck was as she was looking at me. I told her when I found out I would get his number for her. He made sure I saw his side arm as he put in his holster. I asked if I could help him now and he said he was just doing his job and tried to walk around me and I told him today was not a good day to try to barge into my house. He told me he checked and the ranch was owned by a company out of Vegas, smiling I asked if he checked to see who owned the company and if he decided to push the issue I would introduce him to the Beast. Smiling he told me he could handle a dog; looking down at the dog now sitting waiting I shook my head and said that was Beast Jr and gave a quick whistle. From behind ran up the horse and I told him to please introduce himself to the nice man who wanted to turn him into dog food. Walking over he nudged the man and pulled his sidearm out of the holster.and shook his head. He handed it to me after a minute and then I walked over to the man's truck and seeing he was alone I tossed it inside on the front seat.

I told him let me start over and I would like to welcome him to my current home and latest hobby and could I interest him in a cold beverage or glass of water. He was still shaking his head as the horse nudged him from behind. He asked how the horse got his name and I told him I had never been good at picking names and after adopting this fellow stopped by and tried to shoot me and shot the state trooper instead and then tried to steal that horse and he decided he was having nothing to do with that and thought if he could see if he could ride the poor disillusioned fellow. I told him to wait on the walkway as I hobbled over to the house, I knew he had tried to head to the car and found out what it was like to get nipped by a horse as the dog barked. Stepping in Christina was just coming out of the restroom and I told her I was sorry this fellow had not yet given me his name but I was working on it. Her face went white so I smiled and told her I would just ignore her wanting to meet him. Grabbing a couple of bottled waters I used the bathroom and then grabbed my cane and hurried out to meet the waiting gentleman who had resigned himself to waiting I then looked up and saw the actress and waved her out. As she was making her way down I looked around and noted there were a couple more cars down by the cabins. When she walked out I asked if this was the gal he might be looking for. When he stared at me I told him as he could see she was very safe and my guess he probably noted the officers posted up at the diner. When he nodded I told him that that was the only access to my road as the paved road dead ended but he probably new that as well as well as the construction trailer on the far side of the cattle guard. As if on cue up came a pickup truck and I was not surprised to see my ex marine driving it and with her was John who besides being an engineer had been a soldier first. Shortly after them came the sheriff deputy. Christina now dressed with her hair still wet came out and carrying Carrie Ann who was not actually screaming but crying. Handing her to me I asked how she was feeling and she told me better and thanks for listening and as soon as I was done with my guest dinner was waiting. My Ex Marine was a little more direct as she asked him as soon as she walked up to let her see some ID. John was already looking in his car and telling her the make of the piece on the front seat. She told him he was either an ex seal or possibly force recon. As he pulled out his ID he eyed the sheriff deputy who was petting the dog and then watched as he replace his sidearm with an apple. The Beast went over and nudged him and reached down to get his apple before shaking his head and then looked at me; I nodded my confirmation and he ran off with the apple into the barn. I heard his daughter with her attitude and then she whinnied. I excused myself and nodded to the deputy he followed me through the barn to the round pen where we saw my angry little filly eating the apple. I handed Carrie Ann over to him and he asked if I was nuts as I went and pulled out a couple of carrots. I told him I still needed to check her leg as she would not let the vet get near her.

I let her dad walk in with me and handed him a carrot and he walked it over and dropped it next to her she eyed me as if she wanted to rush but The Beast stepped in her way and pawed the air giving a snort. I told him to back off. I waited until she ate the first one and then held the second one out for her. I found I had a crowd and Christina asked if this was not the same horse that tried to kill me, I told her no she just had not wanted me to ride her and if she would be so kind to hold her questions until after the evenings presentation I would be grateful. It took me almost two hours to get her to the point where I could walk up to her and another three before she let me touch her leg and gratefully nothing was broken. I told her we would try the whole riding thing another day but since she had been so cooperative I would let he run with her dad. I noticed there were several more deputies and asked if they minded clearing the aisles and getting the gates. When I was informed they were done I went over and opened the round pen, dad nipped her to get her moving and she at first was hesitant and then cantered out before turning on the speed and heading out the back of the barn. I hobbled out to watch as the stallion caught up and passed her as they headed out to join the herd. One of the deputies asked what I thought and I told him after I let her build up her strength we were going to go a little slower and try it again but this time I was probably going to have her run alongside the Beast and then get onto her. Christina raised her eyebrows, and gave me that we will see about that look. Catching up to her I asked if she new she was cute when she was mad; she told me that would not be mad she saw but did have a killer headache starting and next time she decided drinking two bottles of wine by herself to remind her how much it hurt. Pausing she stepped in front of me and told me while I disregarded anything she may have said while under the influence I should go get my daughter before she hooks up with one of the deputies. It was one of the senior members of the department who had her and was walking over with her keeping her laughing. He too was direct when he told me he heard a rumor I might be moving; I nodded and told I had just married; nodding he told me he supposed he should be congratulating me but something told him he might want to wait and see how it turns out this time.

He then told me if I was moving and wanted to sell he had mentioned the property to the Boy Scouts and I told him they could come and use it as long as they called first but it seemed my new wife had this idea of bringing some of the wounded vets she worked with out here with their families and wanted me to leave a some of the cattle and horses. He looked out at the barn and said horses the boy scouts could take care of as well as cattle. Nodding I told him it would not be by tomorrow as I would have to find another suitable property, preferably with more grass as hauling hay or having it delivered was a bit costly but like I said have the boy scouts come out and we could work something out and at the moment my lawyer was actually here. Nodding he told me he would be in touch. I figured the boys scouts would need a pool but hated the idea of a boring blue pool and where to put it. The pizza was a bit overcooked so I passed and Christina told me she knew I had not eaten at all that day. I told her she was right but I preferred my food to have a little less carbon and not look like charcoal on the bottom and right now was more tired and sore than hungry but if she wanted me to eat I was sure there was a banana or an apple as I know we bought a bag of mixed fruits and a few bananas the other day. Miriam said they ate them earlier and share the apples with the horses but only with the ones that were not on special diets as per their charts on their cages. I told her those were stalls and she told me they looked like prison cells for horses. I smiled and told her those horses were glad to be in those cages when there was a cougar around. Christina asked if I seriously had let the twins sleep outside with cougars around; smiling I told her don't forget the rattlers or the scorpions and coyotes, which got a calf about two months ago and I did not see why we were fighting over children whose care she had no say over and their mom and grandpa liked the idea they were not growing up in the city. When an ex marine walked in she stepped between us and told me I had had a long day and probably had stopped taking my pain medicine long before I was supposed to and then she looked at Christina and told her she had from what she had counted in that basket at least three bottles of wine and should probably eat something and drink plenty of water as she had also been out in the sun. Looking at me she told me to go get my shower and when John came back with dinner Christina and I could sit down while she enjoyed the company of her god children and yes they were both very happy we had invited them to make use of one of those cabins so they did not have to get stuck sleeping in that nasty old construction trailer. As i walked into the living room and realized there were not only the seven women who I had mistakenly drove to their hotel but a few more like the pastor's wife from the mountains. I went upstairs grabbed my clothes and told my new prison guard I would be showering in the barn.

What was my wife thinking, was all I could think as I used the barn's shower. and as I went to the front of the house to watch the grass grow from the front porch. I realized it would make a great place for a pool, rec area and playground.and my leg said hot tub. Walking back inside I grabbed a pad of paper and pen and went back out and sat down. I had planned on sketching out some plans but ended up writing a letter instead to Christina. This was by far not my longest but was also not my shortest. I was pondering how to tell her if she ever felt trapped I would not hold her to our marriage covenant when she asked what I was thinking. I had noted the lightening in the distance and smiled and told her to be honest I had come out to sketch up plans for the pool area, play ground and rec center but had to tell her about my last two weeks and of course today as I figured she ought to know I met this gal down at the creek in a bikini who just showed up as if she had just magically appeared. Walking out she asked if she knew her and I told her I had never asked her name as well I had to fight it out with my son who decided he liked what he saw. She put her feet up on my lap and asked if there was anything else that stood out; I told her besides talking to the sheriff about the boy scouts using this place and trying to decide where to put my livestock not much. She told me it was interesting someone mentioned girl scouts; I told her before she said yes to that she might want to research them a little further. When she asked what might she find; I told her she might find a CEO who made eight figures a year off the backs of thousands of little girls selling her cookies. Christina told me she would have to look into that; I told her the boy scouts also had programs for girls. When she told me she was a girl scout I smiled and asked what they had taught her and she told me okay she might not be the best example. I pointed inside and told her to go ask her girlfriends how many of them were girl scouts and then ask the nice young lady watching my children if she was in the girl scouts and then ask who was say in the 4-H which by the way a couple of the horses in the barn belonged to children in 4-H and the FFA. Christina told me it seemed like I had something against girls scouts and I shook my head and told her not against the girls just in how the program was managed and how the management let the consumer of their product believe the money from the cookie sales stayed with the children. She asked if I had met said management and I told her I had designed several security systems for several of their office facilities around the country and the estate of the lady in charge of that whole racket but that was neither hear not there as they could also let the girls and their moms come out and help muck stables.

She told me I would also need a place for people to eat and that was why she came out in the first place and my dinner was probably once again looking like a hockey puck; and I should really change out the oven. I told her it worked for what it was and rarely used it, or the rest of the house for that matter. She told me after I built that big old bed she could not believe it. Smiling I told her until I was thrown I had not used it since the day she left. When she asked why not I told her it had felt empty. Walking in she looked around the room she spied Miriam and asked her when she had hooked up with that really cute fellow she was telling her about where did they sleep. Miriam looked at me and turned red; all the other women were looking at her and then me and finally my ex handler asked me when did this happen. I shrugged and told her while down in Florida seeing to some business someone offered to show me around the keys and then offered to show me around South Beach and then offered to show me around the inland waterways in Texas on her father in law's or rather her ex father in law's sail boat. When someone asked how big the boat was I told her that was privileged information.and anything else they wanted to know about details was none of their business and if they wanted to go their I could start asking them some questions and we could all go to bed hating each other or leave the past behind us and move forward but for the record Miriam and I are still good friends and we talk quite often and do so without digging into each other's bedroom lives and if they all did not mind I was tired and sore and did not mind them spending up all night and they would find on the far end of the equipment shed a kitchen of sorts and picnic area screened in which had a television, ping pong table, pool table and a poker table and if the Marshall's did not completely clean it out there was probably something to help them all go to sleep which they may want to do early as tomorrow about sunrise I would be firing up the iron and starting on the new rec center, pool and play ground so there would be some very loud noises like the chain saw when I fell two of those trees out front. Christina asked if I could do that all by myself and I told her John was here and he could run any one of those pieces of machinery and when it was time I knew some concrete guys and carpenters. When John came in I asked if he was here to just play prison guard.

He handed me the twins and told me he was going to ignore that question and I told him good because tomorrow we were going to start turning up some dirt for the new pool area, rec room, and play ground so we should probably drag that old trailer over and park to make it look like it belonged. Eyeing me he said he supposed since he had not heard of this before no one had seen the plans; I raised my hand and said I had and thankfully I was the foreman on the job as well as the hired help. Nodding her told me to get some rest and while he fired up everything maybe I could take a moment and borrow crayons from my kids and draw him a map like maybe where the water lines were; gas lines, phone lines and any other buried lines and point out where any sacred burial grounds were as he would rather not have natives trying to scalp him, again. He said just so I knew they had cleaned out that little dining area and hoped i did not mind they poured out the fire water. I told him it had not been mine and I would rather not some child walk in there and find out what pain and misery could be at such an early age. I told him good night and he nodded and told Miss Christina it was good to see her happy again. I eyed her as I went upstairs. I changed the twins and then after getting myself ready for bed I got them out of their beds as they were talking and brought them back to my room. That night instead of reciting poetry I started reciting some of Mark Twain's work. When Christina came in she told me she liked that kitchen I put in. I told her that was not me though I did pay for it and design it. She asked who put it in; I smiled and told her a couple of my prison guards had been planning on remodeling their kitchens so I held a little class on functional engineering meets design for the do it yourself and save all that money while avoiding the pitfalls of I do not have the slightest clue what I am doing. As she lay down she eyed me and told me she was hoping I would show her how to get rid of a headache. I told her first in her case it would have to pass but she might want to learn how to avoid that headache and if she was cool with it I would get back to my story. She told me they were sound asleep and I told her I know but I was not and neither was she. Smiling she told me to save my place, leaning over she kissed me and I could still taste the wine or as I kissed her I knew it was champagne. Three bottles of what was she thinking, of course I could also taste her toothpaste and her.

The fact was I liked champagne, I liked the minty taste of toothpaste and had been known at times in the field to carry a tooth brush and toothpaste just to brush my teeth to get the taste of dirt out of my mouth or oil and of course the taste of the smoke in the later years. Crazy how things make you jump back in time and tonight it was the toothpaste, champagne and the smell of my wife. The memories of earlier years which I had to recently go through as I had to detail out my life as an engineering contractor which also included civil engineering on a massive scale and that included the social aspects of society. Along with the aftermath of war and sometimes even the going in in anticipation of that war to help design plans to limit catastrophic infrastructure damage when possible I had seen the good side of people and tonight as she lay there as I studied her face I knew I was seeing Christina's good side which like her side that had caused me so much pain over the years was not one single thing it was an intricate interlocking of the various aspects of her life, my thoughts broke when she whispered whatever I was doing was working. I had looked down and watched as she was moving her legs. I sighed as I looked at the children and she told me Eskimo families as well as other indigenous tribes she recently had learned still all sleep in the same room. and after taking off her robe she looked at me and then shook her head and smiling told me it was just too bad I had so much self control and needed to get up before the crack of dawn.. When I moved the twins in between us and rolled I could feel my leg complaining. She waited until I got it comfortable and told me if I ever needed to she could kiss it and make it all better. Smiling I told her then when we started the dozing and playing in the sand box she could sit in my cab and kiss the entire time as it would be doing as much work as me arms. She told me she got to look at one of those machines when I built her the riding trail or rather my company built it for her and she liked those joysticks and how easy it was to make things move. Her hand was inside my waist band and told me she liked the feel of the power surging through her fingers. She had gotten my pants down and was holding on when her lawyer who I guess was my lawyer was standing in the doorway asking if she could use my bathroom as the others were all in use. Christina put her finger to my mouth and told her we charged by the hour so she had to make it quick, I told Christina we had twenty four cabins all with bathrooms three in this house and four in the barn, one in the equipment shed. Christina told me it was okay and being she just got here this evening and none of them new about the one in the equipment shed and probably did not realize there were even bathrooms in the barn or that the cabins were all unlocked even though they were all in use. I told her time out and asked how many people did she bring to our honey moon.

Smiling she told me that ended last night or rather early this morning when those men with guns showed up and would have ended this evening as everyone arrived. I asked who everyone was as I did not see my son or daughters out there, or mom or Steve. She told me Beth was here as was Maria; Ben's wife. I shook my head and she told me they had gotten here earlier but like me were leery of her behavior around some of these women so had stayed down in their cabins and helped clean up the dining hall. Grabbing her hand I pulled it up and held as I placed my hand over the twins who immediately grabbed onto it. I asked how many and she asked if she got it right did she get to play; I sighed and shook my head. Smiling she told me accounting had never been her strong suit which is why she guessed Beth would not let her take care of her own check book. I lay there watching her as she watched the twins and finally asked when she had to be back to work. She sighed and said she wished she did not have to go back but on Monday she had several consultations and one was a very nasty piece of business as she had to reverse the damage by a fly by night doctor who probably got their license out of their cereal box. I had started to doze when she asked when I had to be back to work. I told her officially I was now retired and now worked more or less as a consultant. Sitting up she told me I owned the company and I pulled her back down and told her some of the companies we now owned but they more or less held my shares of the security consultant company and the engineering and development company and though on paper I might be the boss I no longer received a pay check and did not have a say in the day to day operations. She was getting mad when she said I built the company and I put my finger to her mouth and told her actually the two companies which actively pursued business had been built by Steve, Beth and Carlos on the one hand and the Colonel and her three one time caretakers ran the security company but she should not worry her self over it as I still owned the larger percentage and they let me design some of the projects. Christina was going to talk all bight until I rearranged the sleeping layout with her tucked in front of me and the twins in front of her. I was half awake when her one time lover and friend walked out in her silk kimono style robe. I awoke early and had planned to be out but there was a stream of women who had to use my bathroom.so I stayed where I was holding Christina and the twins. I finally asked Miriam when she came what was up and she told me that the boys were out and and rerouting the water to the cabins so they had no hot water or any water. I told her I would trade her a massage for the use of my shower first. As she sat on the bed she looked at Christina and told me she looked happy again. I told her I hoped she was. I was in and out as I was thinking about the septic system which was no designed to take this much water and then realized it would have to be moved as well.

I was glad i got my shower when I did as the water in the house went off and my lawyer came out of the downstairs shower just as I was headed out the back her hair was still sudsy and she was naked; I pushed her back into the bathroom as the back door was open and told her once she had some clothes on she could rinse her hair in the barn as it was fed by a different well. Beth was outside in a hard hat and i pulled it off her head and asked what she thought she was doing and she told me she had taken a look at the land and figured where I would most likely put the pool, playground and rec center and some of the boys were down from Alaska so she called them and they traced the water main and found it was leaking because of those huge trees as was my septic system. Smiling I told her in the desert that was the secret to lush green grass and huge shade trees but that did still did not explain what she was doing as I did not hire her to do any work on this property which was owned by a company completely owned by me. She told me actually it was only half owned by me based on the state where I secretly got hitched and my better half knowing I would be stubborn asked her to find some help and up to now all they were doing was working on the water system which would not support any more. She told me the funny thing was the barn was on a different system. I told her it was because we had four wells on the property but were only using three. I told her first thing she needed to do was tell the women my house was off limits until further notice. As women made there way to the barn she told me she thought that one was already understood. I told her even after the water was turned back on. When the sheriff came walking up along the trench where new pipe was going in he nodded and as he approached me I told him we had a bit of a water leak and pointed to the trees. He looked up and I told him the septic was also going to need to be replaced. He asked if I was going to get my permits and I said as soon as I got town. As he watched the women walking back and forth I told him I was only guessing but the misses who did not get her bridal shower or her bachelorette on the account we had the justice of the peace sign his name on the paper had invited a few friends out for a honey moon is over party. As I walked with him he hit me up on the boy scout idea and I told him I was keeping that in mind with the swimming pool, play ground and rec room I was putting in. I watched how as soon as the new pipe was rolled in they were already trenching to the outbuildings. and I could tell they were using ground imaging to find a good place for a new septic system. When I noticed the trailer had been backed into the equipment shed I smiled. That thing had to be the oldest and ugliest piece of equipment left over from my early years and it never failed it ended up where I happened to be running a job site. Now Steve and Carlos provided nice large, climate controlled portable offices that needed their own temporary foundations. I told Beth that thing could never be dragged onto another job site again and we should think about finding a place to bury it. Christina with her a mess told me absolutely not; I asked why and she told me it had sentimental value and she wanted it turned into her temporary hideaway wherever I decided I was going to sleep outside.

Looking back as he headed toward the barn she said the only exception was it could not be parked in her driveway. Nodding to the sheriff I motioned for him to walk across the lawn which was already painted to show where the old septic tank was as well as the old water line. I told him if those boy scouts wanted to see something he should bring them out later when I dropped those two trees. I told Beth I needed some drawing paper and crayons. She eyed me and asked would a paper place mat do. I told her even better and we walked to the Marshall's hangout and there I sat down and free handed my drawings and penciled in my measurements. I told her that was for John and I would like some of the flag stone in the water fall to be actual flag stone as well as the coping. I then used my borrowed crayons to color a set of finished concept drawings. Beth went and scanned them into her computer and then printed several copies out. She handed he originals to John who told me it would be added my to his collection of design on a bar stool.

Plans Change A Story Continues 8

2011-12-27T02:34:00.000-08:00

I was almost forty eight when I started writing Christina, I knew the letters would be read by others but I did not care. It would stop whatever I was doing when I felt the urge which was daily. My letters were long as I tried to explain how I felt while I told her what I had been working on that day. At times I would explain the math behind the engineering other times I would draw a sketch of my latest project. I would also write about how sorry I was for not including her in on my life. Many times I had to pause in my writing to her as there were more questions and things that needed to be clarified or there was something that needed to be seen to. I would never fail to return to the letter and have it finished before I went to bed which was deep in into the night. Sometimes I would not finish it until the first light but I never missed the mail. It was not until I was almost fifty that the investigations came to an end I think part of it was I had taken up training horses and took a fall laying me up for almost two weeks but more so I supposed there was a changing of the guard in the halls of power and old war horses were being put to pasture, One of the things I did not write about to Christina was during my time sitting on the ranch was I had unofficially adopted twins during the last six months of my imprisonment for lack of a better term as I had been kept from visiting my family. They had come into this world by way of a teen daughter of one of the two marines who had watched over me in San Diego. The fact that his wife had left him to finish raising his children meant that the children raised themselves. There had been no paperwork just the question early on in her pregnancy when he was out visiting during his interview process on how I would deal with the situation. I have no idea if what had taken place was illegal but the Marshall's had not said a word and just went about helping me feed and care for these two children when a dad and his daughter who was too young to raise children on her own took a weekend to drive them out.

I had told her to finish school and get herself established and visit as often as she liked. It was a year into my letter writing that Christina began writing back; mostly they were short explaining how mom was doing and what the children were up to and how her new clinic was coming and how nice it was not to be in the rat race of medicine anymore and she told me about her newest hobby working with the Mercy Ships, and Doctors without Borders. She began telling about how because of my opening a new world to her she had also become involved with wounded warriors providing her surgical expertise in reconstructive surgery. She also told me the loneliness she used to feel at night which had driven her to others arms was much more tolerable living with mom there and Julie not far and she and Beth shared lunch almost daily. I finally asked her when I was sure my time was short if she would marry me again. It was the day the Marshall's told me they were leaving which was also the day I had just got back on my feet after taking a really bad tumble off a horse which I had neglected to tell Christina that she sent a letter asking when. I had decided to take the train back home. It was the same day the Marshall's were leaving and Christopher showed up with his fiance. I was also getting a ride from the Marshall's to the train station. Having never actually packed for infants before they were helping me. Having a schedule to keep meant my conversation with Christopher was in short snippets and when he realized the two infants I had pawned on him and his fiance to expedite the moving of equipment were a significant part of my life now he asked if there was something I needed to know. I told him he was carrying Carrie Ann and his lovely bride was carrying her twin Carl. As I hobbled through the house I told him as he looked that yes he was their older brother and I would love to talk more but I was on my way to get married and if he did not mind I was wondering if he could stay and see to the livestock until their grandfather showed up. The two women on the team who had kept me company went through their checklists before giving both infants hugs and then a kiss on my cheek. The train ride with two infants was pleasant even if I had to enlist the help of some of the other passengers and the porters as with me still using a cane and trying to pace the club car with two infants was difficult. Arriving in South Carolina to be met by Christina who had an odd look on her face which grew to one of alarm as I was helped with the double stroller and getting the twins into it by a young mother who was very pregnant and on her way to see her husband who had been transferred to the Carolina's recently.

As I greeted her once all of our luggage was gathered and on the cart she mentioned Christopher had called and she was wondering if there was something to discuss. I asked if she thought the preacher would be at the church, when she asked why I told her I was getting married. She did not get mad but raised and eyebrow as the young mom walked by and wished me luck. Smiling I told her thanks for the company and it was she that would need some divine intervention. As Christina lead me to the car she asked who that young thing was; I looked at her and told her I had met her on the train and she not being able to sleep and me still needing the use of a cane was having trouble walking two infants whose schedules had recently been turned upside down was very grateful for her help in burping them and making those mother sounds as I sucked at them. She nodded and said so those were mine and I told her yes. She then asked where the mother was and I told her she was finishing high school and then would be going to college next year. Christina stopped and looked around and asked if everything I had written to her over the last couple years was a lie and then she asked if I seriously got a teen girl pregnant. I almost laughed until I thought what it must look like and told her no I did not get a teen girl pregnant and the only person I remember getting pregnant was her when she was a teen so I guess yes I did get a teen girl pregnant but it was not the mother of these two but yes they were now my children as she was too young to have to be worrying about school and raising children. She told me she was relieved to hear that because Christopher did not tell her much but we should have discussed it first and maybe I should have told her first.

Julie pulled up in a truck and looked at me and the infants in the stroller and then shook her head. I told Christina maybe I was wrong to come without warning her. Julie was near tears when she climbed out the truck and asked how could I. I asked her to be more specific, when she pointed down to the twins I told her if she did not like them then she did not need to have anything to do with me or them. I looked around to see how I was getting home as the truck was not big enough and at the moment I did not think my daughter wanted me riding with her. Seeing a cab a shuttle I waved it over and with a stunned daughter and Christina who had raised and eyebrow I got the luggage and the children tucked into their car seats with the help of the shuttle driver. Mom was waiting and she was all smiles winking she whispered she heard through the grapevine I had adopted a couple of little ones Seeing me with the cane she asked when I acquired the use of its services. I told her shortly after hurting my back and breaking my leg when I got thrown off a young filly. Julie had walked in during the conversation and glared at me, mumbling it served me right. Mom was going to say something to her but I touched her arm. I asked where her mom was and was told she stopped at the store on the way home. Julie finally asked if I loved mom and I told her yes I did in spite of myself. She asked if this was my way to get back at her and I laughed and told her if she though my adopting two children was to get back at her mom she needed to talk to someone.but at the moment that was not me as I needed to get two infants fed, bathed and in bed so if she wanted to throw a tantrum go somewhere else as I was too tired and while she was at it she should call her brother and tell him to stop spreading rumors. Mom picked up the boy and told me he did kind of look like me. When Christina walked in with bags she asked why Julie was sitting outside and I told her the girl was throwing a fit and mad at me for having an affair. Christina told me her fiance had just called it off. I told her since I was not the fiance I was not taking the blame. She watched as I bathed both children in mom's sink after first doing the dishes. Handing first Carrie Ann and then Carl before hobbling over to the table.

She asked as I sat down how if I had all those babysitters did I get hurt this time. I told her they had not been able to protect me from myself are that little she devil. Christina asked which one that might be; I told her she was the daughter of The Beast and had a temper worse than her dad; she said she was assuming I was talking about that horse. I nodded and said yes I was talking about that horse and his daughter had decided at the last minute she did not want me on her back and sent after slamming me into the fence she threw me off and nearly ended my days of walking. Once the children were in bed she asked if I wanted to come over. Mom told me to go ahead and walk her home. There was now a paver stone path from mom's to the old barn. I commented on the pattern; she smiled and said that was Christopher and he had pulled it up twice because it was not perfect. Walking to the back of her new SUV she opened it and told me she noticed I did not have cribs. Smiling I told her I did but they were so dang heavy and not really all that portable. I noticed the bags and she told me she also picked up a few other things; I told her they did have clothes; smiling she told now they had more clothes and toys and books. I told her she did not have to as they did have toys and books. She asked if I had brought them and I asked her if she ever tried stuffing a Great Pyrenees into a suitcase. She asked since when did I get a dog; I told her since I had been stuck at home and needed someone to talk to.he had been gifted to me. She shook her head and told me a dog was not a toy and I whispered she might want to keep that down as those two thought he was.

Smiling as I sat down on her porch swing she told me she just did not see me as playing daddy; I saw Julie coming down and pointed; Christina told me she would give me that one as I had been the main care giver while she finished school. Looking around at the still ongoing landscaping projects I told Christina I was sorry I put her threw what she had to go through. As she took a seat next to me she put her hand in mine and waited for Julie. Walking slowly she came over and looked at me, and finally asked why I had adopted twins, I told her when I went to the bay store I had been looking for triplets but they were out and seeing twins were on sale I went with them instead. She told me she was being serious; I asked what was really bugging her. She told me I was not married and I told her last I heard neither was she. She asked who was going to change their diaper and I told her the same person who changed her diaper. she came back with mom would be busy and I told her when her diapers needed changing mom had been busy as was the case with another little girl and then I told her I was sad to say that by the time a little boy had come along I had found myself too intertwined with another mess to help out. She asked what mess would that be and I shrugged saying my life. Christina squeezed my hand. Julie finally said she came down to apologize; I told her thank you but right now I was busy helping her mom plan a wedding. When she asked who getting married I told her I was. I glanced at Christina who squeezed my hand when Julie asked to who and began reading me the riot act. I could not help but smile as my oldest daughter only fifteen years younger than I acted like a six year old throwing a tantrum. When she calmed down she asked her mom if she knew I was getting married. Christina told her she had become aware of of my intentions recently; Julie asked if she was okay with it and was told by Christina that yes she was okay with it as I was a grown man who was now free to do as I wished. I told her there were a few limitations on that freedom but since I was planning on ignoring them I supposed I was free, She told my soon to be wife would have another set of limitations. Smiling I told her depending on what they were I might ignore them as I planned on sneaking into my children's mothers bed as often as I like; she asked if I was speaking of my younger or older children. I told her the older children's of course; Julie was incredulous and told me I could not sleep with mom if I was married. I told Christina that in that case I will go check on my children and she could sneak into my room and sleep with me.

When Christina asked if we were going to sleep sleep or not sleep I smiled and said a little of both as the twins were teething as if it was planned I heard the scream of Carrie Ann, smiling I mentioned yet another woman to scream at me. Christina looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and then told me she had to be up early for a procedure. I nodded and headed up to mom's house, reminding myself my boots and the walkway did not go together. Mom was doing her best with my second oldest looking on holding her little brother who though he cried he did so silently. Saying hello as i fetched the little girl who toned down her screaming once I had her tucked into my arm and started my slow rhythmic pace. My number two daughter wanted to know what I had done. I told her to hush as I began reciting cowboy poetry which I had become fond of over the last few years. I had settled Carrie Ann down when I heard a car pull in down at Christina's and then Christina tell someone to please leave and then a male voice ask if he was here. Julie was at the back door winded. She had a look of fright, not outright terror but fright. I just kept pacing when a man walked into the back door I asked if I could help him; he asked if I was him. I told him to lower his voice or he would wake up my daughter and asked if he was related. He looked confused and I asked if he was related, when he asked what. I told him he was in my mom's house and at the moment it was family only so I wanted to know if he was family. He shook his head and I told him I would walk him back to his car. I kept Carrie Ann, now sleeping again, tucked into my arm as I used my cane to back the man out of mom's house. He asked if I was a cousin and i told him no I was a son but right now he needed to concentrate and hush so he did not wake my daughter. I began walking down and saw the huge 4x4 and told him that was a nice truck reminded me of one owned by a good ole boy I once new before I dropped out of school.

When he asked if I was actually Chrissy's brother, I told him it was something like that. Christina was up in her room looking out the window and did not look happy. I asked the man what his relation to Christina was. I could smell the alcohol now, and he got loud as he told me the old girl and him got back together after all these years. I opened the door and told him it seemed more like he was living out a fantasy in his own child like world; when he went to speak I put my cane to his mouth and told him to keep it down as the mother of my sleeping daughter had to get some rest. Pointing to the truck I told him to get in and be careful as the local officers were very good at their jobs. When he looked toward the old barn I asked if he needed some help with the instructions. To appease him I told him when he was sober to stop by and we would chat about old times but my guess was his wife was wondering where the hell he was at. When Carrie Ann started screaming again he left and I read the his personalized license plate. The one time superstar of the local ball team still went by Bubba. I looked up and could tell Christina was standing behind the curtains. I took up my stroll and poetry reciting again, it took almost until local bar closing before the girl fell back asleep. I continued to walk for another couple of hours before heading back to moms where I took over her brother who was actually making noise, not as loud as his sister but the boy had lungs. Thankfully he quieted almost immediately when we went outside I sat up rocking him in the swing in front of the barn. Christina woke me there; I did not ask but she told me when she started going back to church she ran into Bubba again and had lunch with him a couple of times and now he thought they were an item. I told her men were like that, married or not as were some women. She asked how I knew he was married, I told her the tan lines where his ring should be kind of gave it away. I changed the subject by asking if she was driving herself to work. Just then Beth pulled into the drive, she almost flipped a lid when she saw me and then seeing the infant in my arms she asked when I became a grandfather. I looked down my nose and told her watch who she was calling grandpa; but to my knowledge I was not yet a grandfather but I was the proud father of paternal twins. She asked if my fiance new what she was getting into. I told her since she just found out right before her boyfriend stopped by we really had not had time to talk about it.

She looked at Christina and asked if he really had come over and when she looked away I told her he did and demanded to know if I was here but I sent him home to his wife and if she was still the secretary at the church I might just see her before he comes by. Christina looked at me with that odd expression and I asked if she really did not know he had married the girl who replaced her as captain of the cheerleading squad and had six urchins not that I believed they were all his. Beth told me Steve told her the same thing at the last church picnic so we either got our gossip at the same doughnut shop, I cut her off and told her actually we both just very observant and then I told her I did know Steve had to put him in the drunk tank a few times and the last time I had spent any real time at home he had been on six month vacation which is when I am pretty sure she went out and got her self knocked up with the last one. Beth handed Carl back to me and told Christina to get a jump on it. When she went back in and came out with her attache case, her coffee and her white lab coat she came by and gave me a peck on the cheek and told me thanks for not starting something last night. I smiled and told her I did not start stuff and gave her a kiss on the lips and then told her she had to go. I walked back up to mom's after they left and found Carrie Ann in a happy mood and could smell the brandy. My second oldest was feeding her and I asked how was school these days; she looked up and then told me she had taken some time off after our last little adventure and went on a mission trip to Australia and when she came home she got a job working for Beth. I asked if she should not be going and she yawned and told me she had called Beth to tell her she had been up all night with her little brother and sister as they were crying and making a fuss and she was just trying to keep the peace. I asked what her job was and she told me right now she was just a secretary but there was room for advancement as they were a growing company. Mom took Carl off my hands and told me just so I did not get any ideas there was nothing between Bubba and Christina; I told her at least not since junior high. Mom held Carl's ears and I told her he might be stopping by later so we could talk.

She told me not to start something and I told her if Christina was not smart enough not to go to lunch with that fool I was going to make sure he was smart enough to say no. Mom told me one of those lunches did not count as they only sat across from each other at a church picnic. I asked if his wife had been sitting with them and she had to stop and think about it before she told me that she had never paid attention but they never sat together at church or on any of the outings. I asked if she was still the secretary and was told yes but enough talk I needed my shower and a nap. I took the shower but not the nap as I started pulling the prefab furniture out of the Range Rover; I stopped when I realized how cheaply made they were and seeing she bought them at a local furniture store I after a little time of shut eye on the swing went and round up the children or the three that were at the house. Returning the crap furniture was as simple as explaining my fiance had gotten overzealous when I showed up with my children to surprise her and she did not realize I had already made cribs, changing tables and had started on their bunk beds and had to pause when I was thrown from a horse. I told the sales man to just put the money back on the card. We drove all the way up to our new office complex or what had been new the last time I was home and that is where I found Christina had opened her new medical practice. Steve had not known I was even coming home and was surprised to see me and asked if I was ready to take over and I told him only if he changed diapers while I went for a two hour lunch and a nap. When Christina came up our daughter told her I returned all that baby furniture and told the man i had already built them beds. Christina was the doctor right now and looked over her reading glasses at me; I told her she was cute when she was mad and then gave her a kiss. She sighed and asked if I had kept the clothes and I told her that stuff and even the toys which would soon find there way into the ancient toy burial grounds had been saved. She told me there was no such thing and her second oldest told her yes there was and that was where all the deceased toys had been buried or at least the ones dad could not fix and it was out back in the woods.

She asked whose idea was that and i told her it was dads idea as a way for me to deal with losing everything that had been taken from me when I came home and it had been a good place to sit and reflect and for someone to play doctor. She went red and then put her hand to her mouth; I asked if she was okay and she told me she had that old amphitheater bulldozed when she put in a riding trail. Beth asked if that was everyone went back in high school to be alone. Christina gave her a look. I changed the subject and asked if she was ready for lunch. She told me not a two hour lunch as she had more patients to see. I told her I just needed to change little ones. Someone from the back called out and said she heard a familiar voice. I was holding both the twins as I hobbled down the hall. When she saw saw the children she asked whose children were they and I told her mine. She asked why she wasn't invited to that party; and realized real quick what she said. I found the conference room and shoved some papers out of the way and began the process of changing two children. I was done in rather short time and Beth told me I could always hire myself out as a babysitter. My lawyer asked where the mom was and Christina told her she was probably sitting in her high school cafeteria day dreaming. The look I got from both Steve and my lawyer were not pleasant so I added that the biological father was probably trying to start the process over with some other unsuspecting dreamy eyed girl and the mother of these two who had been dreamy eyed was anything but these days and when she was ready and settled after deciding her career path she may decide it was her turn to finish raising them. Christina was the first to realize I was telling the truth and asked what about her parents; I looked up and told her dad a career marine was now facing the prospect of raising his own children on his own as if wife decided it would be more fun to go row someone else's boat and spend her evening's out dancing and romancing and when he asked for help I offered as really how much did I really have to do these days besides trying not to get killed training that lithe little hellion filly. Christina said that would be the daughter of that stallion. When Carrie Ann began fussing I apologized to Christina but I would have to pass on lunch after all. Beth told me nonsense she could handle it; I told her she could try and as soon as I handed off the girl the screaming started bringing everyone out; almost immediately when I took her back she calmed down. I was at that point wondering if coming had been such a good idea but once we were along the river both the children saw the ducks and heard the waterfall so I started my slow walk while I recited poetry. Walking the whole park and back without use of the cane and carrying both the twins had been challenging but my leg was not as sore as I thought it would be. I made use of the office to feed and change them again and then as I was getting ready to leave after taking a look at a report for a security analysis which I said I would need more information to weigh in on I began to leave and found Christina waiting with all three of my children. Christina told me she hoped I liked Chinese as that was what Julie and Christopher were picking up. We made it to the church just before the office closed the long legged now in her fifties brunette recognized me immediately and then saw Christina; she lost the excitement in her smile and I asked what she and her husband were doing later. She told me he just called and was actually getting off early saying he was going to see an old friend I nodded and told her last night when he stopped by to talk I had been busy with the teething.

She looked at Christina and told her she missed those days; Christina pointed to me and said that had been my job on the first one and then on the third the older girls took the brunt.I told her the reason I had really stopped was to talk to the pastor she told me we had a new pastor now. I nodded and said I hoped he knew how to talk when he was awake because, both women laughed when I said never mind. When I was asked about what I told her I had these twins and figured they needed a mom so I was looking to settle down and get hitched and I might as well see if he could do the dedicating thing while he was at it. She asked who was the lucky woman and I looked at Christina and she caught herself before she groaned. I told her we were having Chinese and bring what ever of her rugrats she could dig up over. When we got back into the Range Rover Christina called Julie and told her buy enough food to feed the state. She then looked at me and asked if she knew that she and Miss Tuffet never got along and knowing now who her husband was kind of put her attitude toward her in a different light. I told Christina what I needed to tell that man was for his woman as well as she should really know what he was doing. Christina looked in the back at the now sleeping twins and asked me if I was serious about being a mom. I smiled and said for all intensive purposes they would know who there mom was but I would really like for them to see something other than a broken down old war horse and think that was what a family was. She told me they were rather attached to me; I nodded and said since they were a week old they had been with me and before I got busted up this time they had even gone on rides and slept down by the creek with me. She told me they were too young to go camping and I told her they never once complained and seemed to prefer life outside and all the books said dirt was good for a kid. She asked since when did I read books on parenting; i smiled and told her lately not at all but when she was pregnant with Julie and dad pulled me out of school did not mean I was off the hook from studies even though he allowed me a lot of leeway in what I studied. beyond math, reading, the Bible and history. She looked at me and asked what were my favorite subjects and I told her to be honest sexed and human anatomuy and of course I used books on human reproduction and sex like the Kama Sutra as my study guide.and because I had real life specimen in my bed every night learning was so much more alive for me then the others sitting day in and day out in class listening to lectures.

Looking at me she told me if it had not been for me she would have quit school and probably would have become a secretary or a bar maid. I told her don't knock either of those professions as some of the best people I knew did both. She use her foot to give me a little kick on the leg, I caught it and removing her shoe I began massaging it as I drove which caused her skirt to ride up her leg. I almost went off the road twice stealing looks. After the second time she told me that was enough and should use both hands meaning on the wheel. Pulling into the drive to the barn I already knew Bubba was already there. Luckily so was Steve and Beth along with their youngest two who should be leaving soon or already left, then I remembered we were in the south and mostly no one ever left. Because mom and dad ran a decent sized company these young adults had seen the world or more of it than any of their peers, that alone in the south would set them apart and open opportunities not otherwise available. Bubba was studying the construction of the house barn. When his wife pulled in behind us I saw he looked a bit confused. Getting out I limped and I watched as Christina busied herself with helping me with the twins; she whispered that I owed her big time for inviting her fan club and her not very secretive admirer over. I told her as Beth came over to take the twins to grandma and let her help them develop their taste for bourbon, She told me they were too young to drink; I nodded as I made the teeth cleaning motion and told her it worked. I took a seat on the swing with my cane handy when I heard the vehicle at Mom's house I told Steve's children to go see how they could help. When they were gone Bubba asked if I really turned the barn into a house; his wife told him that was why I dropped out of school as a freshman so I could build my wife a house. I could here the sneer in her voice. I told her yes and know as actually dad wanted to teach me a trade as he knew I was not one for sitting in school listening to some teacher drone on. Bubba told me he built houses and this was nice work; I told him my son and few of his friends had to remodel it a year ago as aunt and termites had gotten into it over the years of no one living in it.

I let him jabber on for awhile and then told him I wanted to know why he barged into my mom's house last night after drinking. His wife's eyes got big. I knew when he got home the storm would come down. He told me he was just stopping it to see how things were going and I told him when Christina told him to leave he should have and I was wondering who he met when he asked her if He was here. Steve looked at me, I stood up slowly just in case and told Bubba if he wanted to check to see if I was home to go home first and call from his house and if I was not at home to please refrain from coming over drunk or otherwise and it might help folks know his marital state if he kept his wedding band on when he was not at work so that a jealous fiance would not think awful things about him when he found out he had lunch a coupe of times with his betrothed and the mother of his children. That set his wife off and I stepped in before it got physical on his part and when he decided to push with nothing more then a couple of moves with the cane I tripped him up and put him on the ground and told him he really needed to take a long look at his lovely bride and realize he had something and someone no one else had and to stop treating her as one of his dammed mongrel dogs and then he should sell that ridiculous truck and by his wife a really nice SUV and get himself a point a to point b vehicle as he no longer had to impress the women as he had a perfectly good one at home. He told me if Steve was not here; I told him if Steve was not here I would have already put a world of hurt on him since his daddy never did or at least not properly and if he ever came over and scared my children again or their mother or my mom; he better pray as i would not be responsible for what happened. When mom rang the bell for dinner I reached a hand out and told him I was hungry and knew he was too and as far as I was concerned this was the end of the conversation but if I happened to actually show up in church and see a bruise on one of his children or his wife was wearing too much base to cover up the bruising I would tan his hide in front of the whole congregation and then turn myself into the sheriff. Looking at his wife I told her I knew she thought she got the short end of the stick but I also knew he was not the only one to blame in their marital spats so she needed to cool it on the flirting with other men and start flirting with her own husband like she did back in high school. She asked and how was that; I looked at Steve who told me she could always open the door when he came home the way she did for him in the janitor's closet at homecoming their sophomore year. I asked if I had not heard she once called him in the middle of the night and invite him to play two hand touch with her on the fifty yard line.

I saw it in his eyes first and then he asked how I knew about that and I pointed out back and asked where did they end up and since that old amphitheater was on my parents property and someone was as loud as a banshee that night I thought someone was getting murdered. His wife covered her mouth and I told her it was okay she was not the first I had found in the throws of passion and not the last. As he looked I told him it was gone now, having been recently replaced by the riding trail but if he was bent on keeping his boy toy he should at least stick his wife in the skimpiest bikini he could find her and drive her up to some lake in the mountains to help remind her why he married her in the first place. When the bell rang again I told them that marriage counselling session was over and I was hungry and I know at any minute one of the twins was going to let out a war cry. When Carrie Ann started in it did not take long for one of their children to come running. I told them to go ahead and I would catch up. She asked what if she did have a bikini; I told her I would lend her a towel and as soon as they got on some deserted dirt road she could rip it off open that sun roof of his and stand up and scream. Looking at him I said since he was driving he could not drink and since she was about to do the craziest thing in her life I would give her a bottle of wine. When he asked if I meant tonight I looked at her and she said hell yes tonight. I told her first get something to eat and we would figure out how to get her children to bed on time. She told me good luck; I held up my finger and told him if he would mind please apologize to Christina for any causing her to have any misconceptions. As they went ahead of us Steven told me that had been the craziest thing he had ever heard; I told him it was either that or beat him with my stick and that did not seem all that manly and would make me feel like a grandpa. He asked who tried to kill me now and I told him some half crazed lunatic filly who did not want me riding her. He told me he was hoping I meant a horse. Bubba and his wife ate real fast and I had to ask if Christine had a bottle of wine and a large beach towel she did not care if she got back. Julie went to get them and when I handed them to Bubba I told him the wine he could not touch. She told her children to do what the man with the stick told them to do. The oldest daughter tried to leave almost as soon as they left and I asked when I blocked her with the cane if she was in such a hurry to ruin her life.

I spent an hour haggling with her until I told her I had an idea she could invite six of her closest girlfriends over and sleep out by the campfire and roast marshmellows and listen to cowboy poetry and then I would not have to tell her mom and dad when they got back from their anniversary celebration what a twit she was. She looked at me strangely and told me it was not their anniversary and I asked if was not then what were they celebrating for. She told me fine and asked then what was the towel for and I told her so that she would not get arrested when they drove through town to get to the mountains which she would not have had to worry about if she had a bikini. Thankfully her siblings were otherwise occupied but Christina spewed her wine when it dawned on her what I had just said. The girl said it was a school night and I told her than maybe she would like to have a rain check and i could tell them stories about their parents when they were in high school. When she thought about she asked what she had to do, I told her she needed to be responsible and help get those critters she calls brothers and sisters to lay down and go to sleep and she could either do it hear outside and or at home but they all had to get up in time to go to school. She told me her mom told her I had dropped out; smiling I told her actually I just transferred to and Independent Study program which was more hands on. Christina was by the sink having cleaned herself up from the last spewing of wine and did it again. I asked if she was okay; as the girl went to talk to her brothers and sisters all of whom wanted to camp out which brought Steve and Beth's son and daughter, who had been telling stories of their adventures in the west and beyond to offer to stay, I told them by midnight all had to be quiet so as no to annoy the lions; when I was told there were no lions by one of the boys in need of a haircut I told him how would he know with all that hair always getting in his way. I told him if he happened to go on a hike I hoped it did not get in his way from seeing the talons of the owl when they reached out. I saw Steve's sons eyes catch my meaning and he smiled. As they all left I said I hoped he knew enough to stick to the riding trail. Christopher told me that was almost two miles long and i told him then they should be very tired and ready for bed so we needed to find sleeping bags or bedrolls for them to sleep on around the campfire. Mom asked what about the twins I told her the bourbon seemed to be doing the trick so I thought we would sleep inside tonight. Thankfully that night there was not much of a fuss beyond the feed me now and change my diaper so mom and Beth took to getting them ready for bed but neither would fall asleep until I held them and recited poetry.

When I stopped Christina was on the couch, Steve and Beth had already gone home; I could here my daughters on the back porch talking in a hushed whisper and Christopher's voice was reading a book or something to the crowd of munchkins down the hill. Mom came out and helped me get the children back to the bed. I woke up Christina and got her moved off the couch and into the bedroom; she smiled lazily as I helped her undress seeing the twins she asked where I was going to sleep and I told her not to worry about it for tonight as I changed into something more comfortable. She traced the scar on my shoulder and told me the muscle seemed to be coming back nicely. She saw the small incision where the doctors had gone in to look at my spine. She asked if I knew Christopher had taken up yet one more hobby and I told her other than what she had told me in her letters I had been kept on a very close leash when it came to communications and I was not so sure when I wrote my first one if they would let me send it but his prison keepers kept him in a full supply of paper, pens and envelopes and kept taking them to the mailbox. Christina told me to be honest she at first did not open them as after all those interrogations which she blamed me for she just wanted to hide away when she was not working and then got the opportunity to serve on a Mercy Ship and then with doctors without borders and the wounded warrior project all of which she had her numerous admirers. I smiled and told her i could not blame a single one. She smiled and told me the most frustrating part of all that was that it seemed everyone knew she was Mr.C's woman and they called her Dr. C. I asked when she said they all what did she mean. Smiling she told me every soldier she had seen was very courteous and most of the crew and many of the doctors on the ship new of me not to mention the numerous missionaries. She looked up and told me even in the Middle East when she was helping with the women she heard the whispers and even though she could not speak the language Mr C sounds the same. I told her she watched way to many movies. She finally asked where the name came from and I told her my signature since every alias I had ever used had a name that started with C in it I just had to modify the signatures only slightly and could use either hand. She told me she never wanted to go through that again; I nodded and told her for me this may have been the longest investigation I had partaken of but it was not the first but hopefully it was the last but I kind of thought it might not be. Before she could say anything else I told her to close the chapter and leave it behind.

She lay there for a long time drifting from the twins then to me before telling me thank you for tonight and asked exactly what the towel was for I told her like I said it was so the misses did not get arrested for indecent exposure on their way to the mountains and my guess she would like it under he backside when they remind themselves the night she invited that clown to play touch football at the high school and then ended up in the amphitheater to which someone had elbowed me to go find out what was the cause of the noise which kept her awake. She asked why would they go there and I told her probably the same reason she had gone there her first time, it was secluded, her parents never went there and in her case he had already been there with someone else and in his minuscule mind it was probably romantic. Christina realize I knew who her first time was with and the look of fear came over her; kissing her I told her i did not care and was still going to marry her and then wrap her in a towel so that when we got on some secluded beach she could rip it off and let her hair down a little before I reminded her of why we got married in the first place. I was told she needed something more than a towel under her backside; as I stood to look at her I smiled and told her get some sleep as i would have my bedroll. Walking around the bed I moved the pillows defining the area for the twins and lay down. When they fussed a little I pulled them over to where I could keep a hand on them and felt their little hands on mine as I fell asleep to my reciting poetry. Christina was busy for the next two days so I saw her in short bursts and she told me she was scheduled to leave the following week for a month on board the Mercy Ship. I told her my return ticket was for the following Monday as I agreed to let grandpa hang out with the twins before his leave was up. She asked if she knew their grandpa and i told her he was one of my caretakers during my imprisonment on the base in San Diego but now that I had lost my help on the ranch I would be alone to do the chores and care for the twins. She told me she was not giving up her career and I told her I was not asking her to and if she did not want to get hitched this weekend I was patient as it was not like sex was a necessity to live; she told me to speak for myself which must have caused my face to change as she told me there was on one else and had not been since Miriam. That raised my eyebrow but I did not say anything as I began the slow process of packing I blurted out we should invite her to the wedding and then we could have a co bachelor/bachelorette party; Christina had stopped and did not say anything for awhile and asked me if I knew that woman would still love to be the woman underneath me or on top or any way I wanted to have her. I told her that was not going to happen and she asked me if I could honestly say if even if she gave me permission i would not let that woman make love to me.

I told her no, she told me she did not see how, I told her I had had the opportunity on more than once occasion because I realized it would not be making love but having sex for the sake of having sex and if that was all I saw in a woman I might as well pay for it. Christina asked if she wanted me to have sex with her right then would I; I told her that with her I would be making love and if that was really what she wanted i would ask her to wait for me to get the twins to sleep and then we should probably go to her house. Smiling she told me she had bought a portable play pen. The only reason we got of bed that weekend was to take care of the twins or to take a shower together which was when we also bathed the twins. Carrie Ann thought the water falling was the best thing since the bottle her brother on the other hand got reminded what breasts were and kept trying to latch on the Christina's which were very tender. Christina surprised me when she changed her schedule so we could go see the judge skipping out on the whole church thing and then grabbed a ticket on the train and snuck into our cabin. She wanted to know how we were going to work the living situation and I told her I had already been planning on moving the livestock and letting Beth do whatever she was going to do with the place. Once at the ranch with Grandpa and mom there along with her siblings I watched as Christina wandered through the changed property which I was forever working on. She was thoroughly impressed with the guest cabins By the twenty fourth trial as she called our activities I was wondering where her energy came from as she would be wide awake telling me how to improve on what I had built. At the end of that first week she had somehow without our guest knowing to have sex in every building on the ranch and the day they said good bye and we found ourselves alone she gave up on getting dressed except when we went into town. She did pace herself the second week as I was doing all the chores but thankfully she took on the twins as much as she could which she had to cut back as she spent a lot time on the phone and when she needed to make a video conference she would do up her hair, throw on a blouse, simple make up and a lab coat. It was late toward the end of the second week and we had gone to the kitchen after a long spell of me walking the twins to put them asleep.

I thought she was getting out the making for a sundae until I remembered there was no ice cream, we had not done this since I could not remember. Both of us were tired when we lay down on the bear rug in front of the fire. I did not expect the three women who walked in with us laying there, Miriam, my lawyer and a very tall actress. I had started to get up when Christina told me to stay as it was not what I thought. I got up anyways and told her I had to check on the twins. She came and found me in the shower and told me she had not expected them until the morning; I told her I was not putting on a show for them and she said she knew that. I asked then why were they here. She did put on a robe that night and let me get dressed and then brought me out and stayed in my arms in the kitchen when she told the women the reason she asked them to go out was because during the last two weeks while on her honeymoon which she was sure her husband was wondering if it will ever end she realized there were a lot of wounded warriors whose families could use a place to come to away from every day life and this fellow she knew had been keeping himself busy during his time as recluse and had built this really awesome old west town which because he had this awesome night vision he neglect to put any kind of lights out so they could not see it until morning, but the twins were upstairs sleeping if they wanted to peak in. All three women ran upstairs and when they came back down they studied me for a long time and asked if I as sure I had adopted them as they both had my nose. I told them unless there was a sixteen year old me running around trying to get into the pants or skirts of every girl in San Diego County it was not me. Christina stepped away as she turned to face me and taking a seat she told me she had never been introduced to my parents. I looked at her like she was off her rocker and she told me not my our parents but my biological parents. I told her funny thing was neither had I so I could not help her there. I excused myself and told her since she had company she told me not a chance as her honeymoon was not over and just as soon as I got our friends settled in one of those nice big fluffy beds I better come right back and I had five minutes. I hurried them out and down to the first cabin and told them they were all unlocked and the light switches were in the same place in each cabin and if I did not come up for air in three hours please feel free to feed the horses but do not try to ride the mare in the round pen or go into pet her.

Miriam asked what the rush was and I told her I was afraid of what that women would thing up as a punishment if I was late. All three laughed and I heard someone tell me they could feel my agony. Christina was sitting in a rocker with a cup of tea in front of the fire. Using her finger she called me over and I looked dubiously at her. She laughed and told me I was not the only one sore and tired so she needed a break as well but still I was overdressed for a man on his honeymoon. I shook my head and she told me getting married was my idea and she had read a lot of books over the years which gave her a lot of ideas and we were making up for lost time. Once I was sitting with her curled up on my lap she told asked if I was still planning on moving all those cows as she could use a few and a few horses. I asked her what for and would they be experienced riders. She told me probably not as many of the men whose families would be coming out here were missing limbs. I asked if she was planning on having the amputees round up cattle. She said yes she was and for them to camp out under the stars with their families and to help pay for it she wanted to rent out the ranch for other camps or movies, retreats or whatever. I had to smile at her ideas and asked since when did she become such an astute business woman. She told me she was not going to run it on a day to day basis as that was my field of expertise. I told her as much as I liked the idea I was not running anything on a day to day basis any more and in reality I had never been that great of an administrator. She nodded and I told her my life right now consisted of twins who in the next months will not be content to just be held, my horses, that big old dog on the front porch. She stopped me and said she had not yet seen any dog; I told her he was lying on the front porch right now as I suspected he was wondering why no one was at the creek. When she opened the door he or rather it walked in as he was a muddy mess. She told me he needed a bath as he shook mud and water all over the entryway. I told her to have fun with that as I was going to bed and he or rather it was not coming and in the morning if she really wanted to give him a bath she could do so in the barn. The dog plopped down on the hardwood floors in order to try to stay cool. I laughed when she gave him a bowl of water which he immediately dumped with his front paw and lay his head in the water. I told her she could leave the front door open in case he wanted to go out.

I stood and watched as she shower for the tenth time in just over twenty four hours. I smiled when it she told me she really was sore as I could help with that.

Plans Change The Story Continues 7

2011-12-26T03:13:00.000-08:00

After that first week of questioning which got moved from California to Arizona, I was allowed to stay at the ranch at night to continue to oversee my business. Christina who they suspected had a larger part to play in all that happened over the last years was thrust thanks to my lawyer back into my lap so to speak. The military I supposed saw it as beneficial as they did not have to care for my shoulder or at least not directly which kept me from having to explain what happened. I was allowed to accompany her and because of my still having clearance they more than once had me listen on her questioning which started easy enough with questions on what she knew about this event or that event. Because of the nature of the topics being looked into it seemed prudent to me as well as to the investigating team to use my lawyer as she had a background and clearance. With men and women now actually investigating the sequence of event which I new was a witch hunt of sorts the questions became more personal as being in the business I was in for so many years I did have privileged information which if I had passed it on to my wife and she passed it on to someone else it would have been considered espionage. I had to listen in on her answers as she gave the names of the lovers she had taken over the years. Many of the questioners were men and at times when they got into a line of questioning that had nothing to do with the topics and I knew they were just prying for their own twisted purposes I did not hesitate to call them on it and got into more than one toe to toe where I calmly explained if they continued to harass the mother of my children I would have words with them. One special agent pushed back one day and tried to get physical with me and I sent him to the hospital needing to get stitches after his face and a table collided very swiftly.

It was when they wanted me to open my books that I told them unless they had a warrant it was not happening, the fact we were already working with two states on our audits kept the feds at check as much of the money that had been funneled through FES was government and opened a whole different investigation as to what, when, who, why, where and how. Somebody had sent the IRS in and Steve and his wife as well as Carlos's team of accountants who were the people I had seen in those meeting rooms danced around the IRS agents. They could not find anything wrong in our accounting and set about harassing us and tried several times to throw fines at us. When they were about to seize funds from an account my contacts in both the banking world and the government were so good we would move them so that when the banks were asked to turn over funds there were none there. I got this crazy idea one day after finding out the amount of the settlements in California which I had never received and counted as a tax loss. I took the number and the settlement orders which I finally received and offered the full amount of the uncollected settlement to them which caused them to try to get it from the various entities in California thus removing them from my hair. In return for their harassment we returned the favor by formally complaining and bringing suit against the IRS for the total amount of the unreceived settlements plus legal fees Why I agreed to let those two women have the case I really did not know but since it was out of their pockets not mine as if they one their would be a big payday I agreed.

At night on the ranch I rode or worked on something when I was not working on plans or looking over field reports to give my analysis. Christina I could tell was going stir crazy as she was purposely being kept isolated so I told her to see if she could help the military. She had thought I was kidding until I told her there were still a lot of wounded men and women who could benefit from her knowledge and skill as a surgeon. As our offices were finally moved so Steve and Beth could remain closer to home the ranch house which I usually avoided mainly as I really did not like fighting with Christina was emptied save for the study. Walking through the empty house one weekend I decided to make some furniture to fill the space mostly to keep Christina from pacing. The first thing I built was the bedroom set for her bedroom to replace the cheep frames and when it was done I realized the mattresses and box springs were hand me downs so I arranged for new ones to be brought out. Then it was the living room furniture all made of log. Having full time security paid for by the tax payers for that year and half meant that I had someone to give me a hand when i was ready to bring in pieces. My room still filled with boxes I did not touch as I preferred to sleep outside which I found helped my dreams. I went on several dates that year with Miriam and we both realized though we liked each other well enough we made better friends than romantic interests. Christina finally out of frustration or boredom followed me out to the shop one Saturday where I was working on a new design for pump truck and wanted to know how I was getting along with Miriam. When I was somewhat vague she finally let her temper rise and asked if I had slept with her. I asked if she meant sleep as in sleep or sleep as in not sleeping. She asked if there was a difference and I told her from my upbringing there was as one was you just shared a bed and slept and the other may not actually be in a bed and not much sleeping got done as the two people were too busy having sex. She asked if I was going to make her ask and I told I was not going to make her do anything but if she wanted to know something it was her right to ask. When she asked if I had had sex with Miriam I smiled and when she started getting her back up I told her she was cute when she was angry when she told me she was not angry I laughed and told her yes she was and no I did not have sex with Miriam but yes we had shared a bed in which we both slept and twice we were both naked and both times I made sure when i gave her her massage she found relief.

I watched Christina's chest start heaving as she got madder and then she told me she did not believe me. I asked which part; she told me she did not believe me that I could sleep naked in a bed with a woman and not have sex with her. I had smiled and told her I would take that bet. That night I took her riding to a creek and as usual we were followed. I rolled out the bedroll and told her it was her turn; she asked her turn for what and I told her to get naked of course and climb into bed with me. I did not hesitate to strip and take a dip in the creek and then lie down on my right side waiting. The Marshall's who usually shared the campfire with me had kept their distance and were around their own campfire. I finally told her they would not see her but if she did not want to she could just lay down. She had chosen to just lay down, my hand began massaging and she finally relaxed, I was half asleep when my hand found her breasts under her shirt, I had not intended to but I began kissing her neck she finally kicked out of her pants after I had them unbuttoned and removed her shirt I took care of her lingerie as I was awake and rolling her onto her belly I began to massage her. First it was the deep needing to work out the knots in her muscles and then I lightened my touches so that when she was on her back she began squirming. When we kissed I remembered our early years and my fingers found there way south, I did not need to do more than tease her but I made it more complete when I did use my mouth on her nipples. She finally fell asleep after her sixth release but I would not let her touch me. I woke her up long before sunrise and helped her get dressed and then I took another dip in the creek before dressing and and saddling up the horses. Walking over to the camp fire burned down to coals I made enough noise to wake a bear. None of the agents wanted to wake up I had to laugh at them knowing full well one of them should have stayed awake. I saddled their horses as well and once I was sure they would not fall off we headed back after checking on the cattle and horses. The morning crew was just getting up when we arrived. I knew their breakfast was usually bad coffee and something frozen and microwaved. I made breakfast that morning and when it was time for them to pass on the reports I called time out and told them I had been watching and I know watching a couple of middle aged divorcees was exciting work but they really needed to learn to love their job. One of the women asked if that meant the rock she had slept on. Her team mates gave crap to her and I told them I had seen them all get lax at times as this was more or less a boring assignment as they were not out chasing anyone and weeks at a time doing nothing was boring and I should know as I was the king of boring jobs but when I was not supposed to lose my concentration I never did.

During breakfast I was asked then how did I manage to end up shot so many times. Technically I had only been shot a couple of times but I knew what was meant and I told them the last time I saw it coming and just waited for it as I really did not want to see anyone else get hurt. Christina looked at me and I told her that would be the time near home when I came out of the courthouse and it did help me memorize the man's face. It was later that day as Christina slept that I crawled in next to her as the mattress had looked soft and my should though healed up still hurt from laying on the hard ground. I started with my back to her but she rolled over and draped her arm over me when she traced her hand down to my groin I grabbed her hand and held it and would not let her touch. Sleepily she whined and told me I was being selfish. I told her go back to sleep and tell me later. Since earlier I had more or less opened the main house kitchen to the agents they cooked that night. Christina seemed embarrassed when we were served in bed. I had to laugh at her. After that day she went riding every night with me and to the delight of the agents who had enjoyed the rides I began sleeping inside the house. With the house furniture complete I began building the guest cabins Beth had wanted. I kept them all in the style of a barn which allowed for lofts in them. Once I had the plan in my head it was easy and they had gone up quick once the foundation and floors were laid. When one day Christina told me she was bored I told the agents if they new anyone who could use the services of the best dammed reconstructive surgeon in the world. One of them pointed to me and as Christina touched my neck I told them those stayed as did every other scar. The first one to come up with someone was one of the younger men whose mother had just had breast cancer and had had a double mastectomy. I had to put pressure on the Attorney General to let Christina look at the women and three weeks later the woman walked away happy that she actually had a figure and I had started the fundraising when I pitched in to help pay for the surgery. They began finding people just in their world from firefighters to soldiers or victims of crimes and a whole lot of children they read about. Having something to focus on helped her spirit and he fact these were people who needed her services and not some woman or man who only wanted to go under the knife for vanity sake changed her demeanor.

I liked watching her back and forth with her inquisitors after that as she would flat out ask them her own questions and even those men who had been more or less male chauvinists had to change as she had won over many of the various investigators as the stories of her helping those who actually needed it spread. The day came when for her it was over she got sent home. I went back to sleeping outside and stayed out of the house all together, for a long time sleeping in a house only brought visions of her sleeping with someone else in the carnal sense now it brought up memories of me holding her. The day came when we had to reenact the day of he bombings. The crater in the road was still there and I drove down into it and parked. I was able to because of the flora that had been damaged walk them to the exact spot where I had gone to ground and tracing the trajectory I found the culprit piece of metal that had slice me open. When I began finding other metallic and man made objects and fragments it became clear to me that no one had actually even come out to investigate the reports and when I mentioned that to the General he had already came to the same conclusion; what got him was when we found three of the four wheels with tires still on them, I asked if he would let me try to track the two men I had seen. When he nodded I told him not to watch me but the faces of everyone else. I headed off to the saddle where they had been and found a single rifle cartridge which was definitely military issue. From this vantage point I wondered how the guy had missed unless he knew there was ride coming for him and he needed to get moving. I actually found the laser used to bring down the missile or rather I watched one of the investigators walk buy it and pretend he did not see it. I had stepped up behind him and picked it ip and then studied his face memorizing it. By now it was a known talent of mine and I could see the sweat starting and I was not the only one. I told the colonel that maybe they ought to let him go home as he did not look so well. He told us he felt fine and I asked how he had felt the night he ran away like a scared little girl. He told me he did not run like a scared little girl. Wrong choice of words on his part and he was put into the hot seat. Later that day we found the drone, which meant it was definitely American. Being close to the border meant that they could have used the drone hiding it among the other drones patrolling and then using the incoming training run to mask the movement of the missile. I wondered why the drone fell. It hit me that if it had been controlled by someone on a helicopter and the first target had been missed as they had a target of opportunity then they would need to alter their plan and destroy the original target by another means. My thought was that somebody had fully intended my children to be dead when I showed up and them long gone. My breaking every traffic law in Arizona had saved their lives. With that realization I just felt tired and wondered how long they would keep me a prisoner.

Plans Change The Story Continues 6

2011-12-26T00:23:00.000-08:00

I awoke again in the middle of the night, alone. I could feel the remnants of whatever I had been given tugging me back to sleep. I forced myself to get up and still felt the pain in my shoulder but ignored it as I took off the sports wrap. It was then as my mind focused that I realized I was not in the hotel room. As I looked around I did not recognize the room, I supposed if I had paid more attention to the southwestern style decor I would of realized I was at Christina's overpriced estate. My first thought was where were my clothes and then I wondered if they had found the dufel bag. I saw the dufel sitting in the corner and had decided whoever had moved me had done so swiftly as I went and checked it and found along with several changes of clothes the pouch with the safety deposit keys and the several ID's were there. It was now evident to me my ex wife had drugged me for what reason I did not know. I pushed through he pain as I dressed. When I heard voices outside the door I looked at the french doors leading outside. I went out the french style doors and found I was on the second floor. Taking a quick look around I saw the almost enclosed stairs off the porch. I was into the trees when I heard the building behind me come alive. I knew quickly I was in the desert. When I hooked up a ride into town I was grateful the two women were so talkative as it helped me keep my mind off the pain. I was thinking where to go and that I would need more cash as I did not want to use the card. In town i was able to catch a cab to the small private airport and after inquiring I found a small charter heading toward Seattle are where I had another safe deposit box. By late morning I was walking into a hotel near the main aiport. I waited until the graveyard shift was deep into their nightly audit before presenting m key. I was gone out of there twenty minutes later and on a plane to Florida making use of one of my ID's. In the Keys I checked into another small inn. It was Thanksgiving so getting into the local bank would have to wait. I turned on the television just to keep my mind off the pain. I knew when I felt the cold sweats I was reminded of the last time I had been addicted to pain medicine.

My only question was why Christina wanted me to be a junkie.to get my mind off of her I started working through the phone call the other day and my trip to the house I had built with Christopher Jr. We had actually begun developing a father and son relationship. Even my oldest had joined my company which appeared now she was no longer a part of. I needed to find out where the investigation was really going. It took me almost ten minutes to realize my best chance at the moment was to head back to Arizona. By the time I landed the next morning after several short hops, The pain was almost intolerable. How I managed to drive the rental car back to the ranch I did not know but that was where Steven found me bent over in what had to be the worst pain ever. By the time my family showed up I was over the worst of it. Julie wanted to know what was wrong and I told her it seemed I had developed a drug problem recently so I decided to kick the habit. Christopher asked since when and I told him in the last couple of day. Christina blew up and told me I was not a drug addict; I asked if she was sure because what I had just gone through felt like withdrawals and the only drugs I had taken recently were the ones she gave me. All three children had looked at her; I told her thanks for the help but please no more as I had some business to see too. When I went to get behind the wheel she told me know and I couldn't keep her from taking the keys. I asked if she was planning on turning me over and sending me back. The last thing I remembered was someone leaning on their horn and thinking why.

I woke up in a large bed and recognized immediately I was at mom's house. When I realized I was not alone it gave me a start and when I went to get up the pain though not as bad but still enough to cause me to lay back down. Christina asked how I was doing; I sat up and asked how the children were. She came to a kneeling position behind me and started peeling off the bandages. She told me this one was going to leave a nasty scar.I shrugged and asked how the children were. Leaning over me she told me for one they were no longer children and two they were fine except for being a little mad at her thinking she turned him into a junkie. When she probed the flesh around my shoulder I flinched when pain shot through my entire being. She told me that was what the pain medication which could be addicting was for but I was no addict, I told her I was sorry about that, but she got up and put a finger to my mouth and told me I had been in a lot of pain and from the look on my face I still was. She then asked if I was hungry, when I shook my head she told me I needed to eat something and that beverage she had given me did have something to help me sleep but more to the point was filled with nutrients and calories and her guess in whatever little adventure she went on scaring her half to death when she found me missing out of our room; I stopped her by looking away. She told me okay it wasn't our room per se but it had been her room; she stopped and looking at me told me she was so sorry. I got up and she told me no; I looked at her and asked if I was now her prisoner. The look in her eyes stopped me, I told her I was tired. As she finished putting my newest bandage on she told me she did not know why as I had slept for almost forty eight hours. I grabbed her hand and told her I still needed to know who; she stopped me with a kiss.

Those dreams of walking in to see her with another man came rushing back; when I laid down again she asked what was wrong. I did not say anything as I rolled over onto my left shoulder letting the pain push the visions from my mind. She told me to roll onto my other side, I told her no. When she told me it would hurt less I growled I preferred this pain. She asked why, I rolled over and stared at her for a long time. I finally got up and pulling on my pants in spite of her glaring I walked out. In the kitchen mom was where I remembered her on so many mornings; she looked up and told me breakfast would be awhile but if I was hungry there was some applesauce in the fridge and jello. Walking to the fridge I opened it up and she shooed me away and looking at the bandage she asked if it hurt. I could not lie to her so I told her I would live As the girls walked in she asked how they slept; they looked at me, Julie said they had been sleeping until someone woke them up. They were followed by two other young women and the Miriam who was wearing a familiar shirt; she asked how I was feeling today; her smile was infectious. When Christina walked in wearing a short robe; she was smiling but I could tell she had been crying. Miriam asked if she could help, mom told her at the moment she could go see if the boys were awake as they had been up late working in the barn. I told her I would go. Mom looked at Miriam and smiling she said that was probably better. Smiling she said she would kind of like to see what had been accomplished. I watched Mom give her the look and she smiled and told me to call for help if I needed any. Leaving by the back door into the Carolina late fall day; I could smell the grass, and horses. I began stretching my shoulders sending pain through my body. I smiled as I realized that pain was something that had become tangible to me. As I approached the barn I turned into a house, I could smell fresh cut lumber and paint. There were also several RV pulled up as well as tents. I saw the Colonel already up in the first hints of light sitting by the fire pit. I also took in the new circular drive going in with the fountain I had always wanted to put in.

As he looked at me he nodded; I nodded toward the barn and he pointed to where Christopher's head was sticking out of a sleeping bag. I told him I supposed it had been time with how many years of neglect. The colonel pointed to my shoulder and I nodded. He told me it was time for me to stop and settle down. I wanted to tell him that was what I had been trying to do over the last few years. Instead I told him I had some unfinished business. Pointing to the girls who had come out of the house he told me I saved their life; I said maybe knowing full well it was John who made the call and ordered them to get out when he called. Christopher woke up at the sound of the girls coming and got out of his bag and headed straight for the woods. When he came back up he took off his shirt and used the garden hose to rinse off, I could tell which one of the bed heads was the one I had met before. Another head started crawling out of a sleeping bag. It was Christopher's dad. Within the matter of minutes others began waking up, coming out of tents and RV's.. Christopher came over and stood by the fire as the young lady went into an RV and came out with a clean shirt for him behind her was a middle aged couple, who looked far from the camping type. I looked at the barn and Christopher told me there had been quite a bit of termite and carpenter ant damage.and with mom planning on moving home to open her new clinic he wanted to take care of it before she moved back in. I nodded; he asked how the shoulder was; I told him for having it almost ripped off it was not bad, but don't expect to see me playing catcher anytime soon. I headed back to mom's house and going to my room; I realized it would be some time before I got to use a shower. I saw the laptop sitting on the writing desk.I was about to sit down when Christina walked in and told me it was my turn. I looked at her and she asked what was wrong; I told her as I looked out the window I did not belong here. Shrugging she told regardless as her caretaker she was telling me it was time for my bath time. She took me to mom's room where I had years ago put in a bathroom for dad in his last years.As it went to turn on the shower she stopped me and pointed to the water closet, I really did not have to go or so I thought. When I was done and saw that she was going to bath me I told her I had a bad sore shoulder. She told me if that was all for me to reach the center of my back I started to stretch my left arm behind me pushing through the pain. I could not reach my back.

As she stepped forward she told me as she dropped her robe she had done this before and I eyed her and asked if all her customers got the same treatment; she told me for one they were patients and two if they needed a bath they got one; I told her I now knew why she was so popular, she slapped me. I kept my mouth shut but could not hide the fact from her she still affected me. When she was done rinsing me off she told me that I could take care of myself. It was later as I was sitting on the patio alone she came out and apologized for her poor bed side manners as she put her feet on my lap. I managed to use my left hand to massage one of her feet. Miriam came over and pulled a chair up and put her feet on my lap as well. When a tall actress showed up she looked down and sighed; I shook my head and asked what she was doing here; she told me she had been invited and at first was not going to show up but then she realized what the hell her favorite people were here Pushing two pairs of feet I went to use both arms to stand up and pain shot through me but I managed not to go back down and pointed to my chair. She told me I should really ask my doctor for some of the good stuff. I wanted to walk out and leave but Christina kept someone on me all the time. When I came around the corner of the house in an attempt and found her in a close conversation with Christopher's dad I said to hell with hit and started walking. When Christina caught up to me she asked where the hell I though I was going and I told her I was leaving she asked if I was going to miss our thanksgiving dinner. I told her when I had something to be thankful for I would call her. She then asked what about the wedding and I told her to remind me whose wedding as I did not seem to recall getting an invitation; she told me she remembered me asking her to walk down the aisle of the little church. I told her I had done that and then she went off with her lawyer and then the sheriff who had decided to shoot up his ranch; she told me she was sorry about that and I shrugged. Stopping me she told me okay she got that I was mad at her but she also knew it was not healthy for me to go on living alone. I told her lately it was proving to be unhealthy when she was around and moved my shoulder sending pain shooting throughout my body again.

She looked down and told me she would make me a deal she would not push me if I stayed and was nice; I told her I would if she did not go hide with her old flings and would send everyone away; Christina told me as soon as they had dinner most would be leaving. I shrugged and told her when dinner was over and most left to let me know who was still there and I may decide to join them; she told me I was being stubborn and really hated to do this. Just then several cars pulled up with the ex marine stepping out of the lead vehicle along with my lawyer. I looked at Christina and asked if this is where she really wanted to go as it seemed unfair; she asked for who and I pointed to those now standing around who I new were all packing. When Beth came up with Steve she asked Christina if she was nuts. Christina told her I was in no shape to go traipsing around the countryside and she was not capable of getting me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I told her sorry I did not see the tunnel as there were too many others in my way. When Christina went to slap I stepped out of the way. A couple of the boys went to step in front of me and I reacted though I did not hurt them badly. Steven had to jump in front of me and pushed me back against one of the vehicles. A sheriff deputy came by and asked if everything was all right Christina waved and said yes and I stepped forward and told him actually the truth was I just assaulted two men that were now nursing there wounds and pointed to the two boys I had put down who were now rubbing the various joints I had inflicted with pain. Steven shook his head and pulled the deputy aside to talk to him; when he came back he asked me if I was done and I told him since I was under the influence I could not promise that I would be able to behave of my own accord and held out my hands. I had seen the entire crowd from the little gathering watching and the look on my children's faces. When he went to book me into county jail they would not take me so I was brought back to the station and put into a holding cell. I was not there long before mom showed up with Christina to have a little chat with me. I had to tell mom the truth that I still loved Christina and I understood she was sorry for the numerous affairs but for me to have to remain in the same house with men and women who had gotten into my marriage bed was too much. It was mom's turn to grill Christina who did not want to go into details. Before we were done with our family chat the feds showed up to take me back to Arizona as there was a warrant for my arrest.

Since I was flying with the US Marshall's finest I got to fly to March Air Force base where I was to be transferred to Arizona State Police. Even though I was in civilian clothes they were not taking any chances and shackled me hands and feet. By the time I was off the plane I was almost doubled over in pain and had to be taken to the base hospital where a doctor asked when he saw my shoulder what happened and I told him that little house that accidentally got blown up in Arizona a week or so ago was mine and was proceeded by two boys painting my suburban and someone turning it into tiny projectiles one of which tried to take off my arm. When he realized I was not joking he got the base commander. When he asked why I was here after being told the story I told him apparently someone thought it was my fault the US government was now targeting US civilians and their children in their own homes. The fact I grimaced through the whole explanation had the base commander tell the doctor to give me something for the pain. I told him nothing that would affect my thinking. When the state police showed up to collect me the base commander told them no. It did not take the base commander long to find out who I was. Over a meal of tea, broth and bananas he came in and asked why he thought someone wanted this hushed. I asked if I still had clearance and he told me that amazingly I did. I told him to get a Arizona State Trooper who was married to an assistant DA here as they would want to be in on this and to find the pilots who had been on the training mission that night and find out why they had not talked. When the Navy Brass showed up and tried to claim it was an accident; I took off my shirt and told them before the house was blown away my suburban a mile down the road was turned into scrap metal shortly after myself and four of my employees all veterans and all experienced in what missiles sound like were less than a hundred yards away.

Over the next days I gave the overview of my career up until I was taken by American Intelligence shortly after I had helped several young women who had been having a very bad time of it at the hands of the good guys. I detailed my two weeks of hell and my subsequent departure from the unlisted prison. When asked later where the men were who had been involved with the direct torture I told the officers that I had turned them into the fathers of the girls who had been raped and it was not my fault they were officers in the very army we were training. When asked where the girls were I told them honestly I did not know as I turned them over to a contact who had ties to a missionary organization, then I dropped the bombshell on them that the man who had me taken and oversaw my torture was now a director for a law enforcement agency or was when after the first attempt on my life. I then had to detail the last few years after choosing to quit contracting with primarily the Intelligence community. I was told they would need to confirm my story; knowing what it would mean I nodded and told them at the moment many of the participants were at the home I built for my ex wife. How they managed to keep their investigation quiet I did not know but I was asked if they could use the estate my wife bought as a safe house. I told them as long as it was not me they planned on imprisoning there they could have the damn thing. The fact my company was developing several large projects which meant tax dollars for the three states and the other country we were building in soon got local authorities involved as well as several congressman. Most of the meeting were actually held in our new offices back in the Carolina's with some of them taking place on the ranch.

Plans Change The Story Continues 5

2011-12-24T22:49:00.000-08:00

My ride did not happen as Beth came running out of the house with a look of distress. Sliding down off The Beast I handed the reigns to Christina and ran over to Beth as she had bypassed Steven. She seemed somewhat frantic before catching her breath and telling me it was Christopher. I looked at the colonel and asked what about Christopher she pointed to the front door. Running in I found the phone still sitting on the desk, picking it up I asked who was I speaking to. A male voice asked who I was and I told the man I was Christopher Christensen Sr. The voice asked if I lived on a ranch in the foothills of western Nevada. I asked him again who was this and was told there had been an accident, I asked again him again who was I talking to and was told on a training run a bomb was released prematurely. The colonel took the phone from me and nodded toward the door as he introduced himself. I ran out and down toward the shops and where several of the boys were working on some new equipment. I told them my house just got bombed and it appeared my son had been there. One of the men pointed to my suburban which had been getting serviced. Jumping in I began to pull out when Christina came riding up on The Beast and sliding off she climbed in and asked what was going on, I told her I was not sure yet or even if it was real. I told her to stay here and wait for word and try to get a hold of Christopher. She asked what happened to Christopher, I told her hopefully nothing but I would appreciate it if she manned the phones and find out what the Colonel had found out. When she climber out a couple of the boys climbed in. I drove as fast as I could breaking almost every law possible. Even then it took almost an hour to get to the dirt road. When I saw the house still standing I parked almost a mile away. I took to the desert off the road as I planned to come from the house from the ridge. The boys were following me and asked what was up. I told them we had a call saying my son had been home here when a stray bomb blew up my house.

John one of the men who had been there when I had walked into one of our yards in the Middle East after my two week spa treatment. He pulled out his phone and made a call and nodded toward the house. Whoever answered he told them to meet him up at the swimming hole. All three of my children had walked out of the house and were halfway up the ridge when we heard the planes. Christopher stopped and seemed to be hesitating when a fourth person ran out of the house and up the trail followed by a dog. I heard the missile first and hit the dirt John knocked the one man I did not know down. My suburban was hit. I was on the move almost instantly in spite of the pain I felt in my shoulder. I was heading for the ridge when I saw the spotter team. I headed straight for them making use of the flora and terrain to cover my movements. The next planes flew by and then made a circle, I realized they were wondering what had happened and were probably radioing in. I glanced to see where my children were and noticed they were still headed up the ridge. I changed my route and went for the house, until I heard the helicopter at which point I went back toward the ridge and the spotter team which was on the move. I heard the release for the helicopter and went to the ground and watched my house go up. With that the helicopter took off hugging the ridge. When I got back up a bullet went past so I ducked behind an outcropping. I heard another helicopter and the planes still circling and John telling me it was ours. I rolled to the far end of the outcropping ignoring the shooting pain in my shoulder as I got back up and began running again. The helicopter flew low as it passed over me knocking me down again. Getting back up was much harder. By the time I went to get back up John had caught up to me. He told me the kids were headed this way and I really should stay down.

He gave instructions to the other men and then went and intercepted my children. As the adrenalin rush went away the pain hit. I asked through gritted teeth how bad it was and felt as my shirt was cut off and heard a gasp. I was told it looked like hitting the dirt was a good thing as I was only filleted but my bone was showing and there was a whole lot of blood. I remained conscious this time even on the life flight to Flagstaff. Being stitched up before the local anesthesia went to work was only a little uncomfortable. I was out of the hospital before anyone showed up. With the pain medicine working and my shoulder wrapped I left the hospital not sure where to start or to go. I had no cash and a large hospital bill and a donated coat. I made it to the interstate and was able to catch a ride to Vegas. Thankfully the young couple did not pry much. I found myself drawn to the airport and went to a private terminal, i recognized a pilot who worked for Ben and was able to catch a ride to California. I walked up to the bank and thankfully the manager recognized me and asked how he could help. I asked if my office had called and he said he had received an email saying I was coming in. I told him I needed a debit card with my picture on it along with a few thousand dollars and I wanted the debit card to be attached to an account into which I wanted transferred ten thousand dollars and hopefully someone had arranged for a room for me. He called and said they had received an email but not which day I was coming but a ride was on the way. When my ride arrived in the way of one the tribes marketing team, she was all smiles until she saw my shoulder was wrapped up. To distract her I asked how her husband was, she told me next week she was going to join him in Florida where he was one of the foremen on a large project. I told her that was good for him. I asked the bank manager to send an email back to my office letting them know I was ready for that meeting or rather both of the meetings. As we headed toward the downtown hotel I asked my escort to help me out by arranging the use of a meeting room for the week, and I would need a computer and internet connection. She asked if any of this should be under my name and I told her to put it under a master account and gave her a company name. Ben was the first person to figure out where I was at as I had used his companies name.

He asked if I was okay; I told my health was no matter as I was already dead but I wanted to know if anyone else was hurt. He told me my three employees all had scratches and my children were all a little shaken up. I asked what was the official story and he told me it had not yet hit the news but he had been told it was a training accident and had offered him a settlement. I told him to take it and never give it another thought as it was hush money. He told me that was not his way; I told him he had a wife and children. When he said I did as well I told him no I no longer was married and my children were grown and would live by their own decisions. Beth was the next to call me and told me she did not know; I told her she could not have known and she did the right thing. I asked her how Christina was; Beth told me the colonel took her home as in home and the children all now had their own personal assistants. I asked where our lawyer was and was told funny thing was she was staying just up the road from me. She called back after hanging up and asked if I wanted the governor to know where I was staying. I told her not at the moment but please arrange for the staff of both clinics to meet me here while both governors were here. When a brand new still in the box computer arrived I asked the bellman if he minded going shopping for me as this trip was last minute, when he said he would have to check I told him I would walk down with him and see if the concierge would do it. In the lobby I went to the concierge and asked the same question and when I gave my room number their tune changed. I gave the two women who would be going the money and a list of items I would need and the brands I preferred as far as boots, jeans and shirts went along with my last known sizes. A voice behind me told them they had better double check my measurements. I shrugged and they found a measuring tape and measured my inseam and waist. They asked when I needed the items requested. I smiled as best I could through the pain and said this trip had been last minute and what they saw was what they got.

My ex handler walked up and added a few items to their list and told them time was of the essence and handed them another folded sheet of paper. When I went back to my room she was not the only one who followed. I was asked by Christina what happened. I looked at her and asked why she was not at home. She was biting her lip, she told me she figured since I would need cash to do whatever I was going to do I would be coming here as my bank only had a few branches and she needed to take care of some business which she realized she needed help with and then she got this message that all the staff of both clinics were supposed to skip Thanksgiving with their families to show up for a meeting with their new boss. I looked at the other face standing before me and she said since I was now her boss and had her running all over the west.she had been staying up the street. Shaking my head I told her I did not remember hiring her and was told technically she had been hired by the director of operations. I went over to get another pain pill and found they were all gone. Christina turned on one of the cable news networks, something at one time I had watched religiously. The story was breaking but with a twist I had not been prepared for. The reporter called Christopher the son of a certain actor and the reporters were interviewing his biological father, I turned the television off. Christina turned it back on at which point I turned it back off. She turned it back on; I ripped it off the wall, pulling on my already painful wound. For a long time I stood waiting for the pain to subside to something I could deal with. She told me to let her look at it; I told her the doctors had already done so and on my shopping list were antibiotics; she said to which I would need a prescription. I nodded and said which I had been given but for expediency I was having some picked up at the pet store. When she told me that was against the law I told her it was funny things that really were not bad were illegal and things that were down right wrong were considered okay. I called the front desk and said the television had malfunctioned when I knocked it off the wall; I was told politely someone would be right up. Looking at my attorney I told her I would need to try to get some rest.

She looked at Christina, as I walked toward the bathroom, I was told not to take a shower. I held the wall until I heard the knock on the door; opening the door there was a hotel engineer who looked at the broken screen on my floor. I apologized to him for making him come to the room, pointing to the computer on the table I told him I was trying to see if I could connect it. The computer was still in its packaging. He nodded and said next time give them a call. I told him there should be a conference room set aside for me for the week and I would need internet access and projection capabilities. He told me he was aware of that but it was not his department but he would pass it on. Calling on the radio he waited for the new screen to be brought up and made sure there was a long enough cable to connect it to my computer. As I went to start taking the computer out of the box it was taken from me. Christina told me I needed rest and as she caught up on the news I could tell her what happened as the colonel had not been forthcoming when he dumped her off at mom's. Shrugging I told her after the Navy blew up my Suburban someone blew up the house but thankfully the children had gotten out thanks to John. Christina told me she wanted the truth; shrugging I told her if that did not work for her I slipped and fell on a piece of metal and my suburban was still in one piece and that nice cozy little house was filled with my our children and some young lady who I guessed had not been turned off by me. When the news came on it returned to the story and showed the craters left by the inherent missiles that fell on an outbuilding on the corner of a ranch neighboring a military preserve with no mention of the suburban and a snippet of the interview with Christina's first lover who said his son was hiking nearby with his half sisters and his fiance and the family dog. Afterwards the network had an expert that discussed the technical aspects leaving out the part that in some cases it took a person on the ground using a laser to guide the so called smart bombs into their target.

Christina told me it was an accident then, I nodded and told her I really needed my rest as my shopping arrived, for their efforts I handed both of the women a couple hundred dollars of the change they brought me. My now lawyer told me she would get my computer set up and see to the conference room. A manager showed up with an envelope for me and asked if I wanted to change my reservations. I told him no it was just me staying in the room. As soon as he left I opened the package of antibiotics and took several, I nodded to the television and told Christina she might want to go see her children. She asked what I was going to do and I told her I was going to get some rest. When my card came I saw that though it did have my picture it was not my name but the company name on it. Christina told me no showers until she took a look at the wound. I shrugged and held the door open When I was alone after taking as many over the counter pain pills as I thought was safe I managed to get undressed and into the shower which I purposefully pointed down. Christina somehow managed to get back into the room and was furious. Ignoring her I called Christopher's dad and asked if he had seen Christopher. He said at the moment all three were sitting in his living room; I asked how are they and he told me all four of them were shook up a bit. I asked who the fourth was and he told me it had been his daughter who wanted to get to know her step brother. He asked how I was doing as the news reports had not mentioned anything about anyone getting hurt. I told him being filleted by my own truck kind of hurt but he might want to keep that one to himself. He asked how my better half was taking the news and I told him since my right side was currently my better half it was getting a workout. He told me not to worry about the girls as they would spend Thanksgiving with his family. I thanked him and asked how the weather was there and was told no one would be flying into the local airports so skiing will be good. I told him thanks again. My next call was to the office to tell Beth she might want to postpone the meetings she told me she had set them for two weeks from Friday as a kind of Christmas party and my meeting with the governor's had to wait with the holidays and all. I left the hotel an hour later as I wanted some answers.

I honestly did not care what happened to me but when others were put in harms way, particularly my children.. I did not finish the thought, I decided to start with step one and find the pilot who released the missile if it was a manned plane; which got me to thinking the first missile could have been fired from a drone using the incoming training run to mask its movements and the first helicopter hit fast enough it could have been watching. John had told me the second was one of ours which meant he recognized the make as one used withing the defense community. I decided it was time to make some house calls. When I decided my first course I would take I decided I did need some rest; turning around I saw Miriam start looking into a store front window which happened to be restaurant. Walking up behind her I asked if she saw something she liked. She leaned back and asked how she knew I was here. I told her I had not known until I watched her pretend she was window shopping and i was wondering if she liked the blond or the redhead or maybe it was the two gentlemen who seemed rather fond of each other or Christina and her two lawyers who did not look happy. Smiling I told Miriam that the shakes were to die for. Walking in I waved at the hostess and told her two chocolate strawberry shakes and acting like I had not seen Christina I waved and pulled Miriam behind me. With a smile which was more or less a grimace I walked back to their booth and asked Christina how her day was going. She told me they knew and I asked what did they know, I looked at my shoulder as all three were looking at it and said oh yeah my little riding accident. I saw Christina eye me as I looked at her two lawyers and told them it was nice to see them again. When the shakes came I told them I would like those to go. When they came back I had to have Miriam reach into my pocket to get the money. Christina did not look amused and as I began to leave she got up telling her lawyers she would meet them later but right now she had to tend to the wounded. She grabbed the shake from my hands and linked arms with the hotelier on our way back to the hotel. Once inside the lobby she asked directions to the meeting rooms.

I wanted to know what these two were up to, so I followed I saw an ex marine making her way toward a side corridor. Christina walked past and I stepped sideways into the hallway. Using my room key I hoped it was actually a master and when I tried the third door I found it worked. Stepping in I was I paused only momentarily as the room was a board room in which several people were sitting around the table with the end closest to the large monitors that made up the wall. Several news casts were on as well as links to several computers. A connecting door was open to another meeting room. Taking a look inside my lawyer looked up at me from a table. I did not say anything as printers began coming to life. Walking back out of the second room Beth walked in and told me I did say I wanted to do a complete audit of all the books and I might want to go find my wife and girlfriend as they looked lost. I told her I was not married and she shrugged telling me to go get some rest as they would need my mind to work at its optimum soon. She pointed to the back door of the room which lead into a service hallway. I walked down past the kitchen before finding my way back into the main foyer for the ballroom where I found Christina and Miriam trying doors. When I walked up asking if they had any luck they both jumped. Christina said she swore she just saw Beth walk into one of these doors. I told her as I felt a bolt of pain I was preoccupied. As we past a security guard I recognized him and he was no hotel security guard. I wanted to know what Beth was up to. By the time we made it to our room I realized she had gathered a few engineers as one the men in the lobby was John who happened to have his family with him. In the room I realized someone had been there as my clothes had been hung up and stuck in drawers. On the table were several shopping bags; Miriam went straight to them and picked up a note and read it aloud. It said the writer was not sure of my preference so she got a variety and the jackets would be delivered when they were finished. She pulled out of the first bag the skimpiest undergarment I had ever seen. I told her the woman who was to wear that better hope it comes off really quick she through it to Christina and told her I looked more like a boxer's man. Christina went and looked in the fridge and asked how the pain was on a scale of 1 to 10. I told her that scale had been discarded a long time ago and was no longer in use. She nodded and told me she could help with that as she pulled out a needle and a small bottle of something. Pulling a file out of a case I had not seen before she opened it and told me to drop my pants. When I just stood looking at her she told me I could do it or she could do it but new she would need help. I asked why I needed to drop my pants and she told me she had my complete medical records now and it seemed to her I was long over due for a few shots.

I went into the bathroom and realized I did not have a boot puller and just getting them on had been painful. I asked her did I really have to take them off, she walked in pulled me back out and asked how I had gotten along all these years on my own as she unzipped and unbuttoned my pants and then told me to lean on the table. When she pulled my pants down she and Miriam both took deep breaths and said she supposed I was not used to making a shopping list. I told her sorry but my mind was working on several fronts not the least of which was the searing pain trying to take over my mind. When she patted my now rear end she told me I was all done with that portion but if I was going to rest I might want to get my shoes off. She looked at Miriam and told me to take a seat on the bed and pointed to the shoes. I had also forgot to put down new socks and had to use my old ones. Miriam yanked them off and put them in a plastic bag tied them up and through them away. I was starting to pull my pants up and she told me absolutely not and tossed the string thing with a pouch attached. I tossed it back. As she got me sitting back down I saw Christina getting a liquid ready and as Miriam rummaged through the bags she pulled out several boxers and holding them up Christina told her she liked the pair with the tropical scene. Christina brought over to pills and her liquid and told me to drink all of it. After swallowing the pills and drinking the almost citrus flavored liquid she told me she was going to look at the wound now and until the medicine went to work I might feel some pain and if I needed it she could give me a local anesthesia. As she unwrapped the ace bandage which I had warn into the shower she said we would need more of those if I did not follow her instructions and told Miriam in the bag was some more gauze, tape and a medical kit. With the sports wrap off she asked how I managed to get my shirt on as she began pulling it off and then get that bandage back on. I told her it had not been easy, I asked where she got my medical records. She told me she had been collecting them for awhile and had put her name as my primary physician on the charts though really they were not complete as a number of government agencies had told her they had no record of me ever being in their care including that base where she had visited me. I asked if that was before or after she started sleeping with the deranged lunatic.

she had me lie on the bed and with no good way to actually get close to my wound she straddled my hips. The pain medication began kicking in first and then the sleeping medicine. My last memory was rolling over when she said I was done and pulling her onto the bed. She was not there when I woke up but the pain was. I was at least still in the room. Getting dressed was a chore and finding button up shirts I put one on leaving my left arm inside. I did my normal wake up routine when I was home noting it was dark out. I walked down to the meeting rooms to find them empty of people. Grabbing an apple I started looking through the stacks of files and found one buried which was much thinner than the rest. Pulling it out there were just a few sheets of legal pad paper with notes scribbled. I knew the handwriting; someone was thinking along the same lines I was and she was beginning to form a plan to go about finding out who was behind the attempts on my life. Finding a lighter on one of the tables I took the sheets and burned them in the adjacent bathroom after steaming the place up. I flushed the ashes. I hated the idea of driving but knew I had to meet with some people face to face and I would need some ID. For some reason I went and looked under the her table and found the file cabinet. Picking the lock one armed was difficult but not impossible. When I opened the bottom drawer I found a dufel and taking it out I thanked her as it had a pouch with keys and several ID's. Grabbing the pouch and several ID's I went out the back as I heard people coming down the main hall. I went back to my room and put together an overnight bag adding the keys and ID's. I decided against going tonight and was sitting in my boxers at the end of the table when Miriam came to check on me. She gave me a couple of pain pills per doctors orders along with another drink, I fell asleep watching an old musical with her.