Leap of Faith

By John Chapman and Shelia Chapman

Shortly upon their arrival in the UK, Ian Allen and Andrew Forrestson find themselves behind bars for charges brought against them by a dead woman. Why are they so reluctant to tell their side of the story?

Bored rigid from attempting to enter nearly four
million characters of binary alien code by hand, James takes Candice on an exploration of the old lead mine tunnels. They’re trapped behind an invisible barrier. In order to bring it down, Sam and Donna have to break James’s complicated musical nanonyte combination lock.
One problem. James told Donna, the code was thirty-five numbers long. His text contained twenty-eight numbers.

Triplet Hall’s doors are reopened for Sir Richard and Marie’s wedding. Lady Triplet’s rival, the ‘black widow’ of The Order – Comtesse Danielle D’Vincent and her daughter would be among the guests. In the wee hours of the morning, Sir Richard gets a mysterious phone call – a cry for help. A few hours before his father’s wedding, Richard learns Chantelle and her daughter are missing and presumed dead. Chantelle’s daughter was ten. Could Richard be her father?

Comtesse D’Vincent is furious! Jack is suspicious. Who’s to blame - Sir Richard, Comtesse D’Vincent, or someone else in The Order?

Donna warned them – they didn’t listen - now Kate and Tom are gone. Where did they go? What happened to them? The answers could turn Sam and Donna’s world upside down, and shake the very foundation of the Triplet Legacy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Chapman
• Release date: Aug 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476118963

John Chapman

We started the 'A Vested Interest' series in 2007 and it took over a year before I came up with an ending we were happy with. At 170,000 words A Vested Interest was too long though for a printed book. We cut it heavily but still ended with a 140,000 word book. There was no alternative, we had to split it into a two book series. Doing that, we thought, would allow us to put back some of the content we had cut and expand the second book (Dark Secrets) a little.Well that was the plan. We ended up splitting the second book and making a trilogy by adding 'No Secrets'. The original ending didn't quite fit now so we moved it into a fourth book - Stones, Stars and Solutions.And so it goes on. We are now writing book 10 and 11 of the series. Shelia has written a spin-off 'Blood of the Rainbow' trilogy. Altogether it's 2 million words so far! In terms of time, we've only covered a few months. There is an end in sight but not for another 5,000 years. Maybe I'll get to use my original ending then?About the AuthorsJohn and Shelia Chapman are a husband and wife team who met on Internet and crossed the Atlantic to be together. John, an English ex-science and computer teacher contributed the technology and 'nasty' bits while Shelia drew on her medical experience in the USA and produced the romance. The humour? That came from real life.

Book preview

Chapter 1

When the Triplets arrived at Newcastle Airport, Lady Isabelle Forbes, posing as her sister, insisted on going to the police. After speaking to the attending officer, she filed charges against Ian Allen and Andrew Phorrestson. She alleged they kidnapped her, locked her inside a pyramid in Chichén Itzá in Mexico and murdered her two sisters. She also accused them of stealing her private jet. Obliged to take her statement, the detective viewed parts of her story, especially about the pyramid, with skepticism.

Despite being ordered to drop stories involving Triplet International, when Jack Brantley got a lead, regardless of how unbelievable it sounded, he latched onto it. There were too many unanswered questions about the Triplets. When an anonymous source tipped him off, he considered it his sworn duty as a BBC News reporter to get to the bottom of Isabelle’s ridiculous story, even if it cost him his career. After his last sweep-under-the-rug declaration, exposing Sir Richard’s secrets had become a personal vendetta for Jack.

------------

Isabelle was proud of herself. She’d murdered Lady Annabelle and Lady Clarabelle, her two useless sisters and fooled her way back into Annabelle’s family a second time. But could she pull off being the Lady Triplet? Lady Annabelle Triplet was ruthless, and yes, she would kill if it served her purpose, but she had one thing Isabelle didn’t – a heart.

Small though it might be, a part of Annabelle cared what happened to her family. Could Isabelle keep this up forever? She couldn’t worry about that, now. She had to be content, with knowing her crimes died with GW Forrest’s heir, and Martha Triplet’s secret love child.

------------

Sir Richard glanced through the file again. VICi, he said and waited. His eyes widened; his lips parted. Missy! he called out. No response. What in the hell is going on?

He swiped his phone. I need to see you in my office, now! he said sternly.

~ ~ ~

James forced his breath out and pressed speaker. What’s this about, Dad? I was a little….

Son, I am in no mood for your raging hormones, he said. Send Candice home and come to my office, now!

"He never lets me explain anything!"

Lee chuckled and stood. It’s alright. We can pick this up later.

James frowned. "I just wish the Dine’é Yá had told me where your uncle’s body was instead of showing me."

Perhaps they wanted to test your abilities. Get you to stretch your seer wings.

"Yeah, well, if they wanted to test someone’s seer wings, they should’ve chosen my sister or Jacob!"

~ ~ ~

Sir Richard stared at the nanonyte android and scratched his chin. This is stupid! It’s not a real person. Just address the computer and ask the question. VICi, he said slowly.

The door panel chirped.

VICi; Sir Richard, James is here to see you. Should I show him in?

Yes, he sighed. She not only looks like her, but she sounds like her too!

James entered the room. "OK, I’m here. And just for your information…."

Sir Richard held up a hand, silencing him. "Where is my secretary, and what in the hell have you done to my computer now?"

What do you mean? James asked and smirked. Your secretary is standing in front of your desk. Don’t you like her?

She’s dead, James! Is this VICi’s default setting now?

Well, yes, for you, anyway.

"How did you pull this off? You never met Mildred Hayes! And… where is Missy?"

James smiled. I wanted to test VICi’s new program, so I gave Missy the day off. If you’d given me a chance to explain before….

Sir Richard exhaled. "You gave my secretary a day off! Look, James, he said in a calmer voice. This was a little shocking. I never expected to see Mildred again."

Sorry, Dad. Lee told me how closely you and she had worked together, and I just thought, he broke off. If she’s too disturbing, I’ll change her back. Who would you like her to be?

"It’s not that I don’t appreciate the gesture. I just wish you’d talked to me first or at least warned me."

James glanced at his feet. "Well, Dad – I, um, I didn’t change VICi entirely for your benefit."

Sir Richard rested his elbows on the desk. Oh, he drew out.

Yes, well, you see, he hedged. "I guess I should’ve thought about reprogramming Melody, so she wasn’t so friendly before I introduced her to Candy."

Sir Richard chuckled. Why? What happened?

Candy kinda came in the room while Melody was….

"James! It’s a computer-generated android. You shouldn’t be…."

"See! That’s what I’ve been talking about. You never let me finish."

Sir Richard smiled and waved a hand. "I’m sorry. Please, do go on. This is getting interesting."

Thank you, James said with a nod. I was going to say while Melody was sitting on my lap.

Was this before or after you told Candice, Melody was an android.

James exhaled. "Before… unfortunately. Candy is a little pissed off at me, right now. I thought when she saw the new android, maybe, she might start speaking to me, again."

You mean you haven’t….

He shook his head. Candy didn’t give me a chance. She stormed out. When I got my nerve up and went to explain, he broke off. She wouldn’t see me.

Sir Richard played with his chin. Hmm, sounds a bit tricky. If Candice won’t see you, how are you going to tell her about Melody?

------------

Jacob read Donna’s test results and locked eyes with her. They’re positive.

Her eyes glossed. She took a slow breath and swallowed the lump in her throat. I guess the Dine’é Yá knew what they were talking about. How many weeks?

Give or take, a couple. Looks like you were right about the virus blocking your Depo shot. Under normal circumstances, I would say congratulations, but that doesn’t quite fit, does it?

Donna shook her head. I guess that’s it for me and Jared.

Jacob frowned. I’m sorry, honey.

"I was gonna call off the engagement. Guess I can’t now."

Don’t marry Sam because you’re pregnant, he said sincerely. Raise the baby yourself. You’re a Triplet. No one would challenge you.

She shook her head again. "I’ve always said when I had children, I wanted them to have a mother and a father."

So, do it! Sam can be a father to your baby without you being tied down to him. I know you wanted to stay free, in case Jared….

Donna held up a hand. In case Jared what? Decides he wants to raise Sam’s baby?

Jacob smirked. You’re Jared’s perfect match, honey. Do you think he’ll care if you’re carrying another man’s child? What about you and his daughter, Beth? Does it bother you that she’s not yours?

She frowned. "No, of course not! I love her as if she…."

"And when Jared comes back, he’ll feel the same way about this baby. You don’t love Sam, honey. You do love Jared, and I’m sure he loves you. He took a breath. Look. I’m not trying to tell you what to do, but you heard the Dine’é Yá. Somehow, I don’t think they were referring to Sam as your eternal companion. Do you?"

"Even if Jared came back, I couldn’t just walk away from Sam. I’m carrying his child! That might not mean anything to some women, but it does to me. I have an obligation to Sam and to this baby."

"Fine! But don’t make a rash decision about your future. I know Sam. If you marry him, he’ll never let you go. As far as Jared is concerned, you’re his whether you’re together or not. He’ll never give that up."

Donna played with Jared’s wristband and stood. He might not have a choice.

What are you gonna do?

What do you think? Tell Sam and get it over with.

Do you want me to tell him?

No. I’ll do it. Thanks for your help, Jacob.

I’m always here for you, honey.

Donna smiled and kissed his cheek.

------------

"Are you gonna tell me or do I have to drag it out of you?" Gary asked.

She softly smiled. Tell you what?

Donna Marie Triplet, who do you think you’re talking to?

I just found out today, she said and exhaled.

Gary frowned. "Found out what?"

She swallowed the lump in her throat. I’m pregnant.

He smiled. Really? But I thought Jacob gave you the shot.

It didn’t work, she said.

Because of the virus?

Must’ve been.

Does Sam know?

No, she snorted. I mean, he heard the same thing everyone else did when we came out of The Pyramid of the Moon – not that he believed it. Jacob confirmed it a few minutes ago.

Gary glanced at her arm. You’re still wearing Jared’s wristband.

Donna touched it and sighed. Yeah, I know. I need to mail it to him.

Why? Jared told you to give it to him when you saw him.

Doesn’t quite seem right, now, does it?

Depends on how you look at it. Are you giving up on him?

Do I have a choice?

Gary frowned. "Yes, you do! When it concerns your life, you always have a choice, D. At any rate, congratulations. I know how much it hurt when you found out Kate…."

Donna’s eyes glossed. "That’s not my baby anymore! Rich is Kate’s, now."

"He was conceived in your body! He was forcefully taken from you. He may be growing inside Kate, but you’re his mother. He took a breath. There’s something else you need to think about."

She blinked to clear her vision. What?

"Don’t forget what happened while you were still carrying him. Your son has your genes. Rich knows who his mother is. He won’t have to be told anything, Donna."

Yes, and when he’s old enough to ask, I don’t know if I’ll be strong enough to lie to him.

"Why should you? If we’re floating through the cosmos in an asteroid ship, what difference does it make who his parents are?"

Donna snorted. It’s a long time ’til doomsday. Rich is due in June. That’s a long time to keep up a lie. Gary handed her a cup of coffee. She smiled. How did you know?

"Do I have to answer that?"

She chuckled. I guess not.

------------

Professor Scott Leary was beginning to feel the heat. Murdering someone in cold blood was a bit drastic, but what choice had he had? Facing Lady Triplet’s wrath or prison wasn’t a hard decision to make. It didn’t matter, now. He’d lost his job and had no place to live. His life was ruined. It was a matter of time.

Flashing lights outside his hotel room woke him. He peered through a crack in the drapes. His heart jumped to his throat. Shit! he groaned.

The two officers stopped at his door. Leary cautiously backed away from the window, held his breath and watched.

One of the officers glanced at a small notebook and pointed. Start at that end. I’ll start at the other. It’s early. The guests might be irate, so try to be polite.

Leary let his breath out, but the patrol car was still parked outside his door. He wasn’t in the clear yet.

------------

Sam entered the main genetics lab. Have you seen my fiancée?

Gary glanced up. She was working on something in the HIC, earlier this morning. Did you check your quarters? I figured she was going home when she left here?

That was the first place I looked. She wasn’t at the cafeteria either. I’m a little concerned.

It’s not unusual for Donna to wander off on her own, you know. Especially when something is bothering her. She’s been doing it since we were kids. Did you check the park? You could always use VICi to find her. It’s not a crime.

She wasn’t in the park, and I don’t want to use VICi unless I have to.

Gary scratched the back of his neck. "Hmm. There are not a lot of places she can go. I’m sure she’ll turn up. Don’t you think you’re worrying a little too much? Why so concerned about where she is?"

Sam sighed. I’ve been this way since we brought back you-know-who with us. I thought I could handle any woman, but that one gives me the creeps!

She’s earned a high ranking on my shit list, too! Gary said.

Sam stood. "Take a number, mate. She’s the only person on mine. If she tries to hurt Donna again, I’ll kill her."

Gary sighed. Isabelle is not flavor of the month.

Sam paused at the door. Who said anything about Isabelle?

------------

James tried several times. Candice wouldn’t take his calls. Their paths had nearly crossed a few times in the corridor, but when she saw him, she’d turned or taken the nearest exit. Why was she avoiding him? Could she really be that jealous of an android? Melody was a harmless handful of nanonytes. It wasn’t as if he was cheating on Candice. He wondered how much longer she would keep this up.

------------

Sir Richard’s door panel chirped. Without being summoned, Mildred Hayes, VICi’s new nanonyte android, appeared.

VICi; Sir Richard, your daughter’s fiancé is here to see you. Should I show him in?

He just about jumped out of his skin. For heaven’s sake, James! What are you trying to do? Give me a heart attack. Yes, by all means, VICi, unlock the door panel!

VICi; Hello, Dr. Triplet. Sir Richard will see you now.

Sam frowned and glanced sidelong at the android. Um, yeah – right, thanks.

VICi; Can I get you something to drink, Dr. Triplet?

No, thanks.

The android turned.

VICi; Can I get you anything, sir?

No, thank you, VICi. You can go now. He waved Sam to a chair.

Um, sir, was that…?

Sir Richard exhaled. Yes, Sam. It’s an android of Mildred. One of James’ latest projects. She’s a bit creepy to me too.

I thought I’d seen a ghost, he said and shivered. You wanted to see me?

Yes. If you still want to hire Jasmine White, you have my approval.

Thanks, sir. I’ll contact her and see if she’s interested.

Did you find Donna? Gary said you were looking for her.

No, Sam sighed. I haven’t seen her since breakfast.

"I don’t want to seem nosey but are you two having problems?"

Sam took a slow breath and shifted in his chair. None that I’m aware of.

Sir Richard pursed his lips. Maybe she went for a drive.

He shook his head. I checked. Both cars are in the garage.

Chapter 2

It was no use. The police weren’t going away. Leary had to do something. He couldn’t run; there was no way out, other than through the door. They probably would break it down and come in shooting if he waited much longer. He smoothed his hair and straightened his tie.

LAPD, the officer said and flashed her badge. Sorry to disturb you, sir, but we’re investigating a hit and run that happened in front of the hotel, around 2:15 this morning. Did you see or hear anything?

Leary yawned. Um, no, ma’am. I took some sleeping pills. I’m afraid I was out like a light.

She studied his expression; his muscles tensed. She arched an eyebrow. Well, Mr…?

Um, Joe Thundercloud, he lied and faked another yawn.

She handed Leary a card. "If you should remember anything, I’d appreciate it if you’d contact me at that number. She narrowed her eyes, thinking it odd. He was fully dressed yet claimed he had been in bed. Sorry, we disturbed your rest, Mr. Thundercloud."

Leary snorted. I’ll bet! You’re just doing your job, ma’am. Have a pleasant day. He closed the door and waited.

~ ~ ~

Time seemed to crawl. Leary watched with growing concern until the police officers got in their car and pulled away. He slumped into a chair and wiped the sweat from his brow. "OK, that’s it! I have to get out of here." He shoved his things in a suitcase.

He closed out his bank accounts and paid cash for a one-way ticket home. Maybe she would be waiting for him. He didn’t expect her to forgive him. He didn’t deserve that, and he didn’t expect her to welcome him back, either, but maybe she would at least let him explain.

By going back to the UK, Leary was running head-on into the lion’s den. If he stayed in the States, he would eventually get caught. He knew Jim and Nancy Nattress, Kate’s parents, lived in Northumberland. He’d just have to chance running into Joe’s widow. Surely, if he did, by then, he would’ve come up with a legitimate reason why he’d pretended to be her late husband.

Cold-blooded murder wasn’t easy to run from, especially with someone like Lady Triplet on your trail. The sensible thing, to do, would be to try and reason with Sir Richard. If he wouldn’t listen, Leary’s only option was the press. Get the story out and hope if he went down, he’d take Lady Triplet with him.

------------

Candice, there’s someone I’d like you to meet, Daniel said. She put her tablet down and looked up. This is my mum, Penny Stuart, your grandma.

Hello, dear, Penny said and offered a hand. It’s OK if you don’t remember me. We haven’t seen each other since you were three.

Candice frowned and cocked her head. "Sorry, but I don’t remember you. I didn’t know I had a grandma."

Penny softly chuckled. Your father and I have not always been on the best of terms. I’m sure that will change.

Candice arched an eyebrow. Oh?

You’ll have plenty of time to get to know each other, Daniel said. Grandma has come to live with us.

I’m so looking forward to getting to know you better, dear.

The corners of Candice’s mouth turned up slightly. "Getting to know you should be interesting too, Grandma. If you’ll excuse me, I have some research to do."

Daniel waited until she was out of earshot. Well, what do you think?

Penny arched an eyebrow. I’m not sure she believed us.

~ ~ ~

Candice leaned her back against the door. Mum said Grandma Stuart, died before I was born, she muttered. There’s something odd about that woman. Her eyes remind me of the one we brought back from Mexico. This will take some digging. Now, who do I know who has a shovel? Her eyes lit; she smiled.

------------

Sam looked for Donna in several other places. She didn’t like him checking up on her, but after everything that had happened, he wasn’t prepared to wait any longer. VICi, locate Donna Triplet.

VICi; Donna Triplet is not in the Complex. Do you wish to establish a link with her?

No. Show me where she is.

VICi; To provide you with a visual, it is necessary to establish a satellite link. Do you wish to proceed?

Yes! Sam groaned. "I liked her better the old way. James you made the computer too personal."

VICi; Link established. Donna Triplet is located at 54 degrees, 48 minutes, 48.71 seconds north, 2 degrees, 16 minutes, 28.92 seconds west. Do you wish to establish a visual satellite link?"

Yes, VICi, but visual only. Do not establish an audio link.

The wallscreen showed an image of the stream near the mine. Donna, what in the hell are you doing out there by yourself? He took a breath. VICi, expand the search and identify others near Donna Triplet.

VICi; Dr. Jacob Nightwolf is located in her vicinity. Do you wish to establish a link with him?

No! Sam growled and went back to the infirmary.

------------

Though the wind on the fell was crisp, coming here with Jacob had been a good decision. Donna sat with her eyes closed and her palms turned upward, drinking in reality like a thirsty traveler. The artificial sun in the Complex provided what her body needed to survive, but it wasn’t the same. It felt good to be between the two life-giving forces in her universe again. The connection of feeling her feet firmly planted on Mother Earth while Grandfather Sun wrapped her in his warmth recharged her spirit, the part of her that mattered.

She slowly opened her eyes. We have to talk to Richard. Something’s wrong with the baby.

Jacob’s heart began to pound. In an instant, his eyes changed from dark brown to glowing amber. What happened? Did you fall?

No. Not me – Kate.

He let his breath out. Honey, I hope your immortality gene is working. You damn near gave me a heart attack. He took another slow breath. So, come on - out with it. What’s wrong?

"I did some tests this morning. Rich hasn’t contracted the virus."

Jacob frowned. But I thought….

"That’s what we all thought. Apparently, we were wrong. Infecting me with the virus didn’t automatically pass it on to him."

He arched an eyebrow. "But one way, the virus spreads is through the bloodstream."

I know, she sighed.

Could something in Kate’s system have interfered?

The virus works like its HIV1 vector, Donna said. "That shouldn’t have made a difference. Rich should’ve contracted the virus when he was inside me. Jacob… this wasn’t supposed to happen. That was the purpose of a universal vector. I was certain HIV1 was the answer. If I was wrong about it, I could’ve been wrong about other things."

You were right about it interfering with your Depo shot. Are you sure it’s not just your…?

She glared at him. "Jacob, my hormones have nothing to do with what’s happening to Rich!"

"OK, honey. Take it easy, he said and blew air between his lips. Your Dine'é Kay-Yah genes are certainly active."

Sorry, Donna exhaled. I didn’t mean to snap at you.

One side of his mouth turned up. It’s alright, honey. Controlling your temper is one of the hardest parts about being Dine'é Kay-Yah. I’ve had years of experience with mine. You’re just learning, and with you being pregnant, it’ll get worse.

She rolled her eyes and groaned. Great! That’s all I need. I’m edgy enough as it is.

Jacob smiled. What prompted you to run the tests? Did it have anything to do with what the Dine’é Yá told us?

"It’s what they didn’t say that’s bothering me."

OK… I’m listening.

"On two occasions, they revealed future events about this baby, and my eternal companion, she said and pressed a hand to her stomach. But they didn’t mention Richard and me or our baby, Rich."

Jacob grinned again. "Maybe it’s ’cause they knew you didn’t have a future with Richard."

I suppose, but it still seems odd, she said.

Why did you suspect Rich hadn’t contracted the virus?

"Part of the message James translated talked about the strongest being the weakest. According to our research, the strongest is a first-generation Triplet, a child born to half-sibling. The first and second generations are necessary to strengthen the organization and leadership of the bloodline, but I believe my generation is the most important."

You mean the third-generation?

Donna’s eyes glossed. She nodded. What if it’s an altruistic imbalance, and the fact that Rich is a first-generation Triplet? Her eyes widened. Her heart began to pound. What if that prevented him from contracting the virus? What if it’s the same for mine and Sam’s baby? Jacob, he’s my cousin. That’s the reason, I didn’t wanna have children with him.

He mulled it over. Donna… when this baby was conceived, both you and Sam had contracted the virus. Your child should be born with it as a natural part of its DNA. She didn’t respond. He took another breath. When do you plan to tell Richard and Kate?

She locked eyes with him again. If I can find a way to fix the problem, I’m not.

Honey, is that fair to them? Especially to Richard.

You think I should tell them.

It might take all of us working together to find a solution, Jacob said. If I were in Richard’s shoes, I’d wanna know, especially if I thought I could contribute to the solution. What’s puzzling to me is how one of the triplets was affected, and the other one wasn’t?

"Other two, Donna corrected. Clarabelle didn’t contract the virus either. When I did a comparison to determine if we were dealing with more than one person, Clarabelle’s DNA tested negative, as well."

So, your grandmother, Lady Triplet, was the only one of the three who contracted the virus? How can that be? Is it possible they weren’t triplets?

Donna laughed. Not unless they’re clones. She studied his eyes. Her smile faded. You’re not suggesting, her voice trailed off.

Why not? It’s possible. Scientists have successfully cloned everything from mice to Rhesus monkeys.

She snorted. "Oh, come on, Jacob! There’s a huge genetic difference between Rhesus monkeys and humans. They’re on a different branch of the evolutionary family tree. You’re suggesting, in 1923, they successfully cloned a human! Get real! If anyone on earth had been anywhere close to successfully cloning a human, don’t you think my dad would’ve known by now?"

Jacob arched an eyebrow. Did he know about his mother’s sisters? For that fact, did she? He shook his head. I know it sounds unrealistic, but, under the circumstances, I don’t think we should dismiss it as a possibility.

Chapter 3

Andrew fell asleep with the diary they’d found in the pyramid, opened across his chest. Ian carefully eased it out of his hands and leaned back in his seat. He began reading.

------------

Sam sat at his desk, fuming. He hadn’t liked Jacob before. He liked him even less now. He’d intended to take Donna with him when he went to see Jasmine, but the scene outside by the stream changed his mind. He selected