Regret and Retribution

By John Chapman and Shelia Chapman

Book 6 in the 'A Vested Interest' series.

Eight years ago their hands touched and their worlds stood still. Jared Thundercloud understood the attraction between them. It was one he'd searched and longed for, one he thought he'd already found. He was committed to another, yet this person in front of him was his other half, of that he had no doubts. He made a decision to honour his commitment and severed all connections with his perfect match.

Four years later Jared held her in his arms. Life was everything he wanted it to be. There was love in her eyes, he could see it. Why did he make such a stupid mistake? How could he have been so insensitive? Realising his mistake, he went back, but she wasn't there. Jared tried, but he couldn't find her. It was as if she'd disappeared off the face of the Earth. Another year later, he's told to be in a specific place at a specific time or lose his last chance to be with her.

With the Atlantic Ocean between them, Donna never expected to see Jared again. When he stepped out of the cave at Spirit Canyon, she couldn't believe her eyes, but now the tables were turned, and Donna was pregnant. What was he going to do? Walk away? Lose her again? He cursed the very thing that kept bringing them together - Fate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Chapman
• Release date: Aug 14, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476490489

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

Part 1

Chapter 1

Sir Richard Triplet and his wife, Marie, watched the majority of their family, and their youngest son’s girlfriend, walk through an invisible barrier and step into an alien portal, a virtual black hole. When his team couldn’t locate any of them, not even with VICi’s satellite, he was concerned. He hadn’t expected them to instantly return, but it had been two hours and no activity at the doorway. Like the key stone that began this nightmare, it rested, melded to the receptacle, black and dead as the void it had opened.

He was losing hope. He studied Marie’s vacant stare. "Anything, pet? Anything at all?"

She clenched a fist and blinked to clear her vision. "No, Richard. I can’t sense James or Donna. It’s as she said, when Tom and Kate went through. I can’t feel their presence anymore. I don’t know if they’re alive or…."

No. Don’t! he said and softened his voice. Don’t even say it. He took a slow breath. This was my fault. Now I understand the warning in Joseph Thundercloud’s diary. The Yá ah-nah, this sky’s eye, has a possessive power. I thirsted for its source, and this is what it got me.

Richard, she whispered and reached to touch his face.

He grabbed her wrist. "No, I won’t let you take it away. This is my pain. I deserve to feel it. He turned. Is it remotely possible, their nanomonitors survived?"

Lee Cho Si sighed. I suppose. Their circuitry would’ve been shielded by their bodies, but the nanonytes in the tunnel are invasive. If the Dine’é Yá, these aliens, intervened, theirs would’ve short-circuited ours. That’s probably why the computer can’t locate them, and… why we haven’t heard from them.

Then boosting VICi’s satellite signal wouldn’t help.

Lee slowly shook his head. The nanomonitors were designed to work with our mobile signals. If the transmitters in their mobiles were burned out, by the portal, the only signal VICi could pickup would be from their nanomonitors. Unfortunately, they aren’t strong enough to bounce the signal off the satellite. I’m… sorry, sir.

Sir Richard ran a hand through his hair. We have to figure out a way to locate them.

Juanita sighed. If their phones are working, we should be able to locate them by linking VICI’s satellite through ordinary phone towers.

Lee nodded. Assuming they’re in an area that doesn’t block out VICi’s satellite.

And, assuming they’re still on the earth, Marie added. You heard what James said. The doorway was building up energy to bend space and time. They could be anywhere in the world, the solar system, even…the galaxy. Somehow I don’t think VICi’s satellite could reach that far.

Gary’s eyes lit. Maybe the void shorted out their batteries but didn’t affect their transmitters. Depending on where they came out, it could take a while for them to get to a store.

But our phones are solar powered, as well, Juanita said.

There are places in the world where there might not be enough sun, even for that, Lee said.

Sir Richard glared at him. "You’re saying there’s no way of finding out where they went or even if they’re alive?"

Lee sighed and shook his head. Sir, I don’t see that we have a choice. We’ll have to wait for them to contact us.

"And suppose they don’t or can’t!"

Marie pressed her lips together to keep them from quivering. Then we’ll have to have faith that they’re safe, wherever they are. Maybe they’re with Kate and Tom.

Where? Sir Richard snorted. Trapped in a bloody pyramid in Chichén Itzá? We don’t even know if Kate and Tom are alive! What do I tell Jim and Nancy Nattress? What do I tell Daniel Stuart, when he asks about his daughter?

There’s someone else you’re forgetting, Gary said. Richard has to be told.

Sir Richard arched an eyebrow. "And what do we tell him? What do we know? We watched Sam and Donna, and James and Candice, walk into the void, that’s it! Was it real? Do we trust our eyes or was it an alien trick? What technology do we have that can confirm what we saw?"

Gary forced the air from his lungs and shook his head. None, Sir Richard, but I believe we should tell him what we know. Richard is level-headed. He’ll form his own conclusion.

Before I speak to him about this, I think I should speak to him about the other matter first - for the sake of his sanity.

Gary frowned. You mean….

Yes, Sir Richard nodded.

Speaking of Richard, has anyone seen him lately? Juanita asked.

Not since he left Sam and Donna’s this morning, Sir Richard said. He’s had a lot to deal with. Mildred, where is Ricky?

VICi; In the astronomy lab, sir. Would you like me to notify him?

Sir Richard glanced at Marie and sighed. No, Mildred. I might as well get this over with.

Do you want me to come with you? she asked.

"No, pet. I need to do this." She sighed and softly kissed him.

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

Richard was sitting behind the star chart control panel, staring at a cluster of stars on the wallscreen. Sir Richard rested a hand on his shoulder. Anything interesting?

Not really, he said and sighed. I thought if I stared at these long enough, it might give me a clue why Kate was so fascinated by them.

Sir Richard pulled up a chair. What are you looking at?

The Alpha Centauri star system. It’s 4.7 light years from here. Kate believed it would be our new home. I wonder if it’s hers now.

Have you accepted that she’s gone, then?

Richard shrugged and looked back at the wallscreen. Do I have a choice? We watched Tom and Kate step through the doorway and disappear. VICi confirmed it was them. She’s seldom wrong.

No, she’s not, Sir Richard said and hesitated. Listen, I need to tell you something.

Richard switched off the wallscreen and turned. What?

Something odd happened to the key stone. Donna thought it had something to do with Kate and Tom going through the doorway. I have to admit, it was a remarkable coincidence.

He frowned. I thought it stopped working.

It did, but then it started glowing and got really cold – like a piece of ice.

Why did Donna think it had anything to do with my wife and stepson?

"It did this after Kate and Tom went through the doorway. James, Juanita, Lee, and Gary did extensive research with the key stone. It began drawing argon from the air to use as a power source."

Richard frowned. A power source for what?

"There’s more. The key stone was building up energy to be used again on the doorway. We went into the tunnel, Ricky. We were all going to go through the doorway. Donna was determined. Sam wouldn’t let her go without him. James had to go, so Donna could. Anyway, to make a long story short, Sam and Donna walked past the barrier. James and Candice walked past too, but when Marie and I tried," his voice trailed off.

Richard’s eyes became dark circles. Dad, you didn’t let them, he broke off, reading the truth in his father’s eyes. Dad - no! he said and shook his head.

Ricky, I couldn’t stop them. When they passed through the barrier, it came up. They were trapped. They couldn’t get back. They had to make a choice. Wait until we could figure out how to get them out or take their chances with the doorway.

Richard glared at his father. You realize you’ve killed them - my sister, my brother, my cousin, and an innocent teenager?

"Ricky, every single life in this Complex is my responsibility. Do you think that’s easy for me? I’m tired, son. I’d love to walk away, but I can’t. You know your sister. You know she has a gift. You’ve experienced it. Donna believed in what she was doing. They made the choice. I had to stand there and watch the people I love walk away from me, knowing I may never see them again, but that’s growth, son. That’s letting go and allowing someone to grow. Sir Richard’s eyes glossed. Whether you people believe it or not, I’m human, and I hurt, too."

Richard hugged his father. I’m sorry, Dad, he said and swallowed the lump in his throat. But it was hard enough losing Donna the first two times.

Sir Richard pinched the bridge of his nose and sniffed. Ricky, that wasn’t all I came to talk to you about, he said and took a breath. But I’m not sure now is a good time.

Richard forced his breath out. With everything that has happened could it possibly get any worse?

I need you to do me a favor.

If I can.

There’s a woman. I’m considering adding her to our team, but I need an honest opinion. I’d like you to check her out for me.

What’s her field of expertise?

Sir Richard took a slow breath. Art, music - among others. She’s a gifted artist, and she’s not a bad cello player, either.

Richard arched an eyebrow and cocked his head. You want me to interview an artist, who’s a cello player? Those aren’t the type of talents you look for. Are you trying to fix me up?

He smirked slightly. Can’t get anything past you. What do you mean?

"I’m not ready for another relationship."

I’m not asking you to start a relationship with this woman. I want your honest, professional opinion.

Dad, after all these years... if you’re trying to fix me up.

All I want you to do is have a meal with her.

Richard exhaled. When?

Mum, Marie, wants you to come now.

"Go as I am? Without cleaning up first? He snorted. You know that’s not my style."

I’ll give you time to shower and change.

Richard turned. Tell Mum, I’ll be there in half an hour.

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

Donna noticed Sam was extremely anxious when he suggested they hike down to Raymond Bauss’ ranch. It seemed he wanted to leave Spirit Canyon as quickly as possible. Why? Rich tugged her hand and whispered in her ear. She frowned and studied her son’s eyes. Sensing the seriousness of his words, she took a slow breath and nodded. Sam, I’m tired, and I’m hungry, she said. You and James go. The rest of us will get something started for breakfast.

He narrowed his eyes. "Rich, are you sure you do not want to go with us?"

Rich swallowed and moved closer to Donna. No thanks, Uncle Sam. I’d rather stay with my mom.

Donna put her arm around his shoulders. It’ll take my dad at least eight hours to get here. I love the canyon, but not under these circumstances. I wanna get my baby home. Go on, she teased, get going.

A glimmer of anger flashed in Sam’s eyes. He leaned toward her. Rich shivered and tightened his arm around her waist. Sam smiled, cradled her face in his hand and kissed her. Let’s go, James.

Watch out for snakes! Donna called out.

When they were out of sight, Rich took a slow breath and visibly relaxed. Donna kissed the top of his head, wondering why he stiffened and shivered when Sam came near him. At first, she thought it might be because Sam was a stranger, but… why hadn’t Rich done it around anyone else? Her son hadn’t met any of them, yet he’d been wary of Sam from the beginning.

Chapter 2

Donna taught Rich and Candice how to fish for trout in the stream. Soon, they’d caught enough for a meal and began gathering wood for a fire. The cabin was locked. Donna had a key, but it was back at the Complex. Other than their phones, they didn’t have so much as a book of matches with them, so she tried to build a fire the way her ancestors had, by rubbing two sticks together. Unfortunately, her ancestors had been more successful.

Inside the cave, just beyond the entrance to the canyon, there was a shuffling noise. A tall man with deeply tanned skin stepped out. He bent over and dusted the front of his stonewashed jeans and black T-shirt. He straightened up, removed his dark sunglasses, pushed his shoulder length black hair out of his eyes and smiled at Candice.

It can’t be. Her lips parted; her face flushed. Um, Donna!

What is it?

Candice pointed. Sunlight flashed on the white wolf on the man’s T-shirt. A broad grin spread across Rich’s mouth. Donna’s heart jumped to her throat. She blinked to clear her vision. After all the dreams and disappointments, she had to be sure. Is this real?

She read the name on his shirt: Raging Storm. Her breath froze in her lungs. Her bottom lip quivered. It’s you, she whispered.

He locked his smoldering dark eyes on hers. A sly grin played at the corners of his mouth. He strained the muscles around his eyes, dangerously close to giving him away. The others didn’t know his secret. Inches from her, he stopped and waited. The air between them crackled.

Jared?

His eyes glossed. Hi, honey, he said in his low, sexy voice.

Donna slowly walked toward him. He wrapped her in his strong arms and buried his face in her hair. His hot breath tickled her skin. A feeling of warmth shot through her. Her stomach twisted. Jared groaned and kissed the side of her neck. He never wanted to let her go, but something was wrong. The child in her womb quickened; she gasped. Feeling signs of life within her, he silently cursed. She was pregnant. Reluctantly, he pulled back.

Donna couldn’t force her eyes from his. She rested a palm against his cheek. I didn’t think this moment would ever come.

Jared pressed her hand, tightly against his skin and kissed her wrist, where his wristband still rested. His mind rebelled at the trick fate had played on them yet again. He pushed his feelings down and suppressed stinging tears. I was beginning to wonder myself. He pressed a palm against her abdomen; the child quickened again. He took a slow breath. This could complicate things.

Candice cleared her throat and shuffled her feet, breaking the spell. Donna stepped back. Sorry, Candy. I kinda forgot you were back there.

She grinned and offered a hand. Can’t imagine why.

"Jared, this is Candy Stuart, my brother’s girlfriend. Candy, this is Jared Thundercloud, of Raging Storm. He’s a friend of mine and Gary’s from Shreveport. He and I were… close, once."

He smiled and shook her hand. Hi, Candy.

You knew this beautiful creature, and you let him get away? Pleased to meet you, Jared. I love your music. Donna plays it a lot.

He glanced at Donna and grinned. Oh, she does, does she? He put an index finger under Candice’s chin and pushed her jaw up.

Her cheeks showed some color. Oh, sorry.

Jared sighed. It’s OK, Candy. I’m used to it. He turned his smoldering gaze back to Donna. For some reason, I have that effect on most women. It’s a curse, but I live with it.

Donna softly smiled. I see you’re still full of yourself. Jared, this is my son, Rich.

Hello, Uncle Jared, he said and shook his hand.

Jared smiled. Pleased to meet you, Rich.

Are you hungry? Donna asked. There’s plenty, well, there will be if I ever get this stupid fire started.

He shook his head. "Why are you trying to start a fire with two sticks?"

Irritation flashed in her eyes. "Dr. Thundercloud, I didn’t exactly plan for this trip. I guess I forgot to pack my blow torch!"

He groaned inwardly. Her spitfire temper still did things to his body. I think I can help there, he said and pulled a bushman survival knife from his pack. Can I borrow one of those sticks?

Donna’s eyebrows shot up. How do you propose to light a fire with a stick and a knife?

Jared snorted and crouched in front of the pile of wood. He whittled off thin strips and produced a small pile of shavings. He poked them into the middle of the wood pile, unscrewed the end of his knife and bumped out a match. Striking it on the blade, he put it under the shavings. Cupping his hands, he blew a few times and the fire burst into flames. He stuck the blade of the knife in the ground and pushed to his feet.

Cheater! she snorted. Rich giggled.

Jared touched Donna’s chin and grinned. Technology is always better than caveman tactics, honey. Where’s your fiancé and your brother?

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

Sam knocked a couple of times. Mr. Bauss. I do not know if you remember me. My name is Sam Triplet, Donna Triplet’s fiancé. This is James, her younger brother. I need to get in touch with Sir Richard, in England. I was wondering, might I use your phone.

Raymond frowned. Oh, yeah! I remember you. Sure, it’s on the wall in the kitchen. Help yourself. Can I get you a cold one?

That would be nice, Sam said and dialed the number.

Raymond took out three cold beers.

Sir Richard, it is me.

Sam? Son, where are you? Sir Richard was ecstatic. He hadn’t noticed the difference in Sam’s speech.

Arkansas, Sam said.

How did you get to, he broke off. You’ve only been gone for, he broke off again. Is that what was beyond the void?

For us at least. We will catch a plane. I know you are too busy to….

Where in Arkansas are you? I’ll leave now.

Raymond Bauss’ ranch.

"You’re at Spirit Canyon?" he prompted with incredulity. Is everyone OK?

Yes, Sir Richard – all five.

Five?

There was someone waiting for us.

Kate? Tom?

"They are not coming back. They sent Rich, your grandson."

There was silence on the line. Sam… could you repeat that?

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

Donna arched an eyebrow. They’ve gone to call my dad. What are you doing here, again? Did he call you?

Which question should I answer, first, honey?

She rolled her eyes. Take your pick.

Jared chuckled. OK, but you gotta promise me something first.

What?

That you won’t think I’m insane.

OK, she smirked.

He reflected her grin. "Three things brought me here. Two sketches I did from my dreams, and my grandmother. Sir Richard didn’t call me."

Donna cocked her head. The sketches I can handle. The dead grandmother – not so sure about that one. Could you answer a couple of questions before I pledge my alliance to your surreal declaration?

Let’s hear it.

When did you do the sketches, and what did your grandmother tell you?

One was done long ago. The other, when I left my wristband behind. You didn’t actually think I’d lost it, did you?

I had my doubts. You took a risk. What if someone else had found it?

Jared arched an eyebrow. I wasn’t worried. Besides, I knew it would take a miracle for anyone to get into the canyon.

How did you find it? she asked. The location is supposed to be a secret.

Not to our ancestors. I’m a little closer to the source, remember?

"Honestly."

He snorted and shook his head. Alright. My father told me. I’ve been looking for this canyon since before I married Sara. When I was told to find Cross Lake, I assumed the canyon would be near Wisteria Hall. Guess I was wrong about more than one thing.

Donna softly smiled. I don’t suppose you have the older sketch in your backpack, do you?

Jared produced a medium-size sketchpad and a set of pastels. He unsnapped the pad and pulled out a piece of paper. My intention was if I found the canyon, I could do a clearer sketch with my eyes than from my dreams.

She slowly lowered her gaze and drew in a quick breath. She pressed her lips together to keep them from quivering. She held the sketch up and compared it to the cabin and the stream. On the porch were three people. Her mother, Constance and seven-year-old Donna.

She swallowed the lump in her throat. OK, now the part about your grandmother. When did she speak to you? She died over ten years ago.

Jared sighed and glanced at his watch. Give or take about three hours ago.

She closed her eyes and cleared her throat. And the reason you came was, so you could do a better sketch of the canyon?

He stepped closer and slowly shook his head. I came because she said to be here at 10:15 am or I would miss my last opportunity to fix what happened between us. I grabbed my stuff, hopped on a plane and rented a car. You know why I’m here. I came back for you.

Donna wiped her eyes. What do you expect me to say, Jared?

He shrugged. After everything I’ve put you through, I kinda expected a knee to the groin or at least a slapped face, but I don’t care. Regardless of the circumstances, I would’ve done anything to be where I am right now. He picked up her left hand and caressed the back of it with the pad of his thumb.

Donna drew in another quick breath. Candy, can you watch the fish and Rich for a few minutes?

Sure, she smiled.

~ ~ ~

Jared followed Donna out of earshot to the flat rock by the stream. They sat side by side. She picked up a stone and tossed it into the water. They watched the ripples spread.

Rich glanced over his shoulder. Uncle Jared, can you hear me?

Yes.

I have a message for you from Uncle Joe.

I’m listening.

You need to get Aunt Sara’s ring. You must have it with you. You’ll need it real soon.

Jared smirked. You mean the one around my neck?

Oh, you know. Uncle Joe said it was extremely important.

He found it, didn’t he? He found the Yá ah-nah, and he’s not dead either… is he?

Rich grinned. He wasn’t when I left.

Well, do you have any suggestions? Donna finally asked.

Rich do me a favor. Warn me when your Uncle Sam comes through the cave. There’s gonna be trouble. I don’t wanna be caught off guard.

Will do, Uncle Jared.

Donna frowned. Jared! Are you listening to me? We don’t have a lot of time to talk, like this. Sam and James will be back shortly.

Sorry, I was distracted. You mean about you and Sam?

Donna sighed and narrowed her eyes. Unless you’re engaged or married, again.

Nope, neither. After you, who could compare?

She tucked her chin. You’re making me feel guilty.

Why? Jared frowned.

She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Because I didn’t wait… for this opportunity. I’m pregnant - again. Now you walk back into my life. How do you think that makes me feel?"

He studied her eyes. Probably the way I do, next to helpless.

She nodded and exhaled. That about sums it up.

He laced his fingers with hers. Do you want me to walk away, honey? I don’t wanna hurt you anymore.

Donna squeezed his, holding it tightly. Oh, God, no! It was hard enough the first time. You being so close and still refusing to even let me into your thoughts wasn’t easy, either. Will he go back with us or is he gonna walk away again? He works for Dad. He should go back with us. Donna, you’re so selfish. You’re carrying Sam’s baby. I can’t bear the thought of Jared walking away again, but how could I justify this to Sam? To Dad? Silent tears filled her eyes. She turned her face away. I don’t wanna see you hurt either, Jared, but, she broke off.

He moved closer and wrapped his arms around her. He stroked the back of her head and buried his face in her hair. He sighed deeply. As you said, we don’t have a lot of time. Why don’t you just ask me?

Donna locked eyes with him again. You’re still reading my thoughts?

Jared took a slow breath and cradled her face. He caressed her cheeks with the pads of his thumbs and smiled. I never stopped, honey. The answers to your questions are yes, and no.

Chapter 3

Donna frowned. I don’t understand, Jared. How can you call that an answer?

"Easy. Yes, I’ll go back with you, and no, unless you want me to, I’ll never leave you. I won’t make the same stupid mistakes, again."

She lowered her head. Protecting your daughter was not a mistake. I would’ve done the same.

No but letting my guard down to someone like Forrest was.

The quarters across from Sam’s, are yours, aren’t they? That’s why I felt your presence there. I never got a chance to ask you. Why did you take a job with my dad? You didn’t need the money then, any more than you need it now. Why?

Jared softly smiled. I knew, eventually, I’d be closer to you.

Did you choose those quarters because you knew I’d be across the corridor? Jared slowly nodded. Wouldn’t that have been painful for you?

He snorted. Hell yes. Seeing you with Sam would’ve been painful, but I would do whatever it took to make you happy. I knew he would slip up, eventually, and when he did, I would be there. He paused. My turn to ask a question. You’re engaged to him or, so I’ve been told. Where’s your ring? Didn’t he give you one?

Oh, yes! I gave it back last night. We had a knock-down-drag-out.

Jared smirked. So, you’re not together now? Not that it makes a difference, but did you call it off?

Donna frowned. What’s that supposed to mean?

After all we went through, do you think I would give you up to someone like him? The night I left Shreveport, I told Richard and your father, when the time was right, I would take back what was mine.

"So, you expect me to forget everything and pick up where we left off? Jared, a lot has happened. The pain I felt, when you left me, was so bad, I shut myself off. I don’t want to feel that again. Forrest is dead. What kept you from coming back?"

He sighed and swallowed the lump in his throat. The question he dreaded. The one he knew she would eventually ask. Donna, I….

Uncle Jared… they’re coming!

He stood. Donna looked up and frowned. What is it?

Time to see how good of an acting job we can do. He pulled her to her feet.

What do you mean?

Your ex-fiancé and your brother are here. We’ll have to continue this discussion later. You can still talk to me telepathically. Even if, I can’t answer, the sound of your voice is enough.

Her eyebrows shot up. "Oh! So now you’re opening your thoughts to me?" How do I know I can trust you?

Jared smirked and led her back to the campfire. Try me? Think about something. Donna suppressed a roguish grin. His eyes widened. Hey, I didn’t say you could take liberties with me!

~ ~ ~

Jared’s built-in warning senses flashed when Sam and James emerged from the mouth of the canyon. His eyes reacted, going from dark brown to glowing crimson. Before, when he came up the path, he’d felt a vague, negative influence, but he couldn’t tell where it was coming from. The dark energy pouring from one of the two people was so strong it caused his head to ache.

Donna sensed his anxiety. She reached behind her back and took his hand. Instantly, he felt the warmth of her love. We’ll get through this, Jared. She pulled her hand away. Jared casually pushed his left hand into his jeans pocket. Donna stood in front of him. Sam, we’ve got company. James this is….

James stepped forward and grabbed his hand. Jared Thundercloud, he finished. I remember you from the music video. It’s nice to finally meet you.

Donna cleared her throat and glanced at Sam. Um, yes. Jared, this is my little brother, James.

Sam gave Jared a back-off look, possessively wrapped an arm around Donna’s waist and leaned close to her ear. What is Geronimo doing here? Did you call him?

Jared groaned. I’m not Apache, you arrogant asshole! Pleased to meet you, James, he said and breathed a sigh of relief. The negativity wasn’t coming from Donna’s brother. Almost reluctantly, he turned to Sam. Nice to see you again, too, Sam. I thought we were beyond the racism. I’m Navajo, remember?

Sam smirked. Sorry, it must have slipped my mind.

The moment their hands touched, Jared felt as if his head would explode. Flashes of pure evil fired off every nerve in his body, leaving him drained and chilled.

Donna drew in a quick breath. Her daughter trembled inside of her as though she’d been subjected to an electric shock. She tried not to respond. Concerned, she glanced at Jared. Something’s wrong with my baby, Jared.

What’s she doing, honey?

How did you know it was a girl?

Donna, please! What is she doing?

She moved for the first time when you held me. Now, it feels as though she’s pushing away from Sam’s hand.

Move closer to James. Tell me what she does.

Without prompting, Rich stood between his mother

Reviews for Regret and Retribution

[Charlene Baker · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This book makes no sense. I didn't even finish it. I've read them all in order so it's frustrating to get to this book and not want to go further. In this book Donna is meeting haters parents for the first time. In the book before this they visited her. Not worth reading