Consequences: A Vested Interest book 7

By John Chapman and Shelia Chapman

Although conceived by him, Sam Triplet was no longer the father of Donna's unborn child. The baby she carried now belonged to Jared Thundercloud, a man she hadn't seen for months. When the discovery was made, Donna was just as shocked as everyone else, but it had been genetically proven.

On the quest, the alien Dine’é Yá had intervened. They gave Donna a choice. To save her from explaining the change they'd made to her baby, the Dine’é Yá would wipe Sam's memory, and that of everyone else who helped rescue her from the hostile 'Others'. Sam would not remember being in love with Donna, and whatever experiences they'd shared, or how their relationship had changed Sam's character, would be lost too. The part that bothered Donna most? Sam would be given no choice in the matter. Sam had been unfaithful to Donna, but did two wrongs make a right?

How much would Donna risk to be with Jared? How many lives was she willing to change in order to keep the extraordinary gift she'd been given? What would be the consequences of her choice? The Dine’é Yá had warned her, they would make no further changes, nor would they interfere if she made the wrong choice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Chapman
• Release date: May 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301037902

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

Lady Triplet – alias Penny Stuart – had been spending her spare time, secretly accessing VICi’s database through an unauthorised keyboard link. Without drawing too much attention to herself, she’d also been eavesdropping in the cafeteria and other public areas, picking up as much information as possible.

By suddenly changing her normal routine, which on occasion meant excluding her soap operas, Penny knew she had already aroused Candice’s suspicions. As a result, Candice had shared her opinion with James, who was now also keeping an extra eye on Penny, and VICi’s access logs. Since then, Penny’s private sessions with VICi had been extremely limited. She was getting sloppy, because she was getting impatient. Her latest blunder was proof of her carelessness. Twice, she’d been forced to use different authorisation codes, but had exonerated herself, by using Gary’s codes to cover her tracks.

Penny sensed something unusual had recently happened in the complex. Apart, from key personnel and security; Penny, along with many people living on that same level had been herded like cattle, into the infirmary, the park, the cafeteria and other areas. They’d been told it was for their own safety, but from who, or what? Added to that, Penny’s lying murdering sister, Lady Isabelle, had been at the heart of it all, while she – Queen of The Order – had been excluded. Why?

Protesting, as was her usual reaction to authority, Penny had been told the same stock lies as everyone else. Due to the heavy rainfall they’d been experiencing, a problem had developed with the complex pumping systems, and the lower level tunnels and living quarters were in danger of flooding.

VICi – the complex’s computer system - controlled most of the complex’s functions. VICi was located on the same level as the cafeteria and the infirmary, not on one of the lower levels. While flooding might account for the power surges and brownouts, it couldn’t account for the tremors and rapid changes in the heating and cooling system. Penny had also noted the areas of refuge had been as far away from the lower level tunnels, and as close to the old mineshaft exits, as possible. Why would they do that? Penny had come to the conclusion that something in the lower levels must either be extremely dangerous, or unstable - possibly both - but what?

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

After a rather traumatic experience in a mindstorm, something Jared had said about Rich had sparked James’s natural and insatiable curiosity about the aliens, not only The Dine’é Yá, but the Others, as well. Having studied Navajo and other Native American and ancient languages; James knew the ‘Others’ was not the actual Navajo word. It was its English translation.

Unfortunately, it did appear that a hostile race, equal in power to that of the Dine’é Yá had existed in Earth’s history. James had not discovered exactly what happened to this hostile race, and that bothered him.

James had also become interested in his genealogy. To break the monotony of monitoring Grandma’s sessions with VICi, James had spent time going through old genealogical records for key members of The Order. The Triplets, Wilsons, Forrests, and now the D’Vincents were among some of the bloodlines he’d researched. The further back James traced these influential families, the more a pattern was emerging. Each time these bloodlines had mingled – especially those that had involved incest – someone had either been killed in a bizarre accident, or had died a sudden and unexplained death.

From studying a separate document James had recently ‘acquired’ from Lady Triplet, James had concluded that Jared’s bloodline – the Dine'é Kay-Yah – the same bloodline he, Gary, Donna, Rich, Beth, and his mother shared, was somehow linked to this equation, as well. Joseph’s diary and journals had suggested there may be a way for the Others to gain control of both the Yá ah-nah, and the other doorways, by using another key stone to reverse the karmic field of the one in their possession. Joseph had hinted this other key stone had been the main reason for his research, and not the sky’s eye, as he’d led them to believe. This also troubled James.

Fearing the last few entries of the diary had been written while Joseph was delusional, or under the influence of dream dust, James was reluctant to take any of it seriously. He’d already made mistakes in translating the alien codes, and until he could find out more or had a chance to speak with Jared; James was keeping this new information to himself. Although he trusted Candice – his perfect match - James wouldn’t put her life in danger. Jared had taught James her safety and well-being was second only to protecting Rich - the key to it all. From James’s point of view, both Jared and Donna had perhaps already given their lives to protect his nephew.

Unbeknown to anyone, Donna was going through Hell.

Chapter 2

They were all over her. Every inch of her body covered with them – wolf spiders. She was petrified, afraid to open her eyes, afraid to breathe. She could feel their furry legs crawling under her clothes, across the skin of her neck and down her arms. No matter how many she knocked off, more came back. Her heart raced. She was going mad.

Tears were streaming down Donna’s face. She was struggling to hold on to her sanity, recalling and repeating what Jared had told her.

"This is not happening! None of this is real."

But, to Donna, it felt real. Her ears ached from Jared’s screams of pain. She needed to help him, but she couldn’t move. There was no oxygen, she couldn’t breathe. Gasping for air, collapsing to her knees, she lifted her head to look at him. His body was bound by a whip of pure crimson energy, scorching his clothes, burning into his flesh. Drawing in the last bit of breath she had Donna screamed, Jared – no!

There was a blinding light. Donna felt as though she was on a merry-go-round, spinning round and round, faster and faster, until she felt dizzy and nauseous, as though she might throw up. Finally, after what felt an eternity, she stopped spinning.

Crouched on all fours, eyes still tightly shut, afraid of what she might see; she coughed and gasped, drawing in her first breath of real air. It felt like ice, frozen in her lungs. Her entire body tingled and itched as though she’d been touching a plasma ball. Far off, she could hear the rumbling roar of an engine, getting closer. The air vibrated with the beat of the helicopter blades. A bright light flashed in her eyes and then it slowly moved away.

Where am I? Where did everything go? Where are Jared, and Rich and Beth?

Lee made another sweep over the top of the mountain. Can you see anything? he shouted over the rotor noise.

The light and roaring moved off, further away from Donna. She started looking around. She could see gigantic boulders, small bushes and sky – nothing but sky and a blue horizon. A fine mist of rain was still falling. She touched her shirt, her jeans, they were soaked, and so was the woven blanket she was crouched on. Slowly, she leaned back, resting on her calves. Her stomach rumbled. She was exhausted, cold and hungry. She wrapped her arms around her body and shivered.

How long have I been sitting here? I can’t remember. I have to remember. I have to find them. Jared! Rich! Beth! she cried out, but her voice was hoarse and small. Clearing her throat, she tried again. Where are you?"

Donna tried to stand. She wanted to walk around and figure out where she was, but her legs were weak and wobbly. Her head was foggy. She nibbled at her fingernail, desperately trying to collect her thoughts. Leaning forward on her knees, she attempted to stand again. Ouch! she groaned. Something sharp gouged into her skin.

Feeling under her knee, Donna discovered it was a ring. Jared’s ring. The one she’d agreed to wear, for protection against the Others, but that wasn’t why Donna had put it on her finger. She’d done it because she loved Jared and she’d understood how important that simple gesture had been to him. She slipped the ring back on her finger and started crying. She heard the noise again. The helicopter was coming back. She could see the glare of its search light.

McGowan tried to keep his binoculars focused as Lee struggled against the wind to keep the chopper still.

Still nothing? Lee asked.

No – nothing, he sighed and changed position. Wait! Stop! Go back! I think I saw something.

Lee banked the chopper around in a tight turn.

The sound was directly over Donna. She looked up and shielded her eyes from the bright light.

Yes! McGowan smiled. It’s her. I see her, but she’s alone. Jared isn’t with her.

Lee quickly circled the chopper and started searching for a landing site. Due to the rough terrain of the mountain top, he was forced to land several yards away. Lee barrelled out. Crouching down, keeping his head low, he shielded his eyes with his arm from sprays of rain. As, soon as he was out from under the spinning blades and it was safe, Lee started running toward her. Donna!

Still crying, struggling to see through her tears and the rain, Donna staggered toward the sound of the man’s voice. Lee… is that you?

As he caught sight of her, tears glossed Lee’s eyes. He ran to her, wrapping her in his arms, holding her close. Donna! Are you OK? Are you hurt? Lee felt her stiffen and shiver. Realising what he’d done, he stepped back and took off his coat. Put your arms in this, he said, holding it out to her.

Donna slid her arms into the oversized sleeves. It was warm and dry and the smell of Lee’s cologne lingered there. She sighed deeply, enjoying the secure feeling it gave her. Are they in the chopper? she asked, her voice still rough and small.

Lee furrowed his brow. Are who in the chopper Donna?

Donna studied his eyes. Jared, Beth, and Rich.

No Donna. There’s no one in the chopper, but me and Tim, he replied, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, leading her toward the chopper.

Donna firmly planted her feet on the ground, refusing to move. They have to be here! We were all together. Have you searched the rest of the mountain?

McGowan approached. Ah – Donna – Rich and Beth were never here. Jared isn’t here either, Honey, and we’ve done a thorough search. We almost missed you.

Donna furrowed her brow in anger. No! You’re wrong! We were all together, all four of us, me, Jared, Rich and Beth. We were standing in what looked like a medieval courtroom, only Richard was the judge.

Lee started leading her again. Come on. You can tell us about it when we get back to the hotel.

Donna jerked free. "I’m not leaving without Jared," she said turning.

Lee grabbed her forearm. OK, fine, but we’re waiting in the chopper, where it’s warm and dry. Now come with me, or I’ll pick you up and carry you.

Donna narrowed her eyes. I’m not leaving without….

Lee lifted her into his arms. I warned you.

Put me down Lee! Donna started struggling and beating against his chest. Lee ignored her and kept walking. There was a flash of pale blue light behind them.

McGowan turned. Ah – Lee – Pal, I think you’d better put her down. We’ve got company, and I only recognise one of them, he said, reaching for his sidearm.

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

Marie stood in front of the hotel window, arms wrapped around her body, staring at the misting rain across the desert. It had been two hours, and they hadn’t heard a word from anyone who had gone to Mother’s Mountain. She was rapidly losing hope they ever would. And even then, she didn’t expect the news to be good. Despite Jared’s confidence, there was a gnawing emptiness in the pit of Marie’s stomach. The same feeling she’d had when Donna and James went into the void. It was the waiting and uncertainty that were the hardest parts.

The second VICi had enough power to return a signal, Sir Richard’s cell phone vibrated. Marie’s hopes rose until she found out the call was from the UK. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to hear from the complex, she was just hoping it had been from Lee, with news about Donna or Jared.

Sir Richard paced back and forth as he waited.

"Richard is a little busy right now…."

Sir Richard heaved a heavy sigh of relief. Gary, what’s going on over there?

"Uncle Richard, to be honest, I’m not sure myself. So much has happened so fast, it’s kind of hard to explain."

Did they succeed? Did Jared and Donna make contact with Rich and Beth?

Rich was just starting to sit up. Gary looked back at Rich and smiled. "I don’t know about that, but Rich and Beth are back in the complex, Tom isn’t."

Sir Richard’s eyes widened. Tom – my grandson – Kate’s little boy, was in the complex?

"Ah – yeah – he was, for about a quarter of an hour, but he’s not little anymore. Rich and Beth were upset when they got back. Apparently, Jared and Donna…."

Upset – got back from where? Are Jared and Donna in the complex also? Wait a minute, Sir Richard said, furrowing his brow in confusion. What do you mean Tom isn’t little anymore?

Gary rolled his eyes and sighed. Every time he’d tried to answer he’d been interrupted. "Uncle Richard, it’s hard to explain over the phone. They’re worried that their parents and Tom didn’t make it out. Apparently, all four of them were trapped in a mindstorm. Anyway…."

If Rich and Beth made it out of the mindstorm, then Jared and Donna must have also. Have you tried locating them?

No, Uncle Richard. VICi’s systems just came online a couple of minutes ago. I haven’t had time to….

Then do it now, Gary. Try to locate Jared and Donna by locking on to their nanomonitors and bouncing the signal off the satellite as we’d discussed before.

Gary sighed again, exasperated. "I was just about to do that, when you rang, but…."

Let me talk to Rich!

Gary groaned and handed Rich Richard’s cell phone. "Granddad? Are Uncle Jared, Mom and Tom there with you in Arizona?"

Sir Richard’s mouth gaped. No, Rich. Why would…?

"Granddad, if they’re not with you, then we have to find them. Are you sure they’re not somewhere else in the hotel?"

No Rich. Are you all right?

"Are they still on Mother’s Mountain?"

Rich, Son, you’re not making sense. Please tell me what’s going on before my sanity comes apart at the seams!

Rich’s voice broke. "Granddad, all I know is that we were all in the mindstorm together. Me, Mom, Beth, Uncle Jared, Tom, and one of the Others. The Other was torturing Uncle Jared and Mom to try and get to me. The Others can use me to open the doorways. They want to gain control of the Yá ah-nah. Granddad, no matter what we have to do, even if it means sacrificing my life, we cannot let that happen, ever!"

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

Lee stopped, sighed and set Donna on her feet. Slowly reaching into the pocket of his jacket, which was still on Donna, he eased out his pistol, pulled back the hammer and whirled.

Tears filled Donna’s eyes. Glancing over her shoulder, she turned and started toward him. No, Donna! Lee grabbed her arm, forcing her to his side, locking his arm around her waist. It may be a trick!

Oh no! Tom groaned inwardly. Not the gunpoint thing again. I just faced a small arsenal in the complex. Remind me to be fitted with one of those nanonyte nets at our earliest convenience, or I’m gonna end up full of lead. Don’t adults get more respect?

Jared grinned. Not when Lee is protecting Donna and doesn’t know what he’s dealing with. He’s got a crush on her.

Tom cleared his throat. That must be inconvenient.

Jared’s mind instantly went back to their weekend break. He grinned again. Not in the slightest.

Tom chuckled. You and Uncle Sam do have a lot of things in common. You’re both full of yourself.

Jared cut his eyes at Tom and growled inwardly. If you don’t take that back, I’ll show you what it means to be alpha male!

Tom grinned and pressed his lips together to keep from laughing.

Donna furrowed her brow in anger and pushed against his arm, locked tightly around her waist. Lee, let me go! It’s Jared!

Hands in the air! Lee demanded.

Looks like I may have to show this guy what it means too. You don’t need to put your hands up. If he gets trigger happy, stand still. I’ll jump in front of you. I am wearing a nanonyte net.

Tom furrowed his brow. Do you need a shield?

Jared grinned. Nah, but it keeps Donna happy. She’s extremely protective of me.

Tom sighed and looked down at his feet. Yeah, and if Lee knows what’s good for him, he’ll let go of Aunt Donna, before she does what she’s thinking. He’d better hope he’s wearing a cricket box under that expensive suit.

Jared reached out with his thoughts and winced. Ouch! One side of his mouth turned up in a cocky grin. Technology won’t protect him against Donna. Her mental powers are strong enough to go through anything – trust me.

Tom scoffed. She’s already that strong?

Jared cleared his throat. Yes, but don’t tell her I said that. She’ll take advantage of it.

Tom slightly smiled. Would she now….

Jared narrowed his eyes and cleared his throat again. Tom – don’t! Ah – Lee – I think you need to put my girl down, before I become morally offended, and do something you won’t enjoy, he said in his low, commanding tone.

Lee narrowed his eyes. You would be no match for me, Mate. Who’s the other person, and where did he come from?

Jared locked his gaze on Lee, mentally snarling. You don’t want to test that theory – Mate! He’s my nephew, Tom Thundercloud, Joe and Kate’s son.

Yes, Tom added. … and would like very much if you would put that pistol away. Right now, I’m kind of allergic to bullets.

Kate’s son was five-years-old.

Donna narrowed her eyes and mentally bit Lee’s hand hard and then she elbowed him in the diaphragm. He groaned, dropped the gun and bent over, releasing his hold on Donna. Don’t ever grab me like that again!

Jared grinned, locking his eyes on Donna’s, straining his facial muscles to keep his eyes from turning crimson. See what I mean. At least it wasn’t as severe as what she’d planned to do to him.

Donna swallowed hard and locked her eyes on Jared’s. I didn’t think I would ever see you again. she cried and circled her arms around Jared’s neck, rising on her tiptoes. Jared, don’t ever do that to me again.

Jared put his arms around her waist, lifting her off the ground, holding her tight, burying his face in her hair. I’m sorry, Honey, but I was afraid you would get hurt.

Just promise you won’t ever do it again. Especially if you’re fighting another wolf.

Jared pulled back and studied her tear filled eyes. He softly smiled. I’ll try, he said, leaning his head down, covering her mouth with his in a slow, deep, passionate kiss.

Donna leaned into him, tangling her fingers in his long black hair, gently grazing her fingernails against his scalp.

Jared drew in a quick breath, his entire body shivered. This is not the place for you to be doing that, he whispered in her ear.

Why is that? she whispered against his lips, kissing him again.

Jared kissed her back with equal passion, unable to resist her. Because, you’re going to make me go back on my word.

Which one would that be, she panted against the side of his neck, gently nibbling it.

Jared rearranged the front of his jeans. The one about not putting you on public display, he groaned, desperately wanting to do more than kiss her.

Tom grinned and loudly cleared his throat. Would you two like us to go wait in the chopper and give you some privacy?

Jared chuckled. Now, see what you’ve done.

Donna smiled. I love you.

Jared smiled and kissed the side of her neck. I love you too, Honey.

Tom grinned again. Looks like my next question has already been answered. You and Uncle Sam aren’t together anymore, are you?

Donna sighed deeply. No, Tom, we’re not, and I’d rather not discuss it, if you don’t mind.

Tom held up his hands. Not a problem, Aunt Donna.

Donna hugged Tom. God! It really is you, but, you’re all grown up. I didn’t expect to see you for a very long time.

Tom grinned, lifted her feet off the ground and squeezed her. I always did love your cuddles. Time travel can do that to you. And, if I hadn’t come back, you wouldn’t have.

Jared chuckled. I think I might be just the tiniest bit jealous if you don’t put her down. Donna is only three years older than you.

Yes, you should, Donna grinned and let go of Tom. He’s almost as handsome as you.

Jared raised an eyebrow, took her wrist and pulled her back into his arms. You’d better watch yourself, he grinned, bringing her hand to the warmth of his lips. Now I know I’m jealous.

Donna tickled his sides. Good, she teased. I like you that way.

Jared softly kissed the side of her neck. I wouldn’t do that too much, if I were you, he whispered in his low, seductive voice. I’m fighting to keep my eyes normal now.

Sorry, she whispered back.

Jared grinned. Don’t be sorry – just not in public.

Donna turned to Tom, locking her eyes on his. Two questions.

Oh shoot! Tom groaned. Here it comes, Uncle Jared. What do I tell her?

Jared sighed deeply, lacing his fingers with Donna’s. The truth.

OK, Aunt Donna. What are your questions?

One, were you the other white wolf, and two, where are Rich and Beth?

Chapter 3

Rich, that won’t be necessary. When I get back to the complex, I intend to find a way of putting a stop to this Others business.

For no reason, Marie started smiling, tears filling her eyes. Sir Richard glanced at her. Rich, Granddad’s gotta go. Tell your Dad I’ll speak with him later on today. Sir Richard ended the call. What is it, Pet?

Marie’s smile got brighter. You’ve got a surprise coming.

Sir Richard smiled, his eyes widened. Donna and Jared?

Not only Donna and Jared, but somebody else.

Sir Richard’s face paled. Marie, please tell me Jared and Donna haven’t come back with our ten-year-old granddaughter now.

Marie grinned. No, but it does involve time travel.

Sir Richard groaned and nuzzled her neck. That’s very informative, Marie.

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

Tom grinned. Your answers are yes, and safe, Aunt Donna. I’m not afraid I’m going to melt or anything, but, do you think we could get out of this rain?

Actually, Donna responded. I think we should do more than get out of the rain. I’d like to get back to the hotel, so I can call my son.

Lee held up his hand. Not so fast. He held his gun on Jared and Tom. Tim, get Donna. I’ve searched every inch of the top of this mountain. There was no one here but Donna. Until you prove who you are and how you got here, neither of you is getting in that chopper.

Donna sighed. Lee, put the gun away. And Tim, she said in turning. Make one move toward me and you’ll regret it. She turned again. What’s wrong with you Lee?

Lee rolled his eyes and sighed. My job is to protect you, Donna. That’s all I’m trying to do. What proof do you have that he’s Jared? Have you forgotten what happened to Sam?

Donna clenched her teeth. No, I haven’t forgotten what happened to Sam. It was my fault. How could I possibly forget it?

And, how do you know that’s not what’s happened here?

Donna turned, wrapped her arms around Jared’s neck and looked up into his eyes. I just know.

Lee sighed in exasperation. Well, I don’t, and until I do….

Out of nowhere, music started playing. What the bloody hell is that? McGowan asked.

Jared grinned. Donna’s cell phone. I’ll be right back.

Donna locked her eyes on Lee’s. You and I have not always seen eye-to-eye, Lee, but I thought we were friends now. You know that’s Jared, as well as I do. Why are you doing this? You’re starting to make me wonder if you’re not one of those aliens, as you put it.

Jared unzipped the middle pocket of his backpack, took out Donna’s cell phone and unlocked it. Hi, Sir Richard. It’s me.

Sir Richard sighed, deeply relieved. "Son, where’s Donna?"

I’m taking the phone to her now. We would have been back to the hotel, but we’re having a little… trouble with the chopper. Here she is - it’s your dad.

Hi Dad, Donna smiled. Do me a favour. Tell Lee to let us get in the chopper, so we can come back to the hotel, she said, glaring at Lee.

"Why won’t he let you – Donna, what’s going on?"

He thinks Tom and Jared are aliens.

"Jared and who?"

Donna glanced at Tom and Jared. Dad, this would be a lot easier to explain in person.

"And you’re certain it’s safe?"

Yes, Dad. They’re not aliens.

"Is it raining there?"

Donna picked up the back of her long hair, shaking it, deliberately flicking the water in Lee’s face. Yes, it is.

Lee licked the water off his lips, wiped his brow with the back of his hand and sighed in exasperation. She’s clearly a Triplet.

Sir Richard groaned. Petal, Lee is just trying to make sure you’re safe. I can understand his point of view, but like the rest of us, by now, he should know to trust your intuition. Go and get in the chopper. Let me talk to Lee.

Donna offered Lee her cell phone, grinning condescendingly. He wants to talk to you. You can give me my cell when you get back to the chopper. Come on Tim. There’s no reason for you to get soaked too.

McGowan bit his tongue and swallowed a laugh. I’ll ah – I’ll just be in the - ah….

Lee glared at McGowan. Shut up and get in the damn chopper. Taking a deep breath, he took Donna’s cell off mute. Yes, Sir Richard?

A couple of minutes later, Lee crawled in the chopper and reluctantly turned his head toward the back. Buckle up – we’re lifting off.

Jared shared a knowing glance with Donna. Tom grinned. The chopper left the ground. As it cleared the mountain, Jared saw some fresh brush, where it shouldn’t be. He furrowed his brow in concentration. Donna studied his eyes. What’s wrong?

Lee, land the chopper, Jared requested.

I was told to bring you back to the hotel!

Donna reached out with her thoughts. Set this chopper down now!

Lee blinked a couple of times, banked the chopper, headed back toward Mother’s Mountain and landed. As soon as the blades stopped spinning, Jared, Donna and Tom got out.

Lee looked at McGowan strangely. Well, don’t just sit there. We have to go with them!

McGowan raised an eyebrow, as he slowly unbuckled his seatbelt. You know, you’re really starting to worry me.

Jared put his arm around Donna’s shoulder. As they neared the green heap, it was easy to see the branches had been used to conceal something large. The leaves on the branches were wilted, but they hadn’t dried, which suggested they hadn’t been there that long. Jared traced the shape with his eyes. He swallowed hard. He and Tom started tossing debris over their shoulders. Donna’s eyes widened. Bringing her hand to her mouth, she drew in a quick breath, Oh God Jared.

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

Once the danger with the doorway was over, Richard gave John instructions to start getting the complex back in working order. Well, as much as possible, the weather continued to be a constant nuisance, but the lower level tunnels were no longer flooding. As soon as their motors thawed, the pumps were back up to peak performance.

Richard and Kelly took Rich and Beth to the cafeteria for a hot chocolate sundae. This was one time; the unusually mature children seemed as normal as any other eight and ten-year-old. They glanced at Richard and both started giggling. Richard glanced at them and smiled. Beth leaned close to Rich’s ear, whispering. Beth glanced at Richard and giggled again. Richard raised an eyebrow. He grinned. OK, what’s so funny?

Nothing, Dad, Rich giggled. Beth joined in again.

Kelly glanced at Richard out the corner of her eye and fought desperately but couldn’t do it. She grinned at the two youngsters and burst out laughing.

Richard sighed in exasperation. Am I missing something?

Constance walked by and shook her head. "Next time try and get some of the chocolate sauce in your mouth Richard."

Kelly bit her lower lip, picked up a napkin, leaned forward and wiped the chocolate sauce from the end of Richard’s nose.

Richard looked embarrassed. Oops. I haven’t eaten that many hot chocolate sundaes.

Kelly chuckled. That’s OK, Richard. The next time we decide to have one, we’ll know to put a bib on you first.

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

As soon as Juanita released him, Sam went straight to his quarters, intent on packing and flying to Donna. He was convinced if he could talk to her before Sir Richard had their marriage annulled; he could fix this. Richard still hadn’t told Sam, that he would not be allowed to leave the complex.

The door to his quarters slid open. Lights On, he said, without thinking. As soon as he stepped in the lounge, Sam