Rewritten Life

By Amy Shannon

Updated: 2023
Rewritten Life
MOD Life Epic Saga Volume 2 of 67

Two years after Alex’s stalker was arrested, Alex tries to forget the past and finally commit herself to Jim. However, when an unexpected relative of Matthew’s shows up, the future of Solutions is at stake. Alex uses her relationship with Mark and Mike Dix to cover up a dark secret from her past, as her stalker escapes from prison.

Just as Alex is about to reveal her secret to Jim, their lives are turned upside down as she is kidnapped by a familiar face. Can Jim continue to be her hero? Who is still in Sars Springs? Who is the newest stranger, with familiar eyes, to cross paths with Alex? What else is Alex trying to keep buried in the past? What’s with the cop fascination that Alex has and how does she live out her fantasies? Who will survive? Once again, follow in the footsteps of Alex Garrison as these and more questions are answered

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: May 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463676219

Amy Shannon

Amy Shannon is an author, professional book reviewer and literary consultant. Amy is republishing and publishing some for the first time, her MOD Life Epic Saga, which has over 67 volumes, and 9 bonus books.

Book preview

Rewritten Life

Amy Shannon

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Essence Publishing

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

https://essenceenterpriseus.com/essence-publishing

2023 Edition

Copyright © 2023 by Amy C Shannon

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permissions of the author, except by a review who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Credits:

Cover Illustration Copyright © 2023

Cover design by Amy Shannon

The Entire MOD Life Epic Saga

1 Unwritten Life

2 Rewritten Life (Best Read after Unwritten Life)

3 Unwritten Life's Paths to Destiny (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

4 Written Life's Past Meets Present (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

5 Life's Written Past

6 Life's Unwritten Future

7 Another Written Life

8 Life … Rewritten

9 Unwritten Life & Death

10 Life's Healer

11 Life's Hindering Hope

12 Life's Binding Ties

13 Life's Resurrection

14 Life's Infiltration

15 Life's Revival

16 Life's Depths of Souls

17 Life's Explosion in Time

18 Life's Connections

19 Life's Collision

20 Life's Intersection

21 Life's Final Destination

22 Life's Generations

23 Return to Life

24 Life's Resolution

25 A New Unwritten Life

26 Life's Dissolution

27 Life's Linear Souls

28 Life's Choices

29 Life's Passions

30 Life's Awakening

31 Life's Vengeance

32 Life's Heartful Depths

33 Life's Quaking Souls

34 Fractured Life

35 Life's Drowning

36 Life's Exploration

37 Life's Curative

38 Thicker than Life's Blood

39 Life's Salvation

40 Capturing Life's Midnight

41 Life's ReEvolution

42 Life's Soulful Intentions

43 Life's Jagged Flames

44 Life's Rising Depths

45 Life's Doomed Immortality

46 Life's Raw Enforcement

47 Life's Deemed Corruption

48 Life's Inherent Immorality

49 Life's Retrospective Legacy

50 Life's Torturous Souls

51 Life's Passages

52 Life's Tribulations

53 Life's Spirituality

54 Life's Revitalizations

55 Life's Rapture

56 Life's Sacred Retaliation

57 Life's Fiery Resuscitation

58 Life's Experimentation

59 Life's Redemption

60 Life's Humanity

61 The District Life: Districtive

62 The District Life: Disarray

63 The District Life: Disassembled

64 The District Life: Disapparent

65 Life's Return: Home Sweet Sars Springs

66 Life's Return: The Practice

67 Sars Springs: The finale

Bonus Series:

B1 Life's Perspective: Matthew Garris (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B2 Life's Perspective: Bill Wheeler (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B3 Life's Perspective: Perspective: Mike Dix (Best Read after Life's Connections)

B4 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Rewritten (Alternate Path Parallel to Unwritten Life & Death to Life's Binding Ties)

B5 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Crossroads (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Resurrection to Life's Depths of Souls)

B6 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Intertwined (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Explosion in Time to Life's Connections)

B7 Sars Springs Handbook (Best Read after Life's Torturous Souls)

B8 The Interview: Life's Revelations (Best Read after Life's Fiery Resuscitation)

B9 M.O.D Life Epic Saga Character Guide

Introduction

Two years after Alex’s stalker was arrested, Alex tries to forget the past and finally commit herself to Jim. However, when an unexpected relative of Matthew’s shows up, the future of Solutions is at stake. Alex uses her relationship with Mark and Mike Dix to cover up a dark secret from her past, as her stalker escapes from prison.

Just as Alex is about to reveal her secret to Jim, their lives are turned upside down as she is kidnapped by a familiar face. Can Jim continue to be her hero? Who is still in Sars Springs? Who is the newest stranger, with familiar eyes, to cross paths with Alex? What else is Alex trying to keep buried in the past? What’s with the cop fascination that Alex has and how does she live out her fantasies? Who will survive? Once again, follow in the footsteps of Alex Garrison as these and more questions are answered.

Chapter One

Alex Garrison stood in the kitchen, staring out the bay window. She felt Jim’s strong arms wrapped around her. Good morning, he whispered.

She turned around and kissed him tenderly on the mouth. Good morning.

Angel, what’re you doing up so early? Jim O’Roark asked.

I couldn’t sleep. You know what today is. Don’t you? she asked, as she sat at the table.

Oh, yeah, sorry, he walked over to the counter and poured them both a cup of coffee. Here you go, Angel.

Alex didn’t respond. She continued staring out the window as she ran her finger down the long scar on the right side of her cheek.

Alex?

What? she jumped.

Why do you do that?

What do you mean? she sipped her coffee.

Play with that scar. I still don’t understand why you never took care of it.

She jumped out of her chair. It makes me ugly! Doesn’t it? You hate it because I’m ugly!

"Whoa! I never, ever said that. It’s just that you always complain about it, but never did do anything about it."

I see what’s going on here. You just want me to be as perfect as you are! she snapped.

Angel, I don’t know where that came from. I think you’re beautiful, no matter what. Why are you yelling at me? Jim tried to touch her hand.

She pulled away. "Why are you always so damn understanding? You’re so stinking perfect. You’ve never done anything wrong– ever. You don’t even get mad at me."

"So, you’re mad at me because I don’t get mad at you?" he smiled slightly.

She plopped in the chair and thought for a moment. I guess I am, she crossed her arms tightly.

OK. Angel, I’m just going to sit and drink my coffee. When you’re finished being mad, just let me know, he ran his hands over his crew cut and smiled.

She silently watched him drink his coffee. She twisted her long blonde hair around her finger. She sat back and closed her eyes. This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever done, she thought. After everything we’ve been through, I’m yelling at him. Why? Why would I try to pick a fight with him? Especially today when I need him the most. She got up from her chair and walked over to him.

He looked up at her and smirked. "Are you done being mad?"

Yeah. I’m sorry. I really am. I didn’t mean to yell at you, Alex whispered.

Angel, you know that I love you. You’re still hurting inside.

She sat on the table in front of him. "Jim, please forgive me. I thought that it would be totally over by now. I figured he’d be back in Pennsylvania, and it would be over."

I was there with you, he stroked her cheek. I remember that two years ago today we had our first date.

That was one of the best and worst days of my life.

He stood up in front of her and kissed her softly. Angel, Greg Shapone hurt you very badly that night, he lightly touched her scar. Please don’t get mad, but why do you still wear the scar he gave you that night?

She held him close. I can still feel that night. My attraction for you and the fear that he caused me.

"You wear it as if it were your Scarlet Letter. Alex, it’s been two years. Two years since he started his rampage against you."

I’m afraid.

What’re you afraid of?

I can’t help it. I always wonder what if Greg didn’t attack me. Would you and I be together? Would we’ve have gotten as close as we did? Would we have–?

Would we have fallen in love? That’s what you were going to say. Wasn’t it?

She put her head down. Yeah.

He ran his fingertips lightly across her lips. Even before our date, I knew that you were the one for me. You were my Angel. Alex, we were just starting out. It was our first date. I believe us being together was what was written for us. No matter what happened that night, we would’ve been together.

You think so?

"Yeah, Angel, I do. I love you so much. We’re meant to be together. And, I was so determined to get you to notice me. The fact that Mr. Shapone had to disrupt our lives and terrorize you was just that, a disruption. He rewrote our life. Now, Angel, it’s our turn. We’ve rewritten our life, he kissed her again. We’re going to have a happy life together, he picked up her left hand and kissed the engagement ring on her finger. Now, if you’d only set a date."

You know I want to. I’m just–

Jim looked at his watch. I told you that we’d set a date when you’re ready. As long as I have you in my life, I’ll wait for you. I love you. Yes, I do want us to get married, but if we need to spend the rest of our lives together, just being together, I’ll do that, too.

She wrapped her arms around him. "I was right. You are perfect, she kissed him. I know. You have to get going. You don’t want to be late for orientation."

He smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, I can’t wait to see how you react when I get my badge."

Whatever do you mean? she asked innocently.

"I know about your cop fascination, he kissed her cheek. I remember what they used to refer to it as in the papers and don’t think I’ve forgotten about Randy."

Randy? Wow haven’t heard that name in a while. I’ve almost forgotten about him.

"Angel, I’ll never forget, he looked at his watch again. Oh, I really gotta go. Terry will kill me if I’m late, he ran out. I’ll see you tonight," he yelled from outside.

Alex went upstairs and turned on the shower. She let her robe drop to the floor as she stepped into the tub. She closed her eyes as the water poured down her body.

Two years ago, today, she thought. The memories of that day swirled in her mind.

Jim had gone into the bathroom to take a shower. She opened the door carefully. There stood a man wearing a mask.

Who are you? What do you want?

I want you, Alexis. I came all this way for you, and I can’t hold it in anymore.

Go away, she tried to close the door on him, but he pushed his way in and grabbed her. Let go of me! she yelled.

No, not until you remember, he kissed her hard, so hard that his teeth cut her lip and it started to bleed.

Get off of me. I don’t know who you are or what you want.

I have you. I’m not about to let you go again. I’ll no longer wait for you to come to me, he pulled her to him again so tight, she tried to fight him off, but he was too strong.

Please don’t hurt me, she cried.

I’d never hurt you, he rubbed his hand over her head repeatedly, each time pressing harder.

You’re hurting me.

He licked her face. You taste so good, he shoved his hand down her shirt. She stomped on his foot, and he let go of her instantly. She tried to run down the hall, but he grabbed her and brought her back to the living room.

He punched her in the face and then threw her on the floor and then stomped his foot on her chest to hold her in place. He fumbled with his belt; he was trying to remove his pants. Alex screamed. No, get away from me.

I’m going to have you one way or another, he said softly, whipping his belt off. He whipped it around and the belt slashed her face.

Oh, god no, Alex grabbed her face out of pain. She tried to push his foot off her, but she couldn’t.

Jim came out of the bathroom when he heard Alex scream. He ran up behind the man and jumped on his back, knocking him to the floor. He started hitting him in the head and they struggled on the floor.

Jim! Alex yelled. She tried to crawl over to him, but she couldn’t move. Jim, no!

Jim looked over at Alex and the man hit Jim in the face. He got up quickly and ran out.

Alex opened her eyes with a start. If I only knew it was Greg, she cried. She slowly got out of the tub and wrapped a towel around herself. She walked out into her bedroom and picked out her clothes for the day.

She dried her hair as she looked in the mirror. Another long day, she whispered. She walked downstairs and headed out. She set the alarm and walked to her car.

She drove to Solutions Computer Systems. She worked there as a Customer Support Manager but was also a majority owner in the company.

She loved her job but missed the fact that Jim was no longer her assistant. He told her not long ago that he wanted to become a police officer. The Middleburg/Sars Springs Police Department was always looking for good officers to join the force.

She wanted Jim to be happy. She was worried about him, though. She missed the fact that he wasn’t there at Solutions anymore. And, now, he was in constant danger. She knew that Terry had put the notion in his head, especially since Randy had moved away last year.

She sat in her car in the parking lot and stared through the windshield. Ahhh, Randy, she whispered. Wonder what you’re doing now? she met Randy when he worked at Solutions a few years ago. Their relationship was so intense, even though he was married at the time. She rubbed her forehead back and forth with her hand as she thought about how he made her feel.

Bill knocked on her window, interrupting her thoughts. Are you coming in? he asked with his brilliant smile.

She looked up and nodded as she got out of the car. Sorry, I was just thinking.

Are you OK, Alex? he asked, putting his hand on her shoulder.

Yeah, Bill, I’m fine, she smiled. I’m just a little nervous about Jim. He starts orientation today.

"Oh, I see. Another cop in your life, huh?"

Yeah, I guess. It’s just so dangerous.

"Jim will be fine. He’s an ex-marine. He knows how to take care of himself and you."

You’re right. I’m just worrying about nothing.

Come on. Now that Jim’s not here, we’ve got to think about getting you a new assistant, he smiled.

Oh, you don’t think Karrie likes us sharing her? she laughed.

"Yeah, right. I think we’re both driving her nuts."

True, They headed inside the building.

Alex sat behind her desk and thumbed through the pile of résumés.

Chapter Two

The phone rang, and Alex answered. Yes, Karrie, what is it?

Mr. Welch is here to see you, Karrie answered.

Send him in. And, oh, by the way, could you also come in here? Karrie Olsen walked into the office with Mr. Welch following. Alex stood up. Well, partner, good to see you. Have a seat, Alex smiled at Steven. Um, Karrie, if you could set up some interview appointments for me, I’d appreciate it.

Karrie nodded. Not a problem.

Karrie, I really want to thank you for helping me out until I find a new assistant. I went through this huge pile and narrowed it down to 10 applicants. Anytime they’re available, schedule it. Evenings are also OK.

Evenings? Karrie asked.

Well, some of them may still have a day job, Alex handed her the pile of papers.

Karrie smiled. Thanks, Alex. I’ll get on this now, before Bill wants something, she walked out the door, closing it behind her.

So, partner, what brings you all the way out here?

Steven nervously ran his hands through his sandy hair. Alex, I hate asking you this.

How much, Steven?

"How much what?" he smiled his crooked smile.

Whenever you start out a conversation like that, it means you want money.

I guess you know me too well, he uncrossed his legs and moved forward in the chair.

What’s it for this time? It can’t be for the hospital, I think between you, Jim, and I, we’ve rebuilt the entire Middleburg General.

No, it’s not the hospital, he rubbed his chin lightly.

Steven, spill it. I hate guessing games.

I’ve been thinking. I know how hard today is for you.

You actually remembered?

I remembered how you were last year. I’m worried about you. I don’t know how you keep yourself together when you’re ready to fall apart inside.

She smiled lightly. I thought we were just business partners. I didn’t realize you cared so much.

Alex, from the moment you strolled into my office with your check for the hospital, I knew you were special. You were a strong woman, who had not only deep pockets, but a great heart.

What do you want the money for? Don’t you have enough of your own?

Mine’s kinda tied up right now, he stated.

"What? It’s tied up in wealth?" she laughed.

He laughed. No, it’s not that. Your cash is more accessible than mine, Steven stood up and walked around to Alex’s side of the desk. Middleburg’s over 20 minutes from here. With the closest hospital or medical care being that far away, lives can be lost, he took a deep breath. I want to build an emergency clinic here in Sars Springs.

Really? What kind of care are you going to provide? she smiled.

Care that would come from your normal emergency room. I want to staff it with the best doctors and nurses. I was even thinking of staffing a few on-call surgeons, for emergency needs. I also want hospital rooms, suites, and things like that.

So, how much do you need?

Four million.

I assume a check’s OK, she laughed.

You’re amazing. Do you know that?

I’ve heard that before. So, where are you going to build this?

Well, I’ve been looking at the old building across from the Hillcrest Apartments. Of course, the building would have to be torn down and a new one built, he stood up. We can talk about the details later.

Steven, wait a second.

What’s wrong?

"Since I’ll give you four million dollars, I’d like to name it."

Since you put it that way– he smiled. OK. Let me know what you decide.

"I’ve already decided. I’d like it to be called the Hettie Farmer Memorial Emergency Clinic."

Steven smiled sadly. I think that would be very appropriate.

She was a great woman and a wonderful nurse. I owe a lot to her, including my life. When she passed away last year, I felt like I lost my mother all over again. I loved her dearly.

Wasn’t her nephew a cop or something?

Yeah, Randy. He moved away shortly after she died. He wanted to go out and make a new life for himself, she sighed, rubbing her forehead back and forth with her hand. Just let me know where you want the money wired. I’ll call the bank later.

Great. I’ll get that to you. I’m actually on my way to the bank to set up an account, he kissed her mouth softly. I’ll see you later. I’ve a lot of preparations to do, he walked out.

Alex sat in her chair and smiled. She gazed at the photos of Jim paraded on her desk. Her favorite photo, however, was of Jim and Matthew in their dress uniforms. She picked up the photo and ran her finger over Matthew’s face. Oh, Matthew. Why am I so afraid to marry Jim? I know that you sent him to me, but how can I move forward, when I can’t stop the past from haunting me? she whispered. The phone rang. Yes, Karrie?

"Officer O’Roark is on the phone," she giggled.

OK, thanks. Send him through, she sniffled to hold back the tears. Jim, what’s wrong?

Nothing, Angel. I’m on a break right now. I was worried about you.

I’m OK. Really. Babe, I’m sorry about this morning. I’ll make it up to you tonight.

That’s another reason why I called, his voice saddened.

Jim, what? Her voice got stern.

I have a surprise for you. Do you mind if I pick you up at the office at five?

"I hate it when you do that to me, she laughed. You scared me half to death."

So, five, then? he laughed.

"Yes, I’ll see you at five. Come up and get me in the office. Thanks to you, I have to hire a new assistant."

You’ll get over it. I’ll see you later. Love you, Angel.

Bye, she hung up the phone and shook her head.

She sat on the bench in front of the building and let the wind blow through her long hair. She ran her finger over the scar on her face. She hoped that everything would’ve disappeared. She knew she couldn’t hide or run away from the past. She dealt with it and the pain still sits inside her. How can I let myself be happy? Why can’t I just move on? She stared at the 2-carat diamond ring on her finger as Bill sat next to her.

Set a date yet? he asked.

No, she answered quietly. And, yes, I know it’s been almost two years since he proposed.

I wasn’t going to say anything.

Alex looked at his smiling eyes. Bill, would you say that we know each other pretty well?

I think so. I know that we’ve had our uncomfortable situations, but I hoped we would put that behind us. You told me to build a new life and that’s what I’ve been trying to do, he patted her leg.

"How did you do it?"

Do what?

You aren’t the same person who came waltzing into Sars Springs back then. I mean, we all know you pretended to be someone you weren’t, but–

"Alex, I thought you forgave me for that."

"I did. I didn’t mean to bring it up. I mean, to me, you’ll always be Walter. Yes, I know that you’re Bill now. Somehow, you seemed to be able to put your feelings for me away and just move on with your life."

Alex, who is it?

Who’s who?

Is it Randy, Greg, or even Matthew?

Matthew’s dead.

Matthew’s been dead for six years, but have you really let go of him?

Yes and no. Why’d you bring up Greg and Randy?

"Everyone knows about your, um, tryst with Randy."

It’s not Randy. I wasn’t in love with Randy. And, Greg, well, we all know what he did to me.

Then why do you keep the scar?

She put her head down. Jim asked me the same thing this morning. To be honest, I don’t know. Greg was my best friend and he tried to kill me. He even set me up for murder, she rubbed her forehead back and forth with her hand.

Bill gently pulled her hair back from her face and touched her hand. Alexis, stop.

Alex, please.

Walter and Alexis, that’s who we really are. Remember? he rubbed her back lightly.

Yeah. I’ll never forget.

Good. So, what I have to say is coming from a friend.

What?

Have you ever thought about talking to someone about it?

You mean like a friend?

No, I mean like a therapist.

No, I don’t need one of those head-shrinkers.

Alexis, I see how you are. I know what today is. You need to talk to someone. It’s obvious you can’t talk to Jim or even Emily, otherwise you would’ve done so already.

They’re just too close. I don’t want Jim to get the wrong idea, and I don’t want Emily to get pulled back into my troubled world.

You need someone, honey. At least think about it.

I will. I promise.

Bill got up and walked inside the building.

Alex rubbed her forehead back and forth with her hand. I don’t need a damn shrink, she stood up and headed back to her office.

Karrie knocked on her door. Um, Alex, can I talk to you for a minute?

Sure, have a seat.

Karrie’s blue eyes were sad behind her large glasses. I need your advice.

Is something the matter?

Yeah. I don’t know how to break it off with Bill. I work for him. How can I break it off with him and then still work for him?

I didn’t know you two were having problems.

It’s his mother. She’s driving me crazy. Ever since she moved here from New Jersey, she’s been a complete pain in the you-know-what.

"Karrie, how do you feel about Bill?"

"I don’t know anymore. It was great in the beginning. The sex is excellent, but, of course, you know that."

"Excuse me?" Alex stared at her.

"I’m sorry. Bill told me everything. He told me what happened between you two when you were in jail."

"Oh, I didn’t realize that he told you. That was a long time ago."

I’m not worried about that. He cares a lot for you. When he’s with me, it’s all about me.

Alex smiled. That’s great. But I know that this isn’t just about his mother. Karrie, why do you really want to end it?

I want to go back to Joe.

"Really? I thought he bored you."

He’s changed. He really has. But, how can I work for Bill if I break up with him?

I wish I knew what to say. All I can tell you is to follow your heart. Only you know what’s right for you. If you love Joe, go to him. This is just work, Karrie. I don’t think Bill will give you a problem. If he does, then I’ll help you deal with him.

Thanks, Alex. Please don’t say anything until it happens.

"Don’t worry. One thing I can do is keep secrets."

Karrie walked out and closed the door. The door opened again. Did you forget something? Alex asked, looking at her monitor.

Yeah, Jim said. I forgot my fiancée.

She gazed up and smiled at him. It’s five o’clock? she stopped and looked at him in awe. Wow, she took a deep breath. "You look a-maaaa-zing in that uniform," she bit her lip nervously.

"See? I told you that you had a cop fascination," he picked her up and kissed her tenderly on the mouth.

Don’t tease. I can’t help it.

So, do you love me or the uniform? he joked.

I loved you before, but with the uniform, wow, she took another deep breath as she ran her fingers over his silver badge. Hmmm, she kissed him hard on the mouth. Really nice badge.

Are you going to take me right here? he laughed.

You’re right. Let’s go home, she grabbed his hand.

Not so fast. I’m taking you somewhere very special tonight.

So, I have to wait? she asked sadly.

Yup, he took her hand and led her outside to his motorcycle.

Alex stared at the bike. What’s that?

It’s my new baby. And, no, don’t worry. I’m not a motor cop. They partnered me up with Terry. With Randy gone, he’s been without a partner. And, besides, they like teaming rookies up with seasoned cops.

Alex ran her hand over the motorcycle seat. It feels really nice. And, it’s so shiny.

"Well, the other one was OK, but this