Life's Unwritten Future

By Amy Shannon

Evil still lurks around Sars Springs as a shadow is cast over the lives of its residents. As life gets boring, Alex pursues a new career, not realizing her first case will be a little close to home. Alex struggles with the past, yet again, she and Jim work harder than ever to keep their family safe. Stolen children, multiple deaths, and Jim’s secret from the past all threaten to break apart the bond of the O’Roarks.

Will he be able to save his marriage when Alex finds herself in another man’s arms? Is destiny's path leading them apart or will it pull them back together?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: May 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463367285

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

Life’s Unwritten Future

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

Evil still lurks around Sars Springs as a shadow is cast over the lives of its residents. As life gets boring, Alex pursues a new career, not realizing her first case will be a little close to home. Alex struggles with the past, and yet again, she and Jim work harder than ever to keep their family safe. Stolen children, multiple deaths, and Jim’s secret from the past all threaten to break apart the bond of the O’Roarks.

Will he be able to save his marriage when Alex finds herself in another man’s arms? Is destiny’s path leading them apart or will it pull them back together?

1 Boredom

ALEX O’ROARK LOOKED up. Doc, I just don’t know what to do. I’m so tired, she said, as she twirled her long blonde hair on her finger.

Dr. Kevin Perry pushed up his dark glasses. What are you tired of?

It’s hard to explain. My kids are doing well. Jim is happier and more content than ever, but I’m tired. I don’t know if it’s being tired or wanting a change.

Alex, how long have you been coming here?

Three years, why?

I know that coming to see a therapist was hard for you in the beginning, but it was your decision.

"I know. I like coming here. I think it’s helped me deal with the past and finally put it to rest. I so want a happy future with me and my family."

Alex, you’ve dealt with a lot more than just the past.

Alex stood up and walked over to the window. She sighed heavily. Doc, it’s been five years since my two husbands became one, she turned around quickly. "I’ve gotten used to that. When Jim was sick, I was willing to do anything to keep him well. And Matthew’s DNA did that. However, it made him a new man. Jim became himself and his brother," Alex dropped in the chair.

Alex, it took you two years to come to me and talk, Dr. Perry said. If it wasn’t for Steven, you’d probably still be dealing with that, he smiled. "Alex, are you still dealing with that?"

No. They said it would go away, but it didn’t. I dealt with that. I love Jim with all my heart. We’ve lived a happy life together. God, we’ve been together for fourteen years, Alex smiled. I have everything I’ve ever wanted in life.

Dr. Perry moved up in his seat. Then why are you so unhappy?

I’m not unhappy, she said. I guess I just need a change.

A change in what?

"It’s probably going to sound really insane, but when my life is stable, it’s pretty boring. I work, I come home, take care of my family. But, even the kids are growing up and have their own life. I miss adventure."

Dr. Perry looked at his watch. "Alex, I think you do need some adventure in your life. You’ve gotten used to tragedy, death, mystery, and everything in between. But, with that said, that was uncontrollable. Maybe you do need a change, whether it’s a career change or hobby change. Take some time. Talk with Jim. Tell him how you feel."

I don’t want him to think that he bores me, Alex frowned.

"Tell him the truth. You love him. Alex, he’s a detective. He has his own adventures. You need some of your own. Maybe you’re the one that should’ve been the cop all along, he stood up. I’ll see you next month. If you need anything before then, just make an appointment."

Alex stood up. Thanks, Doc, Alex walked out the door and into the corridor. She turned around and stared at the door behind her. Dr. Perry. Thanks so much, she whispered.

Alex walked down the hall toward the front door of the Hettie Farmer Memorial Clinic. She smiled when she noticed her twin brother, Steven Welch, walking through the doors.

Hi, honey. How’d your appointment go? Steven asked, as he ran his hands through his sandy hair.

She hugged him tightly. You already know, don’t you? She smiled.

"Know what?" he asked smugly.

Steven, you know what I’m missing, don’t you?

Yeah, honey. I completely understand. Though life’s been tough on you, it’s been adventurous. You miss it, don’t you?

Yeah, I guess I do, Alex said. What do I do about it?

What else? Become a cop or a P.I. Mike, Mark, Terry, and even Jim have their adventures. Why not you?

"Me? A cop?" Alex laughed.

Why not? Steven kissed her cheek.

"I’d be staring at my own badge all day," she laughed.

Lex, you can be whatever you want to be. You’ve already proven how strong you are, both inside and out. Think about it. Talk to Jim or even talk to Bill. Honey, you’ll figure it out, Steven pulled his stethoscope out of his pocket and draped it around his neck. Honey, I’m late for rounds. I’ll talk to you later.

Alex walked out to the parking lot and looked around the small town of Sars Springs. For such a small town, a lot of bad stuff happens around here, she thought as she walked out to her car.

She took one last look toward the park and smiled. It is a beautiful town, though, she got in the car and drove toward home.

Alex looked up from the sofa as Raina and Matty walked in the living room. Hey, you two. How was school? she asked her twins.

Boring, Momma, Raina said, plopping down next to her mother on the sofa.

"Mom, she always says that, Matty said, with his blue eyes shining. It’s just too easy for her."

I know, Raina, Alex said, as she put her arm around her daughter. I don’t know what else to do for you. You’ve already skipped two grades.

Momma, I like the school and all my friends, but it’s way too easy, Raina sighed, as she twirled her long brown curls around her finger. I don’t know if skipping another grade would do it.

Well, your father said there was that new program in Middleburg for gifted kids. You’d just have to go to school there, Alex said.

Mom, I don’t want her to be far away, Matty jumped in. "Why is she so smart and I’m stupid?"

"Matty, you are not stupid! Alex exclaimed. You are a brilliant boy. Everyone has his or her own talents and special skills. Matty, you’re the only 11-year-old that I know who has a triple black belt in karate and is already on the Marine enrollment list."

"I know, Mom. It’s just Ray knows all the school stuff. She knows all the cop stuff. She’s so smart like that."

Raina sat back and smiled. Matty, you can come, too. There has to be more than one kind of program. You skipped grades, too.

That’s because of Mom, Matty crossed his arms.

No, honey, it’s not. It’s because of you. You’re smart. You passed all the math and science stuff. You’re going to be the best engineer ever, Alex cried happily.

See? Raina said. You’ll be even richer than Uncle Steven.

Alex laughed. You two are already richer than Uncle Steven, she smiled and took their hands. No matter what, please know that I’m so proud of both of you. You’re both smart. You don’t have to know the same stuff to be as smart as each other. What one of you doesn’t know the other does. It’s even. The way you’ve always been. Now, we’ll talk about the other stuff later, when your father gets home.

Raina and Matty kissed their mother’s cheek. Thanks, Momma, Raina said. We’re going to do our homework and then go to Anthony’s, if that’s OK?

Yeah, tell Emily I said hello. Will you two be home for dinner?

Yeah, Dad said he had a surprise. We’ve got to be here for that, Matty said.

I almost forgot. Have fun. I’ll see you at dinner, Alex went back to reading her files.

2 He’s back…

JIM O’ROARK WALKED into the MOD Investigation Agency. Hey, guys, how’s it going?

Mike Dix looked up. What brings you here?

I just wanted to bring over these files to you on the McCarthy case, Jim said, dropping a pile of files on his desk.

Oh, thanks, Mike stood up. Any new leads, other than what we discussed on the phone?

No, not really, Jim said. She’s still missing.

Are you all right? Mark Dix asked, as he walked into the room.

Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired, bud, Jim smiled.

How’s Alex? Mark asked. We haven’t seen her around lately.

She’s been keeping to herself a lot. She doesn’t see much of anyone. I mean, I know she’s busy at the office, but when she’s home, she’s so quiet. I’m worried about her.

She’ll be fine, Terry Markum said from behind.

Jim turned around. Hey, partner, what’re you doing here?

Following you. Not much of a special detective, if you didn’t notice, Terry laughed.

Very funny, Jim sat down in front of Mike’s desk.

Don’t worry about it. I was practicing my tailing skills, he said, sitting down next to Jim. Alex will be fine. She finally has some peace.

"I think that’s the problem. It’s too quiet for her," Jim sighed.

Have you talked to her yet? Mark asked, as he sat on Mike’s desk.

Excuse me. Are my papers in your way? Mike asked Mark.

"Actually, yes," he laughed.

Mike pulled the files out from under Mark’s behind. Is that better?

Much, brother, Mark said. "Jim, so, have you?"

I don’t know what to say to her.

Jim, you’ve been with her for 14 years. I think you know how to talk to your wife.

She still looks at me funny, Jim said.

No, she doesn’t. That’s in your head, not hers. She loves you, Mike said.

I know. I know. I think I drive her crazy sometimes.

"Sometimes? Terry laughed. We all do. Don’t worry. See what’s bugging her. Jim, don’t let her talk to Dr. Perry more than you."

She likes talking to him, Jim said. But, she doesn’t share.

You know her, she doesn’t want to burden you with the way she feels, if she thinks it’ll hurt you, Terry said.

I know. She’s also worried about the kids. They’re not happy with school. God, they’re eleven going on twenty-five.

"Yup, enjoy. Soon, they will be 25," Mark said.

Jim stood up. I think I need to talk to her.

Good. When you find out, let us know, Mike said.

"It could be confidential," Jim beamed.

Yeah, right, Mike said.

Jim headed out the door. See ya, later, he ran his hands through his crew cut and headed to his car.

Alex was setting the table as Jim walked into the kitchen. He kissed her cheek. Hi, Angel. How was your day?

She hugged him tightly. Not so bad.

"Angel, you can tell me. How’d your visit go with Dr. Kevin?"

"Are you jealous of him?" Alex smiled.

No, never, well, a little, but mostly because you can talk to him.

Jim, I love you. I just need someone who’s not biased to talk with, that’s all, Alex said, as she set the forks on the table.

You cooked?

I can cook, now. Well, maybe just a little, Alex smiled. Just sit. The kids will be home soon. They said you had a surprise.

Oh, yeah. Be right back, Jim said, as he hurried outside. He came back a few minutes later with a large envelope.

What’s that? Alex asked.

It’s a surprise for Raina, Jim said.

For me? Raina asked, as she and Matty walked in the kitchen.

Jim turned around and hugged his daughter. Yup, just for you.

Matty stared at him. "See, Mom? I told you. I told you. He hates me. God, Dad. You hate me because I’m not your real son!" Matty stormed out of the house.

Jim looked at Alex and Raina. What just happened here?

I’ll go talk to him, Alex said.

No. I think I need to do this, Jim said.

Jim, come on. Let me do it.

Momma, Daddy, just stop. This is why he feels like this. He already missed out on six years of his life with us and you two treat him like he’s Matthew Garris’ son, Raina cried.

We do? Alex cried.

"Yeah, you do. Momma, you both do. Matty is my brother. He’s my whole entire brother. I love him. You both say you love him, too. He’s your son. Both of you," Raina ran out of the house.

Oh, god. What have I done? Jim asked.

"What have we both done? Alex cried. How could we do that to him?"

I need to talk to my son. Alex, please let me do this. It’s my fault that he feels like this.

Go ahead. I’ll talk to Raina, Alex said, as they both headed out of the house.

Jim walked behind the garage and went in the gym, while Alex headed toward the woods.

Jim opened the door and watched as Matty punched the body bag repeatedly. Um, Matt, Jim cleared his throat.

"Why are you here? You hate me. I can’t help that I’m not your son," he punched the bag harder and harder.

Jim walked over and held Matty’s arms. Matthew, how in the world did you find out?

A man named Randy Harrison, Matty said.

"When did you see him?" Jim asked.

A few weeks ago, when Ray and I were at the park. He was staring at us. I walked over and asked him why he was staring at us, he explained. Raina said that she knew who he was. She got very mad at him and started yelling at him for coming back. Then he blurted out that I wasn’t your real son.

Oh, Matt. Randy Harrison should have stayed out of Sars Springs for good. I’m sorry. We should’ve told you, but we didn’t know how to tell you the complicated truth. Matt, I love you. You are my son. You are really my son. Your biological father is Matthew Garris, my brother and your mother’s late husband, Jim sighed heavily.

"Uncle Matthew is my father?" Matty cried.

Yeah. I think we all need to sit down and talk, Jim said. Come on. Let’s find your mother and sister, Jim put his arm around his son and led him outside.

Alex and Raina were walking out of the woods. Matty ran up to Alex and hugged her. I’m sorry, Mom. I’m just so confused. I don’t understand.

Raina told me that you saw Randy Harrison. Well, kids, I see he never really leaves for good. Let’s talk over dinner. But, first, I want to see this surprise that Dad has for Raina, Alex smiled as she took Jim’s hand, and they all went in the house.

Jim handed Raina the envelope. Honey, I know that you aren’t feeling challenged at school. I’ve talked with Uncle Bill and the police Commissioner, Jack Erickson. This summer, in Middleburg, the old Elementary school will become a private school.

Jim, why are Jack and Bill involved? Alex asked.

Well, instead of a military school, it’ll be like a police academy school. Where young, gifted children can get educated in both academics and the law. It’ll be good for any child that wants a career in law enforcement or even as a lawyer, Jim said. Raina, here’s your application.

Raina’s eyes lit up. Oh, Daddy. Really? I can go? I’m so excited. I can hardly wait.

"Great for you, Ray. But, I’m still stuck here," Matty frowned.

Not necessarily, Jim said. You can also attend, if you want. The gym courses would be great training until you get in the Marines when you turn 18. There’s also the Advanced Science and Math program. It’ll be perfect for you. If that’s what you still want to do.

Matty looked at Raina. Should I? I mean, do you want me to go?

Raina’s eyes lit up and she held out her hand. What do you think, brother?

Mom, can I go? Matty’s eyes pleaded with her.

Of course, Matty. Whatever you want. Now, let’s eat, Alex said.

Mom, this other stuff. What’s it all about? How am I not Dad’s son?

Alex handed each person a plate. The three of them stared down at the pizza. Alex, I thought you said you cooked.

"No, I said I could cook. But, no, I ordered out. I was too tired. Just eat, Alex smiled. Matty, we’ll talk. Let’s eat first and then we’ll all sit and talk."

OK, Matty said, as he took a bite of his pizza.

3 Fathers and Sons

ALEX AND JIM sat down on the sofa and watched as their kids walked in the room. Did you wash up?

Yes, Momma, Raina said, as she sat on the floor.

Matty sat on the ottoman and placed his hand on Raina’s shoulder. Mom, Dad, please tell me what’s going on.

Jim cleared his throat. You already know who Matthew Garris is, I mean, was.

Yeah, Dad. I know all that. How is he my Dad?

"He’s not your Dad. He’s just your biological father. Matthew Garris is dead! Alex raised her voice slightly. I’m sorry, Matty. I didn’t mean to snap. Matthew and I were going to have a child when he died. I thought that child also died. However, it turned out the embryo was frozen and stored away. When I became pregnant with Raina, the doctor, um, Al Masterson, took the embryo and implanted it inside me, next to Raina."

"My first Dad did that? Matty asked. How’d he know about it?"

I don’t know and don’t want all of the details. When you were born, they told us that you died. You know all that part. You remember that you came home five years ago. You are loved. Both of us love you, Jim said. "You are my son. I mourned you when I thought you died. I cherished the moment I found out you were alive. I don’t care if biologically you’re my brother’s son. You’re my son. You’re my daughter’s twin. Your biological father and I were twins. Either way, you’re my son and always will be."

Matty, we do love you, Alex cried. Please, if you two are ever approached by anyone about your family, talk to us first. Some things that happened in our life, in our past, should stay there. We’re not hiding anything from you. We’re just not going to spell out our entire past for our children. I’m not about to write a book or anything, Alex laughed slightly.

Mom, that’s OK, Matty hugged her. Come on, Ray. Let’s go upstairs.

Wait, Momma? Raina turned around.

Yes, honey?

What about Mr. Harrison?

Let me and your father worry about him. If he comes near you, do that move your brother showed you.

Raina smiled. "Yeah. I always love taking a man down," she laughed, as she headed upstairs.

Jim touched Alex’s hand. Do we really treat him differently?

"I don’t know. I don’t like to think so, but maybe we do. Jim, do I treat you differently?"

Not really. Sometimes you look at me twice when I say something. But, other than that, no, not really.

Alex wrapped her arms around him and kissed him softly. I do so love you. Matty actually reminds me more of you than he does of Matthew.

He does want to be a marine engineer, though, Jim said.

Yeah, but so did you. Actually, you wanted to be a lot of things before you became a cop. Actually, even after you were a cop. Then you went back to it. I think this school will be good for him, for both of them. How’d they get the funding?

Jim leaned back and grinned. Me.

"You?"

Yeah. Well, I talked to Evan. He is my attorney, too, you know.

"I know. I’m just surprised. I’ve never known you to fund anything."

Angel, I did this for the kids. They need this. They need more challenges.

Me, too, Alex whispered.

"I knew something was bothering you.