They Were Extraordinary

By Richard F. Manges

What if I had taken that job instead of going to college?

What if I had taken lessons instead of trying to teach myself?

What if I had followed my dreams instead of taking the easier path?

What if I had just said yes instead of letting fear define me?

In a cynical world, its easy to get jaded and overlook the many small miracles that surround us every day. Each of us has our own path to create, and that journey can be what we make of it. For most peopleeven those who manage to lead successful, happy, and healthy liveslife is not the proverbial bowl of cherries. But for those who can navigate lifes highs and lows, that rare state of satisfaction can be the reward.

Four people set out on their life journeys, and their individual paths cross and interconnect when the timing is right. From childhood through the many challenges to adulthood, their lives trace different but equally amazing paths. Keith is Annapolis boundbut his ambitions may carry him into a different type of service; Genevieve, a talented vocalist, is pursuing her dreams in the entertainment world. David strives for a life in the world of baseball, while Victoria has set her sights on serving her country as a politician.

Through persistence and unflinching determination, each will be, in many ways, extraordinary.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: May 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9781475912470

Richard F. Manges

Richard F. Manges has always enjoyed writing. Originally from Long Island, New York, he worked his way up to be the senior vice president of a major tertiary care hospital and large healthcare system in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania.

Book preview

They Were Extraordinary

A Novel by

Richard F. Manges

iUniverse, Inc.

Bloomington

They Were Extraordinary

Copyright © 2012 by Richard F. Manges.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

iUniverse

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4759-1246-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-1248-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-1247-0 (ebk)

iUniverse rev. date: 05/24/2012

Contents

PROLOGUE

Chapter 1           The Abduction

Chapter 2           Keith Fredericks Teen Age

Chapter 3           Genevieve Carter at 12

Chapter 4           David Kelsey in Middle School

Chapter 5           Victoria Magnuson in Middle School

Chapter 6           Keith Fredericks Graduates High School

Chapter 7           Genevieve in College and On Broadway

Chapter 8           David Kelsey Discovered

Chapter 9           Victoria Magnuson in High School

Chapter 10           Keith Fredericks’ Close Call

Chapter 11           Genevieve and David Enter State University

Chapter 12           Victoria in D.C. and Northern Delaware University

Chapter 13           Keith Enters Northern Delaware University

Chapter 14           The Championship Game

Chapter 15           The Event and Surprise

Chapter 16           The Road to the Big Show

Chapter 17           Victoria in Washington, D.C.

Chapter 18           To Thee I Do Wed

Chapter 19           A New York Surprise

Chapter 20           Divine Intervention

Chapter 21           The International Incident A Reunion to Remember

EPILOGUE

I sincerely thank my lovely wife Barbara, my wonderful daughter Vanessa, her husband Gene, and my astute grandson Dylan for their encouragement, patience and advice to me as I endeavored to create this novel. I gained strength and confidence from your support and assistance. My lovely granddaughter Genevieve helped me keep my humor over the months of labor.

PROLOGUE

This novel tells a story of four special people—two men and two women—from childhood to adulthood. Each was blessed with unique gifts and all survived life threatening experiences, allowing them to achieve greatness and make significant contributions to country and society.

Chapter 1

The Abduction

Barbara Fredericks planned a day out with her nine-year-old son, Keith. School had recently ended. She and Keith’s dad, Richard, promised to buy him new clothes for summer and, most important to Keith, a shining new fishing rod and reel. He could hardly wait to spend days at a time fishing with his buddies, Nick and Nelson Hollack.

Hurry up, Keith. All the stores have sales. I want to get to the mall before they sell out, his mom called up to him. Keith was absorbed in the TV looking at sports. School was finally over for a while and he was happy to spend more time at leisurely pursuits befitting a nine year old. O.K. Mom, I’m coming, he answered as he bounced down the stairs. She smiled and shook her head, wishing he would just walk, but realizing that may not happen for many a year.

Have you given any thought to what new clothes you would like?

Barbara asked as they were heading out.

How about some shirts, T-shirts, shorts, and sneakers, he quickly responded. Then he added, Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I need new swim trunks—maybe three, or even four.

Three or four, she said, amazed, and smiled to herself. He didn’t mention the nice trousers or shirts she contemplated buying.

I want to do a lot of fishing and swimming in those big ponds on our farm and next to Nick and Nelson’s too and they may wear out.

Barbara smiled. That’s a lot of time to be fishing and swimming. Dad and I will have some chores for you around the farm and you have to help with the horses, you know. Besides, we have a tutor coming twice a week to help you with mathematics so you will do better in school.

Oh, I forgot about that, he said, somewhat dejectedly. Well I guess my new pole will help me catch more fish anyway, he said after a while.

Barbara smiled and responded, I sure hope so honey. I remember all the fish. They were yummy. I guess I need to keep extra room in the freezer.

You betcha, Mom, he nodded his head affirmatively.

I also want to buy you some trousers and shirts for school next year. You are growing by leaps and bounds and already some of your clothes will not fit you.

O.k., Mom. You can pick those out, he responded, not very interested. Barbara suspected as much. It would take a few more years for him to be clothes-conscious. She was in no hurry. He was still her precious little boy.

We need to stop at the bank to deposit some checks, pay a bill, and get more cash, she said as she turned toward the bank.

O.K., Mom, he answered. The bank was practically empty; there were just two customers, one man and one woman, and four bank employees. Barbara moved behind the other customer as one teller was busy handling and counting cash. She felt a little impatient, wanting to get to the mall to catch those big sales she had seen advertised. Three more customers entered the bank, three men rather rough cut and dressed shabbily. She quickly turned away, not staring. She smiled to herself happy that she was on line before them. That smile was very short lived, however.

Instantaneously they were masked and brandishing pistols. The burly man shouted, All of you down on the floor, face first. One took rope from inside his coat and tied them together. Keith held onto Barbara for dear life with his mouth and eyes wide open. She hugged him tightly, shuddering herself and aghast as to what was happening.

Just hold onto me honey. All they want is money, to herself she thought and prayed that to be the case. They went to their knees and lay prone on the hard wood floor. She continued to hold Keith tightly with her right arm, holding her purse with the left, feverishly trying to squeeze it under her body. The other two customers were near them. The woman was crying, Please don’t hurt me. You can take all my money but please don’t hurt me.

Keith was sobbing, appropriate for a nine year old, at the horror of it all. Barbara was trying to shield him but was only partially successful.

There was a pounding at the bank door. Barbara was praying that someone outside noticed that the bank door was locked and the shade drawn. The leader heard the pounding and became very agitated. Hurry up, we haven’t got all day! he shouted as the other two were in the safe, stuffing cash in whatever they could find.

O.K. boss we can’t find anything to put more in, one robber answered.

We’re outta here then, came the response. O.K., lady. You and the kid are going with us for insurance. We’ll keep you for a while just in case. The leader and another thug grabbed Barbara and Keith, blindfolding them and half pulling and half dragging them out the back door where they had parked in advance once they got the all clear from their driver who had the getaway car ready to go. She and Keith were both sobbing uncontrollably as they were shoved face down on the rear floor. One of the thieves sat in the back and held them down with his feet.

It seemed forever to Barbara as she kept praying for her and Keith’s safety, trying to comfort him in her grief. She wasn’t sure he could even hear her with the engine racing and the leader shouting instructions;

Don’t attract attention by speeding. They probably don’t have any idea yet and they don’t recognize the car.

It seemed like forever as the getaway car kept pulling them further from home. She just could not believe that this would ever happen, fearful of what would become of them. She silently asked God to intervene somehow. Her heart was beating so fast she thought it would break. Her thoughts then focused on her young son. He was just nine. She tried to dispel thoughts of them dying, but realized this terrible calamity could affect him for a lifetime. She was certain it would stay with her. Keith kept sobbing, not fully understanding all that happened to him.

Richard arrived home, like normal, around 6, to an empty house with no notes or phone messages. He thought, this is strange and unusual. Barbara has always left some message if she expected to be out when I arrived from work. He checked with the neighbors, one of whom told him she noticed the car leaving around noon. He also called some friends to see if they had heard from her. When he knew that was a dead end, he was really beside himself and dialed the police, giving his wife and son’s descriptions and the description of her car.

He received a call back around an hour later. Mr. Fredericks, this is Officer Calloway. We found your wife’s car. It’s in the parking lot at the town bank. The bank was robbed today. We are still investigating the robbery. One of our detectives interviewed the employees and another bank customer who were tied up. They told him that the thieves took a younger woman and her son with them when they fled late this morning.

Richard felt the tears flow as his mind raced, thinking what might have happened to them.

I’m terribly sorry, sir. The state police and our officers are doing all we can to locate them and apprehend these criminals.

Richard could hardly talk, but he whispered, Thank you. I know you are. Then he dropped the phone, sank to his knees, and sobbed uncontrollably.

Ryan Gibbons was driving his tractor trailer north on the Interstate when he decided to detour for a different approach to his destination. It was, after all, the close of day for him and he would be looking for some chow and a nice motel before heading out tomorrow at 6 a.m. It was a two lane road, lightly traveled. He slowed down to enjoy the scenery as the spring sun was beginning to set. He approached a curve with a hill and off to his right he spotted what at first, he thought, was a hallucination. He slowed to a crawl. It appeared to be a woman and a boy, completely disheveled, very slowly and painfully limping along the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. He decided not to beep his horn, which would surely frighten them at this close range. He opened his window, reduced his speed to a crawl and asked, May I be of service, folks?

Chapter 2

Keith Fredericks Teen Age

A hot day in Pennsylvania was perfect for three teenage boys to go fishing and swimming in a farm pond. School wouldn’t start up again for almost two months. Keith Fredericks and his pals, brothers Nicholas and Nelson Hollack, had been planning this for weeks. All of them had to do various chores for their folks to earn enough points for a full day of fun. Their fishing equipment was far from fancy, but their skill at fishing would make some professionals take notice. Each promised their mom to bring home the night’s dinner, plus some extra. They rarely disappointed. Keith was a handsome lad with a good physique and a great head of wavy brown hair. He was very outgoing and engaging; everyone liked him and he liked just about everyone in return. At their ages, they were remarkable. Nelson was 14 and both Nick and Keith were 15. Keith’s family was solidly middle class; his dad, Richard, was an accountant and his mom, Barbara, a nurse. Nick and Nelson’s father and mother were divorced. Their father, unfortunately, was abusive and the boys were trying hard to overcome that. Their mother was doing an excellent job in raising them alone.

What a great day for fishing, shouted Nick as he cast his line pretty far out after affixing not one but two large worms to the hook.

That was a great cast, yelled Keith.

Ah, it was o.k., but not great, taunted Nelson, as brothers often do. Nelson cast next and his hook fell somewhat short of Nick’s. Nick, older by just a year, just acknowledged that with a smirk. Keith cast his line and the hook and bait landed ever so gracefully toward the right edge of the pond. They all settled down, as they usually did, without a sound, since Nick read somewhere that fish could hear them and be spooked. Keith and Nelson thought that was crazy, but they went along with the habit anyway, hoping to increase the odds of a great catch. Nelson felt the first nibble.

I have some action here you guys. He waited a minute or two, feeling the nibble on his worm, then quickly jerked his pole upward and started reeling. He had a small 7 or 8 inch Bass on the hook. Darn, it’s less than a foot. Back you go until you grow up, Nelson exclaimed as he released it from the hook ever so carefully so not to tear the mouth. Recently, the farmer who owns the pond, Mr. Grayson, informed Keith’s father that the boys were not to keep any fish less than 12 inches long, and that there was a weekly limit of 6 fish. Mr. Fredericks had given Keith the responsibility of telling his friends, who, after objecting initially, saw the reasoning as Keith assumed the responsibility for all of them.

A flock of geese were heading toward the pond, honking all the way before veering off rather than landing. I guess they were afraid of us. We are keeping this pond clean, laughed Nelson.

Yeah, but the other thousand times we were not here made it dirty, added Nick.

The underground springs probably keep it clean. We haven’t gotten sick on the fish and the farmer’s cattle don’t die from it either added Keith. I remember my dad once waving his big farmer’s hat, screaming at a flock about to land on our pond, ‘Get out, go away, vamoose.’ The group in the lead had their legs down, about ready to hit the water, then rose again just high enough to clear the edge, and the rest followed to the farm beyond. He saved our pond, Keith laughed.

How do you know they didn’t land some other time? asked Nick.

I don’t really, but we never saw any and the water has stayed clean, replied Keith.

I think I have a bite, screamed Nelson. It feels like a big one! He snapped the pole to make sure it was hooked and began to reel it in.

Looks like a winner! yelled Keith. It looks about fifteen inches. It’s also our sixth catch, so let’s pack it in, he added.

Boy, I sure would like to catch one like that. Let’s just fish a while longer. Maybe there are some more of that size around where Nelson caught his, Nick said.

You know the rules, Nick. It’s getting hot. Let’s strip down to our suits and jump in. We can keep these six guys under water while we swim. Keith took charge as he added Nelson’s catch to the net he was about to close and submerge.

After some serious swimming they took a breather and just floated and rested. Nick took a deep breath. Wow, that was a good swim. I needed the exercise.

We should probably do it every day, Nelson added.

But it would probably get old. Besides I have chores to do at home. My mom and dad wouldn’t appreciate it, Keith chimed in.

Nick changed the subject. Have you guys thought about what you want to do when we graduate high school? Keith and I have two years left and you have three, Nelson, he said turning to his brother.

Keith responded first. I saw a motion picture about the Secret Service, showing all about how they protect the president and I think the Vice President. That’s an important job. I have been thinking about that for a while now.

Nick asked, Why is that, Keith?

Well, I never told you guys, but when I was nine and we lived in a different place my mom and me went to the bank. While we were there, robbers came in with guns and masks, tied us all up, took all the money in the bank, kidnapped Mom and me and drove a long time and just dropped us out of the car in the middle of nowhere.

Wow, Nelson exclaimed with his mouth wide open.

Holy mackerel, Nick just blurted out.

How did you get rescued? Nelson asked.

We were lucky, responded Keith. A trailer truck driver, a really, really nice guy named Ryan saw us. We were a mess. He brought us to a motel, paid the bill, bought us dinner and breakfast, and we called my Dad to pick us up. We were over 150 miles away from home. We still send Christmas cards to each other.

Wow, Nelson exclaimed, wide-eyed. What a story.

Anyway, Keith continued, That’s why I have been thinking about the Secret Service. I can protect people—important people too, like the President and such. I would have to go to college for four years. My parents want me to do that. All that studying would sure be a lot of work and I don’t know how I would even be chosen, he shook his head, thinking that it was just a dream.

‘Wow, that is a big deal. Keith," Nick responded.

Nelson shook his head also and added, If you get to join the Secret Service I hope you let us meet the president and show us the White House. They all got a chuckle out of that.

I have been thinking about the Navy or the Air Force, Nick contributed.

Why not the Army or the Marines? Nelson asked. They do important things too you know.

Yes, Nelson, they do, and you can easily get killed. Like dead! said Nick. Nelson opened his eyes wide and stared at his brother.

They continued to discuss their future ambitions, not realizing that the day itself began to cool off as clouds rolled in and the threat of rain loomed. Guess we had better leave this pond before it rains on us, Keith said, as he swam to the edge to get out.

We can swim some more until it does rain, suggested Nelson. He always tried to push things to the edge.

No, Keith’s right, added Nick. What if we have lightning and we’re still in the water? We could be fried meat, he emphatically added and started to swim to the edge himself.

That does it, laughed Nelson. I’m out of here too. They all laughed just thinking what they would look like as fried meat.

A light rain did start as they briskly walked the mile or so back toward home. Oh well, we were wet anyway; might as well be wetter, Nick shrugged.

Is ‘wetter’ a word? asked Keith.

We’ll have to check a dictionary, suggested Nelson.

I’ll bet both of you $1 that ‘wetter’ is not a word.

O K. Keith you are on, said Nick.

They all slapped hands to seal the bet.

Keith, I’ll bet you $2 that it is, added Nelson, as he shook Keith’s hand to clinch the second bet. Nick did not join in.

I wonder what I’ll do with the three dollars, shouted Keith.

Never mind; just wonder how you will get the $3 to pay us when you lose, Nick chimed in. They all had a good laugh over that and considerably quickened their pace as the rain increased. Something came to mind for Keith as he began to speed up. Having seen those television advertisements to join the Marines and he had always admired their snappy uniforms and slogan, The proud, the few, the brave, the Marines and the really snappy marching with rifles, he shouted, Let’s march like the Marines guys. Step it up! he shouted. All three did and joined in singing, From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, we will fight our country’s battles on the land and on the sea. The rain began to come down in buckets and they sprinted home as fast as their young legs could muster.

Chapter 3

Genevieve Carter at 12

Hurry up, Genevieve. I have to get you to school early today. The bus will be leaving the school at 7:30, Vanessa shouted to her precocious almost 12 year old.

O.K. Genevieve answered. Vanessa and her dad, Gene, enrolled her at the University School. She was truly blossoming since the transition. Vanessa looked in amazement at her dynamo as she shot past her swinging her book bag in one hand and munching on a bagel with cream cheese, which she called a cheese doughnut, in the other.

Did you bring the camera, Mom? asked Genevieve as they pulled out of the driveway.

Yes honey. I have it right here. I’ll pass it back. Please be careful with it and take lots of nice pictures in New York. I wish I could be with you today but I have a doctor appointment I need to keep.

They saw the busses parked next to the school as they arrived. Vanessa maneuvered the van to get in line and walked Genevieve to her classroom, where her teacher would explain the trip. Ann Rickert, Genevieve’s teacher, motioned to Vanessa to speak to her. Genevieve is making great progress. Even more than the last time we spoke, she advised her.

She really loves it here. She has advanced even more than we could have hoped for, Vanessa responded.

The staff is planning a play for the school. We are enlisting the help of the University’s Drama Department and several of the drama students are interested in tutoring and working with the kids, Mrs. Rickert continued. Many of the staff think, as I do, that Genevieve would be a natural for a lead role. She stopped and waited for Vanessa, who was momentarily speechless, to respond.

Wow, Vanessa murmured, holding her hand to her cheek. That’s quite a compliment, but I don’t have the time.

Mrs. Rickert smiled. I’ll see to it that you won’t be more involved than you want. l promise that she will receive all the tutoring and effort needed from us. All you need to do is continue to encourage her and make sure she rehearses and gets to rehearsals. Vanessa breathed deeply. Mrs. Rickert continued, Let’s just introduce the idea of the play in class and see who is interested in actively participating. We cannot give many of the students speaking parts but we will have prominent roles for some and have the rest be part of the greater public. By adding music, all of the children will provide a contribution and it will be a splendid complement to the project. By the way, Mr. Brandon, our music teacher, tells me that Genevieve has a lovely voice and she carries a tune naturally.

Genevieve’s mom nodded. We see that in church. Our director also told us she was impressed with her voice. We have thought about singing lessons but need to find dollars in the budget.

I hope you do, because she may be one in a thousand or maybe ten thousand and the earlier she gets training the better it will be, the teacher emphatically suggested.

I hear you loud and clear, Mom agreed.

O.K. that’s great that Genevieve will be in our production. We’ll be introducing the plan to the students. We’ll be sending home scripts as part of their homework. It will be a few weeks until we decide on who plays what role, so it’s important that they practice and memorize at home as well as in school. We’ll also use part of the reading period maybe twice a week for additional practice and rehearsal as it gets closer to show time. The faculty is really excited about it.

Can I dare ask if you have a play in mind? Vanessa asked pensively.

My Fair Lady, smiled the teacher.

Wow, that’s ambitious. What about the costumes? asked Vanessa.

We’ll keep it simple. Both girls and boys can, for the most part, wear their own clothes, except in a couple of scenes we’ll have special dresses sewn. The masses and chorus can wear their own Sunday best, if you will. The play itself is the most important thing. Teaching the kids to study their parts and acting them out will teach organization and concentration. Maybe we can enlist the help of some sewing moms for the elaborate stuff.

Vanessa thought a moment or two, and said, I can help with that if she has a costumed role.

Mrs. Rickert nodded, I’m SURE she will. Vanessa noticed the emphasis on the word sure and it pleased her.

"All right,