The Lethal Quest

By Jeanne Amersfoort

The Lethal Quest, a sequel to I Must Go Back For Tomorrow, is a mystery novel based on faith in that, God makes every day new. Consequently, Denette Montgomery, with her parents help and encouragement rises up believing the fact that there is life after drugs. However, her past, like a storm moving in ruining a beautiful day, threatens to stop her journey of a new life dead in its tracks. She remembers a nugget of truth often heard from her dad . . . no amount of darkness can put out the smallest light, that light is HOPE which overcomes all darkness!

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 17, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449778187

Book preview

Chapter One

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D ENETTE, YOUNG, BEAUTIFUL BUT all wrapped up in the drugs and party scene. She had managed to turn her life and that of her family upside down facing what seemed like hell itself.

In desperation, her mom stumbles upon a once-in-a-million chance to take part in a test run of a science project to travel back in time. The day comes when she travels back thirty years to the day of her appointment with her doctor, when she was told to consider having an abortion because of questionable health of the fetus (Denette). This time she agrees.

She returns to the present time only to discover that the void of her daughter’s being is of unimaginable consequence. She works desperately to return to that day of Denette’s undoing to restore what she had tampered with. Her opportunity to travel back comes just in the brink of time. Returning to the present, she finds that this time the process of restoring Denette’s life is truly by the hand of God. However, the process of restoration can often be as painful and difficult as living in darkness itself! And so begins, Denette’s Quest. . . . .

As Denette was driving her mind wandered back to her past life reminding her of how grateful she was that it was just that, a past life. It seemed to her that the drug scene she had been in was a whole other life ago. Who was that person, she thought, feeling grateful that she was able to get out of that way of life. She looked at her beautiful car that her parents had given her to be able to go and reacquaint herself with the rest of her family and she finally felt comfortable in the clothes that her attorney had bought for her. It felt good to be trusted again. She loved her new car and the chance at a new beginning.

She looked in the rearview mirror to check her hair. Ever since she was a little girl she had such trouble keeping her natural curly hair under control so her mom kept it short but now she liked it better long, short was much easier but long hair was prettier. When she was at home she let her hair flow and didn’t care but when she was out and about she tried to control it by pulling her hair back with a clip or pulling it up with a twisty.

She thought about her little sister and marveled about how different they looked. Her sister was very tall and blonde like their father and Denette was much shorter with dark curly hair. The only similar traits they had were the blue eyes they inherited from their mother. She thought about her parents and how grateful she was to have such wonderful, understanding parents. Her dad was tall, handsome and so smart. Her mom was beautiful and also very smart. She often thought that she looked at lot like her mom but was shorter.

A speeding car passed her bringing her mind back to the present. She was on the way to Shasta, California to visit her Uncle and Aunt. She had hurt them terribly. They were her favorite uncle and aunt whose love she had used and abused. There was no way she could pay them back, plus she didn’t even know how much money she had conned them out of.

She reached over and turned on the radio hoping to get her mind off of how she had mistreated all her family. She changed the dial and finally found a station that was playing the kind of music she liked. She was having a good time singing along with the music until a song came on which reminded her of Bobby.

Oh Bobby, she thought, I loved you so much. What went wrong she thought? I know it was the drugs everything went downhill after we started using, she thought, he was so handsome. He had really dark hair and dark eyes. His eyes were so dark they almost looked black. He had dimples when he smiled. He wasn’t real tall but he was taller than me she thought, maybe close to six feet. Then she remembered the death of Bobby and how she had been charged with killing him. She started feeling sad for Bobby. He wasn’t any worse than she was but yet he didn’t get a chance at a new beginning.

She remembered when she first met Bobby. She really liked him and it seemed that he liked her too. He stopped liking her when she decided to get off drugs. She shuddered and once again she was so grateful to her parents, Ernest and Lola Montgomery, for taking a chance and believing in her and hiring an attorney to represent her in the trial. Her parents came through for her even though she had been a drug addict and that made her feel warm inside. I wonder what would have happened if they hadn’t helped me, she whispered.

She was so deep in thought that she didn’t notice the car behind her which had followed her all morning.

When she stopped for lunch at a rest stop she was so engrossed with her lunch, which her mother packed for her, that she didn’t notice the car that had been following her turn into the rest stop as well. Opening the lunch bag she noticed an envelope. Recognizing her mother’s hand writing, she picked it up and smiled as she read the loving and encouraging note. After enjoying her lunch she quickly got back on the road trying to stay on schedule.

Driving for hours, she realized it was getting dark and since she hated driving at night she started looking for a road side motel. On the right side of the road she noticed a motel with a restaurant next door and decided that was the one for her. Once again she didn’t notice that same car take the exit she took.

She first registered at the office then took her suitcase to the room. Opening the door she realized why the room was so expensive. It was a beautiful room with a walk-in closet and a dinette area. The décor was beautiful with different hues of dusty blue and rose colors.

She put her suitcase on the bed and took a quick look at her appearance taking note that her light blue silk blouse and beige slacks were barely wrinkled and decided she looked okay so she walked across the parking lot to the restaurant. She didn’t notice a man getting out of the car that had been following her and enter the restaurant right behind her.

The restaurant was just as beautiful as her room. The atmosphere was inviting and the tables were not too close. She thought I love not sitting so close to other tables because when I have to, it makes me feel almost claustrophobic.

After being seated she pulled out her cell phone and called her parents to let them know where she was. Lola, her mom, answered the phone and Denette once again thanked them for trusting her to take this journey to reconnect with her family.

Lola responded, Honey, we are so glad that you are back in our lives. Oh, wait, your dad wants to talk with you, he keeps motioning for me to give him the phone so I guess I better. Have a good dinner and a good night sleep, we’ll talk tomorrow, love you.

She handed the phone to Ernest and he said, Hi honey, how was the drive, did you have any problems with the car?

The drive was great and not too much traffic, Denette responded, I just love my car it must be meant for a five feet four inch woman with blue eyes because it handles so well, plus it matches my eyes. They both laughed as she continued, I didn’t have any trouble at all. When the waitress arrived she said, Dad, I have to go, the waitress is here, I’ll call you in the morning as I am leaving, love you dad.

Denette’s first night of her trip she decided to celebrate so she told the waitress, I will have a New York steak medium rare, a baked potato with butter and sour cream, a salad with Ranch dressing and a cup of decaf tea.

You certainly know what you want, the waitress said, you made that easy for me. The choice of decaf tea is green tea, peach or raspberry flavored. Which kind would you like?

Peach tea would be great, Denette chose.

Will that be all? The waitress asked.

I think that will be it, Denette answered, I don’t think I will have enough room for dessert after eating all that. Thank you.

A young lady sitting at the next table said to Denette, Sounds like you came into the restaurant with your mind made up.

Yes, Denette responded, I’ve been driving all day and all I could think about was this dinner.

The young woman asked, Are you on vacation?

Yes, Denette answered, I am. My name is Denette what’s yours?

My name is Janie Warrick, she answered, and I’m on vacation also. I’m on my way to Redding tomorrow to visit a few friends then on to Fort Bragg on the coast to visit my sister. Where are you going?

Oh my gosh, Denette exclaimed, I’m going to Shasta to visit my Uncle Ken and my Aunt Jen then on to Point Arena to visit my Uncle Don and after that I’ll be visiting my Aunt Sharla in Fort Bragg. We are practically travel buddies, why don’t you join me. Have you already ordered?

Janie smiled and told her, I ordered just before you did. I would love to join you.

She picked up her coffee and sat at Denette’s table just about the time the waitress came with her dinner so she motioned her over. Denette noticed how very tall she was and thought she must be almost the same size as my sister, Regina, who is six foot one. It looked like Janie was about six feet and very attractive with Auburn hair and hazel eyes and wearing, what appeared to be very expensive, earth tone blouse and slacks. She had a certain air about her that gave Denette an uneasy feeling but she seemed to be really nice.

They had a wonderful time talking then as they were walking back to their rooms they realized their rooms were just two doors apart.

Janie asked, Would you like to have breakfast with me before we leave? I’ll be at the restaurant at about seven.

That would be great, Denette agreed, I look forward to that, see you then. As Denette opened her door she turned around and said, I’m so glad I met you. Then she went inside and closed her door.

As Janie walked toward her room she squared her shoulders and with a sinister smile she thought, me too Denette, me too, and we certainly will become better acquainted in the future.

Chapter two

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D ENETTE WOKE TO HER phone ringing but couldn’t find it then realized it was in her purse across the room and dove for it just in time to hear her mom say, Good morning honey, I just wanted to catch you before you left to tell you I love you and to remind you to be careful. Daddy had to go to work early this morning but told me to tell you he loves you and to drive careful.

If you talk to him today, Denette said, tell him I received his message and that I will be ever so careful and also tell him to quit worrying because it causes wrinkles.

So it causes wrinkles? Lola questioned, So that’s where all these wrinkles came from, gee, I wished someone would have told me that before, I could have stopped the wrinkles before they started.

They laughed.

Okay, okay, Denette still laughing said, I give up . . . anyway make sure to tell daddy I will be careful.

I certainly will, she promised, but I’ll leave out the wrinkle theory. I’ll talk to you sometime tonight, okay? Denette reassured her that she would call her later tonight then she went to the shower.

Applying her make-up she remembered her new friend, Janie, and quickly looked at her watch noticing she only had twenty minutes. Denette didn’t have much time to mess with her hair so she pulled it back in a clip. Since she didn’t wear much make-up she was ready in ten minutes then hurriedly packed her suitcase.

As she was about to leave she had a child hood memory of how her dad always did a one more look around. So she took her suitcase and purse out to the car, started her car and locking it putting her spare key in her pocket and went back to the room to check it one more time. She started in the bathroom noticing it was empty then turning around she glanced at the shower spotting her shampoo and conditioner, as she gratefully grabbed them she continued to check the rest of the room finding nothing so she went to her car and drove across the parking lot.

Entering into the restaurant she looked for her new friend. When she didn’t see her she figured she must have left early and started to sit at the counter for a quick breakfast. Just as the waitress came over to her she saw Janie coming from the ladies room with stature and poise and noticed how nice she looked in her black slacks and turquoise green blouse and couldn’t help comparing her lavender blouse and grey slacks thinking of how much better she herself would look if she was a little taller. Janie came up to her and pointing to her table said, I’m sitting right over here.

Oh great, Denette responded, I didn’t see you when I first came in, I thought maybe you had to leave earlier or something.

Settling at Janie’s table Denette asked, Did you sleep good last night?

Janie’s demeanor changed as she looked down then looking back up and answered, I had a really hard time getting to sleep.

Denette noticed that she looked troubled so she softly questioned, Are you okay, you look like something is bothering you?

Janie hesitated for effect and as she forced some tears to come into her eyes she answered, I’ll be alright eventually, but I’m trying to get over a loss in my life that’s why I’m on vacation alone. I just need to sort some things out. The man I love died recently and I’m trying to move on but it’s so hard sometimes.

She looked down again and paused, once again for effect, then hesitantly continued, Last night, as I was trying to sleep, all I could do was think about him. I finally fell asleep around midnight. I think the night time is the worst because that’s when we used to talk about our days and share how things went and without him it seems so quiet and that causes me to think about him more. She took her napkin and dramatically dabbed her eyes and continued, I’m sorry to burden you with my problems, we barely know each other.

Remembering Bobby and how she felt when he died she was overcome with empathy toward her new friend, Denette insisted, No, don’t feel that way, you’re not a burden. I know we have just met but we are friends and friends are supposed to help. I’m so sorry for your loss, how long has it been?

Janie looked intently at Denette and softly told her, It has only been a couple of months but it feels like it was just yesterday, I loved him so much. We had only been together six months but he had already asked me to marry him. He took me home to meet his dad and I seemed to fit into his life so well. You see, I don’t have any family. My parents were killed in an accident when I was twelve years old so when I met Robby’s dad it was like I finally had a family again. I miss him so much and I miss his family as well. It is so hard to let go of a dream. I dreamed that someday we would be married and we would have children and, you know the whole married thing.

Denette was still trying to console her friend when the waitress came to take their order. They gave her their order then Janie dabbed her eyes again and said, Let’s talk about happier things, okay? Denette agreed and the conversation was steered toward happier times.

They concluded their breakfast and agreed to meet in Fort Bragg then exchanged cell numbers. Walking to their cars Denette couldn’t help noticing that Janie had a brand new car. She walked over to Janie and commented, What a beautiful car, I love the color.

Janie smiled and replied, It is, isn’t it? Robby and I picked it out together. He wanted a red one but I wanted a yellow one so we compromised and bought an emerald green one with some sort of sparkles in the paint, plus look at this sunroof. It is the best car I’ve ever driven. I’ve never owned an Audi before it’s almost like driving a Cadillac.

Denette admired the car a bit more thinking to herself, I would have expected Janie to own a car like this, Janie is so classy then she said, I bet it sure rides smooth. I love the sunroof. Do you drive a lot with it open?

I sure do, Janie answered, and I love it, although sometimes it gets to me because my hair is blowing all over the place. I usually wear a bandana over my head when I’m doing freeway driving to prevent myself from eating my own hair. Driving in town and going slower it doesn’t blow my hair very much.

Well, it sure is a great car and I hope you have a safe trip, we’ll meet up later. Denette paused then said, Well I better get on my way, I hate driving late at night. They said their goodbyes and Janie got into her car as Denette walked over to her car. Driving away they waved at each other.

Chapter three

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A S DENETTE DROVE OUT of the parking lot she couldn’t help wonder what had happened to Janie’s fiancé but didn’t feel like she should ask. She felt so sorry for her although it felt kind of odd that she would allow a stranger to be privy to her heart breaking story. Oh God, she prayed, Please help Janie with this pain she is carrying. She needs you. I need you, too. Watch over both of us as we drive.

The drive to Shasta was all freeway and easy driving but monotonous. It was a very hot day and she was so thankful that she had air conditioning. Around noon she decided to stop at a roadside café to give her car a cool down period and ordered a cheeseburger and chocolate milk shake. After an hour she got back into the car and continued driving. The closer she got to Shasta the more nervous and anxious she became.

She reached over and turned on the radio to take her mind off the uncertainty of the visit with her cousins and her uncle and aunt. Uncle Ken and Aunt Jen had three girls and she was sure they hated her because of how she had treated their parents. Why did I choose to visit them first she thought. I just know that this is going to be so difficult and painful.

I have it coming though, she thought. I’ll just take it as it comes. They have a right to hate me. I pilfered money from Uncle Ken and Aunt Jen three different times that I remember and I lied to them and played on their emotions over and over and I’m sure their girls, Terri, Erica and Holly heard all about it.

Finally a song came on that took her attention. She sang along with the song as she drove. The next song that came on reminded her of her sister Regina and she wished she had chosen to visit her first but that wouldn’t work because she lived in Nevada. She planned to visit her on her way home.

The closer she got to their place the more apprehensive she felt. She exited the freeway and turned onto their street then stopped and prayed, God please help me to accept whatever. I know that I deserve whatever bad feelings they have toward me. What I am asking is that you give me your wisdom and knowledge to know how to deal with this. Amen.

She drove on down the street and pulled into their driveway. As she got out of the car her aunt came out to greet her and hugging her she said, Uncle Ken is still at work and the girls haven’t come over yet so you will have time to settle in.

She opened her trunk and retrieved her suitcase and followed her aunt into the house. Entering the house she noticed how beautiful the furniture was and thought it must be new so she asked, Aunt Jen did you get new furniture?

We sure did, she answered, do you like it?

It’s beautiful, Denette exclaimed, I love it.

One of our neighbors, Aunt Jen replied, who I used to visit, take to church and shopping as well as do a little light housekeeping passed on leaving me her possessions. I couldn’t believe it. I was so shocked when the attorney came and showed me the will. I had always admired her furniture but I didn’t know that it was French provincial. I now have a house full of all matching furniture, how about that huh?

I think it’s wonderful. Denette enthusiastically responded, You certainly deserve it and wow it sure is beautiful it looks great in your home.

Denette had always admired her aunts’ home. It is a split level four bedroom with two and a half bathrooms on an acre of land. It is very spacious but her aunt had a special ability at making it feel homey.

Her aunt said, Let me direct you to your room so you can settle in. Denette agreed and they walked down the hall to her room and when her aunt opened the door Denette marveled at how very lovely the room was. The colors were soft pastels with a cheery rose printed comforter with throw pillows.

It’s such a peaceful room, her aunt replied, I thought you’d like this room. Well, I’ll leave you to unpack.

She started to leave the room but Denette stopped her and hugging her, she said, Aunt Jen, I’m so very sorry for the way I treated you and Uncle Ken, if I could take it all back I would. Please forgive me.

Her aunt had tears in her eyes and started to speak but Uncle Ken who was standing in the doorway walked over to Denette and hugging her he said, We’ve already forgiven you. We know in your right mind none of those things would’ve happened. So move forward from here and never look back. Too often people keep looking back at what they used to be and before long they’re right back where they were again. I call it, digging in the dumps of our lives. Just keep moving forward Nettie, just keep moving forward. Making amends is a good thing but keep pressing on. Now, get unpacked and settled in and we’ll get dinner going.

They walked out and as he started down the hallway behind his wife, he said, Love you, Nettie. Her aunt said, Me, too.

With tears running down her face she walked over to the window. She looked outside admiring the natural landscaping and whispered a prayer of thanks to God. She unpacked her suite case then went into the bathroom to check her makeup. Looking into the mirror she could see that her mascara had smeared so she washed her face and reapplied her make-up then she tucked in some loose tendrils that had escaped her hair clip.

She started out the bedroom door then realized she hadn’t called her mom. She pulled out her cell and dialed the number. It went to voice mail so she left a message telling her mother that she was at Uncle Ken and Aunt Jen’s house. She also explained how wonderful and forgiving they had been. She concluded with telling them she would call in the morning.

Walking down the hallway she spotted Erica and Holly in the living room and anxiety gripped her. She didn’t know how much they knew about her manipulative and deceitful behavior toward their parents and didn’t know how they would feel toward her and not knowing what their reaction would be she hesitantly walked up to them and said, Hello. As they looked up and seeing her they both rushed to her and hugged her and said, It is so good to see you, you look great.

Denette feeling relieved responded, You two look fantastic. It has been so long. She couldn’t believe it but it seemed just like old times. She totally expected them to be kind of cold toward her