Stepping Stones to Injustice

By D.H. REID and Ginger Reid-Parker

In the sequel to When Death condemns the soul, join James Bonham, Joseph Greene, Humphries, and Detective Rojas as they will team up with three female agents to clamp down on a terrorist plot that they believed was overcome in the original story. After the death of the President and most of the Senators, a new president enlists the aid of the group to track down the terrorists that are responsible for many of the deaths experienced around the world. Using their knowledge and skills to remain alive, the agents have to divide into two groups to uncover a plot that is so devious that it takes them to the ruins of Peru, Scotland, and also to the Tower of London in England. Will they succeed and bring the men and women to justice that are responsible, or will they fail and unleash an evil on the world that is so sinister that no one can be trusted.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 14, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329055285

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Stepping Stones to Injustice

STEPPING

STONES

TO

INJUSTICE

BY:  D. H. REID

GINGER REID-PARKER

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to all my friends and my parents who taught me correct principals to follow in life.  Special thanks to everyone that believed in me and appreciated the talents God gives us to succeed in life.  I hope everyone that reads this can enjoy it as much as I did writing it.  Special thanks go out to Linda, Heather, and to my children, for their love and support always. Special thanks to my sweetheart Ginger for showing me patience, love, and understanding in everything I do.

2008 copyright by D. H. REID & GINGER REID-PARKER

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 permission of the publishers, except by a reviewer 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, corporations, institutions, organizations, events or locales in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, used fictitiously.  Any resemblance to actual persons, (living or deceased) is purely coincidental.

First Printing in the United States of America

PUBLISHED BY LULU.COM

ISBN: 978-0-557-01596-2

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1:                A NEW BEGINNING                                         

CHAPTER 2:                THE CABIN WAITS

CHAPTER 3:                THE HUNTERS OR THE PREY                            

CHAPTER 4:                HORROR AND DECEIT

CHAPTER 5:                TERRORISM RUNS WILD                                

CHAPTER 6:                SUSPECTS AND NO LEADS                             

CHAPTER 7:                INTRUDERS IN THE NIGHT                            

CHAPTER 8:               AN INTERESTING FLIGHT                              

CHAPTER 9:               PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS                        

CHAPTER 10:             A VERY FESTIVE EVENING                            

CHAPTER 11:             JOURNEY INTO THE UNKNOWN                 

CHAPTER 12:             FOLLOWING THE MAP

CHAPTER 13:             UNEXPECTED SURPRISES                             

CHAPTER 14:             DARK TERRITORY                                           

CHAPTER 15:            A DEADLY CONFRONTATION                      

CHAPTER 16:            UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS                       

CHAPTER 17:             A STRANGE OCCURANCE                              

CHAPTER 18:             AN INTERESTING REVELAION                 

CHAPTER 19:             AN UNEXPECTED GUEST                              

CHAPTER 20:             A BRITISH CONNECTION                              

CHAPTER 21:             OVERCOMING OBSTACLES                         

CHAPTER 22:             AN INTERESTING REVELATION                 

CHAPTER 23:             THE SEARCH FOR CLUES                             

CHAPTER 24:             THE TRIP TO LOCH NESS                             

CHAPTER 25:             THE PLOT THICKENS                                    

CHAPTER 26:             AN INTERESTING DISCOVERY                    

CHAPTER 27:             SCOTTISH MYTHS OR REALITY                 

CHAPTER 28:             A PLOT IS EXPOSED                                            

CHAPTER 29:             THE TOWER OF LONDON                             

CHAPTER 30:             DEADLY SURPRISES                                       

CHAPTER 31:             EDINBURGH ENCOUNTERS                          

CHAPTER 32:             TEARS AND EXCITEMENT                            

CHAPTER 33:             A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION                    

CHAPTER 34:             A JOINT OFFENSIVE                                       

CHAPTER 35:             A PLAN OF ACTION IS DEVISED                 

CHAPTER 36:             CRIMINALS EXPOSED                                   

CHAPTER 37:             JUSTICE ALWAYS PREVAILS 

CHAPTER 38:              BLESSINGS OR NIGHTMARE

Chapter 1 - A New Beginning

Resting high within the range of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, their log cabin could be seen inside a small clearing. The cabin was built fifty years earlier from logs assembled by loggers that used to work in the area. It was quiet and blended in with the beautiful scenery surrounding it.

By using dove-tail methods, the logs would be stacked on top of each other, until the walls were high enough for proper headroom inside the rooms. A roof was then stretched across the logs and fastened securely with nails. 

With modern technology, it wasn’t hard for the loggers of the fifties to seal each log they used with mortar from past centuries. They only had to mix the clay with water and other ingredients to form the concrete. 

Winters in the mountains are often cold, treacherous, and every precaution had to be taken that could ensure warmth and protection. In addition to a door that is built into the walls, only two actual windows are then cut from the logs. They would allow bright sunshine to enter the cabin during the daytime hours.

Heavy shutters were then fastened to the wood, so they could be closed, if the weather became unbearably cold. Life in the mountains was difficult and no one can accurately predict the arrival of storms that will unleash their fury with each passing season. Everyone would have to remain alert and a possible avalanche that is in the rooftops of the mountains was always a possibility.

To provide their heat in the cabin, some large rocks were gathered from the surrounding areas and used with a purpose in mind. After placing them on top of each other, their fireplace quickly took shape in the far corner of the room.

The fireplace would serve the needs of the occupant, in the form of heat, or for the cooking of various foods. The logs would be cut from trees that were hit by lightning and are left to rot and decay in the forests. Once they were used, small trees would have to be cut down and sliced into smaller logs.

The wood would burn for hours and provide comfort for anyone using the cabin. Redwood, Douglas fir, Pine, and other trees were native to the area, and it wasn’t uncommon for the trees to grow a thousand-feet tall.

Untouched by the hands of mankind, they were left to grow unhindered, to adorn the countryside in beauty and splendor. Nature flourished in the wild and many species of animals now called the area their home. They range from snakes, deer, coyotes, wolves, bobcats and different species of birds.

‘John Denver’ would sing about the beauty of the area in his songs that are written, including ‘Rocky Mountain High’ and other ballads that would then be composed in cabins that others built many years earlier. Like many of their entertainers that have to fly to make others happy over the years, John Denver would perish in a plane crash, in the same mountains that he loved so much. 

The atmosphere in the western states is dry. It wasn’t humid or damp, like everyone experienced in the eastern regions of the United States or Canada, and the nights could be chilly. The effects of humidity are often unheard of in the west, but there would be times when the moisture in the air would make temperatures colder than their thermostats indicated in the East. 

Now that everyone had entered a new millennium, many of the cabins were turned into vacation getaways, honeymoon retreats, hunter’s lodges, and other uses for everyone to enjoy. Everyone could rent the cabins for a period of time that ranged from weeks to months. They would enjoy the splendor of nature and the beautiful scenery of the mountains.

The mountain cabins and their vacation rentals in Colorado were a network of privately-owned cabins and homes. Many of the cabins were located in the ‘Pikes Peak and Placer Valley’ regions of Colorado. Many of them would also be found in the most grand and scenic areas of the Rocky Mountains. 

The cabins are perfect for vacations, honeymoons, anniversaries, romantic getaways, and also for family reunions, or as retreats from society. The cabins were close to areas that are well-known for fishing, rafting, back-packing, bike riding, horse riding, skiing, and all the major attractions.

People living in the area knew that others would pay top dollar to enjoy the tranquility of the cabins in the mountains, so they wouldn’t hesitate to meet the demand. Modern cabins were built to resemble their normal tourist cabins that were now found in well-known areas of the north and their various tourist retreats. It is known that if you keep citizens happy, you can benefit.

The cabins were built to accommodate anywhere from two individuals, on a romantic getaway, to ten buddies on a fishing excursion. They were placed in strategic areas, so they could be accessible from the airports that are located in Denver and Colorado Springs.

There were cabins designed for every taste and need of the population. The cabins were always constructed with care, the needs of the citizens and with a sense of imagination that would appeal to others and their needs. They would appear no lower than 8,800 feet above sea level. 

When the cabins rose to ten-thousand feet above sea level, more insulation, larger, more elaborate fireplaces were constructed to replace smaller units, and fewer windows were improvised, in their efforts to battle the elements. There were reasons involved with the construction of the cabins and safety was often at the top of the list.

The cabins varied from 800 square feet to 3,000 square feet, depending on who was going to rent it for their needs. For the couples arriving, to enjoy the beauty and splendor of the mountains, they had the modern conveniences that they had previously used in their own homes. 

They also range from one bedroom to six bedrooms, one bathroom to three modern bathrooms, a large kitchen, dining room, living room, and their den for a tranquil setting at night. The room was used for snuggling in front of the large, stone fireplaces on cold evenings. Many would use the room to snuggle with their coffee, hot chocolate, or alcohol, after fishing or pleasure outings.

The pantries were built off the kitchen for storage of food, emergency gear and supplies, their bedding, linens, and other items that everyone would need.  Everything needed for the individual wasn’t overlooked. Great care is taken to ensure that the visitors to the area would return again each year.

Unknown to everyone in the region, there was a plane landing at the airport in Colorado Springs. Three gentlemen are arriving from the east and they are looking forward to a quiet retreat that was hidden away from the hectic world surrounding them.

The men knew that they won a small battle against international terrorism, but they would be shocked to discover that their efforts were wasted in vain in their battle against the evil forces. They were now left on their own and their own President had turned his back on them, without sympathy or remorse.

The men had faced various dangers, life-or-death situations during the past week, and they had placed their lives in danger on many occasions. They have faced venomous serpents from around the world, an unknown virus that could kill the citizens after an hour of becoming exposed, and they faced traitors to the country that have zero respect for anyone. It was odd, because they didn’t expect the traitors to be in the ranks of the government offices.

The men would have others shooting at them; they are ambushed, deceived, treated with malice, and with injustice on several occasions. All they wanted to do is find the cause for a major outbreak, discover an antidote for the virus, and see the men that were behind the terrorist activities arrested and brought to justice.

They couldn’t believe their eyes and ears when they solved the mystery and it was discovered that many Muslim Senators were behind the terrorist plot to destroy the Christians in the nations and also around the world. By presenting themselves as political Democrats, no one would think anything of their left-leaning, radical, distorted and idiotic views and policies.

They were originally elected to represent the people in honesty, liberty, and with an eye that was single to the glory of God. It was merely a lie to deceive others and they chose to follow the selfishness and evil that lived in their own hearts. Through lies, hypocrisy, and trying to buy or censor the media, many were able to deceive millions, to further their own corrupt agendas.

One Democratic Senator would actually have the gall to run for an office of President that was a closet-Muslim. By joining his rebellious Christian church years earlier, the plan was concocted to deceive a nation. He could appease his own race and lie to millions of Christians that want someone to represent them in the White house at the same time. It was a scam that would buy votes and sustain his corrupt and evil ways.

By unleashing a deadly virus on the people, which is a concoction of deadly ‘VX gas, hemotoxic and neurotoxin snake venoms, anthrax, Sarin’, and other agents, the perpetrators behind the plan believed that they would eventually be able to overcome the people and emerge victorious. If they told the lie that the people are safe, by giving away their liberty, they would win support.

They could then unleash their total control over others, by hiring men and women that support or would swear allegiance to communism and the Muslim brotherhood. The citizens would then become effective double agents that are capable of exposing dissidents, regardless if they were family members. They would serve their taskmasters in strict obedience and perpetrators behind their plan believed that it would allow them to win a ‘Jihad’ without firing a shot.

They wouldn’t destroy buildings that way and Islam would reign supreme. After the events of 9-11 unfolded, the terrorists understood that they can trap more flies with honey, instead of using vinegar. If they had one of their own elected through lies and deception, the new leader of the western nation would hand over the country peacefully. The people wouldn’t complain about it. 

It was only through the joint investigation, in a small town in Pennsylvania named Erskine, that scientists behind the whole scheme were exposed. They confessed that they were hired by a well-known terrorist to develop the virus and the individual was an ambassador to the president of the nation. 

The scientists were intentionally misled, to believe that they were creating a deadly virus to dispose of the vermin that are found in Eastern countries. After they were found inside an oil refinery and put in protective custody, everyone that is known to be involved was asked to meet at the White House.

The meeting would turn out to be a waste of time. The President would tell the men that risked their lives that it was an election year. He didn’t want to alienate minorities, or men and women from the other cultures. If he did that, it would cost him votes and a win at the polls. They had a scapegoat in mind. He would be blamed for everything and he would be eliminated through their proven method of assassination that is disguised to look like a suicide.

The coroner’s were bribed to rule suicide and the political advisors believed that it wouldn’t create an unnecessary panic in the country. By keeping people in the dark to the atrocities of government, evil men wouldn’t be exposed for what they are.

They were actually ravenous wolves that are disguised as loyal servants of the people, but the President had to think of his own position first. Everyone in politics will put their own interests first, regardless if it destroys the nation, the economy, or the lives of others.

After arriving in Washington, the men were treated with the total disrespect and disdain for their patriotism and loyalty to a country they loved. They had served in the military at one time and they would have given their own lives to defend the borders from enemies, both foreign and domestic, which threatened to destroy them.

The men would meet with the President, but their mouths would then drop in shock when they heard what he had to say to them. The witnesses that were put into protective custody would then be mysteriously murdered by unknown assailants that were believed to be connected to the CIA. 

Now that no one is alive to speak against the nation’s Muslim Senators and terrorists, the case against them would never see a trial. They would be free to continue to serve the people in their own way, even if it meant an inexcusable lack of justice against them for treason against the people.

The President and his advisors knew and understood that millions of people are gullible, blind, and follow like sheep to their own slaughter. They refuse to see or acknowledge things that might make them question a government that thinks more about padding their own bank accounts, than helping individuals succeed in life.  

The President actually had the nerve to tell two civilians that they should have faced life imprisonment for taking the lives of the terrorists. He would pardon them this time, but he never wanted to see them again. They were to return to their normal lives and forget that the virus ever existed. One word to the media would see them spending the rest of their lives in prison.

The president was disappointed with the agent from the ‘CTU’, because he wanted everyone arrested and charged with treason. He would keep his job, if he swore that he would never speak of what happened again. 

The President didn’t care if the lives that are taken earlier weren’t innocent and they were terrorists. He saw himself as the most-powerful man on Earth and he wanted to remain in that capacity at all costs, even if he lived a lie.

Now that the circumstances that had jeopardized the security of the country were discovered and quarantined, the President is going to grant the Senators amnesty. He didn’t want to offend the Arab nations that provided oil products for their nation. Now that the agent and his men had solved the problem, he told them to disappear and never show themselves again.

The one man, highly offended at the President’s remarks, was a top man for the Counter-Terrorist Unit for the United States. He had put his life in danger on many occasions and it was only through his quick thinking that he was able to overcome the obstacles that faced the nation. The only thought that is now racing through his mind was why did he even bother?

He had exposed and overcome the deadly anthrax scheme a year earlier and he watched as Jimenez Abernathy was arrested for treason. He was the senator that is the front-runner for the democrats and he wanted the White House for himself. The extravagant life of the president would treat him like royalty.

He had strong ties to Islam and to the Muslim world around them. When his attempt to achieve his goals had failed and the media exposed him for what he was, he knew that his Islamic friends would resort to plan B. His plans for the demise of others, so martial law could be instituted blew up on them. Since an attempt to force another criminal into the government failed, they would use a politician that they had groomed from birth for the position.

They would use a man that would quote past Presidents and try to appease everyone at the same time. They would then use a man that is from a visible minority and professed strong Christian ties. It was political suicide when the media discovered his past, so it had to be hidden at all costs. They would have the man confess publicly that he wanted to change the nation and give citizens hope. The gullible public would then ignore his actions for his words.

Lies and deception were the only two words he had in his vocabulary. He would then enlist the support and backing of other minorities, so they would support him and have someone speaking on their behalf. In case something happened to the President that was going for his second term in office, the job of vice president had to be supported by the people. 

Their choice for vice president spoke out of both sides of his mouth and the Natives called it speaking with a forked tongue. He would tell certain groups one thing and then say the opposite to others. The liberal, radical-left media would censor everything he said that would hurt their chances in the election. By keeping a whole nation in the dark, everyone would only believe what they read in the leftist-controlled tabloids and not the truth.

Mr. Jimenez had only made one mistake and it proved to be his demise. By saying that he was a devout Muslim, he was seen as a traitor that is spreading terrorism from coast-to-coast. That called for a change in his platform and the whole presidency, when he pretended that he was against terrorism and reaped millions of dollars to support his bid for the vice presidency. 

When he is then exposed as the traitor to the nation that he was, everyone started screaming that a leopard couldn’t change their spots. Many of the men that were elected as Senators were forced to put on an act to deceive millions, and distance them from openly supporting Islamic values and beliefs.

The man that exposed the terrorist plot was named ‘James Bonham’ and he knew and understood that you always fight fire with fire. If you give into the demands of terrorists, or ignore what they support, you are putting the nation at risk.

Patriots would always win the support of the people when their strength and support for the constitution is shown through their actions. The people support or trust those that believe in values of patriotism, freedom from tyranny, and a true or sincere belief in God. They are the principals that created the nation for millions and when evil or corrupt individuals seek to destroy their freedom, it is up to the people to eliminate those responsible at all costs.

James knew immediately that the President was making a major mistake in his actions, when he chose to ignore what had happened, in an effort to protect his own job. It was to be expected though. Men are naturally corrupt and they will often crave power, wealth, fame, and to be known as their President that was successful in cleansing the world of evil.

That is hard to do though, when the President is more corrupt than the men and women that are fighting against the nation. James had become disgusted at his actions and he resigned from his job. If the nation was attacked or there is another outbreak of terrorism, let the president and his thugs handle it.

He knew that it would be a waste of time to support a man that is concerned with his own image and his golf score, when the lives of billions of innocent people would then be ignored. He didn’t want to be a part of it any longer and it would save him a lot of anxiety in his life.

After they left the office, the men wanted nothing more to do with various conspiracies and the corruption that was shown from the White House and the Senate. They were looking forward to spending a few months in the wild and the mountainous terrain of Colorado. There was a cabin waiting for them and it was near the summit of one of the peaks.

James had grown to appreciate the talents of Sam Humphries and Joseph and he could trust them as friends. Now that they didn’t have to worry about saving the nation any longer, they were looking forward to relaxing in front of the fireplace and enjoying the beauties of nature that surrounded them.  

The days of creating death, terrorists, unknown ailments that could destroy millions of people were behind them. They would no longer have to worry about the safety of the people and they could enjoy activities that included the joys of fishing, hunting, and relaxing in the warmth of the sun.

Joseph Greene was a trusted friend, a well-known psychic, and his talents had saved the men’s lives on many occasions. He was currently involved in a divorce battle with his estranged wife and she wanted everything he had. That is how the two men had met the third member of the group earlier that year.

Sam Humphries had previously worked for a corrupt mafia boss and that is how he learned that ‘Antonio Sciccone’ was involved with the conspiracy for the destruction of millions of citizens. He was sent to retrieve a knapsack and its contents from an agent for the government. The sack and its contents had to be returned to the home of the mob boss at all costs.

Humphries knew that it contained a formula that was going to be handed over to men from the Middle East at ten that night. They had wired billions of dollars into the account of Mr. Sciccone and they weren’t the kind of men that you would disappoint. Their philosophy is to eliminate anyone that wouldn’t obey their wishes immediately through obedience.

Humphries would eventually find the sack, after an all-night search in one of the factories. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t be prepared for the repercussions that followed. The agent suddenly died under mysterious circumstances and death touched the lives of everyone that had contact to the sack he found. 

When he lost a friend that had touched the sack in a bus station, Humphries knew that he wouldn’t touch it now under any circumstances. The vials inside the sack were broken and that meant trouble. He didn’t know what it contains, but everyone that touched the strange liquid was now dead in the morgue.

No one believed his story, when he arrived back at the mansion of his boss. He would be taken to the basement’s house of horrors, where he would meet a man that would be known by the mafia circle as the ‘Doctor’.  It was his job to extract information from his victims at all costs, using whatever means he had at his disposal. 

It was unknown to the doctor at the time, but there were events occurring inside the mansion that would require his professional services. Sciccone had cut himself on the glass of the broken vials sack and he was now dying of the same virus that he was selling to the terrorists.

That is when Humphries met Clancy and the boss accepted his opinion over that of his trusted employee. He is Sciccone’s high-priced lawyer and he was to accept a generous retainer from Joseph to handle his high-profile divorce. It would be agreed that he would meet the young man at the airport.

Escaping from the mansion with his life and top-secret documents that his boss kept hidden in his office, Humphries would meet Detective Rojas at the airport. They knew each other and he was there to meet Joseph. 

Former classmates, the men lived in the same small town for many years. They knew the history of the area in depth and they would enlighten everyone around them without hesitation. Unfortunately, the airport would lead the men into a situation that they weren’t expecting.

They would eventually meet a young lady named Cynthia Adams and she would kidnap hundreds of passengers from the airport for unknown reasons to the detective and his old friend. Working in cahoots with other terrorists, they would try to fly them to unknown areas. The group would have to apprehend those responsible and rescue the passengers at the same time. 

Unknown to them at the time, but she was the adopted daughter of Jimenez Abernathy. He is the same Senator that was incarcerated in prison for terrorist activities.  She wanted him freed and she was going to great lengths to make it happen. Her biological father was none other than the renowned terrorist king-pin named Anwar Sedeez. He was the man that is solely responsible for many terrorist activities around the world during the last decade.

The young lady is known to various law-enforcement agencies around the world, for using many aliases to achieve her goals. Her birth father was their nemesis that caused the problems they had to deal with earlier that week. Her birth name was really Rebecca Sedeez and she was an evil, young lady. 

As the adopted daughter of the Senator, she would be granted privileges to fly around the world and meet many people that had ties to dictatorships and a world of corruption and horror. She was the daughter of a terrorist and she believed in their religious views, culture, and traditions that mocked others for their own selfishness and wants. 

After putting their lives on the line to foil one plot after another, helping the police overcome the danger to the citizens of the nation, the men decided to take a vacation in the mountains. Joseph owned one of the cabins in Colorado and it was his retreat from the pressures of the world.

The three men were looking forward to fishing, hunting, and forgetting the events of the past week. Their idea of going to the secluded cabin would now provide them with the perfect therapy to relax and put the evils of the world behind them. It was hidden from the world and no one really cared who their neighbours were or what they did in life.

The men were aware that one player in the scheme of perversion from their adventure against the terrorist plot was still unknown to them. She was an evil and corrupt young lady that had several ties to the world’s worst dictators and terrorist cells around the world.

She was originally from Russia and her name is Svetlana Sevorovski. The men didn’t really know anything about her and what her agenda was, but they knew that she could create hardships in the world, if she wasn’t apprehended. It was especially true, if she had strong ties with evil men that have no value for human life. She was their secret operative that is hidden behind the scenes, during their virus scare in Erskine.

The men had seen or encountered black limousines during the past week and they didn’t know who was riding in them. It was possible that the evasive, young lady was riding in the back seat of one of them. If she was involved and is behind the pandemic, the men didn’t care if the terrorists wanted to threaten everyone. They washed their hands of the whole scenario, due to actions of an evil and corrupt politician that put his own selfishness ahead of the nation.

They were now on board the plane and it was useless to worry about her, or anything else that could happen in the country. If the government wanted to turn their backs on them, the men were now inclined to let the politicians sort out their own problems in the future.

That was the plan the young men had, as they sat in their seats and watched the mountains approaching. They knew that it wouldn’t be long before they all kicked back and enjoyed life for a change. They had seen enough evil, death, and violence to last them a lifetime.

As they approached a long runway, everyone felt relieved when the wheels touched down on the tarmac. Their plane was speeding along the runway and they were waiting in anticipation of their drive to the mountain cabin. Once it appeared in front of them, they knew that it would be their retreat from perils and the worries that often plague the rest of society.

Joseph had called ahead to rent a car for the next month and they wouldn’t worry about transportation. He had a BMW at his disposal in Colorado, but he had loaned it to his friend to use that month. He was still trying to protect his assets, because his estranged wife had now hired someone that is known by all the citizens as a shyster lawyer to handle her divorce.

She wanted their cars, the mansion in Beverly Hills, the villa in France, the castle in the highlands of Scotland, a generous monthly alimony payment, and the possessions they accumulated over the years. She was materialistic and it was obvious that her God was diamonds, gold, fame, power, and wealth.

He could either agree to her demands, or he would just transfer the balance in his Swiss bank account to her, as a one-time-only settlement. If she had her bank account with nine digits involved, she would allow Joseph to retain most of their properties around the world. She was happy with her circle of friends in Los Angeles and also their celebrity status.

His estranged wife didn’t really know what his total value is or how much was deposited in his account, but she has always speculated that he was hiding at least a billion dollars in it. It would be a tidy sum to last a few months and it would also keep her in the life that she had grown accustomed to living.

As the men watched the plane taxi along the runway, they aren’t really sure what they would do to pass their time at the cabin, which could help them to unwind. They were grateful though that it was secluded and they could ignore the world until they wanted to rejoin everyone again.

Joseph had modern technologies installed and he was always buying toys to play with when he arrived to escape from the constant barrage of nagging by his wife. This was his retreat away from reality; on the occasions that his wife constantly complained that he wasn’t embracing her liberal mindset. He didn’t see communism and oppression as practical and that created the friction in the first place.

As the plane approached the ramp of the terminal, Joseph remembered the first time he met the parasite that he called his wife. They were both twenty at the time and he is appearing at a ‘Palladium’ in London, England. He noticed the cheers from the crowd and his talent would be obvious to those that had assembled to watch him in person.

She managed to bribe the stage manager into let her meet him backstage for an opportunity to receive his autograph. She appeared sweet and innocent and his psychic ability didn’t reveal red flags. She would give him the impression that she is sincere, loving, gentle, compassionate, and she was fun to speak to.

He felt flattered when she invited him to join the group of her friends on a sight-seeing excursion around London. The young lady was very charming for a woman that age and she was seductive in her own way. She showed that she had ambition and drive, but she also appreciated the beauty surrounding them.

Those were qualities he admired about her. She didn’t want to talk about a past that she called oppressive and she knew what she wanted in life. It wasn’t until they were dating on a constant basis that he noticed that she wasn’t really afraid to step on toes to obtain her goals. 

For the next week, they visited many of the attractions London had to offer, but they also enjoyed walking along the Thames at night, looking at the stars. They witnessed the changing of the guard at ‘Buckingham Palace, the clock named Big Ben, the Tower of London, the Old Bailey, and the Tower Bridge’.

They would also take in their ballets, plays, and the operas in the area. The young lady treated him with respect, an air of dignity, and she had eventually discovered how to lower his barriers easily. He wasn’t aware that he would be targeted and he walked like an innocent lamb to the slaughter.

As an atmosphere of love developed between the two of them, he felt that he couldn’t live without her at his side any longer and he would correct that problem. Approaching the priest at ‘Westminster Abbey’, he had arranged for them to be married. When he proposed to her outside ‘St. Paul’s cathedral’, he was ecstatic when she accepted without hesitation.

The wedding ceremony wouldn’t rival a lavish ceremony that was enjoyed by ‘Lady Diana Spencer’, when she married ‘Prince Charles’, but memories would be the same. Over the years, many kings, queens, statesmen, writers, and poets would be married at the old Abbey, or have their funerals conducted in the halls of the magnificent building. 

Once he married his young bride, Joseph arranged for her to move to the United States and become a citizen of the country. His fame was growing and so was his bank account. His new wife couldn’t be happier and her scheme to achieve everything she wanted in life was now within her grasp.

She belonged to their social circles, country clubs, and rubbed elbows with the glitzy and glamorous celebrities of Hollywood. It wasn’t long before she exhibited her true colours and she continued to ignore all of his requests about her past. That led to her exhibiting rude, obnoxious, and many of the arrogant characteristics of other men and women that enjoy wealth, power, and fame.

There was always one thing that gnawed away at the back of Joseph’s mind through the years of their marriage. He knew his wife after they were married, but her family history was a complete mystery to him. She would continue her adamant demands that her past wasn’t important and she refused to answer.

She wouldn’t talk about her childhood, her teenage years, or where she was born and raised for some reason. To his knowledge, he wasn’t aware or knew if her parents were living, or if they were deceased. She vehemently refused to disclose any information, which made him wonder why she is hiding her past.

That no longer mattered though. He was now divorcing her and trying to move on with his own life. She didn’t want children of any kind. They would interfere with her time spent in the company of movie stars, models, and other women that splurged in the world of drugs, alcohol, and sexual perversion.

When the plane came to a stop near their terminal, the three men stepped through the door and walked up the small corridor. Once they picked up their luggage, they would be ready for their peaceful trek into the mountains.

There was one thing that none of them were aware of. Unknown to them, two men had left the airplane at the same time and they were keeping a close watch on them. Who they were was anyone’s guess, but they were determined to keep their distance, as two anonymous bystanders. 

They would act normal, because they didn’t want to attract attention to their presence under any circumstances. They appeared to be from the Middle East and they were seen as travelling light. They were carrying small carry-on bags and they didn’t have suitcases to collect at the luggage conveyor.

Walking towards the luggage rack, James had a feeling that things weren’t as they presented themselves to be. He had worked in the nations ‘Counter-terrorist Unit’ long enough to know when his life might be in danger.

Chapter 2 - The Cabin Waits

Looking around the arrival’s lounge of the airport terminal, he couldn’t see anything that is out of the ordinary or that caught his attention. Everyone that shared the flight was busy picking up their suitcases and other paraphernalia that they had checked for the journey to Colorado. Once the bags were on the small carts that are provided, everyone was leaving the terminal.

What’s up James and you look lost in thought for some reason? Joseph asked, as he noticed the certain look in his eyes that he is about to spring into action at any second. Just calm down big guy and relax. We are here to enjoy the scenery and seclusion of the cabin. If anything happens in the airport, they have the police to deal with it. We are out of the spy business.

I hear what you said, but I felt as though we were being watched, James answered, as he looked around the room one more time. It must be all those years of looking over my shoulder that has made me paranoid.

Well, once we hit the cabin in the mountains, I’m sure that your fears and doubts would pass in a heartbeat, Joseph reassured him, as he wasn’t picking up a disturbance through his senses either. Hey Humphries, are you going to take all day grabbing your luggage or what?

Hey, keep it down for a few minutes, Humphries answered, as he wanted to walk to where the two men were waiting patiently. I was looking at one of the bags on the conveyor belt and I swear that I have seen their symbol that is on the bag somewhere before. I can’t remember where for the life of me.

What symbol were you referring to? James asked candidly, as he walked with him to the conveyor belt. When it comes around again, you can point it out, and I might be able to identify it for you.

As the men waited patiently for the remaining bags to make their journey to where they were standing again, Humphries felt disappointed when he noticed that the bags were no longer on the belt. Someone had removed them.

I know that it is probably a strange question, but what did the emblem you saw look like? Joseph asked curiously, as he could see disappointment in his eyes. Perhaps if you can describe it to us, we might be able to figure out what it symbolizes and that will jog your memory.

It was hard to describe, but it appeared to be two pentagrams lying on top of each other. It reminded me of a twelve point star and that is something you don’t see every day in the airport, Humphries answered, as he then scratched his head. I have definitely seen it before, but I can’t remember where.

It sounds like what we refer to as the Star of David and it is their symbol for the Jewish nation, Joseph answered, as it was the only thing that came to his mind. I have seen it many times, but you can usually tell a Jewish person if you see them. I didn’t see anyone that fits the description on the flight.

Oh well, perhaps I was overreacting to the situation. You must admit that we have been through the wringer the past week, Humphries told them, as he noticed that the two men are leaning against the wall with two bags resting at their feet. The two guys over there give me the creeps and I will definitely be happy if we never to see them again.

I agree and I’m very anxious to check out the cabin, James announced, as he looked at the men and then ignored them. I have heard that it should only take approximately two hours to drive there. It should be very exciting for us and I love the mountains, the clear streams, and the sounds of nature.

As the men walked nonchalantly through the terminal, it wasn’t long before they arrived at their car-rental agency. The men were lined up in a row and the attendants actually appeared to be bored for some reason.

I guess that we are the last people to grab a car today? Joseph asked non-chalantly, as he noticed that one of the women is giggling to herself. I don’t want to know what the joke is, but I believe that you are holding a car here for Joseph Greene.

Yes Mr. Greene and I will have our jockey bring it around to the front of the terminal in a few minutes. I will get you to fill out the forms and show me your license. I have to ask and will you need insurance on the vehicle too? the young girl asked, as she placed the forms on the counter in front of them.  

Sure, why not put insurance on the sucker, Joseph answered, as he burst out laughing. I have the cars insured through my agency in California, but I don’t feel like calling them. It is better to take the insurance and if the car gets damaged, my insurance rates wouldn’t be affected.

That was a good idea and your estranged wife doesn’t know where you are that way either, James joked, as he winked in Humphries’ direction. I hope you aren’t getting one of those compact models. I like stretching my legs with some room to breathe freely.

We were going to give you one of our ‘Mercedes’ models sir, the young girl answered, as she knew what they had meant. We usually rent small cars to tourists and families that are trying to save money during their holiday. We know Mr. Greene here very well and he always asks for the best.

Well, that is good to hear and it is obvious that he has been here before, Humphries kidded them, as he gently punched Joseph’s arm. Do we have to guess how many dates you have been on with this young lady? Perhaps you want it kept secret and look what you did! The young woman is blushing.

Your car is at the front doors now and it was a pleasure to serve you, the young woman told them, as she tried to hide her embarrassment. In case you are interested, I have seen the interior of his cabin and it is really beautiful at this time of year. That is all I will say and please enjoy your stay.

I knew it you old smoothie, James whispered, as they walked towards the front doors of the terminal. Just think... someone took shots at you when you arrived at the airport in Erskine. I just hope that history doesn’t repeat itself or we will have more mystery and suspense on our hands to deal with.

You can say that again! It was a frightening experience to endure, Joseph answered, as they noticed that the car was black in front of them. It is about time that we get to ride around in a black car for a change. Oh... I don’t want to scare you right now, but there is a long, stretch limousine on the other side of the road. The two men that we saw earlier have climbed into the back seat.

They are probably here for their business meeting at one of the companies in the area and we are letting our imagination run wild again, Humphries told him, as he watched the car pull away from the curb. See, we have nothing to worry about. Now... let’s hit that cabin!

After throwing their bags into the trunk, James climbed into the passenger seat and slipped on his seatbelt. Humphries is relegated to the back seat of the car again and Joseph would drive them to the cabin.

After they left a hectic and busy atmosphere in the airport, the men noticed how quiet and serene everything is around them. Many people were outside at their garden, washing their cars, walking their dogs, or they were now resting on the benches in quiet parks.

Now this is more like it, Joseph told them, as he concentrated on driving through the narrow streets that will take them to the cabin. People love living here and more are coming to the area all the time. It isn’t unusual to see brides in their wedding gowns walking along the promenade. There are churches on the four corners and that makes it easy for everyone.

I was just looking ahead of us at the mountains, James replied, as he kept watch for anything unusual. I take it that we will have to turn onto one of the dirt roads to drive to the cabin. At least we are on pavement so far.

Actually, it is all paved highway, Joseph answered abruptly, as he noticed that the traffic was becoming lighter in front of them. We have to follow this highway to the interchange and then it is up the escarpment to the cabin. Oh no, this doesn’t look very good at all. We have just driven into a cloud burst.

At least they don’t really last very long, but I could be wrong, Humphries replied, as they watched the wipers on the front of the windshield pushing the rain to the sides of the glass. You were right and the interchange is in front of us. Which way are you going?

Once the traffic breaks that is coming towards us, I will be turning left and we will have to carefully drive up the mountain. We will only be facing a few dangers in the mountains that we should worry about. When it rains, we have to watch for the falling rocks and some deer racing across the road in front of us, Joseph told them, as he switched on his headlights.

I noticed that we have started climbing the escarpment and I’m relieved to see that we are going up and not down. The valley is slowly disappearing and it was a long drop if we skid off the road, James replied eagerly, as he looked up from the embankment and stared at the road in front of them. I don’t want to panic anyone, but there are headlights coming directly at us.

I know what you mean and I see them, Joseph answered anxiously, as he slowed the car to a crawl and watched to see what the other vehicle would do. Look at that moron! He must be drunker than a skunk and I have no choice if I want to avoid him. Some evasive action will avoid hitting him head on.

As Joseph slowed the car dramatically, until they were almost stopped, the headlights appeared directly in front of them. It was obvious that they were going to be struck by the car that was coming towards them from the opposite direction at a fast rate of speed.

Knowing that he would have to act quickly, Joseph turned the wheels of the car sharply to the right. He then floored the gas pedal and accelerated to reach the shoulder, just missing the other car by inches. When their car had stopped, the small group looked out the windows at the other car. They are surprised to see that it was a long, stretch limousine.

Well... that was a close call and we know where their limousine was going when it left the parking lot at the airport, Humphries shouted to them, as he is still shaking in his seat. Things don’t frighten me, but just the possibility of a car accident gives me goose bumps.

That was close and the idiots didn’t even slow down when they narrowly missed hitting us. Oh, I have to ask this and why do car accidents scare you? James asked curiously, as he agreed that they were intentionally run off their side of the road and he wasn’t happy that his life was put in danger again. I was under the impression that nothing frightened you.

When I was five or perhaps six years old, my parents were driving me to the park and some drunk driver crashed into the side of our car, Humphries explained, as he tried to compose himself. "My father was badly injured in the crash and my mother was never the same after that. 

That is what eventually fuelled my hatred for these idiots that never think ahead of time. It was that attitude and bitterness inside me that led me to join the ranks of the mob under Mr. Sciccone. Many contracts that I asked for and received for elimination were drunks that offended the boss over the years."

Wow, that is interesting and I understand why you would enjoy executing men and women that were drunks and have no business behind the wheel of a weapon that has four wheels and an engine, James answered, as he could see his point and he empathized with his new friend. There are only three groups of people that make my blood boil. They are habitual drug users, your drunks, and the terrorists that want to harm innocent lives through their actions.

I have to agree completely with both of you, but we have a small problem and that creates a slight inconvenience for us, Joseph told them, as he noticed that the front of the car appeared to be slightly lower on the right side. If we didn’t know better, I would swear that we now have a flat tire. It is just what we need in a cloud burst.

I hope the rental car has a spare or we may be cooked before we could get near the cabin, James answered, as he opened his door and stepped outside. I would love to get my hands on the jerks that forced us off the road. Pop the trunk and let’s see what we have here.

As the men stepped out of the car and examined the trunk for a jack and the spare tire, Humphries noticed that some steel spikes are sticking up out of the dirt on the shoulder of the road. It appeared as though someone placed them there deliberately to flatten their tires.

Hey, this doesn’t look good and someone deserves to get a horse whipping for this, Humphries yelled to them, as he walked along the shoulder. There are some spike guards here that the police use to incapacitate a car from going anywhere. Why would they be here and they don’t serve a purpose? We could be looking at more than one flat and then we are in trouble.

That is a good question and I would like an answer for that myself, James answered, as he removed the spare tire from the trunk and rolled it around to the front of the car. Joseph is doing great when it comes to jacking up the car and removing the lug nuts. It shouldn’t take us too long and we will be on our way again. You are right though and we are lucky that only one tire is flat.

I thought we left all the excitement back in Erskine, Joseph replied, as he had removed the flat tire and he slipped the new one onto the rim of the wheel suspension. I’m happy that we have a new car and not one that is older than a few years. If the nuts are rusted in place, we would have had a very interesting experience getting them off. I don’t have a can of soda that could eat the rust and loosen the threads on the lug nuts.

Don’t worry about that and hurry to get the wheel back on the housing? If it was intentional for us to crash over the cliff, we don’t want to see what part two of their scheme is, James shouted to them, as he slipped the flat tire from the front of the car inside the trunk.

As you finish tightening the lug nuts, I’m going to help Humphries and see where the spikes were hidden. We will then unearth them and toss them over a cliff here. I don’t want anyone blowing and then going over the edge of the cliff. It appears to be a long drop to the bottom of the ravine and I doubt that anyone would survive a fall like that.

It sounds good to me and I am almost finished here, Joseph answered, as he watched James and Humphries pushing the spikes off the side of the cliff. Just make sure that the spikes are the only thing that goes off the edge of the cliff. Neither of you are wearing a parachute or repelling ropes and I don’t see anything like that in the trunk for you to use.

Very funny and we will keep that in mind, Humphries yelled back, as he felt confident that they had now removed all the spikes from the shoulder. It is fortunate for us that the rain stopped or we may have experienced more fun than we anticipated tonight.

Hey, maybe we will get lucky and the jerk driving the limo would now be in the ditch himself further down the mountain. I guess that we can only wish huh? Joseph asked them jokingly; as he then slammed the trunk closed and is forced to wait for the other two to rejoin him.

Now that we have taken care of that problem, I’m really looking forward to seeing the cabin and resting my weary bones, Humphries told them, as he slipped into the back seat and closed his door. At least the rain has provided some relief from the extreme heat that we felt earlier.

When we have reached our location, you will notice that our temperature isn’t as high and it will be dramatically lower, Joseph told them, as he drove onto the road again that is leading up the mountain. The air gets thinner when we are near the summit and we could become exhausted easier too.

This sounds like fun and there is never a dull moment James replied, as he looked through the windows suspiciously. This is cool and I’m enjoying a moment when I can watch for other dangers that make our journey hazardous. I have to admit that the cabins we are passing do look very nice. I wonder how many people own and live in their cottages year round.

The last time I checked, there were only three cabins up here that are used exclusively by the owners each year, Joseph answered, as he knew that they are going to arrive shortly at the cabin. I haven’t been here in a few years and the cabins were owned by three couples that are in the twilight of their lives. They enjoy it here and they didn’t want to leave under any circumstances. 

That sounds really nice and I would have to agree with their logic, James told them, as he could see different cabins passing them. I love the tranquility and peaceful atmosphere that is here. Hey Joseph, you said that people can go hunting up here? Aren’t there by-laws prohibiting it, with many cabins in the vicinity?

I have always wondered about that, but we can go deer or moose hunting here in the mountains during the season it is allowed, Joseph answered, as he pulled into a long driveway on the left. We are almost there and the cabin is located at the end of this row of trees. The only animals around here that can pose a threat are snakes, coyotes, or foxes. They love the mountain regions up here and if you exercise caution at all times, there shouldn’t be any problems.

I could handle deer, moose, coyotes, foxes, and anything else that might call these mountains their home, but please don’t mention snakes to me under any conditions, James replied, as she shook his head in disgust. I think that we have had enough of those to last a lifetime. If your cabin is as nice as the cabins we have just passed, I am going to have a very nice vacation here.

I agree with you completely and I have been waiting to see what the cabin looks like too, Humphries shouted from the back seat, as he felt eager for the line of trees to end. Oh, there it is and you are right Joseph. It is definitely the nicest cabin I’ve seen and it was worth the wait, judging from the appearance of the walls. The cabin is constructed from dove-tailed logs and it looks rather cozy. We are going to enjoy the time we spend here.

I knew that both of you would love it. Can you believe that it only cost me half-a-million dollars to buy it here? Joseph told them, as he stopped the car near the front door. I am rather apprehensive though to see what the interior will be like. I haven’t been here in over a year and there is probably a foot of dust covering the furniture.

Who cares about the dust and we are mountain men now?