20 Years Later: Between Two Worlds

By Wanda Reu

Arabia held a mysterious power that pulled individuals to the hot sands of the Middle East. Where else could one find the beautiful Arabian horses that could take one flying across the sands? Where else did people live in their beautifully decorated tent dwellings and plan Jihad for their enemies?
James was a young American boy who had been trained by his familys Arabian servant and friend to one day go to Arabia to live. That desire grew inside James as James grew to become a man.
Most who were drawn to Arabia had no idea of the cost Arabia could exact from you. It could even demand your life.
There was much treachery in Arabia because of the lust for power. This was even true in ones own family, as family members were killed to prevent them from rising to power.
What was it that drew the heart of James La Faye? Was it a lust for personal power, or was it a desire to see the heart of Arabia changed toward the people of America? Would there always be the hatred and mistrust between the two worlds?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781496973566

Wanda Reu

I was born and raised in the midsection of our country. We lived in a rural area, and my father was a tiller of the land and a guardian of the animals that helped to provide income for our family’s needs. I had the privilege of growing up with a love of reading. By the time I had reached the sixth and seventh grades, it was nothing for me to read one hundred books each winter. Books were my lifeline, my connection with the world. Books took me to exotic places where I found myself dreaming under a large palm tree. I learned about beautiful women and handsome men who lived lives one could only imagine. I remember reading Gone with the Wind and getting caught up in the emotions experienced by Scarlet and Rhett during the time of the Civil War. I shed tears when Scarlet’s Rhett finally told her he’d had enough of her demands. As an adult, I wondered what it would be like to write my own books. I loved historical dramas, mysteries, a bit of humor, and stories of faith. I have also always enjoyed reading children’s stories and have written a number of children’s books. I wondered if people would enjoy reading the books I have written. Therefore, in the years following retirement, I have enjoyed writing all sorts of stories and even poetry. I feel that somehow the ink of an earlier writer has managed to fill my pen. If you pick up this historical drama and find you like it, feel free to let me know. You can reach me at [e-mail].

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© 2015 Wanda Fable Weaver. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 03/05/2015

ISBN: 978-1-4969-7355-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-7354-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-7356-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015903441

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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.

Contents

The Sixth Generation

Part #2

Part #3

Part #4

Part #5

Part #6

Part #7

Part #8

Part #9

Part #10

Part #11

Part #12

Part #13

Part #14

Part #15

Part #16

Part #17

Part #18

Part #19

Part #20

Part #21

Part #22

Part #23

Part #24

Part #25

Part #26

Part #27

Part #28

Part #29

Part #30

Part #31

Part #32

Part #33

Part #34

Part #35

Part #36

Part #37

Part #38

Part #39

Part #40

Part #41

Part #42

Part #43

Part #44

Part #45

Part #46

Part #47

Part #48

Part #49

Part #50

Part #51

Part #52

Part #53

Part #54

Part #55

Part #56

Part #57

Part #58

Part #59

Part #60

Part #61

Part #62

Part #63

Part #64

Part #65

Part #66

Part #67

Part #68

Part #69

Part #70

Part #71

Part #72

Part #73

Part #74

Part #75

Part #76

Part #77

Part #78

Part #79

Part #80

Part #81

Part #82

Part #83

Part #84

Part #85

Part #86

Part #87

Part #88

Part #89

Part #90

Part #91

Part #92

Part #93

Part #94

Part #95

Part #96

Part #97

Part #98

Part #99

Part #100

Part #101

Part #102

Part #103

Part #104

Part #105

Part #106

Part #107

Part #108

Part #109

Part #110

Part #111

Part #112

Part #113

Part #114

Part #115

Part #116

Part #117

Part #118

Part #119

Part #120

Part #121

Part #122

Part #123

Part #124

Part #125

Part #126

Part #127

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Part #129

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Part #131

Part #132

Part #133

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Part #136

Part #137

Part #138

Part #139

Part #140

Part #141

Part #142

Part #143

Part #144

Part #145

Part #146

Part #147

Part #148

Part #149

Part #150

Part #151

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Part #153

Part #154

Part #155

Part #156

Part #157

Part #158

Part #159

Part #160

Part #161

Part #162

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Part #164

Part #165

Part #166

Part #167

Part #168

Part #169

Part #170

Part #171

Part #172

Part #173

Part #174

Part #175

Part #176

Part #177

Part #178

The Sixth Generation

Twenty years had passed in the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana. In that period of time many people had forgotten about the ruler of Arabia coming to America and marrying one of the descendants of the Bowregard Le Faye family.

Because of the political unrest in Arabia, the ruler, Abu Manobo, had abdicated the throne and taken pen in hand in his new home in America to write a book about the notorious Black Sheik. The Black Sheik was a man hungry for power, and he used whatever means available to him to get what he wanted. He was shot when he was trying to seize an oasis from his own brother, and his son, set on vengeance, followed the person responsible for the shooting to America. This person happened to be Basilah Le Faye, the wife of James Le Faye and the niece of the Black Sheik.

When Jo-Jo saw that the Black Sheik’s son was about to kill her sister-in-law, she thought only of saving her life and fired a gun that killed him. Vengeance was again plotted, this time against Jo-Jo. When she visited Arabia, red paint was thrown all over her as a warning. Abu took Jo-Jo and his children back to America and abdicated. The two fell in love, and later Abu and Jo-Jo were married.

When the sale of Abu’s book went international, the situation became so dangerous for him and his family that the FBI advised them to leave the country. Abu, upon sharing this information with Jo-Jo, found she was terribly unhappy about leaving; he told her not to worry, for he had a plan.

Jo-Jo had no idea that Abu would return to Arabia, giving himself up to the Black Sheik’s followers. They put him before a firing squad. When Jo-Jo discovered he had not gone to New Orleans on business as he had said but had returned to Arabia, it was too late. She grieved for the loss of her husband and felt terrible guilt because she felt she was to blame for him sacrificing himself to spare her and the children.

A few months later, Jo-Jo received a call from a man named Bruce Cawley in England. He invited her to come and manage his horse farm. When she took the children to England she found that Bruce Cawley was the half-brother of Abu; his name was really Abdul. Jo-Jo decided to stay in England and give Amir and Emira the secrecy needed for their protection. Abdul offered to help her raise the children with the idea that one day Amir might desire to seek the throne in Arabia.

After a period of several months Jo-Jo and Abdul were married. A year later they became parents of a baby boy they named Joseph. Amir and Emira were thrilled with the new baby, and their family was now complete. Jo-Jo never returned to America. Abdul had told her when she first came that she would come to love England, and he had been right.

James and Basilah had no further problems from the followers of the Black Sheik. It was obvious over the months that followed that those in power were losing their grip on Arabia. The book that Abu had written had shown people much about the Black Sheik. The oil deals that James and Abu had worked out between Arabia and the United States had progressed in a way beneficial for both countries.

James kept in contact with Jo-Jo but was always careful to use her assumed name. When Jo-Jo married Abdul, he and Basilah and the boys attended the wedding.

As the years went by, James continued his work in the shipyards, and Basilah continued to raise the Arabians, only on a smaller scale. After Jo-Jo left, King asked if he might have his job back once again. He said he had missed working with the horses. Once in a while he would bring Orvita along when he had a small errand to do. Clem always felt some pity toward Orvita due to the fact she had no friends. Boudreau had never cared for her, and those feelings did not improve as the years went by.

Both boys graduated from high school and went off to college. Boudreau enjoyed his studies and never had the time or inclination for any serious relationships.

Part #2

During the year that Boudreau graduated from college, James had a massive heart attack and died suddenly. There was not even time to get him to the hospital. Basilah was beside herself with grief. Boudreau had been living in Atlanta since his graduation and working at Bell South Corporation. When Boudreau flew home for the funeral, he told his mother that he would set things in motion to come home. You need help with the Arabians, he told her. Later you can make a decision as to what you want to do.

Basilah tried to talk him out of returning home, but he insisted he would be back within a few days. After their conversation, Basilah sighed and mumbled to herself, He shouldn’t be doing this, but I am so glad he is coming.

Three days later Boudreau drove to Lake Charles with all his belongings in a U-Haul truck. He walked into the house to find Basilah cleaning his room. As he walked into the room, Basilah turned and saw him and rushed into his arms. Boudreau said, Mom, I am so sorry about this happening. I know the funeral has been rough for you to handle. Had Dad experienced problems with his heart prior to this?

Basilah responded, To my knowledge your father had no medical problems.

Boudreau told her he would finish cleaning out the room. Basilah knew how particular Boudreau was with his belongings, so she said, Tell me what you need and I will get it for you.

Boudreau said, I need for you to sit here in this rocking chair and tell me all about Dad’s last few days. I wanted to do that when I came home for the funeral, but there just wasn’t time.

Basilah loved her son, for he always sensed what she needed. Today she needed to talk with someone about James. She gave Boudreau a hug and said, I will be happy to tell you about your father. The last week had been a busy week for James. He started it out by calling Jo-Jo and checking on the family. Jo-Jo told him that Amir had begun thinking of going to Arabia to claim the throne. Abdul had put out some feelers, and he felt it was time the people knew that Abu’s son was alive. James was thrilled to hear that Amir was thinking about assuming the throne. Jo-Jo said that Emira had another year left in college, and she was engaged to a young man she had met at school. She and Abdul felt the young man was wonderful and would make a good husband for Emira. Joseph was in eighth grade at school. He wants to become a writer like his father.

James had seen to it that the outer buildings of the plantation had been freshly painted and had told Basilah he thought it was time they cut back on some of their work. He had told her they could manage without her having the horse farm if she wanted to quit. Basilah said, Boudreau, I told him I wanted to think about it for a while first before I made the decision. He smiled at me. You remember how he had such a knowing smile? I could always tell he could read me like a book. Your father was so good to me, and I have loved him since the first time I saw him. Remember us telling you about when he came to Arabia to visit? Abu had arranged for me to be at my uncle’s oasis. I knew the moment I looked at James that I would love him for life. He was so handsome and charming. Did I ever tell you that story?

Boudreau smiled, for his mother had told him that story many times. He could see she needed to tell it once more. Somehow sharing these stories brought back a small part of James. She continued by saying, I can still see James when the gun battle began. You see, the Black Sheik had ridden into Uncle Hadji’s oasis, shooting up everything and determined as ever to seize the oasis. I was angry with the Black Sheik, for he was always trying to take from others. I grabbed a gun, ran out of the tent, flopped down between some of the men, and began firing. It was my gun that killed the Black Sheik. Your father was so worried about me. When I saw the fear in his eyes for me, it melted my heart.

Boudreau said, Mother, you and Dad were very fortunate to have such a wonderful relationship.

Basilah began to cry. How will I ever live without him?

Boudreau answered, I know it will be difficult, but you won’t have to face this all alone. I will be staying here with you. Together we will face life without Dad. In a few days when you feel better, we will talk about the Arabians and what you want to do with them.

Part #3

Boudreau settled into a routine of working with his mother and the Arabians. He also took on the task of landscaping and replanting many of the flowers around the outside of their home. Boudreau was a man who loved beauty and order, and nothing could make him feel better than watching each flower bed come into bloom.

Basilah had told him, Boudreau, you don’t need to do all that. We can hire a landscaper.

He laughed and replied, Would you take away something that I love so much?

Of course Basilah apologized and said, I don’t want to take anything away from you, but I hate to think of you doing all this work.

He gave her a hug and said, Mother, this is not work for me; it is pure pleasure, and I love to see the end results.

Clem graduated from college the following year and came home while he was seeking employment. He announced that he was engaged, and Boudreau asked, To whom?

Clem answered, I am engaged to Orvita; surely you knew that we were seeing each other. Orvita had pretty much followed Clem to college, for she had determined years before she was going to marry him. Because Clem knew his mother and Boudreau’s feelings toward Orvita, he didn’t speak much about their relationship. They did most of their dating in college. Orvita was a year younger than Clem, so she had one more year left before she graduated.

Basilah was so disappointed to hear that one of her sons would be marrying such a spoiled young woman. The years had not improved that girl even a fraction. Basilah thought, What can I say to him that would change his mind? He has always felt something for that girl. This was one time she was glad that James was not here to hear the news about Clem and Orvita.

Clem walked over to his mother, gave her a big hug, and asked, Well, Mother, what are your thoughts about me getting married?

Basilah turned toward Clem and asked, Have you set a date yet for the wedding?

Clem said, I don’t believe we will marry before Orvita gets out of college.

Basilah said, I think that is very wise, Clem. That will give you time to find a position. It will also give you time to find a home for the two of you.

Boudreau knew his mother well enough to see she was saddened at the news, although she would handle it gracefully as she did everything else. After Clem announced he was going to run into Lake Charles for a few things, Boudreau asked if he could go along. The two left within the hour.

As the car sped along the highway, Boudreau asked, Clem, are you absolutely sure you want to marry Orvita? Dating her is one thing, but marrying her is an entirely different matter. She is one of the most spoiled and pampered young women I have ever known. What is that going to be like to live with all the time? I know one thing—I could never do it. How do you think you will always be able to grant her every little wish?

Clem turned toward Boudreau angrily and said, I knew you would react this way. What gives you the authority to tell me whom I should or should not marry?

Boudreau could see that Clem was becoming livid. He apologized immediately, patted his brother on the shoulder, and said, Clem, I am terribly sorry to have offended you. I won’t mention it again. After all, it is your life, and you have the right to make the decision yourself without me giving my opinion. I promise you I won’t make that mistake again.

Clem grabbed Boudreau’s shoulder and said, Look, let’s just forget it. I think we are very different when it comes to making decisions. I have always liked Orvita. You never have liked her, so neither of us should be surprised. We may not agree on the decision, but we can work through it and still love each other.

Boudreau answered, Of course you are right about that, Clem. You’re always going to be my brother, and I will always love you. Nothing will change that.

Part #4

After Boudreau and Clem returned from Lake Charles, Clem took a shower, changed clothes, and left to pick up Orvita. They were going out for dinner and a movie.

Boudreau and Basilah had their dinner out on the porch where there was a nice breeze blowing. The cook had brought out chicken salad served in half a cantaloupe. She had prepared some cinnamon corn muffins, and there was a pitcher of iced tea with mint leaves.

Basilah looked at Boudreau and asked, Have I ever told you how much I enjoy eating with you?

Boudreau laughed. I do believe you may have told me that a time or two. I am not sure you ever told me why, though.

Basilah said, I enjoy eating with you because you have such appreciation for good food. You are a true southern gentleman, and you are always gracious to me, your mother.

Boudreau laughed again. Mother, why do I feel there is a question coming from you?

She said, Ah, you know me too well.

What do you want to know? he asked.

She smiled and said, Boudreau, I have a feeling you went to Lake Charles with Clem to ask him why he had proposed to that spoiled little filly down the road. Am I right?

Boudreau sighed and answered, I am afraid you are right, Mother, and I was politely, but firmly, put in my place.

Basilah picked up her glass of iced tea; took a sip, and said, I take it Clem didn’t feel he owed you an explanation for proposing marriage to Orvita?

Wow, Mother, you are on a roll. That was pretty much what he told me.

Basilah looked at her older son and said, Boudreau, I feel about Orvita the same way you do. I think she will make his life a living hell, but I am going to do everything I can to accept her, for I do not want to lose my second son. I have a feeling she would like nothing better than to separate Clem from his stuffy family.

Boudreau finished up his dinner and said, Well, there’s one thing in our favor. If they are not going to be married until she finishes college, we have another year to hope he comes to his senses.

Basilah said, I don’t believe you should hold your breath.

Clem found a good position in a brokerage in Lake Charles and began looking for a home. King Daddy had invited the couple to stay with him in his huge home; he said it was a shame for one person to be rambling around in that large home all by himself.

Something told Clem that would not be a good idea, and he answered, King Daddy, I think that is one generous offer, but you remember how it is with young couples?

King Daddy laughed. Say no more, my boy. I do understand.

In the month of January, Basilah took the car into Lake Charles to do some shopping and to get her hair done. While she was in the beauty salon, a freak storm came up and left some patches of ice on the highway. As she was returning home, she hit a patch of ice and lost control of the car, which ran into an oncoming truck. Basilah was killed instantly. When Boudreau was called at home, he thought someone was playing a terrible joke on him and said, I don’t know who you think you are, but this is not funny.

The male voice answered, I hope I wasn’t coming across as trying to sound funny. This is the highway patrol, and this is anything but funny. Is Basilah Le Faye related to you?

Boudreau said, Yes, she is my mother.

The officer said, I am sorry to inform you that your mother has been killed.

Part #5

It took Boudreau many months to stop grieving over the loss of his mother. He knew he had been privileged to enjoy such a special relationship with her. Basilah often laughed at how similar she and her son were. Boudreau could start a sentence and Basilah finish it.

Basilah had loved both her sons, but she was closest to Boudreau. Clem had left home to go to college and had attended summer school, so he wasn’t home much. He was also involved in a relationship with Orvita that occupied much of his time and thought. Boudreau, on the other hand, had never seen a young woman who could turn his head. He loved his life at the plantation and was happy with things as they were. That was true until Basilah was killed suddenly.

Boudreau loved being on the plantation and working with his mother around the stables. Raising Arabians was so much a part of Basilah’s life that it was pure pleasure for him to watch her with the horses. His mother still had long, beautiful black hair. When the breeze would blow, her hair seemed to blend in with the horses and helped her to become one with them.

Boudreau never developed the type of love for the horses that his mother and Jo-Jo had known. He just loved working alongside his mother. She made work a joyous delight. Boudreau did not think he had ever met anyone quite like his mother. She lived each moment to the fullest, whatever she was doing.

After James died, Boudreau knew his mother’s heart was broken, but she put on the same brave front day after day. He asked her once, Mother, how do you do it?

She gave him one of her sweetest smiles and said, Boudreau, your father and I had a relationship that most people only dream of. Even a short period of time with your father filled my heart and thoughts with such beautiful memories. When I miss him the most, I pull out some of those precious memories, and I feel him close to me again.

Boudreau thought of that comment many times over after Basilah was killed. One night when he was feeling low, he decided to pack up some of his old college things and take them to the attic for storage. As he walked into the attic and looked around, he saw many things that brought back the presence of his mother. She had stored old pictures and pieces of memorabilia from their childhood. There were trunks of old clothes that she was too sentimental to throw out. When he opened the lid of one trunk, he found the clothes that James had worn in Arabia when he first met Basilah. Boudreau smiled when he saw the handwritten tags she had pinned to everything.

Boudreau moved a few boxes, and he stubbed his toe on a rather large box with a label on the outside that read Del Monte Peaches. He opened the lid and found a huge silver punch bowl. Pulling it out of the box, he remembered a story his mother had told him when he was a child. This punch bowl had come from England and had been designed by his great-grandmother’s family, the Sheffields. His great-grandmother Catherine had brought it to the Americas. While en- route to the Americas, her ship had been boarded by pirates looking for goods and money. James laughed out loud when he thought of his great-grandmother with her long dress seated on the punch bowl trying to conceal it from the pirates. One of the pirates happened to be Bowregard Le Faye, who later became the husband of Catherine Sheffield.

What was it his mother had told him about this punch bowl? It was extremely valuable, and she had decided to store it in the attic. She had said, Boudreau, who is going to look for a valuable punch bowl in the attic?

He chuckled when he thought of that. He knew that deep down in her heart, Basilah had not been all that fond of the silver bowl, but she had realized there was family history attached to it. She had told him the punch bowl would be passed down to him and his wife when she and James were gone.

He found another punch bowl that was made of crystal stored in a box beside the silver punch bowl. He pushed the boxes with the punch bowls back to make a larger path through all the articles that had been stored. Coming to a large trunk, Boudreau dusted off the top and opened the lid. He saw that the trunk was filled with the Le Faye women’s bridal gowns. Basilah had labeled each gown. He gently touched the material of the top one that had belonged to his mother. As he closed his eyes, he could sense her presence. It was as if she had paid him a visit that caressed his heart. He packed the things away once again and returned to the main floor of the house.

Part #6

After Basilah’s death, Boudreau felt at loose ends. He finally came to a major decision concerning the Arabians. He gave Jo-Jo a call and told her he had decided to dispose of most of the Arabians, except for a few to keep for riders at the plantation. He wanted to know if she had any suggestions as to the best way to sell them. She gave him names of people in the Arabian Horse Association. Soon all the Arabians were gone except for six that Boudreau kept for his own use.

After the horses had been sold, Boudreau dismissed the workers with severance pay and then asked King if he would consider taking care of the remaining Arabians until Boudreau returned from a vacation to England. Boudreau told him he was going to look up some relatives of his great-grandmother Sheffield. He said he also wanted to visit the Sheffield Silver Company and see if they still had a record of a punch bowl that had been made for the family.

Boudreau hated to stretch the truth, but he felt it was not his place to say anything about Jo-Jo being alive. He wanted to talk with her and Abdul and see what they had to say about the matter. He was looking forward to meeting Amir and Emira once again. It would be interesting to see how they had changed since the last time he had seen them. He was also looking forward to meeting Joseph, his cousin.

When the plane touched down at Heathrow Airport, Boudreau gathered up his magazines and a book he had brought along for the trip. He wondered who would come to pick him up. As he disembarked from the plane and walked into the airport, he looked up to see that the whole family had come to pick him up. He recognized Jo-Jo first and then Amir, Emira, Joseph, and of course Abdul. They all started waving about the same time, and Jo-Jo ran to meet him. She hugged him tightly and said, I can’t tell you how good it is to see you.

Emira was a bit shy and stood back. She smiled and said, Hello, Boudreau. I am glad you came to visit.

Amir seemed a little formal, but Boudreau attributed that to his preparatory training to assume the throne in Arabia. It was obvious to Boudreau that Amir was behaving like royalty now that he was pretty much an adult. Boudreau was anxious to get some time alone with him so he could ask him about his plans for the future. Abdul greeted him with a kiss on each cheek and a pat on his back. He said, Welcome to London, Boudreau.

They gathered Boudreau’s bags and drove out to the country estate where Abdul and Jo-Jo lived. As they pulled into the estate, Boudreau saw that there were Arabians everywhere. He said, You must have a large number of Arabians.

Jo-Jo said, Yes, indeed we do. We have one of the largest horse farms in Europe.

Boudreau thanked Abdul for the list of names that had helped him to sell off his mother’s line of Arabians. Jo-Jo said, I thought maybe you would grow to love the business.

Boudreau said, I loved working with Mother when she was alive, but it was different when she was gone. Actually, I am thinking about opening a dog kennel and raising show dogs.

Jo-Jo asked, Have you decided upon the breed of dog?

Yes I have, answered Boudreau. I like the English and American foxhounds.

Boudreau noticed that Amir had been very quiet since they had picked him up at the airport. He wondered why he was not entering into the conversation. Joseph had not seen Boudreau very often in his young lifetime, so he seemed like a stranger. Boudreau and his family had visited only a few times through the years. They always traveled to England to help protect Jo-Jo and her family from members who were still loyal to the teachings of the Black Sheik.

The driver stopped in front of their home, and everyone got out. When Boudreau reached for his bags, Abdul said, Leave the bags, Boudreau; Niles will bring them in for you.

They walked into the home, and Boudreau stood looking around. You have a lovely home, he said as he looked toward Jo-Jo and Abdul. Both of them smiled and thanked him for the compliment.

Amir asked, Would you like me to show you to your room?

Boudreau answered, Yes, I would like that very much.

Amir showed Boudreau up a flight of stairs. When they reached the top of the stairs Amir said, Your room will be the last room on the left at the end of the hall. Would you like to rest, or would you prefer some time for us to visit?

Boudreau answered, I would really like to visit with you for a while. I can rest later.

Part #7

Amir followed Boudreau to his room, and they sat down on two chairs that were positioned in front of the fireplace. Boudreau looked around the room and said, This certainly is a nice room; I like the way it is arranged.

Amir answered, This is Jo-Jo’s favorite room in the house. She said she thought you would appreciate it.

Amir asked, What did you want to talk to me about?

Boudreau answered, Amir, I know you lost both of your parents suddenly. How did you learn to cope with their loss?

Amir answered, Boudreau, I didn’t think I would ever learn to deal with their deaths. I was terrified, horrified, and angered beyond words when my mother was shot to death. It was really difficult for both Emira and me. I couldn’t understand why anyone would kill such a warm and gracious woman as my mother. She was a person who would not harm anyone.

How did you get past the anger and bitterness? asked Boudreau.

Our father helped us to understand that the murder wasn’t because people hated our mother; it was a way to make a statement against decisions that were being made by the government. The decision that had to do with supplying oil for your country really angered the people of Arabia. All they could see was that it was a decision that would help the hated infidels in America. They could not see past that to what it would do for the country of Arabia.

Was it as bad for you when your father was killed? asked Boudreau.

Amir was very quiet for a while; then he said, My father’s death affected me even more. May I ask you why? asked Boudreau.

Amir answered, I felt our father threw his life away. I was angry with him for a long time.

What happened to change all that? asked Boudreau.

My uncle Abdul helped me to understand what my father had done. He knew I was filled with bitterness toward the memory of my father. One day he said, Amir, I want to talk to you, and I want you to listen. Your father was always a caring and giving man. He loved the people of Arabia, and he cared about what was happening to them because of the actions of the Black Sheik. That’s why he wrote the book. He wanted the people to be able to think for themselves. To tell you the truth, the book was a stronger weapon of war than any armaments the Black Sheik had used in his fight to seize power.’ He also told me that the worth of a person’s life is not measured in years but in deeds. Some people can accomplish more in a few years than others can accomplish in a lifetime. Boudreau, he looked me in the eye and said, ‘Son, that was true of your father. He died too young, but what he accomplished for the people of Arabia will be looked upon with favor for many years.’"

Boudreau sat watching Amir’s face as he talked, and he could see how proud Amir was of his father. Finally Amir turned to Boudreau and asked, Why are you asking me these questions?

Boudreau answered, I had two reasons for asking. The first is that I need help in getting past losing both my parents. The second is that I am wondering what the future holds for you.

Amir pondered for a few moments. Then he smiled at Boudreau. Boudreau, time will help you with the loss of your parents. Remember, we have that in common. If Emira and I can do it, you can too. I am not saying it is easy, but your parents contributed much to others, and their lives counted. For that you can be thankful. Now, as far as my plans go: I am going to Arabia, and I am going to assume the throne.

Boudreau jumped up, clapped Amir on the shoulder, and said, I knew it! I sensed that when I rode back here from the airport. Does that mean I will have to come to Arabia to see you?

Yes, Boudreau, that is what that means. I will be going within a month. Abdul is going with me to help me work through the initial stages.

Part #8

After Boudreau left for England, Clem took care of getting the mail and watering the flowers inside the house. It seemed strange to him that Boudreau had more flowers than their mother had while she was alive. Boudreau had inherited the plantation, whereas Clem was left with stocks, bonds, and cash. Clem and Orvita had set the date for their wedding, and their home was under construction. The home would be located within a few miles of the plantation. Orvita had decided she didn’t want to live too far from King Daddy.

Since Orvita had always known a life of wealth, Clem felt he must make the home a place of beauty for her. She had worked with the architect in designing the home. When Clem had questioned some of her decisions, she had said, Clem, I want a home that will make people green with envy when they see it; they will wish they had married such a generous man.

Clem had proudly shown Boudreau the blueprints one evening when they were together, and Boudreau had said, This looks like it could be a palace.

Clem had said, Boudreau, I love Orvita, and I want her to be happy.

Boudreau had looked at Clem and asked, Do you think this palace will make her happy?

Clem had scowled at Boudreau and answered, This is the house she wants, Boudreau, and I plan to see that she gets what she wants.

Clem knew that his mother and Boudreau had never cared for Orvita. Boudreau had always ignored her at school and whenever she came by with King Daddy. Clem had overheard Boudreau talking to some kids at school one day and saying, Orvita thinks she is a princess, and heaven help the one person who doesn’t bow down to her wishes. Clem hadn’t told Boudreau he had heard that conversation, but it had hurt him deeply.

When Clem began dating Orvita, he kept the relationship quiet. He knew he would get an ear full of negativity from his mother and from Boudreau. He decided he didn’t want to hear anything negative about Orvita, so he kept the relationship pretty much to himself until he was sure he was in love with Orvita.

The wedding was two months away, and there was nothing Boudreau could do to stop it. Boudreau made his own decisions in life, and that was exactly what Clem intended to do. Clem loved his older brother, but sometimes he rubbed him the wrong way. Their personalities were so different. Clem wondered if Boudreau would remain single all his life. He never took anyone out, and he seemed perfectly content to sit at home and read his books. He also loved to work in the gardens and flower beds. On occasion, he would take one of his dad’s guns out of the gun cabinet, clean it, and then go hunting. He had also purchased an American foxhound and named the dog Hocum. Clem was to take care of Hocum while Boudreau was away in England.

It was obvious that Hocum missed Boudreau. When Clem went to the plantation, Hocum would sniff him and then whine to get outside. When Clem let him out, the dog would tear around the plantation and then return to the front porch, look up at Clem, and whine. Clem felt sorry for the dog and tried to tell him that Boudreau would be back soon. When he closed the door and locked it, he could hear Hocum whining from the inside of the house.

On Friday of the first week that Boudreau was gone, he decided to call Clem and see how things were going back home. Clem had taken an apartment until the home for him and Orvita was completed, and Boudreau found him there. Boudreau had tried to talk him into staying at the plantation, but he had begged off, saying, It’s closer to work for me to stay in town. Boudreau figured Clem wanted his own apartment where he and Orvita could spend some time together. Clem would never bring Orvita to the plantation, given with the way Boudreau felt about her.

Boudreau could see it was best not to make any negative comments about Orvita. He had seen King Daddy buy her everything her little heart had ever wanted, and she was never happy for long. Soon she would be off and running, wanting something else that was new and exciting. He couldn’t help wondering how long it would take Clem to see through this woman. He dreaded to see what Clem would experience as this woman’s husband. Boudreau loved his brother and hated to see him walking into a situation that would give him nothing but grief.

When Clem answered the phone, Boudreau could hear music playing in the background. Boudreau asked about the mail, his garden, and the flowers. He also inquired about Hocum. Clem said that Hocum was having a rough time because he missed Boudreau so much. Boudreau said, I will be coming back a week from today. I was wondering if you might come to the airport and pick me up.

Clem answered, Sure, I will be glad to do that.

Part #9

When Clem hung up the phone Orvita said, I noticed you did not tell him I was here with you.

Clem responded, I really didn’t see the need of telling him that. We were talking about things at the plantation.

Orvita said, I really don’t know why he doesn’t have servants to take care of things while he is away.

Clem laughed gently. Sweetie, not everyone has servants to cater to their every wish as you have had during your lifetime. Boudreau is very independent and prefers to live alone.

Orvita said, He might prefer living alone, but why should he bother you when he decides to leave?

Clem said, He calls me because I am his brother. I don’t mind taking care of Hocum and picking up the mail and watering the plants. That is not that much to ask. I would have no problem asking him to do something for me if I were away, and he would be glad to do what I asked. It’s all part of being a family, Orvita.

After Boudreau hung up the phone, he stood for a few moments deep in thought. He could tell by the sound