Lavender's Final Justice: The Lavender Trilogy, #3

By Earl Watson

     Like a Phoinex rising from it's fiery grave, Michael Christchild has risen. Now that he has once again gained access to immense power and money, he has taken up the hunt for the formula again. As he chases the formula from South America back to the United States, he is once again lining up Marcus Peterson in his sights. Since the last time that they met in Rome, Michael's hatred for Marcus has increased ten fold, and grown beyond all reason. Each and every vile lie that he tells and each diabolical plot that he hatches is designed for the complete destruction of Marcus. Michael will even put his new found power and riches at risk in order to acomplish this only thing that he is driven by and desires. Once again all of Michael's underlings re-appear in one form or another as he re-traces all of the steps that lead back to Marcus and the formula. With Amanda's destruction with the loss of her one true love ( Marcus) as just collateral damage.      

• Language: English
• Publisher: Earl Watson
• Release date: Jan 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201212889

Book preview

Lavender’s Final Justice Mrs. Cooper stepped out of Marcus’ seventy foot by twenty five foot pool and shook her husband awake.

I am going inside to see Marcus, Amanda and the baby, would you like to come?

No I will just wait here. But will you do me a favor and ask Marcus’ Italian cook if he would fix me some of that fish that we had last night? How is it possible for him to make something as simple as blue fish taste that good?

Alright but be sure you watch your salt intake. She then made her way into the main house on Marcus’ Roman estate and mounted the spiral wrought iron stairs to the second floor and walked down the red velvet covered walls and into the largest bedroom in the house. Amanda was just finishing making up the bed.

Mrs. Cooper how are you and your husband enjoying the estate?

Mandy all of this just can’t be real. Me and my husband don’t believe that we are here! Not to mention all of the things that we can do, like playing tennis, horseback riding, hiking, fish-ing in the lake or riding on one of Marcus’ custom made jet skis. Then there was that two day cruise that he treated us to on his one hundred and sixty foot yacht. Where my husband and I were the only passengers on board. It was the best thirty second wedding gift that we could have ever dreamed of.

Amanda tucked the last pillow under the quilt and took a seat.

Well you had better be ready for another surprise. Next year he is going to set up a challenge for you and your girls. The top three winners that do well in school will get to spend the summer here with their babies. Mrs. Cooper sat next to Amanda and shook her head.

Amanda if he keeps this up and the word gets out about my school, girls are going to start getting pregnant by the millions, and just in Manhattan alone!! He has already done so much already!

I know Mrs. Cooper. All I can say is that it makes him happy.

By the way where is the proud father?

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Lavender’s Final Justice

Where do you think?! Mrs. Cooper took a deep breath and let out an exasperated sigh before saying. Lead me to him Amanda. I swear that he is the most pig headed man that I have ever met when it comes to babies. Amanda led the way as they walked across the hallway and into a large sun lit room with massive French windows and new royal blue curtains. The floor was carpeted in a thick matching carpet with designs of toys for children. In the far corner of the room was a child’s carousel with four horses attached to it. Next to it was a mechanical replica of a Italian sports car, and next to that was a small army of ten different mechanical toy animals that could be turned on and off. Mrs. Cooper remained standing in the doorway as Amanda walked over to Marcus and gave him a kiss.

How is he doing darling? Marcus reached through the bars to the crib and stroked the babies face.

I don’t know Kid, he refuses to speak.

Marcus darling he’s only six months old! Mrs. Cooper came over and peeked into the crib at the baby while speaking to Amanda.

Don’t bother telling him anything Amanda. Since he’s Marcus Vipsainus Peterson I am sure that a six month old baby will start talking just because he wants it too. Marcus the baby isn’t going to fly away. But just to make sure why don’t you check his arms to be sure that they are not wings!

I know Mrs. Cooper. But just in case he does I want to be there to catch him just in case he falls. Mrs. Cooper tapped Amanda on her shoulder and lamented.

I feel for you Mrs. Peterson. When it comes to babies he still thinks that he knows everything. My husband and I will see you at lunch. Will it be served in the ballroom or in the guest dining room today?

It will be in the guest dining room today Mrs. Cooper, we will see you then. Marcus turned to Amanda and ran his hand down her cheek.

"He’s quiet just like Roger was most of the time. I want to 2

Lavender’s Final Justice thank you for giving him the name of Roger Vipsainus Peterson. I know that he will do it proud."

It was the least that I could do because I know how very much that you still miss him. You know that I can see that he looks exactly like you. He is beautiful isn’t he? Marcus leaned over and buzzed her on her ear.

I think that he looks beautiful like you too.

Yeah, maybe his baby toe but that is about it. But darling seriously, you don’t have to watch over him like a mother hen.

Marcus took her hand and held it gently.

I know, it’s just that I am still getting used to the idea that he is someone that is completely mine.

He will always be completely yours darling, and so will I. Now lets go and get something to eat.

The first thing that Marcus did when he and Amanda moved into the Countesses’ villa was to make a few changes.

Besides having all of the marble floored rooms cleaned and made to look like new. He also replaced the two chandeliers in the ball room and the other two in the dining room with ones that were brighter and larger. On the second floor he cleaned out two rooms that were used for storing things and made them into guest rooms. In these two rooms he had the windows replaced with the same oversized French ones that were in the ball room. This allowed the guests that visited, the ability to view the entire estate from the second floor. In one of the rooms all of the furniture and fixtures were of an emerald color with white trimming. The king sized bed was the only piece of furniture that was not white. It had been made by hand of cherry oak. Into it’s huge headboard were automatic controls that allowed a person to control the lights, heating, music, and air conditioning systems. The specially made quilt on the bed was two inches thick and colored white with specks of emerald and three matching pillows of the same design. The newly installed giant French windows that measured twelve feet by seven feet. Were covered with light green curtains that blended in perfectly with the thick white carpet and gave off a soft tent 3

Lavender’s Final Justice when the sun was shining. The other room was laid out exactly as this one but it’s furniture was all white with a baby blue rug with a matching quilt and pillows and curtains. That reflected a light bluish tent when the sunshine filtered through it. On one side of the house he had built a living quarters for his house staff that came to twenty eight workers in all. Marcus had given the task to the same man who was in charge of the Countess’ household (Enzio Cortelli) to also be in charge of his staff. On the other side of the house he built a bunkhouse that could hold up to ten children. This was if his invited guests might want to bring their children when they spent the night.

By the time that he finished building everything and plant-ing new trees and flowers, and installing beautiful soft night lights that highlighted the entire estate at night, his estate and villa had become the talk of the entire area. On many a warm evening with a soft breeze blowing over the rolling hills. His neighbors would invite their guests to sit on their verandas and enjoy the view of Marcus’ estate as they sipped on some wine. In no time this beautiful African American who spoke Italian fluently and was so charming and polite as well as rich, had won the hearts of the entire area. Mr. Cooper pushed his chair away from the beautiful Victorian styled glass table in the guest dining room and shook his head in amazement.

"Marcus I can’t believe that your chefs fix everything to perfection no matter what it is. Yesterday it was Chinese, the day before that it was Brazilian, and the day before that it was an American over the top seafood feast to die for, and tonight it’s Mexican.

I sure wish that I could take them all home! Where did they learn how to cook so well, and can I see your wine cellar later?"

Marcus finished off a glass of sixty year old Port before answering.

They are all retired world class chefs that have worked at some of the best restaurants on the planet. They only work four months out of the year before another group of retired world class chefs come in. Mrs. Cooper chimed in.

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Lavender’s Final Justice

I can only guess that whatever you are paying them it’s at least ten times what anyone else would. Marcus just smiled and said.

Well they sure don’t complain, and after their eight month vacation they can’t wait to get back. Mrs. Cooper gave Amanda a sly wink and a tap on her arm before asking Marcus.

Marcus did you hear the baby cry, I thought I heard something?

Marcus stood up and leaned over the table and trained his ear toward the wrought iron spiral staircase.

I don’t think so. But I had better go and check just to be sure.

Sit down Marcus, the baby is sound asleep. I was just pulling your leg. How many children do you and Amanda plan to have?

I would think about six or eight or.....

Six or eight! What happened to seven? Marcus looked at Amanda with a subdued grin.

"Well parents should always have an even number of children.

I don’t have time to explain it to you now. But trust me that it makes perfect sense." One of the maids started to remove the gold plated china plates off the table as Mrs. Cooper changed the subject.

Now Amanda when do you and Marcus plan to return to New York? All of the papers are saying that the two of you have given up your citizenship and only will come back to eat at The Victoria Club.

"Don’t believe any of that stuff Mrs. Cooper. There is no way that I would ever do that, especially since I now have a child.

What parent wouldn’t want their child to be an American? As a matter of fact Amanda and I expect to be back there within the next few months. We can’t leave sooner because my friend Vincent Spinelli and his wife and six children will be arriving as soon as you and your husband leave. Besides we have to go back before Alvin Seeton drives everyone to drink or go crazy at Amanda’s company." Mrs. Cooper lowered her eyes and cast them at the white marble floor.

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Lavender’s Final Justice

From what I hear Alvin sure knows the business and you and Amanda made a smart move in hiring him. But I hear that working with him is pure torture! Amanda leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. Yes I know Mrs. Cooper, but what else can we do? Alvin will always be Alvin.

Well just get back as soon as you can. I ran into Joy and Willis the other day and they asked me if I knew where they could get a gun?

Why would they need a gun?! Mrs. Cooper now raised her eyes toward the ceiling and also sat all the way back in her chair before answering. Why do you think?!!"

The one hundred and five degree temperature that had held the city of Cameron Arizona in it’s grip during the day had relented to some degree. As the night drew near the city was now being assaulted by a torrid heat that got into the low nineties. Around the edges of this singed town no one took notice of a dark gray old station wagon that had only arrived that very morning. The vehicle and its occupant had spent the previous day taking in the wonderful sight of the Painted Desert. It’s beautiful array of red, pink, gray, orange and lavender sands had captivated the driver and maybe the car as well. As the on rushing night pressed on and the soft natural colors faded away. The driver turned on the car’s ignition and the machine started to creep toward it’s destination. It pulled up in front of an old run down trailer whose horrible condition was glad to be hidden by the darkness. The driver got out and cautiously looked around then knocked on the rusty door.

The door was quickly answered by a smallish woman whose child like body was instantly pushed away from the door’s opening, in it’s place now stood a man. The man who had knocked on the trailer’s door was none other than Vernon Doggler. The man who had shoved the small woman away was Michael Christchild. Michael straightened up his body and his almost seven foot height almost blocked out the entire frame of the doorway. Vernon looked up into Michael’s eyes and could see pure hatred. For almost a minute the two men 6

Lavender’s Final Justice said not a word before Vernon spoke.

I can see in your eyes what you are feeling Michael. I guess that if I was in your place I would feel the same way. But what your eyes and your hatred are focusing on is the past. What I am here to talk about is the future. Are you interested? Michael’s hate filled eyes stayed fixed onto Vernon’s face for a few seconds longer before he answered. The hatred that was in his eyes now shifted to his voice.

Interested in what?! Vernon turned his head around and looked into the blistering heat of the night before looking back into Michael’s face.

If we are going to talk then let’s talk. But I don’t stand in heat and in the dark when I talk business. Do you invite me in or do I leave? Michael stepped aside and Vernon stepped inside the trailer as Michael closed the door behind them. Michael lifted up his arms and pointed to a leather chair tucked away into a corner of the trailer for Vernon to sit. Michael then took a seat next to the small woman on a worn out couch. The only light that was on in the entire area came from a small forty watt bulb that was hanging from an electric cord that was suspended from the trailer’s ceiling. Michael reached over the woman and switched on a lamp that came to life with it’s own forty watt bulb. Even with the dim lighting Vernon hoped that his eyes did not show the shock that was in his face and tried to control his emotions. Vernon could see that all of the trailer’s four small windows had been covered with old ragged clothing or newspaper. He could only assume that this was done in order to help cut down on the heat. The walls were made of paper thin sheet rock. Each of the walls showed signs of having been stained from rain water that had seeped from a hole in the roof of the trailer. Vernon then noticed a small hot plate that was on top of a few wooden crates that were propped up in a corner to Michael’s right. Next to the crates was a refrigerator whose white finish was severely chipped and the handle was clearly hanging off. He then suddenly became aware of the cracked leather chair that he was sitting in. The sharpness of 7

Lavender’s Final Justice the cracked leather was now beginning to cut deeply into his backside. Vernon shifted his position in the chair but the result was the same no matter where he moved. From behind him he heard the distinct sound of someone shuffling. He turned around to see a figure that was bent over that had come out of a back room. Vernon looked closely and could see that the man was only wearing a pair of sweat soaked and stained box-er shorts. The shuffling sound that Vernon had heard was the haunting sound of the man dragging his obviously infected leg behind him. Vernon could see that the leg was bandaged from it’s thigh down to it’s shin. The bandages were soaked with some blood, puss and sweat. The man said not a word to Vernon but addressed the woman instead.

I need you to change my dressing and be quick about it! Don’t let me have to call you twice! The man then made his way back into the rear of the trailer. The entire room where Vernon, Michael and the woman were sitting was now overcome with a smell of rotting and decaying flesh. When it mixed with the heat that hung heavy in the room it reminded Vernon of a battlefield of dead and dying men. He glanced over at Michael and the woman and could see that they seemed not to have noticed the smell at all. The woman looked at Michael and waited for him to say something. He raised up his huge hand slowly with the intention of gently stroking her face. But the woman instinctively drew her face away from his hand with a look of fear. On the side of her face that was closest to Vernon he could see what appeared to him was a fresh bruise under her eye. Michael’s hand returned back to resting on the couch as he instructed her.

Go and take care of Timmy, me and this gentlemen have a few things to talk about. As the woman moved past the dim hanging light bulb her head accidentally brushed against it, causing it to sway from side to side. Michael reached up and steadied it with his massive hand as he yelled after her.

Damn it you useless slutty whore! How many times have I told you to remember where that light was?!! He then turned 8

Lavender’s Final Justice to Vernon as his giant piggish face filled with rage.

Do you see Vernon, do you see what they make me do?! Do you see how they vex me to where I lose my temper?! All useless good for nothing pieces of human trash, nothing more.

Vernon sat motionless and quiet for a few minutes as he allowed Michael to simmer down. Michael reached in front of him and used his fingers to find an unfinished cigar that was resting in a cheap ashtray. Vernon could instantly see that the cigar was a far cry from the expensive Cuban Cigars that Michael was used too. After Michael had taken a few puffs Vernon started to speak.

"It’s been almost two years since I have seen you Michael. In all that time things at Vision have changed to some degree. I....

have moved up in the company and I now have a considerable amount of power. You might say that I am almost in the same position that you were when we last met." Michael turned his eyes sharply toward Vernon.

I always believed Vernon that your ambition far exceeded your meager and underhanded talents. You are just as sly and sneaky as you ever were, and you still have the morals of a gangster!

Vernon put both hands onto the arms of the chair and rose half way up while smiling and looking at Michael.

You should be proud of me Michael, after all everything that I learned I learned from you. Vernon then raised his voice.

"Look Michael I don’t have time to play silly schoolyard games.

If all you want to do is relive the past and call me names and cast aspersions then go right ahead! But in another second I will be out of that door and on my way back to Richmond."

Michael’s eyes and anger softened and his voice mellowed as he sat back against the couch.

Richmond! So that is how far that you have gotten! You are to be congratulated Vernon! You have come very far indeed!

Vernon sat back down as a thin smile crossed his lips. Michael wiped an ocean of sweat away from his face with the sleeve of his dingy dirty shirt.

How did you find me? The thin smile on Vernon’s face got 9

Lavender’s Final Justice wider.

"Have you forgotten Michael that I work for Vision Industries?

There isn’t a person in the world that we can’t find. I checked your record with us and I saw that you had a brother named Timmy Christchild who lived in Arizona, it was quite easy Michael. Where else could you go?" Vernon moved to the edge of his chair.

Michael can I speak freely or should we go outside and sit in my car?

"Oh don’t worry about those two back there. My brother knows how to keep his mouth shut and that dirty whore can’t speak.

She can read lips but that’s about it. She won’t say nothing, she can’t, and she knows what will happen if she does." Vernon leaned a little closer to Michael and began.

Michael, Vision Industries is in a little trouble. Of course we still have our worldwide properties and corporate mergers working for us. But it’s our cash flow that is starting to dry up. What we need is a super shot of cash into our veins, and we need it now! This worldwide recession has really thrown us for a loop and if things don’t brighten up we are going to take a big hit. Michael reached under the couch and found a cheap bottle of wine and finished off what had been left at the bottom of the bottle. Vernon again took notice that this was far from the one hundred dollar bottle of scotch that Michael used to drink. Michael again used his dirty sleeve to wipe his mouth and quickly asked.

How much of a hit? Vernon leaned toward him a little closer.

Our accountants tell us that it might be between two to three billion. Of course we have some cash flow on hand, but nothing that can cover that sort of loss. That same sleeve was used by Michael to wipe another ocean of sweat from his face as well as clean some tobacco from between his teeth.

What does any of this have to do with me? Remember you were the one who dragged me out of my office in Richmond and threw me into the street like I was a piece of garbage! Ver-10

Lavender’s Final Justice non slid his backside fully into the chair and could once again feel cracked leather cut into his skin.

That couldn’t be helped Michael. But once again I beg you to focus on the future. I think that I can get you back. Michael suddenly stood up so fast that the heat, the stench, the wine and the cheap cigar smoke caused him to see stars. He steadied himself and looked down at Vernon.

Can you?! Can you really get me back Vernon?!!

First you have to tell me if you want to come back Michael?

Michael walked over to the rusted door and opened it up and looked outside. A rush of heat instantly filled up the trailer and brought along with it a light scent of desert wild flowers.

That helped brush away the foul smell of Michael’s brother’s decaying leg.

Of course I want to come back Vernon. None of these fools around here, none of these mindless hick assholes have the slightest idea of who I was. They look upon me like I am some stupid oaf, some stumble bum without grace and class. Michael closed the door and faced Vernon.

Can you get me back? I mean can you really really do it?!!

"Vernon had readied himself for such a question and he had prepared himself with the courage to answer it.

Yes I can get you back Michael, but on one condition! From now on I run the show. Is that clear Michael? On this point there can be no misunderstanding! I know you Michael, that is why I am going to put you on a short leash. As soon as I think that you are trying to stab me in the back. I’ll pull that leash so fast and so tight that you won’t even wind up in a place that is as nice as this!! Michael made his way back over to the couch and sat down.

I hear you Vernon, I hear you loud and clear. How are you going to do it? I mean when do you get me out of here?

Give me a week or so Michael, I will be in touch.

"How can you get in touch with me we don’t have a phone?

That whore back there has one of those cheap government phones but it’s busted." Vernon stood up and once again his 11

Lavender’s Final Justice nostrils were assaulted by the putrid smelling air of decaying flesh.

I already know that Michael. Remember I work for Vision Industries, we know everything about everybody. Vernon now reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a stack of one hundred dollar bills that totaled ten thousand dollars and presented it to Michael.

Take this and get yourself cleaned up. I have already rented you a hotel room in this city’s top hotel. Vernon turned to leave and paused in the doorway and looked around the trailer.

It was only now that he noticed the small sink that was overflowing with dirty dishes that were covered with water bugs.

He took one last look at Michael.

Things won’t be like they were before Michael. But I promise you that they will be a lot better. And they will continue to get better just as long as you remember that leash around your neck. One last thing Michael, you should get that woman some help if you can. Michael looked toward the room in the back and his face instantly took on a sinister sneer.

Oh don’t worry about that filthy slut. As soon as you leave I am going to give her all the help that she needs.

Once again the gray station wagon and it’s driver made their way around the Painted Desert and into town. Vernon was pleased with how everything had gone. Before he had come to see Michael, he had made another stop in another out of the way place in the state of Montana to visit Judex Rhule.

As soon as he turned onto the main road to Judex’s chicken farm. His eyes were greeted with a sign that read Twenty Five Miles To Judex’s Chicken Farm. After that there would be another sign for every five miles that read the same thing. When Vernon got within five miles of the farm the signs began to tell you the distance for every mile. After the distance got to be within one mile. The signs would announce the distance for every quarter of a mile. After that they would announce the distance in hundreds of feet. When you finally arrived onto the property there was a giant sign in gold letters that read, You 12

Lavender’s Final Justice Have Finally Arrived At Judex Rhule’s Chicken Farm!!

Vernon made a few quick inquires of a few of the farm workers and located Judex walking around one of the twenty large chicken coops. Judex was very happy to see Vernon and launched into what sounded like a rehearsed speech that Judex had been waiting to unload onto someone.

It’s good to see you Vernon but there is no way that I am coming back to work for Vision. You can tell the board and the chairman that no matter what they offer or no matter how much they plead, my answer is final and is no! Vernon stepped around a river of chicken poop on the floor and smiled at Judex.

I am sorry to inform you Judex, but that is not the reason that I am here.

Judex’s face took on a look of sheer disappointment that he tried to cover with a smile.

Well do they at least want to meet with me to discuss the terms of my possibly returning to the company? Vernon reached out and began stroking the feathers of one of the chickens.

No, that is also not the reason that I am here. Judex’s eyes at first flashed hurt and then just as quickly covered up that hurt with an air of supreme indifference.

Not that I really care Vernon, because you and Vision have no idea just how successful I have been! Vernon looked around at the chicken coops that looked overstocked with too many full grown chickens.

How often do you empty these coops out? The chickens here look like they should be on someone’s dinner table. Judex’s face now took on a sad and mournful look mixed with a tinge of shock.

"That was my original plan Vernon. But after I got to know so many of them I just couldn’t do it. So I decided that I would just keep them all. Do you know something Vernon? I have arranged it so that all of the babies that hatch stay with their mothers. It just didn’t seem right to me that they should be separated. By my last count I have over twenty seven thousand 13

Lavender’s Final Justice chickens. As of next week I am having another coop built because I am running out of space. "Do you see that patch of land over there? I am making that into a graveyard for my babies.

Each family will have their own Plot. Vernon do you think that