Choices: With Salt & Pepper and Friends

By Donna Underwood

This story is about young and older folks and their struggles with making meaningful choices. Choices that will enhance not diminish their lives and those they care about. The Dream Team is back again working together to do whatever possible to improve the lives of ex-cons, kids in and from juvenilehall and other people facing tough challenges.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665553070

Donna Underwood

Donna Underwood is a retired R.N. who has been involved with grief work for over twenty years. She is the author of three nonfiction books on grief and five mystery novels. Her novels were inspired by the grief support groups she co-facilitated and from her years working as a volunteer at juvenile hall. Abuses suffered on children leave permanent scars. Childhood abuses can arise from ignorance, poverty, stupidity, cruelty, drug and alcohol addictions, other addictions, mental illness, selfishness and self-centeredness. These traits and behaviors of parents and guardians can ruin a child's chance for a healthy and loving life.

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© 2022 Donna Underwood. 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  02/23/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5308-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5306-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5307-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022903612

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

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.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue

in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

CONTENTS

Dedicated To.....

In Appreciation.....

Main Characters And Others...

Introduction

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Six

Chapter Forty-Seven

Chapter Forty-Eight

Chapter Forty-Nine

DEDICATED TO.....

To the entire staff working at the Tri Cities Cancer Center in Kennewick, WA.

Dr. Gamboa, Michele,

every and all RNs,

plus the clerical personnel.

Every person at the center has made my husband’s cancer journey doable, bearable and at times even laughable.

You are all heroes!

IN APPRECIATION.....

to my best friends.....

Wayne Underwood, Karla Houk, Anna Tarkanian, April Marshall, Lynn Betz Seybold, Melanie Smith, Paula Vetter, Patty Clark, Scott Powers, Phil and Placita Fairchild and Jaime Garcia and his family.

This life has been quite a journey. At times, a roller coaster ride, many ups and many downs. Having such great best friends share a part with me has been a gift, a blessing and a joy. Thank you my dear husband and friends.

MAIN CHARACTERS AND OTHERS...

Houston (Tex) Hayfield Lorenzo. An ex-inmate of Lancer’s Women’s Prison

Now a private investigator working with her partner Wilamina.

Wilamina, (Willy) Robinson Jacks. A private investigator. Also an ex-inmate of Lancer’s Women’s Prison.

Sark Lorenzo, Homicide Detective - Whitefall Police Department.

Sasha Voss Jameson, Homicide Detective.

Monica Signey, undercover policewoman.

Hitching Post Restaurant sits on 10 acres owned by Brooksie and Luke Jones. The restaurant is jointly owned by the members of the Dream Team.

Dream Team members: Houston, Wilamina, Brooksie, Lucinda, Rachael, Winnie, Sammy and Lacona.

Bennie, an abused youngster.

Avila Lopez, ranch owner, confined to a wheelchair.

Apache, Avila’s horse

Ghett, ex-juvenile hall inmate.

Mick, ex-juvenile hall inmate.

Jazz, ex-juvenile hall inmate.

Bassey and grandson Henry.

Sarah Norse, Wentzel, White.

The Edisons, Jimmy (deceased) Mavis, Mabel and Bill.

Ellie Tyler, owner of book store.

Heinz Reichardt, Ellie’s wealthy uncle.

INTRODUCTION

Houston, (nickname Tex) and Wilamina, (nickname Willy) became friends while serving time in Lancer’s Women’s Prison. They both had been wrongly accused and found guilty of murder and had been given long sentences to Lancer’s Women’s Prison.

Houston’s story

Houston had accidentally killed a man named Jimmy Edison who was choking his mother close to death. In desperation, Houston hit him on the head with a frying pan to try to force him to stop killing his mother. He died later that same day from the blow.

Her childhood was chaotic, abusive and frightening. Her mother was a raging alcoholic and entertained many men in their home. Several became live-in boyfriends for short periods of time, until either drugged or drunk mother would kick them out. Many attempted and some succeeded in sexually abusing Houston starting when she was ten years old. The sexual abuse continued throughout her teens. She took to sleeping with a knife and used it a few times on the assailants, which discouraged any further attacks.

Her father landed in prison for a variety of crimes he committed years earlier and the mother apparently went crazy with alcohol, drugs and promiscuity after he was incarcerated. Life remained violent and hopeless for the three siblings. The brothers ran with a bad crowd and left home leaving Houston on her own with an abusive mother and her male partners. She apparently felt a responsibility to help her mother survive, despite the unpredictability of her mom’s behaviors.

Houston somehow managed to make it through her teens, with a little help from one of her brothers. She was able to move away and find enough employment to keep herself sheltered and fed. One regretful day, she returned to her mother’s home and found some guy choking her; almost killing her. (So she did what she had to in order to save her mother’s life.) By this time her mother was mentally crippled from all the booze, drugs and probably the below-the-surface mental illness she had probably suffered for many years. The police were called to the scene and Houston was arrested. She was charged with Jimmy Edison’s murder. In court, her mother stated that she was not in danger from her beloved boyfriend, but that her daughter was jealous of her and wanted him for herself. She testified that her daughter had purposely murdered her boyfriend in a jealous rage.

A court appointed lawyer who was still wet behind the ears, came up with no feasible defense. Houston had a record showing several run-ins with the law for DUI’s, petty theft and numerous fights. Some of the combatants Houston had been in fights with landed in the hospital with no life threatening injuries, many broken bones and numerous lacerations. The prosecutors did their job, the defense attorney did not.

Houston was found guilty of murder. She received a long sentence because of her mother’s testimony. She was sent to Lancer’s Prison for women. Roco Lagunta, a defense attorney, took on Houston’s case and was able to get the guilty charge thrown out and changed to involuntary manslaughter. Her sentence was repealed and she was fairly quickly released from prison.

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Wilamina’s story

Wilamina’s childhood was pretty much the same as Houston’s. It was filled with disrespect, violence, fear, hunger, helplessness and hopelessness. Most all of the neighbors suffered or perpetrated some form of abuse on each other. Her younger brother, Royal was doing his best to get off of the brain damaging drugs, but Armon, her boyfriend at the time, wanted Royal to stay an addict and sell drugs for him. He wanted Royal to sell drugs to pay for his addiction. Armon was in great shape. He was bigger and stronger than Royal who had grown skinny and suffering from malnutrition because of his addiction to meth. They started fighting. Soon, Armon was the winner. But he apparently became so enraged he wasn’t about to stop the beating. Wilamina told the court she hit Armon with a heavy ashtray and with her fists, but he didn’t stop. She then pushed him hard and he fell, or hit his head on the stove and died the same day.

There were no witnesses. Royal was unconscious. The grandmother showed signs of dementia and the only other person present was the mother who was brain damaged from a long life using of illegal drugs. Like Houston, Wilamina was found guilty of murder and sent to Lancer’s Prison. Wilamina and Royal had both several run-ins with the law over the past few years for possession of illegal drugs and shoplifting. Royal had been caught driving a stolen car. Wilamina was in the passenger seat and was arrested as an accomplice. The prosecution argued for a long sentence. The defense attorney was long overdue for retirement and seemed completely disinterested in a fair trial for his poor client.

Wilamina was arrested for the murder of Armon. Like Houston, she was a newbie attorney who apparently believed her to be guilty before the trial ever began. She too was found guilty and sentenced to a long term in Lancer’s Prison. Mr. Lagunta took on her case at the request of Houston and again and he pulled off another justified miracle. Houston was set free. Short time later so was Wilamina. The two women agreed that once they were both freed, they would start an investigative business. They felt qualified because of their street smarts and their life experiences up to the time of being released from prison. Many caring people were involved in getting them to think positively and begin to take action on their plan.

While the two women were incarcerated they attended a six month program. The program was written by another inmate, Dr. Sharon Primm who was responsible for the mercy killing of her deranged sister.

This program focused on self-respect, responsibility, accountability, choice-making and hope. They both learned to own their mistakes and to believe in a future that did not really be their childhood experiences. They were in charge of their future actions.

Childhood abuse, poverty, ignorance and the overpowering sense of hopelessness contributed to their destructive decision making. An unrecovered damaged adult makes for a poor parent. In order to climb out of the pit of despair, a child must have at least one caregiver who treats them with kindness, fairness, encouragement and wisdom. Cruelty is a learned trait. Compassion must be taught and practiced. How can it be expected that a child who is severely mistreated physically, emotionally or spiritually could or would become a ‘good’ parent. People teach what they’ve been taught. A few, who’ve been seriously abused are able to make the choice not to abuse their own, but most are not able or willing to.

CHAPTER ONE

G ood morning Willy, you’re here bright and early. How are the twins this fine summer morning? asked bright eyed Houston. She was wearing one of her favorite form fitting western shirts, white Levis and long horse-shaped earrings.

Well, bless my hide! If you ain’t lookin’ mighty fancy, exclaimed Willy. "I’m trying to catch up with the phone calls since I wasn’t able to come into the office yesterday. My precious babies are doing much better. Grace was real fussy over the weekend. I took her to the doctor yesterday. He prescribed some meds. She had a fever. Doc said she had an ear infection. She slept better last night so that meant Stoney and me slept some. Sky is just fine. He’s so darn cute and active. Those babies sure do love each other. I believe Sky was upset because his little sister wasn’t okay. Sure hope they stay friends forever.

How is Red doing these days, Tex?

He’s doing much better. Sark has been working with him on math and history. Thank God my man is so smart ’cause I sure as hell ain’t. I’m one stupid happy woman with a great man, great kid and a best friend. Sure can’t ask for more than that. Now what’s goin’ on in our business?

I’ve almost finished listening to messages. We have three possible cases. I was just listening to a strange message when you came in. I’m gonna start it over so you can hear it. Now that I know how, I’ll put it on speaker phone. I’m not very good with all these push button things. Listen up Tex.

Willy dialed the replay and both heard the following from a strange sounding voice, This message is for Houston Hayfield Lorenzo. I hope she listens and understands this is not a crank call. This is not a threat. This is a promise. You have to pay for your crime of murder. The murder of Jimmy Edison seven years ago. Your mother told the truth in court. You were jealous and wanted Jimmy for yourself. It’s taken a long time to catch up to you. We have you in our sights now and justice will be done.

What the hell! What’s with the voice? Sounds like the person is standing in a tunnel or maybe a shower.

Tex, does he or she have the name right? Was Jimmy Edison the guy trying to choke your mama to death?

Yes, it was Jimmy the terrible. That bastard tried to get into my pants many times. Mom was always too wiped out to hear the yells and commotion whenever he would try to get me. I tried to tell her several times, but she either attacked me and screamed liar at me or she just said I was crazy. She was such a messed up person. He was truly one piece of shit.

I think you should call Sark right this minute. He’s gonna know what to do. I for sure won’t erase this call. I’ve got goose bumps from that weird voice and the words. What kind’a person does something like that?

"Gives me the creeps too. I’m gonna call Sark as soon as I can calm down. I can remember every f......g detail of my trial and Jimmy’s family. They were there sitting up real close to the front. Jimmy’s mother was real nasty lookin’ and screechin’ she was gonna get me. The guard forced her to sit down and shut up. Her lips never stopped movin’. She and her grown up kids stared bullets at me. Gives me chills to even think about it.

Don’t seem possible they’d be comin’ for me after all this time.

Wilamina started to shed tears, Lord Almighty we got to do somethin’.

Willamina stood up, nearly knocking over a chair, and put her arms around her friend. No way is some damn creep gonna hurt you. You’re my best friend. The whole damn Dream Team will be watching over you. No one’s gonna hurt my Tex. The waterworks began in earnest. Houston did her best to wipe away the deluge on her friend’s face but without success.

Wilamina announced, I’m gonna get me a gun, a big one and carry it everywhere. I’m gonna be standin’ with you every minute. In fact Tex, we both need to be armed.

"Willy you’re gonna make me laugh. Just picturing the two of us with big guns strapped to our bodies. We’d probably wind up shooting each other or at least shootin’ ourselves in the foot.

Actually, I do have some great western clothes that would fit this picture. All I’ll need is a six shooter, a cigar and a horse. We could become the Lone Ranger and his sidekick Tonto. Tonto was a dark Indian and the Lone Ranger was a white guy. Yeah, I can see us now riding down the street and whoppin’ and a hollerin’.

Houston stopped talking. She had a funny grin starting to move from her lips to the sides of her cheeks. Both women stared at each other for a second or so and simultaneously broke into raucous laughter.

How about you be a white knight and I can be the beautiful black carmel-colored knight, suggested Wilamina. We could still be riding on two beautiful horses and dressed in all that silver lookin’ stuff they put on. The stuff that was supposed to protect them."

Their laughing and thinking up other scenarios finally ended with Houston picking up the phone. I feel much better now Willy and can talk with my man without sounding like some puny little girl. Sark will know exactly what I should do.

Smart move my friend. I’ll be right here next to you. Could you put the call on speaker?

Sure thing, Willy.

Houston dialed the police station and was placed on hold. She sat down, then stood up and paced until she heard Sarks voice.

How is my Texas beauty this morning? asked Detective Lorenzo.

Sark, I’ve received a threatenin’ phone message. Willy has it saved but I think you need to hear it for yourself. Not that I’m concerned, but Willy is pretty shaken up.

Good thinking about saving the message. I’ll be at your office in ten minutes. Stay right there, lock the doors and wait for me.

10 minutes later.....

A siren could be heard coming fast down the street. You got a good man, Tex. He’s gonna take care of this phone freak right away. Don’t you worry. Willy opened the door for Sark. Sasha was two steps behind her partner.

Hi honey. Sasha I didn’t know he’d drag you along also. Sorry to be such a problem. I didn’t mean to raise such a fuss. Maybe it’s just a crank call and I’ll look like a fool.

You are not a fool nor a problem Tex. You’re the love of my life and now let’s hear the message.

Sark and Sasha listened to the machine. Sark said, "It sounds like the voice has been altered. You know that any idiot can purchase equipment that can change a voice. I’m going to need to quickly get the court records pulled from your trial, Tex. I know Roco will help us and get the ball rolling. He can speed up the process for us.

In the meantime we are all going to take this threat seriously. An officer will be assigned to you honey. We will need to know your whereabouts at all times. I know that’s going to bug you. In fact, we are going to put a bug, a listening device on you and on your car and the old truck. You cannot go alone to interview any potential clients until we know exactly what’s going on and have this caller identified.

Do you really think this stupid call is for real?

We’re not going to take any chances, answered Sark.

Sasha added, We would take these precautions for anyone we felt was in danger. The difference here is you are loved by so many and that means you have your own personal army watching out for you.

I want to get back to the precinct and get started. Sasha would you get on the phone with Roco and let him know what’s been going on. I’m going to check with the department and get the ball rolling. You will behave, deal? asked Sark staring hard into Houston’s bright, blue eyes.

Yes sir! Detective and I love you too, responded Houston. See you both at Table Talk for lunch like we planned?

Sasha added, Always watch the cars that are behind you and keep this office locked when you’re here and when you’re not here. Sark maybe this would be a good time to park our barely running patrol across the street from Tex and Willy. We can try out our new cop dummy sitting in the driver’s seat. I’ll be glad to come every few hours and move it to another close-by location.

Okay Sark, let’s do it. You’ve been bugging me to try this out for months. But I’m still going to assign a real someone starting today to be nearby their office and to follow them whenever possible. See you girls at noon.

Back at the police station.....

Detectives Lorenzo and Voss went immediately to work speaking with Roco Lagunta, Houston’s attorney and friend. He took on her case when she was wrongly sentenced to prison for causing Jimmy Edison’s death. Roco reassured the detectives he would have her records available within the week.

I remember the Edison family like it was yesterday, said Roco. "I’ve had more than one nightmare about how nasty and dangerous they looked to be. They reminded me of rabid dogs. That mother really spawned some monsters.

"Jimmy’s mother gave the victims speech at Houston’s court appearance.. She made crying sounds, but was tearless and red faced. Her words were noticeably slurred and her hair looked like she hadn’t washed it for a month. She had smoker’s stained teeth and fingers, plus the vocabulary of a drunken sailor. The judge told her several times to quit the swearing or she would be asked to leave the courtroom. She answered him with a finger wave and was quickly removed from the room. She didn’t go quietly or willingly. Another one of her sons and daughter looked and smelled like their dear mother. They both ran out of the room following after their screaming mother. Billy was yelling, ‘don’t you hurt my mama, don’t you touch her. I’m comin’ mama.’

I’ll let you know as soon as I have the records in my hand. It wouldn’t surprise me to hear that someone in that family has made a threatening call to Houston. What does surprise me is that it has taken so long for them to do something stupid. They were and probably still are one messed up group of lost souls and dangerous to boot.

Thanks Roco. You know I’m taking this one personal. My wife is putting on a brave face but I know she’s scared. Fact is, so am I. Later friend.

CHAPTER TWO

After lunch.....

W ilamina and Houston returned to their office and quickly listened to their message machine, so