Domino

By Al A. Cran

Domino is a story about a teacher who finds himself in a dysfunctional marriage that leads him into an extramarital affair. During one of his transgressions, he stumbles into a murder cover-up.

While informing the police on what he witnessed, he finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy that is threatening to disrupt the democratic framework of the US. James researches and discovers that the downward trajectory in education is not accidental. While he is researching this premise, the first attempts on his life are almost realized. To protect his family, James leaves home and offers to "forget" what he knows. This works for a while, then the truce is broken when his vindictive wife concocts a story that sends his rivals after him one last time.

With that new information, his enemies locate James's campsite in the primitive hunting grounds of New Mexico and attack. Armed with a bow and a knife, he escapes into the forest and the bitter cold. He now faces two foes, the icy weather and the men stalking him. As he runs, he resolves the questions lingering in his mind... Why is education being targeted? Is our democracy under attack from within?

James, always the skeptic, still wonders if this is really happening. Are we fighting some sort of covert war on our own soil? Why are people so numb to what's going on? He sums it up with a famous phrase by Juvenal, an ancient Roman poet, "Panem et circenses."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: May 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638817543

Book preview

Domino

Al A. Cran

Copyright © 2022 Al A. Cran

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-63881-753-6 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63881-754-3 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

To Jobie and Jaq

Chapter 1

November 2020

You just don’t understand! the teenage girl complained to her silver-haired grandfather. It’s probably because your life has been so damn easy! You just haven’t had to deal with anything or anyone out here or ever! Her grandfather gazed out of the full-length window into the backyard that led to an open pasture as he half listened to a reporter on TV complaining on the dismal student performance that was prevalent across the nation. He watched as his favorite horse lazily strode toward the pond for a refreshing drink. Two young calves frolicked in the distance. James turned, met her glare, and warmly smiled. His piercing eyes wandered around his studio-style bedroom. He looked at the pile of papers on his desk next to the computer, grabbed the remote, and muted the television. He then spoke softly.

Sit down. He motioned as he walked quietly to the fireplace and threw another chunk of juniper into the already crackling fire. Jaquelynn slammed herself into the leather armchair in front of the oak desk and impatiently rolled her eyes.

James looked at her and wondered if he would be able to help his son with his teenage daughter. She had been sent to him from New Mexico because she had become extremely rebellious. Her parents had figured that since James and his wife lived on a ranch in northwestern Colorado and there were no major cities less than an hour away, Jaquelynn’s chances of getting into mischief would be stifled. And as a bonus, maybe some strict guidance along with the lack of opportunity would help prevent her from taking the wrong path. James sighed loudly as he sat down. He took another piercing glance out the window and then turned and faced his angry granddaughter. His mind rifled backward as he pensively decided on a starting point. His hands slid down the stubble on both sides of his face as he began explaining his easy life.

1987

It was a slow night, the rush was over, and the crowds had come and gone. The huge sporting goods store was almost vacant like a barren desert. The couple walked to the rear of the warehouse without as much as a word. As they approached the layaway window at the back of the store, the lady took out a stack of stapled receipts and placed them on the counter. She looked lovingly at her husband. It’s finally yours! she said with a warm smile. James grinned and looked away. The attendant read the receipts and waddled to the back and up a tiny stairway. She reappeared in a few minutes with a majestic black bow.

The bow had been a special order. It had been made precisely to James’s specifications. It was a seventy-pound graphite compound bow with the latest in cables and cams. Its color was that of a burnt piece of wood, with no shine. He grabbed the bow, studied it carefully then turned to his wife. Let’s go, he muttered. He knew better than to try and pull the bow to the cocked position. His left arm was freshly out of a cast he had been wearing for the previous two months. Any attempt to pull on the bowstring would probably end in failure. He wouldn’t risk that. He would be able to use it later. No question about that, he thought silently.

James stood five feet eleven inches and weighed about 215 pounds. He had short brown hair and piercing brown eyes. A well-groomed mustache and beard decorated his stately face. Until recently, James had always been a friendly and charismatic man. His ever-present smile had now vanished; even his playfulness and joking manner had subsided. He had become a quiet and solemn man.

His wife, Karen, was a beautiful woman. She had raven-black hair and a body that had mothered two children but showed no signs of neglect. When they had met, she was a gentle and loving partner, but she had grown exceedingly demanding and now exhibited traits that James despised.

As they walked out, Karen watched him intently. She held on to his arm as they walked quietly to their waiting car. James unlocked the driver side door, tossed the bow on the backseat, then leaned across the seat, and opened the door for Karen. They headed back home. Karen mused about the past. She remembered the happy twenty-two-year-old she had met six years before. Boy, had he changed! The caring, fun-loving boy had transformed into an apathetic middle-aged man, and she thought she knew why.

It had been that ridiculous argument six months before. They had argued about going to a wedding reception. Karen had wanted to be with her family and friends. James had decided not to go. Before it was over, she had torn down all that held them together. She recalled the words she had said: "Only what you like is supposed to be important! Only what you want to do is right! The f——king world does not revolve around you! Your attempts at being a real man are laughable, and you think you’re so ‘macho’! You’re an actor. That’s all, a f——king actor. You’re not even a real man!"

The words had been few, but the results had been devastating. From that day on, he had turned to stone. Nothing she said or did moved him; nothing she did seemed enough. He had become emotionally impenetrable. His once smiling face had transformed to ice with no feelings at all. She couldn’t help wondering how long this would last. Usually, his moods would last a couple of days, then he’d snap back to his usual self. It had been months now, and still, there was no change. Little did she know that it was not that small argument but a series of events that had transformed James into what he’d now become. The argument had merely been the last straw.

James also thought as he silently drove home. The person he had married and the one sitting next to him could not be the same person. He glanced at Karen. He remembered running his fingers through her silky black hair. He recalled Karen’s innocent smile, her sincerity when they held each other as they talked. Had it all been an act? How could such a beautiful woman become so emotionally cold, selfish, and insincere? James sighed loudly as he recalled her indiscretions. Would he ever let her know all he knew about her? He too thought about the argument. Her attacks on him were not the only things that had bothered him. It was the fact that her real personality had come out, and that was what really bothered him. Karen’s eyes shot toward him then back toward the side window. The car hummed on. James thoughts returned to his new weapon. It had been a long wait for that bow.

They had not only ordered it, but they had paid for it in installments. He could hardly wait to try his new bow. His thoughts raced to the cool green mountains, the deer, the elk, and the smell of the crisp cold air. How he longed to be out hunting. He knew it would be a while before he could be out there with his new bow. His arm would need some building up. Aw hell, he thought as they pulled into the driveway, piece a’ cake. I’ll start tomorrow.

The nightly news had just started as they walked into the living room. James walked to the children’s bedrooms to make sure they were in bed. Satisfied, he walked back to the living room and sat down to watch the news. There had been a breakthrough. The world powers had agreed to disarm and discontinue all nuclear weapons. They had vowed complete abandonment of any weapon with wide-ranging and indiscriminate results. A news clip of the president then came on to explain the new development. James listened intently as the president cleared his throat then spoke. The allies and the Warsaw Pact countries have agreed to disarm all nuclear weapons. All research in weapons of mass destruction will be stopped. Teams from each nation will inspect and assure complete nuclear disarmament. He paused momentarily. This does not mean that there will no longer be disagreements. It means that any differences will be handled in a different manner… Differences will be heard in international courts, which will be comprised of two members from each member country. If a decision cannot be reached through these tribunals or a given country does not abide by the decision, sanctions and or blockades will follow. If positive results are still not reached, military intervention will be the final step. Military intervention will be as follows: Wars will be fought in isolated territories, such as some parts of the Sahara Desert. Two, weapons must have immediate results, no aftereffects such as nuclear weapons or poison gas. Three, the fighting is limited to specified boundaries. Four, any country fighting in violation of these stipulations will come under attack by the remaining member states with no set limits or boundaries.

Karen switched off the television and turned to James. What does that mean? James looked at her for a few seconds then responded, It means that armies are going to become more strategic and professional, like baseball or soccer teams. James didn’t bother to tell her that it was just regurgitated, political rhetoric dealing with NATO and the International Court and agreements stemming from the Geneva Convention. Karen’s one attribute was her physical beauty; a working brain had not been included. So he didn’t bother explaining.

Will it work? She continued. It sounds stupid to me.

How would I know? James barked. There’re too many things to iron out. Besides, when has our government ever told us the truth? Remember we’re just learning about the Iran and the Contras? It appears that the US has been dealing weapons to Iran for hostages, then using the money to fund the Contras in Nicaragua. Now we’ll see how much they let us know about what really went on. They only tell us whatever is convenient or what they want us to hear. Anyhow, who said any war wasn’t stupid? One thing’s for sure—it’s better than nuclear war! I think. James turned the TV back on and caught the end of the newscast where they were detailing the recent events of the war between the Soviets and Afghanistan. He switched the channel to the local news. A reporter was detailing a recent murder in which a body had been found wrapped in plastic. James rolled his eyes and switched the TV off.

The next morning, James drove until he came to a sandy hill that he could use as a stop. People from Las Cruces and the surrounding area used the same spot for sighting their rifles. James stepped out of his truck and proceeded to set up a plastic gallon filled with sand to be used as a target. The kids and Karen walked around waiting for him to start. James trudged back to the truck and picked up his bow. He nocked an arrow, set it on the rest, then leveled the bow up to the target, and pulled. He strained as hard as he could, but tug as he might, he could not pull the string back. Finally, the arrow fell off the rest. He stopped tugging. Son of a b——h! I can’t pull this damn b——d! He blurted. Karen could hardly contain herself. She was laughing so hard she couldn’t stand up.

James was not only embarrassed but also furious! The operation to move the trapped ulnar nerve in his elbow had left him weaker than he had previously thought. He had removed the cast himself a few days before in planning for this very day. His left arm was much too weak to take the stress of the bow. He set the bow on the bed of the truck and sat down quietly, too embarrassed to say anything.

He sat on the truck bed and fumed for a few minutes as the kids played in the sand. He looked at the target and the bow. He slowly got up, grabbed the bow, and nocked an arrow. He then drew the string the entire length. His left arm trembled under the strain. He released. The arrow hissed through the air and thumped about ten feet higher than the target. Whew, at least I drew the b——d! James exclaimed. For two hours, he strained and pulled but most of all cursed. In spite of all the effort, he only managed to shoot five times. None hit close to the target. He vowed to be ready the following week. He would do it. He would exercise as much as possible, especially his left arm. James again promised himself silently.

The Francos lived near Las Cruces, a small city in southern New Mexico. Both Karen and James were schoolteachers. Karen worked about three miles from their home, and James commuted to El Paso, a round trip of about ninety-five miles per day. There were three children in this household. James had a son from a previous marriage. Toby was a typical seven-year-old boy. He was mischievous if allowed but mindful when the situation required. He was the exact image of James in his younger years. Laura, who was also seven, was a child from Karen’s first marriage. She was a quiet and responsible little girl who did not seem to be picking up her mother’s unpleasant personality traits. Then there was Jenny, a firecracker of a little girl, and although she was only four years old, she was extremely bright. She had already mastered both English and Spanish. She was a child who enjoyed learning about everything.

The following day, the sun steadily peeked over the mountains as the alarm announced the beginning of a new day. It was Monday morning. Karen and James rolled out of bed. Time for school! James yelled. The two older children stumbled out of bed. The third was still young enough to avoid the hustle of the workweek. She stayed home with the sitter. The other two were not as fortunate.

The race was on. School days were hectic. Besides getting ready for school, there were chores to be done. The Francos had a small boarding kennel that needed constant care. Mornings were for cleaning, watering, and feeding. They also had three horses that needed to be fed and watered. James and the two older children raced through the kennel and barn chores. Once finished, they headed inside to prepare for school. Although Karen and the kids still had an hour before leaving, James had to make his way to El Paso, a one-hour drive at best.

James was glad it was his week to drive. That way, he could hurry home and begin his weight lifting. He picked up the two other commuters and headed for work. The two older women in his car pool were not his friends; they just happened to teach in the same general area in El Paso. James didn’t talk to them very much. He thought one of them liked to argue too much, and the other was just too boring; besides it was Monday! It was a quiet drive. James was in a pensive mood. He just could not figure it out. His homelife seemed normal from the outside, but on closer inspection, it was a house of cards.

He and Karen had been living together for five years now, and still, Toby and Karen could not get along. They just would not accept each other. They both had their version of what and who was wrong. James was usually left with the task of mediating, a job he despised. No matter which way he turned, one of them was hurt or mad. Fighting and arguing were very common in this family. Usually, the fighting was over such trivial matters that it hardly seemed necessary. James still believed that Karen should be the adult in the conflict and take the high road; instead, Toby was usually the more sensible of the two.

James had tried to put things in perspective and show them both that what they were arguing about was not that important. That was of little use. Karen would say, You never correct him just because he’s a boy and your first child. You let him get away with everything! You’ll never make a man out of him, so just let the baby do as he pleases! Toby, on the other hand, would fight and argue, but when it was over, he’d go outside and cry. James had seen him several times, and that broke his heart. Many times Toby would hide his feelings, but other problems resulted. From his inability to accept Karen, he started losing ground at school. He became quiet even around James, and his natural ability to joke and even his speech seemed stifled.

James knew he couldn’t blame Karen for everything. Toby’s biological mother had left town when the custody battle hadn’t gone her way, and she didn’t bother to visit Toby during their scheduled visits. This was something Toby couldn’t seem to forget. James knew he couldn’t change the past, so he tried not to dwell on it. It was just that the constant fighting between Toby and Karen was splitting everyone apart. He tried to keep busy at home or keep Toby outside with him to cut down on the fighting. That helped as long as he was there. Still, whenever Karen caught him alone, the conversation would start. I don’t want to get you mad, James, but the other day Toby… At that moment, James would just stare out into space and wonder how long he would tolerate the nonsense. He kept hoping things would get better. It had to. Life couldn’t be lived like this, no way! Then there were Karen’s affairs. He had found out about some, but he’d never confronted her. He had never said a word to anyone. It was a hurt that he would deal with for the children’s sake, or so he thought.

Just about then, they drove into the first school’s parking lot. Have fun, he quipped as he dropped off his two wards. He then drove to his school, roughly two miles away. He walked into the building ready for another day’s work. He strode into the teachers’ lounge and joked around with his peers as he made his much-needed cup of coffee. As he walked to his room, he wondered how long he would be able to teach. It was becoming increasingly obvious to him that he was now doing more babysitting and trying to keep order than teaching. It now appeared that the state and federal government wanted their say not only on what to teach but how to teach as well. The only thing he enjoyed were the vacations; Lord knows it wasn’t the money. James’s previous job had been selling cars. That was what he enjoyed, and the money was much better. He had gone back to teaching so he could spend more time with his family. What a joke! Now he had more time, and he didn’t want it—not at home; that he was sure of.

He sat at his cluttered desk and scanned the classroom as he recalled his childhood. It had also been a stepfamily, ten children in all. To have called them a dysfunctional family would have been an understatement. From as far back as he could remember, all he’d ever really wanted was a loving family, a family that would care about each other and do things together—a close family. When he’d married, that’s what he’d strived for, but no matter how hard he tried, it seemed like God himself was in charge of his unhappiness. His first marriage had ended after two years, and his second attempt was headed down the same path, at warp speed. He wondered if other than in television, was a loving family possible?

Chapter 2

September 1990

A camouflaged arrow sliced through the silence. A solid thud followed; a few seconds later, it was over. James stepped out of the dense foliage and followed the trail silently toward the downed animal. His heart pounded rapidly as he smelled the crisp air around him. He gazed around slowly. Nothing moved. He walked over and gutted his deer quietly. He kept looking at the arrow’s entry. He felt the pride well up inside him. It had gone right through the heart.

It was the second year he had bowhunted and the first time he’d come alone. He had become very successful at archery. He could shoot accurately from almost any position. He had read volumes of books and magazines on bowhunting and the art of camouflaging and had skillfully combined his book learning with the practical hunt. He felt so confident in his hunting skills that he was now teaching his son and a few of his friends the correct way to dress out in the field. He was also teaching them how to walk and how to use the environment to blend into the landscape.

Snow lazily sailed from the heavens. That would keep his venison from spoiling. It would also allow him to stay out a few more days. He dragged the small deer to his campsite and hung it up. He lit a fire and warmed his hands. Then he cooked a couple of eggs and a piece of fresh venison. He had saved the heart and a few other vitals; these he cooked for Samson, his faithful rottweiler. He loved this dog. He’d taken him to California when he’d gone to the school for dog training. Since then, they were inseparable. He was almost five years old now and very protective of the family, especially James. Samson wolfed his meal in seconds as James slowly progressed through his tough chunk of venison.

James spent three more days out in the wilderness. He spent the days walking with Samson, sketching pictures, and practicing his stalking techniques. He tried to perfect his style of walking so that he could get as near as possible to any game without being noticed. On these practice hunts, he carried all the usual hunting gear except his bow. He did not want to be accused of hunting after he had already filled his tag. The privilege of hunting was one he did not choose to lose.

On the last day of his hunt, James despondently began packing his equipment. He patted Samson’s head and back and started loading the truck. It was a two-hundred-mile drive back home. He couldn’t put it off any longer. He finished loading all his gear into his truck and headed home. His leisure time was over. He started mentally organizing his activities for the following week. No matter how he arranged them, they kept spelling w-o-r-k. He thought about school, the kids, grading papers, report cards. He mused about the expectations now required of students. It seemed as if learning was either not very important or requirements were being dumbed down. He recalled his classes’ testing results for the previous three years. Although his classes had outperformed not only his school and the district but the state as well, his superiors were more concerned on reprimanding him for not using the district’s plans. He wondered why. He shook his head as if erasing the thought. Next, he thought of the classes he had registered for at the university. One of them was a US history class, required to keep his teaching certification; the other class was just for enjoyment. It was a class about Germany before and after the two world wars. That would be interesting.

Then he thought about his kennel. It had become very successful. He had started training as well as grooming along with obedience classes. He had always thought dealing with dog owners was difficult and that animals were easier to teach than people; now he was sure of it. He kept driving silently except for a word or two to his trusty companion.

After what seemed days of driving, James rolled into his driveway. Aah! James sighed. It was good to be home. Being out in the wilderness was fun, but a man needed company. He needed someone to talk to, someone to share his ideas. At least that’s what he thought, sometimes.

Karen and the kids ran out to see what, if anything, James had brought home. It was a nice four pointer. After the praise and the gloating, they went inside. They could do the butchering and unloading later. First, a hot bath was in order. Karen filled the tub with warm water and got his clean clothes ready. While he sat soaking in the tub, he told Karen the events of his hunt. Karen sat patiently on the vanity and waited as he scrubbed and rinsed as he spoke.

Karen handed him a towel as he stepped out of the tub. James grabbed Karen and pulled her toward him pressing himself against her. He quickly unbuttoned her blouse and fondled her breasts. He kissed her deeply as he continued to undress her. They turned the shower on and made love as the warm water massaged their naked bodies. After their brief encounter, they lathered and rinsed then headed for the dining room for supper.

At the dinner table, Toby was still upset because James hadn’t taken him hunting. Dad, you said that when I learned to be quiet and not complain out there, you’d take me hunting. You used to take me before!

I know, and I will. It’s just that this hunt was special. I’ll take you when I hunt elk in December. Okay? I’ll tell you what after supper get your camo suit and your bow ready, and I’ll call Pete, and tomorrow, I’ll give both of you ‘s——t heads’ another lesson on Indian-style hunting. Karen glared at James angrily.

And what about us? What are we supposed to do while you boys play Indians? Do we just sit here and watch TV? Look, James, Toby is not the only one that missed you. You don’t have to ignore us just because we’re girls. We didn’t stay home taking care of the damn kennel while you were out hunting so that we could be ignored! James looked over at Jenny and Laura watching television as they ate, seemingly unaware of what was being said.

Hold on, hold on, James blurted between mouthfuls. The entertainer is here. He continued talking in order to prevent another fight. How would you like to be entertained? Just name it! Karen again glared at him. Okay, okay, just kidding. What do you guys want to do?

Karen thought for a while. Let’s go to the movies.

Fine, James answered, "but first let’s finish eating. Then we have to butcher that buck. Tomorrow, we’ll get up early, do our chores, play Indians, and then we’ll see a movie. ¿Bueno? We might as well have fun. There’re only two days left, then back to the grindstone," he finished.

Karen glared at him then got up and walked toward the door. He always wins, doesn’t he? No matter who it is, he always wins, a——e! She turned and walked away angrily. It was plain to see she had no love for Toby. Toby looked at his father and shrugged his shoulders. James watched her stomp away; he recalled the stories of Cinderella and Snow White. Now he knew where the authors had picked up their story lines. He couldn’t help but wonder if those particular authors had lived with or been married to