Life's Choices

By Amy Shannon

It's the beginning of the end for Dr. Raina Markum as she finds herself transformed back into a police officer, as well as a new ... unexpected new partner. Together, they investigate the "choice" kidnappings, where several residents of Sars Springs are victims of the "experimenters" ... giving the victim the choice to live or die, but if life is chosen, another must die.

In Raina's personal life, it's turning upside down as she is betrayed for someone else's sexual pleasure. Will she and Terry survive, or will she find solace and love with another man? The lives of the residents are turned inside out as the victims are ashamed and embarrassed, especially when they were unable to save themselves or their loved ones ... as they ... themselves were violated in the worst way. Is this the end of many lives in Sars Springs? Will anyone find closure when all is said and done?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: Nov 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215285251

Amy Shannon

Amy Shannon is an author, professional book reviewer and literary consultant. Amy is republishing and publishing some for the first time, her MOD Life Epic Saga, which has over 67 volumes, and 9 bonus books.

Book preview

Life’s Choices

Amy Shannon

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Essence Publishing

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

https://essenceenterpriseus.com/essence-publishing

2023 Edition

Copyright © 2023 by Amy C Shannon

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permissions of the author, except by a review who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Credits:

Cover Illustration Copyright © 2023

Cover design by Amy Shannon

The Entire MOD Life Epic Saga

1 Unwritten Life

2 Rewritten Life (Best Read after Unwritten Life)

3 Unwritten Life's Paths to Destiny (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

4 Written Life's Past Meets Present (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

5 Life's Written Past

6 Life's Unwritten Future

7 Another Written Life

8 Life … Rewritten

9 Unwritten Life & Death

10 Life's Healer

11 Life's Hindering Hope

12 Life's Binding Ties

13 Life's Resurrection

14 Life's Infiltration

15 Life's Revival

16 Life's Depths of Souls

17 Life's Explosion in Time

18 Life's Connections

19 Life's Collision

20 Life's Intersection

21 Life's Final Destination

22 Life's Generations

23 Return to Life

24 Life's Resolution

25 A New Unwritten Life

26 Life's Dissolution

27 Life's Linear Souls

28 Life's Choices

29 Life's Passions

30 Life's Awakening

31 Life's Vengeance

32 Life's Heartful Depths

33 Life's Quaking Souls

34 Fractured Life

35 Life's Drowning

36 Life's Exploration

37 Life's Curative

38 Thicker than Life's Blood

39 Life's Salvation

40 Capturing Life's Midnight

41 Life's ReEvolution

42 Life's Soulful Intentions

43 Life's Jagged Flames

44 Life's Rising Depths

45 Life's Doomed Immortality

46 Life's Raw Enforcement

47 Life's Deemed Corruption

48 Life's Inherent Immorality

49 Life's Retrospective Legacy

50 Life's Torturous Souls

51 Life's Passages

52 Life's Tribulations

53 Life's Spirituality

54 Life's Revitalizations

55 Life's Rapture

56 Life's Sacred Retaliation

57 Life's Fiery Resuscitation

58 Life's Experimentation

59 Life's Redemption

60 Life's Humanity

61 The District Life: Districtive

62 The District Life: Disarray

63 The District Life: Disassembled

64 The District Life: Disapparent

65 Life's Return: Home Sweet Sars Springs

66 Life's Return: The Practice

67 Sars Springs: The finale

Bonus Series:

B1 Life's Perspective: Matthew Garris (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B2 Life's Perspective: Bill Wheeler (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B3 Life's Perspective: Perspective: Mike Dix (Best Read after Life's Connections)

B4 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Rewritten (Alternate Path Parallel to Unwritten Life & Death to Life's Binding Ties)

B5 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Crossroads (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Resurrection to Life's Depths of Souls)

B6 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Intertwined (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Explosion in Time to Life's Connections)

B7 Sars Springs Handbook (Best Read after Life's Torturous Souls)

B8 The Interview: Life's Revelations (Best Read after Life's Fiery Resuscitation)

B9 M.O.D Life Epic Saga Character Guide

Introduction

It’s the beginning of the end for Dr. Raina Markum as she finds herself transformed back into a police officer, as well as a new ... unexpected new partner. Together, they investigate the choice kidnappings, where several residents of Sars Springs are victims of the experimenters ... giving the victim the choice to live or die, but if life is chosen, another must die.

In Raina’s personal life, it’s turning upside down as she is betrayed for someone else’s sexual pleasure. Will she and Terry survive, or will she find solace and love with another man? The lives of the residents are turned inside out as the victims are ashamed and embarrassed, especially when they were unable to save themselves or their loved ones ... as they ... themselves were violated in the worst way. Is this the end of many lives in Sars Springs? Will anyone find closure when all is said and done?

1 Returns

DR. RAINA MARKUM smiled as her husband, Terry, walked into her office. Baby, what brings you here?

He sat down in front of her desk and handed her a folder. I thought I should tell you.

Tell me what? she stared at the closed folder.

Xander already knows and so does James. We just got the word from probation.

Terry, you’re scaring me. What is it?

Elroy Fonda was released from prison last month, but he’s now moved into the area.

Who? Oh, god, he’s the one who shot them, right? she asked.

Yes, Terry said. He’s gonna be living in Middleburg at the half-way house.

Does Starr know? Raina stood up.

I haven’t told her yet.

Terry, we have to tell her. We need to tell her. She needs to know. This man was fixated on her and that’s why he tried to kill our son.

I know, Doc. I know. Can you leave now?

Yes, let me just tell Martin, she picked up her phone. Martin, I’ll be leaving for the day.

Oh, no problem. Did you get a chance to sign off on all your files? Dr. Martin Welch asked.

I’ll bring them to your office before I leave, she said.

Are you all right?

Um, I’ll call you later. Terry and I have to go see Starr, Raina explained and then hung up. She looked at her husband. Let’s go.

Terry took her hand as his cell phone rang. Commissioner Markum, he answered.

Grandpa, it’s James, Police Chief James O’Roark said.

James? What’s wrong?

"We just got another fax," he said.

Who?

Simon Harding, James said.

Simon Harding? he asked.

Raina looked at her husband. He’s Kaylee’s rapist and stalker.

Oh, right, damn, Terry said. James, do you want to tell her, or do you want me to tell her?

You tell Joshua. I’ll go over to the O’Roark house and tell her in person.

All right, Terry said, as he hung up.

Raina looked at her husband. What is going on around here?

I don’t know. It’s too strange. I’ll have to check it out, he said, as they approached Martin’s office. His phone rang again. Commissioner Markum, he answered.

Raina handed Martin her folders. I’m sorry. We just found out that two convicts were released a month ago and they’re now in Sars Springs, she said.

Is our family in danger? Martin asked, as he stood up.

Lenny Hershey and Lou Johnson? Terry repeated on the phone.

Martin stared at him as his hands started to shake.

Martin? Raina took his hands.

The men Starr saved Carey and me from in the park, he whispered.

Terry took a deep breath. Xander, we’re on our way to Starr’s. Damn. I have to tell Carey, he looked at Martin. "Fax me all the information to my office at home. We have to make sure these men – none of these men hurt our family again. I also want to know why we’re just finding out about this now. It’s been a month since they were released."

Dad, is there anything I can do? Deputy Police Chief Alexander Xander Markum asked.

Go home to your wife, Terry said.

I’ll fax those to you now. Take care of yourself and Mom, Xander said, as he hung up.

Terry looked at Martin. I’m sorry. If you want, I can assign men on your home.

No, don’t. I think I’m gonna head over to Solutions. I’ll tell Carey myself. You two go talk to Starr.

Are you sure? Raina asked.

Yes, I’ll be fine. Thanks, Martin said.

Terry and Raina headed down the corridor toward the security station. Joshua? Terry said.

Joshua Carleno smiled at his brother. Terry, what’s wrong?

James is telling Kaylee, but Simon Harding was released from prison, Terry said.

How could this happen? Joshua stood up quickly.

He’s not the only one. The men who attacked Carey and Martin in the park years ago, were released, as was the man who shot Xander and James, around the same time.

When Starr was the park vigilante?

"Well, she was the protector. Elroy Fonda was the actual vigilante," Raina said.

What can I do?

Go to your wife. She may need you right about now.

I will. Terry, did she call you earlier?

I haven’t heard from her, why?

She had an idea about something. I think it’s great, but of course, my wife always has great ideas.

Well, we’re gonna see Starr and Elliot. But if she wants to call me later … if she’s up to it, that’s fine, Terry said.

Why don’t you two come over for drinks later? Raina said. Say around eight?

We’ll do that, Joshua said, as he kissed her cheek.

Terry looked at Raina. I have to, um, work late at the restaurant.

You can take the night off, so you can spend time with your brother and his wife, she said. You work late all the time. It’s about time you take some time off.

It’s not like I’m having fun or anything, Terry said.

"Do what you want. You will anyway," she said.

I’ll stay home. I’m sorry, Doc, Terry said.

If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you wanted to be with your staff more than me.

It’s not like that. I just like working.

Whatever.

Doc, don’t be like this. I said I was sorry.

We have to talk to our daughter. We’ll deal with this other stuff later.

Raina and Terry walked up the steps to the farmhouse and knocked on the door. Elliot Haskell answered. Is something wrong?

We need to see Starr, Raina said.

She’s in the living room. She’s very upset and she won’t talk to me about it, Elliot said.

Raina looked at Terry. Why don’t you talk with Elliot? I’ll see what’s going on with Starr, she said, as she headed into the living room.

Terry looked at Elliot. We should talk.

All right, let’s go in my office, he said, as he led Terry down the hall.

Raina walked into the living room. Starr?

Starr looked up and said. Mom, what are you doing here?

Elliot said that you’re upset. What’s wrong? Raina asked, as she sat down.

Starr wiped her eyes. I got a fax today from the Probation department. Elroy Fonda was released from prison … last month.

I know. That’s why we’re here.

Oh, Daddy’s here, too? Starr asked.

He’s with Elliot. Why’d they fax it to you?

Because I’m his attorney of record.

Starr, I’ll make sure they’ll post men on you and your family.

It’s not that. It’s just that … the law doesn’t make sense anymore. He made a deal, and he was supposed to get life without parole for shooting two police officers. Now, he’s out? And why didn’t I know this a month ago?

I know. Simon Harding and the men who attacked Martin and Carey … the ones who hurt you … have been released, too, Raina took her daughter’s hands.

Starr wiped her tears. Mom, what can we do?

I’m not sure. Your father, Xander, and James are gonna look into it.

Does Kay know about Harding?

Joshua does, and James was gonna tell her. She’s coming over for drinks tonight, so I’ll make sure she’s all right.

She might try to hide her fear, Starr said.

Like you’re hiding yours from Elliot, Raina said.

I don’t want him to think that I’m weak.

He would never. He loves you so much. You need to tell him about what happened back then. Tell him what you’re feeling.

Starr hugged her mother. I will. Thanks. Mom, how are you doing?

What do you mean? I’m fine, Raina said.

I see how you are when you’re around Mark.

I don’t know what you mean. I’m pretty sure he’s changed, Raina said.

Mom, he was released from the Second Chance Program last week and is living with Mike and Evan again. I saw the look in your eyes at the bar last week.

It’s just hard sometimes. I know that I fought to get him a lighter sentence. It doesn’t seem that a year has gone by since his trial, but I meant what I said. He deserves the chance to be who he used to be, Raina kissed her daughter’s forehead. It’s me, not him. I have to sometimes take a deep breath and try to focus on the man he is now, not the one who kept trying to attack me.

You’re so strong and brave, Starr said.

Raina shook her head. Not really. Don’t tell your father, but sometimes, I have the nightmares and it all comes back to me. I sometimes cry myself to sleep.

Believe me. I understand. I still have nightmares of Scott. I promise, I won’t say a word, but if you want to talk, I’m here for you, Starr looked up as Terry and Elliot walked into the living room.

I invited them for dinner, Elliot said.

We’d like that, but not tonight, Raina said, as she stood up. I already have a stew that’s been in the slow cooker all day.

Well, maybe this weekend, Starr said.

Definitely. I promise, Raina said. Give Ely a kiss for me. By the way, where is he?

He’s over at Mick and Callie’s. He’ll be home soon, Starr said.

Raina and Terry left the house. Elliot sat down next to his wife. Why didn’t you tell me? Elliot said.

I’m sorry. I really am. This man … tried to kill Xander and James just because he wanted to be like me. I wish I could tell you what we talked about, but I’m still his lawyer. Well, I was his lawyer. I hope…

You can always get a court order to sever your ties as his attorney, Elliot said.

I know, but we’ll see what happens. He may not even come to Sars Springs, Starr said.

Come on, honey, let’s get something to eat, Elliot said, as Ely ran into the house.

Ely, what’s the hurry? Elliot asked his eight-year-old son.

Hungry, Ely smiled.

Did you have fun with Raelee and Jackson? Elliot asked, as the three of them headed into the kitchen.

Jackson wasn’t feeling good. Raelee and I played video games while Callie cooked dinner, Ely said, as he sat down at the table.

Where’s Mick? Starr asked, as she handed her son a glass of milk.

He had to work late, Ely said.

Oh, well, enjoy your dinner, Starr smiled.

2 Ideations

TERRY OPENED THE door, and there stood Kaylee and Joshua. Come in. Raina’s getting the wine.

Thanks, Kaylee said, quietly.

Honey, I’m so sorry about everything.

Thanks, she whispered.

Raina walked out of the kitchen. Um, Kay, why don’t you and I talk for a moment, she said.

Um, sure, she said, as she followed Raina into the kitchen.

Terry looked at his brother. How is she?

You saw for yourself. She’s been like that since I picked her up, Joshua said, as they sat on the sofa.

Raina took Kaylee’s hand and they sat at the table. Kay, you can talk to me.

I–I don’t know…

Honey, I know I’m not your mother, but I want to help you.

Kaylee wiped her eyes. I wasn’t very close to Mom.

I thought you were, Raina said.

No, she was a great Mom, but we weren’t that close. She always … I don’t know … if I tried to talk to her, she treated me like one of her psych patients.

Kay, I am here for you. Anytime. Now, please, tell me … what’s going on in that head of yours?

I don’t want to burden you. You’ve been hurt so much worse than I ever was, Kaylee cried.

Kaylee, look at me, Raina said, as she lifted her face. I love you and I will help you through this.

Kaylee looked into Raina’s eyes. I can’t stop thinking about what Simon did to me. Aunt Ray, he tortured and raped me. I can’t get it out of my head. After what he did to me, I was so ashamed. When I came back to town, I didn’t even tell Xander and Katie what happened. I lied to them. I told them I had an accident … it wasn’t until…

What, honey?

It wasn’t until I fell in love with Joshua that I could finally say it out loud.

Joshua loves you very much and he will protect you.

I know, but the nightmares … no one can take the nightmares away.

I know, honey. Believe me, I know.

You still have nightmares?

Yes, I do. Some of them are from eons ago, but they still haunt me. The truth is sometimes the nightmares or memories affect the way I see situations, Raina said.

Like what? If I may ask, Kaylee asked.

You probably heard about what my first husband did to me, Raina said.

Oh, Jake Martin, right, he hurt you, Kaylee said.

Yes, and I like to think that it made me a stronger person, but it also made me fear arguments with my other husbands.

You thought that they … even Uncle Terry would hit you?

Yes, I know that Terry never could … he’s a real man. We may have argued and yelled at each other … even called each other names … but he would never raise a hand to me … ever. I used to cringe when we fought. I don’t do it anymore and I tried to keep it inside and not let him know … but honey, I’m worried about you. Jake is dead. John is dead. The doctors that hurt me are dead or in jail.

What about Mark? Kaylee asked.

I’m not afraid of Mark anymore. It’s hard for me to forget, but I think he has changed back to what he used to be.

I hope so, Kaylee smiled.

I want you to know that you can come to me whenever you need to. I know you’re my niece, but you’re like a daughter to me. I love you very much. You can talk to me about anything. Now, I heard you want to talk to Terry about something, Raina smiled.

I guess. I don’t know if he’ll think it’s dumb, she said.

He won’t. Did you want to talk to him in private?

No, we should get in there. They probably think we’re talking about them, Kaylee laughed.

They’re probably talking about the latest Cardinals game or something, Raina laughed.

Yeah, it’s funny how Carey got them into football, Kaylee laughed.

I know, Raina laughed, as they stood up.

Aunt Ray, thanks, Kaylee hugged her.

Anytime. Like I said, you can come anytime. You know, Starr and I have started having a girl’s night out, on Saturday nights. You’re welcome to join us, Raina said.

I wouldn’t want to intrude.

You wouldn’t be. It will be fun. Just us girls. My Mom and I used to do it, then we did nights with Martin and Carey, you know, our best friends club. We’d love it if you joined us.

Saturday? The same nights our husbands go out?

Yup, that way we don’t miss out on moments with them, Raina said, as she hugged Kaylee.

I’d like that, Kaylee said. Oh, did you talk to Starr?

Yes, she’s finally sharing that moment with Elliot. I think she needs to get it out.

So, do I, Kaylee said.

Honey, what else is bothering you? Raina asked.

Well, it kind of goes with my idea that I want to talk to Uncle Terry about, Kaylee said.

Raina took her hand and led her into the living room. Boys? Is it safe to come in?

Terry and Joshua looked up. "Oh, yeah, we were just … um … talking