Life's Heartful Depths

By Amy Shannon

Terry Markum, police commissioner and owner of Destino Restaurant, is married to the successful Dr. Raina Markum. Together, they have had ups and downs and even four marriages to each other. When Terry is afflicted with severe headaches, a bullet from the past is the culprit.

After an intense brain surgery, when Terry wakes up, he is not the same man. He has no memory in head about his life, but his heart feels it all. How will Terry cope with his new life as it clashes with his old life?

Meanwhile, Terry and Raina's youngest daughter, Elena, is focused on a project for not only school, but for the town. The town and family is startled when Elena's project uncovers a lot about the past and present, as she herself is trying not to hide a secret that affects her deeply. Will Elena trust enough to share the secret?

Will the Markums handle the past mistakes that come back to haunt them, especially when Terry can't remember what they are?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: Nov 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215312728

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 Heartful Depths

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

Terry Markum, police commissioner and owner of Destino restaurant, is married to successful Dr. Raina Markum. Together they have had ups and downs and even four marriages to each other. When Terry is afflicted with severe headaches, a bullet from the past is the culprit. After an intense brain surgery, when Terry wakes up, he is not the same man. He has no memory in head about his life, but his heart feels it all. How will Terry cope with his new life as it clashes with his old life?

Meanwhile, Terry and Raina’s youngest daughter, Elena, is focused on a project for not only school, but for the town. The town and family are startled when Elena’s project uncovers a lot about the past and present, as she herself is trying to hide a secret that affects her deeply.

Will Elena trust enough to share the secret? Will the Markums handle the past mistakes that come back to haunt them, especially when Terry can't remember what they are?

1 The Other Side

TERRENCE MARKUM LOOKED up from the newspaper when his wife, Dr. Raina Markum, walked out to the living room with her suitcases. All set? he smiled.

Yeah, I hope I have everything, she said.

Terry stood up. Doc, I’m going to miss you, so much.

I’m sorry about this. I was requested specifically, she gazed into her husband’s eyes. Will you miss me? she grinned.

Of course, Doc. I love you so much. I will definitely miss you and thank you for last night, Terry grinned.

She held his face and kissed him tenderly. I don’t know how long I will be, but I’ll be back as soon as I can, Raina kissed him again.

You take care of your patient. Martin is still going with you, right?

Yes, he is. I have to go pick him up, Raina kissed him again. I’m so going to miss you. She smiled as their 10-year-old daughter, Elena, walked into the room.

Elena hugged her mother. Mom, before you go, can you fix my hair? she asked.

Of course, turn around and I’ll braid it for you, Raina smiled as Elena turned around. Now, you know, Daddy knows how to braid, too.

Elena smiled. I know, but you do it tighter.

"I do my best, cara mia," Terry said.

I know, Daddy, Elena turned around and smiled. Thanks, Mom. I’ll miss you, she looked down at her watch. Oh, I have to go meet Ice, she kissed her mother’s cheek. Bring me back something.

From Pennsylvania? Raina asked.

"Yeah, I love you, Mom, and I love presents," Elena said, as she put her backpack on her back and headed out the door.

Raina hugged her husband again. I’ll call you as soon as we get settled. We’re going to stay in the house on Mountain View Road.

Terry picked up her suitcases, followed her outside to her car, and placed the suitcases in the trunk. He opened the driver’s side door and gazed into her eyes. I do so love you.

I love you, too, Raina kissed him. I really have to go.

You’re right, Terry said, as she got in the car. Call me and don’t forget.

I won’t. I promise, Raina said, as she started the car.

Terry headed into the house and watched as Raina pulled down the driveway. He closed the front door and looked around at the quiet house. He slid across the hardwood floor to the stereo and turned it on. He whipped off his robe and tossed it on the sofa as the music blared. He grabbed the remote off the coffee table, using it as a microphone, and began to sing and dance around. ♫ Just take those old records off the shelf. I sit and listen to ‘em by m’self. Today’s music ain’t got the same soul. I like that old time rock and roll ♫ Don’t try to take me to a Disco. You’ll never even get me out on the floor. In 10 minutes, I’ll be late for the door, I like that old time rock and roll. ♫ He sang, as he danced around the room in just his boxer shorts and socks.

Mom? Elena asked, as she looked at her mother.

Um, Baby? Raina asked, as she tried to keep herself from laughing.

Terry stopped in mid slide. "Um, I thought you were gone."

I picked up Elena and Isaiah down the street when I realized that I forgot something.

Oh, well, what’d you forget? Terry asked, as he quickly put his robe back on.

I forgot my doctor’s bag and Elena forgot her lunch.

Nice legs, Daddy, Elena said, as she hurried into the kitchen.

Raina laughed, as she walked down the hall toward her bedroom. She walked back out and smiled at her husband. I’m still learning so much about you.

"This is between us, right?" Terry said.

Um, well, yeah, me, Elena and… she looked toward the door.

Isaiah Ice Dix stood in the doorway. Great moves, Cousin Terry.

Thanks, Terry muttered.

"Even better than Joshua… he just dances to Sound of Music. You– you’ve got it goin’ on," Isaiah said.

Well, aren’t you two going to be late for school?

Mom’s giving us a ride, Elena said, as she kissed her father’s cheek. Ice was right, you’re cool.

"This is between us, right?" Terry said.

Of course,… don’t worry. Daddy, you’re not the only one who dances in their underwear in this family… she looked at Isaiah.

Um, Lenny, let’s go… he said, as the three of them headed out the door.

Terry walked over to the door and watched again as they pulled down the road. He closed and locked the door. He slid over to the stereo and blasted the music again.

Terry pulled into the parking lot of his restaurant, Destino. He walked into the restaurant and headed toward his office.

Terry? Miles Carson said from behind.

Terry turned around and smiled. What is it?

Clyde is in the kitchen and he’s having a fit, Miles smiled.

Oh, now what?

Not sure, he’s muttering about the tenderloin delivery or something, Miles said.

I’ll take care of Clyde, Terry said, as he headed into the large kitchen. Clyde?

Clyde Brennan walked over to Terry. They screwed it up. We were supposed to get 20 pounds!

What did we get? Terry asked, as he crossed his arms.

We got 50, Clyde threw his hands up in the air. Now what? We don’t go through that much in a weekend, let alone a Monday night.

Clyde, calm down. We’ll put it on special tonight and instead of one and half inch, make it two inches.

Are you sure? Clyde asked.

Yeah, I’m sure. Don’t worry. I’ll be in the kitchen tonight, too, Terry said.

Good, sir. I’m sorry. I just hate it when they over or under us, Clyde said.

I know, but it’s the best in county. Why don’t you try that new recipe I came up with? We can make it the secondary special if it turns out right.

I’ll do that now. Would you like to try it?

Yeah, my brothers are meeting me here for lunch, so the three of us can try it. If they like it, then we’ll serve it tonight.

I’ll get working on it right now.

Thanks, Terry said.

Did Raina get off all right?

Um, yeah, Terry smiled, as he headed out of the kitchen and toward his office.

Terry rubbed his temple and looked up from his desk, as there was a knock on the door. Yes?

Mr. Markum, Robert Haynes said.

How many times do I have to tell you, it’s just Terry, Terry smiled.

I’m sorry, sir, Robert smiled.

Did you need something?

I switched shifts with Tim and just wanted you to know that.

That’s fine. So, you’re working the day shift? Terry asked.

Yes, Robert smiled.

Great, Terry said.

Um, sir, Robert grinned.

Yes?

Um, I have a friend who is looking for a job… I know you don’t normally hire women, but she’s really good.

Have her fill out an application. We could use a prettier hostess, Terry smiled.

Thanks, are you sure your wife won’t mind?

She won’t, Terry smiled as Robert left the room. Terry stared at the phone as it rang. This is Markum.

Terry, it’s Dr. Larkin, the man said.

Yes, what can I do for you?

I got your results in. I think you need to come in, he said.

Oh, when? Terry said.

I have time today.

Um, no, not today. I can’t.

Well, how about tomorrow morning? Terry, it’s important.

Terry rubbed his temple. Oh, tomorrow morning. Nine?

I’ll pencil you in for nine. Please, do not reschedule. I don’t want to have to call your wife, but I will.

She and Martin are out of town, Terry said.

I’m aware of it, but Dr. Doyle knows how to reach her, doesn’t he?

Yeah, I’ll be there at nine. I promise, Terry hung up. He shook his head and sighed heavily. Not good news, that’s for sure, he said to himself as he pulled out a bottle of aspirin and popped four pills into his mouth. Not good at all, he picked up the photo of his family, Raina, Elena, Starr, Logan, Marcus, and Xander. I won’t screw it up this time, no matter how bad the news. I promise.

2 Brotherhood

JOSHUA CARLENO AND Carey Markum walked into Destino Italian restaurant. Miles? Is Terry in? Joshua asked.

Um, yeah, he’s been in there for several hours, Miles said.

Is something wrong? Carey asked.

"I’m not sure. He usually comes out to inspect the tables and bar area before we open, but he said I could do it. He never does that," Miles said.

We’ll see what’s going on, Joshua said.

Clyde has your lunch ready, too, Miles said.

Great, send it to our table in about 10 minutes. We need to talk to our brother, Carey said, as the two men headed down the aisle of tables to Terry’s office.

Joshua knocked. Terry?

Come, his voice said from behind the door.

Joshua opened the door. Terry?

Terry sat in the chair, positioned toward the window, and stared out.

Carey put his hand on his brother’s shoulder. Terry?

Terry quietly swung the chair around. Oh, what are you doing here?

Joshua and Carey sat down in front of his desk. We’re having lunch together. Remember?

Oh, right, sorry, Terry said distantly.

OK, time out. What’s going on? Carey asked.

It’s nothing, he said.

Don’t lie to us, Joshua said. It’s not Raina, is it?

No, she’s fine, Terry said.

Then what is it? Carey asked.

Terry rubbed his temple. I’m a little nervous, that’s all.

About? Joshua asked, as he stared into Terry’s eyes. Does Raina know?

Not yet. I don’t even know for sure, Terry said.

Carey looked at Joshua and then Terry. The tumor?

I don’t know. Dr. Larkin got my test results back. I have to see him in the morning.

Are you afraid of dying? Carey asked.

Not just that, he sighed, as he stood up. "Well, that, but there’s so much more than that."

Terry? Joshua and Carey stood up.

It’s… I don’t want to end up like I was before… he turned around and faced his brothers. I lost my wife back then. I was seeing images of her and Mike.

Dad told you those weren’t real visions, just future visions, Joshua said.

I cheated on my wife, so she couldn’t watch me die. I lost her to Mike Dix. Granted I got her back, but it took years and years to get us back to where we were.

You’re not going to cheat on Raina again, are you? Joshua asked.

No, but I don’t want her to dive in and try to save me again either, Terry said.

Well, it was Martin and Ken that saved you the last time, Carey said. Raina will always take care of you, you know that.

I know, but we have a 10-year-old child. We have a lot of children, he sat in the chair and wiped his eyes. Yes, Starr, Logan, Xander, and Marcus are all grown, but Elena is still only 10. She needs her Daddy, and I don’t want to leave her. I was 10 when I thought that Madré died, and Dalton walked out on us. I don’t want to abandon my child. I have things to take care of for her. I need to be here to protect her.

What can we do? Joshua asked.

I don’t know. Just bear with me and hope that I don’t screw this up again. I don’t even know what he’s going to tell me.

Did Raina know you were getting tested? Carey asked.

Yes, actually, every few months since I’ve been so-called cured, I have blood tests and an MRI, he sat on the edge of his desk. The past three years, Maddy and I go together. She needs the same tests, so I thought if we went together, it wouldn’t be so scary for her.

Maddy is good, though, right? Joshua asked.

Yeah, such a beautiful little girl, my granddaughter, Terry smiled. Ever since Doc fixed her, she’s been so remarkable and a lot stronger.

"Terry, you first need to see what Dr. Larkin has to say. It could be nothing. You don’t know what he’s going to tell you. After he tells you, you