Life's Drowning

By Amy Shannon

The usually level-headed Bill Wheeler falls into a downward spiral ... ending up in a bottle. With his judgement impaired, he hurts those closest to him. The Markums find their own issues when the unsuspected pains from the past, threaten not only their well-being but their own minds and bodies, even those who were once lost. Secrets of the past, come to light as old enemies find a common ground and newly found friendship. The haunting of past deaths are fully focused as vengeance and abuse are not only focused on the Markums, but the once dead.
Will the fear of a new revival threaten the existence of the residents of Sars Springs?
Can the families be forgiving as past betrayals are still fresh in the memory? Will the family ever be the same again or will their souls continue to drown?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: Dec 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215083208

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 Drowning

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

The usually levelheaded Bill Wheeler falls into a downward spiral … ending up in a bottle. With his judgment impaired, he hurts those closest to him. The Markums find their own issues when the unsuspected pains from the past, threaten not only their well-being but their own minds and bodies, even those who were once lost.

Secrets of the past, come to light as old enemies find a common ground and newly found friendship. The haunting of past deaths are fully focused as vengeance and abuse are not only focused on the Markums, but the once dead. Will the fear of a new revival threaten the existence of the residents of Sars Springs? Can the families be forgiving, as past betrayals are still fresh in the memory? Will the family ever be the same again or will their souls continue to drown?

1 Losing Battles

BILL WHEELER WALKED into his bar, the B&E, and headed behind the bar.

Can I get you something, boss? Danny Ross asked.

Um, no, thanks, Bill said, as he grabbed a few bottles of vodka from behind the bar and headed toward his office. He sat down behind his desk and poured himself a glass. He quickly swigged it down and poured another. He stared at his late wife’s photo and shook his head. Carol … I can’t do this anymore. I want to go back, he poured another glass and swigged it down.

Danny picked up the telephone that was on the bar and dialed Bill’s great-niece’s number. Um, Elena, it’s Danny. Is Hank there?

Danny, what’s wrong? Elena Marshall asked.

It’s Bill. He’s doing it again. I’m worried.

Hank will be home any time now. I’ll send him over.

Great, thanks, Danny said, as he hung up. Danny kept staring at the door to Bill’s office, when it opened.

Bill slowly staggered out. I’m going home now, Bill slurred.

Um, you shouldn’t drive home, Danny said.

I’m walk–ing, Bill slurred.

No, um, you shouldn’t walk either. I’ll call you a cab.

Bill grabbed him by the shirt. Who did you call?

Hank. I called Hank, Danny said.

Liar, he’s at work. He won’t come. You think you’re so smart, Bill spat.

Uncle! Dr. Raina Markum said, as she walked into the bar.

Bill slowly turned around. Darlin’, he sighed, as he let Danny go.

Raina turned around and looked at her fathers, Jim O’Roark, and Matthew Garris. It’s time to go home.

I was … but he wouldn’t let me.

Come on, Uncle, Jim said, as he and Matthew put their arms around him and led him out the door.

Raina walked over to Danny. How many nights this week?

Every night. I’m sorry.

Don’t be. Elena called me. We’ll take care of Bill. He was never like this, Raina said.

Not until a few months ago. I don’t know what happened. All he does is down the liquor and stare at her photo, Danny said.

I’m not sure what set this off either. Thanks, we’ll see what we can do without this happening again, Raina walked into Bill’s office. She stared at the smashed photo of the late Carol Wheeler. Gramma, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened. She headed out of his office. Danny, I do have one question.

What is it? he looked up from wiping down the bar.

Why’d you call Hank? Why didn’t you call me or my dads?

No offense meant, Dr. Markum.

None taken. I was just curious.

Hank has been helping out here at the bar in the evenings. Usually, well, before this, Bill always worked nights, but since he spends his evening drinking in his office, Hank was helping out. Keeping things going and handling Bill.

Oh, well, all right. Elena called me. I told her Hank didn’t need to come, Raina said.

Is he going to be all right?

I hope so. You’re closing up tonight?

In an hour, Danny said. Dr. Markum, Hank has been making sure this bar doesn’t go downhill.

I understand, Raina said, as she headed out the door.

Raina pulled in the driveway of Bill’s townhouse just as Matthew and Jim were dragging him into the house. She watched as they dropped him on the sofa. Bill?

Bill looked up at her. Don’t look at me.

What is going on with you? she crossed her arms.

You’re spoilin’ my buzz, just go, he looked at Matthew and Jim. You two, just get outta here. I don’t want any of ya’ here.

Uncle, we just wanna help, Matthew said.

Ya wanna help? he stood up, staggered over to his cabinet, and pulled out a bottle of vodka.

Yes, Jim said, as he put his hand on the bottle. Uncle, don’t. You’ve had enough.

Bill took a swing and hit Jim in the face. All of you … out, he yelled, as he opened the bottle and chugged it.

Jim looked at Matthew. We have to do something, Jim said, as he rubbed his face.

Raina walked over to Bill. I’m here for you. What can I do to help you?

He threw the bottle on the floor and grabbed her arms tightly. You’re too perfect. You’ll never know how it feels, he pushed her against the wall.

Raina looked at her fathers and then at Bill. How could you? she cried.

Oh, go cry somewhere else. There’s enough pain here, he dropped to the floor.

Raina stormed out of the townhouse and sat down on the front steps.

Hank Marshall ran toward her. Raina?

Raina looked up. He pushed me, she cried.

He doesn’t mean it, Hank said. He doesn’t. Is he alone?

No, my fathers are with him.

Hank looked at her. He really doesn’t know what he’s doing.

Do you know why he’s like this?

No, he only talks about Carol. He’s been back for years … I don’t know why he’s doing it now.

I just want my Uncle back, Raina wiped her eyes.

Let me talk with him. I’ll see if I can at least help get him into bed. I can sit with him.

What about Elena and the boys? Raina said.

She sent me here, he smiled. Why don’t you go visit with them? I’ll help Matthew and Jim.

Thanks, Hank, she said.

What are sons-in-law for? he grinned.

Raina stood up and walked over to her car. She drove down the road to the back row of townhouses.

Hank walked into the house and stared at Bill, who was still on the floor. Let’s try to get him into bed.

I’m not goin’ to bed, Bill spat.

Hank looked at Jim and Matthew. I guess we’ll have to do it the hard way. Can you two do this? I can call Randy.

No, we can do this, Jim said.

Yeah, we’ll do this, Matthew said, as the three men grabbed a hold of Bill and led him up the stairs and into the bedroom.

Hank took off Bill’s shoes as Matthew covered him up. I can sit with him, if you want.

Jim looked at Matthew. I’m staying, too. What if he tries to get up again?

Matthew pulled up the chair. We have to do something to help him. When I did it … I hurt Alex. It took me doing that to realize that I had a problem.

Jim looked at Matthew. He grabbed and pushed Raina. He’s never laid a hand on anyone, and he did it to her. Obviously, it didn’t even faze him.

Hank sat down and stared at a snoring Bill. He needs help, but he won’t get it if he doesn’t want it.

I don’t even understand this, Matthew said.

We have to get him to stop this drinking. He’s ruining his life and probably a lot of his relationships. I don’t even know how he’s still working, Jim said.

He’s not, Hank said. He was suspended.

What? When? Matthew asked.

Hank stood up. Let’s go downstairs, he said, as he led the two men down the stairs.

Jim, Matthew, and Hank sat down. Hank, what’s going on with him? Jim asked.

I know that something happened with Eleanor, but I don’t know what.

How do you know? Matthew asked.

One of his drunken stupors, he mentioned her name. I know that they’re not together anymore and I’m not sure why. I’ve been trying to take care of the bar, so it doesn’t go downhill.

Why did he get suspended?

Mark found him passed out at his desk, Hank said. He was going to try to get him out of there, but James walked in.

Did Mark get into trouble? Matthew asked

He got written up, but not suspended, Hank said. I’m sorry. I thought I was helping him. I just don’t know what to do.

Well, first thing, we’re getting all the alcohol out of this house, Jim said. Is Ken aware?

He threw Ken out. Ken is staying at Mike and Rose’s for now, Hank said. I know I should’ve said something … but I was trying to help out my friend.

Hank, you have three-year-old twins and a wife. You can’t devote yourself to Bill, Matthew said.

I think Elena understands. She loves Bill very much. I guess I have been away from home a lot. Thank god she is understanding, Hank said.

Let us take it from here, go home to your wife and sons, Jim said.

Let me help for tonight. We can search the house for the booze, Hank said. Um, you should know that Randy has been helping out with him, too. He and Bill are good friends.

We know. We’re not happy about it, but we know, Jim said.

Can’t get passed it, can you? Hank said.

No, sorry, I just can’t. I know that he seems different. Maddy changed him … and for the better. We know that Bill and Randy are friends, but I can’t … I just can’t deal with him unless I absolutely have to, Jim said.

You don’t seem to let that out when Maddy is around, Hank said.

How do you deal with him? Matthew said.

Well, since Isaiah, Adrianna, and Maddy are best friends with my wife, I have to deal with Harrison. I try. I guess I don’t have the anger toward him that I used to. I’ve given him the benefit of the doubt, but I still don’t trust him. Especially that his brother is still lurking around.

Damn laws, Matthew said. If I had my way, Greg Shapone’s body would be frozen and placed in the middle of town square, that way everyone would know that they were safe.

I know that feeling, Jim said.

Well, I’ll start in the kitchen, if you two want to start down here. We’ll work our way upstairs, Hank said.

All right, let’s do this, Matthew said, as the three men began their search.

2 Forward Steps

HOMICIDE CAPTAIN MARK Dix slowly walked into his townhouse and dropped down on the sofa. He took off his holster and badge and laid it on the coffee table. He closed his eyes as he wearily rubbed them. He stared at the phone as it rang. This is Dix, he said.

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

Yeah, Chief, he said.

I’m sorry to call you, but I heard there was still an issue with Bill.

What did he do now? Mark said.

He was drunk again, James said. My grandfathers took him home from the bar.

Damn. James, I am sorry that I tried to hide it. I just didn’t want him to get into trouble. He’s a good cop.

With a lot of issues. We all know that he needs help, James said.

I’ll check in on him in the morning. I’ll let them handle it, Mark said. Again, James, I didn’t realize it was this bad. I just thought he was … it was a one-time thing.

We were all fooled. I don’t know what’s going on with him, but it sounds like he’s pushing everyone away.

How’d you know?

Ken called me. He was concerned. He’s staying with Mike and Rose right now.

Bill threw him out?

I guess, James said. I don’t think anyone can cover for him anymore.

Thanks for letting me know, Mark said. I’ll see you tomorrow.

All right, James hung up.

Mark sighed, as he stood up and walked into the kitchen. He grabbed a beer out of the refrigerator. He sipped it as he sat down at the table. Oh, god, I don’t even feel like cooking. What a day, he whispered, as there was a knock on the door. He dragged himself to the door. Logan? What are you doing here? Mark smiled.

Fire Chief Logan Markum grabbed his face gently and kissed him softly. I know we didn’t have plans tonight, but I brought dinner.

Oh, great. I’ve had a long day and didn’t feel like cooking, Mark said, as he led Logan into the kitchen.

I didn’t order it, I cooked it. I was about to sit down when I realized that I made enough for two. I hope you don’t mind me just stopping by, Logan said, as he opened the bags and pulled out the covered dishes.

Of course not, Mark smiled as he handed Logan a beer.

Logan looked at Mark as he dished out the food. Is something wrong?

Um, no, well, Bill was suspended today, Mark said.

Oh, because of his drinking?

Yeah, he passed out on his desk. I couldn’t wake him. Just as I managed to get him up, James came in. I couldn’t hide it.

Did you get into trouble? Logan asked.

Just got written up. It was my first infraction, but… Mark said.

Sounds like you had a long day, Logan said.

I have. I’m sorry. I wasn’t planning on doing anything tonight.

Oh, I can go. I’m sorry, Logan stood up.

Mark took his hand and stood up. That’s not what I meant. I’m sorry.

Mark, I love you, but we both decided to keep our own places for our own space. I didn’t mean to crowd you. I can go, Logan said.

Mark touched Logan’s face lightly. Logan, I love you, he kissed him softly. Please, don’t go. I know I’m not the best company right now, but I promise … I will be better, he grinned.

"I love you, too. I know I don’t say it very much, but I do. Are you sure I’m not bothering you?" Logan asked.

I’m sure, he said, as they sat down. This looks really good.

Thanks, it’s just a baked ziti with homemade marinara sauce. Dad gave me the recipe, Logan said.

When is he coming back? Mark said, as Logan dished out the food.

I think … next week, he and Bella had that convention. I know he was a little worried. He made all of us promise to not be on a plane while he was gone.

Why?

Well, the last time he went to LA was when we were all in the plane crash, Logan smiled.

Oh, yeah, I’ll never forget that, Mark said.

Well, we got through everything, Logan smiled.

I think that’s what made me decide, Mark said, as he took a bite of his food.

Decide what?

That life was too short. I had to reveal who I really was, Mark said.

And you did … with Miles, Logan laughed.

Yeah, well, I guess we are responsible for Miles and Tom hooking up.

Yeah, to get over us dumping them, Logan said. I am glad that we found each other.

Me, too, Mark kissed his cheek. This is really good.

Thanks. Next time, I will call first. I don’t want to intrude on your space.

Mark took his hand. "Logan, I don’t want to lose you. I love you. I’ve loved you for years, Mark said. Do you know why I don’t want us to live together?"

You said so that we both had our own space. I get it, Logan said.

Mark shook his head. It was so I don’t overcrowd you. When I get this fear in my head of losing the one I love, I overcrowded them. I know that we all need our space.

"Are you that afraid of losing me?" Logan asked.

Well, yeah, I guess. I don’t want to lose you. I am finally with you, and I don’t want to lose you.

We’ve been together for three years, Logan lightly rubbed his hand.

I know, but I want it … do you remember when I said I was afraid to say this is it with Miles?

Yes, Logan smiled. I remember that day well.

Logan sat down on the railing that over looked Long Bridge. He stared down at the water and took a deep breath. He looked up as a car pulled over on the side of the road.

Logan? Mark said, as he got out. Are you all right?

Logan climbed off the railing. Yeah, I’m not going to jump, if that’s what you were thinking, he smiled. I like this place it’s so peaceful here.

It certainly is. Want to go sit down there, he pointed to the platform that overlooked Salter’s creek.

Sure, what’s up? Were you looking for me? Logan said, as the two men sat down on the bench.

I just happened to see you sitting here and thought we could talk. You sure you’re OK?

Yeah, it’s just been a long year. A lot of strange things have happened.

More than almost dying in a plane crash? Mark laughed.

"Well, Elena is going to marry Hank Marshall in a week. Maddy is dating