Life's Salvation

By Amy Shannon

Carey Markum helps bring an old friend back to Sars Springs in order to save her from her past. As he tries to help her, he finds himself feeling lost and his past ... a past that he never shared with anyone, comes back to haunt him.

An epidemic of violence is literally hitting the residents, which have many struggling to deal with the past and the present. As a new vigilante is avenging crimes, the police don’t know whether to find and arrest him or present him with a medal.

While Logan and Mark go back and forth in their relationship because of Mark’s betrayal, Xander is presented with a horrific discovery. Will the town ever be the same or has the time come when there will never be salvation for anyone in Sars Springs?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: Dec 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215666395

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 Salvation

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

Carey Markum helps bring an old friend back to Sars Springs in order to save her from her past. As he tries to help her, he finds himself feeling lost and his past … a past that he never shared with anyone, comes back to haunt him.

An epidemic of violence is literally hitting the residents, which have many struggling to deal with the past and the present. As a new vigilante is avenging crimes, the police don’t know whether to find and arrest him or present him with a medal.

While Logan and Mark go back and forth in their relationship because of Mark’s betrayal, Xander is presented with a horrific discovery. Will the town ever be the same or has the time come when there will never be salvation for anyone in Sars Springs?

1 Newcomers

CAREY MARKUM SAT behind his office desk when his phone rang. Yes, Elaine.

You have a visitor, Elaine said.

Great, thanks, Carey said. He hung up the phone and smiled as he stood up. Soon, the door slowly opened. Frankie?

Hey, honey, she smiled as she slowly walked in the room.

Carey hugged the woman tightly. It’s been a long time, he smiled as he kissed her cheek. Please, have a seat.

She sat in the chair in front of his desk, and he sat on the desk. I know it was a bit of a surprise.

I understand, Carey said, as he took her hand. Is he still following you?

I don’t know. It took me six months to make my way back here, Frankie Wilson sighed, as she twirled her black hair on her finger.

I hardly recognized you, he smiled. So, are you sure you want to do this?

Yes, she smiled. You said you’d introduce me?

Of course. I made three appointments for you. I’ve cleared my schedule today and I’ll bring you to where you need to go.

She stood up. I don’t know how to thank you.

Frankie, does Al know?

She shook her head. No. To be honest, I haven’t talked to him since … well … since he came back.

Well, Carey said. You may run into him.

I don’t know what to say to him, Frankie said.

You did hear about his new-found daughter, right? Carey asked.

No. What are you talking about? Frankie asked.

Raina. She’s his daughter, too, Carey said. It’s a long story. Sometimes Matthew and Jim get their nose out of joint.

Jealous? she smiled.

Sometimes. I think they’ve gotten passed it, though.

I hope so. So, how are Jim and Matthew? Frankie said.

Well, you know that Jim and Alex are divorced, Carey said.

I didn’t know. Of course, I did order the local paper every chance I got. I also talked with Ken a few times. Ken didn’t say a word and it’s not like Erica O’Roark is going to print that her grandparents got divorced.

Alex is actually dating my father, he smiled.

The mobster? she laughed.

Well, he’s never been convicted, Carey laughed.

I’m sorry.

Don’t be, he said.

I am sorry, she smiled.

Are you ready to do this? Carey asked.

Yes, Frankie said. Lead the way. This town looks so different now, she followed him out of the office and out to the parking lot.

It is different. The two hospitals are now one, Sars Springs Community, Carey pointed down the road. I know, it’s definitely changed in 20, 30 years.

Frankie looked at Carey as they stood in front of his car. Um, she looked at her watch. I’d like to see my brother first. Do we have time?

Carey smiled. We have time, he said, as they got in his car.

Carey and Frankie walked into the Sars Springs Community Hospital and walked up to the receptionist in the lobby. Carey Markum, he smiled as he flashed his ID. This is Dr. Francesca Wilson.

She looked in her logbook. Oh, yes, Mr. Markum. Are you here to see Dr. Welch?

We’re here to go to the Research and Development lab, Carey said.

Go right on in, she smiled.

Carey and Frankie headed down the hall. Frankie looked around. Wow, this is such a great place.

It really is. Steven and Raina worked very hard on putting this together. Matthew and his sons were responsible for building and designing the new hospital, as well as the new CSU lab across the street.

Mike Dix still run it?

No, that would be Dr. Ethan Markum, Carey smiled. Mike works there, though.

They walked down another hall toward the sign, Research Center. I’m kind of nervous.

Now, Carey stopped and looked into her eyes. I don’t know if you know about him.

Frankie looked at Carey. What’s wrong?

He’s in a wheelchair, Carey said. He does have braces on his legs, but I guess his legs tire really easy, so he uses his electric wheelchair, but mostly when he’s working. He’s kind of sensitive about it, though.

Is he alone? Frankie asked.

No, he’s not alone anymore, Carey said, as they walked through the doors. As they walked down the hall, he rode toward them.

Carey? Dr. Al Masterson smiled as he looked at the woman. Frankie?

Yeah, Al, it’s me, she gulped.

Oh, Frankie, he smiled as he hugged his sister tightly.

I’m so sorry, she cried.

For what? Al asked.

Not coming back when I heard you were alive, Frankie said.

I’m just glad that you’re back now. Carey has been keeping me updated on what was going on. Are you here visiting or hiding?

I wanted to come home, she sighed.

Let’s go into my office, Al said.

I’m going to see Martin, Carey smiled. I’ll come back and get you, so we can take care of your appointments.

Thanks, Frankie smiled as Carey walked down the hall.

Al led her to his office, and she sat down. So, where are you staying?

Carey said that I could stay with him and Martin, she said. I don’t want to impose, though. Maybe I’ll just stay at a hotel or something.

Stay with them. They have the room, Al said.

Frankie took her hand. I see that you get along with Carey.

Well, we’re not really close, but he always looked out for me, Al said. I think he felt like he owed it to Charlie or something.

It’s just so strange to be home. Everything is so different, she smiled. And you, you’re alive.

Well, yes, and I have a daughter, he smiled.

I heard, Frankie said.

What are these appointments? Al asked.

Just a few things I need to do in order to get settled here, she smiled. I wanted to see you. I’d like to visit with you more.

Well, little sister, how about you have dinner at my house tonight?

Oh, I’d love to, she smiled. Just you and me?

Yeah, just us.

I heard you had a girlfriend.

Lily, Al smiled. She’s a great lady. You’ll meet her, but tonight, you and me. We have a lot to catch up on.

Carey knows the directions?

He knows. I live in the guesthouse behind his brother’s house, Al smiled. You remember Terry, right?

Oh, sure, he married Raina O’Roark … your daughter, she grinned.

Yeah, it’s Dr. Markum now, he smiled.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen her. I think her triplets were little kids, Frankie said.

They all passed away, but she does have a lot more grown children, Al sighed. Um, yeah, tonight at six. I’ll catch you up on everything and everyone.

Frankie hugged her brother as Carey knocked on the door. We should go now.

Frankie turned around. Right. I’m having dinner with my brother tonight.

Oh, good, Carey said, as they left.

Captain Mark Dix paced back and forth in the lobby. He’d stop and stare at the door and then start pacing again.

Um, sir, Sergeant Hal Rogers asked.

What is it?

Are you all right?

I’m fine, I think, he said, as the door opened. His eyes lit up as she sauntered over to him. He hugged her tightly. You’re here. I can’t believe that you’re here.

She kissed his cheek. You called. I came, she laughed.

Hal stared at the couple as they walked down the hall toward the Homicide Division.

Mark led her into his office. All of his detectives and lieutenants stared at the blonde woman as she followed Mark into his office.

Lieutenant Walter Markum looked at his partner, Lieutenant Bill Wheeler. Who is that?

I have no idea, Bill stared at the door.

Detective Tom Waters sat on Walter’s desk. I thought our captain was gay.

He was, is, Walter said. I wonder if Logan knows about this.

It’s not our business, Bill said.

Mark held the chair as she sat down. She smiled as he sat on his desk in front of her. So, why did you call me back to Sars Springs? she asked.

I think it’s time that I told my family about you, he sighed.

Why now? she asked.

Samantha, he sighed. I’d like for you to settle down here. I know that you’re looking for a place to call home now that your tour of duty is over with.

She stood up. Dad, it’s just Sam. Please, call me Sam, she sighed.

I’m sorry, he said.

Dad, does Logan even know about me? He is your husband, she asked.

Yes, he does, but he’s the only one. I didn’t even tell Mike, Mark said.

So, what do you want me to do around here?

Take my position, he smiled.

Are you sure? she asked. I’ve never…

Honey, you were a captain in the Marines. You served your country, Mark said. I’m ready to retire. Really retire. When I talked to Cody, he said that I could partner with him in his PI business. I really am tired of dead bodies.

Dad, did you tell Cody about me?

No, but I want you to meet your brother, Mark said.

I want that, too. I want to meet your … our family, she sighed.

I’m sorry that it took so long to find you, he said. If I had known earlier.

I know. If it hadn’t been for Mom’s death, you probably would’ve never known about me, she said.

Ginny and I had only been together a few times after I came back. I’m sorry. It wasn’t really serious, just casual. I just didn’t know about you.

I don’t blame you. Things happen and somehow, some way, two years ago, you found me just as I returned to the states.

Mark stood up. Is this something you’d like to do?

Yes, she stood up and hugged him. Dad, if it’s allowed, I’d like to take over your legacy.

I’d like that, too. We just have to meet with the Chief and Deputy Chief. Now, it may be a little weird, but the Deputy Chief is Alexander Markum. He’s Logan’s brother.

Markum?

Yes, Mark said.

Oh, there are a lot of Markums around here, right? she asked.

Yes, do you know any of them?

One or two, she said. So?

I’ll take you to the Chief’s office.

Um, what about your unit? she smiled.

I’ll tell them after we meet with James and Xander, Mark said, as he opened the door. This way please, he put his hand on her upper back and led her out of the office.

Bill laughed slightly. Well, they’re not lovers.

How’d you know? Walter asked.

The placement of his hand on her back, Bill said.

Mark and Sam walked down the long corridor to the door marked Chief James T. O’Roark. Sam looked at Mark. Are you sure?

Yes, he already has all your paperwork, Mark knocked on the door.

Come, James said from inside his office.

Mark walked in with Sam. Chief, I’d like you to meet Captain Samantha Millington, Mark said.

James stood up and shook her hand. It’s nice to meet you, Captain. Please, have a seat.

Well, I’ll leave you two, Mark said.

Mark, does your unit know? James asked, as Xander walked into the room.

Xander looked at Sam and then at Mark. How is she related to you? he crossed his arms.

James stood up. She’s related to you?

Um, yes, Mark said. I hope that has no bearing on her taking over for me.

None, James said. More like curiosity.

She’s my daughter. It’s a long story. For the record, Logan knows, but no one else does. I will tell the rest of the family, starting with Cody and Mike. I just wanted to make sure she got settled in here.

Don’t worry about it, Xander said. We’ll take care of the paperwork and stuff. You better prepare your staff for your retirement.

I will. Sam, I’ll see you later, Mark said.

She kissed his cheek. I’ll be fine, Dad, she smiled. Just fine.

2 Pressing Forward

MARK WALKED INTO his department. Men?

Everyone looked up toward Mark. Bill stood up. What’s wrong?

I’d like you all to meet me in the… Mark looked around. Um, outside, in the courtyard in five minutes, he walked out the door.

Bill looked at Walter. Something is definitely up. Well, let’s do this, men, Bill said, as the seven men followed behind Bill and down the hall.

Mark was sitting at the long picnic table toward the back of the courtyard on the east side of the police station as they approached him. Please, have a seat. All of you.

The men sat down and watched as Mark tapped his fingers lightly on the table. Um, Captain, what’s going on? Walter asked.

Mark stood up and looked into the eyes of all of his men. In two weeks, I will officially retire.

Bill stood up. What?

I’ve been thinking about this for a while. Yes, the eighteenth will be my last day as your captain. Right now, my replacement is meeting with James and Xander.

That woman? Walter asked.

Yes, her name is Captain Samantha Millington. She’s my daughter, Mark sighed.

Bill looked at Walter and then Mark. Your daughter?

Yes, I found her about two years ago. Now, I know this is all a shock to you. The truth is no one but my husband … and well now all of you … know about her relation to me. I will tell everyone and have them meet her, but that’s not what I wanted to say.

Tom looked up at Mark. That’s all well and good, but what makes you think that your daughter can replace you? I mean, I’m sure there are others who are actually qualified.

I understand your concern about her qualifications. Let me share a few things about her, he opened a folder and handed out two pieces of papers. This is her résumé. Now, you can read it later at your leisure, but I’ll go over a few highlights. She has been in the Marines for 20 years. Her rank for the past five years has been Captain. She was in the search and recovery unit as well as an investigator in the Military JAG program. She returned from Iraq two years ago and has been working with the Phoenix Metro PD as the assistant Chief in the homicide department. Any questions?

Is she going to jump right in? Walter asked.

"Well, you will officially meet her in a few minutes. I asked James and Xander