For Better or Worse: Jack Winner Thrillers, #3

By Joseph D. Medwar

Jack and Melanie tied the knot, a joyous and memorable time. The reception at Wimble Hall was a great success, as Mr. and Mrs. Winner's family and friends gathered to celebrate. They would embark on a seven-day honeymoon cruise in the Caribbean Islands, making friends and taking advantage of the amenities.

Jem City was thrown into chaos a day after Jack and Melanie departed for their honeymoon. A militia terrorist organization bombed the Jem City Federal Building and several retail stores located in the downtown area. The local and Federal agencies immediately responded.

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Winner returned from their Caribbean cruise only to find themselves linked to Detective Delayo and Leman's investigation. The friendly couple they met on the cruise happened to be the leaders behind the terrorist group that destroyed Jem City.

The government agents assigned Jack and company a secret mission. Their objective was to infiltrate into the terrorist's habitat and obtain as much info as possible. Starting with suspects Martha and Keith, the owners of the lake cabin rental. Then, the prime suspects, the Windhammer's! If the plan works, Jack, Melanie, Mike, and Christy will gather enough Intel for the authorities to apprehend the terrorists!

The question at hand is whether the government forces will be victorious in taking down the terrorists or if the terrorists will manage to evade the authorities and conquer Jem City. The story progresses from Jack and Melanie's wedding to an ocean cruise, a police investigation, and the risks Jack, Melanie, and their friends took to help the federal agents, leading to the final thrilling conclusion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joseph D. Medwar
• Release date: Feb 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224645800

Joseph D. Medwar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR THE AUTHOR JOSEPH D MEDWAR worked in the Emergency Medical field for 10 years as an EMT in the 1990s and experienced real-life events saving lives. He also worked 12 years as an Operations Field Manager, for a private security company. He graduated from High School, Paris Island MCRD, and medical transcription school. These skills came in handy during life events and as an Author, he is writing for your entertainment, the series Jack Winner fictional thriller Novels; EMERGENCY AND THE WHITE CRYSTAL! H.B.'S BIG HEIST (follows 1st novel, more to come!)

Book preview

For Better or Worse

Book 3  Jack Winner Thrillers

Joseph D Medwar

Copyright © 2024 Joseph D. Medwar

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

Dedication

This literary work is dedicated to every single couple committed to the beautiful journey of marriage. It celebrates the unique experience of raising a family, with all its ups and downs, and the joy and fulfillment that comes with it. For Better or Worse!

Preface

Jack and Melanie tied the knot, a joyous and memorable time. The reception at Wimble Hall was a great success, as Mr. and Mrs. Winner's family and friends gathered to celebrate. They would embark on a seven-day honeymoon cruise in the Caribbean Islands, making friends and taking advantage of the amenities.

Jem City was thrown into chaos a day after Jack and Melanie departed for their honeymoon. A militia terrorist organization bombed the Jem City Federal Building and several retail stores located in the downtown area. The local and Federal agencies immediately responded.

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Winner returned from their Caribbean cruise only to find themselves linked to Detective Delayo and Leman's investigation. The friendly couple they met on the cruise happened to be the leaders behind the terrorist group that destroyed Jem City.

The government agents assigned Jack and company a secret mission. Their objective was to infiltrate into the terrorist's habitat and obtain as much info as possible. Starting with suspects Martha and Keith, the owners of the lake cabin rental. Then, the prime suspects, the Windhammer’s! If the plan works, Jack, Melanie, Mike, and Christy will gather enough Intel for the authorities to apprehend the terrorists!

The question at hand is whether the government forces will be victorious in taking down the terrorists or if the terrorists will manage to evade the authorities and conquer Jem City. The story progresses from Jack and Melanie's wedding to an ocean cruise, a police investigation, and the risks Jack, Melanie, and their friends took to help the federal agents, leading to the final thrilling conclusion.

CHAPTER 1

A Day in the E.M.S.

The deafening screech of the SUV's tires echoed through the city as the driver floored the accelerator, trying to outrun the police. The dark blue vehicle weaved through traffic, narrowly avoiding collisions as it sped through the streets. The car's occupants were desperate to evade the authorities, their hearts pounding with fear and adrenaline. The police pursued them relentlessly, sirens blaring and lights flashing in the night. The chase continued for what felt like an eternity, with the SUV swerving dangerously around corners and hurtling down alleyways. Suddenly, the car hit a curb and flipped over, the sound of metal scraping against the pavement piercing the air. The police arrived on the scene within moments, surrounding the overturned vehicle before they could make a run for it.

As the smoke cleared, the officers moved in a few steps, guns drawn as they yelled, Get out of the car, and show us your hands!

After a few more steps, Detective Lieutenant Leman instructed two of his people to advance slowly just ahead of him. They observed a man hanging helplessly upside down in the driver seat, and the passenger was halfway through the windshield.

The Lieutenant commanded his officers, saying, Okay, search the car for weapons. The rest of you cordon off the area and close down the street! He looked around, then asked, Where is Sargent’s Bartela or Freelum?

An officer with Sargent Stripes said, Yes sir, I’m Sargent Freelum.

Sargent Freelum—contact Control and have them dispatch fire and E.M.S to the scene—ASAP!

Freelum keyed his microphone attached to his shoulder and called dispatch, Sargent Freelum to control?

Control answered, Go ahead, Sargent!

Sargent Freelum requested fire and E.M.S on the scene for an MVA following a vehicle pursuit, two males involved with injuries and possible fatalities.

There was no answer, so Control responded, Fire and E.M.S have been dispatched!

Freelum answered, Roger Control...

Jack and Mike sat in ambulance 55 in the parking lot of a doughnut shop, enjoying their cups of coffee. Jack was about to finish his shift as an EMT in a few hours and had planned to take two weeks off for his wedding with his beloved fiancé, Melanie. Mike teasingly joked around with Jack, reminding him he only had a few days left as a bachelor. Suddenly, they heard the radio come to life while sipping their coffee.

It was Roy in Dispatch; "Ambulance 56—head over to Main Street downtown area, for an MVA with injuries to two males, and possible fatalities! Police and fire are on the scene.

Jack and Mike perked up and jumped into action as Jack keyed the microphone, saying, Ambulance 56 is en route downtown for an MVA with injuries, possible fatalities!

The dispatcher responded, Roger—A-56, you are en route on a priority-one response to an MVA with injuries!

Jack lit up the ambulance like a Christmas tree with sirens wailing. He stomped on the pedal, driving the most direct route to the crash scene!"

Police blocked off Main Street with crime scene tape. It looked like a real cluster, with the police and fire department there.

Jack announced, En-arrival dispatch! They didn't wait for Roy to acknowledge them as both EMTs grabbed their gear and raced to the scene where the accident was. Fire Chief Brown stood beside Lieutenant Leman, discussing the accident.

Fire Chief Brown called to the EMT's, Jack, Mike over here!

Jack was a couple of years younger than Mike and beat him to where the Fire Chief stood.

Fire Chief Brown informed them, I guess we're all too late. Both men are deceased!

They had blankets over the bodies on the street. The fire rescue squad extricated the victims. There was a male impaled in the windshield on the passenger side, and another male victim on the driver's side cut from his seat belt. He was also deceased.

Mike asked, Why were they being chased?

Lieutenant Leman overheard his question and answered, Both men were waiting for trial and somehow escaped from the holding area. They jumped in a car outside the courthouse parking lot, with the person still in it. Then, they managed to push the driver out of the car and hijack the SUV. The vehicle's owner called the police, and the chase was on!

Holy Crap, responded Mike.

Both EMTs surveyed the bodies on the street.

Nice try, Jack explained. They almost got away! The courthouse is about five miles away from here!

Lieutenant Leman reacted, Yes, they almost got away. It was like a scene out of the movie, and we caught the bad guys!

Fire Chief Brown mentioned, Could you boys transport the bodies to the morgue the Medical Examiner is busy at the moment?

Mike answered, Yeah, sure, no problem Chief.

Jack caught Mike's unsure eye and said, Hey Mike, let's go back to the Ambulance and get the stretcher and a couple of body bags.

Mike nodded; they returned to the Ambulance and got the gear they needed. After placing them into the body bags, they fit both deceased males into the Ambulance. One was on the bench seat, and the other body stayed on the stretcher. Both EMTs sat in the front of the Ambulance since patient care on the transport wasn't needed.

Dispatch, this is Ambulance 56, Jack keyed the microphone radio from the driver's seat.

Roy answered, Go ahead, A-56.

A-56 is en route to the morgue with two deceased males.

Roy answered, Roger 14:05...

Mike and Jack cleaned and stocked the Ambulance. They would be off-duty as soon as they finished and returned their reports to Captain Jim Hawker. He ran the operations for the Jem City Ambulance. Hawker accepted the reports without question. He knew Jack and Melanie had two more days to prepare for the wedding.

He held out his hand to Jack and said, Good luck my man! I'll see you at the wedding."

Captain Jim Hawker was one of Jack's Groomsmen in the wedding party. Mike, who was not only his Ambulance partner but also his best friend, would be his Best Man. As Jack was leaving he waved goodbye to the crew arriving at the Ambulance station."

Walking past Roy in dispatch, he yelled, See you at the wedding!

Roy was speaking on the emergency Ambulance channel to another crew and gave him the thumbs-up sign. Jack headed out the door.

Mike razzed him on the way out, This is your final opportunity... my friend. Are you gonna chicken out? Two more days of freedom!

Mike seemed to forget Jack and Melanie were practically married since their High School days! In addition, since he gave Melanie a diamond engagement ring about a year ago, they have been virtually inseparable. Together, the couple experienced many life-changing activities!

Jack's answer to his best friend's harassment was, Sorry Mike, my mind is made up. I'm going through with it, buddy!

Mike and Jack made their way to the station parking lot where the cars were parked.

Hey Jack, do you wanna do something tonight; you, Melanie, me, and Chrisy, asked Mike.

Probably not; we have many last-minute errands to do. I'll call you later. Did you pick up your tux yet?

Mike answered, Tonight or tomorrow night. I'll pick yours up, too!"

Great, answered Jack, "one less detail to worry about. Jack hopped into his brand-new Chevy pickup truck.

I'll call you later. Mike gave him the thumbs up.

Jack finally reached home and raced up the stairs to his apartment. It was quiet; nobody was there. Melanie was probably at her mother, Deidra's house, trying on the wedding gown they picked from the wedding shop. He grabbed his cell and punched in her number; she answered, saying, "Hey Jack, what's up? Are you out of work yet?

Melanie, I just got home. Where are you, asked Jack.

She explained to Jack that she was trying on the wedding dress at her mother's house and described how beautiful it was. She couldn't wait for the wedding so everyone could see.

I bet it is a beautiful dress, I bet it is, repeated Jack. Hey, did you contact the flower shop?"

Yes, the flower bouquets for the bride, as well as the maid of honor and bridesmaid bouquets, will be delivered to my mother's house the morning of the wedding. The corsages for the groom, the best man, and the groomsmen will be at the church before the ceremony.

Sounds great! Jack was relieved to hear this! Melanie, we need to go down to the Wimble Reception hall, make a final payment, and ensure all the arrangements are in order.

Jack, no problem. Pick me up around five o'clock tonight, and we'll head over there, answered Melanie. Let's do dinner at Alley Burgers afterward!

Sounds like a plan, I'll see you then... love you!"

Love you too Jack!

She hung the phone up.

At five o'clock, the doorbell rang at the Straight's apartment. Deidra Straight, Melanie's mother, answered the door.

Hey Jack, come on in... Melanie's in the bathroom getting ready.

He gave her a hug and followed her to the kitchen.

It's almost time for the big day. Are you getting excited, She asked.

Jack responded, Sure am, Mrs. Straight, I can't wait!

Deidra exclaimed, Jack, I thought I told you to call me Deidra, not Mrs. Straight!

He eyed her and said, I'm sorry, Deidra, I just have a lot on my mind. Jack found it hard to call her Deidra since John, her husband, died two years ago. It was quite a tragedy. He was shot in cold blood trying to protect his family. The assailant broke into the house at three o'clock in the morning. It was apparently a Cartel murder for retaliation against various hospital and emergency workers.

That's fine Jack, She knew what he was thinking.

Melanie entered the room and said, Well, hello to my future husband!

She gave him a kiss on the cheek.

You ready to go, asked Jack.

Let's get this over with. I'm starving and want to go to dinner afterward!

She was utterly confident everything would work out right!

Jack hugged Melanie's mother, Deidra we'll see you later.

Deidra waved, Bye, guys have fun!

Jack and Melanie rode over to Wimble Hall, where the wedding reception would be held in two days. They had an appointment with Mr. Robar to finalize any loose ends. Jack parked his vehicle and they entered a door with a sign that said office on it. The light was on, and a bald-headed man with a mustache sat at the desk.

Jack spoke, Mr. Robar, I'm Jack Winner, and this is Melanie Straight. I believe we have an appointment tonight?

Mr. Robar answered, Jack and Melanie... How are the both of you doing? The big day is coming. Are you two ready?"

He stood up and shook Jack and Melanie's hand saying, Please sit down.

He pointed to two chairs by the desk, and Mr. Robar returned to sit behind his desk. He keyed his computer and brought up Jack and Melanie's wedding party. Okay, let me see... you will be chauffeured to Wimble Hall from Saint Mary's church after the wedding, Correct?"

The couple nodded their heads.

The guests would be entertained with a cheese table and an open bar for an hour. Meanwhile, the photographer will shoot pictures of the Bride, Groom, and wedding party. The guests will then be seated. Then the band will introduce the wedding party, couple by couple, to the guests. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Winner will be presented, and you'll do a first dance.

Melanie smiled from ear to ear. The wedding band, known for playing on these occasions, assured them they would not disappoint them.

He continued, The food plates consist of a salad and dressing, a choice of steak or breast chicken with veggies, and baked or scalloped potatoes. Cutting of the cake and other events on the Venue are still the same. Well, that cover's about everything, said Mr. Robar.

Jack responded, Well, I guess so... Melanie, do you have anything to add?

Melanie asked, How much more do we owe for the reception?

Mr. Robar replied, Nothing, you are all paid up! Yup, you are good!

Jack's mouth opened wide, and he exclaimed, What—all paid up? But... What the hell?

Mr. Robar answered, Yup... An anonymous person made the final payment. Sort of a wedding present!

Jack hugged Melanie and screamed, Holy Moly, today's our lucky day!

Okay, guys, replied Mr. Robar, I'll see you in a couple of days as Mr. and Mrs. Jack Winner—Right?

Melanie hugged Mr. Robar. Thank you, sir. Thank you so much!

They left the wedding venue hall and strolled happily out the door. Back in the car, Jack revved up his car, and the couple headed to Ali Burger to eat dinner. They had a lot of cheerful things to discuss tonight!

CHAPTER 2

  The Wedding

Bang—Bang—Bang, then a louder bang on the door.

It was October 10th; somebody yelled, Jack, wake up! It's time, bro, it's your wedding day!

Mike outside tried to get Jack to answer the door. He held both tuxes he picked up from the rental shop. Mike called his cell phone, and finally, Jack replied, WHAT DO YOU WANT?

These were his first words.

Jack, the Groom! It's your fricken wedding day—you know—tie the knot—wedding! Let me in. I got the tuxes.

He heard the lock on the door unbolt and the door handle turn.

Jack, are you okay? How can you sleep this late?

Jack answered, Melanie stayed over her mother's last night. I was up half the night thinking about the wedding; I guess I finally fell asleep.

It's twelve o'clock.

The photographer is coming at one o'clock, and we got to be at the church at two o'clock," said Mike the Best Man.

Jack reminded him, Yeah, I know, Mike, it's my wedding day. I have to shower and get dressed—no problem, right! Mike nodded his head. Jack looked at his friend Mike and smiled; he gestured, Get the Hell in here... I need to take a good shot of the good stuff with my best man!

He led Mike to the kitchen, took out a couple of shot glasses, and poured a drink for both of them.

Jack blurted out, To my best man, partners in everything I do, even on my wedding day!

Mike smiled and repeated, To the groom!

They both chuckled and tossed down the drink.

Oh cripes... I got to get ready and shower!

Jack went to the bathroom while they both prepared themselves and waited for the photographer to arrive. The wedding ceremony was scheduled for three o'clock in the afternoon, with guests expected to arrive between two and three. The groomsmen were to be there early to greet the guests before the bridal party's arrival, which is a traditional custom.

The sound of a car door slamming echoed through the quiet street, followed by the heavy footsteps of a man with cameras strapped to his body. He made his way up the concrete stairs of the apartment building and reached the front door. The doorbell buzzed a couple of times, and then he pressed it a few more times, his impatience obvious.

Jack got up from the kitchen chair, fully dressed in his tux, saying, Well, here we go, Mike!

He buzzed him into the apartment. The photographer walked up the stairs and into Jack's second-floor apartment.

The photographer had a concerned look on his face but managed a smile.

He shook hands with Jack and then Mike, saying, Are you Jack Winner, the man getting married?

Jack replied, I certainly am! I'm Jack Winner, the man who will be marrying Melanie Straight. I believe you told me over the phone your name is Bill?

Yes, my name is Bill, the photographer replied. Well, that's great boys! Let's get going—I have a time window to get to the church and set up.

Jack looked puzzled and asked, What about the bridal party's pictures at Deidra's, Melanie's mother's apartment.

Oh, that... no worry, He explained! My wife Jane will be at Deidra's place to take the bridal party pictures. She's probably over there as we speak!

Jack relaxed, smiled, and asked, "Well then—where do you want us, Bill?

He replied, Why don't we go in the living room and take some pictures of you and a couple of pictures of Mike and then both.

They went to the living room, knowing what he had in mind, and the photographer took several pictures.

He explained, Ah, let's see... I think for the last picture, I'll do something different. I'll take a picture of you, Jack—with your hand on the door exiting your apartment, and Mike will be holding you by your coattails—as if you were trying to escape.

Jack and Mike chuckled as they went over to the door. They got into a perfect pose for the cameraman. Bill snapped a few dozen more times...

Well, boys, good luck, and I'll see you at the wedding.

Bill's phone rang.

He spoke briefly to his wife and then explained to Jack and Mike, Well, my wife Jane is done with the Bridal party pictures. Melanie and her group did just fine. They're waiting for the Limo to show up.

Jack glowed brighter than the sun when he heard that!

Mike looked at his watch and reminded Jack, saying, Jack, it's time to go. It's past two o'clock; Father Greg will be waiting for us.

Jack answered nervously, And so will the groomsmen and the ring bearer!

Mike straightened out Jack's corsage and tie, and Jack did the same for Mike.

Okay, I think I'm ready, announced Jack. This is it? Right, Mike?

Mike asked, You're not going to get cold feet, are you? Last chance, good buddy!

Jack answered, Nope—had plenty of time for that!

Mike headed for the door, he wanted to pull Jack along with him, but Jack followed.

Mrs. Dunn, the lady from downstairs, came to the door and said, "Oh, Jack, you look so nice. Good luck with your wedding; I want to see you and Melanie when you return from your honeymoon.

Jack replied, Thank you very much, Mrs. Dunn—love you!

Jack and Melanie invited her to the wedding, but she had leg problems from a fall last winter and couldn't make it. Jack and Mike exited the apartment, entered the car parked out front, and headed for St Mary's Church.

The Groom and Best Man arrived first at Saint Mary's Church of Jem City, and the groomsmen arrived next. They were all led to the Sacristy in the back. Father Greg greeted them and asked Jack if he was ready for the big day?"

Jack answered, Yes, I am, Father Greg. I'm ready as I'll ever be!

The groomsmen were instructed to go to the church's foyer and escort people to their seats before the wedding ceremony. Jim Hawker or Captain Hawker, Bill—Deidra's Brother, and Allen—Jack's cousin, assumed their duties as ushers and escorted people to their seats when they entered the church.

Nice to see you was a common term used as the ushers met the people entering the church. It would be a relatively large crowd of family and friends.

Deidra straightened the veil on Melanie's head, who was ready to ride in the Limo to the church. They went through a rigorous photography session with Jane, the photographer. It was cramped in Deidra's apartment with Christy—who was Mike's girlfriend and the Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids; Caroline—Melanie's Aunt and Deidra's sister; Uncle Bill's wife—Hanna—and Melanie's friend from college, Darlene. They fussed over each other over last-minute details.

The doorbell rang, and Deidra pulled the curtain back and looked out the living room window. She was excited and announced to the wedding party, Girls, the Limo is here!

Jane, the photographer, was outside talking to the Limo driver. She walked back into the apartment and instructed that she would be taking pictures of them as they left the apartment and entered the Limo. The three bridesmaids were first, and she snapped several photos. Christy, the Maid of Honor, was next. Then, out came Deidra, and finally, Melanie exited the apartment and entered the Limo. Jane snapped pictures throughout the whole ordeal. The limo driver dressed for the occasion held the door and finally shut it as his last passenger was seated.

Jane knocked on the window and said, I'll see you in front of St. Mary's for pictures, she was off in a moment's time, with no time to spare while she was working.

Once all the guests were seated, Jack, Mike, and the groomsmen remained poised, awaiting Father Greg's signal to enter the church. After receiving a nod from the priest, Jack led the group to the right of Father Greg. The groom, dressed in a baby blue tux, entered first, followed by Mike, the best man, and then groomsmen Jim, Bill, and Allen. The music from the organ played as everyone eagerly anticipated the arrival of Melanie and her bridal party. The group looked stunning in their coordinated tuxedos.

We're here! Melanie was ready to go!

She was a bit anxious but tried to remain calm. The