Life's Inherent Immorality: MOD Life Epic Saga, #48

By Amy Shannon

Life's Inherent Immorality
Volume 48 of the MOD Life Epic Saga
2024 Version

 

Terror hits the town of Sars Springs as the demons of the past haunt many residents. Fearful that their own genetics are responsible for who they are and who they don't want to be, some will go to any length to get rid of who they are inside. 

Revenge throws a blanket on the town as they struggle with their own demons and the one who is lurking in shadows. Faith in each other can put a damper on the relationships of the lovers and friends.

Will the town residents be able to overcome the tragedy that is set forth, or will they believe the inherent demons affect their own morality?
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: Mar 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224269334

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 Inherent Immorality

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

Terror hits the town of Sars Springs as the demons of the past haunt many residents. Fearful that their own genetics are responsible for who they are and who they don’t want to be, some will go to any length to get rid of who they are inside.

Revenge throws a blanket on the town as they struggle with their own demons as well as the one who is lurking in shadows. Faith in each other can put a damper on the relationships of the lovers and friends.

Will the town residents be able to overcome the tragedy that is set forth or will they believe the inherent demons affect their own morality?

1 Reflections

ALEX O’ROARK SAT out on the balcony just outside her bedroom. Her husband, Jim, walked out and wrapped his strong arms around her. Quarter for your thoughts, he whispered.

She turned and smiled at him. Quarter? What happened to penny? she smiled.

"Inflation, he grinned, as he kissed her cheek. Alex, something has been bothering you since you got home from work today. I want to help, he said. Even if all I can do is just listen."

Alex took both his hands in hers. Babe, you know I love you, right?

Yes, he grinned. You married me. I should hope you do.

She kissed his mouth softly. We’ve been doing pretty well, I think. I know I was scared about getting married to you for a fourth time.

Angel, he said, as he led her into the bedroom, and they sat on the bed. What’s wrong? Did I do something wrong? Am I acting like an ass again?

She laughed slightly. No, why? Do you think you are?

No, he said. Well, Terry called me an ass the other day, but I screwed up an order. Usually, he’s the only one who can call me an ass and get away with it.

"It’s not that. I’m sorry, you’re not an ass. At least, I don’t think you are," Alex said.

Angel, please, you can tell me.

I don’t want to upset you, she said.

Please, he said. You’re upset. We’ve known each other most of our lives. We’ve been married four times and this last time is forever. Please, don’t keep things from me just because you’ll think I’ll get upset, he lightly touched her cheek. You’re not sick again, are you?

No, it’s not that. Don’t worry. I always read the labels before eating anything. As long as I take my meds, I’m good. No, it’s nothing like that, Alex stood up. Have you ever thought about what our life was like … before?

Before what?

Before we died, she said. You do remember that we died, right?

He smiled as he took her hand. Yeah, I remember. We were killed by Randy Harrison. Now, we are alive and so is he. He isn’t even the same man who killed us.

He’s not even the same man he was when I first met him, she said.

Did something happened between you and Randy that I don’t know about?

You know me, I tried to be so forgiving. When I look at Randy, I don’t really see that man … the one who used to love me, the one who lied to me, the one who turned into an evil monster and the one who killed us.

"Why are we talking about Randy?"

I don’t mean Randy. I was just trying to make a point about the past.

Angel, you’re kind of going around in circles, he said. I’m right here with you, so just say it.

I’ve had three women come into the facility this week, she said. They’ve all been victims of rape.

Oh, wow, and that brought up memories? he asked.

It’s not about Randy, she said. There was one thing about the M.O of each of them that caught my attention.

What’s that?

He stomped on their chest to subdue them before raping them, she said. That means…

They all have or will have a shoe print bruise, he said. Are these local rapes?

Afton, she said. I know our PD has joint-jurisdiction, but I don’t know who’s working the case. I can only support these women and try to help them.

Can I ask if they’re blondes? Jim asked.

Yeah, all three of them are blondes, she said. Oh, I didn’t even think of that. Jim, Greg can’t be doing this, can he? He’s changed, right?

I don’t know him well enough to say that he has or hasn’t changed, but I know there are people who truly believe in him, like his son and his wife. Even our grandson, Logan. Logan and Greg are best friends. Do you really think Greg Shapone would go back to raping women and ruin the life that he built?

I don’t know, she said. When he was a serial rapist, he used to kill his victims, too. I think I was the only one he didn’t kill.

No, Jim said. There were two others that weren’t killed. A Darla Hansen and Joyce Saunders. They were raped during the time when Greg had escaped custody. Both times the victims got away before he could kill them.

I didn’t know, Alex said.

At the time, our beloved chief, kept that news quiet. He told the victims it was for their protection, but it was for his own protection. Keeping quiet allowed him to try to blame your kidnapping on Greg.

I still don’t get it, Alex said.

Greg’s alibi for the ransom letter was him raping Darla. His alibi for delivering the photos of you to Bill was him raping Joyce Saunders. That’s why it was kept quiet. I didn’t even find this out until years later when I was trying to wrap up some things on him. You know, after Randy supposedly killed him.

Oh, she said. I know that you mentioned he led a trail of blonde women from Pennsylvania to here before he died.

Yeah, Jim said. I remember things if I think about them, but I don’t try to think about that, at least those memories.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you, she said.

He put his arm around her. You didn’t. I just wish you could forget what he put you through. I guess no matter how long ago, some things will always be a part of you.

I wish it wasn’t that way, but it is, she said. I don’t want to mention that this is Greg’s old M.O, but…

Then don’t, Jim said. You’re not the cop. You’re the victim’s advocate. So, just get their information. If they give you more information than they do to the cops, then you can help them talk to the detective on the case. Do you know who that is?

I didn’t get that far, she said. It could be an Afton detective. The rapes are in Afton. I’m not even sure of all the jurisdiction stuff between our PD and Afton.

At this point, no one does, Jim said. The powers that be, not me being one of them, are still trying to figure all that jurisdiction crap out.

You’re not? You are a deputy police commissioner, she said.

No, I’m letting the Chiefs and the mayors fight it out, he said. There are six arguments over six town jurisdictions. I don’t know. All I know is that it is overworking some of the police staff. Homicide, SVU, and Major Crimes are all working overtime right now. But, he looked into her eyes.

I didn’t mean to bring it up, Alex said. I guess I am out of the loop. You never talk about police work anymore with me.

Jim lightly touched her cheek and kissed her mouth softly. You worry about doing your job, but I’ll share more if you want.

I do want, she smiled. I like knowing what you do.

I like knowing what your day is like, too. Don’t ever think you have to keep things from me.

I’m sorry. I like knowing that I can share with you, she smiled. I have been swamped with work this week because of violence. It’s heart breaking.

Is Alessa helping you?"

Not this week, Alex said. She has a full schedule at the hospital. If you ask me, my daughter is working way too hard. That’s no way to try to make a baby.

She and Charles have been trying for two years, he said. Have you talked to her about it?

I just told her to forget the baby part and just relax, Alex said. She just doesn’t want to talk about it. I know they both want one. They wanted one before Charles graduated and became a partner. I hope she at least talks to Raina.

I’m sure she does. Raina will make time for her, Jim said.

Is something wrong with our daughter? Alex stood up. Jim?

No, Terry said she’s just working a lot. He says whatever she’s working on is so top secret that he never even knows when she’s going to be home.

Are they all right? Alex asked.

Jim stood up and hugged his wife. Yes, they’ll be fine, he said. I want you and me to focus on you and me right now.

Oh, really?

Yes, he said. Let’s go downstairs, curl up on the sofa, drink some wine, and watch a movie.

Can we eat, too? I’m starved, she smiled.

I think we’ve got something in the fridge, he smiled.

We do, she grinned. We have left over pizza and shrimp. Goes perfect with the wine.

Whatever you want, my sexy wife, Jim kissed her softly. Can I have you for dessert, though?

Definitely, she said. Thank you for making me feel better.

You do the same for me, Jim said, as he took her hand and led her down the stairs.

Lieutenant Randy Harrison stared at the file folders that were piled on his desk. He sighed heavily as his partner, Lieutenant Isaiah Dix, sat at his desk that was facing Randy’s. Ice, what’s that in your hand? Randy asked.

Oh, I just talked to Detective Stahl in Afton, Isaiah said.

Another one? Randy asked.

They got three in Afton, he said. He wants to keep the cases there but he’s afraid that they may start spilling over in Sars Springs or even Lowville. He wants us to be just involved in case of spillage.

Oh, all right, he stood up. I’m just about ready to head out. You going home, too?

Yeah, he looked at his watch. It’s late. I’d like to spend some time with my wife. She’s supposed to be home by eight tonight.

Maddy has been home for hours. I’ll tell you, these long shifts are killing me.

Me, too, Isaiah said, as Captain Elliot Haskell walked out of his office.

Men, he said. Just another couple weeks. I know, they are killers but trying to straighten out all this new jurisdiction crap and the overlapping rules. It’s a pain in the ass and we just don’t have all the resources yet.

Going home, sir? Isaiah asked.

Yeah, I hope my wife still recognizes me, he smiled as he headed out the door.

Mine, too, Isaiah said, as he set the folder on his desk. Let’s just get out of here.

Sounds perfect to me, Randy said, as he put on his jacket.

Something is bothering you, Isaiah said.

Yeah, but it’s probably nothing, the two men walked out of the Special Victims Unit department and into the corridor.

What is it?

The M. O’s seem familiar, Randy said.

I don’t remember a local case like this, he said. I’m hoping it doesn’t hit our town.

I don’t think it’s recent. It just seems familiar, he said, as they walked toward the front desk.

Signing out? Lieutenant Peter Lieberman asked.

Yeah, for the night, Randy said, as he and Isaiah sighed the logbook.

Are you the only department with long shifts? Peter asked.

No, Homicide and Major Crimes have it, but that’s it, he said. Is the Deputy Chief still in?

Yeah and so is the Chief, he said.

I’m sure they hate the shifts, too, Randy said. We’ll see you in the morning, Randy and Isaiah walked out of the building.

Fire Chief Logan Markum sat at the bar of the B&E. Danny Ross walked over to him and smiled. Alone tonight? he smiled.

No, I’m just waiting for Greg, he said. He should be here soon.

No wife tonight? he laughed.

Very funny, Logan smiled. Mark is at home tonight.

I’m sorry, I was just kidding, Danny laughed.

"So, where’s your wife?" Logan laughed.

Nick is out of town for some conference in D.C, Danny said. Some profiling thing. I think he has to give a lecture or something. Can I get you anything else?

Yeah, and if you could throw in a sausage and pepperoni pizza, we’d appreciate it.

I can do that, he said, as he set a bottle of beer on the bar and then walked into the kitchen.

Logan slowly sipped his beer as Greg Shapone walked into the bar. Greg pointed to an empty booth. Logan grabbed his beer and looked at Danny, as he walked out of the kitchen. I think we’ll need a pitcher, he said.

Coming right up, Danny said. Pizza is in the oven.

Logan sat down at the table across from his best friend. What’s wrong?

Nothing’s wrong, Greg said. Why do you say that?

Your voice is quiet, your eyes look sad, and you called me on a Wednesday.

Oh, right, I forgot, you read me too well, he said.

Best friends, Logan smiled, as Danny brought over the pitcher.

The pizza will be out shortly, Danny said, as he walked away.

Greg sighed, as he poured himself a glass of beer. I’m sorry. I just needed to get out of the house. He’s – he’s driving me nuts, Greg said.

Asa is still not saying anything? Logan asked

I don’t know what has gotten into him. He berates his mother. Actually, Stacy and I can’t even argue without him getting involved. He’s been home for two months and any time I’m home, he’s in his room glued to his computer.

Does he do anything? Logan asked.

I tried pushing him to get a job, but he says he doesn’t have to. He said that his mother owes him.

What does she owe him? Logan asked.

I have no idea, Greg sipped his beer. Oh, you didn’t come here to listen to me bitch and moan.

I’m here for you, Logan said. No matter what. Is he still … well … you know?

Yeah, he tries to hide it, but he’s still cutting himself. I don’t know what to do. I don’t even know who to talk to. I did some reading on it, and he needs help.

What does Stacy say?

She’s pulling away from the both of us, Greg said. I don’t know why, just that she is. I know she asked to work more shifts at the hospital, so she didn’t have to be home. Hell, if I could keep my garage open longer, I would, but I’d get burned out. Even with all my employees.

You work enough as it is, Logan said. If you ever need a break, you know where I am. I can talk to my mother about Asa and maybe she can recommend something.

If you want, he said. I just don’t know what to do. I hate feeling like this.

You’ll be fine. Remember what and who you want to be. Remember being the man who became my best friend. Don’t go back to the old Greg.

I get scared, you know, Greg said.

I know you do, Logan said. That’s why I’ll help you. I promise.

I’ve been thinking of talking to your mother about a medicine that will help me, but I don’t know, Greg said.

Is there one? Logan asked.

I have no idea, but if there is one, she’d know about it, Greg said, as Danny brought over their pizza.

Thanks, Danny, Logan said.

You’re welcome, he smiled at Bill who walked into the bar. I guess I’ll see you later. The boss is here to relieve me.

Bill Wheeler smiled as he sat at the end of the bar. Ready to cash out? he looked at Danny.

Yes, sir, Danny smiled.

Logan handed Greg a slice of pizza. One thing at a time. Do you think your marriage is in trouble?

I have no idea. She doesn’t talk to me anymore. She blames me for Asa. Now, I wonder … if my evil DNA got passed on to my son.

For one, you’re not evil, Logan said. I don’t know how to help your marriage problems, but I’m here for you, no matter what.

I used to be evil, Greg said. Maybe I still have that inside me.

I know that men do things wrong, bad, terrible, and maybe even evil things, but I don’t think that men are essentially evil. It’s what they do with themselves and how they treat others. Men who act evil or perform deviant acts are not true men. We all know from past experiences how bad and torturous men can be to others, but I don’t even think they were born that way, unless they were cloned or whatever. You’re not a clone. Asa is not a clone. He’s a young man, who is trying to find out who he is. He was always a happy child. Do you know what started him on this new behavior?

It’s my fault, Greg said. I never prepared my son for the man that I used to be. The man who was a serial rapist and murderer, not to mention all the horrendous things that I did against Alex.

"I still don’t understand. I