by Erin Wade
Jericho wrapped around her protectively, and they fell asleep as God buried Walid Farouk under four feet of snow.
##
Jericho called General Carson to notify her that the body of Mariam Reynolds was in the New York City morgue. “Walid has been neutralized, but I have a map that suggests his cell is planning to plant explosives on the main arteries leading into DC. . . . Yes, ma’am, I can scan it and send it to you right now.”
Jericho waited until Mecca turned on the shower. Then she unlocked the desk drawer and pulled out the photo. She had been pleased when she’d received the photo of Walid Farouk from General Carson. Assassination Authorized was stamped across it. She flipped it over and wrote “assignment completed” along with the date.
She sent the map to Carson. We should have a little surprise waiting for the remaining terrorists, she thought.
##
Faith and Kadence clung to each other as they watched the evening news. A convoy of military vehicles, led by General Abigail Carson, escorted the White House’s emergency response team to New York to pick up the body of Mariam Reynolds.
Later, Carson held a press conference to answer reporters’ questions. “I will have four officers with the body of the First Lady at all times,” she explained. “I do not want any crazy theories sprouting wings about the identity of First Lady Mariam Reynolds. This body has been positively identified as Mrs. Reynolds. The DNA and fingerprints have been verified by two different pathologists. My officers will make certain this body is the one buried in her grave.
“Mariam Reynolds suffered enough in life. I will make certain she rests in peace.”
“General, do you know anything about the girls?” a reporter asked.
“No, we have no leads on the president’s daughters,” Carson replied. “But rest assured we will find them and bring the full wrath of the US Federal Government down on them.”
The convoy returned safely to Washington. Funeral arrangements were announced. Daniel Devon insisted that his daughter’s body rest in the family cemetery.
After an elaborate funeral in Washington, Mariam’s body was transported to Texas. True to her word, General Carson’s guards were with the body 24-7 until the casket was covered with Texas soil.
Chapter 21
Stacy Crawford and the girls stayed on the fringe of the funeral party. They didn’t want to interact with anyone. They only wanted to say goodbye to their mother and friend.
After the girls were secured in her SUV, Stacy located Daniel Devon. She hugged her longtime friend and muttered words of sympathy.
That night they all slept in Stacy’s king-size bed. The girls clung to her for reassurance. Stacy hurt for them. She loved them so much. The tears she shed were for them, not Mariam.
“Stacy, what is going to happen to us?” Lindsey asked.
“Stacy will be our mother now,” Kimi explained, as if it were the natural solution.
“May we call you Mommy?” Mary asked.
Stacy hugged them to her. “You can call me whatever you want, my precious babies. I will always be here for you.”
Stacy cooked pancakes for breakfast as the girls watched the news rehash their mother’s funeral.
“Look, there’s Daddy,” Mary said, pointing to the TV. “Who’s that lady holding onto his arm?”
“His new girlfriend,” Lindsey huffed. “He couldn’t even wait until he knew for certain Mom was dead.”
“Is Daddy President of the United States?” Kimi asked.
“Yes, dear,” Stacy said. “He’s doing a wonderful job too. We’re very fortunate to have your father leading our country.”
“Mom should be First Lady,” Lindsey said as she began to cry. “I’m glad we’re out of Washington.” She hiccupped as she tried to stop her tears. “I never liked it there.”
The news ran a five-minute report on the disappearance of the three girls.
“Should we tell them we’re alive?” Lindsey asked.
“Not yet,” Stacy said. “Your mother said to keep you hidden. I don’t know who was after you, but they’re obviously dangerous.”
Stacy knew sooner or later she would have to let Daniel Devon know his granddaughters were alive.
##
Kadence watched the TV as pallbearers carried the casket from the church to the waiting hearse. A handsome man in his late fifties followed the casket to the vehicle and cried as it pulled away.
The news switched from the funeral to local news. Trace Gallagher reported that a terrorist was discovered when snowplows began cleaning up the streets.
“Walid Farouk was carrying two bombs and the makings of another,” the newsman reported. “Authorities believe he was on his way to blow up something when he froze to death in the blizzard. Perhaps God is watching over us,” Gallagher concluded.
“That should remove you from harm’s way.” Kadence smiled at Faith as she turned off the TV. “No one will mistake you for Mariam Reynolds again.”
“Mecca and Jericho have invited us to dinner tonight,” Faith informed her fiancée.
“Sounds good to me, if it’s okay with you.”
Faith nodded. “I always like to spend time with them. They’re fun.”
“You seem disturbed about something, Kady.” Faith snuggled into her. “Do you want to discuss whatever is bothering you?”
“I have a patient that came to me after she was disfigured in a fire. I had to do surgery to remove scars, fix an eyebrow, and replace her ear.
“She received the burns when her boss made her light the water heater in his camper. When my patient struck the match, the thing exploded. She’s lucky she wasn’t killed
“Her boss had forgotten to turn off the propane to the water heater the last time he went camping. The pilot light had gone out, and gas had filled the space beneath the cabinet where the heater was stored. It was a bomb waiting to explode.”
Kadence’s phone rang. It was Jericho informing them dinner was served.
##
“Oh my God. What is this, honey?” Jericho asked as she put another bite of food in her mouth.
“Chicken Tetrazzini,” Mecca said, smiling.
“Umm, it tastes like heaven on a fork,” the Captain said. “I can’t believe you’re so gorgeous and can cook too.”
“No mention of my intelligence?” Mecca teased.
“That goes without saying. You are marrying me, after all.”
“Speaking of marrying,” Kadence said shyly, “has anyone given any thought to a date?”
Silence fell across the room.
“I’m ready to set a date,” Jericho said. “The sooner, the better.”
“That’s the way I feel,” Kadence said. “Tomorrow wouldn’t be soon enough.”
A look of panic crossed Faith’s face. “Kadence, I think we should discuss this in private,” she said sternly.
“I’m sorry,” Kadence mumbled. “That was thoughtless of me.”
“Tell Mecca and Jericho about the woman who was in the explosion.” Faith slipped her arm through Kadence’s, banishing the awkward moment.
Kadence related the story she had shared with Faith earlier.
“Does she have a family?” Faith asked.
“A husband and three young children,” Kadence said. “She had refused to light the heater because it made her nervous to be around gas and matches.
“Her boss informed her she could either light the heater or he would fire her. Now he is refusing to cover her hospital bills and has already hired someone to take her place in his company.”
Faith frowned. “She should hire an attorney. She has a very strong case. He is liable for personal injury, including bodily injury, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Not to mention the loss of consortium.”
Three pairs of eyes focused on Faith.
“What is a loss of consortium?” Jericho asked.
“For the children, it’s the deprivation of their
mother’s love and affection, not having her to care for them. Faith answered matter-of-factly. “For the husband, it’s the loss of a helpmate and sexual partner.”
“Where did that come from?” Mecca said, watching Faith closely. “How did you know that?”
“I . . . I don’t know,” Faith said. “I just know the law.”
“Do you think you could pass the bar exam?” Jericho asked.
Faith shrugged. “Even if I could, I can’t take it. I don’t have a name. No driver’s license or birth certificate. I don’t have a passport.”
“I can fix that.” Jericho smiled. “What last name do you want?” She took several photos of Faith with her iPhone.
“Doe is fine,” she said, smiling shyly at Kadence. “I don’t plan to keep it long.”
Kadence let out a long, slow breath. She had been subdued after Faith refused to discuss a date. Kadence feared she was having second thoughts about marrying her.
Mecca began gathering the dishes. “Honey, why don’t you and Kadence serve dessert and coffee in the living room while Faith and I clear the table?”
Faith followed her friend into the kitchen, empty bowls and silverware in hand.
“Do you have a particular date in mind for your wedding?” Faith asked softly.
“Not really,” Mecca said. “It might be nice to have a double wedding in Albany. That would make it easy for my family and Kadence’s. “I don’t want anything spectacular. Just close friends and family. Nikki and Teagan and my parents, along with Kadence’s family. What about you?”
“I would love that.” Faith grinned. “I was hoping you would want to do that. I don’t think it matters to Kadence and Jericho. They just want to go ahead with the wedding.”
Mecca laughed. “As do I.”
“Can Jericho get me legal papers and identification?” Faith nibbled at her lower lip.
“Just between you and me,” Mecca said, a furtive glimmer in her eye, “Jericho can do anything.”
“Well, let’s see what they think about a double wedding.”
##
Just as she had promised, Jericho and Mecca showed up at Faith’s apartment with a driver’s license, passport, and a birth certificate showing she was born in Estelline, Texas. A law degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and a Certificate of Good Standing from the State Bar of Texas cemented her profession.
Faith couldn’t contain her excitement. “Wow! I’m impressed with Faith Doe. Do I want to know how you accomplished this?”
“No.” Jericho laughed.
“All you have to do is pass the New York bar,” Mecca said.
“There are classes you can take to help you prepare,” Kadence added. “I’ll help in any way I can.”
Faith suddenly wished she were alone with her fiancée. She wasn’t positive about many things, but one thing she was certain of: she loved Kadence Pride with all her being.
Mecca and Kadence called their parents. They decided a June wedding would give the families time to prepare and invite guests.
Kadence knew Faith was smart, but she was unprepared for how incredibly brilliant she was. She took the bar refresher courses and passed the New York bar on her first attempt. With Kadence’s help, she rented office space in the same building as Mecca.
Her first client was one of Kadence’s patients. After Faith sat down with the company attorney and listed all the things she would present in court, they agreed to a two-million-dollar settlement.
Faith couldn’t believe the pride she felt when she opened the check made out to her for one-third of the settlement. She endorsed it to Kadence.
“It’s important to me that you accept this for all you’ve done for me,” she insisted. “The surgery, the start-up money for my practice . . . I couldn’t have accomplished this without your help.
“I want us to begin our lives together as equals. I don’t ever want you to think that I married you for your money.”
“I thought you were marrying me because I’m incredibly beautiful and awesome in bed,” Kadence said, laughing.
“That is true.” Faith smiled as she slipped her arms around Kadence and hugged her. “That is exactly why I’m marrying you, Kadence Pride.”
##
“We must be low-key about our marriage,” Jericho explained as the three couples shared pizza at McGill’s Grill.
“I am first and foremost Mecca’s bodyguard. The service would frown upon me marrying my assignment, so the less said, the better.”
“We definitely don’t want her reassigned,” Mecca added.
“Why does Mecca need a bodyguard?” Nikki said.
“On occasion, Mecca does work for the federal government,” Jericho explained. “She’s assigned protection, and that’s the end of it.”
“She’s more than just an asset, isn’t she?” Teagan narrowed her eyes and studied her sister. “She’s special in some way.”
“Yes,” Jericho said. “She’s the woman I love.”
Teagan’s attention wasn’t that easily redirected. “What service do you perform for the federal government that makes you so important?”
“I’m afraid that is classified information, Sis.” Mecca’s scowl ended the conversation.
##
The weddings were small and private. Everything went smoothly. Kadence surprised Faith with a honeymoon in Hawaii, while Jericho and Mecca continued their life as usual in New York.
Chapter 22
Stacy Crawford laughed as she watched her girls swim. At first they had been hesitant to dive into the pool. Now she couldn’t keep them on dry land. They reminded her of three frolicking porpoises, diving, rising from the water, and squealing as they tossed their hair back from their eyes.
“Mom, may we go for a horseback ride after dinner?” Mary said.
“That’s what I had in mind,” Stacy said. “I haven’t seen the bald-faced cow and her calf in a couple of days. We need to check on them.”
##
After dinner they saddled their horses and began the search for the cow and her calf.
All three of the girls were natural riders. They handled horses as if they had been born in the saddle.
Stacy was especially proud of their academic achievements. All three had the top grade point average in their grade level. There was no doubt they had inherited Mariam’s brilliant mind.
“Mom, what’s kicking up that dust?” Lindsey said as she pointed toward a fast-moving dust cloud headed toward them.
Stacy frowned. “Looks like we have a visitor.”
They rode their horses to the front of the sprawling ranch house. A leased car parked in the circular drive, and a short, balding man got out.
Stacy rode her steed toward the man. “May I help you?”
“I’m Willard Fram,” he said, shielding his eyes from the sun as he looked up at Stacy. “May I speak with you?”
Stacy shrugged. “Sure.” She made no move to dismount.
“May we talk inside where it’s cooler?” Fram pulled a handkerchief from his hip pocket and mopped the sweat from his brow.
“Why don’t you state your business first?” Stacy frowned.
“I just wondered if you knew anything about Daniel Devon.” Fram cleared his throat.
“What business do you have with Daniel?”
“Please, may we go inside?” Fram shifted his considerable girth from one foot to the other.
Stacy nodded and dismounted. “Girls, please take care of the horses before you come inside.”
“Okay, Mom,” the trio chorused.
Stacy poured lemonade for Fram and herself and motioned for him to follow her into the study. She grimaced as her expensive chair groaned under his weight.
“How can I help you?” she asked.
Fram downed the glass of lemonade before speaking. “I am an attorney representing President Reynolds.” He handed her a business card.
“I’ve been trying to contact Mr. Devon for months. Ever s
ince Mrs. Reynold’s funeral. The president is, um, concerned about his late wife’s father.”
“I believe Daniel’s in France,” Stacy said. The lie rolled easily off her tongue. “I understand he’ll be back toward the end of summer. Daniel doesn’t like our hot weather.”
Fram snorted. “That’s understandable. When he returns, please give him my card.” Fram handed her two more business cards.
“I will.”
The girls joined Stacy on the front porch as Fram’s car disappeared in a cloud of dust.
“Last one in the pool’s a goat roper,” Stacy yelled as she ran around the house. She shed her clothes as she reached the pool and dove in naked. The girls followed her, squealing loudly as their little naked bodies hit the cool water.
“I never swam naked before.” Kimi laughed. “It feels good.”
“It’s called skinny-dipping,” Stacy said as she dog-paddled to the deep end of the pool.
“Mother would think we’re heathens,” Lindsey said, grinning.
“Your mother and I skinny-dipped together a thousand times,” Stacy said. “This was her favorite way to swim.”
“Mine too,” Lindsey squealed.
After showering, the girls piled into Stacy’s bed for their bedtime story.
“Girls, tomorrow we’re going to see your grandfather,” Stacy informed them. “I think he’s going to need you.”
##
Daniel Devon was delighted to hear from his closest neighbor. He hadn’t seen Stacy since Mariam’s funeral.
He stood in the courtyard as Stacy’s SUV slowed to a stop. She left the vehicle running as she got out, closed the door, and hugged him tightly.
“Daniel, you know that Tom Reynolds has been trying to reach you,” Stacy said.
“Yes, he wants Mariam’s money, but I don’t believe the girls are dead, and I’ll be damned if I’ll give him our family money to cavort with his new girlfriend.”
“I understand your feelings,” Stacy said. “Let me tell you a story.”
Daniel Devon listened in dismay as Stacy told him of her rescue of his granddaughters. As Stacy concluded her story, she pressed the button on her fob that killed the engine of her SUV. She opened the back door, and the three girls tumbled out.
