Murder by Blackmail


By Lorraine B.
© 2002

 

Part Two

We arrived to the quiet, tree lined western suburbs without incident. Turning onto the street of the Crime Scene, we were greeted by the emergency lights of many vehicles both the suburb, county, state and of course the Feds.

On stopping the car, I saw a guy carrying out a box from the house.

"How many boxes are there?" I yelled to the guy through the Limo window I had lowered.

"I have four and no more."

"Hey, who da fuck are youse guys?" Timmy said as he put on his identifying jacket getting out of the Limo.

"Special Agent Taylor, FBI, asshole."

"Well Taylor, you can put that stuff back into the house." I said as I called two Deputy Sheriffs and two local cops over.

"Fuck you, this is our CS." Taylor said.

"Well Agent Taylor, I'm Inspector O'Shea and this is Inspector O'Shea and we're from the SA's Office. This CS is our jurisdiction and we didn't invite any of you Feds to come and play with us. You are formally being told to leave our party. Sorry, but my husband says I can't dance with you."

"Get Fucked!"

Deputies and Officers you will take everything the Feds took from the CS and escort all Feds from the premises, until we tell you otherwise. If they give you any shit arrest them and lose them in county. Make sure they see Bubba. Are you clear on your orders?

As a matter of fact take them to county anyway. Okay Bubbas' waitin' for your sweet booty dear." I said as I walked away with Timmy while the Fed screamed I was a fucking slut bitch and whore.

"Bubba Huh? That was good dear. You're learning well."

"Hey, I had and have a good teacher." I said as we walked in the door putting on my latex gloves.

The house was a mess as we walked in. Everything was in tatters from when I remembered it. It had always been a clean and tidy home. Paintings and photos where thrown in disarray. Glass was broken everywhere. Furniture was cut open with the stuffing scattered about. Pictures were at angles that they were not intended to hand from.

"Who are you?" a man wearing an FBI jacket said.

"SA's Office. No gloves? And you're contaminating the CS. Please leave and smoke that outside." I said pointing at the cigarette he held.

"Sure, sorry I'll go join the other agent outside."

I managed to get the attention of a Deputy and pointed at the agent leaving. He nodded his head and began walking toward the agent.

"Damn Rookies!" Timmy said softly.

"Damn Timmy how'd you do it?" A detective from the local department said

"Was that the last of them in here, Frank?" Timmy said.

"Yes, they were here first on stakeout. Our Beat car saw them entering and followed them; our car called it in after a burglary call from an Alarm Service. The Feds were threatening them and everyone until just now. That asshole that just left and the other one puked when they saw the upstairs."

Timmy was pissed and called the Big Boss. Robbie was explained the situation and what I did earlier to both Feds. Timmy held the phone out so I could hear Robbie laughing uproariously on the cell phone.

What angered him too was that the two morons contaminated the crime scene and should have known better. He stated he was calling the State Attorney General and the Department of Justice AG to file complaints.

"Where's the ME?" I asked as Timmy was on the phone.

"She's upstairs, we found two men alive and they're at the hospital now, I think. The body count is five so far. The Feds, I think were sleeping in their cars as it had to have happened early this morning sometime." The suburb detective told me.

"No help, no maid?" I asked.

"Maria had a woman come in three times a week a neighbor said. Another thing, they had people over until one or two in the morning. It was Guido's card night in the basement."

I went upstairs and found the ME taking a break.

"Gee Terri you did it! You went all the way finally. Girl, welcome to the club. We all cheered when we heard about you. We even had a few at the Firehouse for you both." She said and hugged me.

"Hi Sherry, this has to stop. We keep meeting at the damnedest places." Timmy said.

"This one is rough and the Feds made it even worse. The Techs are pissed."

I pulled out the radio and called the Sheriff's Dispatcher.

"SA Inspector zero two to Sheriff's Dispatch on Mutual three."

"Go Inspector."

"There are two Feds being brought into county. Charge them with B and E, Destruction of Evidence at a CS and wait one."

"How many safes Sherry?"

"Four that I know of. Ace locksmiths were called in."

"Four counts of felony burglary of a safe, send a car and arrest the owner of Ace Locksmiths and their safe mechanic for the same as well as accessories to the B and E. No warrant was involved. No probable cause for the safes. I want them to sweat and implicate the Feds."

"Standby Inspector."

"Inspector zero two, incoming on the no wire landline."

"Roger, thanks. Zero two out."

"Terri, are you sure about what you want done?" Sheriff Bill Andrews asked as I answered the cell phone.

"You have the SA's blessings on this one Bill. They fucked up the CS."

"Oh Shit! I would say they are fucked. Not very professional were they?"

"Not hardly, the Techs are pissed and might have more charges to add. What was worse was they were smoking and regurgitated.

Bill I have a favor to ask, have county scare the living shit out of those two. Lose the paperwork so they're there for a while. No phone, Rubber hoses are allowed on those two, place them incommunicado like they do to their detainees. Make sure you read them the Miranda."

"Terri that's taking a chance. The political pressure you know will be put onto us."

"I know and I'll call Robbie and tell him. We'll take the heat, just lose them."

"Okay, but have him call me too. If I get the heat so will he. Sorry, but I believe in sharing all shit that's thrown at me."

"Sure Bill and Thanks."

I called Robbie and was put right through to him. Neil was in his office as I told them what I asked the county sheriff to do. He understood that this was a game of political leverage with the assholes in D.C. They screwed up the last Serial and I didn't want them near this one. Robbie agreed, now that the Mob was involved.

Neil was all for it. Most local agencies despised the Feds behind their backs, but we all welcomed all the money they wished to spend. I know it is a bit whorish but money is money, it does have a tendency to talk.

In Neil's case, if he could arrange it, he'd throw every Fed there was out of the county. The only thing professional about them was they were braggarts, liars and fuck-ups that's what he called them, even to their faces.

Neil felt that there was better talent and more intelligent officers locally in any department than those ass kissing political morons were. He once said civil servants, yeah sure, so they could fuck each other in the ass and form a train to serve each other and protect their own asses.

"You just made many friends just now." Sherry said.

"Yeah and the shithouse is mine too. Okay let's go see the stiffs. I heard there were two survivors?"

"Yeah, but they both died en route. The bodies are in the morgue on ice for me when I get back. Seven is the total so far."

"The same MO on the stiffs? Any TG's?"

"It looks that way. Yes, one, same as all the others."

"Shit! Take me to her."

"Terri, there's two other bodies there, an older man and a woman."

"I thought so, that would be Uncle Guido, Aunt Maria and Cari that used to be Johnny."

"What? Their last name is Galucci not O'Shannon or O'Shea."

"That was my father's last name Galucci, my mother's maiden name is O'Shannon."

"We heard rumors you were related to the Galucci family but I normally don't pay attention to those rumors. Terri I don't think it's a good idea to go into that room." Sherry said.

"I agree Sherry, Terri please stay out of there." Timmy asked.

"No dear, I have to go into that room. Uncle Sally would want me to do it and so would my father. I have to pay my last respects to family, so please allow me to do that."

"Okay we'll be right there with you."

The Lab Techs were just finishing taking pictures as we walked into the room. I took one look at my aunt, uncle and cousin hog-tied and shot. I cried seeing them as they were found. I sensed their lack of dignity just as the others were found. I felt the restlessness of their souls crying out for revenge.

Timmy and Sherry hugged me into them as I cried. Uncle Guido may have done some horrific things in his life, okay he was a damn monster, but his death was not one of honor for one in the Family that took the vows of a Made Man. He was not afraid of anything not even the Feds and their constant Cat and Mouse Games. He took the vow of silence, Omerta. He took the Vow of Blood to become a Brother in the Brotherhood of the Rose. The knife, gun and rose symbolized his life.

Aunt Maria was always soft, kind and gentle to everyone. She never had a bad word for anyone. She was there for her family and husband. She was there for blood family and her nieces and nephews. She was there for each of her neighbors and friends.

Johnny or Cari as she called herself now was the last body I looked at. We never knew of the other side of this child of Guido and Maria. Why get involved with the bondage or Sado-Masochistic lifestyle that could bring danger. She was another that was quiet, kind and gentle as her mother was. She knew at an early age that she wanted to be an accountant, a lawyer or both. She was very intelligent and was always on the honor rolls at the schools she attended.

Death is a finality from which there is no return. I have seen too much death in my job over the years. This however to see blood members of your family murdered brings about that cold hard reality of death even closer. The Sicilian Mob uses a term called Vendetta or Blood Feud. This was what I wanted; I wanted the blood of those that killed my family members. The collective asses of those people that did this were mine and mine alone.

"Terri, please come with me." Timmy begged taking my arm trying to pull me from the room.

"What are these people, animals? Sure Uncle Guido wasn't a saint but Aunt Maria made up for them both. Why her?" I asked just as Timmy's cell phone went off.

I stared openly, yet not seeing, as the Morgue Attendants prepared the bodies for transport to the morgue.

"That was the Deputy at the door. There's a guy there that say's he's an attorney, Vincent Callissi." Timmy said.

"Let him up, he's the counselor or consigliere for Uncle Sally, his attorney." I said.

I heard Timmy tell the Deputy to let him upstairs. I asked the attendants to wait a moment for the attorney to come up. They left the room with the ME so we could talk.

"Theresa, what happened?" Vincent said hugging me to him.

They're dead Vincenzo, all dead."

"I understand, is this part of the reason you and your husband came to see Don Salvatore about?"

"Yes but now this scum has killed family."

"I see."

"Look Vincent, Terri is upset. We have to keep impartial in this investigation in order for justice to be served. Terri has ID'd the bodies here, but there are more. There are two at the morgue and two more in the basement recreation room and ID'd those bodies in the basement. Each of these people were probably tortured and then killed." Timmy said.

"Who are the others?"

"One is Tony Scalaria; off the record, was he one of Guido's crew?"

"No, but he was getting real chummy with Guido. The Don was worried that the Family was going to the mattresses because of him."

"War again! That's not good. Was Scarface going to try to be the new Don?"

"By all indications, yes. Salvatore has had several attempts on his life."

"That explains so many soldiers at our meet over the weekend."

"Another was Carlo Temperato."

Carlo 'La Pistola' Temperato was the Galucci family Enforcer. He was the meanest Son-of-a-bitch you'd never want to meet anywhere. It was rumored that he had killed over two hundred and fifty men all over the country on contract hits. He would pistol whip, choke and then dispatch his prey with a bullet to the back of the head. He had a habit of bringing the bodies to his own territory in their cars.

When they were dead he'd shove the gun in the victim's mouth and dispose of the body into a junker, place the junker into an auto crusher that made bales out of the metal and then he had the bales melted down to be reused.

"Holy shit, one the Don didn't think of. He was trusted by all of us." Vincent said.

"Hymie 'The Jew' Burnbaum died on the way to the hospital. The other one, I don't know yet."

"The Jewish Family too, the Don will be angered."

"All we ask is no retribution, no blood spilled. We have to get those other animals off the street first."

"I'll speak to the Don and try to reason with him. I can't promise anything."

"Tell Uncle Sally, I want them first! I want Tweeps! I will get them one way or the other. Vincenzo are you hearing what I have said?" I said.

"Theresa be patient, you have shared with me as I have shared with you. They will be found; that I can promise. If they resist and die, so be it. They will all die eventually either at our hands, in the joint or in the system."

"Vincenzo, the Feds were here first. They opened four of the safes and removed the contents. The Sheriff has the contents but it is evidence against them. The Sheriff should have them by now." I said.

"I understand, so will your uncle. Call me afterward when it can all be released at anytime." Vincent said as he handed us his business cards.

"Thank you Vincenzo for the honesty." Timmy said shaking his hand firmly.

"I am still an officer of the court. I took an oath to cooperate with the court's officials. Salvatore said to trust you and I do. He said you are as honest as Terri is. You are family blood of the Don now." Vincent said and left silently with no emotion.

"Damn that guy is cold blooded a real shark." Timmy said several minutes after he left.

"I bet he's calling Uncle Sally right now." I said.

"Even Money babe, even money on that bet."

The attendants and the ME returned for the dead in the room. I said a silent prayer for their souls to have peace, as they each were lifted into their body bags and onto the Gurney. They took the gurney away to the awaiting meat wagons for the trip to the morgue.

We finalized the initial investigation and sealed the house as was required. The Press at the house was respectful as we declined to answer any of their questions and referred them back to the SA's Office.

In the car we told Ernie to go to the SA's Office. As usual I was stuck doing the reports when we got back, oh well a woman's work is never done besides I had to get my mind off of the revenge I swore to do.

In our office Robbie and Neil came in. We filled them both in on what Vincent had said.

"Oh fuck, not another war!" Robbie said.

"That's what we're trying to avoid. The Feds are going to make things tough on us with this investigation. La Familia will be shooting first and then find out later who they shot." I said.

"Boss can I draw a bulls eye on all their asses?" Neil said smiling.

"Yeah, you and every cop in the county would love to do that. Oh, your friends are hidden in county. They each have a very new friend in their cells." Robbie said.

"Boss, why do I have to assume they both will be walking funny and their voices an octave higher when they get out of there."

"Gee Terri I dunno. The CO's said that they don't know or haven't heard anything in that area. I personally think the cameras don't work in that area either. "

"They'll both have a smile on their faces and a wiggle in their asses." Neil said reaffirming what I asked.

"Possibly, the locksmiths will testify against those two morons also. They will also pass the unofficial word not to do any lock work for the Feds in this county." Robbie said.

"The owner was bitching that they didn't pay them enough anyway for the cracking." Neil said.

"Damn it! Those assholes made our jobs tougher. Dispatch get Iggy and Paul in here now." Timmy said into the intercom.

 

We spoke about what had happened, the entry point was a side window leading into laundry room. These assholes were slick cutting the phone lines that caused the alarm system to go into an alarm condition. Any alarm service would dispatch the P.D. to investigate the cause.

"Timmy did the Central Station call the P.D. to notify them that the alarm was in trouble? If they did what time did they dispatch or call? What company? What company did the Swoboda's have?" I asked.

"I'll have Iggy check it out. Where the hell are those two?" Timmy said as Paul and Iggy walked in.

"We heard; damn there's going to be a war." Paul said.

"Yeah we'll go see Don Sally and try to repair the damage later. In the meantime find out what Alarm Company the Swoboda family have and Guido.

If they dispatched, I want the times to both and the time the alarm went into trouble. Also get who they sent to investigate it." Timmy said.

"Global Security on both. The tech was George Alonzo on both, twenty years with the company. Married nine kids, three in college. Credit is shit but lately paying all his bills with cash and heavy bank deposits."

"I do believe we have a link. Go talk to him and good work. And get rid of those damn suits and ties this isn't the Force and you're not Feds." Timmy said making the Investigators smile as they walked from the office.

"I see what you meant by those two. They did that work on their own without being asked." Neil said impressed.

"Yeah but they also made themselves targets too." I said.

 

"Okay, I see your point. Dispatch, I want a location and a check in of Paul and Iggy. If they're one minute late with a check in, roll all available units. Is that better?"

"Much."

Timmy called Ernie into the office and handed him all the files of all the murders to be placed into the car.

"Ah……Tim, I did something you better know about." Ernie said walking into the office.

"Don't tell me you banged up the car."

"Hell No, when we were at your Crime Scene they were getting ready to tow the Feds car. The Deputies forgot to unload the boxes out of it. I took all the boxes in it and put them into the trunk of the Limo. Sorry but I forgot to tell you."

"Bring them all in. Shit the Sheriff was waiting for the evidence. Now we really are in deep shit."

Ernie left with the files going to the car for the evidence boxes.

"Are you sure he can be trusted?" Robbie said.

"I'm sending him to school to be just like you, an attorney. He's a good kid with a very good GPA in Pre-law. He has a permit to carry while working for me and is a licensed PI. He also lives in my house, with my family. There are more antiquities there than in the museums. Can he be trusted, hell yes." Timmy said.

"Okay Timmy, I get your point. He can be trusted. I'll smooth things out with Bill after we take a look in those boxes." Robbie said.

"Gee Boss can you be trusted?" I said.

"As your Boss, yes, as an attorney absolutely not." Robbie said breaking the tension with a fast quip.

Ernie and several other investigators entered with eight large boxes and brought them in.

"Ernie, please stay." Robbie said.

"Sweetie, how many boxes did the Fed say there were?" I asked.

"Four, Shit we have eight. Ernie, all these came from the Fed car?"

"Yes sir, I stuffed five in the trunk and three into the front seat. That prick had the front, back and trunk loaded. I took them all as the tow truck mechanic was hooking the car up. The guy never said a word as he kept hooking the car." Ernie said.

"Dispatch has Paul and Iggy left yet, if not I want them in my office now." Timmy said into the intercom.

"Boss get the hell out of here, you too Neil." Timmy said.

"You're not going to do what I think you're going to do are you?" Robbie said.

"Now Boss would we do such a thing, Damn the box just opened." Timmy said as the letter opener opened the sealed box.

Both Neil and Robbie hauled their butts out of our office as if they saw a hooker giving free blowjobs.

"Damn, no inventory sheets. Let's get to it, everyone take a box." Timmy said.

"You wanted us Timmy?"

"Yeah get your butts in here and lock the door. Grab a box and go through it all. Have Valerie make copies of all the paper and computer disks." I said.

"Ah… Boss, I have an arsenal in here." Ernie said as he opened his box.

"Jeez, why the fuck did Guido have all this shit. Get Harry in the lab up here."

Valerie and Harry came to the office as soon as they were both called. The box Harry took contained boxed knives, presentation cased guns and ammunition to his lab in the basement to do an assessment of all the weapons that were found by Ernie. Valerie began the long arduous chore of copying all the computer disks and papers found.

Iggy opened another box and whistled low and loud getting our attention. Half of the box was filled to the top with money of all denominations, both of foreign and domestic currencies. There were sixty velour bags that contained diamonds and other loose jewels. Once again Harry was called to the office for the box.

"Damn, where the hell were you three at, a bank vault?" Paul asked as he opened another box filled with more cash and this time jewelry of gold, silver and platinum.

"That Fed said four boxes, Huh. I smell a thief." Timmy said as Sandi came into our office.

"Terri can I speak to you please?"

"Sure come on in." I said.

"It's about those papers, Val and I found two Wills from your Aunt and Uncle. Sorry about your loss."

"Thanks Sandi. Did you copy them?"

"Yes."

"Make two more copies of them and put the originals back with the rest. Put the copies on my desk please." I said.

"Jeez, Titles, deeds, incorporation papers, stocks, bonds and Bearer Bonds. The Bearer Bonds are five hundred grand apiece. These alone are worth millions. Twenty-five thousand shares of IBM stock, my lord they'd shit if they knew who owned their stock. Damn this stuff could be real dynamite if it was disclosed. We'd better call Robbie back in, this is way too hot to handle ourselves." Timmy said looking though his box and using the phone.

Within minutes Robbie and Neil came back into our office. He was shown some of the stocks, bearer bonds and bond certificates as well as some of the other papers.

"Gawd Damn, It true! They've infiltrated legitimate business. This stuff is all legit! The Mob as Landlords, jeez." Robbie said.

We had heard rumors to that effect that the Mob was going legit. Many of the money people suggested it years ago to them after all, what was Meyer Lansky? That's right the Mob Laundryman, Moneyman and banker.

We had heard the rumors that they were buying land and building malls and office buildings. What better way was there to launder money from their illegal enterprises? They owned construction companies and trucking companies. They owned banks, real estate and brokerages through dummy corporations or shells. Why not? The Hydra was alive and well in the Family, cut a head off and two more grow back. Shit the Feds are blowing smoke up their butts with the RICO Act. The paper trail can go form now to infinity.

"Boss with all this stuff and only going through a portion of it, I see mass panic in all the markets. Stocks could plummet to levels below the Great Stock Market Crash on a global scale. This country would never recover, possibly the world would never recover." Timmy said.

"I can see that. The question is what should we do?"

"Give it back to them?" Ernie said.

"Explain Ernie, you have my attention." Robbie said.

"First these are all leverage for you, politically. Second, you can bet your sweet ass these were going to some higher up in one of the political parties, once again leverage only on a higher scale. Third you have a basic amount of control over them to protect the citizen from another war.

By these papers they have an unlimited cash flow. In essence they run the country from behind the scenes. These are the real power brokers of the world. They don't have to rub someone out anymore they buy the corporation and ruin people internally. Instead of rubbing out the corporation they raid it, you know strip it of its assets.

Corporations change from inshore to offshore. Banking is all wireless we have a non-paper, electronic economy. Trillions of dollars are sent each day over those wires. Control the operations, you control the flow and charge fees up the ass. I see more profit exceeding all the illicit profit eventually.

Another thing is if you have all these and show copies to the Feds you can get them off your backs anytime you wish. All you have to do is threatened to go public with this stuff. There are no deals where they can dictate to you."

"I like this kid. I want these to be copied and archived on our computers. The hard drives are to be removed and stored at a disaster storage site out of the country.

Terri, call Vincent set up a meeting with him and Don Salvatore. I want only all of you in this office to go, no one else. It has to be a very private location from prying eyes. I don't want any leaks of information on these papers so use only trusted people on this project.

If you ever get tired of working for Timmy come see me Ernie."

"Sorry, but I like being Timmy's Black pain in the ass. Besides, I secretly adore Terri."

"Ernie now you're pushing it." Timmy said.

"Damn you take all my fun away."

Several hours later we were finished with the assignment. Vincenzo was called by me and arranged the meeting for tomorrow night at a safe location outside of the county at a very rural farm. It was suggested to use a helicopter to get there. A rental Helicopter was suggested and declined as Timmy already had several available and he trusted the pilots. Gee, another surprise for me. What next a diamond mine? An airline? A girl can dream can't she?

As I was speaking to Vincenzo I saw the Last Wills and Testaments of my Aunt and Uncle. I began to read them as I waited on the telephone for Vincenzo. I had a very difficult time due to the amount of legalese involved.

I called Robbie over and handed the papers to him as I concluded the preparations of the meeting for tomorrow night, including flight directions. It was suggested that no flight plan be filed or a dummy flight plan used to throw off the Feds. Timmy was told and agreed with the suggestion but had something else in mind.

"Terri, It seems that all the cash, Stocks, Bonds, gems and weapons are legit too. The weapons, gems and some of the money or coin collections were part of an antique collection. Much of the furniture are all antiques as well, part of a collection.

In the event of your Uncle's death everything reverted to your Aunt and then Cari. If Cari was deceased it reverted to your mother and sister. You were left out it appears due to your job with us. Also there are bank account numbers and safe deposit boxes with more cash. All land and property holdings went to a Corporation called Variance. All that is but the house, a farm and lake properties.

Pick your jaw off the ground girl or are you trying to catch the flies in here." Robbie said smiling.

"Damn Terri, you do a good impression of a Venus Fly Trap."  Ernie said making everyone in the room laugh including me.

"Terri may I call Bev to look at these. I would also suggest that these be given to Vincent with Bev attending the meeting."

"Sure Robbie, if it's alright with Timmy."

"Damn, these have to go to Probate and the Feds will know basically what we have." Ernie said. 

"So, let them shit a little in their pants. I think there's some paper mill stock in here somewhere." Timmy said rummaging in a box causing additional laughter.

 

"Dear, I think it's time to see mother and Abby. I have to tell them about Guido and Maria." I said.

"Timmy go with Terri we can handle this stuff. We'll meet you at the airport tomorrow. We'll also handle Alonzo. Take care of family first." Paul said.

"I'll have Bev meet you." Robbie said.

"They're moving in with us today. They might be finished with the move, we can call from the car." Timmy said as he came to me and helped me up.

Everything was happening too fast for me. As I have said before I have seen too much death, although I did help new life into the world. Now I had to tell my mother that her brother and sister in law where both dead as well as a niece.

We still had the funeral services of the children's father to attend. Now this was an added burden of grief to attend to. Closure was going to be very difficult for those around me. How was I going to remain strong for them? Thank the powers that be I have Timmy to draw strength from.

The ride back to our house was a quiet one after finding out mother and Abby were there. I instructed Stevens to have them brought to Timmy's Den but they refused. They would be in the kitchen when we arrived.

"Tim, I'm sorry about the mess I caused." Ernie said apologetically.

We explained that he outdid himself. That evidence would have disappeared otherwise and possibly mother's inheritance. There was enough evidence to put those two Feds away as a warning to the AG and the Justice Department never to screw with us again. The county and city people were now in control not the dictatorial and foolish policies of Washington.

He seemed pleased as we came up the driveway and parked.

"Thanks, I needed that." He said as we left the car and went inside.

Stevens as usual met us at the door and took our coats.

Timmy took my arm for support as we walked to the kitchen area. I was a wreck, emotionally. I still didn't know how I was to remain strong for them and the children. My mind said to tell them everything on how they had died; yet my heart said to be gentle.

Walking into the kitchen just immediate family was there and of course Bev. I kissed everyone in greeting and poured coffee for Timmy and I.

"Mother, I have some bad news, very bad news. When we left you this morning we were called to another murder in the suburbs. Timmy took the address and gave it to Ernie in the car. It was Guido and Maria's home we were going to. They're both dead and so is Cari along with four other men, associates of Guido's. They all died horribly. I'm sorry momma for breaking this news to you, I know you were close to Maria." 

"Dear, Uncle Sally told me before we left the other house. He came himself with the news. Sure we cried, now we talk of the good things they did while they lived. Your Aunt Maria was the glue that held them all together. She knew about Cari and hid what Cari was from Guido. She knew what Guido was into also, but she never breathed a word of his activities to anyone. The government tried to make her talk many times, yet she remained steadfast in her convictions."

I spoke to Maria many times about Cari. Maria was confused as to her compulsion to be female. It was through her talks with your father and I that we came to understand you better. Abby too, was influential in those talks before the assault.

It was about a year ago that Maria found out that Cari was prostituting herself. It wasn't the money as she had everything anyone could ask for. We think she wanted Guido to find out and to hurt Guido as he hurt her by neglecting her all her life. Cari always had Maria's love and attention but Guido was always cold and distant. Cari could be very spiteful. He was a pal and a boss to those of La Familia and a stranger to his own child.

When Cari was younger Guido would beat Cari unmercifully for the slightest thing. He called it discipline; we now call it abuse. Maria once said that Cari actually did things wrong later to get a beating and smiled through it to the point of orgasmic ejaculation. I was shocked at that revelation by her. I suggested psychiatric help for Cari but Maria said Guido would kill them both for wasting the money."

"Well that was revealing, that explains the S and M aspect to Cari's personality." I said.

"Mom, Bev, here are the original Wills and three sets of copies. Stop looking at me like that, dear." Timmy said as he handed the papers to Bev.

"You were supposed to leave them in the boxes." I said.

"Robbie slipped them to me as we were leaving."

"Jeez, now we're both in the shit."

As Bev read the papers something goosed me. I turned almost failing on my face coming nose to nose with King.

"Damn King, did you have to do that? Why your nose up my ass?" I said as I stroked his head.

"Theresa dear, he just wanted to see how far and high you could jump. He's been a well behaved puppy."

"Mother! How could you say that? Puppy my ass, he's a moose."

"A lovable moose." Bev added as she read.

"He pulled his con off again, dear." Timmy said.

"They'll find out the hard way. I thought he was in the laundry room? Maybe Bev and Robbie should stay the night with us. When King is on her legs all night she'll find out." I said smiling.

"Oh no you don't. Besides according to Robbie I'm the bed and blanket hog. Although I have bruises where he kicked me in his sleep." Bev said.

"Now that's ground for divorce, spouse kicking." I giggled at the thought.

"Ouch!" Timmy said as he called Stevens and Henry on the intercom asking about King. They both came running into the kitchen.

"King, how in the hell did you get out of there?" It's still locked and I know he was in there." Henry said checking the door over closely.

"Yes he was, Master Timothy." Stevens said.

"Houdini has struck again." Timmy said.

"Damn King, please stay in the room with Northern. She needs you and I want you to stay with her." I said to King softly as I touched him gently.

From a standing stop he ran and cleared a five-foot tall Dutch door with more room to spare.  

"If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't believe it. What in the hell do you feed those dogs? And I was going to take one of her puppies for the kids." Bev said as she kept reading.

"Male or female? Both? When? Six weeks, oh please do!" Timmy said groveling.

"Oh no, you're too anxious to get rid of them. I'll see them all every week as they grow and give you both gray hairs and fits."

Mother, Henry, Stevens and Abby were all laughing at what Beverly said. Me, I wondered how the both of us would look with gray hair. Georgina's would be my home away from home until I died.

"I'll have a Private Investigator check all those banks out and the safe deposit boxes. I have to find out if they have your name also on the accounts."

"Beverly dear, I am on all the accounts. I also have my copy of both Wills" Mother said.

"What?" I said

"You heard me dear, Maria made Guido do all the preparations as a precaution. I'm also the executor of the estate."

"Rose, we'll have to get to all those accounts first before they're sealed until after probate. We still have time and many are open late."

"I guess your right."

"At least I can pay for all their funerals. Timmy may I have a car please?"

"Mom, of course, anything we have is Abigail and yours. Stevens, Is Pablo or Eddie ready?"

"Pablo is sir, I will let him know to take the ladies where ever they wish to go."

"On second thought have Ernie do it, he's out in front and also a PI."

"Great, come on mother Rose, let's go get your coat."

Bev and my mother walked from the room. I noticed mother was walking better and had a bit of a spring to her step.

I looked at Abby as she looked at me. We both shrugged our shoulders looking toward the door.

"What the hell was that all about you two?" Timmy asked.

"Did you watch mother walk out with Bev?"

"Sure, she was walking faster and stronger." Timmy said.

"She was always very slow and not steady."

"Look sweetheart, her life has purpose now. She has both her daughters back, grandchildren to spoil and of course me as her son in law."

"Henry give me that damn frying pan, that heavy one cast iron one. I'm going to wrap it around my husbands head."

"Sorry Terri I need them all now. If it were a few weeks ago I'd give you all of them. I can't do it now, I've got too much cooking to do now and whole lot of bellies to keep full." Henry said and smiled.

"Shit, I guess I'm going to have to spank you later."

"Oh no, I'm not into that stuff. If you have leather on tonight and a whip in your hands, I'll go sleep in the den."

"Awwwwwwww……Dear, I love you." I said as I kissed him to the hoots of Henry and Abby.

That was all I needed to set both King and Northern off. Both of them jumped the Dutch door and knocked us both down.

"Look out for the manure piles, dear." Timmy said laughing and then kissed me again lying on top of me. The dogs became so excited one of them nipped Timmy on the right cheek of his butt causing him to break away from me and howl mostly from the shock than pain.

"Damn it Northern, I knew that was you that did that." He said as he got up from me quickly. Northern stood on her haunches placed her paws onto his shoulders and began to lick Timmy's face. That's when I saw King get behind Timmy.

"Dear look out, King's in back of you. They're setting you up."

It was too late! Northern pushed and Timmy fell over King onto his ass. Both of the dogs ran for the Dutch door and over it. Abby never laughed so hard watching the demon dogs in action. Henry just shook his head and helped Timmy up from the floor.

"I'll kill those fucking dogs. They did it again." Timmy yelled as he was being helped from the floor and grabbing his ass.

"Dear, I told you King was there. They timed it perfect." I said and giggled.

"What happened sir?" Stevens asked out of breath.

"The demon dogs struck again." I said before Timmy yelled again.

"Are you okay." I asked.

"Yes dear I'm fine but King and Northern are………."

"Don't you dare say it!" I said.

"Fine, From now on you handle them." Timmy said limping from the kitchen angry.

I shook my head in disbelief. Abby sat giggling at the antics of the dogs. Stevens made some more tea and sat down with Henry.

"Damn, he was pissed off. I'll give him time to cool off a bit then I think I can talk to him." I said.

"Yeah, if he hasn't started a binge." Henry said.

"When he gets this mad, he's more frustrated than angry." Stevens said.

"Okay you two, no more bad news. I'm going to him now. I don't like seeing him angry."

Walking to the library I open the door to see Timmy intently looking over the photos of all the crime scenes except for the newest one. He had the photos laid throughout the floor, gazing intently upon them.

"How did you know I was in here?" He said without looking up from the photos.

"Oh, I just followed the smell of your cigar. Can we talk?" I asked him as I walked toward him.

"Sure I was just looking over the photos. There's something here in these I just can't find out what it is." 

"Sweetheart, please look at me while I attempt to speak to you." I said as the tears welled in my eyes.

"Damn it, Terri don't do that, please don't cry." He said looking up ay me.

"I sorry I didn't mean to……….." I said as I broke into tears.

"It's okay, it's just that King and Northern have their own personalities I don't want to break their spirit but we have others now in this house. They were a handful for the past year and a half. It's just been lately that they'd listen to anyone or do anything they were told to do. I even had trainers come here for them, King actually lifted his leg and gave one guy a golden shower.

I don't know maybe I was pissed that you walk in and they took to you almost immediately. Jeez, I'm sorry." Timmy said as he came to me and held me.

I cried as he held me. What could I say as he was right but I think the situation with the dogs was a more due to me helping Northern with her delivery of her pups. I was taking pleasure in this moment with Timmy as he held me to him.

Being in somewhat of a quandary, as situations were going too fast for me. My thoughts centered of Timmy, the job, death, the kids, the household staff, mom, Abby, the house, dogs, and my marriage. There were just not enough hours in the day to be there for everyone and to do everything. How in the hell can I do what has to be done? How could I fulfill the role of a mother that I had assumed? How in the hell can I cope with all this? In the meantime Timmy was my island for some brief bit of sanity and always has been there for me in the past.

Wanting to say all my thoughts to my husband, I wanted him to realize every aspect of those thoughts. I in turn wanted him to do the same to me. We both needed to spend time with the children; sure they accepted us too quickly as their new parents however I felt that they needed the love and protection of an adult. All children require the love and protection of all adults and not the abuses I have seen.

I admit my parenting skills are nil just as my skill in handling dogs. Sure children can and will try to manipulate the adults; we have to see through that charade. We draw experiences from those that raised us; we at times also remember what we had done as children. We set the rules for them as we try to follow the rules in our daily lives. Mothers and fathers can neither be too strict nor too pliable there must be a certain set of controls and to toe that line. We have to be there for the children, we have to love and to nurture them. We all hoped as parents, that our children would share their love with us. I see this in the children we adopted. Just because you give a child a place to live and the things she or he wants or require does not mean that you will receive the love they have freely. There are circumstances that they may not be able to share their love due to abuses or trauma that might have occurred in their young lives. Those children may not even to be able to trust adults or speak of their past experiences. It might also be that later in life they come to terms with those abuses or possibly never.

I want my husband and children to always be able to speak to me. I would like our children to be able to come to the both of us without any type of fear. I want us to be attentive to their emotional needs and wants. I have to find that medium to be able to balance my family and job. This house will become a home of love and happiness to all that reside in it. My mother did it and I must do it too.

"Are you alright?" Timmy asked.

"Sure, just thinking that's all."

Explaining my thoughts to him was difficult although he seemed to understand. I ran my mouth non-stop until I had managed to say everything with tears intermixed with heavy sobs. At first I was worried that I had overloaded his thought processes with my jabbering, as he remained silent. Watching his face closely as I spoke, his emotions were obviously written on that weathered canvas face of his.

We spoke to each other and worked on the solutions or potential solutions to our problems. We both knew that those solutions we not set into stone, there had to be flexibility.

We agreed that the older children needed to be enrolled in school quickly. They also needed to come to terms with the passing of their parents as barely a tear was shed by any of them. Perhaps it was the excitement they were experiencing in their new surroundings that we couldn't agree on. They needed to maintain their chores around the house as well as their schoolwork. We both agreed we needed to spend quality time with them all at every opportunity we had we had to ensure they would not withdraw from reality.

Timmy agreed that if work was brought home by either of us neither of us would work on it until they were safely tucked into their beds for the night. We agreed that there might be exceptions to that rule so one of us would spend the time with the kids.

Mom and Abbey I knew would be no problem. Nancy, and her Mother would see that they would be fine as well as the other staff in the house.

The Demon Dogs, Northern and King; those two we decided that the both of us would be there when we were with them. If the dogs tried to pull their tricks on us, one of us would see the set up to the fall. 

We would also listen to what the staff has or had to say. If they weren't happy they would leave, the reality was that, in truth they ran this house and we just live in it.

Next on the agenda was us, we made a pact that we would never, ever go to bed angry at each other. We agreed we would always tell each other our deepest darkest thoughts no matter what they were. We would always work on a problem together to solve that problem.  

"Now please help me find what I'm looking for?" Timmy asked.

We gazed intently at the photos. I saw that each body had a circular mark at the collarbone base. I couldn't make out what it was.

"I'll call Sherry at the ME's Office and find out what it is. Damn, that's what I think I was looking for."  Timmy said.

 

He placed the call to the ME's office, Sherry was out but he spoke to one of the Lab Rats and told them what we found. They would pass on the information to her.

"Damn you're good, you haven't lost your knack in finding things. Help me pick these photos up from the floor. Now what would you like for a reward?"

"Hmmmm………That I will tell you later, like maybe in our bed." I said and then kissed him as his cell phone rang.

It was the ME, Sherry calling to tell us we were right. It, the circular mark was common on all the bodies. It appeared to be a burn mark too large for a cigarette to make but large enough in diameter for a cigar.

Sherry had found residue in several of the marks on different bodies. She had also managed to find several unburned pieces of the leaf material in the dermal layers. We thought that the Morgue Techs had done a marvelous job in preparing the bodies before transporting them. All was being analyzed but it would take a few days as the State Police Crime Lab was going to do the work. Timmy said our thanks and hung up.

"Damn you are good, she was very happy in finding that small bit of evidence." Timmy said as he took my hand into his.

We sat on the leather couch and talked. I wanted him to enjoy the cigar he had lit earlier during his pissed off faze. I also called the kitchen to order coffee for us to both enjoy.

The coffee arrived with Stevens bring it in followed by King.

"Ah Stevens, you have a shadow." Timmy said.

"So it seems sir. He won't stay in the kitchen and Northern is feeding. Perhaps he's bored?"

Timmy called King to him. The ears went up and the tail curled and wagged as he went to Timmy and sat at Timmy's feet. King then raised a paw and placed it on Timmy's knee. Timmy gave both Stevens and I a very strange look.

"He's still your dog. Large dogs have a tendency to do that to their master." I said.

"Okay I get the hint, so maybe I jumped to a conclusion." Timmy said as he puffed on his cigar.

"Yes Dear." I said as I crossed my legs and put my upper torso forward at and angle and smiled at Timmy. I learned that little trick from my mother; to keep quiet, cross your legs and agree, so the man realized he blundered badly.

Stevens poured for the both of us and shot me a smile. He knew what I had done and not said a word. I stole a glance toward Timmy stroking King's paw, the dog in turn licked his hand as he did it. Damn, I wished Timmy would do that to me; I'd lick and kiss him everywhere there was. Oh well, maybe later. Stevens smiled as he left us in the den.

We spoke of many things and just enjoyed each other's company. It became a little chilly in the room and Timmy started a fire in the fireplace hearth. King went to sleep at Timmy's feet as I in turn laid my head on Timmy's lap. I felt love and the warmth of the fire we shared taking out the cool dampness from the air. I looked out the French doors that accessed the large patio it had begun to rain again steadily. This was the type of cuddling weather I was looking forward to.

I was brought out of my daydreaming state and back to reality by the sounds of the children. We both saw the ears of King rise and his tail start wagging as the sounds came closer. There was a soft knock at the door with it opening slowly.

"Might we come in, the children have asked to come see you." Myrna said softly.

"Come on in." Timmy said joyfully.

They all came in and saw King. They went directly to the dog drawn like magnets. I took the baby into my arms and played silly games to entertain her.

"Blimey Master Tim, this den is terrific. Is this also the library?" Jack said as Timmy offered him a cigar that he took, to Myrna's disgust.

"Not at all, see those Mahogany double doors, those enter into the library. Go ahead take a look, take whatever you wish to read, listen or watch. We have everything from the classics to periodicals. There are even children's books at every level of their development. I had those added for the enjoyment of the Staff's children. As you have seen throughout the house, I've tried to keep up with the technology, only it changes and advances so quickly." Timmy said as he lit Jack's cigar.

"Thank you, we will enjoy it immensely." Myrna said.

"Myrna, just a bit of information. Your father helped me to update the library. I feel it was quite an accomplishment. Myrna don't be too harsh on your dad, he's helped me tremendously with many of the losses I had. He tried many times to contact you throughout the years."

"I know sir, it was a bit strained before but Angus and Jack helped a wee bit too." Myrna said smiling.

"Angus helped? Was he sober?" Timmy asked astonished.

"Aye, that he did and he was. He and Jack made me see that all was not his fault."

"I'm impressed, Angus the frigid arse Scotsman. Gawd I pity the woman he beds down with after wearing that kilt all day outside." Timmy said joking.

"That be he, that bonny Scotsman. A true Highlander." Jack said as he went into the library with Myrna.

Looking around the room I saw that the kids were sprawled on the floor around King and on top of him. He seemed happy that the kids were around him. Somehow I got Timmy's attention, oh so okay, I grabbed his leg and stroked it with my nails.

"Damn don't do that, I see him. Maybe this is what they all need, the kids."

Just as he finished speaking I heard more motion coming through the hallway. It was Northern that came through the doorway with Stevens right behind her running into the room.

"Terribly sorry, but she is quick."

Northern ran directly to King and lay down next to him and the kids. She licked everyone that was close. Then she got up and came to me. As I held Dixie, I used the other hand and stroked her fur. After awhile Northern went to King's side a lay down next to him. It was then we heard the front door open.

"Timmy, Stevens, Ernie needs your help at the car." Mother and Bev both yelled.

Timmy gave me one of those why me looks as I held the baby. He gave me a kiss and left to help. Gerry and Margie volunteered to help also but we agreed for them to stay with me.

Mother came into the den with Bev trailing after her saying, "We closed out all the accounts with no problems. We emptied all the safety deposit boxes too. Poor Ernie drove like a maniac to get to all the banks."

"Yeah, we were leaving just as the Feds came and served papers to search those boxes at one bank. We even closed the elevator door on one of them as they tried to serve the papers to us.

Your mother was great; she almost had several bank managers in tears as she withdrew the funds from all the accounts. They tried to pull the scam of the checks would be ready in the morning and she told them all no without backing down to them. We think the Feds already called them and told them to stall." Bev said.

"Please don't tell me the Feds will be knocking at our door." I said.

"I don't think so but I would have to say that Momma Rose should go through those papers as quick as possible. I would also say that you and Timmy should not go through them just due to where they came from and what they might contain. Ernie said he would help and I think Abby will too."

"You don't think they will come here do you?" Mother asked.

"I doubt it but it might be wise to get anything that could be damaging out of the house as soon as possible. I would also get rid of most jewelry until we can determine if it was stolen or not, unless you recognize it as an heirloom.

Since we live close to the state line perhaps another safety deposit box out of state would be beneficial or have Sally take care of the matter." Bev said.

"That would be the best mother. We have to see Uncle Sally tomorrow night. Bev can call Vincenzo to arrange those accounts out of state or out of the country if you want. Do us a favor and make sure you pay the taxes on the cash, please." I said.

"Momma Rose, I'll have the Will probated tomorrow morning at the courthouse with the county clerk. Timmy I have a feeling that most of that money we found in the bank vaults are ill gotten gains. We'll have to talk to Robbie about it later." Bev said.

"Great the Feds will go nuts. Then for sure they'll be knocking at our door." I said.

"Not at all, it'll be as Robbie said. They'll all go hide and be very afraid. The message will be sent that we have everything and know their tricks to deceive the people of this country. Someone intended to get very rich with all this information in a clandestine nature."

"Beverly if there are papers that can be damaging in those files. Please make several duplicates of them and have them prepared for delivery to the newspapers and electronic press." Mother said.

"Mother they'll go after Sally first, but I can see your point also. My thoughts are that whatever is in those papers was done without the knowledge of Sally. He had to build up a War Chest to finance his takeover from Sally. What you have may be very well be that war chest." I said.

"I agree with your daughter mom. Everything was placed into the foyer mom. Just in case, I recommend the fireplace be started if you take those boxes upstairs.

We saw some very damaging papers earlier today at work. I have a feeling that these might be the worst. These papers may be the proverbial dirty laundry of La Familia." Timmy said as he entered the den.   

 

"Timmy dear, I think it would be better to go somewhere else and do this. If you don't mind I could take Ernie, Abby, Nancy, Carmella and Bev."

"Sorry but Ernie has to stay here for us, but I can send Pablo to drive you. He's an excellent driver and a well trained body guard."

"That would be fine. We can call you later and tell you where we're at." Mother said.

"That's not a good idea, call Vincent or Uncle Sally and tell them on that special number they gave you. If the Feds do come here we'll have to tell them all we know. Bev, we'll call Robbie for you. Mom, if you finish before our meeting we'll meet you somewhere and pick up Bev. It might be by helicopter so don't be alarmed."

"I have a cell phone, we'll use that if we need to make a call, Terri has the number. Tomorrow I'll get additional phones. Timmy we need to use a safe for the cash money that was removed." Bev said.

"Sure there's one that's empty down in the wine room. It was used for certain prized wines and liquors. It was also built during the Speak Easy or prohibition period of our history to hide the booze."

By constitutional amendment or the Volstead Act, it was forbidden to sell, consume or manufacture any and all alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933 in the United States. This act made famous the exploits of Alphonse Capone, Frank Nitti, Elliot Ness and the Untouchables. It also made the City of Chicago and the Town of Cicero famous for all the Mob Wars that were fought for liquor control. 

Timmy's grandfather, Clayton built this vault to hide all the booze he bought from Canada or Scotland that was smuggled into the country. He claimed it was for his guests but in reality he liked to tip back a few before and after dinner.

All the cash and some of the jewelry that mother knew that was purchased by Guido was taken down to that vault. If there was a receipt for the jewelry it went down there too if not it would go with them.   

 

We all agreed to the plans that were made. Margie and Gerry asked to go with their grandmother but we decided there was too much of a personal risk involved. Nancy and Carmella agreed to go help and Pablo was happy to take them all wherever they wished to go. It was decided that wherever they went they would use strictly cash and use an assumed name when they registered at the motel. Pablo would hide the car if he could. No papers were to be discarded at the motel but taken to the car and discarded later in safety to be burned, shredded or both.

Mother and Bev left as soon as Abby, Carmella and Nancy arrived at the library. They were all told to keep a careful eye out for any cars that could be following them. Ernie would be in another vehicle and would be in communication with Pablo to ensure they weren't being followed to their final destination as a precaution.

We said our goodbyes as they all left the house. Timmy went out to the car with Stevens to make sure that Pablo and Ernie followed his instructions. A modified Chevy Suburban was being used to aid in my mother's comfort. This vehicle was similar to the armor that the Mercedes limo had and Pablo knew how to drive it well. He also knew of all the personal protective devices that were installed on all the vehicles.

The children were a bit disappointed in not going with their grandmother and aunt but they had their own responsibilities at home. Jack and Myrna made it perfectly clear that Northern, King, the pups and the other dogs needed to be fed, watered and loved by them. They all understood what a big responsibility they had and lost interest in going with grandma.

Myrna was somewhat miffed at both her husband and Timmy due to them both smoking their cigars; she explained the hazards of second hand smoke to them. Timmy showed her one of the many air filtration units that were installed into the den, which made her somewhat more civil to both men. I still had the feeling that poor Jack would be sleeping by himself tonight. I felt that a man had to have some pleasure in life other than food, sex or womanizing. I preferred it be a stinky cigar than booze or drugs. As I said those were my preferences.

They took the children to their rooms as Timmy and I resumed our cuddle fest. Northern and King followed them ignoring our commands for them to stay.

"I think we lost with the dogs. Do you think mother and the others will be okay?" I asked as I adjusted my head into his lap.

"Ernie and Eddie followed them and said they would stay with them taking shifts. Angus and Stevens will take them food and relieve them to get some sleep. Don't asked, they volunteered to do it. Angus doesn't volunteer for anything and he's sober, wearing pants and shaved."

"What no beard? Pants? That's not Angus! Is he sick?" I said.

"No, possibly love struck I would imagine."

"You're kidding of course?" I said startled by this revelation.

"Not in the least. Watch him when he looks at Abby."

"No! Abby! My sister? The Mad Scotsman?" I said as I sat up quickly.

"Yes dear, Abby. He likes her and has been trying to hide it." He said as he lowered me back to my original position.

"Does mother know?"

"I think so and so does the staff. Stevens, Gladys and Henry have been giving him hell since they came back."

   

"The poor dear, wait a minute, poor Abby. She's just beginning to get better now this."

"Perhaps she needs this relationship? She is not an invalid anymore. She is your older sister and Angus is not that much older than her chronologically."

"But Angus? He wears kilts in the dead of winter. He doesn't believe in underwear during any season."

"He's a strong lad, he's a bonny Highlander lad."

"I'm being bigoted, aren't I?"

"Yep……Somewhat, but I see your point too. If this progresses it's her choice to make and not yours or any one of us for that matter." Timmy said as he stroked my face.

So he was right but after all those years of not having Abigail to speak back to me. Her being in the mindless state she was in. Now she was back and there was so much we hadn't spoke of yet. Well maybe we would but later she did have her life back and that I was grateful for.

"Sorry dear, I was wrong and you're right." I said just as Timmy's cell phone went off.

Timmy reached over taking the cell phone from the table and answered it. It was the Big Boss, Robbie, asking where his wife Beverly was. He explained the situation in a round about way. Robbie understood what Timmy was saying being cryptic in their conversation. There was always a chance for the telephones to be tapped, even though twice a week our own investigators and the telephone company checked the circuits.

There have always been those that have listened to telephone conversations whether it be the old fashioned operator sitting at an archaic, battery operated telephone switchboard or now with the advances of electronic technology that can record or send your two way conversations many thousands of miles to a listening post to be transcribed for later review by intelligence gathering agencies. Privacy is non-existent in today's world; it boils down to two basic humanistic elements greed and power.

Robbie again confirmed our meet with Don Sally but so far Timmy had forgotten to arrange flight transportation. It was told to Robbie about the burns that all the victims had in common.

It was told to us that our alarm tech had flown the coop. He drained all his accounts and left nothing behind except for the three kids in college, he paid for their tuition until they graduated, in cash. He didn't tell the kids where the rest of the family moved. No furniture or personal effects were found at his house either and no one saw him move out of the house he had rented for many years. An All Points Bulletin was issued for him all the way to Mexico, Puerto Rico, The U. S. Virgin Islands and Interpol was notified. The palace federal medicago and all Hispanic nations in Central and South America had been contacted just in case, even though Alonzo was Puerto Rican. It was thought that since he spoke Spanish he might try to blend in as a national in one of those countries.

We were both warned again of the amount of danger involved the following day. This meeting was important to keep the blood from flowing out onto the streets. It seemed that since I was blood of the Don that I had full responsibility for the success or failure of it. For some reason I knew that this was not going to be another Little Appalachia were the Feds manage to arrest and gain the business knowledge of the East Coast Families that would eventually bring chaos and then their so called demise. If the Feds only knew what we knew!

Timmy had finished with Robbie and dialed another number asking for Pete. Pete was told to prepare the fleet and to bring himself and only trusted and ex military pilots that saw combat to the house 8:00 in the morning for a mission briefing.

On disconnecting Timmy looked at me saying, "Don't worry Pete is a very trusted employee and a combat helicopter pilot. He almost lost a thriving business to the Feds and really dislikes them.

I bailed him out of the mess; he maintains all of the aircraft and supplies all the pilots. All the aircraft are normally used for sick adults and kids. It's their ride to the hospitals they call them Angel Flights."  

"Is Pete our pilot?"

"Yes and always has been, Stan Greenberg will probably be the second seat. They're both great pilots and can fly anything there is to fly with a shitload of flying time."

I said okay and grabbed his hand taking him to the laundry room. If Timmy trusted these pilots I saw no reason not to do so either. Now I wanted to check the pups before went to bed. I was impressed to see Northern and King there. Both parents watched us as we picked up each puppy and checked the little darlings. I was reminded that soon these little fur balls would be scooting all over the house. I noticed that Northern and the pups were still on the robe I gave her. I stroked them all and gave them a little kiss before giving them back to Northern. I stroked the heads of the proud parents too before we left to go say goodnight to our children.

                                                         

We made our way to the children's rooms and interrupted their story time as we kissed them all and made a fuss over them. Margie was the one child I was genuinely concerned about. I saw sadness in her eyes; Myrna had said earlier she seemed a bit withdrawn. Jack had noticed the same thing however out of all the children Margie was the only child exhibiting this behavior. Some children in a depressive state may exhibit signs of withdrawal, as others may be aggressive. These could be Margie's signs of mourning.

We both kissed and tucked in the girls when King showed up again. I noticed that Margie had placed her Teddy bear to the side and called King. He was up on the bed and lay at the foot looking at me. Myrna was a bit peeved but saw that Margie's demeanor had changed, smiling and stroked the gentile dog's head. If King or any of the dogs could help the kids I'd let all the dogs sleep with them.

 We said our goodnights to them and did the same to the boys. There seemed to be no problems here that couldn't be rectified by Jack and Timmy. We left them all so Jack could continue his reading to the boys.

Entering our suite I went directly to my closet area and prepared to undress for the night. I thought of what had happened previously today. I silently prayed to the Creator that all those that had been murdered had found peace in the afterlife. I prayed for the strength I needed to prepare us all for the days ahead. Mother had once told Abigail and myself that we should always be strong for our families. Granted, we women are more emotional and tend to show our emotions more. However our strength comes from the essence within us to share our strength with those we love.

Coming back into the main suite I went directly to our bed. Timmy was there and waiting for me. We shared our love that night and I shared my strength with those around me that I loved so dearly and deeply. I shared my body with my husband as he shared his body with me. We let our conscious bodies entwined in each other's arms and slept.

During the night I felt a pressure that awoke me. At first I thought it was Timmy on top of me until the pressure was gone. Maybe it was Dottie or Rachel? Opening my eyes and looking I saw it was Margie and she had tears flowing from her eyes.

"What's wrong Sweetheart?" I said softly as I brought her closer to me and underneath the covers.

"Momma, I'm sorry. It's just that I think I saw mommy and daddy. They were both in a bright light. They both looked happy and smiled at us all in the bed. Then they both left us."

"Darling that was their way of saying goodbye and that they both loved all you children. Maybe it was also saying they would be watching and protecting you in all during your lives." I said as I kissed her forehead.

I felt Timmy get closer to us with him saying, "Margie dear, your mother is right. Your parents gave you life but now they're gone. And you all are giving us love and we in turn are giving you love. Your mother that is next to you and I will be here, in their places, to see you grow, also to protect and love you all very much.

 

We never want you to forget your parents or forget about the love you have for them. It's all right for you to cry and to show how much you miss them. Just pray in your own way that they will be okay."

 

I heard Margie cry as Timmy and I came closer to her. She responded by kissing us both. We continued to hold this young life into us as she cried eventually falling back to sleep.

I silently said a prayer giving thanks that Margie had come to terms and grieve. I silently prayed giving thanks for allowing Timmy and I to receive the love of these children and we to return their love one hundred fold. I felt love flow from Timmy to us both. This was not a sexual love but a love between family. Stevens and Gladys were correct this is what Timmy needed; this is what I needed also.

For an unknown reason I looked toward the outside wall of the room. I saw a light that grew taking shape in the form of several people. Two of the disembodied shapes I recognized as my father, grandfather and grandmother. Two women stood next to each other holding hands and smiled. For some reason I knew the two women were the parents of the children. Both had assumed the female personae for this apparition to me. I assessed that their father had a female soul and the wife and mother had sensed it. Now they both were at peace as were my father, grandfather and grandmother. What was confusing was that this was the second or third time lately I had seen my own family members. Why did they come now? Maybe it was what mother had said before that they were our protection, our guardian angels of a sort. I smiled back at all of them just as they started to wane. It wasn't long that I to went back to sleep, smiling.

 

Opening my eyes to the morning sunlight streaming through the windows. I felt Margie's little body next to mine and I saw Timmy next to her. They both had a smile on their faces as I looked at them both; this in turn made me smile.

Laying in the bed I heard the doorknob being turned slowly. I thought it was Gladys at first until the door flew open and two gigantic furballs ran into the room and onto our bed. Northern and King came to us all and began to lick our faces walking where they would or could.

"Well what are you two doing in here and on our bed too." I said as I petted them both laughing and giggling.

"Momma they wanted to say good morning." Dottie and Rachel chimed together.

"Great! Just what we needed, furry alarm clocks." Timmy said sleepily.

I brought Rachel and Dottie into the bed just as Gerry, Philly and Monty looked into the door. When they saw the girls and the dogs in the bed they ran over to us too. I giggled more as we all fit into the bed.

"This is how every man should wake up in the morning. Six out of seven kids and two very large dogs sharing the bed with my wife and me, then getting hit with several pillows." Timmy said smiling as he hit Margie with a pillow then tickling her severely.

"Sorry I heard the commotion and hurried as fast as I could." Gladys said giggling as she saw us all in the bed.

"Gladys, I imagine all these fine and lovely children of ours are hungry from playing with us. Perhaps they should be taken downstairs and fed by Henry whatever they wish for breakfast. Then they all can go feed and water all the dogs with Henry.

Please ask Momma Hazel to be in the Kitchen when I get there. Has my mother returned yet?"

"Yes Terri, They're all back safe and sound. Stevens and Ernie have destroyed those papers, per your mother's orders. They also are still very much asleep."

"Okay, let them all sleep. Now these children need to be fed while we take a shower." I said as the children moaned in unison.

"Okay now scoot so mommy and daddy cane take a shower and you can all eat and feed our beasts. Now look at their faces can't you see they want to eat too."

There were no moans that time as they all ran to get their robes and slippers on and go downstairs. Gladys was the last to leave and shut the door behind her as she left.

I ran from the room and disrobed as I ran into my shower. I had the water on and adjusted as Timmy came in with nothing but a smile on his face.

"Now then wench, you did your husband wrong yesterday, are you prepared for the consequences?" Timmy said as he came into the shower taking a breast into his hand.

"Oh yes, yes, give it to me my love. I want it all and in every way you can give it to me." I said as I giggled joyfully.

Damn and that was what he did too. I just hoped the apparitions that I saw earlier weren't around or they just might have blushed too. We wrapped ourselves together after sharing our bodies as one. We kissed again as we entwined. 

Managing to get dressed later without getting taken from behind after our shower was difficult to say the least. Never had I seen anyone respond to my advances as Timmy did. He was probably thinking the same as I was. What set him off sexually was when I was putting on my lavender laced demi bra and lavender laced thong panties. Ladies and gentlemen that was all she rote to get Timmy going again. So I teased him by wiggling my ass at him as I got dressed in another lavender and black wind suit, black turtleneck top and sneaks. Thinking about everything that happened I was the happiest girl alive.

We finally made it downstairs to breakfast just as the kids finished their pancakes. Henry had prepared all the bowls for the dogs as King and Northern watched in anticipation; not only as Henry made their breakfast but also what those two could mooch from the kids or clean up from the floor. Well I guess we don't have to vacuum today?

Gladys volunteered to take the kids outside to feed the brood. I heard the howls as the door opened to the outside. Damn that wasn't a brood; it was a wolf pack! I fed Northern and Timmy fed King; in seconds it seemed like both bowls were empty. Then Northern went to the pups to let them feed. Seeing those pups latch onto Northern's teats it reminded me of Timmy last night and this morning.

Sitting down at the table we enjoyed our coffee and eggs together. Just as we finished breakfast momma Hazel came into the Kitchen and greeted us.

    

"Good Morning to you both." Momma Hazel said as Henry served her tea.

I told momma Hazel what happened to Margie and then to me. She looked at me and was not the least surprised, although Timmy was.

"Child, we all have those ties to the other world. It seems that your ties and Margie's ties are together. I told you before that you have a gift. Now it seems you are all now protected by those from another plane.

I fear there will be more death and suffering by those that will not be of this house, work or of your blood."

"Momma Hazel, this has been bizarre for us." Timmy said.

"As it will be, however it will piece itself together to make sense. You have many of the pieces to the puzzle but the main piece is still elusive to you both. This person has many cohorts and plays a game to gain power of those that have less. He will lose much over time as his depravities are exposed by the spirits of those that he has killed."

We thought we understood what momma Hazel had said.

"There are others involved that want the power of another of your blood. You have saved this person's life and many others. They have made amends to the way of old and are stronger than those in power. There will be much, much anger toward many but you will remain strong as well as those around you."

"See Sweetie I told you so." Bev said as she came into the kitchen getting coffee for herself.

"Momma Hazel, this is the wife of our boss, our attorney and a big mouthed friend." I said.

"Ah……Hello Beverly." 

"Momma Hazel and I met yesterday." Bev said smiling and hugging momma Hazel.

"Sorry, but I stood outside the door and heard it all. I agree with momma Hazel." Bev said.

Our conversation was disrupted as the kids came flying through the door with Gladys right behind. They all kissed and hugged Bev and momma Hazel in greeting.

"Damn this kitchen seems to getting smaller." Henry said just as King and Northern came into it.

"If you think this is bad wait until we have the other furballs under foot." Timmy said.

"Oh thanks for reminding me. I have my resignation ready to hand in to you, Tim." Henry said laughing.

"Sorry but you have to see the boss and by the look on her face she says no. Besides weren't you complaining the other week about not using your cuisine skills?" Tim said.

"No Chef Henry, you may not leave this household. Besides I know where the dungeon is and I'll stick Angus in the same room with you." I said

"Along with all the furballs, every one of them, brother Henry, every one of them."

Damn! who let out those demon dogs?" Ernie added as he came into the kitchen.

 

"Brother Ernie theys jus' waitin for that Black Ass of yourn' ta chaw on it awhile." Henry laughed.

"Excuse me, but it's Brown, a nice deep honey brown and sweet too." Ernie said as he sat by us while we all laughed.

"Yeah, ask King and Northern about how it tastes." Timmy said laughing.

"Damn who's that white comedian? Oh Yeah, Rodney Dangerfield, I get no respect! After last night I should get some, even a little bit." Ernie said laughing along with us.

We were then told about the cars that were following them. They decided to go out of state to a motel Bev knew. As soon as the Suburban left the grounds they picked up a car that was following them along with three other cars playing leapfrog and hide and seek.

Ernie told Pablo to pull into a gas station and take his time. While there the shadow cars pulled over and waited.

Ernie, Angus and Stevens meanwhile had a sack full of tire spikes and placed them at the back tires. The drivers and passengers were to intent on watching the Suburban to notice Ernie, Angus and Stevens. When they were rolled over the spikes, they flattened the tires, sometimes not making them repairable.

Ernie than called Pablo on his cell phone to tell him to go on their way to the location they decided on. As the Suburban took off down the road the other car's passengers and drivers did too. The problem was you can't go too far on flattened tires, they were very, very mad.

I was laughing trying to take in that scene of the Feds getting their tires flattened. At least I assumed they were Feds, as Robbie didn't ream us when he telephoned us. I imagined the look on Stevens and Angus's faces as they placed those spikes by the tires. Those little devils!

"Was Angus wearing a kilt?" I asked.

"Oh Nasty! No, I was shocked and so was Stevens. He actually wore pants, jeans. What gives? He was never like this before."

"Ah Love is in the air, methinks." Timmy said smiling.

"What the Frigid Scotsman? Ice Balls? You have to be kidding, right?" Ernie said.

 

Bev was the one to break the news to Ernie.

"Henry where's that bottle of Drambuie you have hidden? Please break it out, I need a stiff one."

"By the sounds I heard earlier, Timmy already had several stiff ones and shared them. Henry, don't you dare give Ernie any liquor." Bev said while Timmy and I blushed heavily.

"You heard the lady, no Ernie. And how did you hear anything Bev?" Timmy asked.

"My secret and I won't tell."

"Dumbwaiter door was open huh?"

"Damn you're good! By the way Terri was screaming and hitting those high notes you must be good. Care to give Robbie lessons?"

"Bev, there are little ears here." I said as I blushed.

"Oops……Sorry mom. I have a real big mouth." Bev said.

"Gee Bev, that's what Robbie says too." Timmy said making Bev blush.

"Pax! That was payback wasn't it?"

"Yes dear child, I believe it was." Momma Hazel said smiling.

It was told by Timmy that Ernie and Bev were to attend the meeting this morning. I saw joy in Henry's eyes as he felt he had to prepare for these guests.

"Gladys tell Jack and Myrna that Eddie is available to them if they wish to take the children out. Ernie, have Taylor and Gina do the security for them. I don't want any mistakes please."

"Look, I have to get home later to change and get ready for this meeting." Bev said.

"No you don't. Robbie is coming by to bring clothes for you. I told him casual as this is out in the country."

"Robbie in my closet, Oh shit! He'll screw it up for sure. I'm the one that dresses him for the day. Didn't you know he's partially color blind?" Bev said almost in tears.

"Bev, if he screws up there's plenty of clothes here. If you need to, we can do some shopping too." I said.

"Sure Aunt Bev; Mom, Aunt Abby and me will come too, if you want." Margie said joining in on the conversation.

Oh lord, I saw that light in her eyes, that gleam that all teenager girls get when boys, shopping or clothes are mentioned, okay so maybe sex could be added later. (Oh say about the age of thirty-five or so.) In Margie's case it was a welcome and happy sight, this was the first indication she was coming out of her depression. I saw she was more animated in the use of her arms and hands as she was expressing herself. Verbally, the words shot out of her mouth like a rocket just like any teenage girl. Wow, she would do my Italian family bloodline honors in the use of those hands, as she moved them at the speed of light.

I was about to make a comment when the door chimes rang. Gladys volunteered to get the door, as the new butlers had not arrived yet from England. Stevens decided to hire three butlers that were trained at the academy he had went to, as the training was tougher. Gee, I wonder if it's anything like Jarhe……Opps, I meant to say Marine Boot Camp? Sorry Marines.

"All the Pilots are in the den waiting for the both of you." Gladys said as she came into the kitchen.

"Wow dad, you know pilots? Could we meet them before they leave?" Gerry asked.

"I'll tell you what I'm going to do, before they leave all of you can meet them and they can meet you too." Timmy said smiling and hugging the kids as we left the kitchen. 

We hurried into the den to be greeted by Pete and Stan.

"Damn we all saw and heard you got married, best of luck to you both." Pete said.

"Thanks and this is my wife, Terri and the kids made me promise to meet all of you after the meeting.

Sorry to make any of you miss any charters but we need your help. Before we start it concerns the Feds also so if anyone wants to leave…… "

"Every one of us gathered here has been screwed one way or another by them. You have fourteen of the best combat pilots ever trained. I hand picked all of these animals including Babs over there, she saw hell in the Gulf. Most of us are Nam and all Brown Shoes, Naval Aviators, Carriers and Special Ops. Some of these pilots are former Air Force but we forgive them for their past mistakes. Stan is a Former Green Beanie and you'd never know it. But we all fly and instruct on anything that flies with modern propulsion. Except for Stan maybe, he says he flew a UFO."

"And Damn well if I must say; better than a crotch rocket on fire." Stan Said.

"Terri and Babs watch your panties; you both may be without them when you leave this room." Timmy said.

"It wouldn't be the first time for Babs, she's engaged to Charlie over there. Yeah Charlie I saw the security tapes from the Pilot's Lounge and Babs you really do have a nice DD rack." Pete said smiling to the hoots of the other pilots.

"Pete, you dirty old man!…"

"Don't start with the boss or I'll tell everyone what really happened to the portable G.P.S." Pete said smiling evilly.

"You wouldn't?"

"Oh yes I would and you know I would. Now let's get down to business. You're next gumshoe."

"Now I'm curious what did happen to the G.P.S.?" Timmy asked.

"Don't you dare!" Babs said almost pleading.

"Naw, I'm too much of a gentleman to tell; I have copies of those tapes, two hundred bucks apiece, the eyes don't lie, XXX Rated for sure."

Every pilot in the room wanted one of the tapes to the embarrassment of both Charlie and Babs. They all quieted down as Gladys and Margie came in with coffee and breakfast sandwiches. 

Once they all had coffee and food Timmy told them the problem and were they where going.

"Kee…rist you've got balls! Feds on the deck and in the air, as a courier no less." Charlie said in disbelief.

"Look if you don't want a part of this Op say so now and you can leave." Timmy said.

"Look, the way I see it we all go or no go. Timmy made sure that none of the payroll bounced for a long time, we owe him big time. Besides I think we should use the new birds on this one to give us cover, an edge so to speak."

"New Birds? When and how much?" Timmy asked.

"There are two of them, got them from salvage, beat to shit. We just finished rebuilding them, AH-1F's, Cobra gunships. One hundred and fifty knots cruise speed and three hundred and seventeen nautical mile range. Strap that on you ass!

We even managed to get all the electronics and armaments for them from Juan in Colombia. Everything on them works to perfection, I think. We haven't tested the cannon, mini-guns or the Air to Air, yet. Hey, you have to have a hobby." Pete said.

"Hobby! Are you crazy? Now A.T.F will go nuts. Damn the FBI is bad enough……"

"Relax four VFW Posts bought them, sort of like a flying war memorial. We also have weapon dummies that are usually on them. We rebuilt them, fly them and maintain them. Kids love to look at those sleek, beautiful, deadly birds." Pete said.

"Pete, you are a son-of-a-bitch as always. You scared the shit out of me."

"I know, and I love to see you squirm in the brown stuff."

We spoke for several hours and came up with a viable plan. All would be legitimate with a flight plan filed with the FAA.

There was to be an Angel Flight tomorrow near a town and another south of that town close to where the meeting is to take place.

As we talked I thought I heard something at the doors to the den. I did, as the door barely opened to allow King and Northern into the cavernous room. They went to each pilot one by one to sniff then and be petted in return. The two hams were soaking up the attention. That was until they came to the last pilot a Mike Murphy, Mikey or Murph the other pilots called him.

The dogs stopped in front of him not allowing him to touch them by snapping their jaws at him. The hackles of fur along their spine were straight up and their tails hairs were bushed out and bristled. Both of them just stared at the prey they had in the seat not allowing him to move in any direction.

Both Timmy and I looked at the dogs, then at Mikey sitting still, sweating profusely and then to each other. Timmy got up from the seat he was sitting in and walked over to stand behind Mikey.

"Gee Mikey, I never seen the dogs act like this. Care to tell me why?" he said from behind Mikey.

"I dunno, call them off, please."

"You see I can't, those two have a mind of their own and have been very hard to train. For some reason they just won't listen. Do you Northern Lights? How about you Yukon King?"

It was then I saw both dogs bare their impressive teeth and fangs. I realized Timmy had set both of the dogs into a guard mode just to scare the crap out of this guy. The other pilots remained still and silent but watched intently as the scene opened.

"Now Mikey, those dogs in front of you are better than any lie detector ever made. They don't like liars and neither do I. See Northern, the very large bitch in front of you? Well she likes to go for the balls and her mate the very large sire likes to go for the jugular vein. They're my Alpha pair and take no shit from anyone. They already have one kill, of someone that tried to break into the estate.

Now once again do you want to tell me the truth? Who are you?"

The man refused to say a word all the while looking at the dogs as they drooled from their fangs and foamed at the mouth.

Timmy shrugged his shoulder saying, "Okay have it your way. Northern Lights, red."

Northern took three very slow stalking steps forward with her mouth opening and very near his crotch, when the man broke down cried, covered his testicles and raising his legs onto the chair. She scared the hell out of me! I could only imagine what it was like to be in the front of Northern and she was smaller than King, although not by much.

"Alright, alright, I'm DEA. I was sent in to check out Pete and the others to see if they wanted to do some work for DC. We needed a base of operations and a company that was credible. I was going to retire after this assignment and work strictly for Pete. Now call off those fuckin' dogs! Please!"

"Northern Lights, Blue." Timmy said calling Northern off. However King was still ready to spring. 

"Damn Mikey if that is your name, I ought to let Timmy feed you to those two meat grinders down there. You almost had us; damn, you're a good pilot too. Can't you see those assholes in DC are using you as cannon fodder? We lost that war, like Nam, they could care less about you or your family."

"Mike Murphy is my name and I've come to that same conclusion lately. My wife is pissed that as the kids grew I wasn't there for them. My own kids ignored me before, now it's worse. I have a chance now to redeem myself in her and the kid's eyes.

Look I enjoy this type of flying. I feel as if I'm accomplishing something good by helping someone. I was going to come clean with all of you. I made that decision several days ago that I prefer working for you. Damn, that dog gave me new meaning to the word terror.

That war on drugs was pure bullshit. I've seen too much on both sides of the coin. When you can't tell the cops from the bad guys there's a problem. I saw agents get rich all of a sudden; I saw others deal the dope they confiscated. I saw agents corrupting other agents. The game sucks and I want out."

"Northern Lights, Yukon King, white. Relax Murph, however you lost a great deal of trust today, now your fate is in Pete and Stan's hands." Timmy said.

"Damn, those Gunships need great pilots and a great second seat. You’re the best Gadget and Crystal Ball man I've seen with that ECM gear next to Marion. I just don't know?" Pete said.

"Well I know." Babs said.

"Okay Babs what's your opinion?"

"He rides as my second seat. If he screws up I'll eject him right through the canopy while it's locked down. It'll snap his neck and no problems; circuit malfunctioned on a training flight. And onboard a recertified for flight aircraft."

"Damn girl, you're cold blooded." One of the pilots said.

"Okay, he's with you Babs. One screw up and Marion over there will let me and Babs know. Marion you heard what I said, is it understood?"

"Sure boss, no problem. I think Murph will do the mission and make us proud." Marion said.

"We'll discuss this further back at the barn. I want all those birds checked out carefully. The special birds are to be loaded hot and protect our asses.

Two birds are the Angels as decoys, Stan and I in double zero, Gary and Bob are zero one, Babs and Murph are Hot one, Harry and Marion are Hot two. Medic zero one and Medic zero two can be fought over by you four.

Babs and Murph you're point, Harry and Marion cover our asses. We expect to be classified as bogeys by A.T.C. once airborne or when they realize the scam. The Feds will put two and two together once we leave here or they might be doing it now.

Hot one and two liftoff at 1900 Hrs. for cross-country night training, IFR conditions. Lay low and disappear until we are in the air. Monitor all frequencies the feds and military use. Maintain a guard on our special freqs.

Medic one and two you file the flight plans for your flights as normal. We're going to be on a training flight ten minutes ahead of you.

At way point alpha we form up on me in double zero. At Crescent Airport we refuel, the gladiator will be waiting with go-go juice; I want you all to top off those tanks. After Crescent Double zero, zero one, Hot one and two will depart Medic flights and proceed to the LZ with cargo and passengers at treetop level and night vision goggles.

From what I was told we'll be able to check out our rides and top off again at the LZ. Our transponders will be off and not painting on the radar scopes so be aware of everything we do visually." Pete said.

"Damn, it was a good thing we got that Military issue nonreflecting radar paint and Night Vision goggles when we did." Murph said.

"Murph, one other thing you will be with me until you liftoff. No phones or calls in or out. Marion will make sure you're nor carrying a wire or bug."

"Oh Crap, not the Exlax?" Murphy said.

"Oh yes as we'll all do the same, just to make you happy." Stan said to the groaning of all the pilots.

"Sorry but this is a covert op, now they can slip a bug into your lunch and you ingest it. It could be an RDF beacon or a voice bug."

"Okay, I'll make all the suffering worth your while. We have to do it just as you all have to do it. This operation cannot have anything taken to chance." Timmy said.

"Hey Boss can he get us new assholes? After this we'll need them." 

"No Marion, but I'll get you all some Tampax juniors as a plug." I said as Babs laughed loudly.

"Great, then they'll find out what it's like to have something shoved up their asses for a change." Babs said still laughing.

"Not funny at all, not funny at all girls." Pete said grabbing his butt in feigned agony.

"Timmy, we'll be as careful as we can but you know the Feds have it all going for them. The 430's are ready to go are you sure you want to liftoff from the airport?"

"Yeah, as they can't bug the cars then if they're in the hanger and being watched."

I learned later that the 430's mentioned were Bell model 430 helicopters with retractable landing gear. They travel at one hundred and forty knots and a range of three hundred and eighty five nautical miles at a payload of ninety three hundred pounds. They will carry eight passengers comfortably with a cabin space of forty-one point five square feet and an additional thirty-seven point two cubic feet of baggage space. They each use two Rolls Royce turbine engines to power them and a four-blade rotor system to stabilize and fly them. If one engine dies it can still remain stable due to the second engine so they can land safely and retain power.

The meeting had finally finished, now all we could hope for is not to be found out. If found out there was always the possibility that the Feds would call in the military to shoot us down or use their own means to destroy us before our mission ended.

We also had to maintain the safety and privacy of those we were going to meet with.

Timmy called the kids into the den to fulfill his promise to Gerry. The pilots were introduced to the children, as were Jack and Myrna that came with them.

Pete invited them all out to the airport for a visit. He also included lunch and a flying lesson for Margie, Gerry, Myrna and Jack. Again my thoughts were if we got back in one piece.

Bev was angry with Robbie for not showing up with her clothes that afternoon. So Margie, Myrna and I took her shopping while the men babysat for us. I thought it was fair but Timmy didn't as we got into my Limo. The only thing that stopped Timmy from complaining was my kissing him with as much passion as I could muster. It took his breath away and almost my panties. All I know is whether it is love or lust it would have been good.

As Ernie pulled the car out of the carport, Angus wearing pants, flagged us down.

"Is me bonny lass up yonder?"

"Oh you mean Abby, she should be. I haven't seen her or mother all day."

"Aye, Thank ye mistress." Angus said politely.

I closed the window as we drove on with Beverly saying, "He's been bitten badly, hasn't he?"

"Bitten by what? It's too cold for any bugs." Ernie said.

"The Love Bug, Moron." Beverly retorted.

"Oh that bug, I guess he has. Damn I still can't believe he's wearing pants. At least he won't be shooting the moon at me anymore. I just hope Abby can tame him." Ernie said.

"If she takes or has an interest in him she will." I said as Bev giggled.

We all talked as Ernie drove us to the stores Bev needed to go to. Several times she tried to call Robbie on her cell phone and was told he was in a conference. I even tried and was refused to gain access to him. After the last store that Bev went to along with several hundreds of dollars spent and a greater amount spent by me on Timmy, the children; and myself we went back home with no problems and no shadows following us. We made a stop at the drugstore and the both of us ran inside and returned quickly with a fairly large box. I saw that look of distrust on Ernie's face as we reentered the car driving off to the house as Bev and I giggled.

Bev went to her room to get ready. Margie and I went to our suite.

"Momma, thank you for taking me with you and Aunt Beverly. I had a great time." She said as we unpacked the shopping bags from our shopping trip.

"Dear, when we get all the loose ends taken care of we'll do it again. Next time with your sisters also. Now remember that everything we bought is for the funerals. I know it's not something you want to think about but we have to do it." I said as I hugged her to my breast as she softly began to cry.

This was the second time today that she was crying. I held her to me and cried along with her. This little girl was now a part of Timmy and I, a part that was a gift to us to raise and be a young woman that she wanted to become.

"I thought I heard crying. Is she alright, dear?" Mother said as she came from the hallway into the girl's room.

Mother was told of the apparitions and of what had happened last night and again now. I told her of seeing my father and him smiling along with Margie's parents too. Mother came and wrapped both her arms around the both of us and cried too.

I welcomed the safety of those arms no matter how old they were. I welcomed this woman that birthed me into this cold and unforgiving world. I saw that those arms that welcomed my daughter. As I said it was always safety to me and now Margie too, now had that safety.

"Darling, you can always come to your momma or to me. We make mistakes but maybe we can help you. But, you have to come and talk to us first, okay?" Mother said as she dried Margie's tears and hugged her again.

Margie nodded and smiled at us both. It was refreshing to see her unencumbered of all she and her siblings had endured. These were and are children; they should not have to endure the vast concerns of the world or for growing into her position as a woman. We adults should carry those responsibilities and protect all children.

Margie and I showed mother what we had bought the girls for the pending funerals. I told her of what I said to Margie about the clothes. Mother at times disagreed with me though, this time she agreed.

We then went to my suite as I prepared to get dressed. This was the first time mother had really seen the rooms that Timmy and I occupied. She was duly impressed with the layout and decoration. I showed her everything, which seemed to impress her more.

"This is lovely dear. It shows such genteel charm of an age gone by just as this whole house does. If your sister and I didn't live here, I'd be coming here often. I love it here and love being with all of you."

She was once again told that this was also she and Abby's home for as long as they want. I asked about Carmella and Nancy if they were getting along acceptably. It was great having her friend living with her and her daughter being the nurse really helps also.

Looking at the time on my watch, it was getting very close to go to the airport. I told Margie and mother to make themselves comfortable while I took a shower and changed. A robe and slippers waited for me in the bath area. Quickly I disrobed as the water was adjusted and I went into the hot water. Damn, I was scared about this meeting although it had to be done. I was going to ask mother about what was in those boxes but decided against it. The less I knew the better off I was.

While in that meeting I found out that Bev had gone downtown to the county courthouse and submitted the will to the probate court just as she said she would.

Mother looked still younger as I looked at her before. She stood straight and tall and not stooped as she once stood. She was dressed not in her housecoat but in a beautiful pantsuit, blouse and even heels. It could be my imagination but the children had much to do with her she has her will back to live life to the fullest.

Now Margie was the proverbial kick in the ass. She came out of that depression like gang busters. She was a new child to us; her lassitude was gone and replaced with a vigor that was new to me. I think it helped that we, both Timmy and I, told her we were there for her and all the children. It helped that I told her of the apparitions in our suite. We became mother and daughter sharing what we had seen.

Grabbing a towel I stepped out of the shower to dry off. Not seeing my mother I heard an intake of breath, which made me look in the direction of the sound.

"Terri darling, when?" Mother said pointing at the nether regions between my legs.

"Monday, why?"

"My goodness, I've heard of fast healing but that is a miracle."

She sat down at my vanity as I explained what the doctor did and why it was done. At first I thought she was going to lose her temper but she surprised me with a kiss to the forehead.

"Daughter, when you have all of the surgery done, Abby and I will be there to welcome you fully into womanhood. You've done ever so well thus far, we're all proud of you and your family. Daddy would be so proud of his girls." She said crying.

"He is mother, he is. I saw him remember. I just want to make my mother proud of our children." I said as I tried to calm her.

Again we dried our tears together saying, "She is proud of her grandchildren and both of her daughters. You have an uncle that is very proud of you and of the complete family also."

"Uncle Sally, but I thought he wasn't pleased with me for taking this job?"

"That was the old Uncle Sally, the new Uncle Sally love you for the integrity you have in your job and the love for your husband and children."

"Mother, I was thinking of leaving the job. There just isn't enough time in the day. Margie is a teenager and the others need all the love I, no, we can give them." I said as I put on my bra and panties under mother's watchful eyes.

"Sweetie I think Timmy would be lost without you at his side. The children will be fine, they will understand as each day goes by. You have all of us in this magnificent home to help with them." She said as she dried, combed out and then started to braid my hair.

"It's not here I'm worried about, it's when they're not here."

"They will still be fine. After all they do need to have friends their own ages. They all need to have interests outside of the house just as you and Abby did growing up. Yes dear Abby told me of all the dances you and she attended as sisters."

Mother stopped me, as I was about to put on a pair of knee-highs taking them from my hands. She just about flew out of the door and into my closet returning minutes later with a package of black heavy denier tights saying, " You'll be warmer with these instead. Even under those woolen slacks even though they are lined. Here is your red sweater, blazer and red boots."

Damn, she already knew what I was going to wear. I put on the tights, sweater and red suede, flat heeled, riding boots. As I applied my makeup she watched me carefully nodding her approval.

"Margie as we said, has to grow up to be a lady, just as you my dear daughter are one."

"Telling secrets without me? Sorry grandmother but I heard my name."

"No dear we were speaking about all of you." I said.

"Momma, your worried about not spending more time with us?"

"Damn mother, she is perceptive." I said.

"Not really, I was eavesdropping." Margie said giggling and continuing "Momma, with grandmother, Aunt Abby, Stevens, Jack, Myrna and the entire staff; how can we go wrong? Momma, the one thing I do promise is I will always tell you, grandma, and Aunt Abby everything. I will wait for you to come home so we can talk. I know Gerry will tell daddy everything just as I tell you. You were the one that said no secrets, remember, and that is the way it will always be."

Mother tapped Margie lightly on the butt saying, "That young lady is for eavesdropping. Ladies do not and will not do that, only if it benefits us anyway." 

I had to laugh at them both; my mother already had control of the situation and could read my daughter like she could read me like a book. I saw the mother of my youth returning back to me and now to share herself with her grandchildren. This also held true for Abby; she had returned in body, mind and her spirit. I was truly personally blessed by these events.

I was fully dressed but I felt I lacked something. Then I realized what I lacked, accessories, namely jewelry.

I went to the vault and entered the combination as mother and Margie kept at a distance. As the vault door opened I heard mother do a quick intake of air, I escorted them both into the large room with all the coats, accessories and jewelry boxes. I saw both their eyes open wide as we went in. In some respects it was like the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and that treasure cave with them being Ali Baba.

I told Mother, she and Abby could use anything in that room. Margie had to ask permission but she could also use anything except the fur coats. Some of those coats were irreplaceable as they came from endangered species and we worried about her safety from the animal rights extremists or were those nuts. Oh well anyway, that's another story and I have my own opinions of those people and their acts of vandalism, assault and destruction.

Mother agreed, as did Margie to what I said. Margie asked if she and grandma would be able to look around the room, I saw no reason for Margie and her not to do so. I told her that Gladys would be available to help them both as she knew where everything was, which she graciously accepted. I told my mother about the stored clothing and Abby, Margie and she could use anything that I had. Looking at my watch I gave them a kiss, grabbed a ski parka and went down to the kitchen.

Timmy sat at the table as poured coffee for myself and then sat next to him. I told him about what had happened since we were alone in the kitchen. He told me that he didn't see anything wrong, as everything, which his heart and body. What can you say when the man you love so dearly says something like that? You kiss him that's what you do.

"All right you two please take that upstairs. You're corrupting my poor single spirit." Ernie said jokingly.

"Ernie if you got married……"

"Yeah I'd be dead trying to make up for all the lost time without real sex. Damn just look at the fur I have on these palms, I have more fur them then the demon dogs do on their bodies. I tried to use an electric shaver and burned it out."

Only Ernie could do his comic act while we tried to have coffee. Poor Timmy had to go upstairs to change his shirt after spilling his coffee on it as he laughed.

"Are you ready for tonight?" I asked Ernie.

"To be honest this is scaring the hell out of me. If I was meant to fly I would have been born with wings."

"Helicopters don't have wings, well maybe little stubby ones, no parachutes either."

"Could I pass on this one? This conversation is making me very uncomfortable."

"Nope, you're going just like Robbie said and that's final. Besides those birds have all best safety systems and the best pilots." Timmy said as he walked into the kitchen.

"Yeah, but no parachutes. I'll take comfort that when I die you'll be with me playing those harps on those clouds and you know I'm tone deaf." Ernie said resignedly.

We managed to get the thought into Ernie's mind that the aircraft were safe to fly in. We also decided to have the suburban follow us to the airport with Pablo driving it.

Bev, Ernie and myself would be in the Limo with Pablo and Timmy in the Suburban carrying Mother's boxes. Pablo and Timmy would be the ones to see if we were followed. When we started to roll we would call Paul and Iggy as they would be coming in an armored car and a trusted city police escort in unmarked cars and plain clothes. We should all be at the airport at the same time.

While we spoke Henry had come into the kitchen and prepared a light meal for us. Stevens had also come in and thanked us for allowing him to have the day off. Jack spent most of the time with the children to allow Myrna and Stevens to talk and reacquaint themselves as father and daughter.

"Did you both work out the problems you two had." I asked.

"It will take more time I fear. Myrna's mother had done a substantial amount of damage to my character. We promised each other we'll work on all those problems. We both said that no one in this household should be at the brunt of any hostilities especially the children." Stevens said.

"At least that's a step in the right direction. A word of advice is to show a greater amount of affection." I said.

"Stevens will Angus and you please secure the grounds when we leave. Place the dogs on alert include King on the patrols. King will love to get some fresh meat coming over the wall. Lock the inner gates also and turn on the power to them and the surrounding walls that should be a deterrent to anyone trying to get in. Give the staff the TASERS to carry and tell Angus, no shotguns with pepper loads please." Timmy said.

 

"Are you expecting trouble sir?"

"Not really it's just for the protection of those here. This is a just in case measure. If anyone claims to have legal papers to serve refuse them and call Robbie and me. Make those people wait until Robbie comes." Timmy said.

"We will do that sir. Have a good flight."

We managed to say our goodbyes to everyone; of course we had to wait for Beverly as she fell asleep in her bath. Timmy, Ernie and Pablo checked over the Suburban and the Limo doing an Electronic Bug sweep for any electronic directional beacons and bugs, both vehicles checked our clean. The Suburban was loaded with the cargo of four bankers boxes that were very well filled.

It was funny watching Beverly run from the house and brushing her hair out in the wind. By the time she was in the limo her hair was already partially frozen and her teeth chattered.

I helped to braid her hair as she was warming up in the Limo and Ernie drove through the gates. She applied her makeup although she swore at Ernie as we hit the potholed laden streets.

In twenty minutes we arrived at the airport without incident and no one following. The limo and Suburban entered through the guarded gates going directly to the large aircraft and inside of it. Inside of the hanger we waited until Iggy and Paul arrived.

The boxes were offloaded and placed in the passenger compartment of the Bell 430 helicopter inside of the hanger. I looked outside onto the tarmac and saw three more identical helicopters. All had the four bladed rotors folded back sitting on their wheels. All were painted white and burgundy red with a deep metallic blue outlining the other paints. There was more lettering saying, Angel Flights Incorporated, that lettering was done in that same deep metallic blue.

"Gorgeous aren't they?" Pete said as walked up in back of Beverly and me.

"That they are." Beverly said.

"All of our birds both the fixed wing planes and jets, along with the rotary wings work everyday whether for MedEvac at an accident scene or to transport the ill for treatment at a medical center. Every flight had doctors and nurses that were a part of the organization, some were paid and others volunteered. We fly adults or kids even if they can't afford the transportation or the treatment. Timmy's foundation picks up all the bills if they can't afford anything, no tax money is involved or bureaucratic paperwork. His foundation and other foundations take care of everything."

"Timothy a philanthropist? I guess he can afford it after what I heard several days ago." Beverly said.

I pointed out to them that Timmy and I have seen every form of mans inhumanity to man. We both saw every type of crime imagined to our species that affected man, woman and child. I personally thought that he wanted to see those that had a chance to get it.

Beverly saw Timmy in a different light. I saw admiration for him and to these people around us. Me, I was just as amazed to this revelation but my loved ran much, much deeper. It was also at that time I gave Pete our gift to all the Pilots, a case of Tampax Juniors to seal all their leaks. Not one word was said as he stared at the box however I saw a look of devilment in them. Somehow I knew that Babs was going to be involved with the joke on the others.   

   

I turned slightly to the noise of several vehicles coming through the gates heading directly to this hanger. One was just as Timmy said, an armored car with two cars in the front of it and two in the back of it.

Inside of the hanger it stopped with the cops in black and heavily armed, getting out of the cars and forming a parameter. I knew several of these men and women by name and sight. The driver of the Armored car was given a signal, disembarked from the vehicle and went to the back doors as they opened.

Iggy and Paul were the first to get out followed by three armored car company employees. Each of then had a very large box that was filled and sealed closed.

The boxes were loaded to join the boxes we brought from the house and locked inside the cabin area with Paul and Iggy. A tow vehicle hooked up the helicopter and it joined the others out on the flight line. Another pre-flight was done on all the helicopters when Pete waved us over and held open a cabin door of one of those magnificent machines.

Timmy and I thanked the escorts and the armored car employees before we went to the flight line. We told them all that dinner was on us at The Firehouse as was anything else they wanted. Before we got into the helicopter Timmy called the Firehouse and made the arrangements. I reiterated to them all that no one knew anything about what had taken place, all they knew was that they transported experimental medicine for a very sick person if they were asked.

We said our goodbyes and went to the helicopter and got into the passenger cabin getting strapped into our seats. I looked at Ernie with the beads of perspiration forming on his forehead.

"Hey Ernie, Pete said you can fly in front on the way back." Timmy said looking at Ernie.

"Ah……No thanks, but I will tell you my thoughts later."

Beverly and I just giggled at this grown man that was afraid to fly. Timmy was sitting next to me aft looking forward all the while holding my hand while Beverly and Ernie were forward looking aft in the cabin. I was fine until both pilots got into the helicopter closed their doors and started the main engines. Timmy reached over picking up a set of headsets with a microphone attached and told us all to put them on.

As the transmission engaged the rotors I felt the slight cavitations of the rotors beating the air. We heard the pilots and the air traffic control tower talking as well as the others pilots of Angel Flight. Each was separated with the Tower in one ear and Angel Flight into the other ear.

As the RPM increased the cavitation increased until the brakes were released and we started to roll slowly. The next thing I noticed was us taxiing to a runway watching the various hangers and aircraft going past the cabin windows. I knew that helicopters had the ability to hover, take off and land just about anywhere but this airport required all aircraft to taxi just as a fixed winged plane would. In seconds we were airborne, I felt a soft bump as the landing gear retracted into the fuselage and the rotors increased their RPM.

Timmy squeezed my hand twice as we were gaining altitude. I squeezed back telling him I was okay. I looked out the cabin windows seeing the flashes of the anti collision strobes doing their strange warning dance in the darkness that seemed to envelope us. I watched out the window as I saw two sets of red and green lights and strobes off in the distance seem to close on our location. Closer and closer they came to us until their shapes came into view. It was then they turned off all their lights going dark as the night.

I heard through the earpieces of the headset of our two escorts checked in with the flight leader, Pete. Hot one and two had joined us, as did our other two helicopters.

I also heard the Air Traffic Control Center ask if we were okay. They said that their radar had a flare on their screen or it was a computer glitch they could have sworn they saw a merging of two contacts.

Hot one reported to Pete that all they saw was normal air traffic so far. They were going ahead to do a scout and would return. Hot two reported clear that no one was following them so far.

At this point all I could do is listen to the radios, as I couldn't see much of anything except darkness. Holding Timmy's hand was a blessing for me. Bev somehow brought a book with her and was totally immersed in it. Ernie had stopped sweating and was resting with his eyes closed.

In very little time we made the rendezvous' to refuel. Hot one went in first to refuel followed by all of us. The airport seemed deserted as we went in; there was no activity at all. Hot one got a low flying contact and went to check it out with Hot two staying and watching us.

Hot one rejoined us while Hot two refueled their contact turned out to a nothing but a lost plane following landmarks when they could find them.

Our birds where all fully fueled and continued our flight to the farm. What worried us, that there was no air traffic on the route we chose. Our MedEvac flights departed us and went on to their destinations to now become Angel flights for the sick. Pete hugged the contours of the land with the help of ground contour radar. The only problem with any radar is that with the proper equipment they can be heard and heard very loudly.

We made it to the farm and contacted them on the pre-arranged frequency. An LZ was created in a field near a very big barn.

"Damn, finally, we got here and in one piece." I said softly.

"Sure did, now we have to wait for Pete to shut down then we can all get out." Timmy said.

All in all, the ride wasn't as bad as I thought. Yes I was nervous because of the flight and the Feds. I just hoped they wouldn't come to this party like they have a habit of doing.

On landing and shutting down the cabin door was opened allowing the cabin door to hiss slightly from the air pressure sealing it had. There were several heavily armed men around the area as I peered out the door. Pete was told to fold the rotors as a tow tractor came from the barn and hooked onto the helicopter. The birds would be refueled before we lifted off except for the Cobras.

While we were on the ground our Cobras were still flying giving us cover until we were all safe. Then Hot one would land while Hot two would provide air cover for two hours and then be relieved by Hot one. This would continue for as long as we were here.  

 

Vincenzo came from the shadows allowing us to see him saying, "Buono Sera Terri and Timothy, I see you found the place and welcome. Please all of you follow me this way to your uncle who is waiting to greet you all."

We walked a short distance to the old or what appeared to be old farmhouse. The storm doors were open to the storm cellar of the house. As soon as we came to the stairs soft light lit up the stairs and stairway. I noticed that the walls were reinforced concrete as were the stairs. The storm cellar doors were motorized and were very thick besides being we