Since I may not get to post anymore until after the holiday's. Here's 2 chapters.
Chapter 13
Katie rolled down the taxi window and could smell the ocean several miles before reaching the condo. The minute she saw the water, she knew she had picked the perfect spot for a vacation. The condo was right on the ocean and was beautiful. She unpacked and went for a nice long walk on the beach.
Katie loved waking up and watching the sunrise on the ocean. That is when she would go for her morning walks. During the day she would swim, sunbathe, and even tired wind surfing. The time was so relaxing and peaceful. She had left everything behind. No worries. After dinner, she would sit with a nice cup of herbal tea and watch the sunset.
After three days, Katie realized that there was no way for Mark to contact her if she was needed. She had left her cell phone at the ranch and there was no phone in the condo. So she decided to find a phone and check in.
Mark answered the phone.
“Well, I am just checking in. How are things?”
“Everything on the ranch is fine. How’s the beach?”
“Wonderful as always. Anything going on?”
“Well, yes. Actually I was hoping you would call. Your father called yesterday.”
“He did? What did he want?”
“I am not sure. He didn’t say much but said that it was really important that he talk to you, soon.”
“I guess I better call him. Thanks Mark. Take care and I’ll call in a few days.
“Okay. Have a great time. Bye.”
Katie immediately called father. “Hey Daddy.”
“Hello Katherine. It’s about time.”
Katie knew something was wrong, her dad never called her Katherine. “What’s wrong Daddy?”
“I think you should come home right away.”
“Why, what’s wrong?”
“I can’t tell you now, just get home!”
“Okay. It will take a few days, I am in South Carolina.”
“JUST GET HOME!” With that he hung up.
Katie called the airport to get a flight the next morning, then called Mark and told him about what her dad said. Mark agreed to pick her up at the airport. They chatted a bit then said goodbye.
The next morning, Katie was on the plane headed home. Her vacation was great but way too short. So many thoughts ran through her head about what was wrong with her father; the worst one being that he was dying. She tired not to think about that one.
It was dinnertime when Katie and Mark pulled in the driveway. Everyone welcomed back Katie. She was so tired that she ate and immediately went to bed. She would have to drive to her father’s house tomorrow, and she wanted to be well rested.
The next morning it was raining. Katie woke up the same time she always did. As she began packing some things for the trip, she realized that she was dreading it. Her father was usually great, but since Katie’s move, he has changed. She didn’t like the way her father had changed. It seemed as if he wasn’t her father anymore. He no longer seemed to care how Katie felt, where she was, or what she was doing. Finally, she decided that she would confront her father about this and hopefully get to the root of the problem.
The drive was a good one despite all the rain. As she pulled into the drive she noticed that her father wasn’t the only thing that had changed. The place seemed run down. The grass hadn’t been mowed in several weeks. The house needed numerous repairs, and the entire place wasn’t the one she left several months earlier.
Her father stepped out on the porch dressed in old raggedy clothes, looking as if he hadn’t shaved in over a month. Katie had never seen her father like that. He was always in a suit and tie or slacks and a sport coat and defiantly always clean shaven.
“Hello Daddy. How are you?”
“Never mind that Katherine. Get in the house.”
Katie felt a sudden fear as she walked in. She had no idea what was going on and was afraid to find out. As they sat down, for the first time in her life Katie saw a strong pain and fear in her father’s eyes.
Tears came to his eyes as he started to speak. “Katie, this is hard for me to say and is probably hard to hear, but I am going to give it to you straight. Don’t say anything. Please just listen until I am finished. I know you saw how I was changing before you left and how much things have changed now. So many things have happened in the last several months. I took on a case that I knew was a tough battle. It was very controversial and one that no one thought I should take. However, I felt like I was the only one that could and would handle it. The case became very stressful on me. My client was obviously guilty of the crime and it was a very serious one. I did everything I could to help my client find a way out. There were even some things that weren’t quite kosher with the law. I did things that I shouldn’t have done to the records and case and I was convicted of several charges. My client was found guilty and so was I. They immediately disbarred me and convicted me on several counts. I never regret what I did but am now bankrupt and might even face jail. I am sorry only because I feel I have hurt you and let you down. Please forgive me Princess.” As he finished he began sobbing.
Chapter 14
Katie started to cry too. She went over to console her father. After a few minutes, she finally began to speak. “Daddy, there is no reason to apologize to me. You are the one that is hurting. I can understand why you did what you did. Even though I don’t know the details, I know that it was what you felt you had to do. I am here for you and will help you however I can. Daddy, I will love you no matter what. I promise.”
Her father looked at her and smiled through his tears. “Katie, you are exactly like your mother.”
They hugged and then decided to get something to drink to settle themselves down. Katie began telling her father everything that had happened since she left. He seemed very interested and excited. As she spoke, Katie could see him swelled up with pride at all she had done.
He later asked her how things were going with the situation of Billy’s death. She told him how everything was going and that she felt she was getting closer. Then she told him about Brian and him going to jail. She said that it had slowed things down and really hindered her finding the truth. Her father told her that he would help anyway he could. Katie thanked him with a smile.
They talked the rest of the evening and late into the night. Finally, Katie fell asleep on the couch. Her father covered her up and kissed her goodnight. The next morning, Katie woke to the smell of sausage and eggs, a smell she loved and could not resist.
Over breakfast they finished talking about her father’s case. He still wouldn’t give her details on what he did and she didn’t push it. She did ask when he would know his sentence. He told her that his hearing was the next week and that the possibilities were having his license taken away permanently, up to $150,000 in fines, three months to three years in prison or any combination of those.
Katie told him she would stay until the hearing but he refused to let her. He told her that for her sake, he didn’t want her there and for her to get the things she wanted and return to the ranch. She never disobeyed her father so she did exactly that. He promised to call and let her know the outcome. They said their good-byes, hugged, and Katie left with both having tears in their eyes.
Katie stopped down the road because she couldn’t see to drive through the tears. She sat on the side of the road crying for over an hour. Katie realized she had become bitter and angry with her father over his recent actions and that he was really the one struggling. She asked God to forgive her and to help her be a better daughter. She also prayed for her father and for God’s mercy on him. Katie continued to pray the rest of the drive back to the ranch.
As she pulled in the driveway to the ranch, she saw a beautiful rainbow that seemed as if it was directly over her house. She realized that God was showing her that He had heard her prayer and was reminding her of His promises. She was overcome with joy and peace.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Chapter 12
The next morning after giving her lessons, Katie immediately went back down to the river. When she got there, she realized that the ribbon was gone. She looked around on the ground but didn’t see it. Katie just knew that some of the guys were playing a trick and thought nothing more of it. She found Billy’s hiding place, went in, looked around, but found nothing. Another dead-end. Katie returned home for lunch.
Mark greeted her on the porch. “Find anything?”
“No, but I will.”
“That’s what I love ‘bout you K. You never give up.”
They walked in for lunch, as everyone was just finishing.
“Well, I see how important I am to have everyone wait for me.”
“Ma’am,” started one for the ranch hands, “Mark waited on you but told us to eat.”
“Oh, he did? Well thank you Mark. I hate eating alone.”
“Welcome, I hate eating without having your beautiful face across the table.”
Katie loved the way Mark flirted with her. He was so sweet and really made her feel good. There were times he made her forget about Billy. She wasn’t sure if that was good or bad, but she certainly enjoyed it.
A few days passed, and finally Brian called. Katie was out giving lessons when one of the house staff yelled for her.
“Hello?”
“Katie, it’s Brian.”
“Hey, how are things?”
“Well, not so good.”
“What’s wrong Brian?”
“Well, Katie, I am afraid that I won’t be able to contact you anymore for sometime.”
“Why Brian? What’s wrong?”
“Katie, I was court marshaled and found guilty.”
“Guilty? Guilty of what?”
“Interfering with a US Army investigation. I have to serve 1 ½ - 5 years.”
“Brian, I am sorry. It’s all my fault.”
“No, Katie, it’s not. I never used your name so they don’t know you were involved. I didn’t want you to be arrested too. Anyway, my sentence hearing is tomorrow, so I thought I would call and let you know. I’ll contact you if I can but don’t count on it.”
“Well, Brian, thanks for everything. Let me know when you get out. Again, I am very sorry.”
“Don’t worry Katie. You’ll figure it out. I’ll let you know when I am released. Bye.”
Katie couldn’t believe it. The only link she had was gone. She was now on her own. Katie wanted so bad to figure all this out but in the back of her mind knew that she might never do so. She immediately went outside and told Mark. He couldn’t believe it either.
“Well, that defiantly throws a monkey in the ring, but don’t worry K, we’ll find the truth.”
She smiled at his words and knew that the we meant that he would help her every step of the way. Katie thanked him with a hug and a peck on the cheek.
It wasn’t long before Mark and Katie began spending more and more time together. She would give her lessons in the morning while he worked with some new horses. After lunch, they would stay pretty much together until bedtime. The only time they were apart was when there was a problem on the ranch Mark had to take care of.
Mark soon realized that he had fallen in love with Katie. He also knew that he could never let her know until she had put Billy’s death and Billy to rest. Little did he know that Katie knew how he felt and even found herself wondering if Billy’s death was keeping herself from falling in love with such a wonderful man.
Everyone on the ranch saw what was happening. The guys all kidded Mark, who denied everything. There were some that saw the sparkle in Katie’s eyes when she looked at Mark. He was a very handsome man. About six foot two inches tall, light brown hair, soft baby blue eyes, nicely tanned skin, a perfect loving smile that just made you melt, and was pretty well built from all the work. Katie would sometimes catch herself staring on really hot days when he would remove his shirt and dip his head in the water trough. She also loved the way his tight Wranglers fit him oh so perfectly.
It wasn’t long before Katie began to realize that she was indeed falling in love with Mark, in spite of the love she still had for Billy. As more and more time went by, it became more realistic that she would never find the truth behind Billy’s death. This saddened her because Billy was such a great part of her life, but she knew that she would eventually have to move on with her life.
Katie decided that she needed to get away from everything and figure stuff out. She decided to take a vacation. Katie loved the mountains and countryside but also loved the ocean. She decided the best vacation would be on the beach. She called and rented a condo near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The beach in this area was fairly private so she would have it pretty much to herself.
She informed Mark of her plans and told him he was in charge. Katie didn’t know how long she would be gone. Just however long it took. Mark drove her to the airport. Katie hugged him goodbye and off she went.
Mark greeted her on the porch. “Find anything?”
“No, but I will.”
“That’s what I love ‘bout you K. You never give up.”
They walked in for lunch, as everyone was just finishing.
“Well, I see how important I am to have everyone wait for me.”
“Ma’am,” started one for the ranch hands, “Mark waited on you but told us to eat.”
“Oh, he did? Well thank you Mark. I hate eating alone.”
“Welcome, I hate eating without having your beautiful face across the table.”
Katie loved the way Mark flirted with her. He was so sweet and really made her feel good. There were times he made her forget about Billy. She wasn’t sure if that was good or bad, but she certainly enjoyed it.
A few days passed, and finally Brian called. Katie was out giving lessons when one of the house staff yelled for her.
“Hello?”
“Katie, it’s Brian.”
“Hey, how are things?”
“Well, not so good.”
“What’s wrong Brian?”
“Well, Katie, I am afraid that I won’t be able to contact you anymore for sometime.”
“Why Brian? What’s wrong?”
“Katie, I was court marshaled and found guilty.”
“Guilty? Guilty of what?”
“Interfering with a US Army investigation. I have to serve 1 ½ - 5 years.”
“Brian, I am sorry. It’s all my fault.”
“No, Katie, it’s not. I never used your name so they don’t know you were involved. I didn’t want you to be arrested too. Anyway, my sentence hearing is tomorrow, so I thought I would call and let you know. I’ll contact you if I can but don’t count on it.”
“Well, Brian, thanks for everything. Let me know when you get out. Again, I am very sorry.”
“Don’t worry Katie. You’ll figure it out. I’ll let you know when I am released. Bye.”
Katie couldn’t believe it. The only link she had was gone. She was now on her own. Katie wanted so bad to figure all this out but in the back of her mind knew that she might never do so. She immediately went outside and told Mark. He couldn’t believe it either.
“Well, that defiantly throws a monkey in the ring, but don’t worry K, we’ll find the truth.”
She smiled at his words and knew that the we meant that he would help her every step of the way. Katie thanked him with a hug and a peck on the cheek.
It wasn’t long before Mark and Katie began spending more and more time together. She would give her lessons in the morning while he worked with some new horses. After lunch, they would stay pretty much together until bedtime. The only time they were apart was when there was a problem on the ranch Mark had to take care of.
Mark soon realized that he had fallen in love with Katie. He also knew that he could never let her know until she had put Billy’s death and Billy to rest. Little did he know that Katie knew how he felt and even found herself wondering if Billy’s death was keeping herself from falling in love with such a wonderful man.
Everyone on the ranch saw what was happening. The guys all kidded Mark, who denied everything. There were some that saw the sparkle in Katie’s eyes when she looked at Mark. He was a very handsome man. About six foot two inches tall, light brown hair, soft baby blue eyes, nicely tanned skin, a perfect loving smile that just made you melt, and was pretty well built from all the work. Katie would sometimes catch herself staring on really hot days when he would remove his shirt and dip his head in the water trough. She also loved the way his tight Wranglers fit him oh so perfectly.
It wasn’t long before Katie began to realize that she was indeed falling in love with Mark, in spite of the love she still had for Billy. As more and more time went by, it became more realistic that she would never find the truth behind Billy’s death. This saddened her because Billy was such a great part of her life, but she knew that she would eventually have to move on with her life.
Katie decided that she needed to get away from everything and figure stuff out. She decided to take a vacation. Katie loved the mountains and countryside but also loved the ocean. She decided the best vacation would be on the beach. She called and rented a condo near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The beach in this area was fairly private so she would have it pretty much to herself.
She informed Mark of her plans and told him he was in charge. Katie didn’t know how long she would be gone. Just however long it took. Mark drove her to the airport. Katie hugged him goodbye and off she went.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Chapter 11
Katie gave her riding lessons and then went in for lunch. It wasn’t long before the rest of the crew joined her. All day Katie pondered where to look and what to search for. Finally, she decided to start in the attic.
Katie had never been in the attic before. It was filled with boxes and old trunks. She went and opened all the trunks but all she found was old quilts. The boxes were all labeled, and she was glad. Katie went through every box that had Billy’s name or anything to do with the Army but found nothing.
By the time she finished in the attic, it was almost time for supper. Katie couldn’t believe she had spent that much time up there. After dinner, the crew went out to finish their work. Katie asked Mark to stay in. She told him that she was going to go through all the information and papers she had collected on Billy’s death so far, and she wanted him to help. Katie thought that maybe Mark might see something she had missed.
They spent hours looking at papers, sharing thoughts, and just chatting. Mark looked over and noticed that Katie had fallen asleep. He gently pulled off her boots and covered her with a blanket. It wasn’t long before Mark also fell asleep.
They both awoke the next morning surprised to find themselves sleeping side by side in front of the fireplace. They just looked at each other for a few moments, smiled, said good morning, and then went off to get ready for the day.
After her riding lessons, Katie went to gather up all her papers. As she was doing so, she saw the deed. She decided to look over it very careful once more and see if maybe she had over- looked something. Katie realized she had never read the part that stated what all was included. It read: Included is 250 acres of pasture and land, 2 story ranch house, workers’ quarters, 5 storage barns, 10 horse stables, 5 tractors and various farm equipment, 10 deluxe horse trailers, 3 full size trucks, 3 old full size work trucks, and $100,000 in savings at the First Country Bank to be used to buy horses, equipment and/or whatever is needed. She had no idea all of this was included. Katie just sat there is amazement.
She later found all the tractors, equipment, trailers, and trucks in the big barn on the hill behind the house, that Mark and his crew had not gotten to yer. Katie informed Mark of this and he was delighted to look them all over and to make sure they were in running order. It wasn’t long before the crew began putting it all to good use.
Katie was still no closer to finding a clue to Billy’s death. She decided to ask Mark where the best place to go and think was. He told her that when he worked for Mr. Jones, he would take a horse ride over to the river that runs at the back of the property and had a place fixed up out there. Katie told Mark to saddle her horse and not to let anyone disturb her.
She took a nice, quite ride back to the river. It was beautiful. This place seemed familiar to her, then she realized that she and Billy had been there before. Billy told her that he went out there to think and get away from everything. She remembered him telling her something about a special place that no one knew of where he would go. It was like a secret hide out. Katie had a feeling that maybe there would be a clue there to help her, but she couldn’t remember where it was.
She stayed there until dusk then decided to head back to the house before everyone came looking for her. As she got on her horse, something across the way caught her eye. Katie realized it was a ribbon tied to a tree. It was a tree that had Billy’s name carved in it and an arrow. She looked to where the arrow pointed and recognized Billy’s hiding place.
Somehow she felt Billy was showing her the way. The ribbon couldn’t be more than a month or so old, but who would tie a blue ribbon around a tree? Katie decided it was too dark to look in Billy’s secret hiding place tonight so she would come back tomorrow. She jumped on her horse and arrived back at the house just in time for dinner.
At dinner, she asked if anyone had been back to the river and tied a blue ribbon on a tree. No one had. Then one of the stable boys said he took a ride back there the other day and saw the tree with Billy’s name and an arrow carved in it, but there was no ribbon on it. Somehow Katie knew that someone was helping her find the clues to Billy’s death, but this time she didn’t think it was Brian.
Katie gave her riding lessons and then went in for lunch. It wasn’t long before the rest of the crew joined her. All day Katie pondered where to look and what to search for. Finally, she decided to start in the attic.
Katie had never been in the attic before. It was filled with boxes and old trunks. She went and opened all the trunks but all she found was old quilts. The boxes were all labeled, and she was glad. Katie went through every box that had Billy’s name or anything to do with the Army but found nothing.
By the time she finished in the attic, it was almost time for supper. Katie couldn’t believe she had spent that much time up there. After dinner, the crew went out to finish their work. Katie asked Mark to stay in. She told him that she was going to go through all the information and papers she had collected on Billy’s death so far, and she wanted him to help. Katie thought that maybe Mark might see something she had missed.
They spent hours looking at papers, sharing thoughts, and just chatting. Mark looked over and noticed that Katie had fallen asleep. He gently pulled off her boots and covered her with a blanket. It wasn’t long before Mark also fell asleep.
They both awoke the next morning surprised to find themselves sleeping side by side in front of the fireplace. They just looked at each other for a few moments, smiled, said good morning, and then went off to get ready for the day.
After her riding lessons, Katie went to gather up all her papers. As she was doing so, she saw the deed. She decided to look over it very careful once more and see if maybe she had over- looked something. Katie realized she had never read the part that stated what all was included. It read: Included is 250 acres of pasture and land, 2 story ranch house, workers’ quarters, 5 storage barns, 10 horse stables, 5 tractors and various farm equipment, 10 deluxe horse trailers, 3 full size trucks, 3 old full size work trucks, and $100,000 in savings at the First Country Bank to be used to buy horses, equipment and/or whatever is needed. She had no idea all of this was included. Katie just sat there is amazement.
She later found all the tractors, equipment, trailers, and trucks in the big barn on the hill behind the house, that Mark and his crew had not gotten to yer. Katie informed Mark of this and he was delighted to look them all over and to make sure they were in running order. It wasn’t long before the crew began putting it all to good use.
Katie was still no closer to finding a clue to Billy’s death. She decided to ask Mark where the best place to go and think was. He told her that when he worked for Mr. Jones, he would take a horse ride over to the river that runs at the back of the property and had a place fixed up out there. Katie told Mark to saddle her horse and not to let anyone disturb her.
She took a nice, quite ride back to the river. It was beautiful. This place seemed familiar to her, then she realized that she and Billy had been there before. Billy told her that he went out there to think and get away from everything. She remembered him telling her something about a special place that no one knew of where he would go. It was like a secret hide out. Katie had a feeling that maybe there would be a clue there to help her, but she couldn’t remember where it was.
She stayed there until dusk then decided to head back to the house before everyone came looking for her. As she got on her horse, something across the way caught her eye. Katie realized it was a ribbon tied to a tree. It was a tree that had Billy’s name carved in it and an arrow. She looked to where the arrow pointed and recognized Billy’s hiding place.
Somehow she felt Billy was showing her the way. The ribbon couldn’t be more than a month or so old, but who would tie a blue ribbon around a tree? Katie decided it was too dark to look in Billy’s secret hiding place tonight so she would come back tomorrow. She jumped on her horse and arrived back at the house just in time for dinner.
At dinner, she asked if anyone had been back to the river and tied a blue ribbon on a tree. No one had. Then one of the stable boys said he took a ride back there the other day and saw the tree with Billy’s name and an arrow carved in it, but there was no ribbon on it. Somehow Katie knew that someone was helping her find the clues to Billy’s death, but this time she didn’t think it was Brian.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Chapters 9 & 10
Chapter 9
Katie was beginning to think that things couldn’t get any stranger, but one trip to the mailbox would prove her wrong. There was a letter addressed to Ms. Katie Warren-Jones. Strange that someone would put that and send it to this address. She looked for a return address or a postmark but found neither. She opened it and found a typed letter. It read:
Katie,
I hope by the time you read this, things are beginning to fall into place. I know this is all hard to understand put please don’t give up. Best thing to do is to get out of your father’s house. Go to the ranch and live there. It’s the perfect place to figure things out, and it’s where you belong. You will love it there and you will be much safer. Do this as soon as you can. I must close now. Will contact you later.
That’s how it ended. No signature, no name, no identification whatsoever. Katie was beginning to get really worried and scared. She had no idea who wrote this letter or how they knew all these things, but she had a feeling that she had to do what they said.
Katie talked to Billy’s parents and they agreed to let her live on the ranch. It was about forty-five minutes from her father. She decided that she wouldn’t tell him where she was going until she found out why he was acting so strange. Katie began packing all her belongings and told her father she was leaving but didn’t say to where. She told him that, if anything came up, to call her on her cell phone. That would be the only way he could contact her. Then she thought about Brian. How would he know? How would he contact her? Just then the phone rang.
It was Brian. He told Katie that he hadn’t had any luck finding out more information but that he contacted someone who might help. She told him she was leaving and to contact her on her cell phone from now on. She decided not to tell Brian where she was going either. So, bright and early the next morning Katie left for the ranch.
She arrived and had most of her stuff unpacked by lunch. She took a break to eat then went right back to work. The beautiful house was beginning to look like a home. About dusk she decided to take a walk and explore the area.
Katie had forgotten what a beautiful place the ranch was. The main house was two stories. It was an old log home. The outside had cherry stain and also a huge wrap around deck. The house was not more than 10 years old. She remembered when Mr. Jones had a new one built. She had always loved log houses and was now living in one of the biggest, most beautiful in the south.
At one time this had been a live working ranch. She remembered going there a few times with Billy. His grandfather ran the place until he grew too ill to do so. Billy loved the ranch and even worked on it. That’s why his grandfather gave it to him. He knew Billy would take care of it and get it up and running again. This ranch had a very good reputation. Many award-winning horses came from there. There were some champion barrel racers, equestrian champions and even a few Derby winners. Katie decided that she would somehow get it running again. After all, it was Billy’s dream.
She decided that she must first get the best horse trainers in the business. Katie figured she had enough money in her stocks and bonds to get off the ground, so she began her search. It didn’t take her long to find Mark Dean. He was one of the top guys in the horse business. Mark told her that he had worked for Billy’s grandfather. He agreed to work for her and help hire the rest of the trainers and ranch hands.
In two weeks Katie had hired 25 people to work on the ranch. Among them were trainers, horse breakers, riders, ranch hands, a stable staff, and a cooking and cleaning staff. She now had everything she needed and decided to make Mark the Ranch Boss. He would oversee all the trainers, breakers, riders, hands, and stable staff. Katie would run the business and also give riding lessons.
A month after Katie had moved to the ranch, everything was going great. The ranch was coming along and making more money than Katie could ever dream. People obviously remembered the name Circle J Ranch and the reputation that went with it. Katie had almost forgotten about the mystery with Billy until Brian called.
“Katie, how are things?”
“Great Brian. How’s the investigation business?”
“Well, not sure. I found out something strange this morning.”
“Really? What?”
“Well, a friend of mine on base got the report on the mission we were on when Billy died. The report says that the mission was a success. It reads, ‘The recovery team successfully recovered the POW’s and injured. All eight team members returned to base and were debriefed. Some members were released and others were given new orders.’ Think anything sounds strange Katie?”
“Not really.”
“Katie, it says all eight members returned home but all didn’t. Billy died. It doesn’t say anything about that.”
“Are you sure that’s what it says?”
“Katie, I am holding it in my hand.”
“Brian, I want to see that report. I am living at the ranch now. Can you come out there?”
“Well, maybe. Tell you what, set me a spot at the dinner table, and I’ll be there.”
“Okay, hope you don’t mind eating with all my workers.”
“Not at all, just as long as we can talk privately afterwards.”
“You got it. See you around seven. Bye Brian.”
Chapter 10
Brian arrived about five minutes ‘til seven. Katie’s maid, Ms. Sue, answered the door.
“I’m Brian Walker.”
“Yes, Mr. Walker. Everyone is chatting in the den. Please have a seat.”
“Thank you.” Brian walked in and saw Katie sitting in a chair by the fireplace.
She was smiling and laughing while chatting with the workers. Katie looked up and saw him. She immediately stood up and introduced him. Everyone welcomed him then resumed their conversation. Katie walked toward Brian and hugged him. She was surprised by his dress. He was dressed causal but nice and even dressed to fit the ranch atmosphere. Brian wore black jeans that fit him nicely, cowboy boots, a white long sleeved shirt, and a black suede vest.
Just as they began talking, Ms. Sue called everyone for dinner. Katie could see that Brian was somewhat uncomfortable with all the guys. She slowly got him in the conversation and before long, he was cutting up and acting just like them. They sat around the table almost two hours before Mark finally stood up.
“Okay, boys, we’ve got work to do. Let’s go.”
With that the room instantly cleared. Katie ushered Brian out to the huge front porch where it was cooler.
“You don’t mind meeting out here do you? I like sitting out here at night.”
“No, not at all. It’s nice. Here’s the mission report you wanted.”
Katie took the report and read over it several times. It read just how Brian had said.
“Okay Brian, you said Billy was murdered. What’s this all about?”
“Katie, this is long and difficult but you deserve to know. I am sure you heard the story of the mission and how Billy covered us as we headed for the chopper, which is true. As he returned to the chopper, the enemy fire slowly stopped, but just as he turned to get in, he was shot. This is all true but you were never told where that shot came from. I was the only one who saw because everyone else was helping with the wounded. As Billy jumped in, the officer in charge of our mission, Major Miller, pulled out his boot pistol and shot Billy in the chest. Major Miller then yelled that Billy had been shot. He saw me looking at him and knows I saw it. When we returned to base, I reported it. A few days later I was relieved of my duties.”
“He was shot by his commanding officer? I don’t believe this. Why?”
“Katie, I don’t know but things got stranger. I was looking at Billy while he was lying there and he didn’t seem in very much pain for just having been shot in the chest.
Sgt. Clark, the medic, yelled to Major Miller, ‘Give him his shot.’ Major Miller reached in his pack, pulled out a shot, and gave it to Billy. Five minutes later they said he was dead. Now the strange part is, why was the major carrying a shot?”
“Brian, this is all so confusing. For some reason, the Army wanted Billy dead but why and what did his dying have to do with this ranch?”
“What do you mean by that Katie?”
“Well, you said his last words were, ‘Tell Katie the key is in the deed.’ So what did that have to do with his death? The Army has no use for a 200-year-old ranch.”
“Well, what about the money? It is worth $2.5 million.”
“No, I don’t think that is it. I have been thinking about this. There has to be something on this ranch that will tell us why Billy was killed. Only problem is what is it and where is it? Anyway Brian, its getting pretty late and us ranchers have to get up at sunrise, so I guess we can talk later.”
“Sure, no problem.”
“Okay, well feel free to call or stop by anytime. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight Katie. I’ll let you know the second I find anything else.”
Katie didn’t sleep very well that night. She kept trying to think of what on the ranch could be the clue to Billy’s death and where it might be. She finally drifted off to sleep about 1:30 AM.
She awoke to the rooster crow, just as she did every morning. She got dressed and went down to breakfast. Mark greeted her warmly, same as every morning. Conversation was light. Finally, Mark asked her what she was going to do today.
“Well, I am giving riding lessons from 8 until 11 and then I guess after lunch, I’ll go look for a needle in a hay stack.”
Mark asked her what she meant by that and Katie briefly explained the conversation with Brian the night before. Katie had shared the entire story with Mark earlier, so he understood.
“If you need some help finding the needle, let me know.”
Katie thanked him and went outside.
Katie was beginning to think that things couldn’t get any stranger, but one trip to the mailbox would prove her wrong. There was a letter addressed to Ms. Katie Warren-Jones. Strange that someone would put that and send it to this address. She looked for a return address or a postmark but found neither. She opened it and found a typed letter. It read:
Katie,
I hope by the time you read this, things are beginning to fall into place. I know this is all hard to understand put please don’t give up. Best thing to do is to get out of your father’s house. Go to the ranch and live there. It’s the perfect place to figure things out, and it’s where you belong. You will love it there and you will be much safer. Do this as soon as you can. I must close now. Will contact you later.
That’s how it ended. No signature, no name, no identification whatsoever. Katie was beginning to get really worried and scared. She had no idea who wrote this letter or how they knew all these things, but she had a feeling that she had to do what they said.
Katie talked to Billy’s parents and they agreed to let her live on the ranch. It was about forty-five minutes from her father. She decided that she wouldn’t tell him where she was going until she found out why he was acting so strange. Katie began packing all her belongings and told her father she was leaving but didn’t say to where. She told him that, if anything came up, to call her on her cell phone. That would be the only way he could contact her. Then she thought about Brian. How would he know? How would he contact her? Just then the phone rang.
It was Brian. He told Katie that he hadn’t had any luck finding out more information but that he contacted someone who might help. She told him she was leaving and to contact her on her cell phone from now on. She decided not to tell Brian where she was going either. So, bright and early the next morning Katie left for the ranch.
She arrived and had most of her stuff unpacked by lunch. She took a break to eat then went right back to work. The beautiful house was beginning to look like a home. About dusk she decided to take a walk and explore the area.
Katie had forgotten what a beautiful place the ranch was. The main house was two stories. It was an old log home. The outside had cherry stain and also a huge wrap around deck. The house was not more than 10 years old. She remembered when Mr. Jones had a new one built. She had always loved log houses and was now living in one of the biggest, most beautiful in the south.
At one time this had been a live working ranch. She remembered going there a few times with Billy. His grandfather ran the place until he grew too ill to do so. Billy loved the ranch and even worked on it. That’s why his grandfather gave it to him. He knew Billy would take care of it and get it up and running again. This ranch had a very good reputation. Many award-winning horses came from there. There were some champion barrel racers, equestrian champions and even a few Derby winners. Katie decided that she would somehow get it running again. After all, it was Billy’s dream.
She decided that she must first get the best horse trainers in the business. Katie figured she had enough money in her stocks and bonds to get off the ground, so she began her search. It didn’t take her long to find Mark Dean. He was one of the top guys in the horse business. Mark told her that he had worked for Billy’s grandfather. He agreed to work for her and help hire the rest of the trainers and ranch hands.
In two weeks Katie had hired 25 people to work on the ranch. Among them were trainers, horse breakers, riders, ranch hands, a stable staff, and a cooking and cleaning staff. She now had everything she needed and decided to make Mark the Ranch Boss. He would oversee all the trainers, breakers, riders, hands, and stable staff. Katie would run the business and also give riding lessons.
A month after Katie had moved to the ranch, everything was going great. The ranch was coming along and making more money than Katie could ever dream. People obviously remembered the name Circle J Ranch and the reputation that went with it. Katie had almost forgotten about the mystery with Billy until Brian called.
“Katie, how are things?”
“Great Brian. How’s the investigation business?”
“Well, not sure. I found out something strange this morning.”
“Really? What?”
“Well, a friend of mine on base got the report on the mission we were on when Billy died. The report says that the mission was a success. It reads, ‘The recovery team successfully recovered the POW’s and injured. All eight team members returned to base and were debriefed. Some members were released and others were given new orders.’ Think anything sounds strange Katie?”
“Not really.”
“Katie, it says all eight members returned home but all didn’t. Billy died. It doesn’t say anything about that.”
“Are you sure that’s what it says?”
“Katie, I am holding it in my hand.”
“Brian, I want to see that report. I am living at the ranch now. Can you come out there?”
“Well, maybe. Tell you what, set me a spot at the dinner table, and I’ll be there.”
“Okay, hope you don’t mind eating with all my workers.”
“Not at all, just as long as we can talk privately afterwards.”
“You got it. See you around seven. Bye Brian.”
Chapter 10
Brian arrived about five minutes ‘til seven. Katie’s maid, Ms. Sue, answered the door.
“I’m Brian Walker.”
“Yes, Mr. Walker. Everyone is chatting in the den. Please have a seat.”
“Thank you.” Brian walked in and saw Katie sitting in a chair by the fireplace.
She was smiling and laughing while chatting with the workers. Katie looked up and saw him. She immediately stood up and introduced him. Everyone welcomed him then resumed their conversation. Katie walked toward Brian and hugged him. She was surprised by his dress. He was dressed causal but nice and even dressed to fit the ranch atmosphere. Brian wore black jeans that fit him nicely, cowboy boots, a white long sleeved shirt, and a black suede vest.
Just as they began talking, Ms. Sue called everyone for dinner. Katie could see that Brian was somewhat uncomfortable with all the guys. She slowly got him in the conversation and before long, he was cutting up and acting just like them. They sat around the table almost two hours before Mark finally stood up.
“Okay, boys, we’ve got work to do. Let’s go.”
With that the room instantly cleared. Katie ushered Brian out to the huge front porch where it was cooler.
“You don’t mind meeting out here do you? I like sitting out here at night.”
“No, not at all. It’s nice. Here’s the mission report you wanted.”
Katie took the report and read over it several times. It read just how Brian had said.
“Okay Brian, you said Billy was murdered. What’s this all about?”
“Katie, this is long and difficult but you deserve to know. I am sure you heard the story of the mission and how Billy covered us as we headed for the chopper, which is true. As he returned to the chopper, the enemy fire slowly stopped, but just as he turned to get in, he was shot. This is all true but you were never told where that shot came from. I was the only one who saw because everyone else was helping with the wounded. As Billy jumped in, the officer in charge of our mission, Major Miller, pulled out his boot pistol and shot Billy in the chest. Major Miller then yelled that Billy had been shot. He saw me looking at him and knows I saw it. When we returned to base, I reported it. A few days later I was relieved of my duties.”
“He was shot by his commanding officer? I don’t believe this. Why?”
“Katie, I don’t know but things got stranger. I was looking at Billy while he was lying there and he didn’t seem in very much pain for just having been shot in the chest.
Sgt. Clark, the medic, yelled to Major Miller, ‘Give him his shot.’ Major Miller reached in his pack, pulled out a shot, and gave it to Billy. Five minutes later they said he was dead. Now the strange part is, why was the major carrying a shot?”
“Brian, this is all so confusing. For some reason, the Army wanted Billy dead but why and what did his dying have to do with this ranch?”
“What do you mean by that Katie?”
“Well, you said his last words were, ‘Tell Katie the key is in the deed.’ So what did that have to do with his death? The Army has no use for a 200-year-old ranch.”
“Well, what about the money? It is worth $2.5 million.”
“No, I don’t think that is it. I have been thinking about this. There has to be something on this ranch that will tell us why Billy was killed. Only problem is what is it and where is it? Anyway Brian, its getting pretty late and us ranchers have to get up at sunrise, so I guess we can talk later.”
“Sure, no problem.”
“Okay, well feel free to call or stop by anytime. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight Katie. I’ll let you know the second I find anything else.”
Katie didn’t sleep very well that night. She kept trying to think of what on the ranch could be the clue to Billy’s death and where it might be. She finally drifted off to sleep about 1:30 AM.
She awoke to the rooster crow, just as she did every morning. She got dressed and went down to breakfast. Mark greeted her warmly, same as every morning. Conversation was light. Finally, Mark asked her what she was going to do today.
“Well, I am giving riding lessons from 8 until 11 and then I guess after lunch, I’ll go look for a needle in a hay stack.”
Mark asked her what she meant by that and Katie briefly explained the conversation with Brian the night before. Katie had shared the entire story with Mark earlier, so he understood.
“If you need some help finding the needle, let me know.”
Katie thanked him and went outside.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Chapters 7 & 8
Chapter 7
Katie searched through several boxes and found no clue about anything. She was getting to the point of giving up but something told her not to do so. She knew that for Billy’s sake, she had to find out the truth. She decided that she was getting tired and needed to call it a day, so she returned home.
The next day she talked to her dad about everything.
He told her, “Princess, don’t get involved in it. Let the Army do their thing.”
“Daddy, they aren’t doing anything. I have to do this.”
“Honey,” he continued, “you don’t know who these people are. Just don’t get involved and you won’t get hurt.”
“Sorry Daddy, I have to.” With that she left.
Katie really hadn’t talked to her father about all of this. That was the first time she actually knew how he felt about it.
Katie tried to think of everything she could about what Billy might have been talking about. She couldn’t think of anything. She then remembered seeing Billy’s address book in one of the boxes at Billy’s parents. Maybe, just maybe, she thought, it would contain a clue.
She went back to their home and looked through the boxes until she found the book. She looked through it for anything that might help. All she saw were names and addresses of his friends and a few important dates. As she was closing it however, she noticed on the last page there was something written that seemed out of place. She looked again and it read: Deed – WPDLBJ.
She knew that was a clue about the deed, but what did it mean? What did the letters WPDLBJ mean, and what did it have to do with the deed? She tore the page out and put it in her pocket, looked for any other clues, and then left.
Later she asked Billy’s parents if they knew what those letters meant but they didn’t know. She sat for hours running ideas through her head about what they meant. She finally decided that the BJ was for Billy Jones but couldn’t come up with the rest. She knew this had to be a clue that would help her and she had to find out what the clue meant.
Several days later, Billy’s parents called and told Katie they were going to go through all of Billy’s things to figure out what to do with it all and they wanted her to help. She went over to help to hopefully find more clues. They put all his Army awards and memorabilia in a big trunk to hopefully protect them. His father took Billy’s diploma from West Point off the wall and handed it to Mrs. Jones. “Here honey. Put his WPD in there also.”
“Excuse me,” Katie spoke up. “What did you say?”
“His WPD,” Mr. Jones repeated.
“That was part of the code I found for the deed: WPDLBJ. Can I see that?” Katie asked.
Mr. Jones handed it to her.
“Hmmm. WPDLBJ. West Point Diploma Lt. Billy Jones. That has to be it, but what did his diploma have to do with that deed?” Katie wondered.
Katie handed the diploma back to Mr. Jones. As he handed it to his wife, it slipped and fell to the floor. The glass shattered. As he picked it up to clean his mess, a paper fell out from behind the diploma. “What is this?” he asked as he picked it up. Reading it in disbelief, “Katie it’s the deed, it’s the deed.” He handed it to her.
“It really is,” she cried excitedly. “That code WPDLBJ, was where he hid the deed, in his diploma. I don’t believe it. Do you mind if I keep this until I get things figured out?”
Mr. and Mrs. Jones looked at each other and smiled. Mr. Jones put his arm around Katie and spoke. “Katie, as far as we are concerned, that land is yours. You and Billy were gonna live there after he got out of the service, so it is yours.”
Shocked Katie said, “I can’t take this. It says here it is worth 2.5 million dollars and it’s a family heirloom.”
“No, please Katie, it’s the least we can do. Billy would have wanted it that way. Besides we have no other family to give it to and know you will take good care of it. Think of it as our gift to you.”
Crying, Katie hugged both and thanked them. She then gathered her things and returned home to do her daily review.
Chapter 8
She was in her office when Brian called.
“Hello?”
“Hello Katie this is Brian. I think things are beginning to die down. We might be able to meet soon.”
“Good Brian. Hey, I found the deed.”
“Really? That’s great. So what’s it worth?”
“2.5 Million”
“Wow, I had no idea it was that much. Anyway, give me a few more days and I’ll give you a buzz with more details.”
“Okay Brian, Bye”
Just then her dad came home.
“Hey Daddy, I need to talk to you.”
“Sorry Princess, this isn’t a good time. I am in a hurry.”
“Where you going?”
“I am going to Fort Campbell.”
“Why are you going there? Does it have something to do with Billy?”
“Billy? Um, no. What makes you thank that? Let’s just say it’s on business for a client.”
“Daddy, I didn’t know you dealt in military law.”
“I don’t baby. My client isn’t in the Army. I’ll be back in a few days. Goodbye.” With that he slammed the door. In all the years Katie’s dad had been a lawyer, she had never seen him react like that.
A few moments passed and there was a knock at the door. Katie answered it and saw two men in full Army uniform.
“Excuse me ma’am. I am Major White, this is Captain Adams. Are you Katie Warren?”
“Yes, I am. How can I help you?”
“Well, you can start by telling us where Brian Walker is.”
“Please, officers, come in. I don’t know where Brian is.”
“You have been communicating with him, correct?”
“Yes, but he always contacted me. I have no idea where he is.”
“Ma’am, you need to realize that Lt. Walker is a suspect in a very classified case.”
“Well, I was not aware of that.”
“We have reason to believe that he has given you classified information.”
“Officers, I assure you that Brian has done no such thing. He and my fiancé were good friends. He was just giving me sympathy and my fiancés dying words. Now I am entitled to that, am I not?”
“Yes, of course, but I wouldn’t exactly call them friends.”
“What do you mean? They graduated the academy together. They were best friends.”
“Ma’am, I am telling you that for the past year and a half, Lt. Jones and Lt. Walker hated each other and were at each others throats daily.”
“That is strange, Brian told me they were friends. You say he is a suspect. What for?”
“Ma’am, as I have said, that is classified. Look, we have to get going but here is my card. If, and when, Lt. Walker contacts you again, I want details. Good day.”
Katie couldn’t believe her ears. Something big was going down, and she was right in the middle of it.
Did Brian lie about everything? Is he covering something up? Did he murder Billy?
She asked herself all these very questions before, but she wasn’t sure she wanted the answers.
It was over a week before Brian contacted her again and before her father returned. Katie’s father had just pulled into the driveway when the phone rang.
“Hello.”
“Katie it’s Brian, please tell me you didn’t tell them anything.”
“Tell who, Brian.”
“The guys that came by your house last week. Please tell me you didn’t!”
“No, Brian. I didn’t tell them anything, but how did you know?”
“That doesn’t matter. Look, sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner but I had some business to take care of. A lawyer friend of mine told me not to contact you anymore but I just had to.”
“Brian, please tell me what is going on. I want to know about Billy.”
“I know you do and I will try to help you, but I must warn you, this will get long and difficult. The Army is trying to keep a lid on this, and it just isn’t because of the murder. Something else is going on.”
“What do you mean, Brian?”
“Well, there are some pieces missing about Billy’s case they don’t want anyone to find. They are covering up something. I don’t know what, but they are.”
“Can we meet?”
“I still don’t think it is safe yet, at least not until I get some more information on this new cover-up. I gotta go now."
“Okay Brian. Be careful.”
Just as she hung up her father came in.
“Who were you talking to Princess?”
“Brian. How was your trip Daddy?”
“Brian? He’s still calling you?”
“Yes Daddy. He is trying to help me figure out this mystery behind Billy’s death.”
“Mystery? There is no mystery. He was killed. Take your $2.5 million ranch and get over it. I am gonna get something to eat. Want something?”
“No thanks. I have work to do.”
Katie again picked up the deed and looked over it. There had to be something she was missing. She read the line that said net value: $2.5 million. Then she got a strange feeling. She didn’t remember telling her father about the ranch much less how much it was worth. How did he know?
“Daddy?” she yelled to the kitchen.
“Yes, Princess?”
“How did you know about the ranch?”
“Oh, I was in your office one day and saw it laying on your desk.”
Only one problem, Katie never left her papers lying on her desk. Every time she left, if only for a few minutes, she locked them in the drawer. She was going to take no chances with this. So how did he know? Someone must have told him and the only people who knew were Billy’s parents, whom he hardly talked to, and Brian, whom he didn’t even know. Why would he make such a cruel comment as ‘get over it’? He knew how hard it was on Katie. Something was fishy about the way he was acting and Katie knew it. Katie wasn’t going to contact Major White until she figured this all out.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Chapters 5 & 6
Chapter 5
Katie was sitting at home about 11 P.M. when the phone rang. She answered and a very quite but panicky voice answered her back.
"Katie, this is Brian. Look, I am sorry about the other night but something happened. Someone must have seen me talking to you because they kicked me out. We really need to talk in private. I think they are still following me so I'll let you know when it is safe. I can't talk now."
"Brian, wait give me something. Was there anyone else there who might talk to me?" "Well, I don't know. I doubt it."
"Brian, please give me names of others."
"Katie, I can't talk now. I'll contact you later." Brian hurriedly hung up the phone.
Katie began to get scared for Brian. Something really big was happening. She couldn’t put everything together. Then she remembered seeing the mission assignment papers in the box of documents. She decided to get them the next morning.
She went to Billy's parents house, and found the papers, and returned home to review them so they wouldn’t ask what was going on. On the document were the names of the three other men on the rescue team besides Billy and Brian. Katie called the base and asked to speak to one of them, Sgt. Timothy Clark. She was transfered to the office where he worked.
"Hello, Sgt. Clark here."
"Sgt Clark, My name is Katie Warren. I was Lt. Billy Jones' soon to be wife before his death."
"Yes, Miss Warren, I remember him talking about you."
"Well, Sgt. Clark, I have a few questions for you if you don't mind."
"No, please go right ahead. I'll be happy to help."
"Sgt. Clark, I understand you were on the chopper when Billy died."
"Yes ma'am. I am a medic and was tending to the wounded soldiers Billy and his team rescued."
"Well Sgt., can you tell me what happened?"
"Well, there was lots of fire. As I said I was tending to the wounded soldiers. I heard someone yell 'Come on Billy.' There was gunfire all around. I had my back turned from where Billy was, as I was tending to my patients. Then someone yelled, 'Billy's hit! Billy's hit!’ As I turned around to see, they were pulling him into the chopper as we lifted off. I did my best to help, but he was just too bad."
"Did he say anything before he died?"
"Well, if I remember correctly he looked at Lt. Walker and said something about him and being a brother to him and this was what it had come to. Then he called Lt. Walker by name and told him to tell Katie about some key and deed or something like that. I really don't remember it that well."
"That's OK Sgt. Clark. Thank you for your time."
"You’re welcome and if I remember anything else, I'll let you know."
"That would be great. Thanks again and goodbye."
Katie called to speak to other members of the team but they were all unavailable. She began to realize something strange was going on. She decided to keep notes and records of everything just in case. One can never be too careful she thought.
It was several days before Brian called her back. Katie asked if they could get together to talk, but Brian told her it still wasn't safe. For now they could only talk on the phone, and they had to do that carefully.
"Katie, what I have to tell you might be hard to hear but I feel you need to know. Katie, Billy was murdered."
"What? By who and why?"
"Katie, I am not sure why and as for who, I really couldn't tell you that. See, the case is being investigated and I really can't release details. I mean it would jeopardize the case and I can't do that for Billy's sake. Even the Army doesn't know for sure yet. I hope you understand."
"Yes Brian I do. Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure I am all ears."
"Well I talked to Sgt Clark today and..."
"What?! You talked to Sgt Clark? I hope you didn't mention our conversations."
"No, I didn't say anything. Anyway he said that Billy said something to you about telling me about a key and deed before he died. What was it?"
" Oh yeah, I forgot about that. He said to tell you that the key was in the deed."
"Brian, what is that suppose to mean? What key? What deed?"
"I am not sure. The only deed I know of is the one that his grandfather gave him for his ranch on the day he graduated from West Point."
"Yes, he told me about that. Did he tell you where it was?"
"Well, I asked him what he planned to do with it, and he said hide it until he needed it. I asked him what if something happened to him and no one knew where it was. He said all they would have to do is remember when it was given to him."
"Hmmm, that doesn't help. Well, thanks Brian, but I have to go now. Goodbye."
"Bye Katie. I'll talk to you later."
Katie knew very little about the deed. She and Billy had been to the ranch several times before his grandfather died. Since that day, it was just too hard for him to go back. They were very close and his death was very hard on Billy. Katie knew that Billy owned the ranch but wondered if he would ever return to the beautiful place. She thought that now he would never be able to do so.
Chapter 6
Katie decided that it was time she told Billy’s parents what she had discovered in hopes that they might be able to help her. They, of course, were shocked as the news but agree to help wherever they could.
Katie asked them about the deed Billy’s grandfather gave him. They told her that the deed was to a ranch that his granddad owned, and that it had been passed down for generations. The true value of it was somewhere in the millions but they didn’t know for sure just how much it was worth. They told Katie that Billy knew its value because it was written on the deed.
“Billy said before he died that the key was in the deed. Does that mean anything to you?” Katie asked as she sat down.
Mr. Jones answered her with a quizzical look on his face. “No. Kinda strange statement but it means nothing.”
“Do you know where the deed is?”
“No. We figured that he put it in his safe deposit box, but we haven’t opened it yet. We will do that tomorrow and let you know.”
“Okay, thanks. I better get going now.”
Katie returned home to review all that happened and her notes and records to see if maybe she had missed something. As she sat in her home office, the phone rang.
“Hello.”
“Miss Warren, this is Sergeant Clark. Do you have a few minutes?”
“Sure, Sergeant Clark and please call me Katie.”
“Well, Katie, I remembered something more about the day Billy was shot. I told you before that we were fired upon, even as we lifted off, but I remember now that we were not. You see, as Billy was firing and backing up to the chopper, one by one the enemy fire stopped. I guess he was getting out of range or something. Anyway, by the time Billy was a few feet away, the enemy fire had completely stopped. Billy was still firing a few rounds for protection. Then just before he reached the chopper, there was one final shot, and I suppose that’s what hit Billy. I don’t know where it came from but it was a very close shot, range wise. That’s about all I remember.”
“Thank you Sergeant Clark. You have been a great help. Please let me know if you remember anything else.”
“I will Katie and if you need me for anything please ask.”
Katie hung up and realized that the pieces were coming together. Now if she could only get Brian to tell his story, maybe she could figure everything out. The only thing left to do was find the deed and talk to Brian.
The next day Katie received a call from Billy’s parents. They told her the deed wasn’t in the safe deposit box. She asked if Billy had any other places he might have hidden it. They told her they knew of none but she was more than welcome to come over to the house and look in Billy’s room. She said that might help, so she did.
When she arrived, there wasn’t much in the room due to most of it being already packed in boxes for when they got married. She decided to try to sort through the boxes. In the back of her mind, Katie knew that she may never find out what was going on, but knew she had to keep trying. Little did she know that soon, she too would be thrown in the middle of it all.
Katie was sitting at home about 11 P.M. when the phone rang. She answered and a very quite but panicky voice answered her back.
"Katie, this is Brian. Look, I am sorry about the other night but something happened. Someone must have seen me talking to you because they kicked me out. We really need to talk in private. I think they are still following me so I'll let you know when it is safe. I can't talk now."
"Brian, wait give me something. Was there anyone else there who might talk to me?" "Well, I don't know. I doubt it."
"Brian, please give me names of others."
"Katie, I can't talk now. I'll contact you later." Brian hurriedly hung up the phone.
Katie began to get scared for Brian. Something really big was happening. She couldn’t put everything together. Then she remembered seeing the mission assignment papers in the box of documents. She decided to get them the next morning.
She went to Billy's parents house, and found the papers, and returned home to review them so they wouldn’t ask what was going on. On the document were the names of the three other men on the rescue team besides Billy and Brian. Katie called the base and asked to speak to one of them, Sgt. Timothy Clark. She was transfered to the office where he worked.
"Hello, Sgt. Clark here."
"Sgt Clark, My name is Katie Warren. I was Lt. Billy Jones' soon to be wife before his death."
"Yes, Miss Warren, I remember him talking about you."
"Well, Sgt. Clark, I have a few questions for you if you don't mind."
"No, please go right ahead. I'll be happy to help."
"Sgt. Clark, I understand you were on the chopper when Billy died."
"Yes ma'am. I am a medic and was tending to the wounded soldiers Billy and his team rescued."
"Well Sgt., can you tell me what happened?"
"Well, there was lots of fire. As I said I was tending to the wounded soldiers. I heard someone yell 'Come on Billy.' There was gunfire all around. I had my back turned from where Billy was, as I was tending to my patients. Then someone yelled, 'Billy's hit! Billy's hit!’ As I turned around to see, they were pulling him into the chopper as we lifted off. I did my best to help, but he was just too bad."
"Did he say anything before he died?"
"Well, if I remember correctly he looked at Lt. Walker and said something about him and being a brother to him and this was what it had come to. Then he called Lt. Walker by name and told him to tell Katie about some key and deed or something like that. I really don't remember it that well."
"That's OK Sgt. Clark. Thank you for your time."
"You’re welcome and if I remember anything else, I'll let you know."
"That would be great. Thanks again and goodbye."
Katie called to speak to other members of the team but they were all unavailable. She began to realize something strange was going on. She decided to keep notes and records of everything just in case. One can never be too careful she thought.
It was several days before Brian called her back. Katie asked if they could get together to talk, but Brian told her it still wasn't safe. For now they could only talk on the phone, and they had to do that carefully.
"Katie, what I have to tell you might be hard to hear but I feel you need to know. Katie, Billy was murdered."
"What? By who and why?"
"Katie, I am not sure why and as for who, I really couldn't tell you that. See, the case is being investigated and I really can't release details. I mean it would jeopardize the case and I can't do that for Billy's sake. Even the Army doesn't know for sure yet. I hope you understand."
"Yes Brian I do. Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure I am all ears."
"Well I talked to Sgt Clark today and..."
"What?! You talked to Sgt Clark? I hope you didn't mention our conversations."
"No, I didn't say anything. Anyway he said that Billy said something to you about telling me about a key and deed before he died. What was it?"
" Oh yeah, I forgot about that. He said to tell you that the key was in the deed."
"Brian, what is that suppose to mean? What key? What deed?"
"I am not sure. The only deed I know of is the one that his grandfather gave him for his ranch on the day he graduated from West Point."
"Yes, he told me about that. Did he tell you where it was?"
"Well, I asked him what he planned to do with it, and he said hide it until he needed it. I asked him what if something happened to him and no one knew where it was. He said all they would have to do is remember when it was given to him."
"Hmmm, that doesn't help. Well, thanks Brian, but I have to go now. Goodbye."
"Bye Katie. I'll talk to you later."
Katie knew very little about the deed. She and Billy had been to the ranch several times before his grandfather died. Since that day, it was just too hard for him to go back. They were very close and his death was very hard on Billy. Katie knew that Billy owned the ranch but wondered if he would ever return to the beautiful place. She thought that now he would never be able to do so.
Chapter 6
Katie decided that it was time she told Billy’s parents what she had discovered in hopes that they might be able to help her. They, of course, were shocked as the news but agree to help wherever they could.
Katie asked them about the deed Billy’s grandfather gave him. They told her that the deed was to a ranch that his granddad owned, and that it had been passed down for generations. The true value of it was somewhere in the millions but they didn’t know for sure just how much it was worth. They told Katie that Billy knew its value because it was written on the deed.
“Billy said before he died that the key was in the deed. Does that mean anything to you?” Katie asked as she sat down.
Mr. Jones answered her with a quizzical look on his face. “No. Kinda strange statement but it means nothing.”
“Do you know where the deed is?”
“No. We figured that he put it in his safe deposit box, but we haven’t opened it yet. We will do that tomorrow and let you know.”
“Okay, thanks. I better get going now.”
Katie returned home to review all that happened and her notes and records to see if maybe she had missed something. As she sat in her home office, the phone rang.
“Hello.”
“Miss Warren, this is Sergeant Clark. Do you have a few minutes?”
“Sure, Sergeant Clark and please call me Katie.”
“Well, Katie, I remembered something more about the day Billy was shot. I told you before that we were fired upon, even as we lifted off, but I remember now that we were not. You see, as Billy was firing and backing up to the chopper, one by one the enemy fire stopped. I guess he was getting out of range or something. Anyway, by the time Billy was a few feet away, the enemy fire had completely stopped. Billy was still firing a few rounds for protection. Then just before he reached the chopper, there was one final shot, and I suppose that’s what hit Billy. I don’t know where it came from but it was a very close shot, range wise. That’s about all I remember.”
“Thank you Sergeant Clark. You have been a great help. Please let me know if you remember anything else.”
“I will Katie and if you need me for anything please ask.”
Katie hung up and realized that the pieces were coming together. Now if she could only get Brian to tell his story, maybe she could figure everything out. The only thing left to do was find the deed and talk to Brian.
The next day Katie received a call from Billy’s parents. They told her the deed wasn’t in the safe deposit box. She asked if Billy had any other places he might have hidden it. They told her they knew of none but she was more than welcome to come over to the house and look in Billy’s room. She said that might help, so she did.
When she arrived, there wasn’t much in the room due to most of it being already packed in boxes for when they got married. She decided to try to sort through the boxes. In the back of her mind, Katie knew that she may never find out what was going on, but knew she had to keep trying. Little did she know that soon, she too would be thrown in the middle of it all.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Chapter 4
Katie sat up until midnight but Brian never appeared. She didn't know why and had no way of contacting him. She finally told her dad about what Brian told her. Her father told her not to get all worried, that it was probably just some prank or something but Katie just didn't believe that.
Katie decided that she would ask Billy's parents if she could go to the base and pick up Billy's personal belongings, in hopes of seeing Brian. They agreed to let her go since they both had so much to do. Katie wondered if Brian had told them about Billy but didn't ask just in case he hadn't.
It was a long drive to the base and all Katie could think about was her conversation with Brian. She kept hearing his words over and over, "Billy's death wasn't an accident." She had this strange feeling that Brian was right. Many thoughts ran through her mind about what might have happened, none she really wanted to think about.
When she finally arrived at the base, Katie went straight to the office where Billy's belongings were to be collected. She kept her eyes open for Brian but saw no sign of him. She asked the Sergeant at the desk when she signed for Billy's belongings if he knew a Lt. Brian Walker and where she could find him. He told her he didn't but to go to the personnel office, they would know.
Katie went to the personnel office and asked about Brian. The secretary said she wasn't allowed to give out that kind of information without proper authority. Katie told her about Billy's death and that he and Brian were best friends and she just wanted to see him and maybe find out if Billy told him anything before he died.
The secretary told Katie that she was risking her job, but she would help her. She typed his name in the computer. " Well, ma'am, it says here that Lt. Walker was relived of his duties this morning."
"What? Well, did he leave an address or phone number?"
"Yes, he did. I'll write it down for you."
Katie thanked her and left to return home.
On her way home she decided to go to the address Brian had left. She had been in the neighborhood before and knew approximately where his house was. After driving around, she found the house. As she pulled into the driveway, she noticed that there was no sign of anyone living there. She knocked several times but got no answer. She peeked into a window but there was nothing to see. The house was totally empty. Whoever lived there had moved.
As Katie left, she realized there was no way to contact Brian. She had no idea where to even begin to get information. Now she would never find out what really happened to Billy.
When she finally got back home, she decided to go through Billy's belongings and see if there was anything she might want to ask Billy's parents if she could keep. She mostly found pictures of her and Billy and also several pictures of Billy and his Army buddies. On the bottom of the pile was a picture of Billy and someone whose face had been cut out. She looked on the back for a name but there wasn't one. She really thought nothing of it and continued sorting.
There was a metal box with several documents and papers in it. Katie looked through them. It was mostly old letters Katie had written Billy and some Army documents. One document, which was titled, "Army Disciplinary Report" caught her eye. As she read it she realized that it wasn't a report on Billy but rather a report by Billy about Brian.
From what she gathered in reading it, Billy had apparently caught Brian in "acts unbecoming of an officer." Billy gave details on how Brian had acted concerning actions toward a female under his command. Katie thought it strange that Billy never turned in the report after such detail and work. He didn't even sign or date it. She knew Billy had written it by the handwriting. Apparently, she thought Billy didn't think it was harsh enough to turn Brian in and had probably had a talk with him.
After going through all the personal belongings, Katie took them to Billy's parents. They let her keep what she wanted. She asked them if Billy ever said much about Brian.
They told her that he and Brian were best friends and Billy brought him home a few times.
"He seemed like a nice young man," Billy's mother said.
Katie decided that she would ask Billy's parents if she could go to the base and pick up Billy's personal belongings, in hopes of seeing Brian. They agreed to let her go since they both had so much to do. Katie wondered if Brian had told them about Billy but didn't ask just in case he hadn't.
It was a long drive to the base and all Katie could think about was her conversation with Brian. She kept hearing his words over and over, "Billy's death wasn't an accident." She had this strange feeling that Brian was right. Many thoughts ran through her mind about what might have happened, none she really wanted to think about.
When she finally arrived at the base, Katie went straight to the office where Billy's belongings were to be collected. She kept her eyes open for Brian but saw no sign of him. She asked the Sergeant at the desk when she signed for Billy's belongings if he knew a Lt. Brian Walker and where she could find him. He told her he didn't but to go to the personnel office, they would know.
Katie went to the personnel office and asked about Brian. The secretary said she wasn't allowed to give out that kind of information without proper authority. Katie told her about Billy's death and that he and Brian were best friends and she just wanted to see him and maybe find out if Billy told him anything before he died.
The secretary told Katie that she was risking her job, but she would help her. She typed his name in the computer. " Well, ma'am, it says here that Lt. Walker was relived of his duties this morning."
"What? Well, did he leave an address or phone number?"
"Yes, he did. I'll write it down for you."
Katie thanked her and left to return home.
On her way home she decided to go to the address Brian had left. She had been in the neighborhood before and knew approximately where his house was. After driving around, she found the house. As she pulled into the driveway, she noticed that there was no sign of anyone living there. She knocked several times but got no answer. She peeked into a window but there was nothing to see. The house was totally empty. Whoever lived there had moved.
As Katie left, she realized there was no way to contact Brian. She had no idea where to even begin to get information. Now she would never find out what really happened to Billy.
When she finally got back home, she decided to go through Billy's belongings and see if there was anything she might want to ask Billy's parents if she could keep. She mostly found pictures of her and Billy and also several pictures of Billy and his Army buddies. On the bottom of the pile was a picture of Billy and someone whose face had been cut out. She looked on the back for a name but there wasn't one. She really thought nothing of it and continued sorting.
There was a metal box with several documents and papers in it. Katie looked through them. It was mostly old letters Katie had written Billy and some Army documents. One document, which was titled, "Army Disciplinary Report" caught her eye. As she read it she realized that it wasn't a report on Billy but rather a report by Billy about Brian.
From what she gathered in reading it, Billy had apparently caught Brian in "acts unbecoming of an officer." Billy gave details on how Brian had acted concerning actions toward a female under his command. Katie thought it strange that Billy never turned in the report after such detail and work. He didn't even sign or date it. She knew Billy had written it by the handwriting. Apparently, she thought Billy didn't think it was harsh enough to turn Brian in and had probably had a talk with him.
After going through all the personal belongings, Katie took them to Billy's parents. They let her keep what she wanted. She asked them if Billy ever said much about Brian.
They told her that he and Brian were best friends and Billy brought him home a few times.
"He seemed like a nice young man," Billy's mother said.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
The days passed and Katie slowly began to get use to the idea of Billy's death. She decided that she better go to the house where she and Billy were going to live and collect all their belongings. She called Billy's parents, and they told her to take whatever she wanted and bring the rest to them.
As she arrived at the beautiful house, she realized that today would have been the day that she and Billy would have returned from their honeymoon, and he would have carried her through the door. Again her eyes filled with tears. There were still several unpacked boxes but for the most part everything was in its place. Katie began sorting things out and packing them up when she heard the doorbell. This surprised her because no one knew she was there except her dad and Billy's parents, and they would have entered without knocking.
As she opened the door, there stood a delivery boy with a dozen white roses, Katie's favorite.
"I have a delivery for a Mrs. Katie Jones."
"Well, I guess that's me, but who is it from?"
"Um, it says here a Lt. Billy Jones."
"Oh, well, I am sorry, but I don't have the money to pay for them."
"Well ma'am, he paid for them over two months ago."
“Oh. Okay, well, I do have a dollar for a tip. Here you go."
" Thank you. Have a nice day."
As Katie sat down, she read the card Billy had hand written two months earlier.
Katie My Love,
I wanted to do something special on our first day in our new home. I know how much you love white roses. You will never know how much I love you. I am the luckiest man in the world to be married to you. Now, as I gave you an excuse for you to answer the door, guess you now know why. I have been planning this for quite sometime. I guess it's safe to come out now so let me know when you are finished so I can get my big hug and kiss.
Love always,
Billy
Katie only wished she could hug and kiss him. She couldn't believe he had planned this two months ago. That was how Billy always was. She would cherish his card always and have the rose petals dried so she could keep them also.
A few days later Billy's body arrived and a full military funeral was given in his honor. He was also given the highest military honors and awards for giving his life to save eight others. Katie, along with Billy's parents, accepted in his honor. Mr. and Mrs. Jones had requested two flags on his casket, one for them and one for Katie. Both, of course, were folded and presented as the full twenty-one gun salute was given.
Katie stayed to say her final good-byes to Billy. She told him how much she loved him and would miss him. As she talked she pulled the ring out that she planned to give Billy on their wedding day. She slipped it on his finger, kissed him one last time and walked away.
Before she made it to her car, she was approached by a soldier.
"Excuse me, Katie?"
"Yes."
"I was a good friend of Billy's and have information that might interest you. I can understand if you don't want to talk now, but I can contact you later."
"What information?"
"Well, it's about Billy's death."
"Were you there?"
"Yes. Look, I am not sure what you were told by the Army but I know what really happened. I can't talk here. If they see me talking to you, I'd be in big trouble. Is there somewhere we can go?"
"Yes. Here is my address. You just come whenever is best."
"Okay, I'll be there after dark tonight if that's okay."
"Yes, that's fine, but why after dark?"
"Well, I can't be seen going to your house. You see, the Army doesn't want you to know what I know. My career in the service was threatened if I ever spoke to you, but I feel you need to know what really happened. Look, I better go before I am seen. I'll be there at night fall."
As he left, Katie wondered what this was all about. Then, she noticed a piece of paper on the ground. She picked it up and unfolded it. She was awestruck by its words.
Billy's death was no accident. I am not sure why. Will give details later.
Lt. Brian Walker
Katie knew that Brian and Billy were best friends. They had graduated from West Point together. She had met him before but only a few times and really didn't know that much about him. Somehow she knew Brian was very serious about Billy's death not being an accident.
The days passed and Katie slowly began to get use to the idea of Billy's death. She decided that she better go to the house where she and Billy were going to live and collect all their belongings. She called Billy's parents, and they told her to take whatever she wanted and bring the rest to them.
As she arrived at the beautiful house, she realized that today would have been the day that she and Billy would have returned from their honeymoon, and he would have carried her through the door. Again her eyes filled with tears. There were still several unpacked boxes but for the most part everything was in its place. Katie began sorting things out and packing them up when she heard the doorbell. This surprised her because no one knew she was there except her dad and Billy's parents, and they would have entered without knocking.
As she opened the door, there stood a delivery boy with a dozen white roses, Katie's favorite.
"I have a delivery for a Mrs. Katie Jones."
"Well, I guess that's me, but who is it from?"
"Um, it says here a Lt. Billy Jones."
"Oh, well, I am sorry, but I don't have the money to pay for them."
"Well ma'am, he paid for them over two months ago."
“Oh. Okay, well, I do have a dollar for a tip. Here you go."
" Thank you. Have a nice day."
As Katie sat down, she read the card Billy had hand written two months earlier.
Katie My Love,
I wanted to do something special on our first day in our new home. I know how much you love white roses. You will never know how much I love you. I am the luckiest man in the world to be married to you. Now, as I gave you an excuse for you to answer the door, guess you now know why. I have been planning this for quite sometime. I guess it's safe to come out now so let me know when you are finished so I can get my big hug and kiss.
Love always,
Billy
Katie only wished she could hug and kiss him. She couldn't believe he had planned this two months ago. That was how Billy always was. She would cherish his card always and have the rose petals dried so she could keep them also.
A few days later Billy's body arrived and a full military funeral was given in his honor. He was also given the highest military honors and awards for giving his life to save eight others. Katie, along with Billy's parents, accepted in his honor. Mr. and Mrs. Jones had requested two flags on his casket, one for them and one for Katie. Both, of course, were folded and presented as the full twenty-one gun salute was given.
Katie stayed to say her final good-byes to Billy. She told him how much she loved him and would miss him. As she talked she pulled the ring out that she planned to give Billy on their wedding day. She slipped it on his finger, kissed him one last time and walked away.
Before she made it to her car, she was approached by a soldier.
"Excuse me, Katie?"
"Yes."
"I was a good friend of Billy's and have information that might interest you. I can understand if you don't want to talk now, but I can contact you later."
"What information?"
"Well, it's about Billy's death."
"Were you there?"
"Yes. Look, I am not sure what you were told by the Army but I know what really happened. I can't talk here. If they see me talking to you, I'd be in big trouble. Is there somewhere we can go?"
"Yes. Here is my address. You just come whenever is best."
"Okay, I'll be there after dark tonight if that's okay."
"Yes, that's fine, but why after dark?"
"Well, I can't be seen going to your house. You see, the Army doesn't want you to know what I know. My career in the service was threatened if I ever spoke to you, but I feel you need to know what really happened. Look, I better go before I am seen. I'll be there at night fall."
As he left, Katie wondered what this was all about. Then, she noticed a piece of paper on the ground. She picked it up and unfolded it. She was awestruck by its words.
Billy's death was no accident. I am not sure why. Will give details later.
Lt. Brian Walker
Katie knew that Brian and Billy were best friends. They had graduated from West Point together. She had met him before but only a few times and really didn't know that much about him. Somehow she knew Brian was very serious about Billy's death not being an accident.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Chapter 2
Katie was on her way to college. She had taken the bus because her dad could not take her. It was a long trip. The bus stopped in a little town about 15 miles outside of the town where Katie lived. Katie loved living in Kentucky. She loved the mountains, the horses, and the fresh air.
Several passengers got on and found their seats. A very nice looking young man sat in the seat next to Katie and introduced himself.
"Hello, my name is Billy, and I am going to the military academy at West Point."
Katie smiled. She always liked military men.
"Hello, my name is Katie, and I am on my way to college."
Katie remembered all the things they had in common and how they seemed to have known each other for a long time. They talked the entire bus ride.
At the final stop they decided to have dinner together. They continued getting to know each other. As they left, they decided to keep in touch since the college where Katie attended wasn't that far from West Point.
They talked on the phone almost everyday and got together on weekends. They really enjoyed being with each other. They kept seeing each other the four years they both were in school. When she graduated, Billy was there. When he graduated, Katie was there. They had been through a lot together in four years. Somehow they both knew they would one day get married. After graduation, they decided they would take the bus home since that was how they first met. Only this bus ride would be more memorable.
About half way home, Billy gets down in the aisle beside Katie, pulls out a ring, and says, "Katie, we have been through so much together. It was on this same bus trip we first started our relationship and it seems only fitting that this is where we take the next step. Katie, I love you more than any words could ever say, and I want to be with you forever. Will you marry me?"
Katie remembers that everyone on the bus was staring at her for an answer. With tears in her eyes, she puts her arms around Billy and yells, "Yes!" Everyone on the bus clapped and cheered as Billy put the ring on her finger and they kissed.
As Katie remembered all this, she began to cry. She knew that she and Billy now would never marry. She took her engagement ring off her finger, kissed it and said, "Billy, I'll always love you." However, she knew that as long as she wore the ring, Billy would be with her, so she slipped it back on her finger with a smile.
Katie sat there all night remembering all the good times with Billy. The time they went to the concert of their favorite country singer, the trip to New York City to shop, and one of her favorites, her surprise 21st birthday party. With every remembrance came more tears and more love. Katie finally drifted off to sleep just as the sun began to rise over the Kentucky Mountains.
The only time Katie had ever experienced such grief and pain was when her mother died. Katie was only seven. Her mother was a doctor and had gone to the hospital late one night for an emergency. It was the middle of winter and the roads were slick and icy. She was on her way back home when she noticed a car that had ran off the road in a ditch. She stopped to see if anyone was hurt and needed help. When she approached the car, a man pulled out a gun, shot her, and stole her car. The man apparently was on the run from the police for armed robbery. Help came but it was too late. Katie's mother died before the ambulance arrived and the man was never caught.
Now Katie was experiencing that grief again. Only this time she was old enough to understand it and deal with the pain and grief but it seemed more difficult. She was really too young when her mother died to go through the grieving process, so now she was reliving it and grieving again, not only for Billy, but again for her mother.
Several passengers got on and found their seats. A very nice looking young man sat in the seat next to Katie and introduced himself.
"Hello, my name is Billy, and I am going to the military academy at West Point."
Katie smiled. She always liked military men.
"Hello, my name is Katie, and I am on my way to college."
Katie remembered all the things they had in common and how they seemed to have known each other for a long time. They talked the entire bus ride.
At the final stop they decided to have dinner together. They continued getting to know each other. As they left, they decided to keep in touch since the college where Katie attended wasn't that far from West Point.
They talked on the phone almost everyday and got together on weekends. They really enjoyed being with each other. They kept seeing each other the four years they both were in school. When she graduated, Billy was there. When he graduated, Katie was there. They had been through a lot together in four years. Somehow they both knew they would one day get married. After graduation, they decided they would take the bus home since that was how they first met. Only this bus ride would be more memorable.
About half way home, Billy gets down in the aisle beside Katie, pulls out a ring, and says, "Katie, we have been through so much together. It was on this same bus trip we first started our relationship and it seems only fitting that this is where we take the next step. Katie, I love you more than any words could ever say, and I want to be with you forever. Will you marry me?"
Katie remembers that everyone on the bus was staring at her for an answer. With tears in her eyes, she puts her arms around Billy and yells, "Yes!" Everyone on the bus clapped and cheered as Billy put the ring on her finger and they kissed.
As Katie remembered all this, she began to cry. She knew that she and Billy now would never marry. She took her engagement ring off her finger, kissed it and said, "Billy, I'll always love you." However, she knew that as long as she wore the ring, Billy would be with her, so she slipped it back on her finger with a smile.
Katie sat there all night remembering all the good times with Billy. The time they went to the concert of their favorite country singer, the trip to New York City to shop, and one of her favorites, her surprise 21st birthday party. With every remembrance came more tears and more love. Katie finally drifted off to sleep just as the sun began to rise over the Kentucky Mountains.
The only time Katie had ever experienced such grief and pain was when her mother died. Katie was only seven. Her mother was a doctor and had gone to the hospital late one night for an emergency. It was the middle of winter and the roads were slick and icy. She was on her way back home when she noticed a car that had ran off the road in a ditch. She stopped to see if anyone was hurt and needed help. When she approached the car, a man pulled out a gun, shot her, and stole her car. The man apparently was on the run from the police for armed robbery. Help came but it was too late. Katie's mother died before the ambulance arrived and the man was never caught.
Now Katie was experiencing that grief again. Only this time she was old enough to understand it and deal with the pain and grief but it seemed more difficult. She was really too young when her mother died to go through the grieving process, so now she was reliving it and grieving again, not only for Billy, but again for her mother.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Chapter 1
Staring at the clock as it reads 12:00 A.M. Finally the worst day of her life is over. She breathes a deep sigh of relief. Never in a million years would she have imagined such a horrible day. It seemed to go on forever. It was suppose to be happy but it was far from it.
It all started with the alarm ringing, announcing that it was 7:00AM. Time to get up and start on the day’s tasks. She had so much to do in very little time. First to finish setting up for the reception, then pick up her dress, before going to the church to make sure everything was ready and in place. She had an appointment at eleven for her hair, make-up, and nails. After a quick lunch, she would finally meet with her bridesmaids and begin getting ready. She wondered if she would get everything done.
One by one everything was taken care of. Everything was set. She left the beauty shop looking so beautiful. She reached the church right on time. She had done it! Everything was perfect. She met her bridesmaids and they began their usual chatter.
As time for the ceremony drew closer, she went through numerous emotions. She put her dress on. She was the most beautiful bride. She had something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Looking at the clock, there was just enough time for a quick trip to the bathroom, mirror check, and to have that little talk with Daddy.
Looking in the mirror one last time, she heard a knock at the door. Opening it she saw her father with a very saddened look. "Daddy, it's not that bad. I'll always be your little girl," she giggles.
"Princess, he's not coming."
"Who's not coming?" she asks.
He takes her hand and leads her to a chair. "Honey, something went wrong."
"Daddy who's not coming and what went wrong?"
He tearfully looks at his daughter and says, "Billy's dead."
She quickly looks at her father. Her eyes filling with tears, "Daddy, that can't be." "Katie honey I'm sorry but we just received word."
Rising and walking to the window, " Daddy, how did it happen?"
"Honey, all the details aren't for sure but the Army told us what they knew."
"Daddy, are they sure it was Billy?"
"Yes, Katie. He was still wearing his dog tags and all his records matched."
"Oh Daddy, why did this have to happen? I want to be Mrs. Billy Jones."
" Yes, I know, but you knew he was a Lieutenant in the Special Forces before you got engaged. He was out on the last mission before his leave. His team had to recover some POW's and wounded soldiers. They loaded the wounded on the chopper and went back to where they had hidden the POW's after escaping with them. They were taking them to the chopper. Just before reaching them, they were fired upon. They took cover in the woods, but the chopper was across an open field, and it could only remain a short time. They had no choice but to try to make it. Billy took the responsibility of covering while the rest of his team and the POW's made a run for the chopper. Katie, stop me anytime."
"No Daddy, I want to know. I need to know."
"Well, he was covering them as they went to the chopper. They all made it safely. Billy continued firing as he went to the chopper. As he reached it and turned to jump in, he was shot. They grabbed him and pulled him in as the chopper lifted off. They worked with him and did all they could, but he died before they got to the hospital. If it's any comfort, he died a hero and saved the lives of the other eight men."
Katie begins crying uncontrollably. She drops to her knees and buries her face in her hands. "Billy. Billy!"
Her father rushes to her and puts his arms around her. "It's OK Princess, just let it out."
"Daddy, did he say anything before he died?"
"I don't know, but I'll do my best to help you find out. Katie, I am going to go get Amy and the rest of your bridesmaids to help you get your dress off and then we will go home."
"Daddy, do you think Mama and Billy will meet each other in Heaven?" "Baby, if I know your mother, she is up there right now fusing at Billy for getting shot and not being here. Don't worry. I am sure your mother and Billy are watching out for each other and then they both will watch over you."
After finally getting home and taking care of some business, Katie decides to try to sleep but it just isn't working. Every time she closes her eyes, she sees Billy getting shot. Now as the clock strikes midnight, she thinks back to the day that she and Billy first met on that long bus ride.
It all started with the alarm ringing, announcing that it was 7:00AM. Time to get up and start on the day’s tasks. She had so much to do in very little time. First to finish setting up for the reception, then pick up her dress, before going to the church to make sure everything was ready and in place. She had an appointment at eleven for her hair, make-up, and nails. After a quick lunch, she would finally meet with her bridesmaids and begin getting ready. She wondered if she would get everything done.
One by one everything was taken care of. Everything was set. She left the beauty shop looking so beautiful. She reached the church right on time. She had done it! Everything was perfect. She met her bridesmaids and they began their usual chatter.
As time for the ceremony drew closer, she went through numerous emotions. She put her dress on. She was the most beautiful bride. She had something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Looking at the clock, there was just enough time for a quick trip to the bathroom, mirror check, and to have that little talk with Daddy.
Looking in the mirror one last time, she heard a knock at the door. Opening it she saw her father with a very saddened look. "Daddy, it's not that bad. I'll always be your little girl," she giggles.
"Princess, he's not coming."
"Who's not coming?" she asks.
He takes her hand and leads her to a chair. "Honey, something went wrong."
"Daddy who's not coming and what went wrong?"
He tearfully looks at his daughter and says, "Billy's dead."
She quickly looks at her father. Her eyes filling with tears, "Daddy, that can't be." "Katie honey I'm sorry but we just received word."
Rising and walking to the window, " Daddy, how did it happen?"
"Honey, all the details aren't for sure but the Army told us what they knew."
"Daddy, are they sure it was Billy?"
"Yes, Katie. He was still wearing his dog tags and all his records matched."
"Oh Daddy, why did this have to happen? I want to be Mrs. Billy Jones."
" Yes, I know, but you knew he was a Lieutenant in the Special Forces before you got engaged. He was out on the last mission before his leave. His team had to recover some POW's and wounded soldiers. They loaded the wounded on the chopper and went back to where they had hidden the POW's after escaping with them. They were taking them to the chopper. Just before reaching them, they were fired upon. They took cover in the woods, but the chopper was across an open field, and it could only remain a short time. They had no choice but to try to make it. Billy took the responsibility of covering while the rest of his team and the POW's made a run for the chopper. Katie, stop me anytime."
"No Daddy, I want to know. I need to know."
"Well, he was covering them as they went to the chopper. They all made it safely. Billy continued firing as he went to the chopper. As he reached it and turned to jump in, he was shot. They grabbed him and pulled him in as the chopper lifted off. They worked with him and did all they could, but he died before they got to the hospital. If it's any comfort, he died a hero and saved the lives of the other eight men."
Katie begins crying uncontrollably. She drops to her knees and buries her face in her hands. "Billy. Billy!"
Her father rushes to her and puts his arms around her. "It's OK Princess, just let it out."
"Daddy, did he say anything before he died?"
"I don't know, but I'll do my best to help you find out. Katie, I am going to go get Amy and the rest of your bridesmaids to help you get your dress off and then we will go home."
"Daddy, do you think Mama and Billy will meet each other in Heaven?" "Baby, if I know your mother, she is up there right now fusing at Billy for getting shot and not being here. Don't worry. I am sure your mother and Billy are watching out for each other and then they both will watch over you."
After finally getting home and taking care of some business, Katie decides to try to sleep but it just isn't working. Every time she closes her eyes, she sees Billy getting shot. Now as the clock strikes midnight, she thinks back to the day that she and Billy first met on that long bus ride.
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