Monday, March 3, 2014

Final 3 Chapters (36, 37, 38)

Chapter 36
Katie woke up anxious the next morning to find out how her father and Sue’s date went. She gets dressed and rushed out of the downstairs master suite.  She and Mark moved down there as her father suggested so Katie would no have to walk up and down the stairs.  Katie’s father moved to the upstairs room.  Mark was already sitting drinking his coffee and reading one of the baby books.  “Mark, have you seen Daddy yet?” 
“No, I haven’t Hun but it sounds like Sue is in the kitchen cooking breakfast.  Go ask her for details” 
“How did you know that’s what I wanted?” 
“That’s what all women want after a date, details.  Could you get me a refill while you’re in there?”  Katie took his coffee cup and rushed to the kitchen.  “Good Morning Ms. Sue, um, oh I am sorry, Margaret.  Where’s Sue?” 
“Um, she called me last night and asked if I’d do breakfast this morning.  That’s all I know.”  Katie refilled Mark’s cup, “Oh, um, ok.” 
“Mrs. Katie, I know you are on that special diet but do you eat with everyone else?” 
“Yes Margaret that would be fine,” Katie answered as she left the kitchen.  She rushed back to the couch and handed Mark his coffee, “Mark, I don’t think my father and Ms. Sue came home last night.” 
“Katie don’t be silly.  What do you mean?” 
“Margaret is in the kitchen and when I asked where Sue was she said she called last night and asked Margaret if she’d do breakfast this morning.”
“Katie, maybe they went out to do something early this morning and wanted to catch Margaret last night.  Maybe they just wanted to go on a sunrise walk or something.  Don’t jump to conclusions.  Besides, they are both adults so don’t get upset.” 
“Mark, I am not upset.  I think it’s sweet two people their age going out on a first date and staying out all night.  I am happy for them.  Although I don’t want to really think about what they were doing,” she said with a laugh.
Just after breakfast, John and Sue come walking in the front door.  Mark was out working on the ranch and Katie was reading on the couch and didn’t hear them enter.  “Hello Katie,” her father said.  Katie put down her book, “Well, hello you two.  Have you been out all night?”  They looked at each other, then John spoke, “Not exactly.  Where’s Mark. We have something to share.” 
“He’s out working.  I have a special ring on the bell for him to come if I need him.  I’ll go ring the bell.  Katie walked out to the porch and rang her ring for Mark.  She remained out on the porch to wait for him.  After a few minutes he rode up on his horse.  “What is it K?  Everything ok?” 
“Yes, but Sue and Dad are back and want to talk to us both.” 
“Uh oh.  That doesn’t sound too good.  Give me a second to put my horse up.  I think Jeff or Hank is in the stable.  I’ll have them rub him down.  We just finished a hard run.  I’ll be right in.  Katie goes back in.”  Her father sat on the couch and Ms. Sue Iwas in the kitchen talking to Margaret.  “Daddy, what’s this all about?” 
“Not until Mark is in here.  Is he coming?” 
“Yes he should be in a few minutes.  He had to put his horse up.  Man, something looks different about you.  Are you sure everything is ok?” 
“Katie, things couldn’t be better.  I promise.”  About that time Mark walked in.  “Luckily Hank was in the stable and could give Coal Miner a rub down.  So, Dad, what’s going on?”
“Hang on let Sue get back in here.”  He hollered to the kitchen, “Sue, we are ready!”  Sue and Margaret came in to the living room, both smiling from ear to ear.  John gestured for Katie and Mark to sit on the couch.  “Ok guys, we want to tell you something.  It may come as a shock, it kinda did to us.  So here goes.  Mark, Katie last night Sue and I got… well, we decided to…Man, this is harder than I thought.” 
Sue smiled, “John, just come out with it.” 
John smiled “We got married!” 
Katie and Mark sat in disbelief.  Finally Mark stood up said, “Congratulations!”  and hugged them both.  Katie continued sitting there.  He father finally sat down beside her. 
“Katie?  Are you ok?  Talk to me.” 
Katie looked at her father, “You actually did it.  I can’t believe it.  I am so happy for you.”  She leaned over to hug her father.  “Congratulations.  I am glad you finally went and made yourself happy.”  She stood up and gave Sue a hug.  “I couldn’t have asked for a better step mom.  I love you Sue” 
“Thank you Katie.  I love you as my own.  I have asked Margaret to stay for a few days so your father and I can go have a few days to ourselves if that’s ok?” 
“That would be great.  Go and have a great time.”
Sue and John packed a suitcase and then left for a few days of privacy.  No one at the ranch could really believe that they ran off and got married so quickly, but at the same time were very excited for them.  Now Katie and Mark thought that building the cabin for Mr. Warren was even a greater priority so he and Sue would be able to live together on the ranch.  Mark called Collin and told him that he’d pay him whatever he wanted in cash if he could have it done in a month.  Collin agreed to work over time with his crews and have it done and ready to move into within in six weeks but that was the best he could do if Mark still wanted his quality.  Mark agreed and they agreed on a payment to be paid in cash when it was finished.  Until then John and Sue would stay in the extra master suite downstairs.  Katie was regaining her strength and she would soon be able to move back upstairs. 
The next morning was the day of Katie’s OB appointment.  She would find out just how far along she was and hopefully get an approximate due date.  Mark left Jeff in charge so he could go with her.  They arrived at the doctor’s office just in time and they had very little wait to see the doctor.  The nurse gave Katie a gown to change into and said the doctor would be right in.  Katie put on the gown and she and Mark waited on the doctor.  After just a few minutes he came in.
“Well, Katie, you have had a challenging few days.  How are you feeling now?” 
Katie replied, “I am feeling much better.  More like myself but still get a bit tired at times.” 
“Well, that’s to be expected.  You will probably have that feeling for several more months.  Dr. Brown from the ER filled me in on your condition.  He sent me copies of your tests and reports.  I have read over them and agree with what he asked you to do.  I want you to continue the diet until I tell you otherwise.  I am going to continue you on the extra vitamin supplements all through your pregnancy along with your regular prenatal vitamins.  It seems what is happening is that your body is either sending all the vitamins and minerals it needs to the baby or is not absorbing them at all.  This is not uncommon but we need to keep a close eye on it as it could cause other problems.  Continue to take it easy for a few days.  You may take short walks as you feel up to it but no working or riding.  I know you do riding lessons several days.  Give yourself another week off from that and then you may begin giving them but no more than an hour at a time.  Space them out to give your body a rest.  Here is a prescription for your new supplements.  Start these tomorrow.  Any questions?”
“No I think I have it all.  Are you sure this is all common and is not harming the baby?” 
“Yes it is more common than one might think.  We will continue to do blood tests to see how your body is holding up.  I will ask you to come back at the end of the week for a blood test.  It won’t be a full appointment.  You will just need to come in and have blood drawn.  It should only take about 15 minutes, then we will call with the results.  Don’t eat anything after midnight the night before and only drink water as needed.  If you have morning sickness and must eat keep it to fruit of crackers.  You can eat breakfast after we draw.  Depending on the results, I will have it repeated in a week or two.  That make sense?”
“Yes, I understand.  Whatever is needed, I am here.  Now what about my baby?”
Doctor Murphy laughed, “Oh yes you want to know that as well.  Let’s get started.”  The doctor moved Katie into position for an ultrasound.  “Now, I suppose you want a few pictures if I can get some good ones.  Won’t be able to see too much yet but I’ll get something for you to show off.  Here we go.”  He began the ultrasound.  Pointing out what he to Mark and Katie.  They were both mesmerized by the entire procedure.  Mark reached down for Katie’s hand and they both had tears in their eyes.  The doctor spoke,  “Looks like you are just about 12 weeks Katie.  So October 15 due date.”  Mark and Katie smiled at each other.  “Mark, she could be born on our anniversary,” Katie said.  Mark smiled back through tears, “Yes, she could.”  The doctor looked at them and laughed, “She?  Got your guess already?”  Katie smiled, “No doc, that’s what it is.  There is no guess. We know for sure.”  Doctor Murphy laughed, “Hey, don’t put me out of business.  We’ll have to wait and see.  I can tell you for sure in a few months.  Let’s continue here.”  The doctor continued with the ultrasound.  “Here is the heartbeat.  It’s good and strong.  Wait!” 
“What is it Doctor Murphy?  Is something wrong with its heart?”  Doctor Murphy remained silent for a minute.  Then he took his hand and pushed on Katie’s stomach.  “Katie can you turn this way just a little?”  Katie turned as he motioned.  “Yes, right there.  See it?”  Mark laughed, “Doc, we don’t know what we are looking at.  What is it?” 
“Well, it’s another heartbeat.  It too is strong and healthy.”  Mark almost fainted, “You mean there are two babies?”  He squeezed Katie’s hand. 
“Yes, looks like two healthy babies.  No wonder you were having vitamin shortages.  You had three people needing them.  Do either of you have twins in your family?” 
Katie answered, “Not that we know of.  I know I don’t but Mark doesn’t know his real family lines.” 
“Well, it’s possible that he does.  Twins are usually passed down but not always.  They could be fraternal but not sure.  We probably won’t know until they are born.”  Here I have got you several good pictures of both.  I’ll print them off for you to have.  We also have it on video if you want that.” 
“Sure we’d love to.  No one will believe it’s twins.” 
“Ok, I’ll have it make a copy.  Katie, I am going to have the nurse come in and draw some blood for other test.  I will still need you to come in on Friday for a few minutes.  We will make it first thing so you can get back and eat.  Schedule that before you leave.  Once the nurse is finished, you may get dressed and go and I will see you on Friday.  If you have any questions please call or e-mail me.” 
“Actually,” Katie says, “we have a list of questions here.”  “Ok shoot.”  Katie and Mark asked Doctor Murphy all the questions they wrote down this week.  He patiently answered them all.  After the last one Mark apologized, “Sorry about all the questions Doc.  We just aren’t sure what to believe in those books.”  Doctor Murphy laughed, “No that’s good.  Sounds like you got some good books.  Keep reading and keep the questions coming.  That’s what I am here for.”  They thanked him and said goodbye.  The nurse came in to draw some blood and then told them they could go.  Katie stopped at the desk to schedule her appointment for Friday. 
As they drove back to the ranch, Katie and Mark discussed the thought of twins.  They were so excited they couldn’t wait to tell everyone.  Mark asked, “Do you think we should call your dad?” 
“Well, I don’t want to disturb them but I really want to tell them.  Let’s do it.”  Katie answered as she pulled out her cell phone to call her father’s cell. 
After a few rings he answered, “Hello Princess.” 
“Hey Daddy, is Sue around?  Mark and I have something to tell you.” 
“Yeah hang on let me put it a speakerphone.  She’s right here.” 
Sue spoke, “Hello Katie, what’s up?” 
“Well, I know how you two would fight over the new grandbaby, so Mark and I decided to give you both one so you don’t have to fight.” 
In unison Sue and John yell, “TWINS?” 
“Yes,” Katie says, “Twins, one for each of you and they should be here mid October.”
Katie’s father said, “That’s great Princess.  What a true joy!  We are so excited.  Thank you for calling and telling us.  We should be back in a few days and then we will help you celebrate.” 
“Ok daddy.  Y’all have fun and we will see you in a few days.  Call and let us know when you are coming so we’ll be ready.”  Katie hung up and she and Mark continued to talk about how excited John and Sue were.  They couldn’t wait to tell everyone else.
When they arrived back at the ranch, Mark was ready to finally reveal his surprise to Katie.  He took her upstairs to one of the smaller guestrooms right next to theirs.  He had worked for the last several days turning it into a beautiful nursery for the baby.  Katie loved it.  It was decorated in soft colors and horses.  It was perfect.  He had everything: a crib, a changing center, and all the supplies the baby would need.  “I’ll just need to buy another crib but it should fit right over there just fine.  Over there next to the window is a rocking chair that I built myself out in the barn.”  Katie was so surprised, she didn’t know he had done all of this work.  The rocking chair was of course her favorite.


Chapter 37
Time moved right along and work went well on the Circle J Ranch.  The cabin for John was finished right on time and he and Sue moved in and loved it.  Katie’s pregnancy went well.  She had no other problems and they continued to prepare for the twins.  Doug stayed at the ranch most nights getting ready for the trial.  He was excited about the twins as well but didn’t have much time to think about it with all the work on the trial.  He worked night and day, especially as time for the trial drew near.  Katie tired to stay out of things as much as she could to keep her stress level down.  Mark made sure she continued on her doctor’s orders to kept stress down.  Soon the day for the trial to begin had arrived.
Katie was now six months along and really beginning to show.  As the judge took his place, he looked at Katie, “Well, Mrs. Dean, you look a little different than the last time I saw you.  How are you feeling.” 
“Very well your honor.  I am 6 months along with twins.” 
“Well, congratulations, Mrs. Dean.  Hopefully we can get things wrapped up before those twins decide to make an appearance.  So, let’s get started.”
The judge began the trial.  Each side made their opening statement.  The prosecution spoke how it would prove how Katie planned Billy’s death and hired someone on his team to kill him that day.  The defense spoke how they would not only disprove the prosecution’s ideas but also prove that Katie had nothing to do with Billy’s death.  The prosecution began their case first.  They entered several pieces of evidence, mostly reports from the military and other documents that tied Katie to Billy’s death.  They called several witnesses who testify how Billy was killed, how they believed Katie paid someone to kill him.  The prosecution’s case lasted several weeks.  Several times Katie got very angry at what they were saying and almost yelled out.  Doug contained her and reminded her that they would get their shot.  Finally, seventeen days into the trial, the prosecution wrapped up its case.  It was now Doug’s turn to defend Katie.  He too had several documents to enter into evidence.  Several of his documents were the same as the prosecution but some of the information was different.  He believed that someone had changed the information to have evidence point to Katie.  Doug called several witnesses to the stand.  First were Billy’s parents.  They both testified that Katie had never seen the deed to the ranch and told the story of how they found it, cleaning out his room.  They also told how Billy was killed before he and Katie were married so she did not know that they were going to give her the ranch. 
Another witness that Doug called shocked everyone.  “The Defense calls Brian Walker to the stand.”   Katie almost fell out of her seat when Brian walked into the courtroom.  She turned and looked at Mark sitting behind her who was also in shock.  Doug began questioning Brian about Billy’s death and about some of the information he had told Katie.  Everything he said was in direct dispute with the prosecution’s case.  One main question that Brian answered was what actually happened when Billy was shot.  He told the court the same story he told Katie.  Doug asked him pint blank.  “So you are saying that Major Miller pulled out his pistol and shot Lt. Jones in the chest?”  Brain replied, “Yes, he did.”  Doug continued, “What did the medic, Sgt. Clark, then say to Major Miller?”  “He told him,” Brian continued, “to give him the shot.  So Major Miller pulls a syringe out of his pack and gives it to Lt. Jones.”
“Is it common for someone other than a medic to carry such materials on the battle field?”  Brain answered, “No one other than a medic is suppose to carry that stuff unless something happens to the medic.  On occasion some guys will carry certain meds they might need but that’s about it.”  Doug then asked, “Any idea what was in the syringe?” 
“No, but I do know that Billy seemed to get really calm and then just stop right after.”
“By stop do you mean, pass away?” 
“Yes, he took a deep breath and that was it.” Doug ended the questioning and leaned over to Katie who was crying.
On cross-exam the prosecution tried to discredit Brian by asking him about his interference in the case and being relived of his duties.  They did not do a very good job in doing so because of the witty way Brian answered their questions.  As Brian was stepped down Katie leaned over to Doug, “Where did you find him?”  All Doug said was, “Ask your father.” 
After a few more material witnesses, Doug finally closed his case.  He felt like he had planted enough doubt that the jury would free Katie.  The prosecution gave a very compelling closing statement summarizing all the evidence they had against Katie.  Doug began his closing statement by showing the jury a picture of Katie and Billy that had been taken a few months before his death.  He pointed out how happy they both seemed and the love on their faces.  He reminded them of Brian’s testimony, that of Billy’s parents, and how they felt that Katie was not responsible.  He finished by listing all the differences in the documents that both he and the prosecution had submitted.  He then reminded them that if there was any doubt whatsoever, they had to find Katie not guilty.
With that, the case was put into the jury’s hands.  They deliberated most of the afternoon.  The trial was now into the fifth week.  Everyone hoped the jury would quickly come to its decision.  Just before 5 PM on the 32nd day of court after the trail began, it was announced that the jury had reached a verdict.  Everyone was quickly ushered into the courtroom.  The judge began, “Jury Chairman have you reached a verdict?”  A man in his late forties stood up at the front end of the jury box, “Yes, we have your honor.”  The judge continued, “Please hand your verdict to the bailiff so I may read it.”  The chairman handed a piece of paper to the bailiff.  The bailiff handed it to the judge, the judge read it silently and handed it back to the bailiff.
“Would the defendant please rise,” the judge said.  Katie and Doug both stood up.  Katie grabbed Doug’s hand and also reached back and grabbed
 Mark’s hand.  “Mr. Chairman,” the judge continued, “Please read your verdict to the court.”
The jury chairman rose and took the paper from the bailiff.  He cleared his throat as he opened the paper.  “We the jury, find the defendant, Kathrine Marie Dean, not guilty on all charges.”  There was a collective sign of relief.  Katie turned and hugged Doug and then hugged Mark.  The judge spoke up,  “Members of the jury, thank you for your service.  Mrs. Dean is free to go.  Court adjourned.”  As soon as the judge pounded his gavel, there was a huge cheer from Mark, John, Sue and several others on Katie’s side.  Doug shook hands with the prosecutor then joined in the celebration.
The next day for lunch they had a big community bar-b-que to celebrate several events.  They were celebrating not only the verdict, but also the upcoming twins and the anniversary of the New Circle J Ranch.  Mark and Katie decided that every year on the weekend of the anniversary of the opening, they would have a community wide celebration, and it would be open to everyone.  The mayor of the town stood up, spoke and thanked Mark and Katie for all they had done for the town and presented them both with a key to the city.  A spokesperson from the historical society officially announced that the Circle J Ranch would be a historical landmark for the county.  Finally Mark and Katie announced that they were starting a new program for underprivileged children in the area.  This program would allow children, no matter their finical status, to be able to come to the ranch for six weeks during the summer for Ranch Camp where they would learn to ride, rope, wrangler and all aspects of ranch life.  Older teens could actually live and work on the Ranch through a special program with their schools.  “These programs,” Katie announced, “will allow the history of ranching to be passed down so it can continue for generations to come.”  The program would be set to begin the following summer once all the needed facilities were built.


Chapter 38
The day passed on the ranch, everything was moving right along, and business was great.  The additions for the new programs were all falling into place.  Summer soon turned into fall and the time for the twins to arrive was getting closer. Katie’s pregnancy went well.  Then the day came.
It was October 17th.  Just after breakfast Mark had to tend to a horse that had gotten sick.  Katie was helping Sue and her father clear the breakfast dishes.  Sue and John were in the kitchen washing the dishes while Katie retrieved the last few dishes from the table.  Then Sue and John heard a crash.  They ran into the other room.  Katie had dropped several dishes and was sitting down holding her stomach in pain.  Sue asked, “Katie, are you ok?” 
“No, I think its time.  My water just broke.”   
Sue turned to John, “Go get Mark.  I’ll help Katie to the truck and grab her bag.”  John ran out and found Mark still in the stable.  Mark rushed up just as Sue and Katie get out to the porch.  He tossed John his truck keys.  “Dad, pull my truck up right here to the porch.”  John rushed to move the truck.  Mark and Sue helped Katie down the steps of the porch then John and Mark helped her into the truck. 
“We’ll follow in my car,” John said.
 “Great, can you bring me a clean shirt?  This one is horrible.” 
“Sure will do.  See you there.” 
Mark rushed Katie to the hospital.  They admitted her and Doctor Murphy soon came to check on her and said it should be too long.  He turned to Mark, “You gonna be in the delivery room?”  “Sure am Doc,” Mark answered proudly. 
“OK well you need to come get ready.  You can’t go in there like that.”  Doctor Murphy took Mark to change.  Just as they left, Sue and John come in.  Katie repeated what the doctor said.  Before long they took Katie to the delivery room.  Mark remained beside her.  Then at 3:15 PM on October 17th, The doctor said, “It’s a girl.”  Mark cut the cord and the nurse took the baby to clean it up.  Then a couple of minutes later, the Doctor said, “It’s a boy.”
Katie and Mark were ecstatic.  “One of each, Hun,” Mark said and kissed her.  The nurse came over and handed Katie the little girl.  Katie said to her, “Hello Miss Elizabeth Rose Dean.” She of course was named after Katie’s mother Elizabeth Rose Warren. “Mark, she’s beautiful, she’s perfect.”    Mark leaned down and kissed his daughter, “Yes she is.”  The nurse then brought in the boy and laid him right beside his sister. 
“Mark, we never had a boy’s name picked out.  Any ideas?” 
“Well, I thought about that the other day.  I know you are and only child and thought that you might want to keep your maiden name going for your family’s sake, so I thought we could have that as his middle name.” 
Katie smiled, “That’s a great idea.  What about your middle name for his first name?” 
Mark thought about it for a minute, “Nicholas Warren Dean.  Sounds great.  That’s it.” 
They moved Katie into her room and Sue and John came in.  Mark and Katie shared the names.  They loved them.  By the next morning, Katie, Mark and the twins were headed home.  Everyone was glad to see them and enjoyed playing with the babies.  After a few weeks, everyone loved the idea of having the babies around and couldn’t wait to spoil them at Christmas. 
A few days before Christmas, everyone was sitting around the fire decorating the house when there was a knock at the door.  Mark opened it, “Brian, what are you doing here?”  Katie walked over to the door.  “Brian come in.  I haven’t seen you since the trial.  What’s going on?”
“Katie, I need to talk to you.  I need to tell you the truth.  Mr. Warren, I am going to tell her everything.”  Katie looked at her father who responded to Brian, “That’s fine.  She needs to know.”  Brian asked Katie if they could speak in her office and said Mark was welcome to join them.  Mark, Katie and Brian all went into Katie’s office and sat down. “Thank you for your testimony at the trial.  I never expected you to show up,” Katie stated.
 “Yeah I know, your father convinced me.  He knew I knew the truth.”  Katie looked at him puzzled, “How do you know my father?”
“He was my lawyer when the Army relieved me of my duties for investigating Billy’s death.  He tried to get me reinstated.” 
“Wait, is your case the one that got my father in trouble?” 
“Um, yes, I am afraid so.  And then got him into more later.” 
“What do you mean?”  Brian took a deep breath. “I am not sure I should tell you all of this.  But he tired to help me and he got into trouble, not so much because of what he did, but because of me.  I tried to change documents.  He didn’t know I did it I. tried to clear him but they blamed it all on him.”
Katie sat in disbelief. Brian continued, “When they pinned it on him, that’s when he got into trouble.  They told him never to have contact with me again.  Several months ago after you were charged, he contacted me for my testimony.  That’s when they raised his fine and punishment and he lost everything.  He didn’t tell you?” 
Katie sat in disbelief and tears in her eyes, “No, he didn’t.  He never would tell me details.  So how’d you end of testifying for me?” 
“Well, your father talked to a friend of his in the U.S. Attorney’s office who was reinvestigating my case.  When I told them I knew the truth about Billy’s death, he asked me to tell him.  I did and when he heard it, he agreed that if I would turn Government evidence and not only testify for you but also against the person really responsible they would reinstate me into the Army and even give me a promotion.  So I agreed.” 
Katie asked, “So you know the truth?” 
“Yes, but I couldn’t tell you until after my trial and that’s why I am here. The trial ended yesterday.”  
Katie says, “Brian I want to know the whole story.”
Brian took a deep breath, “It all began several months before our mission, right after Major Miller was put in charge of our mission.  We were out one day and Billy kept talking about the ranch and how he couldn’t wait to get out and run the ranch.  Major Miller soon became very interested in the ranch, asking Billy lots of questions.  Billy didn’t know why, he thought Major Miller was a horse lover or something so Billy answered all his questions.  He probably answered a few too many.  To make a long story short, it seems Major Miller was stealing weapons from the military and selling them.  He started small and then things seemed to pick up.  He was looking for a place to use as a cover to sell the weapons.  He thought the ranch would be the perfect cover.  Billy didn’t know that at the time.    Major Miller kept pushing Billy to sell him the ranch.  He knew that if Billy knew the truth, he’d turn him in so he wanted to try to get Billy to sell him the ranch, especially after he found out how much it was worth. As our time to leave for the mission got closer, Billy overheard a phone conversation Major Miller was having. He heard him say something about the ranch being the perfect cover for selling the weapons.  Billy decided to keep his eye on Major Miller and make sure he did nothing about the ranch being the perfect cover for selling the weapons.  Billy decided to keep his eye on Major Miller and make sure he did not get the ranch.  Just days before we were due to leave, Billy tried to find evidence to what Major Miller was doing.  He snuck into the weapons depot.  He was looking at some papers that had been altered.  He was taking pictures of them when Major Miller walked in.  He asked Billy if he found everything he needed.  Major Miller tried to play it off but he knew that Billy would report what he found.  The next day Billy tried to report it to the Base General.  Unfortunately it was a busy week and no one was able to look into it for several days.  By then we had already left on our mission.”
“They didn’t take it seriously when Billy first reported it and take him off the mission or something?”  Katie asked.
“Well, normally they would.  But that was a very busy week and most of the higher ups were out of their office that week doing other things because we had so many troops coming and going.  By the time the right people got the word, our team had already left.  Major Miller knew he had to do something or Billy would stop his entire operation.  Sgt. Clark was also in on stealing the weapons.  Major Miller and Sgt. Clark worked out a plan to kill Billy and make it look like the enemy did it.  When I saw Major Miller shoot him, he knew I’d probably report it as well.  So the day we returned, he had me relieved of my duties and had me followed.  I tried to get out of it but knew my life was in danger.  The trial and conviction might have actually saved my life.  I think Major Miller would have had me killed as well.  I knew of your father from Billy, so that’s why I called him.  We tried to find the evidence on Major Miller and Sgt. Clark before I was caught and convicted, but it didn’t work.  But as I said, it may have actually saved me.  Your father was later able to find the evidence I needed.  He got my conviction overturned and then I was able to testify against Major Miller and Sgt. Clark, the real men responsible for Billy’s death.  Thanks to what your father did, my testimony and the evidence Billy found, Major Miller and Sgt. Clark were not only convicted of treason for selling U.S. weapons but also for Billy’s death.
Katie was in tears.  She thanked Brian for all he had done.  She told him that if there was anything she could do to help, she would. As Mark thanked Brian again and showed him out the door, Katie walked over to her father in the living room. She gave him a huge hug and simply said, “Thank you, Daddy.”  She knew he had given up everything he had to help Katie. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Brian leaving and knew what she meant.  “You’re welcome, Princess.”

No comments:

Post a Comment