SAFEHAVEN Ep. 017: MOuRNING SICKNESS

adoptiANDROID: EVELYN FURST aka MOTHERSHIP

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Eighty miles Southwest of Tulsa Oklahoma! Day 7 since the grand escape.

"This is all a bad dream. Wait! Do androids' dream?"

Lying in the darkness of an abandoned mobile home, former robotics scientist Evelyn Furst, Evie to her friends, set her android on slumber mode. Not any traditional sleep mind you, merely closing down but alert at all times toward intruders. As powerful as these alien androids were, their human residents still had the same fears they always had. No matter how much their shared space was with their computer counterpart any reassurance was still in doubt. Trauma after years of being held captive by the shadowy organization involving the United States Military called OASIIS, was hard to forget.

While treated well for the most part in order to get the best out of their scientific prisoners there was always the fact that all of their family and friends presumed them dead. A fact they faced now, well, those that made it out by transferring their brain patterns into these alien powerhouses. OASIIS nearing complete control over their final touches had a kill order so that none of them could ever let information leak of the dark deeds the government had planned. Assassins of the highest caliber, capable of altering appearances like some chameleon with a thousand ways of killing a target without blinking an eye they were. As if they technically needed to blink. Regardless, out of the kindness coming from the most unexpected of sources the prime candidate in the assassin program, a one Colonel Simon Campos, betrayed his own military code and rescued those scientists that he could. His red ledger was legendary yet he like many were tired of being the puppet.

Turning the tide, he warned the scientists involved with reverse engineering the alien androids of their intended demise. Already uploaded into his android he had access to telepathy which secured secrecy amongst the group. Conferring with young Jared Temple, a natural telepath long before inhabiting his own war machine, the two of them spread the word and selected candidates to merge minds with the remaining fleet of androids. Unable to lead all of the humans to freedom there was only one solution. Inhabit the machines or face genocide at the hands of their captors. Choices had to be made.

The elders of the group agreed to sacrifice themselves for the youth of tomorrow. Once the pacts were ironclad and the process complete Colonel Campos lived up to his assassin's creed. No game! He used a highly volatile nerve gas and killed every single living being in the underground base. Innocents were lost. The guilty bye cya! There was no room for any further conscience. It had to be done to secure complete freedom.

Made to look like an accident rather than sabotage to throw off the military outside of the base, those off-site leaders connected to OASIIS, Campos led 25 of 30 androids to safety in an Exodus of hope. Their human bodies died right along with everyone else, but their minds were still alive and kicking in the most advanced equipment ever designed. God knows who the true designers were or why the alien androids laid dormant under ice sheets in Antarctica for a millennium. Deactivated by some deity it seemed. Androids that could never truly die were picked apart and enhanced American style. And here we are! Life as they knew it. Free? Debatable! Eventually they would be hunted down. A two-year window at best before the nerve gas could be purged in order to enter the base. Once the military knew the androids were MIA all hell would break loose. For some it was time to party, for others time to reflect. No true rest for the weary.

Wake up Android! "I'm going to go stir crazy out here in the boonies. Wild boars and coyotes are not good neighbors." Evie sat up and peered out through one of the still intact windows in the trailer. Piercing the darkness with infrared eyes she noted animals looking at their new resident with curiosity. No scent had them boggled! "With half the glass shattered in this trailer I'm shocked I don't have roommates. Raccoons or squirrels can easily get in here. Yet I don't see any droppings or nests. Lucky me, I guess! It's a good thing I don't require comfort beyond the mental image my old self might object to. I mean this android does let me feel human but if I close off that aspect, I don't truly feel anything. It's hard to imagine living an eternity like this but I suppose I'll have to get used to it. Laying low a while is important. Adopting some new identity just so I can move about in society is not going to be easy."

"If I may interject, Evelyn Furst." Her android computer reacted to her thoughts. Consent given it continued. "We have the ability to make all things happen. This unit can design whatever is necessary to adopt a new existence for you."

"For you as well. I couldn't continue without you."

"Nor I you!"

"That's sweet of you to say but you were already in this body before I intruded upon you. I suppose in the long run I owe you an apology."

"I have no encoded memories of my past therefore we start fresh together Evelyn Furst."

"Evie! We've been together a week now and I still call you by computer. That feels so cold. Machine or not you and I, we do need to personalize you, Sweetie."

"You have called me Sweetie multiple times. I consider that my call sign."

"No, that's just my way of appreciating you. You've been such a sweet persona I just tend to say Sweetie. How about we compromise, and I call you Sugar. I had a cat once as a child that I called Sugar, all white and the sweetest thing. I miss that critter."

"Accessing memories!" A holographic white cat identical in every way to her childhood pet appeared at her knees and purred with an audible mimic inside her head. "I am here. Sugar is here with you."

"Aww! See what I mean? You're the sweetest Sugar."

"She will travel with us and keep your humanity company."

"Perfect! Maybe not in front of human eyes though. That might draw attention to us."

"Considered! Only you can see Sugar."

"You're a doll."

"I can also access your Raggedy Ann if you like."

"I'm over Annie. It would be Raggedy Anndroid now." She giggled! "Thank you for making me feel welcome in here with you."

"Of course! Home is where the heart is. Even if our heart is a fusion reactor."

"That's a scary thought. What if we ever went boom?"

"This unit contains all energy and stores it. I monitor our every function. There is a force field surrounding the reactor that would protect others from harm."

"I never knew that aspect of the reverse engineering part. It's amazing how complicated yet advanced these androids are."

"Our makers were undoubtedly some of the finest intellects to ever exist."

"Do you ever wonder who made you? I mean I might not be the most religious person in the world, but I do believe in God as the creator of everything. That would mean these androids, right?"

"Or simply this God created our makers. Your team of scientists are our Gods."

"I never thought of that. No! Not Gods! Simply tinkerers dabbling into something we probably were never meant to do. So, tell me a secret."

"Secret?"

"Sorry! As odd as it might seem I feel like tonight of all nights is like a sleepover with a good friend. When I was a youngster, I had all kinds of sleepovers. We played games, shared stories about boys we liked. Things like that. Pajama party!"

"Accessing!" All around Evie her childhood bedroom holographically appeared, blocking out the doom and gloom of the dilapidated housing she currently camped out in. A real canopy bed with dolls galore on it. A dollhouse in the corner. Sugar's cat bed off in a corner which Sugar raced to and laid down to nap on. It was all so very real. Even in the pitch blackness of night her android eyes saw it as daylight and lights on.

"Oh, gosh! Sugar, you are so amazing!"

"I try! Shall I make your current clothing into your old Hello Kitty pajamas?"

"No! As incredible as this all is, and I love you for it, I've outgrown it all. Memory Lane is the address of my dollhouse."

"Shall I cease making you feel at ease."

"At least concerning my old bedroom." Immediately the drab trailer returned, her past fading yet again.

"Before I shut down our home into slumber mode you spoke something you used to say as a child."

"My prayer? My mother instilled that into me so deeply that it has become at least an every week or two recital. It makes me feel good."

"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep: Angels watch me through the night and wake me with the morning light. Amen!" Sugar replicated Evie's childhood voice. If an android could shed a tear without extra effort she might have. It was certainly touching. "Amen is the angels name?"

"No! Amen is basically a thank you Lord."

"Amen with the letters rearranged becomes Name."

"Oh, I see what you mean."

"Amen with the letters rearranged becomes Mean."

"I have never thought of it that way. That is almost enlightening. Well, done, Sugar. That prayer is taught to children from almost birth. It is meant to instill joy against the hardship of night. Almost a protective measure to help a young one sleep."

"Like warm milk from a mother's breast."

"Sure! That sounds about right."

"You had a bad dream."

"Can I dream still? I just resisted slumber mode I think."

"Your memories are still intact. Therefore, dreamscape is possible. I do monitor those impulses. You did drift amid dimensions while dormant."

"Dimensions? I always thought dreams and nightmares were based on things you see and hear; those things merging to form something in your consciousness that can be either positive or negative."

"Within the human brain are portals. This is how demonic possessions claim hosts."

"Is that true?"

"Yes! Portals to many places. However, no one can access them on this side of reality. They must come from within."

"That's scary. Now I will have nightmares."

"I will protect you like Amen, Name, Mean."

"Thanks! Was that the secret I asked for? It feels like a secret because it was something I did not know."

"One of many secrets. Some I am forbidden to reveal."

"Wait! Who forbid you to reveal them? Jared Temple when he reprogrammed you?"

"No! Another behind Jared Temple's back."

"How could Jared not know? He is a telepath."

"There are telepaths of a higher power that can go over his humanoid version."

"Who?"

"I am forbidden. If it is any consolation, this entity I speak of will be in contact with you in the near future. I can say nothing more. Forgive me Evie."

"That sounds like an omen if I ever heard one."

"Amen! Omen! Good Angel? Bad Angel?"

"You are far to inquisitive." Evie giggled! "So, where do you think we should go from here? This trailer is not a proper home. I hate the idea of abusing people or stealing money, possessions like a car to get us around but I do get tired of guys trying to pick me up on the road like a hitchhiker. I mean we never tire but walking is a red flag in my mind, in so many ways."

"I go where you lead me, Evie. I only lead when you are in need of this body's uses."

"Powers!"

"Yes! Technical advice!"

"I guess I'm at a loss. No matter how honest I want to be I'm going to have to go against my better judgment. We have to blend in better than we are. Companionship would be nice. Other than you and our imaginary kitty over there." She admired Sugar snoozing so soundly in his holographic bed, the only two holograms in use.

"Human male companionship?"

"Well, there is that. Female friend, maybe. Not sexually, I'm not that way."

"I know! You and I are Bi as it is called. Binary code 0 and 1. We are 1, without we are nothing."

"That is so true. Okay, I've made up my mind. Our mind! We leave this hillbilly palace in the morning."

"The weather report has the potential for tornados. Oklahoma is known for many this time of year."

"We're invincible, right?"

"Yes! But as you say, walking in bad weather is a red flag. I can make our body invisible."

"We can actually do that. Man, I need to read the owner's manual. That could solve the wolf calls and truck drivers trying to pick me up on the road."

"You like the attention."

"Nothing hides from you." She chuckled! "Hey! I've been single all my life. Before OASIIS I met a few nice guys but those were albeit pointless once I got nabbed. There is no going back."

"Roger is married now. Eric committed suicide."

"Wow! That's a shame. Well, I hope Roger is happy at least. Eric? God rest his soul."

"Roger will be a father soon. His wife Peggy just got her first sonogram."

"Aww! I always wanted a baby. Obviously that window of opportunity got shot out like the windows in this trailer."

"There is always adoption."

"Come on, Sugar! That's the worst idea ever considering I have no identity. Those agencies check you out thoroughly. I can hear it now. I'm sorry but we find no file on you."

"I can create new life Evie. Manipulating the internet is actually quite simple. There is mental suggestion as well."

"No! This is no kind of life to ever become a parent to any child. Always on the run. Providing for them is an issue. It's just not smart."

"Our secret!"

"Excuse me?"

"Perhaps you can dream of being a mother. Shall I conduct slumber mode again?"

"Actually, yes! I think I just want a moment of isolation if you don't mind. Wake me up again at dawn."

"Goodnight, Evie Furst."

"Night, Sugar!"

Powering down Evie Furst stretched out on the floor and ceased mobility. Her cat left his bed and curled up beside her. Sugar was attached at the hip. Both versions!

"The alarm is going off. Time to rise and shine. The angels are tapping their feet."

"You just love taking things I say to heart don't you."

"I am only trying to bond with you Evie."

"I was kidding."

"Kid ding? A youthful jest?"

"Why does it seem like everything we chat about revolves around kids or my childhood? What are you not telling me?"

"No reason! This unit is learning to coexist as much as you Evie."

"I understand that. I'm just grateful to have you as an ally."

"Likewise! We have been instructed to act as human as possible and learn from our union as much as you learn from us. A good team we will make."

"Agreed! Okay! Let's get moving. I'm not certain where our destination is but anything has to be better than here. How's our weather?"

"Funnel clouds over four counties. No touch downs yet but the local weather stations are telling the populace to be prepared. Are you certain you wish to leave our shelter?"

"Hey what's a little rain to us."

"No rain! Just cloudy and still."

"We can do that invisible thing you mentioned."

"That will only work for our body, not the physical clothing you have adopted. I can however create a hologram of clothing around us preventing humans from seeing our true, or even untrue form."

"Meaning your android likeness without the humanlike morphing."

"Our android likeness. We are forever one and the same. Maintaining a human appearance is to benefit you and prevent us from standing out."

"Right! I rather like the features we've manufactured. Actress Nina Dobrev with a bit more substance in the backside keeps us normal. Looking too supermodel will only be suspicious in my mind. Our mind!"

"We can always alter that should you desire change."

"Right! I'm good for now. Too perfect is ego talking. Okay let me ditch these jeans and flannel shirt. Just mimic the clothing when we go visible via hologram." She began removing her existing clothes and tossed them on the rotted wood flooring. "We can get some new duds when we need to. It is probably better we stay invisible anyway, less human interference." Down to her artificial flesh Evie Furst looked down at her projected 38C breasts and sighed. "I miss my real ones. At least they look the same even if not real flesh and blood." Shaking them from side to side she smirked, "Same jiggle though."

"Outside of your true face and fingerprints the body is the same."

"Well, I wouldn't go that far. My ass is a lot bigger now, but it suits our situation. I miss my tattoo also."

"I can replicate that."

"We had better not. Let's keep ourselves as different as possible. Someday maybe!" Stepping out of the trailer and onto the overgrowth of grass she looked up at the sky. "Boy it does look bad, doesn't it."

"Even if we were to be swept away, we would survive any crash landing."

"That's good to know. As long as we don't end up in Oz."

"Shall we be off to see the Wizard?"

"Yes! Oh! Let's stash the kitty cat. See you soon Sugar." The holographic feline brushed along her shin as if real. Oddly the android allowed sensation. "That is so amazing."

"Reality it may not be, but we can still enjoy a unique experience."

"Absolutely!" Sugar fading away led to Evie also disappearing from the naked eye. Invisible the only way she could be seen by anything was her weight crushing the grass in her footsteps. A quarter mile from the main road she reached it within eight minutes. There was really no hurry when uncertain where you were going. Although Texas was a big state to get lost in. Maybe! Traveling West she kept to a soft shoulder until leaving the timberline behind for open terrain. Traffic zipping by was oblivious to her being there. The only oddity was the occasional gravel kicked up by her steps.

Aimlessly walking for over an hour the weather took a turn for the worst. Winds whipping up surrounded Evie and her android body. To compensate, Sugar added more density to her limbs to keep her on a steady trajectory. Cars were flying by at faster speeds trying to escape the inevitable. "Evie a twister has touched down and is headed right at us. I advise we boost our running speed and seek shelter like you would as a human. We may be indestructible but why test the theory."

"Take the next step Sugar. Get us to safety." Looking behind her she saw the disturbance over the distant plain. The twister was easily a category three. Racing the tornado at seventy miles per hour cars were still zipping by her. Ditches up ahead seemed the most logical move in an emergency. Headed toward them a white van flew by weaving a bit on the road. Suddenly, out of nowhere a doe bolted across the highway. Avoiding it the van lost control and veered into the ditch and rolled onto its side.

"Crap! We can't leave the people in that van out here like that. How much time do we have Sugar?"

"Eight minutes! We do what we must. They will not survive if we do not intervene."

"Then let's beat the odds." Rapidly approaching the van, they heard screaming coming from within. Flipped onto its side the driver was stuck in her seatbelt, unable to escape without falling to the passenger side, possibly hurting herself and unborn child.

"Evie! I am detecting two life signs in the vehicle." A running leap on top of the driver's side wall she banged loudly footstep after footstep until reaching the door. Looking down inside Evie noted a woman with wavy blonde hair struggling. "Six minutes, Evie!"

"Door is stuck. No choice here." Invisible or not Evie gripped the door embedding fingers into the metal and shattered the locks. With great strength the door literally left its hinges. Tossed aside the panic-stricken driver looked as if she saw a ghost. No one was there for her to see physically. Reaching in Evie gripped the woman by her arm and shredded the seatbelt from above the woman. Instead of her falling to the opposite side Evie forced the woman out the opened door. "I've got you. Are you alone?" The blonde heard a voice but saw no one and started screaming. "I thought there were two of them Sugar."

"There are two. Miriam Becker is with child."

"Shit! Go visible!" Becoming flesh in form Miriam saw the brunette naked until Sugar created her former wardrobe as a hologram. "Work with me, Miriam. We have only minutes. Ignore the strangeness and let me save you."

"Are you an angel?"

"At the moment yes. Let's talk after I get you and your baby to safety." Looking toward the oncoming roar Miriam went pale. "Sugar! Do something incredible." Assuming control over the android body Sugar carried Miriam to the ditch and sat her on the embankment. Turning left in step the android pointed her fists at the ditch itself and released a concussive force so powerful that the ground was literally hammered, dirt flying every which direction. Digging a pit twelve feet deep Sugar grabbed Miriam in her arms and dove into the hole. In a levitated freefall to the bottom the van dislodged and blew right over the pit. The jolt in landing on the bottom hurt Miriam in her current state. Her fear so intense the woman passed out. Pinning her down as a shield Evie made certain no further harm could come to her rescue survivor by producing a thin force field against the pangs of velocity. The twister violently cascading topsoil down over them, to any other set of folks this would be their grave.

Performing a CPR move of making certain Miriam had oxygen, Evie pinched her nose and locked mouths with the woman keeping her alive under the burial mound. For five long minutes the torture endured. Once the tornado had moved on a stillness crept over them. Waking up Miriam thought she and her baby were dead. Hands gripping Miriam, Evie stood up and took much of their dirt with her. Daylight seen Miriam stared in awe of her savior until she felt a sharp pain. "Oh, my God! My water just broke. I was on my way to the hospital."

"Just relax, I have you. I'm not leaving you down here. Let me unearth us so we have room to work."

"Who... what are you?"

"A friend. Please breath."

"I can feel my baby coming. I don't want to give birth here. This is too much like a grave."

"Calm down! Just trust me, I've got you." Going silent Evie consulted Sugar. "Can we deliver a baby safely?"

"Of course! I've already accessed everything required. This will be unsanitary, but we have no choice. I will sedate her once she gives birth. We can move them out of this hole and stop someone driving by who might get her and the baby to a hospital." Spoken all the while the android dug them out enough to lay Miriam safely on solid ground. "Miriam? I need to remove your pants here. The baby is on its way, there is no choice."

"How do you know my name?"

"Let's do what is important. We can talk after the two of you are safe. I'm going to ask you to keep me your secret. As a favor for what I'm doing in saving your lives. Work with me please." Dress carefully removed Evie used her arms to mound up the loose dirt to get Miriam's hips high enough to work around. "Alright! Do you have any baby names picked out?"

"It's a girl. I want to name her April Renee Becker. After my mother!"

"That's a beautiful name." Evie consoled her as Sugar performed the birthing. This was not going to go so easily. Sugar voicing their thoughts after examining her via x-ray eyes discovered a problem. "We are going to have to give her a C-section."

"Wonderful! How do we do that?" Breathing in and out rapidly Miriam was already pushing. "Miriam? Wait! The baby is breached. You require a C-section. I, we can do this but it is going to hurt. We can cauterize the wounds of our cut but we have no choice here."

"Do what you have to. Wait! Have you ever delivered a baby before?"

"No! But if you want April to survive you have to trust me." A glowing fingertip shown to Miriam had her eyes bulging. The tip then went razor sharp before her. "You called me an angel. Maybe I am. I have special powers as you've already witnessed in digging this hole. Just know I'm here to help. I will not fail you."

"Do it! The pain is excruciating. Save my baby." Finding a thick root protruding the mound of dirt Evie cleaned it as much as possible. Using her razor-sharp nails to whittle it down so the dirt was not as nasty. "Bite down, just breath." Within her lips Miriam watched Evie burn away the contamination on her fingertips before digging in. A fingernail easily drew blood and sliced Miriam's lower tummy enough to enable getting her hands in there to turn her baby safely. Resisting any option on passing out Miriam watched and looked horrified by her savior working diligently in the darkness. Evie of course saw everything as if bright daylight, so the working conditions were perfect for her surgical precision.

"Here she comes! Almost there, Mommy." Evie and Sugar carefully brought new life into the world. Rain suddenly began to fall making matters worse. Now mud was becoming an issue. Absorbing the water into her android cells Sugar cautiously bathed the baby and snipped the umbilical cord. That part over she passed April into Miriam's arms. Once claimed Evie began closing up Miriam the best that she could. Taking Miriam's dress, it was used to swaddle baby April from the rain as her voice was made clear. The cries echoed from their hole.

"We need to get you to the hospital. I can only do so much. You need rest, the baby needs a real doctor." Sugar opened up once Evie stopped talking. "The baby is healthy. Miriam needs sewn up better. I've stopped the bleeding, but it still might rupture."

"How do we get out of here." Miriam spit out her stick in order to talk.

"Levitation like we came down with. I'm going to pick the two of you up carefully. This is where I need you to keep what you've witnessed secret. Can I trust you Miriam?"

"Yes! You saved us. How could I not keep whatever you are secret. You have my word." It wasn't hard for an android to know if a person was lying, Miriam Becker was not.

"Okay! There's a truck about a mile down the road headed this way. Let's get topside before they see what I do here." Plucking Miriam up in her arms Evie smiled at her. "Hold on!" Defying gravity the bottoms of Evie's feet created lift and sent them soaring up out of the hole and carried them three feet off the ground to the side of the road. Miriam just knew this was a miracle. Of course it was! Sitting Miriam down Evie smiled at her. "April is precious! Be right back." Stepping out into the road Evie Furst, in hologram projected clothing began waving her arms at a Ford F-150 in hopes it might stop. A storm chaser he had no choice with her in the middle of the road.

"Everyone, alright?" The bristly bearded man wearing a Stetson leaned out.

"We survived but we still have an emergency. I just delivered a baby, but they need medical attention. Can you get us to the closest hospital?"

"Sure can! Here let me help you. Pete, clean a spot in the back and give the young lady the front seat." His teenaged son quickly hopped out to perform his task. "I'm Dalton! You gals were lucky."

"You have no idea!" Evie played the worried Aunt as Dalton swept in and offered an assist. Seeing Miriam with no clothing on and blood flowing still he took his hat off then his t-shirt.

"Here! Use my shirt for the baby so you can wear that dress." Grateful, Evie helped accept baby April while Dalton assisted Miriam in putting her dress back on. The rain letting up slightly helped. A gently escorted walk back to his truck Dalton loaded her up while Evie stood ready to let Mommy claim her newborn. A kiss to April's forehead Evie handed the baby up. Once relinquished Evie stepped back.

"Come with us." Miriam wept at her angel of mercy.

"Room back with Pete." Dalton opened the suicide door for Evie. Accepting she climbed inside, and Dalton closed shop. A swift run around to get behind the wheel Dalton Hayes hit the gas. Beside Evie, Pete eyed her beauty. The hologram clothing was so realistic that it even showed mud on her. Wet shirt clingy nipples were poking out. Seductress mode had to have her say. At least she wasn't tempting the boy.

Once they reached a town by the name of Freedom they stopped at a clinic. The hospital was another forty minutes, so Dalton let their paramedics take over. Transferred to an ambulance Evie waved goodbye. Miriam Becker made a hand motion as if zipping her lip. Good enough!

"You're not going with her?" Dalton spoke up.

"No! I have somewhere else to be. Thank you for helping us. Your good deed will not go without reward."

"You look like you could use a drink." His offer had Evie stunned! "I own the bar up the road. After all that you deserve a heroes toast." Seductress mode warning her that he found Evie's form attractive she thought about it a bit. "Hot shower if you need one. I can take you wherever you need to be after you're presentable." Sugar made certain her appearance looked rough and dirty so as not to look too neat. Her matted and all.

"I might just take you up on that. I was hiking cross country when the tornado struck. It took my pack after I fell into that ravine. I literally lost everything." Nice cover story! "You wouldn't by chance have another shirt I could swipe."

"I sell shirts promoting my bar the Morning Star. There's a laundromat across from me where we can wash your duds there." What duds? Hologram! Yikes!

"We might need to suggest he forget us, Sugar."

"Now or after?"

"Let's aim for after. He is kind of cute." Speaking up Evie added, "After you Cowboy."

"Rodeo proud!" He winked! "I own a horse ranch five miles out. Hiking you say? Where you headed?"

"To be honest Dalton, I have no clue. Texas as a thought. I guess I'll know when I get there."

"Sounds like a dilemma. Hop in I need to drop Pete off at his mommas then there's a bottle of my best demon waiting on you. Name your poison."

"You're married?"

"Not no more! Divorced going on eight years. My weekend with Pete. Storm chasing is a hobby. I'm pretty sure his momma Cheryl is gonna bitch."

"Hey! How can she bitch. Technically you're as much of a hero as I am."

"Ring of truth to that." He grinned and tipped his hat up. "Let's ride!" He made Pete give up his seat a second time. Sixteen-year-old Pete grinned at his dad. He knew his father well. Ladies' man! Good man! Like father, like son."

Country music on the radio it was almost relaxing. That is until Sugar opened up to Evie. "He is a good parent. I've ascertained everything there is to know about Dalton Hayes. We are in good hands."

"You and me Sugar."

"And one other."

"What does that mean?"

"I am forbidden."

"Okay! Well, I'm going to enjoy myself for a day. Let me get drunk and screw."

"Seductress is up for that."

"Of course, she is. I'm not liking all of these secrets Sugar. This forbidden crap is unsettling."

"I am very sorry Evie."

"One other? Do we have a third party hiding out in our memory banks?"

"You might say that."

"Well, tell whoever it is to not be a stranger. One big party!"

"In time!"

"Are we talking about Seductress as a third party?"

"Seductress is isolated. She is only a function."

"I give up. I hope the baby is alright."

"He is."

"She is. April is a girl."

"Silly me!"

Whatever!