03 - Fly Me to the Moon (BETA)

Author's Note: Sorry for the delay in getting this published. I had some traveling mixed in with some heavy copy to write. This edition begins to dive into a brutal murder, while absolutely a work of fiction, it is difficult to have your mind wrestle with how much is enough?. I would appreciate any feedback.

Quick housekeeping before we launch. This is a PHD story, full of plot, heart, and drama, not a five minute layover to the bedroom. If that's what you're after, this site is vast and I wish you well with it's best authors.

Still here? Good, because I have to confess: this story wears its BETA tag proudly, mostly because commas and I have a hostile working relationship. My grammar is less "polished manuscript" and more "crime scene." If you happen to be fluent in Comma-ese and have a masochistic streak, I'm STILL accepting applications for an editor. DM me, and bring snacks, you'll need them.

This edition of Fly Me to the Moon picks up after Chapter Ten, so PLEASE start there or my grammar will not be the only thing that confuses you.

All characters are fictional, and any resemblance to real people is turbulence, not intent.

Houston, we are taxiing for takeoff. Fly Me to the Moon.

Chapter 11

Sunday, February 27, 2024

Linton----------------

Linton Sumner was tapping his foot impatiently as the system blinked black before returning him to the cartoonish courtyard garden. He watched as a blonde-haired prince dropped into the garden and had a petulant expression on his face when Linton realized that was the look he had. He schooled his expression to cool indifference as he waited. He glanced at the embedded clock on his Windows taskbar. It was 12:29 am. He ground his teeth as he thought of what he would do to the programmer if he was late.

A golden lamp fell from the sky and after a short entrance of smoke and a flash of light a ten foot tall genie appeared.

"Mr. Prince." Caspian said crisply. "You called."

The dry smirk of the genie caused Linton to ball his fists as he fought to keep the boardroom expression focused on Disney's Genie.

"We had a believer provide a bit of intel. It seems the FBI is funneling a copy of their records to an external collaborator." Linton growled. "We have contracted with a firm to deploy human assets to gather intel on who the external collaborator is. However, we need you to focus your cyber efforts onto the FBI, specifically Jonathan Calloway who is the Special Agent in Charge of the Major Case Division and what have they gathered in the Stanton or Vaughn cases."

"Based on our last conversation, I have started to gather the resources that will allow me to gain access to the systems." The cartoon Genie said, the blue comical face as serious as it could be. "In my research the assessment of American cyber security is still the best in the world. Before I even try to knock on their door, I will need to change countries, bounce my pathway into their array through a minimum of ten nodes in some of the most backwards countries in the world. I will need to have static servers to power the attack, so I will need to build these servers from black market parts with serial numbers that have been etched into oblivion."

The Disney Genie rolled his neck, causing his large head to suddenly rotate. "As long as none of the nodes I am using don't blink because those countries power grids had to be set up by Edison himself, I am going to have to cross every digit that my dark web hacking server farm has the horsepower to crack the American's encryption."

"I have a shopped for a few credentials that have been copied from reckless government hacks, so I am likely to get in the front door..." Caspian sighed. "... but navigating my way into an admin account or user with the right privileges will be a matter of chance."

"Chance?" Sumner asked coldly.

"About a millionth of the chance of winning the next Power Ball drawing." Caspian stated coldly. "For the past decade, American cyber security is six generations more advanced than anything else on the market. There are laws in place to keep hardware and encryption software under the close scrutiny of the US Government."

"You are not our only cyber security specialist." Linton's cartoon prince glared at the much taller genie. "If they don't say the same thing, you might want others to start your car for you!"

Sumner was about to hit the end game button but stopped. "Don't forget that we have a board meeting tonight. I would advise you to have something to share to warrant the investment we have placed in you."

He hit the button that shutdown the game. He had no way of knowing that the last look on the Disney prince's face chilled the international hacker to the core. It was the first time Linton Sumner had smiled.

Parker---------------

"Hit it hard Adam!" Alex Turner yelled through his helmet. His body encased in an arctic suit, his flack vest tightly snug. He pulled out his rifle and smiled at the fleeing snowmobile. "Let's get this motherfucker."

Adam jumped on to the Polaris 800 Pro-RMK 155 and hit the starter switch. The tenor of the exhaust had changed, but the snowmobile was eager to leave. Alex moved his gun to the side and crawled on behind Alex.

The two As had served in Varangian for several years and their temperaments were exactly opposite. Adam was calm and measured and he was always on the edge. He also liked to kill shit. This was especially true with VSS giving the squad the green light. If it had a heartbeat, we got to put it down. Alex smiled.

Adam hit the throttle and Alex had to snake his left hand around Adam's waist not to end up ass over tea kettle in the snow. Alex turned his head to see Jared's Polaris growl to life and followed.

Jared's lighter load allowed his Polaris to sweep past them, following the Stanton's cowardly tracks. It was five heartbeats later when Jared and his snowmobile disappeared in a cloud of shrapnel and body parts. Adam turned to look back at his squadmate and then there was an instant of rage turned to imaginable pain as Alex was blown off the snowmobile, summersaulting through the air. The shard of a muffler, sizzling as the searing heat encountered Alex's own blood. The cruel spear was caught in a time warp, and Alex experienced each micrometer after micrometer as it pierced his eye and into his brain.

Parker's eyes snap opened to find the concerned eyes of Sabrina looking lovingly down into his. Parker had to resist the urge to lift his hand and pull out the shard of muffler from his eye socket. His heart was racing and sweat poured out of every pore.

"Parker baby." Sabrina cooed. "It was just a dream. You are safe."

Parker's mind registering this was a mantra. Something that Sabrina had been repeating.

Parker smiled. Then his mind betrayed him. It told him he was not alone. He was worthy to be love.

Parker sat up and wrapped Sabrina in a bone crushing hug.

Sabrina---------------

Sabrina was lost. She was not sure what triggered this typically stoic person to fall into her arms. His words slowly made her skin goosepimple in delight.

"Thank you." Parker said softly, sniffling lightly to control the products of his emotions. "I have been alone so long."

It was a full two minutes before continued. "I am having nightmares. I reviewed the FBI's files that provided dossiers for each of the mercenaries. Finally, I read the forensic report on how five of them died."

He shifted and soon Sabrina was in his lap, his arms still surrounding her as if they were steel bands.

"I know names, birthdays, families, and service records. I impacted so many lives by those actions I took. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sons, daughters, and lovers." Parker swallowed his emotions so he could get the words through his constricted throat. "Those memories were heavy. I felt as if I was alone."

Parker blinked his eyes, trying to dry the start of tears. "I have been so alone." He mumbled. "Since the train. Mom and Dad are gone. Grace and Livy are gone. Jack and Penny have their own lives."

"Thank you." Parker leaned in and kissed Sabrina lightly on her lips. "It has been so long since I woke up to someone saying it was going to be ok."

Parker leaned in and lightly kissed her lips a second time. "To caress me and promise me that it is going to be ok."

"I love you Ms. Sabrina Stanton." Parker said with a longer, more passionate kiss. "Thank you for choosing me."

"However, if you are going to have me step into a church since the funerals..." Parker planted a chaste kiss to Sabrina's lips. "You really need to let me get my..."

Parker shifted his hips and Sabrina plopped onto the bed and Parker rolled to his elbow, so he was poised above her, his eyes staring lovingly down into her eyes. "... beauty sleep."

Parker then moved down and placed his head on her chest and closed his eyes to the night. Sabrina snaked her arm around him and had her manicured nails gently raking through his hair. Then she started to sing. The song caused him to tense for a second, but each note found him relaxing a bit more.

Sabrina knew this was Olivia's song, but she took the chance. It was to provide him a bridge to his past. A bridge to his little girl.

In the dark of the room, with just faint rays of lights from electronics and clocks Sabrina finished the song.

"If that dog named Rover don't bark. Pappa's gonna buy you a horse and cart. If that horse and cart fall down. You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town."

Parker---------------

The large Lincoln Navigator's dark tinted windows washed the overcast winter day in Salem Illinois. The caravan of three vehicles navigated the streets of the older part of the midwestern town.

Parker glanced around the luxury SUV. The driver was a member of the Robertson security detail. Standing 5'7", the compact detail member had a heart-shaped face, shoulder-length black hair that was fully of body, and light mocha skin. Her green eyes and easy smile suggested she was a Sabrina Stanton fan as she introduced herself as Sophia Jones. She climbed behind the wheel, and the uneasy fan persona fell away, and the extremely competent driver emerged as she checked comms with the lead and chase vehicles.

Riley took the front passenger seat. He was dressed in a pair of black pants and grey tweed blazer over a white shirt without a tie. His longish hair was pulled back into a ponytail, revealing a scar on the side of his neck. Riley had greeted the house with pancakes and when Sabrina mentioned her desire to attend church services. He just nodded as if it was the most reasonable request ever made.

Riley asked a few questions, which had Sabrina sit in Parker's lap as they used his phone to view the different denominations. When Parker tapped the church he attended before the accident, Sabrina shared the church and its address. They would attend only the services which started at 10:15 am. Penny announced she would like to tag along.

Parker had drifted into the library to do some computer work after an early breakfast when Ethan and Riley stepped in through the front door. Parker stepped to the library door to see if everything was ok.

Riley stepped aside to allow Ethan to report that they had found the building, talked with the minister about Sabrina and Parker attending services and the presence of security with weapons. He was very accommodating and even met them at the building to look at potential regress pathways besides the main doors.

Sitting next to him directly behind Riley's seat was Sabrina who reached over and grabbed his right hand and clamped onto the second she had her seatbelt buckled. Her off hand slowly caressing the hand to comfort him or maybe it was her. When Parker looked away from the window he saw Sabrina in a thick designer sweater and wool skirt that fell to her ankles looking back at him, her eyes seeking him to assess his level of comfort.

Penny was dressed in slacks, blouse, and coat. Her presence was a European model on a winter excursion. She climbed into the third row before Parker and Sabrina were out the door and was buckled up directly behind Sabrina once the last door was closed.

He would offer her a smile, knowing the dampness in his palms exposed the lies of his calm facial expressions and screamed that he was nervous... No, apprehensive. He had heaped recriminations at the being there were on their way to worship. He had raged at the injustice of his loss.

It was Parker's near-perfect memory that provided him example after example of God's mercy. At the creator's desire to have a relationship with his children.

The church building came into view. The church was a long, low tan brick building with a steep, dark brown roof. As they approached the building, the brick gave way to gray stone, and the church's name was spelled out in block letters above the doors. A lonely, tall white steeple rose from the roofline, the thin structure was almost lost in the dreariness of the cold February day.

Sophia expertly pulled the SUV to the main entrance that had a small portico. Riley slid out and stood next to Sabrina's door. Riley had waited for Parker to exit and walk around the SUV before he opened the door. Parker helped first Sabrina and then Penny out of the car. Sabrina moved to his right and Penny to his left.

Shawna, who had exited the lead car, stood by the door and opened it for the approaching group. One second Riley was shutting the SUV door and the next second he entered the lobby of the small church. His eyes were scanning the milling group of members who were slowly making their way into the large auditorium.

Parker, Sabrina and Penny entered the entryway and moved towards the doors to the auditorium. It was Sabrina whose eyes went wide with recognition at a slender early thirties woman who stood 5'6", had shoulder-length light brown hair.

"Clair Jones..." Sabrina started, before she struggled for a microsecond. "Clair Thomas?"

The woman's hazel eyes lit up at being remembered by an international music star.

"Sabrina..." Her soft voice chimed in the tile clad entry way. "It is lovely to see you."

"Parker, let me introduce you to a fellow introvert, but in middle school was the world's greatest friend, Clair Thomas." Sabrina said as she danced forward and hugged the surprised woman.

"Ma'am." Parker said, sliding in some of his Oklahoma twang. "It is nice to meet you."

"Momma?!" A six year old girl appeared as if she burst from an unseen genie bottle. "Momma? You know Sabrina Stanton."

What had to be much younger clone of Clair appeared behind her skirts, matching hazel eyes opened in wide disbelief, her long soft curls framed an angelic face. Parker's mind transported itself to days gone by and Livy peering out behind Grace's flowing skirts.

"Lily Anne Thomas." Clair's soft voice chided her daughter. "When Mommy or Danny are speaking to a person, please wait to ask your questions when they are finished talking."

Parker's heartbeat increased. Lily. Livy. Lily.

"Yes, momma." The young Thomas said with lowered eyes that still attempted to dart up to Sabrina's face.

"Sabrina. Parker." Clair said in a kind welcoming voice. "Thank you for joining us for services. This little person here is my daughter, Lily Anne."

Turning to her daughter. "Sweety, this is Sabrina and Parker can you say good morning."

Lily stood tall, her eyes flashing with delight. "Good morning."

Lily looked at her mom and then rapidly added. "Thank you for joining us for services."

Clair's face lit up with pleasure.

Clair looked down at her watch. "Oh, sugar. Services are about to start." Looking over Sabrina's collection of adults. "We have room on our row if you want to join us."

"That would be great." Sabrina moved in and dropped into a crouch. "Lily Anne, would you mind if we sat with you and your parents?"

"Daddy sits up front." Lily moved close to Sabrina, her expressive face smiling.

Clair mouthed Song Leader.

"But my big brother sits with Momma and me." The young girl.

"Sorry." Clair said. "Lily Anne has a bit more of her dad's personality than mine."

Clair hugged her daughter. "She will talk to a tree if we are not careful."

"Momma!" Groaned the six-year old girl.

Sabrina----------------

Sabrina Stanton had a wave of embarrassment roll over her as she saw Clair, who was the best friend before Juke Box Hero. Sabrina had tried to stay in touch, but she was on the crest of a tsunami that catapulted her into a new world and several people who she loved were ripped away from her.

Sabrina caught the tensing of the muscles in Parker's face and neck. Lily was a single letter away from Livy. The two girls had similar blonde hair and the singer was sure that Parker was fighting memories of a six-year old Livy.

Clair took mercy on Sabrina and invited them to sit with her kids. Sabrina entered the auditorium? Sanctuary? Whatever it was. There were about seventy people scattered across the congregational seating.

Sabrina was used to rooms going silent and to have heads pivoted to finding the world famous music star, but not every face that turned to watch the entrance was friendly. Some of the older members had a glare about their eyes as if she was the person who absconded with the apple pie that was cooling in the window.

Inside, the auditorium was carpeted in deep green, worn smooth by years of foot traffic. Two long rows of pews filled the room, oak-framed with green cushioned seats and backs, split by a center aisle that ran straight toward the front. Narrower aisles ran along the outer walls on either side, where wood paneling rose waist-high before giving way to plain cream walls.

At the front of the auditorium was a three foot high stage with a podium that matched the finish of the pews. Directly behind the podium was a set of theater-like drapes that ran about ten feet wide. Centered with each of the rows of pews was a large projection screen that had congregational announcements scrolling.

Clair marched confidently to the second from front row where a nine or ten year old boy watched with wide eyes as his mother and sister led a line of strangers to their seats. Sabrina smiled the instant that Clair's son had made the connection that one of the strangers was in fact Sabrina Stanton.

Clair ushered her daughter into the pew and urged her to move towards her brother. Sabrina was about to step in when Riley stepped up.

"Excuse me Ms. Stanton." Riley said quietly just for her and Parker's ears. "I need to sit next to you in case we need to evacuate. Ms. Baker will sit at the end of the aisle, so I will need to set between you and Ms. Thomas or you and Dr. Peters."

"Sit with Clair." Parker urged her. "If Riley doesn't mind, I can reach my arm around him to keep you awake."

"Riley, you first if you don't mind?" Sabrina asked. "I need Parker here to keep me in line. This church has no choir or instruments. I am lost."

Riley moved in and leaned into Clair and whispered something that had Clair nod her head and smile back at Riley.

As Sabrina shuffled in the pew she saw Ethan and a second woman sit in the second to last row. She soon sat down beside Riley, with Parker taking the seat next to her. Penny settled in beside them, and Shawna rounded out the group.

A handsome man in his early thirties walked up the set of stairs and stood at the podium. He was dressed in dark navy slacks, a gray sweater over a bright white collared shirt.

"Good morning and welcome to Central." He started the service.

Parker held on tight to Sabrina's hand or hand his left arm sitting on the back of the pew, allowing her to lean into his body. The singing was acapella and the service was had both beauty, kindness and love with the exception of a prayer which took every Christian stereotype and sang it from the top of the Empire State Building.

The minister offered a short twenty minute lesson? Sermon? Whatever it was it centered around the parable of the prodigal son and how God is eagerly awaiting the return of the wondering child. Sabrina was encased in a warm cocoon of Parker's comforting arm, but she would see him swallow or shake his head in agreement.

Sabrina and her family considered themselves "Christians," but were seasonal in their attendance and when they did attend the church had towering organs and a massive choir dressed in golden robes. Clair's husband was the song leader, and every member of the church was part of the choir. Music was displayed on the two large projector screens.

Sabrina about fell out of the pew when Clair's alto, Riley's tenor, and Parker's bass melded with her Soprano to form a heaven-rattling harmony. At times Penny's soprano coalesced with her own lyrics that left her body humming with resonance. Parker and Riley both seemed to know the songs, so it was Sabrina who was focused on the music. The music was drastically different as each of the four parts had shaped notes.

Since she first stepped on the stage of the reality show that would launch her career, Sabrina was the singer. She had backup singers, but at the end of the day it was just her. That morning in the small auditorium of a church on the older side of Salem, Sabrina was just one voice in a roomful of voices. Each song seemed to lead to their next, using harmony and melodies to share the love, sacrifice, mercy, and hope.

Parker at her side, his deep basso serving as the foundation of the different chords that were struck with the four parts. The words served as seeds and the music as the nutrients to allow the message to fight off the doubt and fears of the week. Sabrina leaned into Parker who quickly wrapped his arm around her, tugging her tight into his side.

The service was not perfect. The opening prayer was literally a ten minute rant about today's society and the evils it possesses that seek to tempt away the faithful. Sabrina was fairly confident that this man's lengthy prayer and focus on music and media was a special message that was meant for her and her music.

Sabrina's eyes opened as she felt a small hand move to her knee. She found Lily Anne looking up into her eyes. Sabrina looked over to Clair who offered a slight smile from her bowed head and with a micro-nod of her chin inviting her to hold her child's hand. Lily then moved her other hand to Riley. Soon, the whole pew had hand in hand, and the hurtful words were just noise. The warm hands offered refuge from the venom and hate of the member's words.

At the end of the service, Clair's husband moved quickly to the front pew to introduce himself. Seconds later, the minister and his wife introduced themselves as Claton and Lacey Thomas.

Sabrina talked with Clair's husband Jon and her son Caleb. Lily Anne shared her drawing with a very interested Riley, while the Claton spoke to Parker. It was Jon who pulled his daughter over the pew back to free Riley.

When the rest of the audience had reluctantly moved out to the lobby and parking lot, Claton smiled and led Sabrina's group to the side door where the Lincoln was waiting.

Parker---------------

Riley River's door shut and Sophia slowly accelerated the Lincoln down the driveway as curious church members stretching their necks as they watched the three vehicle convoy pulled onto the city streets of Salem Illinois. A mist started to fall, and the occasional swipe of the windshield wiper was the only thing that broke the silence.

"So, Parker." Sabrina started. "Thoughts on the Salem's version of your church?"

"Jon was an excellent song leader." Parker started, paused and then continued. "I liked Claton's lesson. I hadn't taken communion since the accident, so that was interesting."

"What did you think of the opening prayer?" Penny asked from the third row seat.

Parker laughed. "Ouch. He was a walking conservative Christian stereotype. I thought Riley and Shawna were going to have to draw down on him the way he was trying to use his laser eye beams to melt Sabrina into a pile of musically talented goo."

Riley let a small bark of laughter escape before he turned back and said in a soft voice. "My apologies."

"I was fishing for a laugh, so thank you Riley." Parker added. "I felt sorry for the man and his family. That was a cup full of anger he had boiling behind that prayer."

"Your church is a historically ultra conservative church." Penny challenged. Parker knew she did this so Sabrina wouldn't have to ask challenging questions so early in their relationship. He turned and gave Penny a thankful smile. "Who was right? The minister or the opening prayer guy?"

"That is a heavy question." Parker turned to see a very interested Sabrina offer a smile. "My dad once said something to me when I was twelve or so."

"You know you probably remember the exact day of the conversation Park." Penny egged on. "What did Dr. Ken say?"

"Well, he actually asked me a question." Parker said. His body was turned so he had both Penny and Sabrina within his peripheral vision. "How did Jesus interact with the sinners? Zacchaeus? The woman caught in adultery? Now how did Jesus interact with the religious elite? The Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes? Then he asked me why Jesus reacted that way."

"He finished the talk with something that stuck with me. A Christian who spews hate is not a believer of the Prince of Peace. I cannot believe that a God who inspired the scripture that reads "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." would encourage us to send words out with such venom."

Parker smiled, thinking back to the conversation with his father. "Dad then said... So, son, I will always choose love over hate, joy over bitterness, peace over conflict, patience over frustration; kindness over malice, goodness over selfishness, faithfulness over straying, gentleness over harshness, and self control over impulse. I may get a bunch of other things wrong, but I think the good Lord would welcome an absent-minded computer professor in paradise if I were able to live that well."

"Why that denomination? Why that church?" Penny asked bluntly.

"For mom and I guess that is true for me as well, it is the acapella music." Parker said thoughtfully. "Mom grew up in a different denomination that had a full band and choirs. She said she felt as if it was a performance and she could be passive. But in dad's church, every person had to engage in the singing."

"Ok, enough of this church debrief." Parker laughed. "What is for lunch?"

"Mom and dad should have lunch ready at their place." Sabrina said. "It was rumored you might like to have a beef roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, and fresh bread for Sunday lunch." Sabrina reached back and patted Penny on the knee when Parker's face lit up with a huge smile.

"What is your afternoon like?" Parker asked.

"I have a production meeting with Wendell about the Today Show." Sabrina started. "I would also like to get one last track laid down today. Mike and Sarah are only here for so long. What about you?"

"The Cirrus training pilot, Aaron Caldwell, has me booked for another four hours of flight lessons." Parker explained. "Then I need some computer time to check in on a few things."

Sabrina reached over and grabbed Parker's hand.

"Ahh, you have to work?" Sabrina said in a girl pout.

"Sorry. I have the same problem as you have with Sarah and Mike Thompson. Aaron has a very tight window." Parker said. "In fact, he is recommending a longer trip for Monday. I was thinking of flying out to Boston. Maggie..."

"Maggie?" Sabrina asked.

"Maggie Kincaid is my senior personal assistant and executive liaison for my roles at both Hestia Creative and Rhamnousia Financial." Parker said. "She has kept both places running while I have been chasing ghosts."

"Sabrina, you are going to love Maggie as she is by far Park's greatest hire." Penny stepped in. "She is the OCD Society's poster organizer of the decade. She is kind and quiet, but people dance when she sings. She is in her mid-fifties, and I am not sure what Parker will do if she decides to take her husband and retire as a happy family."

Sabrina turned to peer behind her. "So, Park's Maggie is important to him?"

"She was the one who was with him immediately after the accident. Her family adopted him and made sure he ate, put pants on to go to work, and kept Jack and I updated." Penny blinked back tears. "I am not sure he would be here today without her."

Parker smiled sadly and moved his hand back to tap on Penny's knee.

"She became my aunt turned mom." Parker confessed. "I barked at her a few times, and she would send Clara and Julian over to fuss over me. She is a low down dirty mastermind."

Penny added. "Her kids. Clara is now at Harvard and Julian is still in high school."

"Ok, I want to meet Maggie." Sabrina said. "Besides, I said you are not leaving my sight until this whole thing is done and dusted."

Sabrina held up her cell phone. "I will get Wendell to see when he can get the Thompsons back to finish up the recordings and if you don't mind a stowaway, I will catch a ride with you to Boston. We would have to leave after the whole Today Show thingy."

"Are you sure?" Parker asked. Sabrina's willingness to push around her schedule for him catching him off guard.

"Absolutely sure." Sabrina smiled. "I have an album ready to release, but Wendell and the studio was giving the entitled bratty star the opportunity to do what I needed to recover."

"It doesn't hurt that it would make them a vault full of money." Penny laughed.

"Did not hurt at all." Sabrina joined in laughing.

Sabrina's finger flew across the phone's screen. "There we go..." She tapped send with a flourish. "... Wendell said he would work on it."

"Dr. Peters." Riley asked from the front. "Could I get you to craft an itinerary of the trip. From airports to addresses that you will visit, and a list of people you plan to visit? I will get that to Ethan and we will make the security arrangements."

"It might be a tight fit." Parker said as he thought of the jet. "The Sirrus Vision has seating for the pilot, co-pilot, and five others, two of which are not the largest seats in the world. The co-pilot seat goes to the training pilot. Who are the five that get to fly?"

"Dr. Peters, I am sure the Roberston detail will have travel contingencies." Riley said with confidence. "They will either charter a flight for this crew, or they will shift a second crew up from DC. I can assure you as a member of the protective services community, the issue of travel is not an if, but a when challenge."

"Perfect. We fly to Boston tomorrow." Sabrina said. "I will focus on a song, maybe two this afternoon while you are playing student aviator."

Sabrina paused and looked around the people in the SUV and smiled.

"Would anyone know where we could go to purchase a satellite phone?" Sabrina asked smiling over at Parker. "Perhaps an arctic tent for two and not for just a single Wookie?"

Parker returned Sabrina's smiles.

Parker----------------

Parker moved the Chevy Blazer and towards the outside garage which opened as his front tire hit the driveway. Ethan stood to the side as Parker slowly entered the garage. The clearance between the roof and the garage door had to be measured in milimeters.

The roar of the engine gave way to silence that was interrupted by the soft whirl of a high-end garage door. Parker grabbed his gear and stepped down.

"Ethan, is everything ok?" Parker asked as he nudged the Blazer's door closed with his shoulder.

"Dr. Peters everything is green." Ethan said with a smile. "Ms. Stanton is in her studio, Rivers is onsite. We have a chartered Beechcraft King Air 350l that will hold eight and any luggage your Cirrus Vision will not hold. We will have six of this detail fly and they are meeting three drivers from the DC office who are ferrying up three SUVs."

"That is fantastic." Parker said as the pair walked to the door that led into the house's large mudroom. "I am assuming we will have each plane thoroughly scanned before flying?"

"Yes, the Illinois State Police have a K-9 unit that is bomb detection trained." Ethan answered. "They will meet a member of the security detail at the airport at 8:00 am."

"Thank you Ethan!" Parker paused and laid a large hand on the team lead's shoulder.

Parker walked into the kitchen and found Penny and Shawna dressed in jeans and sweaters pulling on their coats.

"What time is your movie?" Parker asked as he held his fob up to Penny.

"The theater is in Mount Vernon and the movie starts at 7:45 pm." Shawna said as Penny grabbed at the fob.

Parker pulled the fob up and smiled.

"You two be careful." Parker started with a smile until Penny jabbed him in the ribs and ripped the fob out of his hands. Parker finished through a grunt of pain. "The Blazer is a bit peppy. If you are not careful you will get a ticket going twenty above the speed limit."

Penny smiled and said sweetly. "I have self-control. Enjoy your meal with Sabrina."

Parker washed his hands and then started to scour the kitchen and pantry for the ingredients that he had texted to Wendell. It was twenty minutes later when he heard Sabrina walking Wendell, Sarah, and Michael to the front door. Parker smiled when he heard the soft voice of Riley suggesting saying the goodbyes with the door closed.

Sarah and Micheal promised to get back to Salem by Friday before the front door opened and closed. Wendell promised to see Sabrina at 4:15 am and followed the sound engineers to their vehicles.

Sabrina walked into the kitchen with a smile.

"Oh, I can get used to this." She sang out. "My man with an apron fixing me a dinner."

"I should have snuck out to thank Wendell for the grocery run." Parker said as he unwrapped a package of steaks. The inch thick filet mignon steaks looked as if they were purchased from a local butcher's prime meat counter. "These are really nice cuts."

Sabrina pulled out her phone and her fingers danced across the screen. "Your thanks have been sent kind sir. He said you are more than welcome."

Sabrina moved next to Parker and went to her tippy toes, offering her lips to him. A brief kiss she dropped down and draped her hand around his waist. "How were the lessons. Are we going to get to do a few barrel rolls on the way to Boston?"

Parker laughed. "Lesson was great. We flew to Evansville, Bellville, and Bloomington, landing at each airport. We fueled up for tomorrow's trip at Bloomington. Just getting used to the communication systems and plane controls. Aaron seemed happy with my progress."

Parker moved the steaks to the wood cutting board and started to season with the array of spices. "And, no planned barrel rolls."

"Riley, how do you like your steak?" Parker asked over his shoulder.

Riley had been checking doors and window coverings.

"You don't need to worry about my meal Dr. Peters." Riley smiled as Parker and Sabrina cleared their throats together. "Parker. That is very kind of you."

"Sorry Riley. Wendell invested heavily in these filets, so I am afraid you are getting a steak for dinner." Parker offered. "Our planned menu was pan-seared herb-crusted steak with red wine reduction with roasted parmesan asparagus and a parmesan and garlic orzo."

Riley laughed lightly. "That sounds delightful. I typically take my steaks medium rare, but I was in the military so cooks choice is absolutely appropriate."

Parker laughed. "We would love for you to join us, but if I can talk Sabrina in helping, we can prepare the meal while you do your security thing."

Riley smiled. "Perfect. I have a short meeting with Ethan, and we will get the house walked through and ready for the night."

Sabrina---------------

The thirty minutes used to prepare the meal were thirty minutes that Sabrina Stanton would remember her entire life. There was no storm or flying bullets, but a night at home with the man she loved. She could tell he ached for this sense of normalcy. A partner should to shoulder talking about their day, preparing a meal together.

The dialogue was playful as he genuinely listened to how her recording session went. She noticed that he sought out contact. Whether it was a gentle touch of hips or a gentle graze of a hand on a shoulder or back. She smiled when she found herself doing the same thing.

Then it hit her. She felt the peace she experienced on the mountain. It was not a place or the absence of technology. It was the absolute focus of a person who hung on your every word. A human whose interest in her well-being far outweighed the interest in his own.

If Parker had his way, they would have talked only about her, but she was hungry to hear about his day, his thoughts, and the things he did that made him happy and fulfilled. Her mind raced back through the previous relationships. Each relationship felt as if it was a chess match with clocks. Tap, my time has started let me tell you about me. Tap, it is your turn. Tell me about you. Very transactional.

The food came together and Sabrina was about to set the breakfast table when Riley showed up, smiled and offered to set the table. Sabrina offered a nod of the head and walked over to watch Parker cook the steaks. His temperature probe signaled when each cut was cooked to order. Sabrina and Riley moved forward to serve themselves from the various dishes and returned to the table.

The conversation around the dinner table was focused on getting to know Riley. Sabrina was the main driver, but Parker would step in with a connection to his own life or story. Riley was beyond prepared for the security detail and would shake his head in understanding at a story or point of concern.

It was Sabrina who brought up the church experience when she complemented Riley on his singing. Riley shared that his first foster mother, who he named reverently as Momma Eliose, had attended the same denomination. She passed away when he was seven years old, but many of the songs and worship experiences triggered powerful memories from his first memories of families. He shared tidbits on his troubled journeys through the foster care system but would only speak very positively about his foster families.

When the leisurely meal was finished, Riley insisted that he would take care of the clean up of the table and kitchen and they should go and relax. He was humming as he cleared the table.

Parker-----------------

Parker held Sabrina's hand as they walked out of the kitchen with Riley humming Kenny Rogers Lady as he started to clear the table. Parker looked down at the auburn-haired beauty and smiled as she had her eyes half closed, she leaned into Parker's arm to maximize the contact and her lips were half smile and half singing the words to Riley's humming. Parker blinked and then his able brain made the connection. She was content. Truly happy.

"I want nothing more than to snuggle up with you and have you sing sweet nothings to me all night long..." Parker took a deep breath as if it was the last breath before diving into the cold depths of the sea. "... but I need to slide on the pocket protector, slip on my coke bottle glasses held together by a piece of white athletic tape, and fondle my lucky twenty-sided dice and get some cyber sleuthing time in."

Sabrina started to smile at Parker's overly specific description of a nerd but was laughing at the end. "I suppose I can allow you some save your girlfriend time..." She held up an imperious finger. "... if my knight in nerdy armor would be willing to shift the delectably comfortable armchair so that it is within the Stanton-Peters certified Mountain Lion distance. I will curl up with a new book while you massage my feet and save my assets."

Sabrina emphasized the ass of assets with a mischievous wink.

"As you wish, Princess Buttercup!" Parker bowed graciously under the imperious finger.

Five minutes later, the large leather armchair was pushed against the left side of the desk so it was facing Parker and the desk's chair. Sabrina was nestled under a thick, criminally soft throw blanket that was puddled in her lap, ran along her legs, and ended nestling her feet that were sitting in Parker's lap. She had open, Dungeon Crawler Carl opened.

Occasionally Sabrina would begin to chuckle as she turned the pages of the book before exploding in laughter. Parker's fingers would be dancing on the keyboard as he navigated the different systems he had running. He would stop to see Sabrina with her book held against her chest and her just watching Parker, with a slight smile on her lips. She would almost blush at being caught watching, but she would slowly pick up her book and return to the written word.

If sworn in by a judge, Parker would have to confess that as he waited for a database query to run, that he would be slowly pulled into watching Sabrina's face react to the scene she was reading. When Sabrina caught him, he failed her cool response but did blush and stutter as he returned to the computer to hide his eyes full adoration. He definitely did not want to seem so creepy that she would turn tail and run.

There was a soft knock at the library door, before Riley stuck his head in and asked. "I was going to brew me some tea, are you interested?"

Parker turned to Sabrina who looked defiantly at Parker for a second before she took a deep breath and sighed. "To be honest, I would love a cup. Dr. Gray here would love some as well as he is a heathen and only drinks tea. Do you need some help?"

"I applaud Dr. Gray's refined taste." Riley offered in an amazingly accurate British accent. "The colonies and their coffee are so blithe."

"Major Rivers, I really, really like you!" Parker laughed as he bopped Sabrina's nose that caused her to snap shut her mouth that was opened in shock.

"Ok boys." Sabrina cleared her throat. "You two are here to protect me. Who is going to protect me from your arrows of hate at my preference of warm draughts?" Then she exploded in laughter.

A contrite Riley bowed. "My apologies Ms. Stanton. I will be about getting the much less refined tea together and will return shortly." The library door closed slowly.

Parker leaned over and apologized with a gentle kiss.

Penny and Shawna found Riley sitting in the chair by the fireplace, his empty teacup on the coffee table and Sabrina and Parker nestled around the desk. Parker paused his computer work while a drowsy Sabrina lowered her book to her lap.

"How was the movie you two?" Sabrina yawned.

Shawna paused and looked at Penny and groaned. "We are never getting those two hours back."

"It was bad." Penny agreed with a grunt.

"Remind me of what movie you saw?" Sabrina asked, blinking her eyes awake.

"Madame Web with Dakota Johnson." Shawna answered. "It should have been titled Madam Dread."

"The company was worth the torture of the movie." Penny smiled at Shawna. "I also enjoyed the meal."

Parker smiled at Penny and then held out his hand.

"Oh, Dad!!" Penny exclaimed as she dropped the key fob into his hand. "If you get a ticket, that light was still very yellow!"

"Those traffic cameras take a photo of the driver." Parker winked at his longtime friend. "I will be fine with your fine."

The gathered people joined in the laughter.

"What have the two love birds been up to?" Penny asked in a long drawn out question a teen girl might ask her girlfriend.

"We cooked a delightful meal that we shared with Riley." Sabrina, who was now fully awake, appointed herself as the spokesperson of the stay at home group. "Poor Riley was interrogated by an over-curious singer." Sabrina threw her arms in the air to claim credit for the interrogation.

"She and Parker were both very kind." Riley spoke up from the chair with a smile. "It is not every day you get to eat dinner with a world famous..." Riley smiled. "... architect!"

Sabrina burst into laughter, squirming in Parker's lap.

"Are you going to allow him to impugn my honor?" Sabrina turned to ask Parker.

"Umm, he is the professional personal security, so yes. Yes I am." Parker said.

"See, he is the smartest person in the world." Sabrina announced to the room.

"Back to Team Home." Sabrina said with aristocratic haughtiness. She smiled. "Then..." She paused for effect. "We escaped the kitchen, leaving poor Riley on kitchen duty, and Dr. Secret Cyber Spy spent the last two, almost three hours playing with his keyboard."

"I bettered myself and invested the time reading fine literature." Sabrina finished with a flourish.

Sabrina held up the Dungeon Crawler Carl book that had a man dressed in a leather jacket and white boxers with hearts on them running at the side of a cat. What appeared to be a green goblin with long ears were chasing the two beings with seemed to be a steam roller with huge spikes welded to the oversize roller.

"Oh, I love Matt Dinniman and the Crawler Carl series!" Penny said excitedly. "Park, I didn't know your girlfriend was a fantasy nerd!"

"She had me at bag of holding!" Parker said dramatically.

Sabrina stood and Parker pulled the chair back to the fireplace. Riley and Shawna were about to leave, but Sabrina asked them to join in and for the next thirty or so minutes, Sabrina discussed how Parker reacted to her enjoyment of fantasy and closet D&D game player.

It was a text from Wendell about the crazy call time for the Today Show in the morning that broke up the group. Once Parker and Sabrina were both dressed for bed, they spent fifteen or so minutes when she asked him to play the music and she sang music they shared on the mountain. The second time she asked him to sing bass to her soprano.

Parker slept soundly the entire night; Sabrina held tightly in his arms.

Chapter 12

Monday, February 28, 2024

Caspian-----------------

The overcast skies reflecting the lights of Tangier Morocco. An empty roadway, light with streetlights snaked along the soft, pale golden beaches that gleamed in the wall of floodlights focused on the bays shoreline. The brisk wind made 57.2°F feel much cooler in the hours before sunrise. The infamous Straight of Gibraltar dark except for a steady stream of ships moving deliberately through the gateway that separated the Atlantic from the Mediterranean Sea.

Caspian finished the Cohiba Behike cigar, what many in the world thought was the ultimate Cuban cigar and sipped at the Hennessy Richard Cognac, which a whole different group of experts named as one of the best cognacs. The taste of the tobacco danced with the velvety, deep oak, old‑cellar rancio, dried fruit, leather, and spice of the spirits to create an experience very few had access too.

The international hacker looked down at his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Grande Complication watch. The exotic timepiece denoted the time as 5:19 am. Caspian closed his eyes and drained the rest of the cognac in one quick swallow and ground the cigar in an obsidian ash tray sitting on the patio furniture that graced the balcony of his estate.

Caspian turned and strode with purpose through hand carved doors original to the coast-side villa that opened at his approach and closed behind him. He smiled at the extravagance, but he had the money of nations, what else was he going to use it for. He thought that perhaps he should have someone install the sound effects of the Star Trek Enterprise doors opening with a swoosh.

The man who was once known as Axel Johnson walked across the exotic solid wood floors that gleamed in the indirect lighting of the house. He marched down the two sets of stairs and into his once home theater turned room-sized computing center. He stepped up two steps and across the elevated floor. Glancing at the towering racks of the world's most powerful servers stood as if it was a galaxy of stars twinkling as bytes of information were pushed about the silicon and metal pathways of the chips and components.

Caspian stepped up and fell into the customized chair that was part starship commander chair, part recliner, and modern executive chair. The chair slowly moved into its place so that the keyboard and mouse were at the exact position for hours upon hours of computer work. The sixteen monitors flared to life with screen after screen showcasing the status of a few of his projects. His touchstone was moving his eyes up to score of his life's game, his earnings. The $10,358,537,549 coaxed a small smile.

Axel thought of the brutal moment he destroyed the Big Brother and Sisters of Montgomery organization. The personal details, including the account numbers and credit card numbers released into the dark web. The news clips of the mounting lawsuits against the organization and loss of donations causing the agency to shut its doors for the first time since it was founded in 1960. Thousands of Montgomery youth had a major social support ripped out of their lives.

Axel's mind focused on the fact that he and his systems worked for nothing. So, an Aleksandr or Tatyana could get a few hundred or if they are lucky a few thousand dollars into their accounts so they could afford the Borscht come winter.

With a few strokes of the keyboard the screens went blank and then he solved the provided crossword puzzle and signed into the system.

The random generator Caspian had coded into this untraceable subroutine that the encoded link provided the White Star users with a random assigned Disney character and a random scene from the Disney pantheon. Tonight, it seemed that they were going to use a Frozen landmark. Specifically, the Arendelle Castle's throne room.

The regal setting was a ceremonial room with a soaring vaulted ceiling supported by carved wooden beams painted in bright heart and floral patterns. Three large ornate chandeliers were spaces along a long, thick red carpet that led to a raised platform where a tall thrown was centered between a blue and gold stained-glass window.

Caspian looked at his interface, and he saw that he was a sly fox dressed in a drab green shirt and tie. The HUD informed him he was a Nick Wilde. A flash of the screen and the cartoon version of Tarzan with defined muscles and a loin cloth stood on bare feet.

Before Tarzan could say a word, a second flash and Peter Pan hovered to the right of Tarzan and left of Caspian.

"Good evening gentlemen!" Caspian said into the microphone. The familiar voice of the sly fox voice sounded in the massive multiplayer online game environment.

Before they could respond, two additional characters appeared in a flash of light. Geppetto the woodcarver who crafted Disney's Pinocchio and the handsome Prince Hans who turned out to be a villain in Frozen.

Caspian glanced up at a monitor that showed a map of the world. A complex web of colored lines meeting at nodes all over the world appeared. Each of the five Disney characters' faces was embedded in a metal-looking coin that glowed a specific color.

Caspian's own Nick Wilde stood above a crimson red line that jumped from node to node that was spread throughout Europe and South America. The hacker knew that the most elite cyber law enforcement might track four or given time, five nodes, but they would never break the thirteen nodes that separated him from the node that actually was logged into the Disney servers.

Each of the White Star callers had their own coin with a colorful line with ten or more nodes. Geppetto's coin floated over the American state of Kentucky and had a royal blue line that snaked it way through the US into Canada and over to Norway. Prince Hans's coin hovered over what Caspian knew was Chicago in the American state of Illinois. The emerald Green line plummeted through Mexico into Brazil.

The Tarzan connection originated in Tennessee and jumped the Atlantic into southern Europe. The charcoal black seemed as if it was crude oil seeping across the globe. Finally, Linton Sumner's Peter Pan's coin loomed over the American state of Montana, the golden yellow nodes traversing the US and Europe for a total of twenty-one nodes.

"Gentlemen, let's get this meeting started." Peter Pan light, youthful tenor rang over the speakers.

"Why in the fuck do we have to make fools of ourselves and meet looking like a bunch of cartoon dandies?" Tarzan spat out in a deep, earthy baritone. The primal voice of a youth lost in jungle ringing true in the user experience.

"Rick!" Peter Pan chided. "We have covered this in the past." Linton paused. "Casp...

"Nick is the name if you please." Caspian interrupted with Nick Wilde's smooth, sly mid-tenor. Each statement escaped the speakers as Nick was offering a slightly sarcastic response.

"Very well." Peter Pan replied. The platform's AI failing to hide the sneer from its human controller. "NICK." He emphasized. "Please explain why we are here."

"Thank you Peter." Caspian said, returning the emphasis on the name Peter. "The tech company behind this platform had to dance around child protection laws across the world. At what age can players access the site? Much of this boiled down to privacy concerns balanced with protecting those children who are accessing the site and such."

The system AI had paws waving in the air and fluffy tail swishing as he explained the purpose of this clandestine meeting spot. "As it was, the whole site was almost scrapped. The lawyers did some fancy talking and were able to get the platform up and running in 198 countries. All players must have their age certified by the system and parents have to manage their kids' interactions online. No parent approving of a friend? No Friend."

"It was eighteen months after its release that a marketing geek hit gold." Caspian said through Nick's voice. "Could there be a place for eighteen year olds or older? Disney adults are often more ravenous than children. The platform that was built for children was basically copied. They stripped out all the child-protection features from the system, and aside from saving quest progress, it offers no storage for user-created content."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" Tarzan roared.

"Let me simplify this for you." Nick snapped back. "We could use a web conference platform and a moderately successful programmer could capture the feeds and have audio and video evidence of what you are talking about. Finding you would be one in a thousand. Not that difficult. Using this platform, there is no audio or video of your voice or likeness. Just a Disney character. It could be anyone controlling it. In fact, this platform has at this second..." Caspian tapped a little forcefully on his mechanical keyboard, found the report and continued. "... there are 93,135 other users."

Tarzan glared before Geppetto stepped in. "Rick. Please." The AI voice offered the tone and cadence of a gentle, elderly baritone with an Italian lilt to the voice sounding over the speakers. "We are here. Linton would not call this meeting without the most urgent of reasons. Let's get down to business. Don't you agree John?"

The system version of Prince Hans was the charismatic princeling who seduced the young Frozen princess. "Absolutely Jonathan." The polished charming tenor seeming to fit both he avatar and the human driving it from the Chicago area. "Linton, can we trust this Caspian fellow?"

Caspian muted his microphone and yelled the word "Fuck" in his native language. "Assholes!"

"... so he is well in hand." Peter Pan finished. "Is that not right NICK!?"

"Yes, it is Peter." The fox character said in resigned aggravation.

"Caspian." Tarzan said gleefully. "Give us the report Linton here thought we should know."

Starting with Parker Peters and Theresa Hopkins, the number of hits on the Thomas Voight files, and the FBI nugget that a believer shared. The four White Star directors just stood, their characters' faces shifting based on the AI capture of their own faces. Linton and Rick seemed to get mad, John was more annoyed, and Jonathan was concerned.

A stern faced Peter Pan asked in his still boyish voice. "What did you find out from the FBI?"

"At your request Peter..." Caspian's avatar started. "... I did some checking into accessing the FBI data systems. While I was able to access the system, the different data stores are isolated and I have not been able to access the major crimes division." The fox ignored the angry retort that Linton was in the process of uttering and rushed on.

"I was however able to confirm two sets of facts. First, the files are being passed over to Jeff Robertson's security firm using an encrypted external hard drive who then uploads those for use by Dr. Parker Peters." Caspian offered. He took a short breath as he watched the reactions of the White Star contingent.

All four of the Disney characters reacted strongly to the news. Tarzan was stomping around cussing. Peter Pan was glaring at the fox as if he invited the architect to convince the FBI to provide him with files. Pinocchio's progenitor face fell as if he was watching the murder of the cutest kittens and puppies. Finally, Hans was the most troubled. His face went blank before a wave of anger rolled over his face.

"Secondly, I am concerned that Peters may have access to a set of white hackers that might be the greatest hackers of all time." Caspian hurried with his qualifiers. "That was twelve years ago, and the technology has changed significantly, so they are probably not as good as they were back ten, twelve years ago, but their skills are unquestionable."

It was Tarzan that stepped up. "What are the implications that they have hackers? White Star has spent millions upon millions to secure all of our believer communications and data systems."

"In the 1990s a professor for the University of Oklahoma accepted a contract to test the US government's cyber security safeguards. He had a set of three hackers that access..." Caspian's voice dropped into a reverent voice saved for cathedrals. "... every single US platform. They dropped in a folder at the root of every file they could access that had an image which was the 1964 book titled the Three Investigators and The Secret of Terror Castle as proof that they had accessed that secured data set. There were millions of these folders and this one book cover."

"Fucking get to the point." Tarzan grumbled.

"The professor is Ken Peters, who is Parker Peters now deceased father." Caspian said. "No body knows the identities of these men and to my knowledge, they have never attempted another contract for the government or for their own personal gain."

"If Dr. Peters has access to his father's little black book and he could convince one or more of these legends to assist, it could become an issue no matter how tight your security is." Caspian finished.

"I fucking told you that we should invest the bullets to take out this boy scout." Tarzan said. "Mr. Goody-two-shoes begged us to pull back. Fuck!"

"Rick, your instinct is to kill everything in your way." Geppetto said, his Italian thinning at the urgency in which Jonathan spoke. "Just like your son."

"Listen here, Mr. Preacher Man..." Tarzan's voice dropped to a deadly calm, the kind that belonged to a predator closing in on wounded prey. "My son is paying the price for getting caught, but he's the only one among us who still stands by our ideals. Your son won't even speak to you, and John's boy may wear the halo of a golden child, but we all know what he's done."

"If you don't shut your mouth this instant, I will have you and your entire family disappear." Peter Pan said in what must be a jaw clinching statement. "WHY?!" Linton Sumner stopped and collected himself before returning with a calmer tone. "Why are we discussing this in front of Axel Johnson? We have need of his skills, but he is here because of the gun we are holding to his head, don't think he is a believer."

Peter Pan turned to Caspian. "How was the cigar? Did you enjoy your cognac? You might want to look into the third from the right top monitor. It seems to have a flicker."

"Don't answer..." Caspian's video doorbell rang. Caspian turned and puked on his thick carpet.

"You need to call your little Leila Benali to help you clean up your mess there Axel." Linton said coldly. "Don't think we trust you."

Sumner moved Peter Pan, so he was flying so his feet were at Nick's face level.

"Don't think you can flip states evidence." Peter moved closer.

"Now, sign off and turn off your entire system." Linton commanded. "Let Leila do her magic. We should be through before she is."

The Peter Pan avatar pulled his leg back and with a full swing kicked Nick in the mouth. The mostly ignored HUD had a health meter dropped into the red. "Stay off your phone and supervise the cleanup. Don't let me see you grab your laptop or phone."

Caspian hit the keys that had him sign out and another set of key strokes and his entire system went dark. He turned to find Lelia walking in with a caddy with carpet cleaning supplies.

"Meester Stephens... I get your text," Leila said, her English touched with the soft rhythm of Moroccan Arabic. "You need doctor? I call for you?"

"No, thank you, Leila," Axel replied. "I shouldn't be smoking and drinking this early. I'm sorry for the mess."

"No, no... is fine," Leila said with a shy smile. "I am mother, you know. Every day I clean... eh... somebody's little accident."

As Axel watched the mid-thirties maid start her remediation work, his mind was screaming at him to find a way out.

Linton-----------------

Linton watched the clothes wearing fox disappear in a small poof of smoke. He sighed. He had invested twice the amount they were paying him on surveillance and a small tactical team that was a bullet away from ending a potential loose end. Linton looked at the three Disney characters and smiled to himself at how the system must have been influenced by a higher power.

Tarzan was a bit of a wild beast. He was a white supremist wrapped in a survivalist wrapper, but he was a rallying point of a very important population in the White Star ethos. He was always pushing for a permanent solution which involved 124 grains or what he thought of as a quarter of an ounce.

Geppetto was the perfect avatar for Jonathan Wesley. His public persona of a righteous man of god was more about accessing the deep pockets of the faithful, but he knew his role and loves the idea of a light Italian accent associated with the Pope. Get him three of our fingers of a good Scotch and JW would tell you that the Catholics were a half step better than atheists, which was a mile better than Jews and Muslims.

The final player in this White Star production is the venerable Senator John Mitchell. Retirement has left him marooned in a loveless marriage, abandoned by adult children who want nothing to do with either their parents or their obsession with public life. His failed presidential bid in the 1990s forced an uncomfortable realization upon his fiercely ambitious wife: the Senate was not a stepping stone. It was the summit of their failed political ambitions.

These three men are the imperfect leaders of an organization that is destined to course correct the out of control ship that is the United States of America. It was with much younger versions of these three men that the Seraph Accords were finished and signed in 1990. Their organization's name based on the white stars on a field of blue on the American flag. Each star might suggest a state, but in their organization, it framed its creed.

"Linton." It was Jonathan. His Italian avatar looking uncomfortable. "What are we going to do?"

Rick's Tarzan avatar stood tall. "Kill them all!"

"It is because of your advice that we have a spotlight on Stanton and everyone in the world is digging to find out why." Retired Senator Mitchell replied. "We wanted it taken care of in the dark."

"If you would have let me take care of it..." Rick Thornton fumed. "... Stanton would be vaporized into dust particles."

"Rick." Linton said almost absent mindedly. "That is not helpful."

Rick's Tarzan character turned and walked away from the rest of the group.

"What is the news on James, John?" Linton asked.

"James knows he is too young for the Presidential ticket, but I have heard that as long as he polls well with the younger Republicans, he is likely to be offered the VP spot on all three of the leading candidates." John reported. His pride in his son was evident.

"We have a roadway to the oval office." Jonathan said softly. "Who would have guessed our plans would bear fruit. We started this at a Zoo in St. Louis for goodness sake."

"I thought we were finished with this when Thomas Voight was executed." Linton sighed. "A nobody from nowhere. No family. A worthy sacrifice for a better future."

"We have plans in place." A more under control Thornton returned to the huddled group. "Take out the evidence. Take out the witnesses. Take out those involved in the original trial."

"I will reach out to Donovan at Varangian Security Solutions." Linton said. "What does the board commission?"

"I vote kill them all." Thornton said.

"I can vote for removal of evidence. Limited civilian casualties." Jonathan said.

"I agree with Jonathan," John Mitchell said through Hans's avatar. "That said, I recommend we keep the key witnesses under close observation. Should either of them make a move, we can authorize the removal of both the witness and the investigator."

"I like how you think Senator." Thornton said with a chuckle. "I agree with Mitchell and not Wesley."

Linton looked towards the televangelist. "I am going to agree with Rick and John. Sorry Jonathan."

"He just wants clean hands." Rick mocked Geppetto and its driving human.

Geppetto's eyes went wild. "I would like to remind you that while all three of our sons were on that ill-fated trip, that my son is the only one not involved in the murder of Carolyn Duffy."

"You pompous ass. Her legal name was Carrie Duffy." Rick snarled. "She was a race trader. She got what she deserved."

"Let's end this meeting." Linton sighed. "Rick, you can be a bit less of an ass. Jonathan, remember the goal. We are about there."

John Mitchell left without a word. Linton watched Thornton and Wesley follow suit. He took a deep breath. He could see the pathway to victory if he could just trim these loose ends. He used his mouse and hit exit.

Chapter 13

Monday, February 28, 2024

Sabrina----------------

Sabrina sat curled up on the swing, her legs tucked beneath her as Parker's arm draped around her shoulders, holding her close. The gentle back-and-forth motion lulled her toward sleep. Above them, the stars of the cold February night glittered with a brilliance she couldn't remember ever seeing before. For a moment, the world felt still.

Then a passing car rounded the corner. Its headlights swept across the darkness, flooding the playground with harsh white light. Sabrina squeezed her eyes shut, momentarily blinded as the night around her vanished beneath the glare.

"Ms. Stanton. Dr. Parker." Sounded behind the light. She knew that voice.

"Riley?" Parker asked. Yes, that was it. It was Riley.

"The Robertson team just announced that the NBC news crew pulled up to the outer gates." Riley shared. "I offered to wake you. Mr. Harrington arrived about fifteen minutes ago."

"Thank you Riley." Sabrina croaked. "Tell Wendell that I am not snuggling with Parker, but instead I am heading to the shower."

Riley chuckled. "Yes ma'am."

Riley left the room and Parker yanked back the blankets. "Off you go..."

Sabrina reluctantly rolled to land on the floor and moved towards the restroom.

"Are you coming?" Sabrina asked, looking over her left shoulder to find Parker staring at her retreating form.

"Nope." Parker said. "You are too beautiful. I would want to touch you and then caress you, and then you are thirty minutes late and everyone knows why!"

Sabrina was rushing through her shower routine. She saw shadows of Parker moving in the restroom. The toilet flushed, he brushed his teeth and shaved. She was turning off the shower when she thought she heard voices.

Parker walked back holding a set of two hangers in both hands.

"Wendell stopped by and dropped of outfits for you..." Parker paused and then finished. "... and me."

Sabrina used the towel to dry off. The pause caught her attention.

"Parker, are you ok?" Sabrina stopped to look at Parker who stood in athletic shorts and nothing else, he was strangely quiet.

"Why would I need an outfit?" Parker asked.

"Wendell texted last night that the producer might want to have you join the interview..." With each word, Sabrina's explanation slowed. "I got the message during dinner, so I was going to bring it up later, but I forgot..."

Parker looked down and processed. "Sorry, I am processing. This was something that took Grace some time to get used to." Parker grinned. "'Think before you act.' My dad would say. 'It is better for people to think you are slow than you say something that you can't take back. Words wound. Hasty words inflict unnecessary hurts.'" Parker looked up and smiled. "I like long runways, especially for things a hide-under-the-covers-introvert might avoid, say press conferences or...

"... morning news shows." Sabrina finished.

Parker smiled. "I will be happy to support you in any way possible." Then his brows furrowed in a mock look of anger. "But you reap what you sow. So, if the tabloids accuse me of blackmailing you to be with me, you must have a press conference and set them straight."

Sabrina launched herself into Parker's arms. "Deal." She kissed him passionately. "I will go one step further. I will ask Wendell to ensure you are always included in anything he feels might impact you, whether it is your schedule or actually asking you to participate."

"That is very kind." Parker punctuated with a kiss of his own. "I would suggest you have Wendell contact my people, but now it seems I am the one without people."

Parker----------------

Parker followed Wendell who navigated through stacks of gear trunks that had the NBC logo and labels spray painted using a stencil. In the library, the furniture was shoved towards the desk, and a makeup station was positioned in front of the lit fireplace. Sabrina sat still in the chair. A woman in her late thirties stood working. Her platinum blonde hair was styled into a sharp asymmetrical bob framed her angular face. Her muted makeup highlighted her stark gray eyes. Just a shade over 5'5", she was dressed in jeans, a graphic t-shirt, and blazer.

"Charlie, I have your next customer." Wendell said. "Parker, let me introduce you to Charlotte Hayes. She is one of the best makeup artists in the business."

"Charlie, this is Dr. Parker Peters." Wendell finished.

Parker moved in and extended his hand. His large hand engulfed her smaller, delicate hand. Her cherry lips parted in a smile.

"Sabrina has been giving me some background information on you Dr. Peters." Charlie said that was more of an angelic chime than human voice.

"I am not sure where I heard this, but I have heard she exaggerates." Parker said. His deep basso seeming all the deeper in comparison. "Unless it is good, then she may be one of the most truthful people I have met."

Parker's eyes found Sabrina who was fighting laughing out loud.

"Ms. Stanton of Dr. Peters causes you to smear your lip liner; I may have to get my axe and chop him down to size." Charlie chimed.

It was Parker who was struggling not to laugh as Sabrina quickly removed her hand and dropped it on the arm of the chair.

It was ten minutes later Charlie had Sabrina and Parker switch places.

Charlie smiled as she tucked a collar protector into the designer shirt left by Wendell. The artist started to dab, brush, and smooth makeup and powder. Sensing Parker's stress, she asked questions about Parker and his architecture work.

When Charlie asked if Parker needed help with his hair, Parker looked over to Sabrina and with a raising of his eyebrows in question.

Sabrina offered "Parker's hair is looking great today, but I think it might need just a little something for the camera--nothing too heavy. Maybe a quick texturizer to keep it in place but still looking natural? And if there's a way to knock back any shine, that'd be perfect. What do you think?"

Charlie smiled and agreed. Offering specific actions.

Sabrina looked at Parker who returned her smile.

"Thank you ladies!" Parker mumbled, causing the two women to giggle. Yes, giggle.

Parker saw Riley walking by. "Is there a code for full scale evacuation Major Rivers?"

Riley held his hands up as if he was surrendering.

"Sorry Dr. Peters." Riley said sympathetically. "Ms. Stanton is the focus of the protection detail."

"Spoiled sport." Parker mumbled, causing Riley to join in the Sabrina and Charlies laughter.

A Latina woman strolled in the library, offering a slight smile at the laughter before moving to stand to the side of the makeup station so she could see Parker and Sabrina.

"Good morning." The 5'7" mid-thirties woman, with a slim athletic build, a soft oval face, and hazel eyes greeted them with a weak smile. It was as if her mind was working a problem in the background. "I am Elena Rivera and I am the field producer for today's segment."

After quick exchanges of names and handshakes, Elena took a deep breath and smiled weakly.

"Elena, at times the best way to deliver bad news is the sticky band aide approach. Just rip it off." Parker said. "What can we do to make it easier for you?"

"Dr. Peters, New York is very excited that you are able to join us." The nervous energy was erupting through jittery hands and shuffling feet. "Dr. Peters, in fact, if you are comfortable with it, we would like to discuss some of your background."

"My background?" Parker asked dumbfounded. "Surely America is only interested in Sabrina."

"Actually, you might be surprised." Elena offered a half smile. "It sounds as if you haven't been tracking some of the stories that are beginning to pop up." She paused, took a deep breath and continued. "It seems there has been a number of pieces trying to introduce you to the world. However, some of the articles have been produced without any actual investigation. In the absence of information, a few of the most recent articles have been downright inflammatory."

Parker looked at Wendell and Sabrina. "I actually haven't really connected to any of the typical media outlets since we got back to civilization."

Elena looked at Wendell and both looked troubled.

Parker continued. "Sorry guys, but I do not have a publicist, agent, or anyone who is interested in a public persona."

Wendell looked up and then hung his head in shame. "I should have realized that and brought this to your attention much sooner." Wendell winced. "It is a hard core law of managers, stay in your lane. Worry about your client. My apologies."

Wendell opened a folder and shared three articles. One was a clipping from a popular tabloid and two were printouts of stories from web-based outlets.

Parker accepted the articles and Sabrina walked over and read over his shoulder. The first article was printed out on letter sized paper with a staple in the upper left hand corner. Country Conspiracy: Oklahoma Hick Accused of Brainwashing Chart-Topping Star in Bizarre Backwoods Saga. Parker smiled as he read the article, the over the top sensationism was so bad that it was more comedy than journalism. Parker looked up to see a concerned look on Sabrina's face.

The next article was titled From Fame to Farm: How a Stranded Superstar Fell Under the Spell of a Small-Town Svengali! A better writer, but there had to be twenty different facts that were blatantly wrong. The final article, Heartland Hypnosis? Music Icon's Shocking Transformation Sparks Brainwashing Allegations was the worst of the three.

"This is bull...." Sabrina looked to Parker and a fleeting smile crossed her face... "... hockey. Who came up with this..." Sabrina smiled again... "mess?"

Wendell stepped in. "The public is starving for more information about you Parker and your life for the past week. Attempted murder, split from a Hollywood hunk, and confessions of love for an unknown..."

Sabrina wrapped her arms around Parker's shoulders. "Hunk," she said.

"Hey, remember." Parker tried to lighten the mood. "You promised a press conference to set them straight!"

Sabrina laughed. "If you didn't have makeup on, I would be kissing this blackmailing hunk." Turning to Elena. "So, what is New York suggesting?"

"Well, they would like to shift this from a 5-minute interview that would have been a single segment to a more extended interview that would be used in the Today Show, NBC Nightly News, and depending on the content would be pushed to NBC News Now on the web, a special episode of Dateline NBC, or even a special report." Elena said quickly now that the bad news had been delivered.

"We need to be sure that we are only sharing information that the authorities have agreed to release." Parker suggested.

Wendell spoke up. "We agree. The FBI has dispatched an agent from the New York City office to the Today's studio. The agent has been fully briefed, reviewed questions, and spoken with Ms. Guthrie on what is fair and what should be avoided."

Elena handed Parker a typed list of questions. "These are the questions we would like to ask. We would allow you to strike through any of the questions you want to avoid based on our agreement with Mr. Harrington." Elena said quickly as if she was only allotted thirty seconds for the conversation. "However, I will let you know that based on the interest from the public, outlets will begin to look for this information and some outlets..." she tapped the stories still held in Parker's hand. "... want to be first more than they want to be right." Parker handed the list to Sabrina. As she scanned the questions, her face tightened. Fear flashed first, followed by loathing, then anger, each emotion warring openly for control.

"New York has been at work all night and here..." Elana hands Parker a large tablet that had a series of media clips. "These are the media clips that we have found."

"Charlie, let's give Dr. Peters and Ms. Stanton a few minutes to discuss."

"I just need five minutes with Sabrina and she will be camera ready." Charlie said turning to Sabrina. "I will be in the hallway, just yell when you are ready."

Wendell bowed his head to Parker. "Again, my apologies for not bringing up these stories." Turning to Sabrina. "If you need me..." He held up his cell phone and backed out of the library, pulling the doors closed.

Sabrina turned to Parker, tears silently falling from her red-rimmed eyes. "What have I got you into. You must hate me." Then she released the sob she was attempting to hold in. Parker stood and pulled the singer into his arms, careful not to touch hair or makeup.

"You did nothing but love me." Parker spoke quietly, but firmly. "While this is not easy, it is time for me to let go of my pain. To let go of my anger. Grace and Olivia must be so angry with me...." he took a deep breath that rattled with emotion. "It is time to celebrate who they were and the light they brought to the world. I can answer these questions." Then Parker's voice turned cold. "However, there is NO WAY that I will allow Grace to be memorialized by this video clip."

Sabrina watched as Parker thumped the screen and Grace, in a gorgeous formal dress, spoke to a reporter about the benefit fundraiser. Sabrina's eyes went wide when she saw the date. "Oh, my. Is that the night of the assault?" Parker nodded, his fingers white with suppressed rage. Sabrina gently removed the tablet. "Well, I know you have something that you can share?"

Parker looked confused for a few heartbeats but then smiled. He pulled up a web browser and typed in a series of IP addresses, authenticated them on the tablet and his cell phone, and pulled up a video with a few direct clicks of a file structure. It showed Grace standing in front of Jim Lancaster's house in a beautiful yellow with white printed sundress. Olivia stood on a large rock integrated into the landscaping in a matching dress. She held up a plastic microphone, interviewing her mom about the "Lassiter Estate" and quizzing her on her Design decisions. The six-year-old was using complex language. Both were smiling and laughing. As the clip played, it was obvious that Jim had pulled the camera out of Parker's hands and forced him to join the interview.

"Oh my." Sabrina burst into tears. "They are both so beautiful. I can't ever repla..." The tablet was pulled from her grasp, and she was pulled into Parker's arms. "Never replace. They are part of me forever. I am who I am because of their love." Parker smiled. "But, if you have room, I know I want to convince you I am worthy of your love." He closed in and with his eyes focused on hers, he used his thumbs to wipe away an escaped tear. "You have to confess to Charlie you are to blame for the tear!"

"You silly, silly man." Sabrina huffed a half sob and half laugh. "I am the one trying to convince you that my craziness" pointing to the open makeup kit "is worth my loving you."

"Mission accomplished Ms. Stanton," Parker said full of emotion. "I am hopelessly in love with you and mostly tolerant of the social icon tax associated with basking in your love." He sent the link to the video to Wendell, assuming he would provide it to the right person.

"Charlie..." Sabrina called. "Parker ruined my makeup!"

"Traitor..." Parker had mumbled when the steel gray eyed makeup artist pulled open the office door.

Sabrina-----------------

The doors to the library flew open and a 5'2" bundle of energy whirled into the room. She had an average build, round face, and dark brown eyes. She wore a large floppy tan velvet hat with a wide brim and the brightest pink floral dress that Sabrina had ever seen. Her arms were covered with tattoos and silver bracelets. Every finger, including her thumbs carried at least one if not two rings.

"Good morning Sabrina. Parker." The small hurricane howled. "I am Jordan." She blinked as if she just remembered she should use her name. "Jordan Patel. I am the production assistant for the segment, and I am responsible for getting you to the right place at the right time."

"Are we not just doing an interview in the great room?" Sabrina asked.

"Sorry, Sabrina." Wendell said. "I was just asked if you might be willing to play a song or two that you are considering adding to your impromptu album." Her manager turned and asked himself. "What the hell is wrong with me!?" He growled under his breath.

Sabrina looked up to Parker who nodded, and Sabrina walked over and pulled her manager into a hug.

"No worries." Sabrina said. "We got this don't we Parker?"

"We?" Parker asked alarmed.

"You play guitar!" Sabrina asked, holding onto her manager. She whispered into his ear. "That was a great idea!"

Sabrina pulled back to see Wendell's face slack in shock. She smiled at him. "I would however report you to Charlie if you had messed up my makeup."

"Whether you were responsible or not." Parker added.

A slow smile appeared on the manager's face. "That is fair enough."

Sabrina turned and sauntered towards Parker. "Wendell, can you get someone to grab Parker's Martin that is in my room, take it to the studio, and tune it for him?"

"Of course, Sabrina." Wendell said.

"Traitor!" Parker grumped at Wendell's retreating back. Parker closed his eyes and started to softly repeat "Sabrina Stanton's Social Icon Tax," as if it was a mantra.

Parker opened his eyes as he was almost tackled by Sabrina. "Thank you Wendell." His voice was loud enough for Wendell, but almost monotone as if he was reading a troubling line from a teleprompter. "I would love to play my guitar on national television."

"You deserve such a big kiss." Sabrina said, but then turned her eyes to mimic a lost puppy dog. "This darn makeup."

"My interest rates are ridiculous." Parker smiled. "You better get some Chapstick to keep those gals hydrated."

"You drive a hard bargain." Sabrina pulled Parker's hand into hers. "But I pay my debts."

"That is so cute." Hurricane Jordan said before she moved in between them and with arms around them half pushed them out of the library towards the great room despite being dwarfed by both.

"We are four minutes and twenty-six seconds until we are live." A tenor voice rang out over speakers.

"That is the director who is in New York." Jordan whispered.

"Where are the fucking people we are going to be interviewing?" The voice rang out.

Elena Rivera's voice answered. "Tasha is getting them mic'd up. We are fine on this end."

"I don't believe you Elena!" The voice answered.

"Don't let Andrew kill Elena." Jordan pushed Parker and Sabrina towards a curvy African American that was just under 5'4". She had rich deep brown skin, black hair that was braided into box braids and tied back so it fell down her back.

"Morning, I am Tasha." The woman said. "Unbutton and untuck your shirts."

Sabrina worked quickly and soon the sound engineer hand threaded a microphone around Sabrina's waist and up between her breast to clip on to her collar.

"Be gentle..." Sabrina smiled. "It is his first time."

"Bend a bit redwood." Tasha said with a glint of a smile, but was pulling a microphone up his t-shirt, looped it over the color and positioned it just under his top button.

"Thank you." Tasha said. "Tuck and sit. Tuck and sit."

Charlie appeared and dapped a bit of powder on Sabrina's cheek and all of Parker's forehead.

"Sound check." Elena pointed at Sabrina.

"Sabrina goes to market and sings for her supper." Sabrina said in a normal voice.

Elena smiled at Sabrina's line and then pointed at Parker.

"If that's all it takes, Sabrina will never go hungry. Give her a mic and a crowd, and she'll come home with a feast."

A chorus of "aahhs" sound across the set.

"Quite on the set." Andrew's tenor voice sounded over the speakers set up around the great room. "Even if that was the sweetest thing we have ever heard on a sound check."

"Sixty seconds out." Andrew announced. "Elena, you have the count."

Parker looked at Sabrina and then together they turned to face a pair of cameras. Lights made it difficult to see, but a large monitor was positioned between the cameras, and they saw the stylish Savannah Guthrie step into the camera and seat herself.

"Forty-five seconds out." Elena announced.

"Good morning Ms. Stanton and Dr. Peters, I am Savanna. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview." The world famous voice sounded over the speakers.

Sabrina replied instantly "Good morning." Parker was a bit overwhelmed and his was a second or two after as if it was a particularly slow echo. Parker blushed.

"I am Mike Lawson and I am helping out with Cameras." A burley man in his thirties. "Just keep your eyes on the monitor and Savanna, we have cameras positioned to make it look like you three are meeting over coffee."

Savannah looked up from her notes. "Elena let us know that you gave us the thumbs up on the questions for your Dr. Peters."

"Please, feel free to call me Parker." Parker smiled. "I keep looking for my father. But to answer your question, yes I am aware."

"Yes, please feel free to use Sabrina for me as well." Sabrina added.

"I did need to confirm that your team would be able to use the video of my wife and daughter versus of Grace at the charity event." Parker added in a very firm tone, reminding several of the crew that he was a successful businessman and not a bumbling hick.

Savannah looked to her left and held an earpiece tightly to her ear. "Yes, they have switched out the video and wanted me to thank you for sharing what must be a precious memory." Savannah smiled. "We will make this as painless as possible Dr.... Er Parker."

Elena stood to the side and Mike announced, "In 30 seconds." and started to count down from 10 until he hit three and then just used his fingers to count the 3-2-1.

"Today we are joined by Ms. Sabrina Stanton and Dr. Parker Peters from her home in Salem Illinois." Savannah announced in her distinctive voice. "Good morning Sabrina and Parker. Thank you for taking the time to visit with us this morning."

"Good morning." Sabrina and Parker said in unison, they looked at each other with a smile before Sabrina turned back to the cameras. "Thank you for having us."

"We hope we are not interrupting your much-deserved recovery from the fantastical events that started a week ago on Thursday, February 17th. Would you mind walking us through the events up to the press conference?" Savanah asked.

Sabrina took a deep breath and with a glance at Parker, settled into his side. He wrapped his arm around her as if to protect her from the memories, and she took his large hand and wrapped both of her hands around him as if it were her anchor to the safety she recently found. "It started with a text..."

Sabrina narrated a tale in which she found about Courtney's infidelity and allegations of something darker, and she urged the pilots to land, and the Waynoka airstrip was the closest. She painted the picture of the plane being unable to fly, but avoided details, and introduced the character of Jim Lassiter. Parker would pepper descriptions with some funny quips.

"So, this is when you met Dr. Parker Peters," Savannah asked. "What were your first impressions?"

Parker turned to her... with his eyebrows raised in interest, a slight smile.

Sabrina shared her perception of a PHD from MIT and the towering giant dressed for a trip down the Grand Canyon broke her mind. She looks over at Parker and smiles. The first time we met, he was bantering with Jim Lassiter, then looked towards me and said something like "Do my eyes deceive me" and held his arms wide. I was kind of shocked. But thankfully he said Shawna's name. I would have totally embarrassed myself if I jumped into the arms of a stranger." He was totally focused on Jim and Shayna. I would have guessed he had no clue who I was, but when Jim tried to remember my name to introduce me, he and Shawna said it at the exact same time.

Parker smiled. "I am sure you both get tired of the wide eyes and let me interrupt your life so I can have a moment of your awesomeness. I tried to keep it cool. I totally had a fanboy moment on the inside."

Savannah laughed and transitioned into a commercial break.

They discussed the plane, its crash, sheltering, and the hike down.

Savannah wrapped up the interview with some relationship questions.

"So, at the press conference, Natalie Barton asked a few questions about your relationships." Savannah started. "Sabrina, have you communicated with Courtney?"

"To be honest, there were a few text messages between the time I left Waynoka for Salt Lake City, but I did not read them. I have since blocked his messages as we have different outlooks on life, and our perceptions of faithfulness and loyalty might differ just a bit." Sabrina offered.

"It seems some of America is questioning how little time between the time you were engaged to be married with Mr. Preston and the time you announce your love for someone who was a stranger a week ago." Savannah asked with a bit of an edge.

"I can see America's point of view." Sabrina offered a calming smile. "Both Parker and I have voiced the same exact observation. Over the past week, I have done some reflecting. Since the day I was selected as the Juke Box Hero, my life has been a carefully choreographed series of events. Every relationship was vetted. Public appearances were planned. Every song was weighed against the persona of Sabrina Stanton."

Sabrina picked Parker's hand and cradled it between both of her hands. "The moment the bullet shattered the window and Parker nosed Velma into a dive, shutting off the lights, nobody cared about Sabrina Stanton. The number of Grammy's was inconsequential. Just because Parker was bullied into flying an entitled star to her next show, the people who wanted me now dead added him to the list." Sabrina closed her eyes and took a shuttering breath.

"Savanah, you might ask, who had the right to be upset?" Sabrina offered a sad smile. "Well, even though he miraculously landed a plane on a rock-strewed mountain, gathered the gear and supplies that would save our lives in the days to come, and wrapped me up in a bundle of blankets. As he knelt on the ground with an 80-pound pack tying the blankets so the wind wouldn't whip me into Kansas, looking up into my eyes with concern, I expressed my appreciation for his help. Right?" Sabrina closed her eyes shut. "No, I climbed on the privileged high horse and delivered a Hollywood-scripted spoiled starlet hissy fit. It was filled with accusations, hate, and vitriol." Sabrina confessed softly.

"I am sure I got worse from a nun I cut off on I-93 in Boston." Parker quipped.

"So, here is Parker kneeling with the pack on his back and in his kindness, he just apologized. Suggested it is too late to change what happened on the plane and offer a series of facts. He made the connection that this was not an accident and that someone is actively trying to kill me. He then insinuated that a higher power was protecting me."

Sabrina's eyes looked up into Parker's, and she just smiled and looked at the monitor. "He is kind and gentle. It is the core of who he is. I don't get to see it in my life much." She let out a deep breath. "I knew of Courtney's history. He tended to move on from one relationship to the next, sometimes while still technically involved in his previous relationship. I told him I wasn't interested in a romantic relationship. However, he was handsome and had this sneaky charisma. But that is not why I decided to date him. It was the world thought we belonged together. My management team was excited about the boost to our visibility."

Savanah, "Wendy Matney did something unprecedented. She confirmed she and Courtney did engage in a five-day affair based on his claim that you and he were on a break. Wendy claimed to have ended the affair when Courtney confirmed that it was just an affair. She shared that the shame she had for being the other woman was terrible, but when your plane was reported as lost, she almost had a mental breakdown, and she was deeply emersed in an episode of self-loathing."

Sabrina looked up. "Wendy did reach out, and we briefly discussed Courtney via a phone call. She was humble and almost did not stop apologizing. I have no issues with Wendy. I am afraid we both ignored our best judgment, and we are both paying the silly tax."

After the next break, the NBC crew announced that they would have a short break, but Savannah would finish the interview after a 15-minute break, but this would air at another time.

"Thank you for joining us on Today. We are visiting with music sensation Sabrina Stanton and Dr. Parker Peters. American was first introduced to Sabrina when she burst on the scene of Juke Box Hero and many of us have followed her throughout her career." Turning her attention to Parker, she said, "But for the most part, Dr. Peters, you are an unknown; unfortunately, in a vacuum, people will fill it with their narratives."

"I know. I might have invested a minute or two more on the research and came up with Boston Bully or the Abduction's Architect. I grew up in Norman and only visited a farm." Parker smiled.

Savannah smiled. "If you don't mind, let's give everyone some facts." The interview walked people through Parker's life, his parents' death, marriage to Grace, and his early career.

"On December 22, 2019 your wife and daughter were on the 2251 Acela involved in the horrific accident just outside Providence Rode Island and both were lost." Savannah shared quietly.

The NBC screen played the video file of Grace and Livy and cut to the scene of the train accident.

NBC's cameras caught the pain in Parker's eyes, the concern in Sabrina's as her hand caressed his. When his eyes fell to the gentle touch and rose to find Sabrina's eyes, a sense of peace rolled over his face. Parker kept his eyes on Sabrina. "As you can imagine Savannah, it was an event that broke me."

Savannah looked at her notes and looked up and took a deep breath as she prepared herself to ask the next question. "Dr. Peters, you had booked a ticket with your family. Can you share why you were not on the train with your family?"

Sabrina went stiff with rage. Her demeanor bristled with betrayal. Savannah looked down as if it shamed her to ask the question. Parker reached over with his other hand and soothed Sabrina with a gentle tap of his offhand. "Savannah, you ask a difficult question. It is a question I shouted to myself in rage and despair thousands of times since December 22, 2019 at 11:57 am. I was with a client, wrapping up a large project so I could spend the time I refused to invest in my marriage and family."

"NBC has heard of rumblings of a story documenting how you abandoned your work at Hestia Creative and opened Rhamnousia Financial. Shifting from architecture to wealth management. This shift was a somewhat erratic shift in your professional persona. It is NBC's understanding that the article insinuates that with the loss of your family, you became focused on building a financial empire and did not care who you crushed on your way to the top." Savannah offered in a solemn voice.

Sabrina moved to the edge of her chair so she could reach through the monitor and strangle the Today host. Parker paused, tilted his head and smiled slightly. He gently pulled Sabrina back into his body. "Ms. Guthrie. Thank you for offering a forum to discuss this article. While I will not provide details, I will say that my wife, Grace Peters was targeted by a predator employed by the New England Financial Futures. The resulting collapse of NEFF was based on the legal issues the company and a number of its employed professionals. You will see that I started Rhamnousia Financial several months before the indictments and financial collapse. While I have degrees in architecture and engineering, I also have a computer science degree from the University of Oklahoma and based on my ability to develop a financial model based on the real-time analysis of 2,513 unique data points, Rhamnousia has almost double the return rates of other financial institutions."

"How were you aware of the pending collapse of the NEFF?" Savannah asked. Sabrina body relaxed as he realized this was providing a forum for Parker to get in front of the hateful stories hitting the tabloids.

"As documented in the trials of NEFF and its active agents, an external entity had gained access to NEFF networks and uncovered the conspiracy. This white hacker informed the victims of the systemic nature of NEFF extortion and informed them that a file was being developed to be sent to the FBI and the Securities and Exchange Commission. This individual suggested planning to pull our accounts from NEFF on a certain date. In my grief or arrogance, I decided to take a swing at crafting this investment model. After the third iteration, it consistently outperformed NEFF and other firms."

"How did you convince other NEFF victims to shift their funding to Rhamnousia?" Savannah asked.

"Well, it was actually the white hacker." Parker confessed. "I posted a question to a place they directed and then I was asked if I would allow others to shift their funding to Rhamnousia all at one time. I said yes and the rest is history."

"After a bit of research, our staff suggests that Rhamnousia's net holdings sit at $74,273,134,118 making it the 69th largest Financial Holding Company in the world." Savannah pursued..

"Yes, that seems to be about right." Parker shrugged.

Sabrina spoke up. "So, it must be me who brainwashed this mega-millionaire so I could get my greedy hands on all his money."

Parker smiled and Savannah laughed.

"We will be back with a new update..." Savannah started. "Sabrina, I have been told that you might be willing to allow America in your home studio and perhaps listen in on a song or two..."

"Only if Dr. Moneybags here agrees to pick up a guitar..." Sabrina said with a smile. "This music was shared with me by an architect-turned-financial mogul on the side of a mountain. It reminded this callused musician to stop chasing the next platinum record or number-one hit and remember what truly matters: the song itself."

"Every piece of music carries something of its creator. Joy. Heartache. Hope. Fear. Love. Regret. The songwriter takes those emotions and immortalizes them in a way that can survive long after they're gone." Sabrina took a deep breath as she reflected on the past week. "Listening to those songs transformed what should have been one of the most traumatic struggles of my life into one of the most peaceful. They forced me to slow down, look honestly at myself, and make choices I had spent years avoiding."

"Oh, this sounds very interesting." Savannah said. "America, we were going to save this for another show, but our producers and directors have just informed me that we will be back in six minutes. Sabrina and Parker, we look forward to continuing our visit. Right after these messages."

Elena started to shout directions to the crew. She caught the eye of Jordan and with a nod of the head, the small cyclone twisted her way through the set.

"That was fantastic." The production assistant raved. "Keep on the microphones and let's scurry to the studio."

The blur of a pink flora dress and floppy brown had somehow navigated cameras, lights, and a nest of wires without a misstep and had Parker and Sabrina spinning about as if they were ballerinas performing a pirouette.

"I would have wet myself if the plane I was flying had windows explode." Jordan narrated as she moved into an Olympic sprint speed, once again a hand in the back of each of her charges. "I know six minutes sound like forever, but it will be gone in no time."

Mike Lawson had moved into the studio and had a camera in the audio booth where Sabrina and Parker would be and a second pulled back in the far corner of the control room.

Wendell held up Parker's Martin as he stepped into the booth, ducking to avoid the shorter than average door. The walls and ceiling were covered in a thick half carpet half fabric material. Parker noticed the difference in acoustics. Jordan's discussion of the mountain lion disappeared in the background.

"We would really like to have you play a bit for a sound check." Tasha said, her head sticking into the studio. "Dr. Peters, since your guitar does not have an acoustic to electric pickup, so we have a microphone setup. Aim the microphone at the 12th fret. Keep it six to twelve inches away."

Parker sat down in a chair, pulled up the guitar and started to go through his tunning ritual. He felt Sabrina shift her chair and microphone so she was sitting right next to him. The neck of the guitar stretched in front of her.

"This ok?" Sabrina asked.

"It might be better if they could run the mic to the nearest closet." Parker smiled, "But you are in the perfect place."

Parker leaned over and their bodies melded into one. The warmth of Sabrina providing him the courage to move forward.

Wendell walked in and offered both Sabrina and Parker recording headphones.

"You two make a scary team." Wendell smiled. "So far, you are killing this interview."

Sabrina smiled. "Thanks Wendell."

Elena stepped into the doorway. "Forty-five seconds."

Wendell escaped the room, Elena pulling the door shut. A small monitor was placed at the base of the wall, under the window that led into the control room.

Savannah appeared in the monitor and settled herself.

"You both have America entranced." Savannah said as Elena sounded over the recording booth's speakers.

"Twenty seconds." The Field Producer announced.

"You are so authentic." Savannah said as a makeup person stepped into her camera and performed some small act of magic before retreating. "It is obvious to everyone that you have something between you..."

Sabrina looked at Parker who had his eyes closed and possibly saying a small prayer. Sabrina nudged Parker with her shoulder and his eyes opened wide.

"If I live through the next five minutes..." Parker said, "... the next fifty years will be a piece of cake."

Sabrina face broke into a huge smile and to the absolute shock and dismay of both Elena and Charlie, Sabrina leaned over and planted a large kiss on Parker's cheek.

"Oh, you are in so much trouble!" Parker said with a smile as he dropped his hand to her leg and gave her a squeeze of reassurance.

"Marking you as mine Dr. Hunky R Moneybags." Sabrina said.

"Well, America." Savannah's voice chimed in with a laugh. "You were witnesses of the humor and love these two have displayed with our crew. In defense of our field crew, they did try to signal Ms. Stanton and Dr. Peters that the feed was going live, but they just didn't care."

Parker flushed red and ducked his head to look at his guitar. Sabrina turned on her most brilliant smile.

"I never had Mom and Dad flash the porch lights on and off on a date, so why not let America watch Parker get me in trouble?" Sabrina said with a laugh.

"Video evidence will show you are the instigator. I am the innocent, very amateurish guitar player." Parker said as his eyes found Sabrina.

"Sabrina, tell us a bit about this album you are creating." Savannah asked.

Sabrina shared that while caught in the storm, Parker asked to play as it was his ritual he shared with Olivia. It allowed him to feel a connection and provided him with a pathway to forget about the day and just dive into the music. While most of the album will be covers of the music Parker shared, there will be an original. All proceeds would be donated to the Grace and Olivia Foundation.

"So, he pulled out this very expensive Martin Brothers guitar, and he started with some warmup chords." Sabrina looking up into Parker's eyes. "He calls himself an amateur, but his music reached into my chest and thumbed the cords of my heart. I was entranced. The first song he played is what I thought we would start with." Moving her hand up to his arm. "Do you remember the song?"

"Of course I do." Parker said.

The crew and all of America watched with abated breath as the duo played the Beatles Yesterday. The words of the song of loss pulled the threads that Parker shared about the loss of his wife and daughter. The haunting cords produced a melody that reached into each person watching a tweaked a loss of their own. A producer in New York City made the bold decision to cut to the studio cameras as they captured the veteran cast watching monitors as the music claimed the studio. The gathered crowds who braved the cold February New York morning swayed with the music.

As the last note faded and Sabrina's breath ended Parker moved his hand to dab at the tear in her eye.

"I loved my Yesterday, but I look forward to my tomorrow." Parker said softly.

Sabrina lost it. She cried and fell into Parker's arm. He shifted the Martin so she could fit.

"Charlie is going to kill you so dead." Parker whispered.

"Nope, you are so dead." Sabrina stuttered between sobs. "You caused this."

"Thank you for sharing that moment with us Sabrina. Parker." Savannah's voice sounded over the booth's speakers.

Parker's face flushed red as he just now remembered he was live in front of some bazillion number of people watching.

Sabrina got control of herself. Sniffling she lifted her head up and looked into the camera.

"Thank you Savannah." Sabrina responded. "We have one more song for you."

Parker pulled up his sleeve and dapped at Sabrina's eyes. Ignoring the makeup splotches that appeared on his very expensive shirt Wendell got for him.

"This song is one that Parker actually sang to me on the flight back." Sabrina regained more of her normal voice with each word. "I think a few people might have watched our take on A Thousand Years, but this song was the song Parker actually sang to me as I boarded the plane to fly to Salem."

Parker looked over to Sabrina who just smiled. "This is a two person band bucko."

Parker smiled and attempted to emulate the big band era's swing beat, keeping the song upbeat. He formed the B flat major seventh that established the key and the smooth big-band color that made Frank Sinatra famous. The next cord was a G seventh that pushed the harmony forward before the shift from C minor seventh into the F seventh provided a tight, jazzy turnaround into the melody.

Sabrina's tone was perfect as she came in with an F. It was obvious this song mattered as she added a hint of playfulness to the lyrics which reinforced the swing beat Parker attempted to develop with a single instrument.

It worked. In contrast with Yesterday, Come Fly with Me had viewers tapping their foot and smiling at the joy that was generated on both Sabrina and Parker faces. They second that Sabrina sang the llama land lyric Parker actually laughed out loud, forcing Sabrina to close her eyes as she continued on the lyrics. She wore her smile as if it was a badge well earned.

As the song ended, Sabrina twisted her body so she could fully hug Parker, laughing loudly as if she had just finished an exciting ride at an amusement park. Parker was laughing quietly as he willingly accepted her embrace.

"Your voice amazes me." Parker said.

"I almost sang band of llamas." Sabrina laughed.

"No offense to Mickey Blue Eyes, but it might just make that song famous." Parker answered.

"You two are just too cute." Savannah's voice interrupted their reflection. "Thank you for sharing your music with us."

Sabrina turned and looked at the camera. "Thank you for having us on Savannah. I enjoyed most of the morning with you."

Savannah laughed in response. "Thank you Sabrina. It was obvious to America where I may have crossed the line."

"At the end of the day, you were able to set the record right." Sabrina said. "Thank you for that."

"Parker, it was an honor to speak with you." Savannah said.

"Thank you Ms. Guthrie." Parker said softly.

"When we return, Sheinelle Jones will provide us an update on the box office and Jenna Bush Hager will introduce us to the author of the surprise book of the year." Savannah said to the screen.

Elena said loudly. "That is a wrap. Ms. Stanton, Dr. Peters. Ms. Guthrie would like to say a few words to you."

"Sabrina. Parker. That was a fantastic interview and performance. Thank you for sharing it with us and America."

"Savannah, thank you for providing us the platform to clear the air." Sabrina answered.

"I know I am routing for you two." Savannah smiled. "A lot of people are. I hope we can get you to play the Concert Series this summer!"

Savannah disconnected with a final wave and Tasha appeared behind the opening door with a smile.

Chapter 14

Monday, February 28, 2024

Sabrina-----------------

The forty minutes it took to have the NBC crew pack up and leave, Shawna, Riley, and Ethan marched about her home as if they were preparing to take the beaches of Normandy. A team of four of the Roberston crew were staying behind to secure Sabrina's house while ten agents had packed bags of guns and she guessed dark suits, white shirts, and sunglasses.

After a long discussion, Wendell was going to run back to the studio with the current collection of recordings to spin up a marketing team and artist to start to craft the album cover.

Penny finally emerged from her room and greeted Sabrina with a hug and a slap on the shoulder for Parker.

"You two looked like the two most in love people in the world." Penny said. "There is no actor or actress who is that good. Parker, I don't know what it is about you and streaming videos but now you have three of the hottest songs on YouTube."

Parker leaned his head back and groaned. "I can never go back to Jim Lassiter's house. I am never going to hear the end of this."

"Park, we all know that you are riding the coat tails of the real talent." Penny joked. "All though the puppy dog eyes full of adoration for the talent does have some merit though."

"Penny, Parker was perfect!" Sabrina defended her man, leaning up to give him a kiss on the cheek as Jordan rushed bye with thick white coat, absently mindedly throwing a wave up.

"Penny, if you see Jordan Patel, just do what she asks." Parker said softly.

"She is good." Sabrina said thoughtfully. "Good, but a bit scary."

"Are you guys packed?" Ethan asked as he had a fit man with an athletic build walked in the security chief's wake. "Daniel here is going to collect the bags, and we will get the stowed away for the trip to the airport."

"I dropped my suitcase off in Sabrina's room." Penny said helpfully.

"My bags are there as well." Sabrina said before she turned to look at Parker. "Sorry to be picky, but if you could leave the small carryon, the two blankets, and the guitar, I would appreciate it. Those will be traveling with Parker in his little jet."

Daniel bowed his head in agreement and moved at a jog up the stairs.

"Thank you, Ethan." Sabrina said.

"Parker Benjamin Peters." The singer asked as she placed her hands on her hips. "Did you pack a tent, rations, and a satellite phone?"

Parker laughed. "No tent. No Rations." Then he smiled as Shawna looked at Sabrina apologetically.

Parker laid his hand out and Shawna snapped a black phone in his hand.

"A fully charged satellite phone for Ms. Stanton's pleasure" Parker said as he served the phone up on a flatten hand serving as if it was a sterling silver platter.

Sabrina laughed loudly and launched herself enthusiastically towards Parker. The phone went flying. With a feat that had many people blinking their eyes in disbelief, Riley grabbed the flying phone inches from the entry floor.

"Oppss." Sabrina said as her eyes and mouth went wide as she sailed in the air and into Parker's arms.

"Shawna, do you want to hold on to this for Dr. Peters and Ms. Stanton?" Riley asked with the slightest smile.

----------------

The small procession of SUVs pulled into the small regional airport. Parker directed Sophia around a series of small hangers and asked her to park next to a silver Chevy Malibu. At the approach of the vehicles a 6'1" man in his early forties stepped out of the back passenger's door, dressed in a thick wool pea coat, gloves and a scarf. His light brown hair had liberal streaks of gray that provided him with a distinguished look. His light blue eyes and perfectly smooth face suggested wisdom and confidence.

Parker stepped out, but Shawna moved a hand to Sabrina's shoulder. Sabrina looked back and with a nod of the chin, she pointed at Riley speaking quietly with Parker.

"Riley just ask Park to wait for the bodyguards to open a door." Shawna almost whispered in her ear. "A sniper could target you through an open door."

The Robertson crew joined in the scan of the airport and Riley walked around and opened Sabrina's door.

"Ms. Stanton." Riley held up a hand which Sabrina accepted and slid off the seat for a short drop to the step and then the tarmac.

"Thank you Major." Sabrina replied offering him a smile.

The electric motor whirled and the chair leaned forward and Shawna scrambled to the ground next to Sabrina.

"Shall we?" Sabrina asked and Shawna led the way as Riley dropped in a half-step behind her as the three walked around the front of the polished black Escalade.

"Our luggage will be added to the charter that the security team booked on that King Air 350i." Parker pointed to the north.

A white plane with an engine with a prop fastened to each wing. The fuselage had eight round windows. The location of the ninth window was opened into a set of stairs that allowed passengers to enter next to the tail of the plane. The gleaming white plane was parked next to a four-foot heigh chain link fence that ran to the north of a small round redbrick building. Silver letters announced the novel shaped building as the Salem -- Leckrone Airport.

"Ethan! Shawna! Riley!" Parker yelled and then blushed as the three security personnel appeared from behind him. "Sorry for yelling. Thoughts on who will be flying with Aaron and myself?"

Sabrina stepped forward. "I am flying with Parker."

Ethan and Shawna looked at Riley who smiled.

"Based on the specs of the Cirrus Vision, I would recommend Dr. Peters, Mr. Caldwell, Ms. Stanton, and Ms. Moore." Riley looked at the pilot trainer. "Aegis is kind enough to have a professional who is a certified logistics specialist and she suggested that it would be helpful for the Cirrus Vision aircraft to fly a bit light. You should have two security team members, Shawna is lead, so it is either Ethan or myself."

"I like the idea of having someone from the Roberston team on the plane." Ethan started but fell silent as Paker had hit a button that slid open the hanger doors.

"That holds six people?" Ethan blurted out as the smallest plane Sabrina ever saw appeared.

"The plane actually has seven seats." Parker said with a smile. "However, the back row has one typical sized seat and two-pint sized seats."

Ethan looked at the plane and started to laugh. "If you and Baker are comfortable in that matchbox, then we will let you have it. We will meet you in Boston."

"Ethan, would you mind if we steal the guitar, carryon and blankets?" Sabrina asked, giving Parker a nudge in the ribs with her elbow.

"I got it." Parker said. "It may be safer for me to move some luggage" Parker said as he rubbed his ribs dramatically.

Parker introduced each of the passengers to Aaron Caldwell, the Cirrus trainer.

Aaron encouraged everyone to climb into the jet to get out of the wind and then took Parker on a twenty-minutes preflight check.

It was 10:29 am when the small jet nimbly climbed into the cloudy skies. Parker was at the controls with Aaron watching each movement as a nervous mother watching her only child taking their first step. He offered only two small bites of information but seemed impressed with Parker's grasp of the flight controls and the mastery of the jet overall.

Parker----------------

"Direct Appleton, Cleveland Center on one two eight point seven, Victor Juliet." Parker replied to the Indianapolis Center flight control.

"Excellent." Aaron said as he sat in the co-pilot's seat of the small Vision jet. "Ok, curve ball time."

Parker looked over and found the Cirrus pilot smiling with a bit of a smirk.

"You are low on fuel, and you need to amend your flight plan and land at a site with jet fuel before finishing the flight to Boston's Hanscom Field." Aaron said with a smile. "What do you?"

"I need Jet-A fuel and a tower would be helpful, so I am not flying blind into the pattern or the landing at an unknown airport." Parker's agile mind worked through the problem. "First I would check the Garmin."

Parker expertly navigated the flight computer's interface and searched for airports in the area.

"Zanesville is the close, but it is nontowered and I would guess its FBO would close early, even if they might have the fuel we need." Parker pondered out loud. "Altoona looks promising. Longer runway and RNAV approach."

Parker looked over his right shoulder to find Sabrina watching him like a hawk. "Hun, could I get you to grab my tablet from my backpack?"

Sabrina smiled at the use of hun and moved to grab the tablet from his backpack.

"If you could..." Parker smiled his appreciation. "... open the tablet an find the application titled ForeFlight."

"What is your passcode?" Sabrina asked.

Parker turned his face away and grunted. "1015."

"Hey, that is my birthday?" Sabrina exclaimed. "You changed your code to my birthday?"

"Aaron, what does this switch do?" Parker pointed at the flap's levers.

Parker's ears turned pink as the plane's cabin was filled with the laughter of the traitorous passengers.

"Babe, ok, ForeFlight is open." Sabrina announced.

"In the small search box at the top right, type in Altoona." Parker directed her.

"You should see a small list, but at the top you should see Altoona-Blair Count Airport or you might see the airport code of KAOO." Parker spoke loudly over the noise of the plane. "Tap on the KAOO and you should see an information page."

"Yes, here it is..." Sabrina said excitedly. "Elevation is 1,503 feet, pattern altitude of 2,503, it is non-towered, use 123.6 for the local frequency which controls the runway lights. The airport is attended between 0430 and 2230 for weekdays. Both 100LL and Jet A fuels are available."

"Thanks Sabrina." Parker turned back and smiled.

He turned to Aaron. "It is not towered, but does have a pattern and Jet A fuel."

"What do you think?" Aaron asked.

Parker tapped on the Garmin flight computer and soon turned to Sabrina.

"Could you do a second search? Type in KJST which should be the Johnstown Cambria County Airport. It is only 27 miles from Altoona." Parker said as he moved his eyes over the instruments. "Although it is west of Altoona, but that should be fine."

Parker checked his logic with Aaron he gave an affirming nod.

"Here you go Captain!" Sabrina sang with a smile. "It is towered, elevation of 2,284 feet, you have concrete and asphalt runways, and 100LL, Jet A, and Jet A+ fuels are available."

"Ok, sale it to Cleveland Center." Aaron said, moving to shift his headphone over both ears.

Parker keyed the microphone. "Cleveland Center, Cirrus Five One Two Victor Juliet. We are a training flight and running a simulation on running lower on fuel than plan." He took a deep breath. "We are requesting to amend our flight plan. Direct Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for a full-stop landing and fuel."

Parker released the microphone button.

"Cirrus Five One Two Victor Juliet. Cleveland Center." A strong, no-nonsense woman answered. "State your fuel state and the number of souls on board."

Parker glanced at Aaron who just nodded his head in a signal to continue.

"Victor Juliet has approximately 250 minutes of fuel, not an emergency, but training scenario. Six souls are on board." Parker stated over the microphone.

"Roger, Victor Juliet. Direct Johnstown approved. Descend and maintain one-zero thousand, altimeter three-zero-one-one. Expect Johnstown Approach on two one point two. Good luck." The woman's voice answered.

"Descend and maintain one-zero thousand, direct Johnstown, Victor Juliet." Parker parroted back.

Eight minutes later, the Cirrus jet taxied along the Johnstown tarmac, following directions from the tower had him navigating the plane to the Nulton Aviation ramp that was guarded by a lineman in a reflective vest using two orange wands to guide the Vision jet into the refueling slot.

Parker hopped out to work with FBO agents and had the jet topped off in fuel.

Parker returned to a beaming Sabrina sitting in the copilot seat.

"You don't need me." Aaron said from what was formerly Sabrina's chair. "I can log hours from here."

"Besides, it seems I did all the hard work searching and all!" Sabrina added with a wink.

"Hmm." Parker said as he folded his long frame into the compact spot reserved for the pilot. "The only time you serve as copilot, we were shot at!"

"Um excuse me?!" Sabrina said in a haughty voice. "When I served as your copilot, I helped you land in a cirque, cautioning you from slamming into rocks the size..."

Parker joined her in saying. "Volkswagen Bugs."

Parker laughed and leaned over the controls and stared into the singer's eyes.

"I have to confess; you are much less scary this time." Parker said in an almost whisper. "Still beautiful and still a bit intimidating."

Sabrina leaned over and laid a passionate kiss on her, her hand moving to rake through his hair.

She then whispered. "Everyone is watching you captain!"

Parker flushed red and leaned forward and touched his forehead to hers.

"You are a cruel, cruel woman." Parker breathed. He offered her a smile to contradict his words and sealed his smile with a kiss to her forehead.

"Aaron, I hope you made the right decision." Parker said as he picked up both sets of headphones, held one set up to Sabrina, and then slid the second over his ears.

Parker watched the fuel truck navigate his wing and drive off at an easy pace. The lineman held up right hand, thumbs up.

Parker reached down and soon the jet engine whirled before it came to life. He glanced over to find Sabrina settling the headphones over her ears.

A male voice sounded over the headphones. "Johnstown information Delta. Wind three-four-zero at seven, visibility ten, few clouds at four thousand five hundred. Runway three-three in use. Advise on initial contact you have Delta."

"Delta," Parker repeated, then switched the radio. "Johnstown Ground, Cirrus Five One Two Victor Juliet, at the Nulton ramp, ready to taxi, IFR to Boston, information Delta."

"Cirrus Victor Juliet, Johnstown Ground. Taxi to runway three-three, hold short. Your clearance has been received."

"Taxi to runway three-three, hold short, Victor Juliet."

He eased the jet forward, following the lineman's wands until the man stepped back and saluted. The taxiway curved around the edge of the apron, and the long runway appeared ahead, shimmering a little in the afternoon heat.

Parker ran through the pre-flight checklist: flaps, trim, flight controls, transponder, lights. When he finished, he held short and keyed the mic.

"Johnstown Tower, Cirrus Five One Two Victor Juliet, holding short runway three-three, ready for departure."

"Cirrus Victor Juliet, Johnstown Tower. Wind three-four-zero at seven, runway three-three, cleared for takeoff. Fly runway heading until one thousand feet above field elevation, then direct Albany as filed."

"Cleared for takeoff runway three-three, runway heading, then direct Albany, Victor Juliet."

He pulled onto the runway and centered the nose on the line.

"Are you ready to come fly with me?" Parker asked. Sabrina leaned in and kissed Parker on the cheek, navigating the headset and its rotating microphone.

Parker pushed the thrust forward. The jet gathered speed, the airspeed ticking up past eighty and the Vision jet leapt into the air.

Chapter 15

Monday, February 28, 2024

Maggie-----------------

Maggie Kincaid stepped out of her 2023 hunter green Land Rover Discovery, quickly tucking the thick scarf into the folds of her wool jacket. Her dark auburn hair with a few streaks of gray standing as trophies of her wisdom whipped in the stiff, cold breeze. The overcast sky communicating to the locals that the workday was coming to an end. Her eyes tracked the three SUVs that disgorged the security detail Parker warned her about.

The pea sized jet taxied towards the gathering crowd. Maggie's eyes raked the jet and found the familiar face, well faces as everyone knew Sabrina Stanton. Parker's eyes were bright with the excitement of his new toy, and he actually waved as if he was a five-year-old seeing his mother for the first time after a two week vacation at his grandparents' house. Every tooth in his silly head was on display. She was mostly sure it was a smile of 'can you believe who is sitting next to me' versus 'see my very expensive toy.'

The group parted and Parker maneuvered the small jet with changing volumes of the jet until it slowly entered the hanger Maggie just finished leasing. The last minute task grew in complexity and frustration until she walked into the Airport Manager's office and demanded a meeting.

She thought of both her husband and the middle managers at Hestia Creative and Rhamnousia Financial, who would step softly the second that her cheeks turned pink with annoyance. She smiled at the thought of the once arrogant Airport Manager who was tripping over himself to accommodate the request for a heated hanger.

The engine cut off and the absence of sound was almost deafening that was interrupted seconds later by the closing of the large hanger doors. Maggie hurried in her two inch heels, the wind clawed at her skirt and coat, but the majority of the crowd moved to clear the doors.

The door in the plane split into two and the top lifted into the air as the bottom turned into a set of stairs. A dark haired woman who had the complexion of either a Hispanic or native American dropped down the stairs in record time, moving to the left to circle the wings and headed towards the gathering of men and women dressed in dark suits with thick overcoats.

A second person, she first thought woman by size but appeared to be a man who followed in the first person's footsteps and moved to the right. Scanning the closing doors and the interior of the hanger. His eyes focused on the two high end Cadillac SUVs pulled into the hanger. The woman followed a man in a suit, and the pair started to inspect the vehicles engines and undercarriages. Three additional suits followed and joined the inspection.

Maggie walked towards the door, and she found herself intersected with the short, slight frame of the man who escaped the plane just moments before.

"Good afternoon." The man said in a clear tenor voice. "Ms. Kincade isn't it? Margaret Kincade?"

"Good afternoon." Maggie said, a bit taken back on how he was able to just appear. "Yes, I am Maggie..." She stressed her preferred name. "... Kincade. You are?"

"I am Riley Rivers." The man introduced himself. "I am helping out Dr. Peters and Ms. Stanton with some security needs."

A whistle sounded in the metal building and the bodyguard smiled.

"Dr. Peters, I believe Ms. Kincade is anxious to greet you." Rivers called up into the door.

Parker Peters emerged from the door. Gone was the walking dead that had inhabited her boss and close friend's body since the accident. The dark circles of little sleep and the ever present hopelessness of eyes that encountered the end of all things were gone. Parker stood tall as he drummed his feet down the stairs and moved towards her.

"Maggie you didn't need to meet us!" Parker almost shouted, but the joy of his voice sang to all around that he was pleased to have her here.

The large, much younger man encircled her with his arms and easily lifted her into the air.

"Maggie." Was the only word Parker uttered.

"You scared the living snot out of Elliott, Julian, and Clara with your Colorado antics." Maggie informed her boss, tears flowing down the face that could still adorn fashion magazines.

"You just about killed me." Maggie said through tears. "Poor Elliot wasn't sure what to do with me or Clara. It was little Julian who said Uncle Parker had a backpack, he is sitting out the storm and will hike down when he is able."

"You have to be kidding me?" Parker laughed. "Little quiet Julian was the only person with an ounce of faith in me?"

"It was suspect that Elliot joined in chiding us for giving up hope." Maggie said through her tears. "I think he was just trying have a respite from the crying of two overly emotional women."

"I am so sorry to put Elliot through that!" Parker quipped, with a large smile. Before Maggie could take a swing at his arm, Parker stepped aside and in a voice made for the center ring at the big top said dramatically. "Maggie Kincade, let me introduce you to Sabrina Stanton."

Maggie wiped at her eyes, thankful she used little makeup for the workday. She turned and had to shake her head in disbelief. Sabrina Stanton stood with the same flame of excitement in her eyes that was dancing in Parker's. Maggie was pulling her hand up for a handshake when the singer moved in quicker than a striking cobra and pulled her into a hug.

She remembered the concert that Parker and Livy were dancing like lunatics as they sang at the top of their lungs every single word of every song. She couldn't cast a stone of blame as she was doing the exact same thing with her oldest, Clara, a mere foot away in the pressing crowds of the concert.

"So, you are the Magical Maggie who is so talented that Parker had the ability to vacation for a year." Sabrina said in a loud stage whisper. "Thank you. You allowed Dr. Tall Pants to be my knight in arctic armor!"

Parker surprised them both by wrapping his arms around the hugging pair.

"Two of my favorite people in the world!" Parker announced.

"You big oaf!" Maggie said. "I was getting hugged here!"

Then the older woman planted a kiss on his cheek. "Parker, we have a schedule to keep. Get in the stinking car!"

Parker laughed and held out his hand. Sabrina pulled out a twenty-dollar bill and dropped into Parker's palm.

"You stink!" Sabrina laughed.

Maggie stood still and looked up into Parker's eyes and raised an eyebrow.

Parker smiled and returned the money to Sabrina.

"I was never going to keep it." Parker grumbled.

"If you were not so distracted by butterflies and passing clouds, I might not need to..." Maggie was saying before she burst into tears and ran into Parkers arms.

"I already broke my deal with God." Maggie said through a curtain of tears. "I promised him that I would never boss you around and mention your schedule..."

"Margaret!" Parker said firmly. "Please don't collapse my financial empire. I am trying to impress a world famous entertainer that I am worth her time. If you leave Jonah or God-forbid me in charge, we would run our two little companies into the ground."

Maggie pulled herself together, patting Parker on the chest to thank him for his comfort and signal she was ready to assume her more professional persona.

"Goodness me." Maggie said, drawing her fingers under her eyes to dry the remnants of her tears. Turning to Sabrina. "Sorry dear, you must think that I am such a ninny."

Sabrina smiled kindly and took a step forward. "Not at all. You should see the eyeliner I went through when I reunited with my parents."

"I think someone mentioned a schedule?" Parker asked and then smiled, turning towards the SUV. "Ladies..."

Parker------------------

Parker sat in the second-row seat behind the driver and Sabrina sat at his side behind the passenger seat that held Shawna. Riley was in the back bench seat, buckled in the center position.

The driver, a large thick Latino man who wore sunglasses and was so focused on his role that he failed to introduce himself. He was deep in conversation with Shawna and a radio so that the second that the hangar door opened, the SUV pulled slowly out and was soon flanked by the rest of the Roberston's convoy. Penny joined Maggie who led the string of vehicles to the Hestia Creative and Rhamnousia Financial office park.

Maggie navigated the streets and highways as a native Bostonian and soon was flying through the early stages of the Monday afternoon rush hour. The Roberston drivers were not shy with their driving and were able to keep pace with Maggie and her Range Rover.

Parker watched as the familiar scenery flowed by. What had been the world he built with Grace, this was a familiar pathway to work. The ghosts of the past started to appear in the familiar landmarks.

He glanced at the seat next to him and Sabrina was ignoring the heavily tinted window, but had her eyes fixed on him. A kind smile seemed to burn through the storm clouds that were gathering.

"I actually had to shift my typical route to the office after the..." Parker swallowed. "... the accident. This was the route I drove each and every day. This was the route I would mindlessly navigate while contemplating a project or an engineering problem."

Parker closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then he felt the hand, turned anchor. The love of someone not to talk but just be there. Just to listen. His eyes opened and he found the compassion. Kind empathy without pity. He found love.

"The first day I drove this after the funerals, the pathway morphed into the scariest horror movie. Each billboard would display some gruesome scene of carnage from the train with six foot high letters that asked: was it worth it?" Parker spoke softly. "Each car held Grace in her evening dress, tears causing her makeup to stream from her eyes in streaks of black as if she was a zombie debutant. Livy..."

Parker went absolutely still for a good mile, his lungs gasping for air in the midst of this emotional marathon. The interior of the SUV absolutely silent as the passengers understood the import of excising the poison of the past.

"Livy was on her knees looking out the rear glass of the sedan or SUV." Parker closed his eyes and tightening his grasp on Sabrina's hand as if he was slipping over an abyss. "Her blood shot eyes were wide; tears freely fell to her cheeks streaming down to mingle with snot and spittle. My little girl was screaming and pounding her fists against the rear window."

Parker took a deep breath and rushed to finish describing the scene from his nightmarish visions. "Cracks appeared. Blood from the cut fists was flung as if she was emulating a macabre Jackson Pollock blood splattered masterpiece. When one of her fists finally breaks through, then you could hear her voice ask over and over and over again."

Parker closed his eyes and whispered. "Was it worth it?"

Parker sat there and the soothing sounds of the tires on the concrete highway and the rhythmic caress of Sabrina's thumb on his hand as he continued to hold on to his safety line.

"I would leave two hours early. Three hours late." Parker started. "But nothing changed. Same billboards. Same Grace and Livy. I didn't want to tell anyone I was seeing ghosts; I would have been locked up." Parker offered a weak smile.

"Then I drove literally hours out of the way." Parker shifted his view out the window of the SUV. "As long as the route was not familiar, then I did not see the girls or the questions. As soon as a route became the least bit familiar, they would be back."

"The bucket list?" Parker looked back at Sabrina. "The bucket list was a selfish act of answering the question: Was it worth it?!"

Sabrina-----------------

As the procession pulled up to a modern three story business building that was a mixture of glass, metal, and stone that stood uniquely in a forest of business buildings. The last of a late snowfall dotted the landscape, but the concrete walkways were clear streaks of gray that led to a welcoming front. Maggie and Penny were walking quickly up a sidewalk after parking her Range Rover, two thin fashion models walking the runway with their hair billowing in the light breeze.

Shawna stepped out of the still rolling SUV and a nest of protectors exited the following luxury vehicles and spread across the front of the complex. Shawna touched her ear, seating the ear piece a bit deeper and stepped up and opened Sabrina's door.

Parker and Riley walked around the back of the Cadillac, offering her a smile and his hand. She grabbed it quickly and pulled him into her body.

Through some sort of ESP, Riley moved in front, Shawna was at Sabrina's left side and two Roberston personal security specialist walked along just behind the music star. All eight eyes were scanning trees, cars, buildings, and bushes.

Riley hit the automatic door button and ducked into the lobby, followed by one of the Roberston crew members. They were greeted by a group of fifty people dressed in casual business attire, faces bright with excitement, smiles were only interrupted by bursts of conversations with the people around them.

Riley spoke into the air and Shawna moved in front of Sabrina and Parker asking them to slow just a bit as Riley moved to Maggie's side and after a quick conversation and Maggie scanning the people present she looked down and spoke with Riley.

Riley moved over and hit the automatic door button and as the doors opened, Shawna and the Roberston security guard shifted to what Sabrina noticed was them placing themselves between the crowd and Sabrina.

"Sorry about that Dr. Peters." Riley said as the couple moved in through the door.

Parker moved his off hand and patted Riley on the shoulder.

"Thank you, Riley." Parker said. "Sorry, we are not the most security minded."

Then the ever growing crowd burst into loud applause, welcoming their wayward CEO back to the fold. Parker spoke briefly to the Hestia Creative and Rhamnousia Financial professionals and then spent the next forty minutes greeting each person by name. Utilizing his scary recall and investing a few moments in the conversation asking about their families, projects, or hobbies.

Sabrina was familiar with the look of adoration from fans, but while she did get a glimpse or two of the expected wide eyes and mouths forming Os, each staff member was over the moon about the safe return of a trusted and loved head of their respective company.

Two large tables of hand food appeared on the side of the lobby, as did a large drinks table that provided all types of non-alcoholic drinks. Maggie was on Parker's left and would share an update on a recent work project in whispers as they approached an employee.

It was Maggie that at 5:15 announced that while they had families to get too, she had a mountain of paperwork for Dr. Peters. The lobby was washed in knowing laughter as Maggie led Parker, Sabrina, Penny, Shawna, and Riley towards a large elevator.

Parker---------------

Parker guided Sabrina into his version of the GHOST room. The dark interior room had a U shaped table that surrounded a platform that had a large structure hanging from the ceiling directly over the said platform. Maggie ushered in Penny, Ethan, Shawna, and Riley. The rest of the security group established small check points from the front door to the room.

Maggie moved to a small shelf that was built into the wall and started to hand each person a pair of futuristic wrap-around glasses that if they had a mirrored finished versus the amber tent, could have been worn by a MBL star hitter stepping up to a mid-afternoon at bat.

"Mr. Bowman had sent the GHOST operating system update, and we had your IT staff install it earlier this morning." Maggie informed the room. "Please make yourself comfortable. Worthington are you ready for a workout?"

The lights of the room dimmed, and the platform flared into life. The torso and head of the archetype of an English butler appeared floating above the platform. A Boller hat sat on his brow.

"Good afternoon Mistress Kincaid." The heavily accented English emerged from fifteen speakers embedded in the ceiling, making it seem as if he was the room. "But of course I am prepared for some hijinks."

The figure turned so that he appeared to be tracking Parker as he moved towards his seat.

"Good afternoon Master Parker." Worthington offered a greeting with a gloved hand that tipped his Boller hat in welcome. "Welcome back to Boston. I hope your journey was uneventful."

"Thanks Worthington." Parker said as he held the seat for Sabrina. "The trip had some interesting layovers..."

Parker squeezed Sabrina's shoulder in a signal of welcome and love.

"... the only scary experiences were a press conferences and television interview." Parker finished as he took his own seat.

"Well Master Parker it seems you did well. In fact your interview with Ms. Savannah Guthrie was very well received." Worthington stepped in. "At the request of Mistress Moore, I have conducted a media analysis and would be happy to share the results if you so desire it."

"No thank you Worthington." Parker said quickly, offering the room a shy smile. "The sooner I forget that umm..." Parker nudged Sabrina with his shoulder. "... the better."

Maggie moved to stand over Parker's left shoulder, bent and started to whisper. "Parker, I have texted Jack to tell him..."

"Master Jack is joining us Master Parker." Worthington announced.

"I will make sure drinks are on their way." Maggie said and left the room.

The holographic form of Worthington changed scale and made room for the familiar form of his longtime friend.

"Jack!" Parker said and then added "Siobhan!" when a second figure appeared. While the colors of the hologram were muted, her distinctive mahogany hair gleamed a deep rich red.

"Parker! Pen!" Jack said as Siobhan moved her arm around her husband and smiled. "Park, you are just now getting to work? Isn't it after five o'clock in Boston?"

"Siobhan, I don't know how you do it." Parker said sadly. "A month ago, I needed to take life slower, now I am not dedicated enough."

Siobhan laughed and ran her hand down her husband's cheek that had a shadow of a beard. "It's because he is just so handsome. I just find myself loosing track of any inconsistencies in logic."

The room exploded in laughter.

"Way to marry up Jack." Parker said with a sad smile that morphed into a hopeful smile as he caught sight of Sabrina.

"Let me formally introduce you to Sabrina Stanton." Parker said his hand finding Sabrina's under the table.

Turning towards the singer. "Sabrina, this is Jack Bowen and his lovely wife Siobhan. I met Jack and Penny at a coding camp that my father hosted way back when." Parker smiled as he glanced at Penny and Jack. "Who knew when you throw three introverted pre-teens in a summer camp setting you would be forming a trio of life-long friends."

Parker looked at Jack and offered a devious smile. "As for Siobhan? She gives me hope." Parker turned to Sabrina and smiled. "If a world's top five IP lawyer who could appear on the cover of Vogue would pick ole Jack here, then there is some hope for me and the world's greatest singer who could appear on Vanity Affair."

Jack, Siobhan, and Sabrina exchanged welcomes.

Parker then introduced Shawna, Ethan, and Riley.

"Well, Jack, Penny, Siobhan, and I have been doing some sleuthing, and we are ready to share what we have found out and talk over what are next steps are." Parker said to the table. "Penny's superpower is presenting information. So, Jack and I begged, and Penny agreed to prepare today's overview. Penny, it's your show."

Sitting at the far right end of the table situating a laptop in front of her, Penny Moore smiled and spoke to the GHOST system. "Thank you Parker. What we found is that this is not a single, isolated event, but based on the attacks on Sabrina is a tapestry of events that span decades."

Penny smiled and clicked a key on her laptop. "Worthington, please bring up the Carrie Duffy package, scene one."

The room flashed black and when the GHOST system returned Jack and Siobhan were shifted to the far right and Worthington was positioned on the far left.

"Mistress Penny. I am at your command." Worthington announced.

"Worthington, for this debrief, let's drop the master and mistress titles if you would." Penny said.

"Penny." Worthington announced in his nifty English accent. "I am suspending the honorifics of Master and Mistress for this session."

"Perfect. Thank you." Penny replied. "Worthington, the first scene of the Carrie Duffy story involves four people. Carry, her roommate Emily Turner, her date Davis McGovern, and an unknown assailant or assailants. Let's start with the setting for this event."

"It is October 31, 1990 and our four or more individuals are in Cape Girardeau Missouri." Penny said as the 3D globe of the Earth rotated until an unseen camera began to zoom in. The Earth rotated and the United States pivoted into frame. The camera panned a bit to the south and just as Parker's mind began to pick out landmarks, Worthington added an overlay of the state's boundaries.

The panning of the cameras to the south synchronized with the zoom and soon the southeast corner of the state of Missouri came into view and a bright yellow map pin suddenly popped into place along the Mississippi Rivers convoluted pathway between Missouri and Illinois. Above the map pin, the system scribed in thick sans serif font, the name of the city and university.

Cape Girardeau, MO

Southeast Missouri State University

"Let's meet Carrie Duffy."

A head with dark brown hair slowly began to rise out of the GHOST platform's base. The head was slowly rotating and an innocent, youthful face with fair skin and set of hazel brown eyes rotated into view of the table. Her light pink lips were turned up in a sweet smile.

The still rotating body soon was standing in front of the gathering. She was dressed in a thin summer dress that had thin straps on the shoulders, the slim body of youth had few curves. The result that resonated in Parker's mind is the girl next door that anyone would have been proud to ask out on a date.

The GHOST platform started to document her physical characteristics.

Gender: Female

Date of Birth: March 12, 1969

City of Birth: Vandalia, Illinois

Height: 5'7"

Weight: 118 pounds

Build: Slender

Eyes: Hazel

Hair: Dark Brown

Penny's voice had a serious, somber tone edged with steel as she began her narrative.

"Carrie Elizabeth Duffy was a junior at the Southeast Missouri State University's English Education program." The model of Carrie lost all of statistics and the system shifted it to the right.

Penny continued as the map disappeared and three avatars appeared. The mother wore a summer dress, the father wore a blue T-shirt with the white VFD logo, and the girl wore a pair of shorts and a skintight T-shirt with a quote from Shakespeare.

"Carrie was the only child of Janet and Michael Duffy of Vandalia Illinois. Janet is a third grade elementary teacher and Mike is a captain with the Vandalia Fire Department. While Carrie loved to read, she was a daddy's girl through and through."

A montage of photos of Carrie and Mike together. From a toddler Carrie serving her daddy a cup of tea, with Mike wearing a massive woman's hat and wearing pearls to a teen Carrie holding a trophy under her dad's left arm while Mike held up an overflowing string of bass with his right arm.

The GHOST platform blinked and Carie was the only remaining avatar that shifted to the far left. Penny clicked a key on her laptop.

"Carries roommate her junior year was sophomore Emily Renee Turner." Penny spoke slowly. As with Carrie's avatar, a blonde head began to rise out of the holographic system's base providing a view of a young blonde woman. The system provided a summary of Emily's physical characteristics in 1990.

Gender: Female

Date of Birth: January 22, 1970

City of Birth: Ladue, Missouri

Height: 5'5"

Weight: 126 pounds

Build: Athletic

Eyes: Green

Hair: Short, Wavy Blonde

"Why does that name Emily Turner sound so familiar?" Jack asked.

"Interesting enough, Emily left SEMO during the investigation and did not return. She enrolled at the University of Missouri that spring and is an alum of the prestigious Missouri School of Journalism." Penny continued. "She never married and has a Pulitzer, George Polk, Peabody, and Edward R. Murrow Awards. Many consider her to be one of the top five investigative journalists in the world."

"Yea, yea yea." Jack said excitedly. "Back in 2024 she published a series of articles titled The Algorithm and it was fascinating. She explored the use of predictive algorithms in criminal justice, banking, surveillance, social media, and even government agencies."

Penny laughed. "She actually was awarded the Peabody for the series, was asked to testify to congress, and several governments across the globe have invited her to consult in reforming polices that seek to safeguard the public from the misuse of technology."

Penny clicked a key on her laptop.

"That brings us to the third person we know Carrie was in contact with, her date, a sophomore engineering scholarship student Davis McGovern." Penny said as Carrie and Emily's avatars shifted to the left and from the floor came black hair, cut short and kept neat. The light brown skin of an African American came into view. Heavy plastic glasses sat on his nose with a nervous smile that displayed the edge of bright white teeth. Again, the system provided physical descriptors for the new avatar.

Gender: Male

Date of Birth: August 8, 1971

City of Birth: Hyde Park, St. Louis

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 139 pounds

Build: Slim

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Black, short and neat

The three avatars were distributed equidistantly across the ten foot conference table. Parker was pleased to see that the GHOST system was able to scan photos and generate an approximate 3D character, mostly based on the advanced imaging Jack added from his own By the Book Studios work. The avatars had an at rest motion that added a sway, blinking of eyes, and shallow breaths, providing Parker and he assumed the rest of the room as if they were watching small models of the college students stand in front of them.

"Any questions before we move to the date and abduction?" Penny asked.

Penny scanned the room and chat box on her laptop. Gentle head shakes confirming no questions and she clicked a key on her laptop to what Parker assumed get to the next page of her notes.

"Worthington, let's present the facts as documented from personal interviews of Emily and Davis as conducted by Cape Girardeau Detective Richard 'Rick' Harper or Patrolman Jonathan Rodgers. Addition sources include court records from the trial and subsequent appeals." Penny advised.

"October 31st fell on a Wednesday in 1990. The temperatures were in the mid-forties. Sunset was at 5:02 pm with twilight end at 5:28 pm. The moon phase was thirty percent. It has snowed two point one inches on October 29th." Penny started. "Based on Detective Harper's notes, most streets and sidewalks with direct sunlight had shed its snow, but there were some patches of snow in shade."

"Harper interviewed Davis on November 4th due to injuries he sustained on Halloween night. It was a head injury and the detective noted that Davis was emotional after he was informed Carrie's body was found and struggled with details after sustaining a serious head injury that caused the medical staff to induce a medical coma while they attempted to control the intercranial swelling." Penny said almost clinically.

"I will note that this was the only interview of Davis McGovern and he was not called as a witness by the prosecution or defense." Disbelief was heavy in Penny's voice.

"According to the case notes, Davis had met Carrie in the Kent Library in a study area on the second floor at 2:30 after his last class of the day and he helped her study for an Algebra I test that was scheduled for Friday, November 2nd. They spent three hours studying polynomial functions. He shared she especially needed help to understand rational root theorems." Penny set the scene of Carrie's last moments on Earth.

"Carrie begged Davis to let her take him out for pizza at Pagliali's Pizza and Pasta Shop since he helped her understand Algebra. He refused until she displayed a coupon for half off on a cheese pizza. They decided to take their books and backpacks to their dorm rooms, and they walked to the pizza shop." Penny informed the group. "In returning their books they moved along the campus sidewalks, which were clear expect for a quarter mile stretch that was covered by trees.

All avatars disappeared and a satellite map appeared that was dominated by a large football stadium and the roofs of campus buildings surrounded by the black, gray, and white roofs of houses and business surrounding the town. The map dropped a yellow map pen and labeled the Kent Library that was just to the north of the stadium. A set of small blue and pink footprints pathway navigated the latticework of sidewalks that stood out as bright white scars on the field of green grass that connected the different buildings to each other. The footprints moved to a red map pen that read Towers Dorms that were positioned to the northeast of the main campus. A stretch of the marked pathway moved through a large grove of trees that connected main campus to the dorms.

The tenor of Penny's voice foreshadowed she was going to share something important. "Davis shared that Carrie led him on what she called a short cut that should have clear sidewalks." Penny hit a key on her laptop.

The set of footprints from the library faded until they were mostly transparent as a second set of a bit larger, but still a set of pink and blue footprints appeared. They led from the tower and moved east to North Sprigg Street where they traveled south until they got to North Street where they turned to the west. They turned south on North Ellis Street for a block, turning back to the west on Bellevue Street that led them directly to Pagliali's Pizza and Pasta Shop.

"Davis explained the detour off of Sprigg due to someone piling snow on the sidewalk. So, they zigged onto North, zagged on Ellis, and then hit Bellevue." Penny explained.

A photo of the Pagliali's Pizza and Pasta Shop was shared on the GHOST platform as Penny clicked a key on her laptop.

"According to Detective Haper's interview of Josephine Pagliai who was working that night, Carrie and Davis enter the pizza shop at 6:24 pm and were seated by her into Sara Mason's, a junior music major at SEMO, section of the restaurant." Penny explained. "Jo Pagliai..."

The photo blinked away and as if the GHOST platform was an elevator, chestnut-brown began to elevate an avatar with a sturdy, broad-shoulder build, discerning hazel eyes, and the fair complexion of European ancestry.

Gender: Female

Date of Birth: September 8, 1950

City of Birth: Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Height: 5'7"

Weight: 149 pounds

Build: Sturdy, broad-shouldered

Eyes: Hazel

Hair: Short, chestnut-brown, naturally wavy

"In an interview performed by Detective Harper on Monday, November 5th." Penny stopped and looked around the table. "Let me pause. The reports produced by Detective Harper included in the FBI package and the Case Records from Theresa Hopkins and the Innocence Project seem to me be incomplete and very surface level."

Penny swallowed. "I spoke with Siobhan about this and while she is the first to say she is not a criminal lawyer, but thought that the scant notes, limited questions, and lack of corroborating evidence would have opened up doors for the defense in the initial trial, but would have opened up the garage door for appeals. It just doesn't make sense to her."

Siobhan Bowman spoke and her avatar took central stage of the platform. "Penny is 100% right to question. I can always reach out to my criminal law professor, Mackenzie Whitmore, from Yale. She is retired, but I have bumped into her at a conference or two, so I am sure she would be willing to give us an opinion."

"Let's keep that on our to do list." Parker said. "Worthington, please generate action item list. At the top of that list create an action item for Siobhan to connect with Professor Whitmore."

"But of course Parker." The British butler answered.

"Harper's interview confirmed that Carrie and Davis did enter the pizza place at around 6:30. Jo said that she had four other tables active during their hour-long visit. One table was Sarah Mason's friends who were dressed in Halloween costumes. Their names were Rachel Parks, Stephanie Clark, and Olivia Martin and were all students at SEMO."

"The second table was taken by the High School's Girls Basketball Coach, Lisa Jessup, her husband James who is a science teacher at the high school and their daughter Elizabeth." Penny continued. "The third table was Mark, Susan, and Mikey Smith. Mark owns the local hardware store, and Susan is a local bookkeeper for a number of small businesses in the county."

"The final table was three young-twenties men. Two purchased a pitcher of beer and their server, Jake Williams who was a fifth-year senior at SEMO finishing up his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art, did ask for IDs. No notes that Harper ever spoke with Jake or asked for more information about these three men." Penny paused and then continued quickly. "Jo did say the three men paid cash, so they have no names or other information to share."

"Davis shared that around 7:35 Carrie said she needed to take another look at her Algebra notes and study material, or she would never get her bachelor's degree, so they left." Penny continued, her voice going quiet as if she was entering a church. "They retraced their steps and on Ellis Street, part of the zig and zag to get back to Sprigg Street and their dorms and two acts of violence occurred."

Penny paused and looked around the table, making eye contact with each person physically in the Boston conference room. "First Davis McGovern was hit from behind by an unopen can of beer, knocking him unconscious. Secondly, Carrie Duffy was abducted, moved to a little used park on the banks of the Mississippi River and was left largely nude in the snow for thirty to forty-five minutes when her abductors returned to savagely rape and murder her."

"Let's begin with what we know about Davis McGovern's attack." Penny said as she clicked a key on her laptop. "Between 7:45 and 7:50 pm, Daniel and Susan Thompson were walking their son Ethan home from a Halloween Party hosted by a family from their church. It was only three blocks from their house, so they walked home."

"These notes are based reports filed by Patrolman Jonathan Rodgers who was the first officer on site." Penny paused. "It is amazing at the difference between Harper and Rodgers reports."

"Sorry, anyway the report said that Dan complained to his wife about the nerve of a college student getting so drunk that they were collapsed near the stairs to the Methodist Church. Susan urged her husband to make sure he was ok when their flashlights found splatters of blood on the sidewalk and stairs and a puddle of blood beginning to pool around the based of the African American student's head."

"When she saw the blood, Susan Thompson screamed and picked up her son so he would not see what she feared to be a dead body. The screen caused Ms. Eleanor Walton to open her door to her small home at 242 N Ellis Street, which was directly across from the church. Seeing the open door, Dan yelled to call 911 for the police and ambulance."

Penny paused and clicked a button on her laptop. "Eleanor was the only reason there was not a double homicide." She paused and took a quick breath. "After calling 911, she pulled on a thick parka and slipped on slippers before running outside to assist. At the time Ms. Walton was a retirement home nurse but worked at an ER for the first twenty years as a registered nurse. She immediately began to triage Davis's injuries and with Dan Thompson's assistance started to provide CPR."

"Records show that the 911 call was received at 7:46 pm, Patrolman Jonathan Rodgers accepted the call and confirmed he was responding at 7:47 pm. He arrived on the scene at 7:53 pm." Penny announced.

The GHOST platform provided a 3D map of Cape Girardeau. A small 3D patrol car appeared at the intersection of William Street and Louis Street which was labeled in large font across the streets. A pathway ran from that intersection to Ellis Street. The arrival time of 7:53 floated above the mini-roof of the model of the police cruiser.

"Patrolman Rodgers transcribed his interactions upon arriving at the scene. He stated that Eleanor Walton introduced herself and Daniel Thompson and reported that the victim has a deep laceration on his left cheek. They have stabilized his neck and applied pressure to the laceration, but he needs medical assistance immediately. His pulse is weakening." Penny reported.

"At 7:54 pm radio logs documented that Rodgers checked in with a Ms. Jessica Dawson who was the dispatch operator on duty. This is the recording." Penny announced.

The GHOST platform added a dialogue box above the police cruiser. An avatar of the waist up appeared next to a dialogue box. The box was titled Patrol Man Jonathan "Johnny" Rodgers. A solid man in his early twenties appeared, dressed in a tan police uniform, black tie, and gleaming sliver badge. The short, clean-cut dark brown hair framed a chiseled chin and brown eyes.

A static filled radio chirped to life. Each audio word was transcribed into the dialogue box. "Control, this 714 on scene. We have a young man, unconscious with trauma to the head. We have a nurse and citizen who have rendered first-aid, but the victim's pulse is weakening."

The map zoomed out and just four blocks south of the scene and a block east a building appeared that was labeled Cape Girardeau Police Department. A second dialogue box appeared with the top half of a woman with a light complexion, oval face with soft features dressed in a blue polo shirt with a police department decal on the right chest. Her straight hair fell to her shoulders, which framed her hazel eyes and the start of some smile lines well-earned in her late thirties. The dialogue box was labeled Jessica Dawson, Dispatcher.

An emotionless alto replied calmly. "714, help is less than 60 seconds out. The Watch Sargent is in route. Secure scene and support medical."

"At 7:55 p. m., Cape County Private Ambulance Service Unit 3 arrived, crewed by Paramedics Lisa Reynolds and Mark Turner."

The GHOST platform cleared the transcript and generated a blocky ambulance that had just arrived at the scene with two avatars. One was Lisa Reynolds who was a 5'8" athletic woman with brown eyes and a chin-length bob haircut. The second paramedic, Mark Turner, was 6'0 with broad shoulders, short brown hair, and a square face with a strong jawline.

"Being the senior paramedic, Reynolds gabbed the field medical kit and she sent her partner pulled oxygen and a backboard when she saw the victim and the scene." Penny tapped a key on her laptop. "Reynolds approached and Nurse Walton began a handover report which included results using the classic ABCDE triage test in most trauma centers. They installed a neck brace, used a hemostatic dressing to control bleeding, and loaded him onto the backboard."

"It was six minutes later, at 8:01pm, when Unit 3 transported McGovern to the hospital." Penny announced. "No one person knew that Carrie Duffy was abducted. As far as the witnesses and law enforcement, this was a college student involved in some sort of altercation."

"At 8:14 pm, Detective Richard "Rick" Harper arrived on scene." Penny announced.

A dark blue unmarked Ford Crown Victoria appeared with the time. An avatar appeared. The GHOST platform documented his 1990 physical description.

Gender: Male

Date of Birth: June 10, 1931

City of Birth: Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 215 pounds

Build: Robust, broad-shouldered

Eyes: Blue

Hair: Brown with gray at the temples, neatly combed

"Detective Harper assumed control of the scene." Penny clicked a key on her keyboard. She took a breath and slowly released it. "He requested a Forensics unit at 8:20. Please note his speech in this request."

As with Rodgers and Dawson's audio file, the map returned with a dialogue box with Harper and a second box with Dawson. The muted sound of police radio played as if it was an overplayed record with a worn out needle.

"Control... th-this is Detective Two-One-Three on scene." The transmission paused for a good ten seconds "We've got evidence of an uh... assault. EMS has transport'd the victim to Southeast Missouri Hospital." The sentence got tangled up and the word hospital could have actually been six words from hostel to possible. "Roper... no, Rodgers..." Harper stuttered "Rodgers is interviewin' the Good Samaritans."

"Correction... Rodgers is conductin' witness interviews." The detective's voice cracked as he let the call button loose on his radio.

"He is absolutely intoxicated." Siobhan spat out over the cyber link. "The defense did not use the audio recording? The appeals did not use these either?"

"I am embarrassed to say, but we got these files directly from an archived back up. They were mislabeled and associated with a fender bender that involved the transport of a driver to the ER." Parker said. "It was the totally distrusting Jack who suggested to allow the Terror Castle processes all audio for our analysis."

"It was not distrust." Jack laughed at Parker's accusation. "It was that each file was just hanging out in a single directory named 1990. Just to be safe, we took five years on either side."

"How did the transcripts in the court proceedings compare to the actual audio." Siobhan asked.

"Worthington, please compare Detective Harper's transcript entered into the trial and the actual recording." Jack ordered.

"My apologies Jack." The British voice sounded apologetic. "There is no transcript or recording of Detective Harper's in response to his arrival on the scene."

"What?!" Siobhan asked disbelievingly. "Prosecution did not discuss the abduction site?"

"In analyzing the June 10, 1990's trial records, Senior District Attorney Charles Caulfield did discuss the abduction scene by calling the Lead Forensics Technician, Lisa Martinez to testify. DA Caulfield submitted State's Exhibit 13, 14, and 15 of the processed crime scene."

Three photos appeared of a city street, a sidewalk, and concrete stairs that led to a brick building. The scene had small plastic markers that were labeled with large black lettering. Most of the markers were red, but three were bright yellow. Marker A1 was sitting on the lowest step of the stairs next to a large pool of congealed blood. Markers B2, C3, D4, E5, F6, and G7 traced the splatter of brown droplets that streaked from the stairs back to the street.

Marker H8 was four feet from the curb, well into the asphalt road. A yellow marker with a simple 101 sat next to a dark chunk of metal or plastic. Markers 102 and 103 sat next to cans of Budweiser beer, with 102 next to a damp puddle in the gutter of the street with a deep indent on the bottom of the can. Parker assumed the puddle was beer from a burst can. Marker 103 was sitting on snow covered grass two feet from marker A1 and the pool of blood. Each photo just provided different perspectives of the same grizzly scene.

"DA Caulfield asked four questions. Two questions focused on the two cans of beer. A third question established that the blood samples with A1 to G7 coming from Mr. McGovern. Finally, Caufield focused his direct examination on marker H8. Martinez testified that H8 was skin that had likely been scraped from a hand or knee. He then had the forensics specialist detail that the skin belonged to an individual with B negative blood who was also a secretor. This very rare combination is only possessed by 1.44% of the population. Cross examination by Jackson Taggert, Mr. Voight's defense attorney as brief."

"It was amateurish at best and criminally incompetent at worse." Siobhan fumed. Worthington's crystal clear audio brought the mumbling that the IP lawyer said to herself. "A capital murder case and you don't comb through the evidence. Really."

Jack cleared his voice. "Sorry. Ineptitude offends my wife."

Siobhan laughed at herself. "Sorry gang. Pen, please continue sweety."

"Marker 101 was never identified by forensics. However, our friend Worthington was able to do his own magic and..." Penny said dramatically.

"Sorry, Penny." Parker said. "We will improve the natural language routines in the GHOST platform. Worthington, would you please provide your analysis of the piece of evidence collected at marker 101?"

"But of course Parker." Worthington said in his formal British voice.

A three dimensional Jeep Cherokee appeared. The black SUV sitting on gold rims. The vehicle gleamed as if it was fresh off the showroom floor. Technical specifications appeared to the right of the virtual SUV.

1990 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4

MSRP: Approximately $20,000 new

Engine: 4.0L High-Output Inline-6

Power: 177 hp / 224 lb-ft torque

Drivetrain: Selec-Trac 4WD (full-time or part-time four-wheel drive)

Exterior: Black Clearcoat paint

Interior: Charcoal leather seats with power accessories

Dimensions: 165.3" L × 70.5" W × 64.0" H

"Due to the diligence of the forensics team, the Terror Castel Array was able to generate a model and scan against known vehicles in 1990 or before. The object is a lower lip to the right mirror casing of a 1990 Jeep Cherokee Limited with Jeep, Chrysler's factory Black Clear Coat PX8." Worthington announced.

"Remind me Worthington, what was the vehicle that Thomas Voight drove." Jack asked.

The Jeep blinked and a well-worn Ford Mustang appeared. Unlike the showroom ready Cherokee, the state of the Mustang suggested it belonged in the salvage yard. The red faded paint was almost white with oxidation. The body had a number of dents or rust eating through the quarter panels. The hatchback was held closed by a bungee cord stretched to the underside of the bumper. Details appeared.

1983 Ford Mustang GLX Hatchback

MSRP: Approximately $10,000 new

Mileage: 174,312 miles

Engine: 3.8L Essex V6

Power: 112 hp / 175 lb-ft torque

Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

Exterior Color: Medium Canyon Red

Interior: Canyon Red interior with folding rear seats

Dimensions: 179.0" L × 68.3" W × 51.6" H

"Another piece of evidence left unexplored." Jack said for his fuming wife.

Penny cleared her throat, clicked a key to move to the next page of her notes. "The trial suggested that Thomas Voight who was hosting a party..."

The Ford Mustang blinked out and the map of Cape Girardeau appeared that had a small two story house with a front porch appeared in the VR platform. A floating map pen appeared. The graphic started with Rental property leased to Dan Reynolds and Thomas Voight. The address, 1122 N Fountain Street Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was provided with much smaller print.

Penny continued. "... had went out to purchase some additional beer, came upon Duffy and McGovern. Using a can of beer, McGovern was knocked unconscious and Carrie Duffy was abducted and moved to Twin Tree Park that is along the shores of the Mississippi River."

The map zoomed out and a dotted line started to mark a pathway from the sight of abduction through a series of city streets, to a stretch of road that ran between a golf course and the river to a small park that was just north of Cape Girardeau.

"Once at the park, which is estimated to be between 8:15 and 8:30 am the assailant or assailants used a knife to shred her jacket into strips of cloth that was used to bind her feet, knees, elbows, and wrists. The elbows and wrists were stretched behind a four-inch thick tree." Penny stopped, swallowed, and continued with an almost monotone voice. "The autopsy revealed deep bruising around the ligature marks. Signs of significant swelling of her feet and expansive hemorrhaging of the soft tissue around each of the restraints suggesting assailant fastened the strips of coat extremely tight."

The GHOST system started to catalog the clues.

Arrival: 8:15 to 8:30 pm

Restraints: Two inch strips cut from a size six 1988 Carriage Court (Sears Women's Apparel) insulated walking coat (burgundy; shell polyester and cotton, insulation six ounce polyester fiberfill batting, and lining nylon). All restraints were severed by a sharp-edged instrument, likely a well-maintained pocket knife or hunting knife.

Jack spoke up. "Penny, Park, and I decided that we would not use any of the photos with Carrie's body. That includes crime scene and autopsy."

"We will create a list of facts that help us generate a timeline." Parker added. "Penny, do you want me to...."

"I have this Parker." Penny grimaced. "Thank you, but Carrie deserves justice. There is a murder or murders that are out there running free!"

"A strip of Carrie's SEMO sweatshirt was cut by a sharp knife, soaked in her urine, and was used as a mouth gag. The sweatshirt was stuffed in her mouth, where a strip of coat was fastened to a point that her jaw was forced open and the corners of her mouth had abrasions and bruising." Penny's voice cracked at the cruelty. The VR platform added information on the gag.

Gag: A four inch by eight inch strip cut from the bottom, front shirt panel of a heather gray (cotton and polyester blend) with a screen print of the Southeast Missouri State University name. Rib knit waistband of entire shirt included in gag. Gag had significant amounts of Duffy's urine (matching size six Tradewinds cotton denim jeans; medium-blue stone wash with brass zipper.), vomit (gag entering her throat), and saliva. Held in place by a two-inch wide strip from the Carriage Court walking coat.

"The forensic and corner's report suggested that Carrie was practically immobilized for up to an hour, much of the time she was unconscious for a severe blow to the left side of the head that had fractured her skull." Penny paused before continuing. "However, evidence suggested she struggled against her restraints for some time. She had hypothermia due to no coat, near freezing temperatures, a third of her sweatshirt removed and her bare body was open to the elements, and she had urine soaked jeans."

"It was between 9:50 and 10:10 pm when Carrie's gag was sliced with a sharp knife that also nicked her left cheek. The assailant then cut the bindings around her elbows as blood was transferred to the bindings." Penny stopped, bowing her head. "It seems Carrie got undressed, performed fellatio on the assailant. The medical examiner reported bilateral incised wounds of the knees and bruising of the posterior oral cavity extending to the entrance of the throat (oropharynx)."

The VR system added a third set of notes.

Released from her constraints between 9:50 to 10:10 pm.

A superficial incised wound was identified on the left cheek. The injury penetrated the skin but did not extend into the underlying facial musculature.

A stack of folded clothes sat on top of shoes:

1. Nike Air Cross Trainer, Women's Size 6, white leather with gray panels and blue Nike swoosh.

2. Size six Tradewinds cotton denim jeans; medium-blue stone wash with brass zipper.

3. Heather gray sweatshirt with screen-printed "Southeast Missouri State University" lettering.

4. Hanes Her Way Cotton Brief Panties, Women's Size 6, white cotton with elastic waistband.

5. Playtex 18 Hour Support Bra, Size 34B, white nylon with elastic support panels.

Duffy forced to performed fellatio and vaginal intercourse

"Examination of Duffy's external genitalia and vaginal canal revealed extensive contusions, mucosal abrasions, and focal lacerations involving the vaginal introitus and posterior fourchette. Associated hemorrhage was present within the injured soft tissues. The extent of the genital trauma was consistent with recent forceful penile-vaginal penetration." Penny read her notes, her voice as icy as the coldest arctic winter. "It is assumed by the injury that ended her life that she was bent over, bracing herself on the bumper of the vehicle during the rape."

Penny blinked her eyes, and with a tap of a key went to the next page of her notes.

"I will read the medical examiner's notes." Penny said looking around the table before looking back down at her laptop. "Examination revealed multiple blunt-force injuries to the head. The fatal injury consisted of severe trauma to the occipital region at the base of the skull, resulting in a comminuted occipital fracture extending into the cranio-cervical junction and massive intracranial hemorrhage. This injury was immediately incapacitating and rapidly fatal. A second blunt-force injury involved the right frontal skull, producing a depressed fracture with associated soft-tissue hemorrhage, consistent with forceful impact against a fixed rigid surface."

The list of clues continued to grow.

Cause of death: Catastrophic blow to base of skull.

Fatal blow: Massive fracture at base of skull; immediate incapacitation and rapid death.

Secondary impact: Right forehead fracture consistent with head striking a hard surface (bumper).

Prior injury: Left-side head trauma consistent with impact against vehicle window; likely caused unconsciousness.

Weapon: Wooden limb (5' x 2"). Limb had victim's hair, blood, and tissue on striking end. B-negative blood on stripped grip matches bloody handprint at abduction site.

"Penny, would you mind if we stop here for the night?" Parker asked as he noticed the relaxing of tense shoulders on his close friend. "I..."

Maggie Kincade silently appeared in the room, a large smile on her face. Parker returned his phone to his jean pocket.

"Parker, I do apologize but I had arranged for food to be delivered at your home for the gathering you asked me to organize." Maggie said, her soft Bostonian accent playing amongst her words. "Jonah asked me to read his text to you..."

Maggie pulled out her phone and moved into much lower voice. "Parker Peters. You hoodwinked this old man. I am retired and I am working longer hours now than when I was a mere grad student."

Maggie paused her imitation of Parker's former Graduate Advisor turned business partner and with a smile reassured Parker. "Don't let him guilt you Parker. He is happier than a clam in butter."

Maggie returned to her basso voice. "We have three contracts that we need to chat about. I expect some tasty eats and expensive spirits if this old man is going to brave the dangerous streets of Boston."

Parker laughed. "Do you have those projects handy?"

Maggie pulled out a tablet with a black plastic pen magnetically attached to its edge.

"I am going to forgive your slip of tongue." Maggie winked at Sabrina. "Here are the projects, their proposals and resulting contracts. This is an e-ink tablet, so just annotate as you go and I will see it on my copy. It uses a USB-C charger, but I can get you a..."

"I am good." Parker smiled as he accepted the device. "Sabrina are you ready for the truly scary..." He paused. "... Boston traffic?"

Readers' Note: Too much foreshadowing? I can thin out the White Star confession of evil... We are hitting 86K words. I see 10 more chapters... So back third of the book, let the reader know? Thanks for any feedback PhD.