second thought to his terse goodbye. Woodrow, though, was doing a little soul searching.
It wasn’t like him to feel this way: a little depressed, a little dissatisfied, a little powerless. He just couldn’t put his finger on why. Was it that Ambrose was the chosen one and he was destined for the number two spot? Could it be as simple as jealousy? Or was it that the game had become too predictable? Perhaps what was on that television screen bothered him. That lady scientist was so delighted that she had invented something that could make a man’s mind more powerful than any weapon in the world. That scared him? Why didn’t that scare her?
“Matthew?” Woodrow said from the dark.
“Yes, Senator?”
“Two soldiers were killed today. We were testing a new weapons system. It was supposed to just make them incapable of moving but it killed them.”
“That’s a pity, Senator.” Matthew said and then without changing his tone he asked: “Would you like to go home?”
“Yes, Matthew. I would like to go home.”
Woodrow Calister turned his face to the window and wished he had someone to talk to.
WOMEN’S CENTRAL PRISON
CHOWCHILLA, CALIFORNIA
“This is a surprise. We don’t get much eye-candy here.” – Linda Rayburn
“Prison’s a bitch.” – Archer
“Yeah, well, much as I appreciate you driving all the way out here, the invite was for Josie.” – Linda Rayburn
“She’s a little tied up looking for Hannah.” – Archer
“I know about those hearings. Lot of good they did.” – Linda Rayburn
“I didn’t know politics were your thing.” – Archer
“Hannah’s still my kid. It’s not like I could just forget her.” – Linda Rayburn
“I doubt she’ll ever forget you, either. So what’s with the visitor request?
I didn’t think Josie was your favorite person. “ – Archer
“I have an idea where Hannah might have gone.” – Linda Rayburn
“You could have put that in the letter.”- Archer
“That’s it? How about thank you. Or, really? Where?” – Linda Rayburn
“Where?” – Archer
“Oregon. There was a guy who took us in a few years ago. She might go to him if she’s looking to lay low.” – Linda Rayburn
“Why would he help her?” – Archer
“I was very good to him.” – Linda Rayburn
“What’s his name?” – Archer
“First, a little business. I’ve been doing some reading.” – Linda Rayburn
“How to Live a Purposeful Life?” – Archer
“Funny. Penal Code. I may have grounds for an appeal.” – Linda Rayburn
“You think Josie should handle it?” – Archer
“I could sign off on the parent thing with Hannah.” – Linda Rayburn
“You already signed off.” – Archer
“Maybe I’m rethinking. It’s not a done deal.” – Linda Rayburn
“Just so I’m straight, you’re bargaining with Hannah?” – Archer
“Just an exchange of information. You talk to Josie about an appeal, and I’ll tell you all about Sam in Oregon.” – Linda Rayburn
“You give mothers a bad name. I’m outta here.” – Archer
“Sam Idle. He called himself Damn Idle, you prick.” – Linda Rayburn
CHAPTER 9
MAUI, HAWAII
Because Stephen Kyle sang badly, he sang loudly. He also spoke loudly, laughed loudly, loved loudly, and basically lived large. He had lived this way in many a place and his current place was Maui, Hawaii, which for a fair skinned, well-fed, and bald Brit seemed an odd place to end up, indeed. He had also done many a thing before taking to Hawaiian life, all of which had brought him something he craved: money, women, adventure, and notoriety. At that very moment, he was craving a pulled pork sandwich with a healthy serving of slaw on the side and a cold beer. He would, of course, settle for a nice bit of Mahi-Mahi caught fresh for Mama’s Fish House and a martini. The day was coming upon the time when it was perfectly acceptable to have a cocktail; perhaps even share a cocktail with interesting company of
Marian Tee
Tori Kiss
Veronica Henry
Lynda La Plante
D. H. Sidebottom
Sue Margolis
Randall Wallace
Roman Gitlarz
MAGGIE SHAYNE
Randy Wayne White