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  He briefly made eye contact with her before she left his office. He turned his attention to his technology tablet. Dimitrios typed in the code and sat back. He was astounded as he scrutinized the notes that had been recorded. The file contained his theory about how the jailbreak took place. He read the presentation several times wondering how it could be possible that he had executed this. He didn’t remember working on this data. He called for Cassia. She opened the door and stood in the doorway.

  Dimitrios asked, “When did I set up these files?” She gave him a worried look. He restated his question. “Did I put the exact date on the calendar? The information data isn’t here. I must have erased it.” When he rephrased the question, she seemed relieved.

  Cassia turned around and came back with her technology tablet. She pulled up the calendar and showed Dimitrios the date.

  Dimitrios thanked her as she returned to her desk. He sat expressionless as he tried to recall the preceding days. For the first time in his life he couldn’t remember. He had absolutely no recollection of anything happening of significance. He pulled up his event calendar and looked it over for clues. Dimitrios sighed. Nothing was on the calendar pertaining to any significant event. He stared at his technology tablet and thought: That’s Cassia for you; always prepared. I’m so forgetful lately. I didn’t even get it on my own calendar… Why? Why would I do that? It’s not making any sense. What did I even do? I have no idea. I’m obviously backtracking on myself. I’m such a genius that even I forgot what I did? I’m losing it. He covered his face with his hands. Okay, so be it. Go back to the beginning as Cassia suggested. If I figured it out before, I can do it again.

  He focused on the coded data before him. Dimitrios began looking over his notes. After an hour he closed his eyes. It didn’t take long before mental images began to form. He opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling. He thought: I can’t believe I did it! I actually did it and survived! What an idiot. How did I do it? He riffled through all the paperwork. Nothing. Oh that’s rich… I solved the case. Then, I copied the actions of the most twisted criminals and performed the most wickedly death-defying stunt; now I can’t find my notes on how I did it? Brilliant! I’m even more ingenious than Anjoleah. I just can’t remember the incident. He scrunched his eyes and put his fists over his head.

  Cassia walked in, looked at Dimitrios then started to leave the room. Dimitrios caught her attention and said, “Freeze! Did I give you paperwork the day this happened?”

  She thought for a moment. “Nothing unusual, only routine work for Anthony. You just acted weirder than normal.”

  He squinted, then shut his eyes at that comment and repeated softly, “Weirder than normal.” Dimitrios was tempted to ask how strange, but the look on her face spoke volumes and he didn’t want to hear it rehashed. No telling what she’d say about a man who thought he wouldn’t survive. I bet I was acting in a mysterious manner. Dimitrios looked at the stack of folders and began reprocessing what he had read in the files. I did it, but I have no proof!

  Cassia returned to her desk. He stayed in the office and worked through the evening hours long after she had gone home. He crashed on the office couch.

  The next morning, Cassia tiptoed into the office with his clothes that she had just picked up at the cleaners. She quietly hung them on the back of the office door.

  Dimitrios woke to the smell of coffee. He staggered over to the door to get his clothes then went into the office bathroom. When he came out, it was as if he’d just arrived from home. Only the mirror, fogged with condensation, gave evidence he started his morning from the office couch. Just as Dimitrios walked across the room and sat at his desk, the prime minister knocked on the open door.

  Anthony came in, sat down and said, “Long night, huh?”

  Dimitrios nodded and rubbed his stiff neck.

  Anthony continued, “Tell me you’re close to figuring this thing out. After Anjoleah’s stunt, I have the Sojourners’ Council demanding an explanation.”

  Dimitrios didn’t know how to break the worrisome news to Anthony. He thought about a possible scenario: I figured it out. I even performed the feat myself, but would you believe I don’t remember how I did it? He cringed at how that message would be taken. So he tried the next best thing. “I’m working on it. That’s why I was here all night. I’m close. I think I’m really close.” Anthony looked relieved.

  Dimitrios thought: This is taking a huge toll on the man. He quickly pushed that thought aside and changed the subject, as Cassia brought them each a cup of coffee. The two men discussed the events of the council meeting. The prime minister then gave an account of his conversation with Anjoleah. Anthony finished his coffee and left the office.

  Dimitrios briefly closed his eyes and thought about the information he had garnered during the last twenty-four hours. After careful consideration, he decided to put the past events aside and focus on the day’s business. He would return to the files later. He needed time to concentrate on the data in the files and then maybe something would come to him. Dimitrios shifted gears, put the files from the night before in his desk and locked the drawer. He looked over his calendar to see what appointments were listed, nothing.

  He called for Cassia. As she entered the room, Dimitrios said, “Now is as good a time as any to go over the items that need my immediate attention.” They began going through the list.

  Chapter 3

  Joseph woke before his alarm could ring. He reached to turn it off, looking at the time. He rolled over and stared briefly at the ceiling before carefully removing the duvet from his legs. He stumbled out of bed, feeling his way through the semidarkness. He silently cursed the room darkening shades that Dolores had installed. Once his eyes adjusted to the meager light, Joseph regained his balance and walked confidently through the bedroom and into the bathroom. He peered at his reflection in the mirror and thought: I may be getting older but I’ve still got it. No wonder women think I’m hot.

  Joseph brushed his teeth before he hurried into the spacious walk-in closet to get dressed. The dim light that was coming from the bathroom window, combined with the night-light was barely enough for him to see what he was doing. Joseph was able to pull his clothes off the wooden hangers by habit.

  He stayed in the closet to dress so he wouldn’t disturb her. She’d been moodier than usual the last couple of weeks, ever since the incident at their house with the intruders. Lately Joseph was never sure which Dolores would wake up first every morning. Waking her was a gamble that he wasn’t willing to take. He decided to be careful--not turn on any lights or make noises that would alert her to the fact that he was about to leave for the office.

  Joseph dressed quickly and silently. He indiscriminately grabbed a tie from his tie rack and put it around his neck. He’d worry about tying it when he reached the office. He grabbed dress socks from the built in dresser drawer, bent down and picked up a pair of shoes. He sat down on the bench in the middle of the closet. Joseph pulled on his socks then slipped on his dress shoes. He stood and walked out of the bathroom without bothering to put on his cologne. The morning sun was just beginning to brighten and was trying to filter through the blinds. Joseph crept back into the bedroom. He stared at Dolores’ motionless body then sidled around the bed to the nightstand to pick up his car keys. Joseph put them in his pocket and quickly walked out the bedroom door.

  He walked by Sterling’s room, then stopped and backed up to gaze at his sleeping son. Joseph wished he felt something for the boy. As he looked at Sterling it seemed as though he was looking at a stranger. A momentary thought crossed his mind: I wonder who he will turn out to be? Joseph decided he didn’t really care. He continued on his way into the kitchen and out the door to the garage.

  Joseph lowered himself into his sports car, put on his sunglasses and pressed the button to the garage door opener. He started the engine, then slowly backed out of the garage and into the street. He put the garage door down. Once it was completely down, he accelerated to t
he end of the street, feeling freer than ever from the ties that held him back. When he reached the stop sign, he cranked up the volume on the radio and put the convertible’s top down. As Joseph drove to work, the warm wind felt good. The drive helped him to focus on his plans for the day.

  Once he pulled in the parking space, Joseph put the top up on his car. He secured it, put his sunglasses away and got out of the car. Joseph walked up the sidewalk and in through the firm’s door. Just as he entered, he saw the door to his father’s office close. Joseph looked at Seymore and asked, “Who’s in there with him?”

  Seymore looked Joseph over before he answered. “Number 4.”

  Joseph asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?” He looked down and instantly realized he had just asked a stupid question. He could plainly see for himself that he was completely mismatched.

  Joseph barked at Seymore, “Why didn’t you just say so?”

  Donovan opened the door to his office then looked at his son standing in the lobby. His eyes scanned Joseph from head to toe. He scowled disapprovingly at his son’s choice of clothing. “Don’t you look professional? The least you could do is knot your tie correctly.”

  Joseph commented sarcastically, “It’s the new way to wear ties these days.”

  Donovan grunted and once again closed the door, leaving Joseph standing in the middle of the room, fuming.

  Joseph cursed Dolores. He knew what had happened. She’d once again “reorganized” his side of the closet in an effort to be “helpful”.

  Chapter 4

  There was no mistaking that today was Cynthia’s sweet-sixteen birthday party. From the time that Charles awoke, the farmhouse was busy with Nana preparing for family and friends. Once Charles’ oldest sister arrived and made her presence known, she was the star of the show. Carson and Charles tried their best to keep away from all the commotion and drama that was taking place inside the house. They sat on the front porch and played a game of chess while they waited for instructions. This location seemed to be the safest place for them right now.

  For once Charles had a winning strategy. One more move and he’d win. The moment he’d been waiting for…until Cynthia showed up at the door.

  “Charles! Didn’t you hear me calling you?” Charles made a face.

  He whispered to Carson, “Hurry up and move, you’re stalling.”

  Charles turned to Cynthia. “I was trying to ignore you. What do you want? Can’t you see we’re playing a game? Paw Paw can’t think when you’re yelling all the time.” He shook his head and turned back to the game.

  Cynthia said, “I’m telling!”

  She turned and called out, “Mom!”

  Charles heard his mother coming from the kitchen. “What is it now Cynthia?”

  Cynthia sighed. “I asked Charles to help and he won’t.”

  Charles turned around to look at his mom and sister standing at the doorway. Molly had her hands on her hips. He knew what was coming next. He thought it before she even said it: Charles Ryan Brookfield today is your sister’s birthday. Get up from that game this instant and help out around here. He looked at Carson who smirked. Then it happened, just as he’d predicted.

  Only he didn’t see the next event coming. His dad excused himself, walked right between the two women and out onto the porch. “I’ll play you a game Carson.”

  Charles knew he wasn’t going to get out of following Cynthia’s commands. He relinquished his seat and went inside. He heard Carson and Jack start a new game. Carson kept his title of reigning Champ of the Chessboard.

  It turned out Cynthia really didn’t want anything of importance. By the time he went inside, she had already moved on to something else. Charles thought: Girls!

  He stood in the kitchen, getting in the way, until Molly said, “Charles, why don’t you find something to do? Go shoot hoops.” That was the best advice he’d heard all day. The kitchen screen door slammed shut behind him.

  Charles opened the garage door then quickly shut it when he saw what was inside. He ran around to the office door and entered to get a basketball. He shot a couple of hoops then practiced shooting layups.

  Carson joined Charles on the driveway. “I was given orders to start grilling. Would you like to help by going to the kitchen and picking up the meat platter?”

  Charles jogged over to the kitchen screen door. He stood outside. Bev motioned for him to enter and get the full platter of meat to take to Carson.

  He opened the door as Molly turned around and said, “Didn’t I tell you to stay outside?” Charles stepped back.

  Bev said, “I asked him to get the platter Molly.”

  Bev picked up the plate, walked to the door and handed it to Charles. He opened the screen door to take it. He thought: It’s just that kind of day. He sighed.

  Charles stood in the sun talking to Carson and his dad while the meat cooked on the grill. It wasn’t long before Cynthia was once again yelling for him. He shook his head as he jogged over to meet her half way. She had a list a mile long for him to accomplish. He was glad when Pete showed up to lend a hand.

  During the time Charles and Peter were working, Caroline showed up. Charles caught a glimpse of her and Cynthia walking together. When the boys finished the chores on the list, they began searching for the girls. Sophie was tagging along behind them, eavesdropping. Charles had no doubt they had forgotten his youngest sister was there, by the look on Cynthia’s face after Sophie startled her by calling out his name.

  Sophie came running toward him.

  Cynthia asked the boys, “Did you finish?”

  Pete grinned. “Yes. We finished all that and more.”

  Cynthia looked surprised. “All that and more?” She took Pete’s hand and ran toward the backyard, leaving the others behind.

  Charles looked at Caroline and asked, “When did you get here?”

  “Not long ago. I saw you and Pete working.”

  Sophie said, “Cynthia grabbed her. They started walking, giggling and telling secrets.”

  Charles figured as much. They heard Cynthia squeal as she was looking at the decorations they had put up for her. “I guess she likes it.”

  Sophie turned her head. “I want to see!” She ran as fast as she could around the house. Charles watched as his sister disappeared.

  The guests started to arrive. Cynthia had invited a few of her friends. She immediately called for them to come see the fuss that was made over her in the backyard.

  Charles thought: I’ll be glad when all this is over.

  He asked Caroline, “Do you want to go too?”

  She shook her head. “No, I’ll see it later.”

  They sat on the front porch and talked until they were asked to join the party. Everyone enjoyed the food. Nana had prepared Cynthia’s favorite dishes. After they finished the meal, Cynthia blew out the candles on her cake. They ate cake and ice cream before the gifts were opened. Molly read the tags as she passed the gifts to Cynthia.

  Charles thought: It’s a good party, if you like a bunch of screaming, giggling girls talking about trying out for cheerleading and their nail polish of the day. He rolled his eyes.

  After each present was opened, the girls circled Cynthia and let out a, “Yay!” in unison as they inspected and passed around each gift. Even Pete was looking a little shell shocked by the whole thing. Charles looked at his mom who loved it. He looked at his dad who cringed as Cynthia picked up another package, knowing what would happen next. He thought: If Cynthia ever wanted to get me back for tricking her into trying out to be a cheerleader, she is now even. Several times he tried to leave the room, but was bounced back as Cynthia called attention to him.

  Finally when the gifts were all opened, Carson brought in a large jar. It was a family tradition that when the coin jar was filled, Nana and Paw Paw would give it away to one of the children. Carson took a quarter from his pocket and dropped it into the jar as he announced, “The jar is full!” That drew everyone’s attention. He explained to Cy
nthia’s guests the family’s tradition of giving away the full jar of coins to one of the children. After his explanation, Carson announced that because today was Cynthia’s special day she was going to win the jar!

  The girls bounced up and down with excitement. Charles laughed to himself. They looked like they had all won the lottery. Caroline noticed his laugh and gave him a nudge with her elbow. Charles saw his dad disappear from the room. He knew what was coming next and thought: This ought to be good.

  Carson said, “All right everybody out on the front porch!” There was a mad dash to the front door. All the girls were giggling, as they created a stampede through the room. Charles pulled Caroline back into a protective hug so she wouldn’t be run over. As soon as Cynthia walked out the door, Jack pulled a beautiful new car out from the garage. Cynthia and the girls let out a scream. Pete had to put his fingers in his ears and was making a face as Cynthia jumped up and down. Charles couldn’t stop laughing at the scene. His dad stepped out of the car holding up the keys.

  Cynthia was telling everyone thank you as she made her way through the crowd. She ran toward the driveway and hugged her dad. The girls swarmed around Cynthia to get a glance at the new car. Cynthia was crying as she started the engine. She scooted over in the front seat as her friends piled in the car. Jack took the screaming singing girls for a drive. Charles breathed a sigh of relief for the silence. He took Caroline’s hand as they went to sit on the front porch.

  When the guests finished with the rides, Nana began her clean up mode. The guests soon began leaving. Cynthia’s smile was beaming as she thanked and said goodnight to her friends. Charles and Cynthia both said good-bye to Pete when his parents came to pick him up. Charles said good-bye and hugged Caroline, as she left with Margaret and Al. A couple of Cynthia’s friends were invited to a slumber party at his parent’s house. Charles was thankful he was going to be having a nice quiet evening with Nana and Paw Paw.