Beyond the Mountain

This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Beyond the Mountains

By T D Worley

Copyright 2015 by T D Worley

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Beyond the Mountains

By

T D Worley

‘Whoever fights monsters should see to it, that in the process, he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.’

Friedreich Nietzsche

Beyond The Mountains

Prologue

Heather thanked CJ for the ride back to Texas, gave him a kiss on the cheek, and told him she would see him soon. It had been a somber ride from the East Coast to Texas. Heather was saddened by what she had done and the circumstances that required her to act as she had. She was glad to see Caleb waiting at the airport to pick her up and take her to Antelope Valley. She was ready to retrieve her chopper and head back home. On the way to the ranch, he told her that they had salvaged a little, but most of the house was gone. The foundation and two corners of the wall that held the door to the tunnel were all that was left of the ranch house. Caleb had a crew salvaging the stone so it could be re-used because Red wanted the house duplicated with few changes. All of the debris had been removed and the start of the rebuild was a few days away.

It was enough to make Heather cry when she saw the bare concrete foundation. Her home for eight years had disappeared, and the realization of the destruction from the stinger missiles sunk in for the first time. She had been there and experienced it all, but had left so quickly, she had never mentally digested the extensive amount of damage.

Thanks, big guy, love you, said Heather, as she got in the chopper.

Don’t be a stranger, said Caleb. I want to see your hard ass out here from time to time.

Heather grinned as she went through her check list and hit the start button. Waiting patiently, she pulled back and felt the surge of power as the chopper ascended. Flying always lifted her spirits. She stopped at Forked Creek long enough to say goodbye to Jim Bob, Juanita, and Sophie, and then she took off for Hill County.

With a bit of a tail wind she was landing by the shop at the JP ranch just as the sun set. Securing the chopper, she then grabbed her bag and walked up to the ranch house. Jacob and Kay, with little Jake in her lap, sat in the front porch swing smiling at her.

Stopping at the bottom of the steps, I’m back, said Heather, shrugging her shoulders.

Who said you can’t go home again? responded Tex, as he rose from the swing and kissed Heather as she reached the top step of the porch.

Kay joined her husband, with Jake on her hip, and gave Heather a kiss on the cheek. Sis, I guess the three Musketeers are destined to be together forever, and when Jake is old enough, he will be number four.

Johnny D got up from his pad on the front porch and joined the group by standing on his back legs and stretching his front legs against Heather as if to say, "Don’t leave me out.

Beyond The Mountain

Chapter 1

Come on in the house. I‘ll get you a glass of wine, said Red. She let Jake down and Heather took his hand.

You might want to make that a large glass, replied Heather. She led little Jake into the den and picked him up as she sat down in one of the recliners. Jake, did you miss your Aunt Heather? She pulled the boy against her and kissed him several times.

Aunt Heather, are you going to stay with us? asked Jake.

For a while Jake, for a while, answered Heather, her eyes brimmed with tears as she held the boy.

Jacob picked up Heather’s bag and carried it to her bedroom before coming into the den. Hearing the conversation, he interjected, Jake, your Aunt Heather will be with you always, because she lives in your heart.

Are you okay, Heather? You look worn out, said Jacob.

This stuff is finally getting to me, replied Heather quietly. I feel like going on a two-week drunken spree so I can forget. I can’t get Rob, Lefty, Bill and Gil out of my mind. I loved them so much and didn’t even get the chance to go to the memorials for them.

It was a nice celebration of life for all of them, Heather. There were some really good testimonials. They all knew how they were special in your life. I have no doubt about that, said Jacob. Siri arranged everything so that each ones’ family and friends could be in San Antonio. The Movement paid for all the transportation and hotels. I know you wanted to be there, but don’t beat yourself up because you couldn’t.

Red handed the glass of wine to Heather and sat on the arm of the chair. They loved you Heather, and they knew how much you cared for them. You and I will drive down to San Antonio whenever you want and visit the memorial that was erected for them so you can pay your respects.

I would like to do that, Sis, said Heather, whose voice was on the point of breaking.

Jake laid his head against Heather’s breast, sensing his aunt’s sadness as only a child can do, and said, I love you Aunt Heather.

Heather whispered quietly, I love you too, little man.

Red leaned over and put her arms around her son and Heather and hugged them tightly. It’s going to be okay. I bought two boxes of wine and I will drink with you.

Heather managed a weak laugh, We are cheap drunks, now, I reckon.

Instinct told Jacob his wife and Heather wanted some time alone, so he took Jake into his bedroom and got him ready for bed. He returned to the den long enough to kiss Red goodnight and give Heather a long hug, before returning to his bedroom to read before falling asleep.

Heather and Red talked for hours; recounting the good times they had with their fallen friends. The remembrances, not the wine, made both feel better before they went to bed. The conversation affirmed what Heather had believed; she loved Rob, but wasn’t in love with him. Red provided the right words to help her put things in prospective as a big sister should always do for her younger sibling.

Heather told her about hunting down John Warren and killing his bodyguard, Warren, and his wife. I didn’t have to kill Mrs. Warren, but I was in some kind of zone that dictated I shouldn’t leave any witnesses. It was the first time I ever felt regret for taking a person’s life.

You are a professional, Heather, and that is what any professional would have done under the circumstances. It can be an ugly business, but you handled it like you were trained to do. You don’t want to spend the rest of your life looking over your shoulder because that witness decides to take revenge on you. I would have done the same thing if I was in your shoes.

Both women slept until nearly ten o’clock the next morning. When Red finally awoke, she showered before going into the kitchen. Jacob started a pot of fresh coffee when he heard the shower. Bringing his laptop with him, he sat at the kitchen table waiting on Red to appear.

Where is Jake? asked Red, as she walked in the kitchen.

He is with Jerri and Ben while they are checking on the cattle, answered Jacob. I hope you were able to help Heather. I felt so sorry for her.

Heather is tough, but she needs to let her defenses down once in a while. We talked until two o’clock this morning, replied Red.

The front door opened and Jerri, Ben and little Jake made their way to the kitchen. Daddy, I rode the cow, exclaimed Jake.

I sat him on the back of one of the gentle mother cows, grinned Ben. It is never too early to start making a cowboy out of him.

Jacob picked up Jake and sat him in his lap. Sounds like Grandpa Ben showed you a good time.

Is Heather up yet? asked Jerri.

I haven’t heard her shower running, so she may be asleep. We did some serious damage to two boxes of wine last night, replied Red.

Jerri walked down the hall and tapped on Heather’s door. Not getting an answer, she opened the door enough to see her daughter sleeping with her clothes on and the comforter pulled partially over her. Jerri sat down on the bed and stroked her daughter’s shoulder. Heather groaned and rolled onto her back. Mom, I think I’m dying.

That’s the wages of sin, dear. Red looks like she was shot from a cannon, with you right behind her. Get a shower and it will make you feel better. I’ll get you some Tylenol, said Jerri.

Twenty minutes later, Heather made her way to the kitchen and poured what coffee was left in the carafe into an oversized cup. Taking the two capsules from her mother, she downed them with a sip of the hot coffee. She walked around the table and kissed her dad, It is good to be back. Hope you feel better than I do.

Ben shook his head, I haven’t had a hangover like you have since my college days, sweetie. You will survive.

Heather looked at Red and said, Thanks for the shoulder last night. I needed that a lot.

Not a problem, Sis, replied Red. You have always been there for me whenever I need help.

Jerri interrupted, Kay, may we take Jake with us for a few hours? Ben’s old mare is gentle and we want to let Jake ride for a while. One of us will hold the reins all the time.

Sure, he would like that, Jerri, replied Red.

Jake was excited about the opportunity to ride and pulled on Ben’s arm until Ben gave in, picked him up above his head and swung him around. Okay, Jake, let’s go and cowboy some, he said, laughing.

When Jerri and Ben left, Heather looked up from her coffee and asked, Tex, how in the hell did we get where we are and where do we go from here? It seems like we are on a treadmill. Just when things seem to be normal and okay, out come the crazies, again. Aren’t you two fed up with all of this?

Tex looked at his wife and then Heather before answering. I don’t know if I can answer your question, Heather. This has been my life for so long, it is hard to imagine another life without the Movement, the Washington Group, and all the rest. I can tell you one thing for certain, as we are sitting here and God is my witness, I will do whatever it takes to keep Jake from ever being harmed again.

I’m not even sure we can drop out anymore, added Red. Tex can slow down and even come to a complete stop, but how long will it take for the public to let go of him? Who knows? I have no idea how long it would take for us to fade away. I’ve said it before, but this isn’t the same as a country singer that has a good run of hits and then a new face steps up and the first is forgotten.

I know, but I want to know from both of you; given the chance, would you give it all up? asked Heather.

There was a long silence, as Red and Tex thought about Heather’s question. Finally, shaking his head, Tex said, "No, not completely. I have an obligation to this country that I can never dodge. I might want to give in from time to time, but it will never happen. I can’t see myself living in isolation on some island drinking margaritas all day. Dad talked about getting out, but he never did; so I probably won’t myself. There is still work to be done, and I have to do my part.

I feel like I wish it was when I was sixteen; no problems, no concerns, and the most exciting thing going on was seeing the latest movie at the cinema in Hillsboro, said Heather. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for this.

Red laughed, Heather, you are just burned out. Take a vacation, kick back for a while, and you will be fine. Hell, we all need a vacation. What do you think, Tex? Aren’t you ready to take a break? The world wouldn’t come to an end if we all disappeared for a few days or maybe, forever.

I’m down for a vacation, replied Tex. Where would you like to go?

Somewhere new, replied Red. Other parts of Europe would be nice. We could travel around with no particular schedule and see Germany, Italy, and whatever comes to mind. Just the four of us; and no bodyguards would be great.

I like that idea, said Heather, with her eyes lighting up. Damn, I might meet an Italian prince and move to Tuscany. Her mood lifted with the idea of a potential vacation as a way to get away from politics and the pain she was suffering.

It was decided that Red would make all the arrangements, and then they would tell Tom and Trey at the last minute of their plans. While they would use CJ as their pilot, Red intended to lease a jet using personal funds to keep a lower profile. Tex would sign off his websites completely while they were gone. All three knew they probably would not go unnoticed entirely, and the chances of being recognized were great, but with the jet and high speed trains available, they could move about quickly if they felt the need. Red suggested that they stay in the small towns and away from the tourist areas completely. She spent the next few weeks working on a basic schedule that was flexible to change. Using some information from Susan, who had traveled extensively in Europe, she picked out spots in several countries that were reflective of their culture. Heather and Tex agreed that the small town atmosphere was what they wanted. The chance to sit at a street side café and enjoy the local cuisine and wines was more attractive than standing in line at a ritzy restaurant in the middle of Rome. They all agreed that three to five days at each locale would be sufficient before they moved to another.

A few weeks later, Tex returned to Marathon to check on the progress of the ranch house and was pleased with the progress that Caleb was making. The outside walls and roof were in place, and the inside work was ready to begin. He asked Caleb to give Sissy a hand at the Ladder Foundation for a few weeks with whatever time he could spend away from the ranch. What’s going on? asked Caleb. I figured you would be out here for a day or two each month until the house is complete.

Caleb, we are keeping it low-key, but we are going to take an extended vacation. Heather is burnt out, and I admit I wouldn’t mind getting away myself. Red thinks we all should just get away for a while, replied Tex.

What does Tom think about this? Is he prepared to support you? asked Caleb.

Tom doesn’t know, yet, and I want to keep it that way. We are going to Europe and would like to stay out of sight as much as possible by avoiding the tourist areas altogether, replied Tex. I will let him know of our plans, but we don’t want an army following us around.

I understand your need for privacy, but I sure wish you would have a couple of his men with you. They don’t have to be by your side twenty-four/seven, but could be close enough if there were any trouble, said Caleb.

If the girls don’t know they are around, it wouldn’t bother me to have his men watching out for us, especially since Jake will be with us, replied Tex. I’ll touch base with Tom in few weeks before we leave and give him time to have his men in place. We will be staying in small towns throughout Europe, and knowing Tom, he would sweep each area before we get there.

That’s a good decision, Tex. More than likely these will be seasoned professionals from the CIA, and those guys know how to travel about without being seen; plus, they will be fluent in the language and will blend in easily, added Caleb.

Tex didn’t like the idea of deceiving this wife or Heather, but there was no reason to take chances on this trip. CJ would always be at the nearest airport, with whoever he brought as co-pilot, and they could be depended on if things went south. Red and Heather both had mentioned that they liked having the pilots nearby and easily accessible.

When Tex called Tom a few weeks later, Tom only asked for their schedule, and he said he would handle the rest. He assured Tex that none of the men were known to any of them and he would see that changes would be made from town to town so they remain unrecognized. "I