Believe Me: The Story Of A Narcissist 6m1no

Believe Me: The Story of a Narcissist Tracilyn George

––––––––

©2019 Tracilyn George

Table of Contents

Copyright Page

Believe Me: The Story of a Narcissist

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

About the Author

About the Publisher

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is coincidental.

1

Clancy Kilpatrick stood at the pier, his blue eyes gazing upon the horizon. Life had been tough for him in Ireland but, he always believed the future for him was bright. As a son of a fisherman in a family of ten, money was at a minimum. If they wanted anything more than food and shelter, they needed to work for it. He hated the thought of leaving his family but; he wanted more than Quigley’s Point could offer. The United States presented him the opportunity at a better one. “If anyone can do it, you can, Boyle,” his father told him. “Your mother and I are proud of you. We raised you to the best of our ability. You possess the right attitude and work ethic to make it.” His mother gave him a warm hug before he boarded the ship to New York. “You be careful over there. It’s a strange, new world. You won’t be able to identify the good from the bad.” Clancy kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll be fine, Mum. But, I know it would do me no good to tell you not to worry.” He gave her a tight hug. “I love you, Mum. You, too, Dad.” Clancy waved as he walked up the plank to the ship. He fought back the tears as he saw his parents for the last time. Clancy took the largeness of the city as a challenge to conquer it. The man didn’t fear starting from the bottom or getting his hands dirty. The Irishman left the boarding home early the next morning for Manhattan. He realized finding a job would be hard for him since he didn’t much experience and because he was Irish. At least he had a positive attitude and resolve. By noon, he wanted to it defeat even though he hated even thinking it. He

stopped at a small bagel shop for a quick bite. The dark-haired beauty behind the counter caught his eye. He beamed as he placed his order of a ham on rye and a glass of milk. Bertha looked at him with her steel-gray eyes, smiling in return. “Can I take you to dinner sometime?” he asked. She shook her head in shock. “Maybe,” she replied in a thick German accent. “Fantastic!” he exclaimed with elation. “Why don’t we go out tonight, then?” When she said yes, Clancy he forgot about his lunch and rushed out of the shop. He resumed his quest for a job. Within half an hour, he saw a help-wanted sign on the door of an advertising agency. Clancy adjusted his tie as he walked in with confidence. She offered him a seat while the receptionist disappeared to find the manager. She returned with a portly man in his late forties. The husky gentleman smiled, extending his hand. “The name’s Kennedy Carmichael. Come on in to my office.” Kennedy held the door open for Clancy and waited for the young man to sit. Kennedy’s demeanor eased Clancy’s nerves. “So, tell me about yourself,” Kennedy requested. His voice had a hint of Scottish lilt. “My name is Clancy Kilpatrick,” he answered, his own voice full of Irish brogue. “I arrived here yesterday from Ireland, searching for something more.” The Scotsman’s brown eyes sparked with warmth. “Did you come over alone or with family?” Clancy man smiled. “Well, I arrived alone but, I met a lovely young lady today at the bagel shop down the street. I even asked her for a date. Otherwise, no one.” Kennedy let out a belly laugh. Something about the man sitting in front of him attracted the Scotsman. The boy deserved a chance.

“Well, young Clancy. We’re looking for someone to work in our mailroom. It doesn’t pay much and the hours are long. Would you be interested?” Clancy tried to contain his enthusiasm. “Would I ever!” he exclaimed with delight. He had to make the best of this opportunity and prove his new employer right in putting his faith in him. “Fantastic. I’ll see you tomorrow morning at 9.” Kennedy extended his hand. Clancy grasped it, shaking it with vigor. He jumped out of his chair, heading back to the bagel shop to talk with Bertha. The gray-eyed girl was still behind the counter when he arrived. “Did you come back for your lunch? You dashed out of here so fast, we wondered if you were hungry.” Clancy smiled. “I was hungry but, you had me so excited, I forgot I ordered something to eat. Good news is I ed AND I found myself a job! Who thought meeting you would bring me good luck?” Bertha turned beet red. Flattery was something she never encountered before. She handed him a plate. “Here. You eat this before you become more delirious.” “Are you still planning to go out with me tonight or was it a ruse to get me to leave you alone?” He watched as she fidgeted behind the counter. “Don’t worry if you don’t want to go. It won’t offend me.” She gave half a smile. “Let me think about it for a minute.” She paused. “Okay. I thought about it. We will go tonight.” Clancy smiled with glee. “Fantastic!” He gobbled down his late lunch and headed back to the boarding home to change. He arrived at the bagel shop around six to pick up his date. Bertha met him at the door, wearing a simple blue dress and matching flats. Other than a touch of red lipstick, she wore no makeup.

Clancy found her striking. She flushed when he told her he thought she was beautiful. They spent the evening at the small diner near his boarding house, talking more than eating. She told him about her life in and why she came to the United States. He told her about his reasons for leaving Ireland. The pair weren’t long in figuring out they had fallen hard for each other. Within the month, they married by a justice of the peace with Kennedy and Alistair as their witnesses. Kennedy found himself impressed by Clancy’s strong work ethic and dedication to the job. Clancy always showed up on time, never missed a day of work and was friendly with everyone at the agency. Six months after his first day on the job, Kennedy called Clancy into the office. He was nervous as he feared losing his job. He enjoyed working for the Carmichaels. They were a jovial family and treated their employees as one of their own. Clancy rubbed his hands upon his pants, doing his best to ride them of the sweat built up on his palms. Kennedy walked in a few minutes later and took a seat. “Relax, Clancy, you’re not in trouble.” His eyes glittered in their usual warm manner. “Would you be interested in interning?” The mail clerk had no clue what his boss was asking. “What’s interning?” “You’ll be learning the business side of advertising. I’ve seen the doodles and sketches you’ve done and I think you have potential. I’ve shown them to Alistair, and he agrees. His opinion is you’ll do well in this business. He wants to take you under his wing and show you the ropes.” “Would you be interested?” Kennedy leaned across his desk, looked into Clancy’s eyes and smiled. Clancy felt grateful. “Yes, I am interested! I never thought my little drawings would take me anywhere.”

The fact his bosses thought he had potential flattered him. It thrilled him to have the chance to move up in the company. Kennedy loved seeing the jubilance on Clancy’s face. He loved the man’s ion for learning new skills and his dedication to the company. “Fantastic! Go on up to Alistair’s office. He’s waiting on ya, laddie.” Kennedy chuckled as he watched Clancy dash upstairs. That kid will be one to watch, he thought. He’ll be running this place someday. Or running his own company.

2

Bertha Strum grew up in Berlin, the only child of Agatha and Karl Strum. Her parents volunteered in times of crisis and did not discriminate against their neighbors. The Strums owned a small factory. Bertha worked in the plant, alongside both Christians and Jews. She, as with her parents, treated them as equals and saw no difference between them. They believed people should be able to worship as they saw fit. Everyone else needed to mind their own business. The Strums defended their employees whenever they faced hatred. “Leave them be,” Karl shouted. “They’re not hurting anyone.” The mob outside his factory became more raucous. “Jews are destroying our country! We need to exterminate them!” “They are doing no such thing,” Karl replied, infuriated. “If anyone is destroying , it’s Hitler and his damned Nazi Party. Now, get off my property before I call the police.” The mob leader gave an acerbic laugh. “Go ahead!” he dared. “They’ll only side with us. They have no use for Jewish sympathizers.” Karl wanted to protect his employees but, he was facing a no-win situation. He called everyone to the middle of the factory floor, announcing the factory’s closure. “But, I will compensate you all. And I’ll do everything in my power to get you all to somewhere safe.” True to his word, Karl moved them out of and into the United States. He sent Bertha with them, advising her to look out for them. He provided his daughter more than enough money to live on. “Become a

business woman, daughter, as soon as you can. We gave you the skills to succeed. Do not worry about your mother and me. We will deal with whatever comes our way, good or bad.” Bertha followed her father’s orders. With documentation in hand, she boarded the boat to America. She accepted a clerk position at a local bagel shop. She wanted to establish herself before launching her own business. Her parents had taught her well, and she learned with earnest. She found homes for her father’s former employees as promised and factory jobs in the city. Bertha informed potential employers how hard-working they were. They would prove themselves loyal to their new bosses. They neglected to teach her about love and how love may change her focus. When Clancy asked to take her to dinner, it threw her off. She agreed on the spot. His blue eyes and Irish brogue had her smitten. Since their first date, the pair became inseparable. Their friends and coworkers insisted they were soulmates. “What d’ya think, Bertie? Should we break down and tie the knot?” Clancy asked. “Everyone else tells me we should.” She rolled her eyes up as if she had to ponder it. After several minutes, she gave her answer. “Let’s do it!” After five years of hard work and long hours, Bertha had established two employment agencies. She founded her first in New York, servicing New York City and Newark. The other in Washington serviced the DC area and Baltimore. She even expanded the bagel shop to 20 locations across the country. Clancy rose through the ranks to vice president at Carmichaels. He, too, had put in long hours and hard work and they rewarded his dedication with the promotion. Because of their faith in him, Clancy returned their loyalty to them in kind. He

also had a twinge of guilt. A big part of him wanted to venture out on his own. The Carmichaels gave him a chance when no one else would. He decided he needed to speak with Kennedy. The man had been like a second father to him and he owed him as much. Clancy respected the man who welcomed him and made him a part of the family. He tapped on Ken’s door. “Hey, Ken. May I speak with you for a minute or two?” The Scotsman flashed his signature broad smile. “Any time, laddie. Come on in.” Clancy sat across from his boss, wringing his hands. His stomach churned in anxiety. Kennedy eyed him with his usual warm magnetism. “What’s going on, laddie? You’re never for a loss of words.” Clancy took a deep breath and exhaled. “I wanted to tell you all how much I love all of you and my job. Thing is, I have this nagging urge to venture out on my own. I wish I could express how guilty I am about it.” Kennedy, ever the jovial person, maintained his easy-going demeanor. “I always figured you had ambition. There would be no holding you back once the fire was lit within you. You’ve brought so much to our little company and would hate to see you leave.” His boss continued. “But, you’re destined for bigger and better things, laddie. I only hope you’ll take everything you’ve learned here with you when dealing with both your clients and your employees.” Kennedy smiled. “Let me give you a piece of advice; the secret of success is how you treat them. If you show loyalty and respect, they’ll return the favor. If you treat them as mere pawns, you won’t be able to keep them for long.” This last statement hit Clancy hard. He recognized Kennedy meant it as fatherly

advice but, it still stung. He hated letting down the one person who gave him the chance to succeed. “Go on with yourself,” Kennedy replied. “You’re not betraying us, laddie. If you ventured out on your own without telling us, then we would think you were betraying us. But, you’ve respected us enough to tell us how conflicted you were. I hope you will show the same esteem when you decide you’re ready to leave.” Kennedy always made Clancy feel at ease. Clancy cherished his boss’s loyalty and friendship to him. He always was direct and offered advice when needed. Before leaving the following year, he informed Kennedy and Alistair before announcing it to the rest of the company. Once they all gathered in the meeting room, Clancy gave a brief speech. “I wanted to tell all of you, I am venturing out on my own. I’m terrified and excited at the same time. Ken and Al have given me their blessing. I am honored by their faith in me and gave me the chance to prove myself here.” Clancy took a deep breath. “Not only do I want to thank them for their loyalty, I wanted to thank you all for your fantastic work and dedication to the company. I will all of you with fondness. Take care of yourselves and be the best you can be.” They all wished him well and Clancy swore he would everything they did for him.

3

Bertha’s pregnancy came as a shock. She and Clancy hadn’t planned on having children. They had gone ten years into their marriage without discussing the possibility of growing their family. It wasn’t because they thought they’d be bad parents. They never thought about it. They were busy building their business empire. Clancy was quiet for several minutes when she told him the news. He looked up from the couch and smiled. “Well, isn’t that wonderful!” he exclaimed. Bertha loved seeing at how genuine his joy appeared to be. Her gray eyes teared up as her husband grabbed her and spun her around. “Easy now,” she warned him. Clancy kissed her cheek. “A little Kilpatrick is on his way! What on earth are we going to name him?” Bertha giggled. “You’re confident it’s a boy.” “Yes, I am. A boy won’t have me wrapped around his little finger like a wee girl would.” His wife gave him a warm hug. “Any thoughts on what we should name him?” Clancy thought for a moment. “I would love to name him Kennedy after the one man who helped launch my career.” “Good idea. I want to honor my father, too. We can use Karl as the middle name.” Her husband’s blue eyes sparkled. “I can’t wait to meet him.” Bertha was about to agree but, a horrific thought crossed her mind. “I realized his initials will be KKK. Should we worry about it?”

Clancy pulled a face, scrunching his nose. “No. It will be fine.” His wife breathed a sigh of relief. “I guess it’ll be okay,” she agreed. “But, we should hire a nanny. With our work schedules, we won’t be able to devote full-time with him.” Clancy gave her a big hug. “A nanny would be helpful but, he will need attention from us. He should be our top priority.” Bertha and Clancy welcomed little Kennedy Karl Kilpatrick several months later. Several nannies took over the care of the boy after his birth. Despite wanting to devote time to their child, they found themselves too busy with their work. Ken proved to be a cantankerous child, difficult and unruly from the moment he came into the world. Clancy rubbed his temples in frustration. “How many nannies have we gone through in the past two years?” Bertha took a seat next to her husband. “There have been so many, I’ve lost count. I don’t understand what is making him so rebellious. We give him everything he wants and then some.” “That’s the trouble, love. We give him what he wants and not what he needs.” His wife let out a long breath. “What do you suppose he needs?” “What he needs is a good, swift kick in the arse and more discipline. It’s our own fault. Our guilt made us give into his every whim.” Clancy feared it was far too late to clamp down on their son. Ten years of letting him get away with bad behavior meant the impossible task of reversing the trend. “We no longer need nannies. He’s old enough now to be on his own for a few hours after school. If he’s given responsibility, it might teach him the way life works.” His wife was not so sure. She feared leaving Ken to his own devices would only make the situation worse.

“I don’t know, love. He’s so out of control and we have only ourselves to blame. You’ve already said it. We need to be stricter with him. We’ve never told him no and stuck to it.” “You’re right, me love. If we don’t change, we can’t expect it from our son. It’s time for us to put our son in his place.” Ken scowled as he sat on the bench with the rest of his Little League baseball team. Why was his coach not playing him? He was the best player on the team. “Where did you get that idea?” questioned Andy, one of his bench mates. “It’s true,” Ken told him. “Everybody knows I am.” Jeff ed the conversation. “You’re full of crap. Yesterday, you struck out all four times you were up.” “And you couldn’t catch if your life depended on it. We lost be time because of you.” Their coach shushed them. “Knock it off. I’ve had enough of all the bickering.” “But, Coach, they started it,” Ken whined. “Enough, I said! Sit down, Ken, and be quiet. Maybe if you weren’t always overexaggerating everything, you’d find you would have fewer arguments.” Ken plopped back onto the bench, pouting. How dare his coach talk to him like that! Why didn’t he back him up? “I’ve explained it to you already, Ken. You have this inane need to inflate your own ego. You brag about accomplishments that never happened. I don’t understand where you get these fantastical stories. But, I’m telling you, Ken, if you don’t stop fabricating facts, you’ll find yourself in deep trouble.” The young boy resented being lectured. He heard enough from his parents. No one understood him and he was doing his best to tell them. “You’re going about it all wrong, Boyle,” his father told him. “If you want people to like you, stop trying to make yourself more than what you are. I

guarantee, if you drop the pretense, you will attract people to you.” Ken pouted as he crossed his arms in front of him. His coach told he would speak with the boy’s father. “I believe it’s best if Kennedy leaves baseball. He doesn’t seem to understand it’s a team sport. I’ve tried to explain it to him but, he doesn’t appear to understand the concept.” Coach continued. “Or he doesn’t want to understand. Either way, his attitude is affecting the rest of the team.” Clancy told the coach he appreciated his candor. He understood his son had a tempestuous attitude. They blamed themselves for not spending more time with him. “We can’t go back in time,” Bertha told her husband one night in bed. “From here on out; no more going easy on him.” Clancy exhaled a loud breath. His wife was right. Then again, she was always right. Their son deserved better than what they had given him to this point. “What do you suppose we should do, my love?” Bertha was at a loss. They tried everything they could think of to get through to him. “We may have to send him to one of those boarding schools. Nothing we’ve tried has worked. Maybe boarding school will give him the discipline he needs to straighten up.” Ken longed for his parents’ attention. They were so busy working; he wondered if they had forgotten about him. “Go find something to do,” Clancy advised. “But, I have no one to play with,” whined Ken. “Nobody likes me.” His father looked up from the stack of papers on his desk. “Well, whose fault is that?” he asked. “If you didn’t go around ordering people what to do, you might find things go better for you.”

His father didn’t understand; he needed to be domineering to get his own way. If he didn’t boss people around, nothing would happen for him. “Don’t start with me, Boyle. Your mother and I didn’t get where we are by being demanding. Treat others with respect and loyalty and they will return the favor in kind.” The teen brushed off his father’s advice. His father had no clue what he was talking about. They were living in a new time. No one valued loyalty and respect anymore. “Is that a fact?” asked Clancy, feigning surprise. “Have you not heard the saying you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar?” “What do I want with flies?” Clancy was finding himself becoming agitated with his son. “The point is, me son, is you get more of what you want with sweetness than being bitter. You’ll do well to that.” Ken stomped out of his father’s office. He believed Clancy was out of touch with the real world. No one used tact anymore. People responded better to intimidation tactics. “It won’t to make you happy, Boyle. If you feel the need to bully or brag to make friends, they will stab you in the back at the first opportunity.” Clancy shook his head. Where did his son develop his obstinacy? Stubbornness had its place but, not when tactfulness was the better option. Ken thought what he wanted. There was no telling him any different. Clancy recognized his son’s inflexibility would be his downfall. The boy resented his parents’ sudden change in attitude. As far as he assumed, he did nothing to warrant the harsh discipline. “Are you sure, Boyle?” his father asked. “How often were you at the principal’s office this week for your infractions?”

Ken stomped his foot. “They’re liars! They all started it. No one likes me at school!” “Stop it, Kennedy!” his father shouted. “You are the one who is the instigator and everybody recognize it. Your mother and I have witnessed your hounding of other kids. You’re doing yourself no favors. Life is hard, Boyle. You need to work hard and work smart to get through it. It’s all fine and good to stand up for your beliefs. I don’t hold it against anyone for standing up for their principles. But, you need to listen to other points of view.” Clancy leaned over, staring into the boy’s eyes. “And I mean, listen to what they tell you and not let it go in one ear and out the other. Your opinion is only one of many.” Ken turned red with rage. His father didn’t understand him. Other kids tormented as much as he did them. They envied him and they were all inferior to him. Ken was the best at everything he did. Clancy gave his son a disapproving glare. “Now, Boyle, why are you lying? Your grades are mediocre and you’ve never done well in sports. I have no clue where you got the idea you are great at everything. As for the money part, the money belongs to your mother and me, not you. Get it through your thick head right now.” Ken clenched his fists, his already red face darkening. “Why do you hate me? You’re supposed to be on my side!” he shouted. Clancy grabbed his son by the arms, shaking him. “Knock it off, Ken. We don’t hate you and we are on your side. You need to realize the world does not revolve around you. If you behaved like a gentleman instead of a demon, we’d back you up.” Ken scowled as his father continued his lecture. “Your mother and I no longer condone your bad behavior any longer. We’ve discussed it and we’re sending you to boarding school.” Ken pulled himself from his father’s grip, incensed. “Go ahead,” he dared. “Send me away. See if I care. I’ll be glad to get away from everyone here.”

Clancy exhaled in frustration. “Fine. I’m more than certain you’ll be asking to come within a week.” Ken rebelled against his parents’ change in attitude. The more they restricted his activities, the more he protested against them. “I still don’t understand why you hate me!” he screeched. “We’ve been over this, Boyle,” his father responded in a soft tone. “We love you but, we can no longer tolerate your bad behavior. It’s because we love you we are being tough on you. You’ve gotten away with far too much.” Clancy pointed a shaking finger at Ken. “It’s time for you to straighten up. There will be no more of your shenanigans to get out of responsibilities.” “That’s not fair!” Ken yelled. Clancy towered over his son. “It’s time you learned life is not always fair.” Ken turned to his mother, looking for sympathy. “Come on, Mom! You can’t be ing Dad in this.” Bertha stood firm. “Yes, I am. We cannot put up with your nonsense any longer. We will no longer take your disobedience nor will we stand for your bad behavior.” His parents watched as Ken launched into a tirade. “What did I do to you? Nothing! But, you want to punish me for being me!” Clancy had enough and grabbed his son by his shirt collar. “Stop it!” he yelled. “Listen, young man. You have no interest in shaping up after we told you countless times.” His blue eyes darkened as he continued to scold the boy. “So your mother and I are calling The Hartling School for Young Men first thing in the morning. We’ve already discussed with them what options we have. This school will not take your guff so you might as well accept it now.” The man stood firm. “They are one of the toughest schools we found. Do you hear what I’m telling you?”

Ken stomped around the living room, red-faced. Why were his parents sending him away as punishment? “Yes, I hear you,” he answered in a fit of anger. “I will hate you both for the rest of my life!” He stormed off to his room. Clancy yelled behind him. “Why don’t you pack your bags while you’re up there? It’ll help burn off your negative energy!”

4

Ken hated the thought of going the boarding school in the beginning. But, it didn’t take long for him to enjoy his new surroundings. “I was way too smart for regular schools,” he told his new classmates. “That’s why my parents had to send me here.” Ken enthralled his fellow students with his flights of fancy. None of them cared about the stories being embellished. His new friends were so enamored with him; they took Ken’s stories and made them even more sensational. When the tales came back to him; his ego would continue to inflate. When he entered university, he made certain to surround himself by people who he could impress with his bravado. The bigger the story, the more they adored him. At last, Ken had the positive attention he had craved all of his life. And he was soaking it all up. Mid-way through his first semester at NYU, he was in the quad with a group of his lackeys. As per usual, he focused on how much money his family had. A sultry voice behind him interrupted his monolog. “Money means nothing if you treat people like shit,” she stated. “It won’t save you from someone you pissed off enough to see you dead.” Ken turned to come face to face with a tall blonde woman. Her piercing blue eyes stared into his steel gray ones. “Excuse me?” he replied, offended anyone would have the audacity to say such a thing to him. The woman inched closer, pressing her nose to his. “I said, you’re full of shit and you know it. I’ve heard these outlandish stories recounted by your flunkies here. Now, I see the jackass spreading them.”

Ken looked at her in shock. No one had the nerve to stand up to him. He now had a woman standing in front of him, challenging him. “Are you implying I’m not telling the truth?” “Nope,” she replied, shrugging. “I’m stating for a fact, you’re lying. No one likes a blowhard. News flash; you’re no better than anyone else. The only difference between you and us is money. Be careful of what you say. Your words will be your downfall.” Who was this mysterious woman who had dared to embarrass him? Did she not recognize he was Ken Kilpatrick? Those around him suffered through his tantrums and tactics. They would rather keep their distance from him over having to deal with his nonsense. Who was she to confront him? She appeared out of nowhere, tore a strip off him, and then disappeared into thin air. Ken asked everyone he saw. None of them could identify who she was. He didn’t imagine her. The group he was with witnessed to her tirade and none of them had ever seen her before or since. Ken assumed people were lying to him. Someone had to have information on her. She couldn’t vanish without a trace. He found his way into the Student Union Building and waited in line for coffee. His body froze when he heard a familiar voice behind him. “I understand you were looking for me.” Ken turned to face the mysterious blonde. His steel-gray eyes glared into her cornflower blue ones. “Why do you keep doing that?” She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “Doing what?” “Sneak up on people.” She shrugged. “Not my problem if people aren’t paying attention to what’s going on around them. They should focus on something other than themselves.” Ken huffed. “Are you implying I am self-centered?” “Not implying anything. Everybody can see you’re full of yourself. They don’t have the nerve to say it to your face.”

“And you do?” Micheline stepped towards him, her face ice-cold. “I have no problem with telling you how things are. Or giving much needed advice even if the recipient doesn’t ask for it. I will tell you this, be careful of how you treat people. If you don’t, it may end up costing you more than you realize.” The tall woman turned, disappearing into a crowd of freshmen.

5

Micheline took pleasure with playing with Ken’s head. She realized she shouldn’t but; she witnessed him playing his own mind games with other girls around campus. She had to do something in their defense. It wasn’t right to raise their hopes only to have them dashed without explanation. Ken needed a taste of his own medicine and she was more than happy to serve it to him. She understood none of those associated with him would reveal her identity. None of them had any idea who she was. Micheline majored in medicine. Any classes they shared would be few. Even if they recognized her, they wouldn’t tell him because of their fear of him. She was not afraid of him even though she had heard of his temper. Her parents raised her to be tough and resilient. They taught her to be strong, to stand up for herself and not to back down from a fair fight. Ken had no clue how to do this but, it didn’t matter. Micheline held her own against anyone. As part of a male-dominated family, she learned how the minds of most men worked. Her father taught her how to deal with the opposite sex. Men like Ken, though, needed to have their big heads deflated. She spied Ken in the quad, running his mouth again with a group of his flunkies, hanging on his every word. Micheline sighed. Oh, Lord, what is he on about now? “Do you ever shut up?” Ken turned to face her. “Why do you have to be such a bitch? Why can’t you be nice?” “I’m nice to those who deserve it. Plus, you have enough people telling you how wonderful you are. You don’t need me to do so.” Micheline placed her fists on her hips, waiting for Ken to respond.

Ken glared, his face reddening. “Listen, Jiminy Cricket, I don’t need an outer conscience.” “Yes, you do. Otherwise, you’d have a clue when to shut the hell up and listen to the opinions of other people. You might learn something.” Micheline understood the reason Ken hated having her talk to him the way she did. He couldn’t comprehend why she continued to antagonize him. To have a woman confront him confused him. He much preferred them approach him for sex. Most of them wanted to use their feminine charm to swindle money of him. She watched with amusement as he was trying to make out what she was looking to get from him. “What do you find so funny?” he demanded. “I’m laughing at you. You’re trying to figure out who I am and you can’t. Let me help you. I’m not interested in anything you can offer me,” she responded. “The only thing I’m trying to make you see how much of an asshole you are. You need to stop treating people as if they are less than you are. You’re no better than anyone else here. The only difference is your family has money.” Ken’s fan club dispersed, leaving the pair alone. She savored seeing him vulnerable without an audience. It took all she had to hide her delight. Ken fidgeted, uncertain of how to proceed. “Can I take you to dinner to discuss this?” The question took Micheline off-guard. “Yes, but I will pay my way,” she responded. “Fine but, I pick the restaurant.” Ken agreed to meet Micheline at Sardy’s at eight. She rolled her eyes. At least she agreed to have dinner with him. He stared in awe when she arrived. Her light blonde hair was in a loose bun. The form-fitting black dress she wore enhanced her ample curves. The three inch stilettos made her over 6 feet; putting her eye to eye with him. Her cornflower blue eyes were dark under the black mascara on her lashes. Ken shifted as he opened the door for her. He touched her back as the hostess led

them to their table. It shocked him when she didn’t cringe or try to pull away. Despite this, he sensed she did not want to be with him. He found himself in awe when she ordered the most expensive and fattening items on the menu. “How can you eat so much food and still maintain your figure?” She stared back at him, her eyes deepening. “What’s it to you?” she lashed back. “Why are you so defensive? I was only trying to pay you a compliment.” “No, I’m not. I’m wondering why my weight and figure concerns you. If that was a compliment, you need to work on your flattery.” Ken reached for her hand but, she swatted away his advances. “Other girls may fall for your attempt at fawning. I’m not swayed by such things.” “What makes you so different from any other broad?” “First, I am a woman; not a broad. Second, I’m not impressed by how many influential s they have. And last, I’m more interested in helping others over using others to help me.” Ken became quiet. Micheline was tougher to melt than he thought. Flaunting his wealth and connections weren’t working. His attempts flatter her failed. “Tell me, how do I get you to lighten up?” Her eyes narrowed. “Stop being an ass. No one likes braggarts and know-it-alls. Wealth or fakes don’t impress most people. They’re smart enough to see through the pretense.” Ken became silent again, confused at what she said. “I’m being honest. People ire frankness.” “No, you’re pompous. There’s a difference between saying things as they are and saying things to boost your own ego. If you continue to go on about how great you are, people are less inclined to listen.” “I am great and you know it. I am wealthy, smart and well-connected.”

Micheline leaned forward. “You are not as great or as smart as you think you are. Your parents are the wealthy and well-connected people; not you. You are in line to inherit everything they’ve earned by the mere fact your mother gave birth to you. Because of this, you’ll never appreciate the sacrifices they made to get to where they are.” Ken glared. He hated the fact he was being lectured by someone lower than he was, let alone by a woman. “You have nerve,” he seethed. “Do you realize who I am? I’m Ken Kilpatrick!” “Why?” she replied. “Because I’m a female or not in the same league as you? Or both?” “Neither,” he seethed. “You aren’t from here. You can’t speak to an American in such a condescending manner.” Micheline laughed out loud. “I can speak however I like to whoever I like, regardless of their nationality. Most times, I don’t talk down to people. But, with pompous asses like you, I take great pleasure in it.” “And you take tremendous pleasure in it.” “Yes, I do.” Ken sat without speaking for a few moments, his face reddening in anger. “Why?” “Because if I push enough; those like you will see other points of view. You’re not the only one with an opinion.” Ken wanted to find out more about this woman he found himself attracted to but, he was getting nowhere. He always had the ability to pick up women. The fact he had money and influence made it easy to do so. Except for the woman sitting across the table from him. She didn’t appear at all interested in wealth or securing s. What was her angle? What did she want? Everyone had a price, even a self-righteous one like Micheline.

6

Micheline watched in delight as Ken struggled to find his words. He wasn’t used to being challenged, and it irritated him. Ken preferred people who agreed with him no matter what. He expected women to bow down to him from the moment they met him. He wasn’t pleased Micheline wasn’t cooperating with him. Unlike others, she didn’t swoon at the drop of a hat. Ken never had to work for anything. His parents gave him whatever he wanted only to prevent a tantrum. Micheline doubted he understood what the word no meant. In his mind, money did all the talking. While she realized money helped, she also recognized it wasn’t the answer to everything. Ken refused to see this or other points of view. Micheline wanted to change this, for the sake of the people who had to work with him. They deserved respect which Ken refused do. After what seemed an eternity, Ken appeared to find his voice. “What makes you assume I’m selfcentered?” “No assumption; fact. Every time I’ve heard you, you’ve been bragging about who you know and how much you have. Plus, you brag about your conquests both human and animal. Not once have you spoken of anyone else in a positive light. In fact, the only subject you talk about is you.” Ken’s eyes darkened. “Then why would I ask you on a date?” “Easy. You want to see what it will take for me to sleep with you. Well, I can tell you, Kennedy Karl Kilpatrick, it won’t be as simple as you want it to be. I have higher standards than those you’ve gone out with before. If you want me, work for it.”

True to her word, Micheline made Ken sweat it out. In the month since their first date, she refused to have sex with him. It frustrated him but; she didn’t care. She refused to allow him to sway her decision. He learned accolades and cajoling backfired. It made her dig in her heels deeper. Micheline added more time each time he pushed. Conquering the beautiful blonde meant bragging rights for Ken. She refused to be another notch on his bedpost. Her parents brought her up to be better and have self-respect. She needed to uphold her reputation. It didn’t mean she didn’t fool around. She had enough sense to not do it on the first few dates. Until she met Ken, none of the men she went out with made it a big deal. Ken had to make it all about him. “I have needs,” he insisted. “I shouldn’t have to beg to have them met.” She raised an eyebrow each time he tried to make this argument. “We all have needs but sometimes, we have to rely on ourselves to fulfill them.” Micheline doubted Ken would consider masturbating. It didn’t stop her from putting the idea in his head. She thought it might keep him from pestering her as much. On New Year’s Eve, Micheline allowed Ken to make love to her. He was so excited about being inside her; the condom broke. Ken jumped up in shock and dismay. Micheline braced herself on her elbows, looking at Ken in confusion. “What the hell? I insist we use protection and you purchase inferior condoms?” Ken resented the insult. “I don’t buy inferior products! The condom had to have been defective. I should sue the company!” “Calm down,” Micheline replied. “It happens sometimes. Are you so petty, you want to sue a company because you couldn’t contain yourself?” “Are you saying this is my fault?” Micheline raised an eyebrow. “I’m not the one who ejaculated so hard, the

rubber broke.” Ken straddled her, holding her down. His face went from embarrassed to anger. “You best not become pregnant because of this,” he warned. “Or else what? What are you going to do? Kill me?” Micheline was taunting him, and Ken wasn’t taking it. “Don’t say something you’ll end up regretting,” he replied. “You should be careful. I’m not a man you want to mess with.” She laughed in response. “Are you serious right now? You’re a pansy! You’re all bluster and no substance. I’m far from afraid of you.” When she announced to Ken of her pregnancy, he launched into a tirade. “I figured you were trying to screw me over! You got pregnant on purpose to trap me.” She let out a loud laugh. “How in the hell do you figure? Do you not , I insisted on your wearing a condom? Do you also forget the condom breaking?” Ken’s face turned purple with rage. “So, you expect me to marry you.” “No, not at all. I am more than willing to take care of this baby without you.” He stopped raging, shocked at what she told him. It stunned him enough to doubt what he heard. “Excuse me?” “I said I can take care of the baby by myself. I don’t need you.” Ken clenched his fists. “You won’t deny me my child,” he scowled. She shrugged, apathetic. “Whatever you want. I’m only telling you I can take care of the baby without you.” “Well, to be sure you don’t take off with my kid; we are getting married. My parents will insist on it.” Micheline lifted her shoulders in indifference, saying nothing. She allowed Ken to rant on. He would tire himself out soon enough. He settled down, announcing

he was calling his parents. When he returned, Micheline learned they would marry the following afternoon. With every pound his wife gained during her pregnancy, Ken had a sense of entrapment. In his mind, Micheline was sneaky and underhanded. “Maybe if you bought name brand condoms, neither of us would be in this situation.” He mumbled beneath his breath, storming into his study, slamming the door behind him. Ken stewed at his desk, aware his wife was right. He despised the fact she was already right. His only hope of salvaging the debacle is if the baby was a boy. He already had the child’s name picked out. They would name the boy Kennedy Karl Kilpatrick, Jr. What better way to honor a wonderful man such as myself than to have a namesake? Micheline stared through him when he announced this revelation to her. “I hope he won’t turn out like his namesake. Maybe he will have enough of me in him to counteract your negative genes.” Ken tightened his lips. “He’ll still be tremendous because he will be a male. Everyone acknowledges men have superiority over women. There would be no way he will ever be a letdown.” His wife huffed. “I’m sure any child of yours will end up failing you. None of them will ever be able to live up to your expectations.” When Micheline gave birth to their daughter a month later, Ken’s jaw dropped in shock. He had convinced himself they were having a boy. He even tried to put the blame on Micheline. “Nice try,” she retorted. “The man determines the sex of the baby. You have it in your head a girl will make you less of a man. Believe me, it doesn’t. Your attitude does.” He stormed out, and she didn’t see him again until she was ready to leave the hospital a few days later.

7

Colleen craved her father’s attention. No matter what the five-year-old did, Ken did little to acknowledge her. On the rare occasion he focused on her, he belittled the sensitive child. Her father subjected the same brutal treatment to her sister, Shannon. But, she took the abuse in stride. Both girls were well-behaved, polite and smart. They were even excited about the baby due within the next few weeks. Even though he never verbalized it, Ken’s daughters understood he preferred a son. There wasn’t a day when he didn’t tell them how boys were smarter, stronger and better at everything. Far too often, Ken would tell them their only use was to keep house and take care of their husbands. Micheline did her best to compensate her girls for their father’s lack of connection. “Everything boys can do, girls can do. Sometimes, we can even do them better. If anyone says any different, tell them to fuck off.” Despite her mother’s affection and attention, Colleen still longed for her father’s affection. Every day, she waited at the door for him to come home. “Daddy!” she squealed as soon as he walked in the house. “Colleen!” he bellowed back. “How many times have I told you not to grab me the minute I step through the door? Give me a fucking chance to sit for a minute.” She ran, sobbing to her mother. “Why does Daddy always yell at me, Maman? Doesn’t he know it makes me happy when he’s home?” Micheline stroked her daughter’s hair. “I wish I knew, sweetheart. He’s not a happy person himself.” “Is it because I was a mistake?” asked Colleen. Micheline looked confused. Where would her daughter hear such a story?

She groaned when she realized the source. Only one person would have the nerve to say it. She still had to ask to confirm her suspicions. “What are you talking about? You are not a mistake. Where did you ever get that idea?” Colleen tilted her head as she answered her mother. “Dad told me. He said I was a mistake, and you had tricked him into having me.” Her mother wasn’t quick to anger but, this enraged her. How dare Ken tell his child she was a mistake! Just because her husband was miserable, it didn’t give him permission to take it out on their children. They deserved better. “You are not a mistake, baby,” Micheline responded. “No person on this earth is a mistake. Your father should know better than to say such a thing. I did not trick him and he is well aware I didn’t.” Micheline kissed her daughter’s forehead. “I don’t understand why your father would tell you something so horrible. Please don’t let him upset you, my dear.” “But, how do I get him to love me, Maman?” she pleaded. Her mother always had the answers. This time, Micheline failed her daughter. “I wish I had the answer, baby, but, I don’t. Your father is difficult to love and I’m not sure he knows what love is.” Colleen hugged her mother. She found comfort in Micheline’s arms. “At least I know you love me.” “Until I the day I take my last breath.”

8

When Micheline gave birth to their son, Ken was beyond ecstatic. At last, he had someone to carry on the Kilpatrick name. He insisted on bringing the boy up in his image, strong, undeterred and smart. Colleen and Shannon adored their baby brother. Micheline allowed the girls to help her take care of him. She did her best to keep them from becoming jealous. She realized it may be an impossible task since Ken doted on the boy and ignored his daughters. Both girls understood their standing with their father. Shannon appeared less affected by it than Colleen. She never looked for approval or attention from Ken as she was more independent than her older sister. Shannon understood Colleen’s need for love and acceptance. Although she had her own amount of abuse, it paled to her siblings’ dose. There were moments their father came close to hitting Colleen but, stopped before his fist connected with her face. He would then laugh, taunting her. “See how much I love you,” he said. “I could have hurt you worse than I did. How many times have I told you not to piss me off? But no, Colleen, you insist on finding new ways to make me angry.” Colleen ended up in tears, running to her room for the rest of the day. Shannon stood up for herself. She presumed her father at least respected her for it. He didn’t like the disrespect he received from his daughter but; he ired her backbone. “You should be careful, Dad,” she warned him. “Keep pushing her away may end up backfiring.” Ken scoffed. “That crybaby? She doesn’t have the balls to do anything.” As KJ grew older, he played with his sisters and their toys. He adored playing with dolls and dress up. Shannon and Colleen loved using their brother to

practice the newest make-up techniques. KJ had fun with his sisters and they loved hanging out with him. Their father would go into tirades every time he caught his children playing dolls. “I will not have a son playing with girl toys,” he screamed. “You girls need to stop making a pussy out of your brother. And KJ, do not let me catch you doing this again. How are you supposed to take over the company by acting like a girl?” KJ, like Colleen, was a soft-hearted child. He took his father’s verbal attacks to heart. As with Colleen, he would lock himself in his room and cry until he fell asleep. Colleen and KJ formed a special bond because of their mutual mistreatment. They vowed to protect each other as much as they could. “Dad can throw as many punches as he wants,” she told her brother. “But, he’ll never break us. We’re a lot tougher than he thinks we are.” KJ hugged his sister. “Maybe you are but, I’m not so sure about me.” Colleen tightened her squeeze. “Yes, you are. We may not be tough like Shannon but, it doesn’t mean we are tough in our own way. I think we’re more like Maman. We can empathize with other people and understand their pain. It’s not as if Shannon doesn’t care. She won’t let Dad push her around as much as we do.” KJ looked at her with hope. “Promise me you you’ll never leave me.” “As long as Dad is alive, I’ll always be here for you,” Colleen vowed. “So will Shannon. I’m sure of that.” Ken had bought KJ tons of trucks, cars and GI Joes but, for whatever reason, the boy wasn’t interested. KJ would much rather play with his sisters and their toys. This infuriated Ken. The thought of producing a son who was effeminate was a disgrace and an embarrassment for Ken. He failed as a man, producing a male as unmanly as KJ.

He needed a son to carry on the Kilpatrick name and take over the business. The only thing Ken required of his son was to act like a real man, not like a sissy. To run an empire like the Kilpatrick Group, a person needed to be tough, resilient and smart. Ken needed his successor to not back down from a fight. He wanted a son who stood up for himself and not fear punching back when necessary. He didn’t want a son too soft to deal with the cutthroat world of business. KJ empathized with others in pain; something his father couldn’t do. Ken had no choice but to harden his son up. So when he spotted KJ again on the floor with his sisters and their dolls, Ken lost it. “What the fuck are you doing? How many times have I told you to stop playing with dolls? Why do you insist on disobeying me? I am your father and your actions question your loyalty. I don’t understand why you are so adamant on making me look bad.” KJ was sobbing, terrified. The boy didn’t have the words to respond. “Ken! Leave the child alone!” Micheline yelled. “If he wants to play with dolls, there is nothing wrong with it.” Her husband scowled, pushing his son to the floor. He turned his fury toward his wife. “What the hell are you talking about? There is everything wrong with him playing with dolls. I will not have a pansy for a son.” “It will not make him a pansy,” Micheline lashed back. “Playing with dolls will allow him to grow into a warm and comionate man. He’ll be able to show empathy for his fellow human beings unlike his father.” Ken grabbed his wife, shoving her against the bedroom wall. “Listen, bitch, I’m tired of you coddling these kids. I cannot have a child who cries at the drop of a hat.” Micheline pushed him back. “And I cannot have a husband who treats his children as if they are worthless. I won’t allow you to treat them like shit any longer.”

9

Unbeknownst to their children, Micheline and Ken had been sleeping in separate bedrooms for weeks. She didn’t want to add to their already mounting stress levels. Her children needed to be children and not troubled with adult issues. Micheline did her best to protect them from their father. She realized it was impossible to do so 24 hours a day but; she did as much as achievable. She would much rather take the abuse than subject the children to it. Her husband had other ideas. She understood how his thought process went. In his mind, if he bullied their son enough, KJ would stop being the delicate soul he was. Ken didn’t understand the more he pushed their child, the more introverted and sensitive he would become. She tried many times to explain it to Ken but, it never sank in. Her husband refused to see he was doing damage to KJ’s psyche. “How can he grow up to be a strong man if I’m not tough with him?” Micheline sighed in frustration. “How can you not see what you are doing is creating the opposite? Instead of raising a strong, confident man, you’re turning our son into a person who fears everyone around him.” Ken fumed every time she pointed out something she viewed as wrong. “Just because you have yourself a medical degree, it doesn’t mean you have all the answers. You’re a goddamn pediatrician, not a fucking shrink.” He stormed off after spitting his insult. He always wanted to have the last word. Because of her understanding of him, she took the verbal assaults in stride. But, after ten years of daily emotional, mental and verbal abuse, it was taking its toll on her. If it wasn’t for her children, Micheline would have given up the fight long ago.

In the fifteen years since Colleen’s birth, Ken had countless affairs. A few were one-night flings while others lasted for several months. He only slept with Micheline to keep her from becoming suspicious. Ken didn’t care anyway if she found out. His wife was a mere female. All women were beneath him. He viewed his wife as a failure. She bore him one son and their son might as well have been another daughter. Micheline explained countless times; the man determined the sex of the child, not the mother. It was pointless to argue with him. Once Ken had something stuck in his head, there was no changing it. Ken had an obstinate streak and there was no changing it. The more Micheline told him to grow up and be a man, the more Ken dug in his heels. Nobody told Ken Kilpatrick how to be, which included his wife. He was who he was. He had no reason to change now. People either loved him or hated him. He avoided those who hated him and surrounded himself with those who loved him. Even though he would deny having a bruised ego, it hurt him when people didn’t like him. He would put on a brave face when he heard things about him in a negative vein. But inside, he was a wounded animal. “If you continue to keep it bottled up, you’ll end up exploding,” Micheline advised. She understood her husband well enough to sense he was raging. Ken lashed back. “Don’t you dare presume to lecture me,” he screamed at her. “I’m fine. You don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. You’re only a pathetic female.” She always walked away from him when he was in one of his moods. Ken thought it was because she realized she wouldn’t win the argument. To her, quarrelling with him wasn’t worth her energy. It was easier for her to let him assume he was right and won the argument. If she didn’t, Ken and Micheline would do nothing but fight. The last thing she wanted was to subject her children to it.

10

Shannon may have appeared stronger than KJ and Colleen. But, her father’s outbursts affected her as much as it did her siblings. The only difference was she internalized her emotions while Colleen and KJ displayed theirs. Shannon wished she had the ability to cry. In her mind, it would help relieve the mounting pressure she was experiencing. Her entire body ached but, she was not about to complain. She refused to give her father the satisfaction. It would bring a deluge of taunting and derision from Ken. Her mother sensed something was wrong with her middle child. “Tell me about it, baby,” she said. “What’s going on?” “I’m fine, Maman. Just over-thinking everything as usual.” Micheline tilted her daughter’s head upwards. “You wouldn’t be lying to Maman now, would you?” She feigned a disapproving stare. “No, Maman.” She understood her middle child needed to deal with things in her own way. It didn’t mean she stopped worrying about her as she did with all of her children. Shannon believed she needed to be the strong one. She wanted to assure them she would defend and protect them from their father’s daily onslaught of cruelty. “You don’t have to be the strong one,” Colleen advised her. “We are tougher together.” “We are but, I should be the one to stand up to Dad for all of our sakes. I wish he would pick on me more than you and KJ.” Her sister laughed. “You realize it won’t happen. He takes sick pleasure in torturing us. Maybe because we don’t stand up to him as much as you do.” “Don’t change who you are,” Shannon told her. “You and KJ’s sensitivity is important because this family needs you to be. The two of you bring a softness

our father can’t. You balance us out.” Although she had her own dose of abuse, it was mild compared to what her siblings received. Her father attacked Shannon less because she never reacted. She never understood why her father enjoyed torturing them, and she was certain she never would. She decided not to let him see her cry. He was not about to bully her into submission. “And, don’t you dare let him,” KJ added. “Dad enjoys lording over people. It gives him a sense of power. I’m sure we’re only two of many.” Shannon hugged her brother and sister. “Our father’s an ass. As Maman always says, there’s nothing we can do about it.” Colleen laughed. “Maybe we can,” she giggled. “We can do our own version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Instead, we’ll play Pin the Heart on the Daddy.” KJ and Shannon laughed so hard, they were crying. Their father ed by Colleen’s room and stopped to see why they were giggling. “We weren’t aware it was a crime to laugh,” Shannon responded with a huff. Ken punched the bedroom door and pointed at his youngest daughter. “Listen, little girl. I will not have you mouthing back at me.” Shannon shrugged her shoulders. “Who was mouthing back? I only said we didn’t think laughing was against the law. Maybe if you learned how to laugh; you wouldn’t be going around like you have a stick up your ass all the time.” Her father lunged at her, wrapping his hands around her neck. “You insolent little twerp! You should show me respect!” “Why? Because you’re my father? Never going to happen.” Ken shoved her to the floor. “I am your father so I deserve respect!” “Respect goes both ways, Father dear. How can any of us respect you when you treat us all like shit?” Shannon rose to her feet, standing undaunted before her father. Her gray eyes locked onto his, making certain he comprehended he didn’t intimidate her. He

was about to hit her when Micheline walked by. “You better not touch any of them, do you understand me?” she ordered. Ken turned to face at his wife. When he saw the stare of fortitude on her face, he realized he lost the argument. He stormed ed her and into his study. Micheline turned to her children. “What was going on?” “We were making a joke, Maman,” answered Colleen. “We were all laughing and Dad didn’t like it.” Their mother winked. “He thought you were all laughing at him.” “We were!” KJ exclaimed with enthusiasm. Micheline chuckled. “You were? What did you say?” Shannon told her mother the joke Colleen told them about Pin the Heart game. Micheline couldn’t keep herself from laughing even louder. “Please, don’t tell your father about it. The last thing we need is for him to get worse and take offense to a simple joke.”

11

Colleen met Elijah her senior year of high school. Not only was he the school track star, Elijah was always top of the dean’s list. The man’s integrity and intellect impressed her. Elijah ired her comion and her equal treatment of others. When he asked her on a date, Colleen didn’t hesitate. “I’d love to,” she responded without hesitation. She ran home to tell her mother. “I am sure you’ll like him, Maman. He’s smart, athletic and kind.” Micheline tried to the last time she saw Colleen so cheerful. To see her daughter happy was everything she wanted. “Well, if you like him, I am positive I will,” she told her. When Elijah arrived the following evening to pick her up, Micheline greeted him with warmth. “Hello, Mrs. Kilpatrick,” he said, smiling and extending his hand. Micheline returned his offer for a handshake and showed Elijah a seat. “I’ll go fetch Colleen,” she told him and started upstairs. She heard Ken yelling at the top of his lungs the moment she left the room. She and Colleen dashed downstairs to see Ken tearing a strip off Elijah. “Ken, knock it off!” Micheline yelled. “He’s here to pick up Colleen.” Her husband turned; his face red with rage. “What do you mean, he’s here for Colleen? Why is there a nigger here to take out our daughter?” “You apologize to this young man,” she demanded. She locked eyes with her husband. “Not a chance. No daughter of mine is going out with someone like him.” Micheline walked over to Ken, remained stone-faced.

Colleen watched in horror as her father continued to berate her escort to Micheline. “I need to ask this person a few questions,” Ken told them. Elijah stood, towering over the 6-foot 3-inch Ken. He was ready for anything Colleen’s father threw at him. “So, your parents are low-level menial workers and it’s why you’re trying to put your hooks into my daughter.” It took Elijah aback but, remained polite. “No sir. My mother works as a ed nurse at Bellevue. My father was a point guard for the New York Knicks. He is now a professor at NYU in the computer engineering department.” Ken snorted, unimpressed. He figured the teen was making everything up. “I assure you, I am telling you the truth, sir.” “Computer engineering? Is that a kind of hippie thing?” “No, sir. It’s an intellectual thing. Despite what many people envision, the computer industry is not full of white, geek men who still live their parents’ basement.” Colleen took a step towards her date. “Dad, knock it off. Elijah has done nothing to you to warrant you treating him in such a manner. In fact, he’s been civil and polite to you while you’ve treated him like a second-class citizen.” “He’s nothing but a two-bit hood,” her father responded. “They all are.” Micheline became indignant by her husband’s outrageous behavior. Her husband was being racist. He didn’t care who he was embarrassing. “Ken, you heard your daughter. Knock it off. Colleen’s friend did nothing to warrant your racial slurs towards him. His parents are both well-educated and have respectable careers.” His wife glared at her husband. “From what she’s told me, Elijah here is on his way to achieve fabulous things himself. You owe this young man an apology.” Ken refused. In his mind, he did nothing except speak the truth. His daughter brought into his house a person looking for a way out of the ghetto. “I’m sorry you feel that way, Mr. Kilpatrick. Everything you said is untrue. My

parents raised me to work for everything I want.” Elijah told him. “None of us depended on handouts because my parents considered it detrimental our well-being. Their philosophy was we would appreciate what we have when we had to earn it. My brothers and I all have part-time jobs and bring in good grades. My parents brought us up work hard and not depend on others to make our way in the world.” Micheline and Colleen stood, enjoying the polite rebuff Elijah was giving to Ken. Ken, though, did not find it amusing. How dare this man speak to him in such a demeaning and disrespectful way! Who did he think he was? “I am the eldest son of Sarah and Franklyn Johnstone,” Elijah replied. “I was polite and considerate to you, Mr. Kilpatrick and not once did I denigrate you. Unlike you, I showed respect. You should take notes from your wife and daughter and treat people as equals instead of looking down your nose at those of us who don’t have the same characteristics as you.” Micheline grabbed Ken’s shoulder before he made a move towards the teen. “Quit it,” she warned him. She told Elijah and Colleen to go enjoy their night. She lit into her husband once the couple left. “What the hell is wrong with you? Colleen brings home a fine, upstanding young man and what do you do? You treat him as nothing but a two-bit hoodlum.” Ken became even more indignant than usual. “That boy is nothing but a punk. Seizing an opportunity to clamp onto girls with rich fathers is all they care about. You watch, he’ll do everything he can to rob us blind.” He pushed himself past Micheline, stomping off to his study. She should have known her husband wouldn’t hold his tongue even for his daughter’s sake. But, then again, why would he do anything for Colleen? He resented her long before the child took her first breath. Micheline was thankful for Clancy and Bertha stepping up and providing unconditional love to their grandchildren. She was aware they were making up for Ken.

They had failed in not giving him more positive attention and discipline. Clancy and Bertha were too late in realizing they were lax in disciplining him. They regretted not being more involved in raising him from the beginning.

12

KJ realized he was gay at an early age. He confided in Colleen when he was fifteen. “It scares me, Coll. Not only for the homophobes out in the world but, Dad too. This will make him mad.” He fought back tears as he continued. “You and I have heard his views on gays. He hated when I played with your dolls and was brutal about it. His reaction will be so much worse when he finds out.” Colleen wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “He’ll blow a gasket, that’s for sure,” she agreed. “He already treats you like shit. If you tell him, it will make things worse for you.” KJ buried his head in his hands. All his life, he had been a major disappointment to his father. Nothing the boy gleaned an ounce of approval from Ken. At least he would have his mother’s . Micheline gave all of her children total love and encouraged them to be their best. She always told them to be themselves. If they were true to their word, they would succeed in life. “What can I do, Colleen?” “Have you talked to Maman yet?” He shook his head. “No, but she’d understand. She always does.” Colleen gave her brother a quick squeeze. “She will but, she may also have advice on how to deal with Dad.” KJ sighed, exhausted. “Will you come with me?” “Yes, I will. Let’s go.” Colleen followed her brother to their mother’s study. “Maman? KJ wants to talk with you,” she announced. Micheline looked up from her book. “He knows he can always come speak with

me. Come in, my love and tell Maman what the problem is.” KJ sat across from her and found the courage to tell his mother he was gay. Micheline gave a warm smile. “Baby, I’ve already suspected. That fact doesn’t make me love you any less. In fact, it makes me love you even more.” She saw the concerned expression upon her son’s face. “It’s your father, isn’t it?” KJ nodded. “He already hates me. This will only make it worse for me.” His eyes were red and swollen from tears. Micheline walked over to her son and knelt beside him. “I see how much your father loves to torture you and your sisters. I wish I understood his need to do so. As much as we want him to change but, he’s set in his ways.” “So you wish you didn’t?” Colleen asked. “Nope, because if I hadn’t; I wouldn’t have the three of you.” Ken stormed through the house, screaming and slamming everything in his path. His only son was gay, and it infuriated him. Wasn’t it bad enough KJ was effeminate; he now had to be gay? How was it possible a man like him produce a son who found himself attracted to other males? In Ken’s mind, this was a sick perversion and the men in the Kilpatrick line were not prone to being perverted. KJ stood, cowering near the staircase as his father continued to rage. “Ken you need to stop this nonsense!” shouted Micheline. “He’s your son. His sexuality is irrelevant. Why can’t you see what a gift he and the girls are? Why do you expect them to live up to this impossible standard no one can to meet?” Her husband clenched his fists, shaking them in anger. “He’s defective, Micheline. He might as well be one another daughter. KJ is as useless as any female.” Micheline took a step towards him. She looked into his steel-gray eyes. “You’re

not a prime pick yourself. Everyone who knows you; knows you’re a no-talent schmuck. If it hadn’t been for your parents’ hard work and tenacity, you’d be a penniless nobody.” Ken swung, hitting her in the eye. Colleen, who had been watching from the top of the stairs, screamed in horror. “Maman!” she screamed as she darted down the steps towards her mother. Her father grabbed her arm and yanked her back. “Don’t you go near her or you’ll find yourself with a matching one.” He glared, terrifying the girl even more than she already was. Colleen pulled her arm away from her father’s tight grasp. His eldest child had found a sudden momentary tinge of bravery. “Why don’t you grow the hell up?” she yelled. “For as long as I can ; you’ve acted like a spoiled, insolent little brat.” Ken found himself stunned Colleen would find the nerve to talk back to him. The shock didn’t take long into turning back to rage. His eyes darkened; his face deepening to a dark purple. The color drained from Colleen’s face. Her father grabbed her again and threw her across the room. Her head ricocheted off the wall, making her dizzy. Micheline started towards her daughter but, Ken shoved her back. “Leave her! I’m not through with her yet.” The stare she received from him told her it would only be worse if she tried to interfere. Ken hovered over the slumping Colleen. “Have you learned your lesson, little girl? Or do I have to inflict more pain?” Colleen tried to answer but, her head was still spinning from the impact. Ken soon became tired of waiting for a response. He kicked his daughter hard in the ribs. Instead of yelling out in pain, Colleen moaned. Ken grabbed her hair, pulling her head back. “You will never speak like that again! Do I make myself clear?” Colleen nodded. Ken shoved her again before storming off. Micheline rushed to her daughter’s aid as KJ phoned for an ambulance.

KJ regretted telling his father about his sexuality. If he had kept his mouth shut, his sister would not be in the hospital. He hated being a failure in the eyes of his father. He wanted nothing more than to have his father’s love and approval. His entire being rubbed Ken the wrong way. KJ remained in his room whenever his father was home, which appeared to be all the time since he revealed his secret. Shannon checked in on her brother often. She often brought him food and made certain he ate. She took her mother’s role while Micheline was at the hospital with Colleen. KJ loved Shannon as much as he did his mother and sister. He wanted to be like her and let things roll off his back. But, he wasn’t as strong as his sister and he learned what will happen if any of them stood up to their father. Shannon took a seat on the corner of his bed. “You can’t keep yourself locked up in here,” she advised. “I understand you’re afraid of him. I don’t blame you. Our father’s an asshole. We all recognize it and there’s nothing we can do to change it.” Shannon wrapped a comforting arm around her brother. “Maman was right. We are all special despite anything Dad says. We all have to be who we’re supposed to be; not what he wants us to be. I understand it’s hard little brother but, we have to try. Otherwise, what happened to Colleen and Maman is meaningless.” Shannon was right but, it didn’t mean he still wasn’t hurting. When the tears flowed, he turned his head in shame. Shannon knelt in front of her brother. “Don’t do that. You have every right to show emotion. Just because Dad thinks it’s unmanly, it doesn’t mean he’s right. When he was our age, they had the adage big boys don’t cry. Times have changed. We all realize this is no longer the case. It’s okay for men to show emotion.” His sister continued. “We’re all human. We all have different reactions and no one should tell us how to feel or demand we hide them.” KJ heard Shannon’s words but, they didn’t convince him. He had bullied for so

long by his father; it was easier for him to accept the negative.

13

Ken saw Zofia sitting in a café across the street from his office building. The dark-haired beauty entranced him. He let go of the door and found his way to her. Without being asked, he took the empty seat at her table. She looked up, startled; her brown eyes staring at him in disbelief. “Who do you think you are?” she demanded, her thick accent making her statement sound even harsher. He gave her a broad grin which made her uncomfortable. “My name is Ken Kilpatrick,” he replied, not noticing her displeasure. “I own that building over there,” he continued, pointing at the 20-story tower. She remained focused on him, unimpressed by his attempt of showing his wealth. Zofia raised an eyebrow. “Do you expect me to fall at your feet because you possess a single property?” Ken leaned in. “I own several properties, a chain of ad and modeling agencies. I also own a chain of employment services offices. My parents left me very wealthy.” Ken swore he saw a shift from suspicion to interest despite no change in her facial expression. “That may be true,” she answered. “But, unless your wedding band is only a ruse, I don’t involve myself with married men.” He fidgeted with the ring. Damn it, he thought. I didn’t think this through. Ken nodded. “Well, yes, I am married. But, we’re not married in the biblical way.” Zofia chortled. “Either way, you’re still married. Sorry, I don’t fool around with married. Excuse me.” She stood, turned and walked away. Ken followed her. “Hey!” he hollered. “I didn’t catch your name.” She stopped, turning to face him. Her faced told him the woman wanted nothing to do with him. “It’s because I didn’t throw it.”

The woman’s voice was full of venom. As she moved to leave, Ken grabbed her arm. “What the hell are you doing? Let go of me.” She yanked her arm away. “I only want your name,” he said as she did so. She glared. “It’s none of your damned business. Now, leave me alone.” Ken watched, drooling, as the woman walked away. Zofia had been creeped out by the old man who hit on her that morning. The 23year-old model was used to men ogling her so this was nothing new. This guy was different. There was something about this Ken Kilpatrick that made her skin crawl. She was sorry for the man’s poor wife. Whoever she was; she had to be a saint. Who else would put up with her husband’s infidelity? And how did she deal with his over-inflated ego? She shivered at the thought of the man’s hand touching her. Zofia imagined how his wife felt whenever he touched her. Her stomach churned even thinking about it. “What is with you this morning?” Her photographer for the shoot, Nick, had noticed the laid-back Zofia was jittery. She scratched her head, uncomfortable with whatever had happened. “It’s nothing,” she answered. “I stopped for coffee this morning and this old man tried to flirt with me. When he grabbed me to get my name, it made my skin crawl. I wouldn’t give it to him and it pissed him off. I felt his eyes staring at me when I was walking away.” Nick’s face showed concern. “He grabbed you?” “Yeah. Only my arm but, still. He was such a jerk.” Zofia wrapped her arms around herself. “Did he tell you who he was?” Nick asked, concerned. “He did. He said he was Ken Kilpatrick.”

“Ken Kilpatrick? Are you sure?” Zofia gave him a dirty look. “That is what he told me. He even bragged about all these businesses he owned. He was trying to impress me but, it didn’t work.” The model sighed, frustrated. “I’m sure he only wanted to sleep with me. He was a married man. I told him I’m not about to involve myself with a married man.” Nick exhaled a deep breath. “I understand but, I hate to break this to you. Ken Kilpatrick is your boss.” Zofia thought she was about to be sick. This bit of news was a kick to her stomach and her insides were running amuck. Her only hope of getting fired was if Ken didn’t find out who she was. “I wouldn’t worry about your job, Zofia. He doesn’t have a legitimate reason to fire you. Refusing to tell him your name is not against the law.” Nick rubbed her shoulder in . “The fact you were in public means you have a buffer. But, with Mr. Kilpatrick’s reputation, though, he will try.” The model sensed the color from her face drain. She couldn’t afford to lose her job. It wasn’t only because of the money. She feared being deported back to the Czech Republic and to a life she wanted to leave behind her. Micheline looked up at Ken in bewilderment. Her husband had been in a good mood from the moment he walked through the door. “What’s gotten into you?” she questioned. Ken shrugged. “Nothing. I’m just in a good mood.” She scoffed. “If we were discussing anyone else but you, I would say yes. But, you’re never happy unless there is a reason. It involves you torturing someone else. So, spill.” He laughed. “I met the most beautiful girl in the world today. I’m sure I want to marry her. Only problem I have is finding out who she is.” “Wrong. You have forgotten you’re already married.”

Ken waved it off. “Not a problem. I can fix it.” Micheline was in shock. “So you will grant me the divorce I’ve been asking for years?” Her husband went silent. She watched him process her request. His mood soon changed to anger as he realized what a divorce would end up costing him. She watched as he tried to figure out an alternate route out; a way which wouldn’t be so expensive. There was no pre-nuptial agreement so Micheline would make out like a bandit with a settlement. Her husband was so furious, he was shaking. She realized it was wrong but; she found it amusing to see her husband grapple to make the right decision. “Can say yes, Ken? Put us both out of our misery.” Ken paced around the living room. He was muttering to himself, debating both sides of the argument. “Come on, Ken. As much as I want out of this marriage, you want it twice as much. “You’re the one who wanted to tie the knot, not me. You’re also the one who checked out first. Be a man, suck it up, and let’s do this.” Ken hated when Micheline was right. He should have given her the divorce years ago. It wouldn’t have cost him as much. “Fine,” he scowled. “I’ll call my lawyer in the morning.”

14

Ken despised Micheline’s insistence they should divorce. It wasn’t as if he wouldn’t be ecstatic to rid himself of her. He hated the thought of losing a large chunk of his money; money his parents worked hard to earn. He wished he could rid himself of Micheline without parting ways with his cash. If he could get away with it, he would kill her. The more he thought about it, the more murder sounded good to him. But, how? How could he kill Micheline and make it look natural or an accident? His wife didn’t drink much except for a glass a wine or two before going to bed. She refused to take drugs so an accidental overdose would be out of the question. Then again, it might. Their friends had witnessed the pair’s constant fighting. They would assume Micheline had enough of the stress. He would tell people she was suffering from depression and he witnessed her getting worse. It never occurred to Ken scheming would be so exhilarating. The only other thing he needed to do was to uncover the identity of the mysterious brunette. He didn’t care she was more than half his age. She was a strong, beautiful woman; a woman who was his obvious equal and deserving of being his husband. He never felt this way about any other woman. He hoped ridding himself of his wife would pull favor for him once he found his soulmate. It was as if she wanted to remain hidden. Ken did not hold it against the woman because she was so different in other aspects. She was much younger, firmer and a brunette. Plus, she had a more exotic appearance than his wife. But, his most immediate concern was freeing himself of Micheline. Micheline suspected her husband was up to something nefarious. Every time she saw him, he had a scheming look upon his face. “What are you plotting?” she asked.

Ken shrugged, showing his palms. “What are you talking about? I don’t have a clue!” he replied. “Yes, you do, Ken. You’ve been wearing the cat that ate the canary expression for weeks. I know you better than that and when you’re up to no good. Spill.” She watched as her hope soon-to-be ex-husband squirm to come up with a suitable response. After several minutes, she had enough. “Forget it. I don’t have time for your foolishness.” Ken’s face radiated with smugness as his wife’s stamina had been waning over the years. She let out an exasperated sigh as she watched him saunter towards his study. Micheline shook her head in disbelief. Her husband had ways to test her patience and saw it was wearing thin. She was aware he was planning something, and it was something scandalous. Because of this, she didn’t press the issue. The less she knew; the better off she was. It meant if questioned, she could deny any knowledge. If she could have been able to read his mind, she would have found herself an escape route.

15

Satisfied he had a plan in place to rid himself of Micheline, Ken could now focus on finding the mystery brunette. It had been weeks since he approached her and hadn’t seen her since. He was wondering if she was a figment of his imagination. Until he saw her face on a New York City billboard for cosmetics. He found a renewed sense of hope. All he had to do was find out who had the contract for this cosmetics company. Once he did, it would be a cinch to discover the model’s identity. When his personal assistant advised him of the model’s name, Ken felt as if he was a kid with a new toy. He ordered his secretary to find out any information for the woman. He called Zofia as soon as he had her number. His heart raced long before she answered the phone. “I found you,” he exclaimed. “Who is this?” she replied, annoyed. Her question insulted Ken. “It’s Ken Kilpatrick. We met a few weeks ago at the coffee shop.” There was a loud groan on the other line. “Oh, yes. The pompous ass.” Ken snarled. Zofia sounded so much like Micheline in how she spoke to him. “You realize I sign your checks?” “Do you realize you’re threatening me?” Her curt responses were not what he wanted to hear. Why was she being so difficult? “I’m doing no such thing. I’m only informing you I’m the one who pays you which means you work for me and not the other way around.” Zofia snorted. “I can always find other places to go. You’re not the only modeling agency around.”

Ken’s blood was boiling. This woman did not understand how powerful he was. He bought and sold people every day. He had connections with high level of government. One phone call and he could have her deported back to whatever shit-hole country she came from. “I may not be the only game in town but, I am the best game in town.” There was a long silence on the other end of the line. “That is your opinion. But, even if it would be true, I’d rather work for a lesser company than deal with a prick like you. Go home to your wife and leave me be.” She hung up before he could respond. Ken banged his fist upon his desk. He hated losing and loathed rejection. Zofia didn’t realize she was dealing with a man who could make her life miserable. Ken was now more determined to convince Zofia she needed to be with him. He could offer her the world. All she had to do was say yes. He tried phoning her several times but; she refused to answer. She had a caller ID phone so she could see he was calling. He had to find a reason to show up at her door. An excuse like a flat tire would be too obvious; he had to come up with something original. How could he impress the beautiful woman? Money or power didn’t sway Zofia. This was a problem for Ken. Money and power was all he had to get what he wanted. What else could he offer? Ken stood at his office window, his hands in his pants’ pockets and staring at the Manhattan skyline. A swirl of ideas was going through his head. Many he discarded without a second thought. He decided he would pull a few strings and have Zofia booked for many modeling projects. He hoped she would find out she was working more because of his influence. Maybe then she would go out with him. He would give her ample time to work before he would approach her to announce his magnanimous gesture. After making several calls, he decided on researching the model. He learned Zofia came from a poor region of the Czech Republic. She was also one of 10

children living in a run-down home in Louny. This surprised Ken. He couldn’t comprehend why a woman who grew up in poverty would reject the opportunity to live a life of luxury. At least it told him she wasn’t a gold-digger. It was a point in her favor. Her employee file he had requested gave little information. She was younger than his children but; it didn’t matter to him. The only thing he wanted was Zofia. When he looked at her work visa application, he became excited. The paperwork was incomplete and unauthorized. It meant Zofia could face deportation at a moment’s notice. Ken could use this information to his advantage. If he couldn’t get her with his charms, he could blackmail her into being with him.

16

Zofia was in the middle of a shoot when she had a sense of trouble brewing. She was never this uncomfortable during a session before so why now? It was at that moment she spied Ken, staring at her from behind the photographer. She tried to keep herself from being sick. She realized he was only there for one reason and it wasn’t a good one. Nick turned to see his boss behind him. Ken waved him over and whispered something to him. “Zofia! Mr. Kilpatrick would like to speak with you!” he shouted. She strolled over to him; her brown eyes had turned black. “Haven’t you gotten the hint? I don’t want to be with you.” Ken smirked. “You might change your mind once I tell you the little tidbit of information I found out.” Zofia saw the superior look upon his face and recognized he was scheming something. She glared as she responded. “You have nothing on me. You’re a petty little man who can’t accept being told no.” Ken smirked. “Are you sure? Why don’t you come with me and find out?” He grasped her wrist, leading her to his office. She tried to free herself from his grip but; he was a lot stronger than she was. He only released his grip once they entered the office. Ken locked the door behind him as he pushed her towards a chair. He took his seat across from her, ignoring the glowering stare she was giving. Ken picked up the folder on his desk; he took his time opening it. “So, let’s see what we have here.” He was prolonging her agony on purpose. “Get on with it,” she snarled. He ignored her order as he thumbed through the documents.

“Oh, what is this?” he asked, faking surprise. He picked up the piece of paper, pretending to read. “It appears your work visa application is incomplete.” “What’s your point?” He placed the paper down. He looked up, interlocking his fingers and placed them upon the paper. “My point is you are here, working without the proper paperwork.” His steel eyes were cold as she squirmed in her seat. “What are you trying to say?” Ken leaned forward. “Simple. I can make your life miserable if you don’t cooperate with me.” “You mean date you.” “Well, if you insist.” Zofia flew into a rage. “No, I do not insist,” she seethed. “This is coercion. In case you’ve forgotten, you’re still married.” Ken shrugged, pursing his lips. “Irrelevant. My wife and I sleep in separate bedrooms. We have for years.” “Unless she has died or you’ve divorced, you’re still married to her. I will not demean myself by being the mistress. I don’t care what you have against me.” She sat back and crossed her arms. Zofia hid her terror well from her boss. She realized he had uncovered something to hold over her. She had hoped it would be years before he had. Her worst nightmare had come true. Since he now had Zofia trapped in his web, he could now focus his attention to ridding himself of Micheline. Although he had agreed to divorce, he was not about to give her the satisfaction. Divorcing meant parting with money he was not about to share. His idea to kill

her appealed to him. It wouldn’t come as a shock to anyone. Those familiar with them were familiar with Ken’s belittling Micheline at every opportunity. He didn’t care if they were in public or not. In fact, he took extra pleasure in humiliating her in front of a crowd. He often chastised Micheline as if she were an insolent child. People ired her strength, putting on a brave face when they were positive she wanted to break down in tears. No one would blame her if she took a mental break. Life with Ken must have taken its toll upon her. Ken became aware he was wearing his wife down. Micheline didn’t fight back as much as she used to when they were first together. She often appeared ragged. He would hear her wandering the house at all hours of the night. Ever since the children moved out, Micheline had no one to hide behind. She could no longer use them as a reason to talk back to him. If he pushed her enough, her eventual suicide would appear to be a logical response to years of abuse. Ken had to figure out the right way to do it. It had to appear as if his wife killed herself without persuasion from him. Ken’s research told him most women who commit suicide took pills. He found quite a few resorted to carbon monoxide poisoning. He was leaning towards the latter. Micheline took medication so overdosing would be out of character for her. Coming up with such a perfect plan to get rid of Micheline revitalized him. He now had to devise a plan to get her to the car and make her stay. She had to be unconscious to make the plan work. Ken thought about hitting her on the back of the head but, he couldn’t risk leaving a bump. There was no way he could draw attention to him. He had to find another way to make her unconscious without obvious markings. Not wanting to leave evidence on his computer, Ken headed for the nearest library.

No one noticed or recognized him which played in his favor. He took a computer far from the students doing homework. He didn’t need prying eyes to be watching what he was doing. Ken started off looking at random. He then delved into more serious subjects until he entered the keywords for ways to make someone unconscious. Chloroform looked as if it would be the most logical but how was he to get his hands on it without raising suspicion? Ken had to find something else. He continued to scroll until he spotted something. “That’s it!” he thought. He did more random searches before he headed back home.

17

Micheline hated being tired all the time and not being able to sleep more than a couple hours at a time. Colleen insisted her mother see her doctor, but Micheline brushed it off. “I’ll call you in the morning. Please, try not to worry.” “I have no choice, Maman. Every time I visit, I see a part of you dying. I don’t understand why you don’t move out. All of us kids are no longer in the house. You have no reason to stay.” Micheline touched her daughter’s face. “If I leave, he wins. I’ll have no leverage for a fair divorce settlement if I’m out of the house.” “But, is your quality of life worth it? If you’re not careful, you’ll end up dead.” She appreciated Colleen’s concern but; she didn’t want to let on she was as worried as her child. “I’ll be fine.” She gave Colleen a quick kiss goodbye. “Don’t worry about me, baby. I will call you in the morning.” Micheline headed for bed with the open bottle of wine she had in the fridge. Her nose crinkled after taking a sniff. She ed off the slight odd smell as fatigue on her end. After pouring a glass, she sat into her chair and picked up her book. Her face scrunched after her first taste of wine. “Blech,” she said, setting the glass down on her side table. She decided food might counteract the flavor of the wine. It still tasted off but, not as bad with the food. Maybe I’m just overtired and I think it tastes bad, she thought. She let out a loud breath as she picked up her book again. She read a few pages, sipping as she did. Micheline became sleepy. I hope this means I’ll be able to sleep through the night. Instead of going to her bed, she remained in her chair. Unbeknownst to her, Ken had been watching from the shadows of the hallway. He hoped the liquid sleep aid he put into the wine bottle would knock her out

right away. No one would suspect anything if it was in her system. They all were aware she was suffering from insomnia. Once he saw her out, he picked her up and carried her to the garage. He placed her in the driver’s seat soon after starting the car. After closing the door to the vehicle, Ken slid back into the house. He placed the bottle of sleep medication on the table next to the wine bottle. Ken woke to a blood-curdling scream. It was their housekeeper who had discovered Micheline. He rushed downstairs, feigning shock and dismay upon seeing his wife’s lifeless body. “Go call 9-1-1,” he ordered. As soon as she left, Ken open the car door and reached in to see if she was still breathing. Confirming she was dead, he closed the door again. The police and an ambulance arrived within minutes. “Has your wife ever shown signs of being suicidal before this?” Ken shook his head. “No. Although she hasn’t been quite herself the past few weeks.” “In what way?” “She’s been quiet and keeping to herself. The only time she was out of her bedroom was when our kids visited.” The lead detective, Shawn Murphy, gave a concerned look. “Her bedroom? You don’t sleep in the same room?” Ken again shook his head. “We haven’t for years. Micheline was having back issues. She thought it was better for her to sleep alone.” “Was she taking anything for it?” “She did on the rare occasion. My wife hated taking medication. The only time she did was when the pain was too bad for her to tolerate. It was why she hadn’t been sleeping much the past few weeks.” Ken watched the detective as he wrote his notes. He hoped he was convincing the officer it was suicide and not murder. “Was she taking anything for the

insomnia?” Ken pretended to be choking back tears. “She liked to take a glass of wine or two before going to bed. Micheline thought it would help her sleep. She not once complained about her difficulties though. It was against her nation to burden others with her issues.” The detective glanced up, looking at Ken to gauge his truthfulness. Ken did his best to act as a grieving husband. He produced enough tears to make it appear as if he was. “Can you show me to her bedroom?” Ken led him upstairs and into Micheline’s bedroom. The officer asked Ken to stay in the hallway while he did a search. He picked up the open wine bottle and took a sniff. As with Micheline the night before, he scrunched his nose. There was something off with the odor but, then his spied the bottle of liquid sleep medication. Micheline must have put the medication in the wine to relax enough to sleep. Next to the wine were the small remnants of a snack. Nothing else in the room looked out of place. “Did anyone find a note?” he asked Ken. “No one mentioned it,” he answered. “Unless the maid took it.” The officer signaled to his husband who disappeared downstairs. When he returned, he shook his head. “No note.” “Is that odd?” “No. Not all suicide victims leave notes. It all depends on the individual.” Ken fought the urge to show his unease. “Micheline was the type to tell people how she felt, good or bad. Believe me, she told me off plenty of times.” The officer raised an eyebrow. “Did this bother you, Mr. Kilpatrick?” He pursed his lips, shrugging. “All couples have their squabbles. Micheline’s parents raised her to speak her mind. She had no problem doing it. She didn’t

care if she hurt the other person’s feelings or not.” “I heard the same said about you, Mr. Kilpatrick.” “I don’t deny it. Explains why my wife and I argued as much as we did.” “Were you ever so mad at her you wanted to kill her?” “Never!” Ken shouted back, insulted. “If anyone wanted to kill, she would; for cheating on her all the time.” The detective nodded. “And another reason she slept in a separate bedroom?” “Or take her own life,” Ken added. “She couldn’t take playing second fiddle to younger, more beautiful women any longer.” “Perhaps but, if your marriage was so rocky, why not divorce instead of taking her own life? Wouldn’t she judge it to be a better solution?” “Yes but, neither one of us asked for it. It never entered our minds.” Deep down, Ken realized the detective saw through his lies. He’d be facing a murder charge if the officer wasn’t buying his lies. He eyed the officer as he continued to take down notes. “Okay, Mr. Kilpatrick. If I have further questions, I’ll call you.” The news of their mother’s death upset her children. She had taken her own life without explanation. It made no sense to them. Micheline loved her children too much to kill herself. Shannon wrapped her arm around her sister’s shoulders. “It makes no sense but, we have to accept she’s gone. Maman wouldn’t want us to mourn her. She’d want us to how she was.” Colleen wiped the tears from her face. “I can accept she’s no longer with us. What I can’t accept is she took her own life. It makes no sense.” KJ walked up behind his sisters. “I agree with Colleen. Maman wouldn’t do this. Even if she would, she would have left a note to tell us why.”

Shannon couldn’t disagree with them. It didn’t fit their mother’s style. She sighed. “I understand but, what can we do? We have nothing to prove Dad had anything to do with Maman’s death. All we can do is stick together and keep him from trying anything with us. If it means putting forth the image we’re a big, happy family, then so be it. Nobody needs to see how dysfunctional our family is.” Colleen broke away from her sister’s embrace and turned to face her. Tears were rolling down her cheeks. “I can’t imagine why you want us to that man after everything he’s done to us. Do you not our childhood?” Shannon took a deep breath. “I haven’t forgotten. Our father is an ab but, I’m thinking about Maman. I don’t want to disgrace her memory by demeaning our father in public. I don’t want to stoop to his level. Do you?” Colleen broke down. “Okay but, only for Maman.”

18

Ken summoned Zofia to his office a few weeks after his wife’s death. She knocked on the door and entered when acknowledged. Ken was sitting at his clean desk except for a file folder in front of him. Zofia recognized it as the same one Ken had when she met with him before. He gestured at the chair across from him. She sat with hesitation. “Have you given any thought to my proposal?” She looked at him, stunned. “Are you serious?” she asked. “You buried your wife less than a month ago for God’s sake. Can you at least show comion? Or at least pretend you have empathy.” Ken wasn’t having any of her excuses. “I am serious. There’s nothing I can do about my wife’s death even if I wanted.” “You’re a cold-hearted bastard.” “Yes but, I’m telling the truth.” Both remained silent for several minutes. “As far as I can see it, you don’t have a choice. You either be with me or go back to Louny.” Zofia was sick to her stomach. As long as Micheline was alive and married to Ken, she didn’t have to face his ultimatum. Now, his wife was out of the picture, Zofia found herself trapped in a no-win situation. She lowered her head in defeat. Ken grinned. “Good girl. I will have my driver pick you up at 7.” Zofia left his office and rushed into the restroom. After throwing up in a stall, she slumped to the ground, sobbing. She sold her soul to the devil, and it terrified her. She suspected Ken executed his wife so he could back her into a corner. Zofia had no proof but, she had a gut feeling he did it.

If Ken could get away with murder once, there was no stopping him from doing it again. She had to be careful. She would rather go back to her home country than end up with the same fate as Micheline. Ken moved Zofia in a week after their first date. His children voiced their dismay at his decision. “How can you do this so soon after Maman’s death?” Colleen questioned. “Do you not see how disrespectful it looks? Do you not care how it makes you look?” She was making him aware she recognized how much his image meant to him. He viewed this last question as a low blow, even for Colleen. “Your mother would understand. Believe me. She wouldn’t want me to be alone.” “You mean; you wouldn’t want to be alone. If you were alone, you’d have no one to torture and abuse. With no one to torment, you’d find yourself powerless. That sensation of powerlessness will devastate your ego.” Colleen glared at her father. “My heart goes out to this woman you brought in. She doesn’t have a fathom what you’re capable of and what kind of life she’s signed up for.” Ken scowled at his daughter. “Listen, you little bitch, there is no reason for her to fear me. She knows not to piss me off unlike my kids what they can to anger me.” Colleen glanced at Zofia, trembling in a corner. She turned her attention back to her faction. “Are you certain about that, Dad? Then why is your little girlfriend looking as if she will throw up?” she replied, pointing in the woman’s direction. Ken took a quick glance and huffed. “She’s not afraid of me. It’s you. Zofia’s not used to hostile people.” Shannon piped up in her sister’s defense. “She’s not the one who is intimidating, Dad. That job belongs to you.” Ken pointed a finger into Shannon’s face. “You stay out of this, little girl.”

She slapped his hand away. “You can’t intimidate me anymore. Colleen’s right. You’re disrespecting Maman by bringing this woman in so soon. If you care about your image, why would you tarnish it? I can tell you, you won’t like it.” “You don’t even know her!” Ken screamed. “No, but I know you! I have nothing against her. It’s you and this situation I have a problem with. You could have waited a few months before you brought her in.” Shannon seethed. “This soon after Maman’s death makes you look like a heartless jerk. You are one but, I’m sure you don’t want everyone else to find out about it. Not only that, she is being portrayed as a gold-digger and I doubt this is what SHE wants.” Ken’s face was red. He clenched his fists, shaking in anger. “Get the fuck out of my house!” he bellowed. Colleen stopped long enough to speak to Zofia. “I don’t have a clue what he’s holding over you. But, whatever the case, are you sure being with that is worth it?” she asked as she pointed her finger towards her father. The incident Zofia saw horrified her. What had she gotten herself into with Ken? She should have known she was getting into a dangerous situation. Hearing Ken’s daughters accuse him of killing their mother gave her reason to fear for her own life. She realized Ken had trapped her. If she left, Ken would have her transported back to the Czech Republic. If she stayed, she would expose herself to his abuse. Or worse, she’d end up dead. Her only bright spot was his children appeared concerned for her. Zofia sensed she could rely on them for . She was still cowering in the corner when Ken walked in front of her, blocking her. The threatening glare upon his face intimidated her. “I hope what you saw will keep you from doing anything to piss me off. As I’m

sure you realize by now, I always get my way. As I am also sure you’re aware, you have no way out. So this is how it will work. In public, all of us will put forth a happy, united front. When we’re home, you will obey me. Everything I tell you to do, you will not argue with me. Am I being clear?” Zofia nodded, trembling. “Good. From now on, I will not have you talking back. Everything up till now is your one free . Understand?” Again, she nodded in agreement. Zofia was empty inside. Her soul vanished the moment she walked through the front door of his house. “Since we now understand each other, it’s time for us to make ourselves at home.” He took her by the hand and led her to their bedroom. Zofia put up with everything Ken threw at her. She understood how it made her look to the outside world. After seven years of a daily onslaught of abuse, her self-esteem had sunk had sunk so low she was almost void of any emotion. She became numb whenever he forced himself on her at night. It was easier on her to lay there still and allow Ken to have his way with her. Any resistance from her would have resulted into an onslaught of various abuses. When her doctor told her of her pregnancy, the news terrified her. After witnessing how her husband viewed his other children, her announcement would not go over well. She watched as Ken processed the thought of adding to his brood. She couldn’t tell for certain but, she thought she saw a hint of joy in his eyes. “Pregnant, huh? I don’t recall giving you permission to have children,” he said between clenched teeth. Zofia shot him a look of shock and dismay. “Me?” she exclaimed. “What about you? If you didn’t want more children; why not protect against it?” Ken tightened his grip. This was the first time she talked back to him in years. “Did I not warn you to watch your mouth with me?”

She nodded, terrified. “So when I tell you it’s your fault, you can’t turn around and put the blame back on me. Agreed?” Again, she nodded. Zofia feared what he might do to her and the baby. “Good. And I’m warning you, this baby better be a boy.” When she gave birth to twin girls seven months later; she saw the anger raging in his eyes. Zofia braced herself for a tirade for the ages. Her only hope was he wouldn’t unleash the fury on Anneliese and Rosalie. She would take the beatings to protect them at all costs.

19

Ken’s family looked at him in disbelief when he announced he was running for president. “Are you crazy?” Shannon asked. “No. I will win. Believe me, no one can beat me,” her father answered. Colleen groaned. “You’re full of yourself. Do you want to embarrass yourself? Can you handle the scrutiny you’ll be subjecting yourself to?” Ken brushed off his daughter’s questions. “They have nothing on me so how can they embarrass me? What do they have to scrutinize? I’ve done nothing illegal or immoral so they can’t analyze me now, can they?” Colleen scoffed. “You feel you have nothing to hide? How can you say such a thing, Dad? Do you all the years you had cheated on Maman? What about when you moved Zofia in so soon after Maman’s death? You don’t think the press and your opponents won’t run with it?” Ken didn’t care. “Show me a man who doesn’t fool around. Nobody cares about things like that anymore. Believe me, they can’t touch me.” KJ looked at his sisters in disbelief. What kind of nonsense were they listening to? “You are out of your mind,” Shannon remarked. “Why would you want to subject your whole family to the scrutiny? This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard you say and I’ve heard you say a lot.” “Plus, you have no political experience. Why would anyone vote for you?” KJ added. “Everyone has to start somewhere.” “Yes, but they start at the bottom and not at the top.” Shannon returned. Her father rolled his eyes.

“Starting at the bottom is for losers. I’m a winner. I always win or haven’t any of you noticed?” Colleen huffed. “You’ve had everything handed to you and you can’t deny it. You’ve never had a hard day’s work in your life. How can you claim you’re a winner when you’ve never had to compete?” Ken scowled at his older daughter. “As if you had it so hard.” “True, we’ve had it better than others but, it’s not as if we had it easy. We still don’t with you as our father,” Colleen stated. Her father slapped his hand across her face, knocking her backward onto the couch. Her cheek was red from the hard slap. “I was a damned good father to you kids!” he yelled. “What world are you living in?” Shannon shouted back. “You’re delusional if you thought you were a good father. You weren’t even a fair dad. If we gave parents grades, yours would be an F minus. As a husband, it would be even lower.” Ken shoved his finger into Shannon’s face. “You’re a liar and you can’t deny it. I’ve treated both my wives like gold.” His daughter grabbed his finger, bending it back. “Do you not see what you’re doing right now? If you were such a good father, you wouldn’t be acting like an ass. Not once have you ever said a kind word to any of us, including Maman and Zofia.” Ken stared at Shannon, shocked. He couldn’t understand why his own children were being combative and uncooperative. Because of him, they grew up in the lap of luxury. They had the best of everything. He deserved at least an ounce of gratitude from them. “Zofia has no complaints about me. She knows a good thing when she has it. In case you hadn’t noticed, Zofia has never given me any grief. She knows better.” “That’s the way you like your women, isn’t it? Subservient and silent.”

Shannon locked eyes with her father, almost daring him to hit her. Instead, he pointed to the door and ordered them to leave.

20

KJ hated the thought of his father running for president. It meant his being thrust into the spotlight and he dreaded it. His sisters would be fine but, the fact he was a gay man meant he’d be the focus of hatred and prejudice. He already received more than his fair share of epithets thrown in his direction. While still living at home, his father subjected him to verbal and physical abuse. He moved out as soon as he turned 18 against his mother’s objections. “I have to go, Maman,” he explained. “If I stay, Dad will destroy me in any way he can. You realize if I don’t, I will lose who I am.” Micheline cupped her son’s face. “I understand, baby. But, I still think you’re far too young.” “You were younger than me when you left and you made out okay. I can do this, Maman. I am positive I can.” His mother let out a loud breath. “Yes, baby, I believe you can handle yourself but, as your mother, I will worry about all of you kids until the day I die.” KJ hated disappointing his mother but, being the only child left in the house meant he was the sole focus of his father’s assaults. He realized it meant having his mother deal with her husband alone. When they found his mother dead in her car, his decision wracked him with guilt. KJ suspected his father was behind it but, there was no proof against him. If he only had persuaded her to come with him, she may still be alive. If she were still alive, she’d be able to advise him how to deal with his father’s impending run for office. Micheline always had the words to say to make him more at ease and more secure. She would have understood his trepidation about the unwanted focus of attention.

His father was oblivious to KJ’s concerns. “Don’t be ridiculous, KJ. No one will care about you. All eyes will be on me.” “Are you insane? It was your choice to run. But, the whole family will have the eyes on the world on us. They will judge us right along with you. People will dig around for anything negative to hold against you. They also focus on the candidate’s family.” KJ couldn’t convince his father otherwise. “Believe me, KJ; it won’t happen. I’m the star of this show. All of you are ing cast.” “ing casts all have parts to play and are as important. Believe me, Dad, the spotlight will be on all of us; not only you.” Ken couldn’t understand why his family was so against him running for president or why they couldn’t him in his decision. Everybody had the dream of being president. They had no skeletons in their closet to come out to ruin his chances. “You never considered they will dig for dirt on you?” Colleen fired back. “What about Maman’s death? You don’t suppose they’ll delve into it and try to link it to you?” “She died of a suicide,” he replied, pointing a finger at her. “You and I both know it.” Colleen gave her father a dirty look. “I am not so certain; part of me says you had something to do with her death. She was not one who’d commit suicide. She was too strong.” “And don’t forget about KJ. The fact your only son is gay won’t reflect well on you with certain demographics. As I am sure you are aware, there are extreme homophobes out there, yourself included,” Shannon added. Ken lifted his arms, extending them and shrugged. “What are you talking about? I’m not homophobic!” “That’s bullshit, and you damned well know it.” Colleen screamed back.

“Have you forgotten how you treated our brother because of how effeminate he was? And when he came out to us? KJ is your son; your flesh and blood and you make it sound as if he’s a demon child.” Ken’s eyes narrowed. “If he didn’t look like me, I would swear your mother cheated on me and had him. The Kilpatrick’s don’t have defective children. He must have gotten it from your mother’s side. The French are a little light on their feet.” Shannon stood nose to nose with her father, her blue eyes darkening. She had had enough of her father’s belittling ways. She poked him in the chest. “Listen, Pops. If anyone in this family is defective, it’s you.” Ken grabbed her, slamming her against the wall. “No, you listen! There is nothing wrong with me except for having children who don’t understand their place. Your mother never learned to mind herself and look what happened to her.” The look on Shannon’s face turned from anger to disbelief as realization sunk in. “You killed her, didn’t you? Why? Why did you do it? Did you do it so you could move Zofia in? Was Zofia aware of this? Was she in on it?” Ken cackled. “Nobody can touch me, Shannon. I’m off the hook for any murder charges because they ruled her death a suicide. You’d take care not to cross me now you know what I can do to you.” His children were in tears. Their father confessed to killing their mother and showed no remorse. They were in shock he would even it to it. Colleen spoke up. “You bastard! Instead of granting a divorce like she wanted, you killed her. All you care about is keeping your money; you’d do anything to do it. Maman deserved so much better than the likes of you. So does Zofia and the twins. Have you thought about your new career choice if that little tidbit of information got out?” Ken waved it off. “There’s no proof. All they would have is your word against

mine. Once they see the autopsy report, they would see there was nothing out of the ordinary in it. I was careful in my planning and execution. I am smarter than everybody. If it gets out, I will deny it and there will be no doubt who leaked it.”

21

Ken recognized he needed to go big if he wanted to win the presidency. His hit TV series, Becoming a Business Icon, had earned him national fame. The show featured biographies and interviews with the CEO of major US companies. The attention it garnered him pleased him. His Twitter , @OfficialKKKilpatrick had over ten million followers. Many of them were part of white supremacist groups. He thought they had the right to see things however they wanted. The fact he viewed things the same way was irrelevant. It wasn’t difficult for him to hide his disgust for people of color. Ken considered himself a great actor to the world outside his home. He didn’t like how having a gay son reflected on him. His daughters didn’t appear to understand the concept. They thought if Ken embraced his son and his sexuality, he would garner much more positive attention. He knew better. His people wouldn’t understand it and he wasn’t about to turn his followers against him. He couldn’t afford to lose his core ers if he wanted any chance of winning the election. When he announced he was making the run, his speech didn’t take long to turn into a rant. “When I become President of the United States, I will do everything in my power to protect the people of this country. I’ve been watching us go downhill for years. We’re a laughingstock around the world. Everyone knows we’ll let in riff-raff from anywhere.” Ken became more animated as his speech continued. “They’re not sending us the best of their best. No, they are sending the worst of their worst. They realize we’ll let them in, no questions asked. We’ve got to stop these countries from sending these assholes into OUR country.” His eyes widened. “Every one of them is a criminal and low-life. They’re thugs.

We don’t need them and we don’t want them. They need to go back to whatever shit-hole country they came from.” Thunderous applause followed his last comment. “When I’m president, things will be different. Believe me; I will make our country the envy of the world like we used to be. We will be so huge; the best of the best will want to be here. And believe me, we will only allow the best of the best to come into our country if we deem it necessary.” His hands flayed about to emphasize his points. “It’s time we put Americans back to work. The unemployment rate will be my top priority. It’s at 30 percent. I will bring it down to about 2 percent. Believe me, if anyone can do it, it’ll be me.” He smiled in pride. “I’ll also bring down our national debt. I’m the best person in handling money; we will wipe out in no time. Believe me, I can do it and I will do it. I will address tax reform. I will cut your income taxes and you’ll all have more money in your pockets. This will make you so happy! With more in your wallets, you’ll have more to spend. This is how we will revive our economy.” He paused as he caught his breath. “We won’t need to depend on other countries, sending their cheap products here. They’re destroying our economy while improving theirs. We need to buy American-made products. Americans make high-quality goods. Everyone here knows it. Believe me; there is no need to bring in products from around the world. As my campaign slogan states, America First.” The audience roared, chanting, “Ken! Ken! Ken!” Ken loved the crowd noise. He was getting the unconditional love he always wanted. Colleen didn’t like what her father was saying. She deemed his speech was more divisive than uniting. She also felt it was deliberate on her father’s part.

He was gratifying a specific demographic he assumed he needed to win. He thought if he focused on the forgotten people of the United States, he would win the election. “What forgotten people?” she asked. He waved his hand around. “The ones pushed aside to make space for these illegals to come in and take their jobs.” Colleen raised her eyebrows. “Huh. So, you mean white people?” Ken tightened his lips and shrugged. “If that’s the way you see it.” “It’s not how I see it. It’s what I understand about you. On top of being a homophobe, you’re also a racist. Only fitting, considering your initials.” Colleen saw the confusion on her father’s face. She couldn’t comprehend why he didn’t understand her statement. “What’s that supposed to mean?” His daughter rolled her eyes. “Your monogram, Dad, is KKK. You share it with one of the most notorious white supremacist groups in the world. Are you sure you want any association with them?” “What are you talking about? Just because I share the same initials as the group doesn’t mean they’ll link themselves with me.” Colleen sighed in irritation. “You’re out of your mind. Why are you blind to what’s going on? Why wouldn’t they attach themselves to you? They love the acrimonious rhetoric you’ve been spouting.” Ken looked shocked. “You’re crazy, Colleen. Nothing I’ve said is contentious.” Colleen shook her head in disbelief. Her father was delusional. He never considered what he was saying was not splitting the country apart. “Are you serious, Dad? You don’t see what you are doing and saying will destroy our country? How can you not assume every derogatory remark you throw out there will encourage hate groups to ramp up their efforts against other

segments of our population? Plus, they will use you as the reason for their bad behavior and abuses.” Ken waved her off. “Not going to happen, although I understand where they are coming from.” Colleen took a step back. “Are you kidding me right now with this shit? Do you want to align yourself with these extremists?” “I didn’t say that. I said I could see things from their point of view. We’re being overrun by immigrants. It’s time to put us first.” Her father crossed his arms in defiance. She stared back at him. “You both of your wives are immigrants, right? Plus, your parents both came from other countries. Have you forgotten that?” “I haven’t forgotten!” he screamed back. “They’re different!” “Why? Because they’re white?” Colleen shouted in return. “You’re a racist, sexist, homophobic prick. You’d knock me over with a feather if you even get the nomination, let alone the presidency.” “Just watch and see, little girl.” Ken was looking forward to his first rally. His many followers were demanding one so they could see their favorite candidate. He booked the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as the venue. Because he wanted to impress his audience, he spared no expense. As much as he hated spending money, he understood it was an investment for securing his future. If he wanted to be president, he had to pay out. Ken waited in the tunnel with Zofia and the twins. KJ and Colleen refused to be part of his first rally. They didn’t want to appear as if they approved to his extreme rhetoric. Shannon made the tough decision to make the trip to Atlanta. It was against her better judgment but; she didn’t want Zofia to deal with being his only visible

family er. She understood why Colleen and KJ didn’t want to be there. It would go against their principles to be there for a man who not only abused them but, who had such extreme views on race and sexuality. In most situations, Shannon would them in their protest. She backed her siblings without a second thought. But, her stepmother and younger sisters needed someone with them for moral . It wouldn’t be fair to them to go it alone. Ken gloated about Shannon betraying her siblings to be with him. “I’m not doing this for you. You may see this as my betraying KJ and Colleen. I don’t care. I’m here for Zofia, Annaliese and Rosalie. Colleen and KJ will understand why I’m doing it.” Her father snarled. “It’s not how my people will see this. They’ll see you as a daughter devoted to her dad.” Shannon rolled her eyes. “Don’t fool yourself. The same people who hold you up will be the same ones looking to knock you down.” He was about to respond when they announced his name to thunderous applause and raucous cheers. Ken sauntered onto the stage, his chest puffed out with pride. He smiled with pleasure. Ken was enjoying the adoration he was receiving from the 3000 in the stands. They roared with delight when he stretched his arms out. Ken took his place at the podium, waiting for the crowd to settle before he launched into his speech. He spied Zofia and Shannon seated with the twins. Both women were stone-faced but, he didn’t care. The people loved him and it was the only thing that mattered to him.

22

KJ called Colleen, frantic. “Can you come over?” he begged. Colleen could tell by the sound of his voice, her brother was in fear of something. She tried to get him to tell her what was going on over the phone but; he was in too much of a panic to delve into what was troubling him. “I’ll be right there, bud.” The color drained from her face when she pulled in front of his house. No wonder her brother was in panic mode. Painted in bright red and big letters across the front of his house was the word, “Faggot.” She sobbed before she even got out of her car. Upset, she rushed through the front door. A uniformed officer stopped her before she could go any further. “Who are you?” he demanded. “She’s my sister. I asked her to come.” KJ had appeared from his kitchen. He grasped Colleen’s wrist and led her to the kitchen. She gasped at the sight of the broken window and brick beneath his table. She wrapped an arm around her brother. “When did this happen?” Her voice quivered in horror. “I don’t know about the graffiti but, the brick came through when I was about to have breakfast.” The incident frightened him more than he wanted to it. His husband, Daniel, was out of town on business so KJ was alone when the attack happened. Colleen feared for her brother’s wellbeing. “You can’t stay here, buddy. It isn’t safe.” KJ stood defeated against his kitchen counter. He remained silent for several minutes. Over the years, he had more than his fair share of name-calling and bullying because of his sexuality.

He never complained about it; he realized early on he would have to deal with it. To have his family worrying about him was not what he wanted. He exhaled in frustration. “I can’t go, Coll. This is my home. I’m not about to have these bigots scare me into leaving.” His sister looked upon him with warmth. She walked over and hugged him. “I never realized how strong you were. I refuse to stop worrying about you. You are my baby brother. It’s my job. That being said, you’re not staying here by yourself. Until Danny comes home, I am staying.” KJ returned her warm embrace. “Okay, sis. I love you.” “Right back at ya.” When Colleen told her father about the incident at KJ’s home, Ken shrugged it off. “No big deal,” he said, unfazed his son escaped severe injuries. Colleen stared at him. “Your attitude shocks me, even if it shouldn’t. How can you be so heartless? People threatened your son this morning and you couldn’t care less. Do you not realize what happened today? These punks meant to harm or kill your son.” Her father remained stone-faced. Colleen read his mind. “You were hoping they killed him?” He sipped his coffee before offering an answer. “No but, what does he expect?” Her father’s nonchalant attitude stunned her. She should have learned by now; she shouldn’t find anything shocking coming out of her father’s mouth. “Do you wish something serious would happen to KJ? Are you that ashamed of him?” Ken extended a hand as he explained his point. “Your brother’s an embarrassment to this family. If he didn’t choose this lifestyle of his, he wouldn’t be subjecting himself to these so-called attacks.”

Colleen took a step back. She should not find her father’s attitude shocking. Still, she shook her head in disbelief. His son was being threatened with bodily harm and harassed but yet, their father viewed it not important. “He didn’t choose his lifestyle, and you damned well know it. KJ’s being gay is genetic. You, yourself, taunted him when he was younger and you only treated him worse as he got older.” She took a step towards her father. “Do you not the hissy-fit you threw when he came out to you? Or have you forgotten it again?” Ken huffed. In his mind, he was only trying to toughen up his son. He wanted to ensure KJ could handle such incidents like what had occurred. “Are you crazy? Wait, what am I saying? You are crazy! Why else would you be spouting such nonsense?” Her father informed her it was far from nonsense. “I’m telling the truth. Your brother is a pansy. How else does everyone see he’s not a real man? He’s only asking for trouble by walking and talking the way he does.” “All he is asking for is to for people to leave him alone. Do you think he wants people to attack him? Why not consider this thought, Dad? How about people let him live his life? He’s not bothering anybody.” “But, he is, Colleen!” Ken shouted. “Why can’t you see it? His flamboyancy offends people. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Your brother is sick and unstable. He has to be! Why else would he live his life as a gay man?” It was obvious to Colleen there would be no reasoning with her father. He was not willing to change his views on homosexuals. On many issues, Ken refused to open his mind. He couldn’t find his way to see other points of view. Or wouldn’t. Either way, her father was adamant he was right and no one could change that. She didn’t want to it her father may have been behind the attacks but; the thought nagged at her.

“I’ve had it. You’re not worth the effort. You’re a cold-hearted bastard and soon, everyone will see it for themselves.” She slammed the door behind her and headed back to her brother’s.

23

When Ken hired Caleb Wilson to help with the campaign, the young man from North Carolina accepted without a second thought. Caleb had ired the businessman for years. In his mind, Ken had everything a man could want. He had more money he knew what to do with and a gorgeous wife. Caleb wanted to be like Ken. Working with the Republican candidate offered him the opportunity to learn from the master. Ken beamed as soon as he saw Caleb in the war room. He extended his hand to greet his newest team member. “Thank you for g on,” Ken told him. “You will be a great asset to my campaign.” The compliment delighted Caleb. “It’s an honor for me, Mr. Kilpatrick. I have confidence you will win it all.” Ken patted his back. He thrived on compliments and the more he received, the more he liked the person doing the flattering. “Please, call me Ken. I appreciate your full assurance in me. You’ll do well. I can feel it.” Caleb beamed, flattered. Ken’s meant everything to him. He vowed to do all he could to ensure Ken won the presidency. He never hesitated to stay late when asked. Many nights, it was only Ken and Caleb working. The two men confided in each other. “I don’t understand why you’re worried,” Caleb advised. “People love you. Look how well you’re doing in the polls. Not only that, you are dominating the primaries and the caucuses.” Ken swatted away the compliment. “What about the general election? Susan Spencer will secure the Democratic nomination. How am I supposed to beat

her?” Caleb refused to allow Ken to defeat himself. “Stop that nonsense. You’re Ken Kilpatrick, business mogul. If you can run a successful company, you can run a successful campaign. It’s no different. I can help you win the election.” Ken eyed him in suspicion. What plan did this young man have in mind? Would it even work? Caleb looked as if he still belonged in high school. “I may look like a teenager but, I assure you I am not. I am a graduate of LSU in computer science. Trust me, I will do whatever it takes to make you our president.” Caleb saw the doubt on Ken’s face. Instead of trying to explain his ideas, Caleb showed him instead. Seeing the plan in black and white, Ken perked up. “Brilliant! Let’s get started,” Ken exclaimed. The next morning, Kareem Mohammed broke the story of the hacking of Susan Spencer’s Twitter . Whoever hacked into her Twitter inundated it with vile remarks on Ken and his followers. They are all reprehensible rednecks and are coming out now because they found their leader in Ken Kilpatrick read one tweet. The statements were out of character for Susan. She never said or wrote anything defamatory about anyone in public. She spoke with well-chosen words. If people saw her as derogatory, it could harm her campaign. “What is next in our plan?” Ken questioned. Caleb advised they should wait until the hoop-la settled. “We don’t want to do too much too soon. It’s a long road between now and the general election. We need to time our assaults at strategic intervals. The negative focus has to remain on Susan Spencer. As soon as the coverage on

this controversy wanes, we’ll launch another attack.” Ken rubbed his hands together in glee. He loved how Caleb’s mind worked and looked forward to the next offensive. Susan Spencer stood with pride at the podium for her press conference. The candidate for the Democratic Party was in fight mode. Only one person came to mind for the Twitter hack. “As all of you are aware, someone hacked into my Twitter . My belief is Ken Kilpatrick is behind it. “I am of the opinion he hired a computer whiz to hack into my and distribute words I would never utter. People who understand me will agree. It is not in my character to disparage anyone who is not a white heterosexual male.” Susan remained stoic as she continued. “Ken Kilpatrick has no qualms about putting others down. Anyone with half a brain can see he has a superiority complex. Despite this, his ers turn the other cheek. If the GOP frontrunner winds up winning the White House, our country is in trouble. His divisive rhetoric is sowing the seeds of discontent in certain pockets of society. This is the time for us to come together, not torn apart.” Ken’s eyes darkened watching his potential opponent talk her way out of a potential controversy. “Dammit,” he bellowed, slamming his fists on his desk. “Why didn’t this work?” Caleb reassured him the Twitter hack was only the beginning. “ how I explained we have to start slow? I understand you want immediate results but, we’re in a marathon, not a sprint. Despite what Susan said, we planted the seed of doubt in the heads of those who her.” Ken stared through Caleb. His anger soon subsided. Caleb displayed the attributes Ken wished his son possessed.

Unlike KJ, Caleb had strength, smarts and an attraction to the opposite sex. When Caleb confided in him about his extracurricular activities, Ken found a kindred spirit.

24

“Shouldn’t you be preparing for the debate tomorrow night?” Ken never looked up from his newspaper. “Why do I need to prepare? I’m the smartest person running. My competition has nothing on me.” Zofia let out a loud sigh. “Are you so sure about that? What about them? Do you have anything on them?” Her husband remained focused on the newspaper. She hated when he appeared so calm. It meant a storm was brewing inside him. “Everybody can see they’re all afraid of me. I need nothing else.” Zofia wasn’t so sure. His opponents didn’t fear him as much as her husband thought they did. She also saw Ken was not as smart as he thought he was. The only thing he could do was manipulate others. He had ways to intimidate her, and she was not the only one. The older children learned how to overcome their father’s ire. They avoided him as much as they could. At least the twins had each other. Zofia had to deal with her husband alone. “I can’t comprehend why you’re afraid of me. I’ve done nothing to you to warrant fear.” His denials did not surprise her. For as long as she had known him, Ken refused to take ability for his actions. It was always someone else’s fault when anything went awry. “Why should I take blame for somebody else’s screw-up? It would be stupid on my part.” “If you were a real man, you’d it when you screwed up. But, you won’t because you assume it’ll make you look bad. You don’t realize; it’ll make you look good.” Ken scoffed. “What do you know? You’re a mere woman from a shit-hole

country. Your education system there is horrible. You learn nothing important unlike here in the States. Everybody realizes we are the best at everything.” Zofia took a deep breath. Her husband was being obstinate and callous. But, then again, this was nothing new. Ken was always arrogant. She suspected he was the same when he was a child. “So, if you’re the best, you need to prove it by being prepared. The last thing you need is to go on stage tomorrow night looking like a fool.” Ken brushed it off. “I’ll be fine. Like I said, I’m smarter than all of them put together. I can think on my feet. They won’t be able to trip me up.” Zofia gave up. Once he had something stuck in his head, there was no changing it. She sighed and headed for bed. Ken looked forward to the debate. It was his chance to show the country how he would be the best choice for the United States presidency. Everyone would see how smart and competent he was. The other nine candidates paled next to him. He smiled as he stepped on stage after the announcer called his name. He waved to the crowd once he took his place at the lectern. Throughout the audience, people chanted Ken! Ken! Ken! Their candidate winked; pointing his index fingers towards the crowd. The s sat in front of the stage, their faces emotionless. If they were trying to affect the candidates’ nerves, it was working. At least with Ken but, the others appeared to be unfazed by the tactic. The lead , Ana Lopez, was the star of the news program, Politics This Evening, on the Inferno Network. Her fellow s were Kareem Mohammed and Lance Thompson. Kareem and Lance were anchors on the Inferno morning show, Fresh Start. All three had significant careers as journalists. Ken took offense to the fact both Ana and Kareem were not from US and it annoyed him. In his mind, the s should be American. There would be no way any of them could trick him into saying anything incriminating. He was too smart for them.

Ana’s eyes locked onto Ken’s gray ones. The blackness of hers unnerved him. This was the first time a woman had intimidated him since his first met Micheline. He fought to keep his emotions in check and gripped the lectern to maintain his balance. Ken remained smiling despite the tense sensation. The crowd became silent as the lights dimmed. Ana introduced herself, her colleagues and, the candidates. Her first question went to Ken. “You’ve stated at your announcement to run for president and at your rallies about taking back your country from shit-hole nations. To whom are you referring, Mr. Kilpatrick? People like me and my esteemed colleague, Kareem?” “I said no such thing, Ms. Lopez. Anyone who says otherwise is lying.” Ken went from smiling to frowning in disdain. His eyes were darkening with rage. Ana raised an eyebrow but, otherwise remained stoic. “We have video evidence, Mr. Kilpatrick, showing what you said. Why deny something when there is proof to the contrary?” She was a tough reporter and was not afraid to challenge her guests. “I deny nothing. I’ve never said it.” Ana raised her hand, signaling for the control room to air the video. Murmurs among the crowd were audible as the video proof of his comments played behind the ten candidates. All but Ken were wearing a smug smile at the end of the clip. “Do you still deny your saying it, Mr. Kilpatrick?” “Yes, you took it out of context.” Groans arose throughout parts of the audience. The majority was in disbelief about Ken being so adamant about maintaining his innocence. His ers were loud in backing their candidate. The resurgent chants invigorated Ken and his bravado soon returned. The s moved on to the other candidates after making their point. Ken granted an interview with Anthony Armstrong, his favorite reporter from the XRAE network. The journalist would treat him with the respect he deserved. Anthony’s first question was a simple one. “How do you think the debate went tonight?”

Ken glared. “It was obvious they were out to get me,” he scowled. “Ana Lopez is the worst. Everyone sees the Mexican dyke has it in for strong men. She’d do anything to bring us down. I could tell she was on her period which would explain her extra dose of venom towards me.” The following morning, the news was abuzz with the comments made by Ken post-debate. Every network thought Ken had killed his campaign. Every network except for XRAE. They and Ken’s ers welcomed his derogatory remarks. To them, it was a breath of fresh air. “He doesn’t believe in political correction,” claimed one follower. “He says what’s on his mind. It doesn’t matter who he offends. He speaks the truth.” “You’re pleased with yourself, aren’t you?” Shannon asked. Ken had to it he was. “I can’t help if people like me. They appreciate my directness. It’s obvious the people of this country are sick and tired of the boldfaced lies they have been getting for years from these politicians.” His daughter huffed. “Your lies are just as bad. You can’t even it when you’re wrong.” “I’ve done nothing to warrant any ission of wrong-doing.” Shannon was not about to let her father off the hook. “Are you serious, right now? How about calling other countries shit-holes?” “It’s true. They are.” “Or, how about calling Ana Lopez a dyke? You understand it’s a derogatory term, don’t you?” Ken’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t give a shit. I call them as I see them. She’s as much as butch as your brother is a fag.” Shannon swung at her father, connecting with his jaw. It surprised Ken. Her punch was harder than he thought she could throw. When he regained his composure, he grabbed Shannon and shoved her against

the wall. He pressed his nose onto hers, his gray eyes glaring. “I hope you are listening, little girl. Never, ever do it again. This was your one and only freebie.” He tightened his grip. “If you even think about hitting me again, you’ll pay for it. what I told you about your mother.” Shannon’s face showed no fear. She smirked as she stomped hard on her father’s foot. Ken yelped in pain, releasing his grip. “Now, you listen, father dear. I am not afraid of you anymore. KJ and Colleen would rather maintain their distance than have anything to do with you. You’re so obsessed with keeping your base happy; you don’t see how the rest of the country sees you.” “I don’t care how they see me,” Ken answered, seething. “I have more than enough people with me to help me win this thing.” Shannon shot a look of dismay. Her father was delusional but, she knew this for years. She also recognized of his need for attention. As long as the focus was on him, it made her father happy. She let out a sigh of frustration. It was pointless to even say anything to her father. “Look, do what you want. Don’t expect me to back you up on any of your foolishness.”

25

The press ramped up their coverage of the Kilpatrick campaign. Ken made it easy for them. He was calling into every morning show and they were more than happy to put him on the air. Ken increased their ratings, and it meant money in the network coiffeurs. Outrage emerged among his opponents. They viewed it as unfair and argued they deserved equal air time. The networks weren’t interested in the other Republican candidates. No one had the impulsive personality Ken possessed. Unlike Ken, the other candidates chose their words with care. The last thing they wanted was to offend someone. Ken had no such disposition. He said whatever he wanted, no matter the penalty. The positive polling showed how people were reacting to him. The country had enough of the usual rhetoric coming out of Washington. They saw Ken’s blustery persona as a breath of fresh air. Because of his being the focus of attention, Ken’s ego soared out of control. She was at her wit’s end. She called Shannon, sobbing. “What can I do?” she wept. “He’s intolerable.” “As long as I can , my father has been insufferable. He’s a selfcentered ego-maniac. You knew about this when you met him.” Her stepmother couldn’t keep herself from crying. She blurted out a confession. “Your father trapped me into being with him.” A long silence followed. Shannon wasn’t sure what to make of Zofia’s last statement. She wouldn’t put it past her father to use people to his advantage. “How did he trap you?” Zofia took a deep breath. “My work documents were incomplete, and I had no authorization to be here. He threatened to turn me in. I feared what would

happen if he did.” Shannon could sense the woman still lived in fear. She realized Zofia had nowhere to turn. If she left her father, Ken would have no problem calling the authorities on her. If Zofia stayed, she’d face the same abuse her mother endured. It was a no-win situation for her. “What will happen if this information goes public?” Zofia asked. “It’ll be worse on my father than on you. People will see what a prick they’re ing. But, for your sake and the twins, we should keep quiet. At least for the time being.” The week before the GOP Convention in Houston, the media focused on a video leaked to them. On the video were Ken and Anthony Armstrong, partying on a yacht with a group of women. Zofia was in tears as she watched her husband having sex with many of the girls onboard. She suspected Ken had been cheating on her. The proof was now being aired on national television. It humiliated her, and she didn’t think she could ever show her face again. “You can’t stay holed up in the house,” Colleen advised. “Otherwise, he’ll win.” Zofia shook her head, upset. “I cannot go out,” she replied. “My husband disgraced me. How am I supposed to show my face in public?” Colleen knelt in front of her stepmother and took her hand. “My father embarrassed himself and no one else. He claims to be smart but, we all know it be untrue. He may have clinched the nomination but, he’ll never win the general election. Not after this little bombshell.” KJ wasn’t so certain. “You watch. Dad will wiggle out like everything else. If what he said about immigrants and women didn’t stop him; this won’t do anything to him. His PR staff will spring this in his favor.” As soon as KJ finished speaking, his father’s campaign manager appeared on the Inferno channel. The family turned their focus to what she had to say. Lisa Cooper was speaking with Kareem Mohammed on the matter.

“How anyone can say this was Mr. Kilpatrick on the video? It is grainy so any identification of any person on the yacht would be impossible. Besides, Mr. Kilpatrick is a married man and is in a happy marriage. Have you seen how gorgeous his wife is? Why would he cheat on her?” Kareem was not about to let her off the hook. “I think you need glasses, Lisa. You can make out not only your client but Anthony Armstrong and the ladies on board.” Lisa interrupted Kareem every chance she could. “It isn’t true, Kareem and you know it.” “Come on, Lisa. Either you are delusional or flat-out lying. Kilpatrick has a history of cheating on his wives.” “You can’t prove it, Kareem,” Lisa pushed back. “Mr. Kilpatrick is a loyal person. He has no reason to cheat.” “It doesn’t mean he wouldn’t; or doesn’t,” Kareem interrupted. Lisa dug in her heels. “There’s no proof.” “We have video proof, Lisa. Come on. Why are you so adamant to brush it off? It’s the smoking gun.” She was not about to it defeat. “No, it’s not, Kareem. I don’t why the press is so against my client.” “We’re not against him, Lisa,” Kareem responded. “We want the truth. You and your client cannot tell the truth if your life depended upon it.” Lisa continued her denials. “I’m telling you the truth, Kareem. Mr. Kilpatrick feels the press is doing everything in their power to keep him from winning the election. It’s obvious to everyone you and your fellow journalists are backing his opponent.” “Do you believe the lies you’re spouting right now?” Kareem probed. “Because it’s obvious you and your client want to muddy the waters with this nonsense. It appears Mr. Kilpatrick does not want to it when he’s caught red-handed or in

the wrong.” Lisa continued her insistence about Ken’s innocence. She wasn’t about to back down from a perceived verbal assault. Neither was Ken. He was tweeting throughout the program to maintain he was blameless in the situation. “The media have no problem making up stories to boost their ratings. It’s time for them to focus on my opponent’s corruption. Everyone knows Shifty Susan has plenty of skeletons in her closet. They should dig into her past instead of me. They’d find their ratings would skyrocket if they did.” Despite Ken’s obvious protests, the focus remained on him. He didn’t realize with every over-the-top tweet he wrote or ridiculous statement he made would keep all eyes on him.

26

Zofia attended with Ken’s older children the GOP Convention against her better judgment. They were there for moral of Zofia and not to represent their father. The video release humiliated the family. Looks of exhaustion appeared on their faces when pockets of the crowd began their usual chants. “I’ll be glad when he loses the election,” Colleen stated. “I’ll find myself in an institution if I have to listen that chant anymore.” KJ linked his arm with hers. “There’s no way he will beat Susan Spencer. She’s got a huge lead on Dad in the polls.” Colleen placed her hand upon his. “I hope you’re right, but, we we thought he wouldn’t win the nomination. We all saw how that turned out.” The family remained silent and stone-faced throughout the slew of speakers; all of whom lauded the accomplishments and greatness of the GOP nominee. Colleen rolled her eyes and fidgeted in her seat. How intelligent people could follow her father perplexed her. She wondered how he convinced them of his importance. Ken never worked for anything he had. His ers had to have known her grandparents were the ones who worked their fingers to the bone to build their empire. Ken inherited the business and nothing more. Her grandparents were smart enough to realize they wouldn’t be able to turn the reins over to their son. They realized Ken would run the business into the ground if they did. She ed sitting with her grandfather when she turned 16. “I’m sure you realize by now, me girl, your father isn’t the most stable of people. Gran and I were too late in trying to discipline him. Once he got a thought stuck

in his head, there was no swaying him to consider anything else. Because your dad is so pig-headed, he gets in his own way. We fear he’ll destroy everything your Gran and I built; not only because of his stubbornness but, because he loves to spend money.” Clancy sighed. “He claims he hates to part with money but, we both know better, don’t we? The only time he hates parting with money is if he gets something for it. It’s why he won’t grant your mother a divorce. He knows he must pay out for it. She deserves better than your old man.” Colleen adored her grandfather. Clancy was an easy-going man with a soft gentle laugh. She often spent the night with her grandparents. It provided the girl the quiet place she needed to decompress and respite from her father’s frequent rages. “Now, listen, me girl. Your father will inherit the company but we have put in provisions to keep him from running the company into the ground. We also made sure there would be no way he will burn through the money.” Her grandfather piqued her curiosity. “So, what does my father do now?” Clancy grinned. “Besides getting himself into trouble?” He always had a way to make her laugh. “We make sure he has limited access to everything. Your father is a glorified gopher. He hates it but, I don’t give a shite. He needs to understand you can’t start from the top. Your dad isn’t learning this lesson and I doubt he ever will.” Clancy placed his hand upon her head. “Gran and I have undisputable wills, stating your father will be head of the company. But, the title is just a mere title. Once you, your sister and brother are old enough you will all have a significant part of the company.” He leaned down to look into her eyes. “We will have each of you running each division, all according to your talents. KJ will head the advertising department. He’s a creative young man and has the

mind to do well. Shannon is a pro at baking and coming up with new recipes so she’ll be a good fit for the bagel stores.” He smiled as he gave his granddaughter a wink. “And you, my dear Colleen, are a people-person. You may not realize it but, people look up to you and are at ease when you’re around. You’re the perfect choice for the employment agency division.” Colleen was teary-eyed. Her grandfather understood his grandchildren so much better than their father. Then again, it didn’t take much. Both of her grandparents took the time to learn about who they were. It was a lesson learned from their son. They realized if they had taken the time when he was younger, Ken would not be the raging maniac he was now. “It will piss him off.” “Yeah, I don’t care,” he responded. “But, we’ll spin it so it’ll sound good to him. The fact he will have the title of CEO should be sufficient for him. His ego will respond to the title. Ken will love not having the responsibility of having to do any real work.” Colleen snapped back to reality when she heard her father’s voice over the loudspeaker. “I can’t listen to him anymore,” she whispered to KJ. “I need fresh air.” She disappeared past the chanting crowd.

27

Ken adjusted his tie as he waited to take the stage for his first debate against Susan Spencer. As with his previous debates, he chose not to prepare for it. He had no problem with spontaneity. Plus, his ers loved his free-wheeling style. Ken appreciated their loyalty and would repay them by telling them what they wanted to hear. Unlike his parents, his followers had complete confidence and faith in him. When his parents put his children in charge of running the divisions; they believed he wasn’t smart enough to do it. They had no confidence in his ability to manage the company success. On the plus side, he was making a good salary without having to do any actual work. Ken walked out on stage, waving as if he were a king to the crowd. Susan smiled as she waved and took her place at her lectern. The lead was again, Ana Lopez. Ana’s fellow Inferno Network reporters, Jonas Jones and Patrick Lewis ed her. Ken feared she would attack him for his remarks about her from the previous debate she hosted. Ana sensed his trepidation and chose to him sweat it out. She posed her first question to Susan. “Ms. Spencer, how would you describe your opponent’s reckless behavior and attitude since his announcement of running for office?” The Democratic nominee became serious. Disapproval pierced her voice when she answered. “In my humble opinion, his actions and attitude is deplorable. He treats women as pawns in his sick game to dominate them. The verbal attacks on minorities and the gay community is reprehensible. He views anyone who isn’t a straight, white male as beneath him.” Susan looked out into the audience. “My heart goes out to his family. I can only imagine what they’ve endured and are going through. If he does such things in

public, how bad is he behind closed doors?” Ken could have sworn he saw a smirk from Ana. It was if she and Susan had conspired to make him look foolish. He pursed his lips as he fidgeted behind his lectern. Ana allowed him to rebut his opponent’s statements. “What does Shifty Susan have on me? Nothing. Everybody knows she’s the most dishonest person in politics. Why else would the ethics committee bring her before them? Because she’s shady and corrupt.” Susan tried not to laugh. Republicans alleged she was leaking information to the Russians. “That same committee found they had insufficient evidence to charge me with anything. The FBI declared me innocent of all charges. So, tell me, who’s the corrupt one? Me or the GOP?” Ken leaned down towards the mic. “You.” Amidst the groans from the audience were the chants of Ken. “If anyone knows about corruption, Mr. Kilpatrick, it’s you,” accused Susan. “I’m sure when the video aired, it made you happy. It meant you could prove to the country so it would prove what a lady-killer you consider yourself to be. Your pal, Anthony, was the only casualty as he lost his job because of it. Have you offered to hire him at the Kilpatrick Group to compensate for it?” “He’s a good reporter. He’ll bounce back. And no, I did not offer him a position at my company.” Susan was not about to let it go. “Mr. Armstrong shouldn’t have to bounce back. He did nothing to warrant firing. If anyone should have suffered the consequences, it should have been you.”

28

Caleb had the right people in mind for the next stage of his scheme. If he wanted Ken Kilpatrick as president, it meant he needed to recruit only the best to assist with his plan. One phone call to his associate was all he needed to set the plan into motion. “You didn’t even have to ask,” his connection stated. “The Lodge love what they’re hearing from Ken. He’s the perfect choice for us. Everything he says aligns to what we believe. Don’t worry, we have this.” Content he had enlisted The Lodge, Caleb turned his focus on his software program to change votes from Susan to Ken. He realized he couldn’t alter all ballots without raising suspicion. He had less than a month to devise the perfect scenario to defeat Susan Spencer. His smile broadened when he figured it out. For the districts where they have electronic ballots, he devised the program to change every third vote for Susan over to Ken. It was small enough to not raise suspicion but enough to swing the pendulum to Ken’s favor. Ken delighted at the prospect of winning the election without working for it. “I figured you would appreciate that,” Caleb told him. “Let your team do the work. You enjoy reaping the rewards.” Caleb took advantage of his boss’s desire to win. It meant he could do all the scheming he wanted. Once he completed the software to manipulate the votes, he turned his attention back to stage two. Along with The Lodge working on persuading voters to Ken, Caleb delved into launching an on-line attack. He created a series of pop-ups directed at the undecided voters. He followed the spam with a sequence of ads. Caleb designed the ads to appear as if they came from legitimate sources.

The first series of ments looked like a normal election poster. On the poster stood a young male with his arms crossed. Beside him, he added words. “I lost my job to an immigrant willing to work for less. It’s time to put Americans First.” Under the speech stated, Brought to You by Farmers Inc. for Ken Kilpatrick. His next ad featured a blonde little girl dressed in well-worn clothing and a dirtridden face. Next to her was the tagline, I can’t afford new clothes my mommy and daddy don’t make enough money. Please put America First. The endorsement was from The Union Corps of the Mid-West. Caleb was proud of himself. The years spent earning his computer science degree was paying off. The bonus for him was the approval he received from Ken. “How soon will we see results?” Caleb answered with honesty. “We won’t until election day. But, don’t lose sleep over it; the work we’ve put in will give you the results you want. We have this under control. Prepare yourself to become the next president.”

29

KJ hoped the hoop-la around his father’s party yacht video would soon settle down. Every time he stepped outside his home, reporters bombarded him with questions. He wanted to go back to his quiet life with his husband and running the advertising division of the Kilpatrick Group. Like his sisters, KJ hated the spotlight. Their father craved limelight. Because of his decision, the family found themselves the focus of the press. KJ was resorting to leaving his house before dawn and coming back late to avoid the media circus. “I wish they would leave us be,” he told Daniel. “They should focus on Dad. He’s the one who wants the attention, anyway.” Daniel hugged him, laying his chin upon KJ’s head. “You and I wish for peace but, it won’t happen until it’s over. When your father loses the election next month, our lives will go back to normal.” KJ exhaled in defeat. “What if he wins? No one thought he’d win the nomination but, here we are. Ever since then, the media’s been full force in trying to find anything to make him look bad. God knows they have plenty to choose from but, they’ll keep digging into all of our lives.” Daniel took the chair next to him and took his hands. “Let them dig. They won’t find anything wrong or illegal.” “I realize that. But, the fact we are a gay couple living together will have people up in arms about it.” Daniel grasped his shoulders, leaning in to look into KJ’s eyes. “We’ve been through a lot of shit already and we survived.

We have plenty of people who love and us. Your dad’s not one but, still. Who cares? We have each other and loved ones’ backing us.” KJ sighed. To KJ, having a husband who understood gave him a small piece of relief. It didn’t mean he would stop worrying. He was well aware people on all sides would ramp up the pressure to uncover any skeletons in the closet. Daniel realized once his past came out, it would be the end of his relationship with the man he adored.

30

Ken hated the fact he was so far behind in the polls. He was always bragging about being a winner but, now the people of the United States were telling him he was a loser. His team told him if he wanted to raise his numbers, he would have to tone down his rhetoric. “Why should I have to change?” he told Lisa. “How I speak is how I got the nomination. People find it refreshing.” Lisa did her best to explain. “We’re talking to a small segment of the population, Ken. When you were running for the nomination, you were competing against nine other candidates. Voters had more of a choice and the ballots reflected that. Because of having so many opponents, you dominated with the GOP ed voters. This time, you are going head to head with only one person so the results will show it.” Ken was not happy with her answer. “The people won’t say which person they . Because of the lying news media and their constant attacks on me; why would they it they want to vote for me as president?” Every time anyone went against him, he would erupt into a full-blown tantrum. Lisa had no other choice if she wanted to keep working. Lisa assured him of her mission to continue deflecting and manipulating any facts the press uncovered. It wore her out but; she fought to maintain her sanity. “We still have a month before the election. Our numbers will improve. You watch.” Ken warned his entire team his results better improve or else. Except for Lisa, his team feared him. She hated believing she was a mere babysitter rather than a campaign manager. Her six-year-old acted more of an adult than Ken did. Any advice she tried to

along always fell on deaf ears. “You polled better when you were on all networks, not just the one who caters to your every whim. By restricting yourself to only one, you’re limiting your audience to the ones who already you. If you want your numbers to go up, we have to broaden your demographics.” Ken rolled his eyes. Lisa was his manager in name only. He was the one calling the shots. He said and tweeted whatever he wanted and left his team to clean up the mess after him. Because of their devotion, they did everything in their power to defend him. “You keep twisting his words, Ana,” Lisa insisted on Ana’s show. Ana was not about to let the other woman off the hook like the reporters at XRAE. “Aren’t you and his ers the ones who are always telling us Mr. Kilpatrick says what he means?” “Yes.” “Then why are always on my telecast telling us he didn’t mean what he said? So, which is it, Ms. Cooper? You can’t have it both ways.” Ana kept her eyes locked on Lisa’s. “He says what is on his mind. It’s the dirty media who love to distort what he says or tweets out. We have to come on these shows to check you all on your lies.” The noted journalist stood her ground. “That’s untrue, Lisa, and you know it. We report what Mr. Kilpatrick says or tweets. There is no mincing of words from us, unlike what any of Mr. Kilpatrick’s spokespeople claim.” Lisa again went into her rant until Ana had enough. “Stop it, Lisa. You can continue to talk in circles and not answering any of my questions but, won’t make any difference. Any person with an ounce of common sense will see right through the nonsense coming from you and your client.

They will not consider what you are saying as truth. Not when they can read or hear what is coming out of Mr. Kilpatrick’s mouth.” Lisa left the set, angry and defeated.

31

The week before the election, a breaking news announcement came across the country’s television sets. Ana Lopez looked in the camera. “We have breaking news at this hour. We have received information from a reliable source. According to the source, Ken Kilpatrick murdered his first wife. For those who may not , Micheline Kilpatrick was in her vehicle, dead of a suicide fifteen years ago. Our source tells us Mr. Kilpatrick fixed it to make it appear as if his late wife took her own life.” Ana looked into the camera; her face emotionless. “Sources tell us authorities were re-opening the case. Even though it has been fifteen years since Mrs. Kilpatrick’s death, what new evidence will come to light is unclear. If the party yacht video did not end his chance for the White House, a murder charge will.” Ken shut the TV off and threw the remote across the living room. He missed hitting Zofia who was coming from upstairs. “What’s with you this time?” Her husband was purple with anger. “Was it to you?” he snapped back. She gave him a look of confusion. “What are you talking about?” “The leak to the press. Did you tell them about how Micheline died?” “Anyone could have told them.” Ken stood and grabbed her arm. “Not anyone. The only people who knew about it were you and my kids. So, if it wasn’t you, one of them did.” All three of his older children denied being the source. “Now, somebody is lying and I demand you tell me which one of you assholes is to blame.” The four accused remained staunch in their denials. “Browbeat us all you want,”

Colleen told him. “But, we won’t it to something we didn’t do. You have no control over the three of us. Zofia is complying but, only because of what you have holding over her. I don’t fault her for it. The last thing she wants is to leave her girls.” KJ agreed with his sister as he did. “Have you ever considered the fact it may have been one of your staff ? You are ignoring the fact they’re always around. Has it occurred to you a staff member overheard you telling us what you did to Maman and leaked it to the press?” His father was stewing. It never occurred to him one of his employees would betray him. Either way, he was double-crossed from someone in his family or one of his household staff. “You will give yourself a heart attack,” Shannon pointed out. “But, it might garner you some sympathy votes if you do.” Ken stomped around the living room. He bellowed to his staff to assemble. Once they were, he fired them. They threatened to sue for wrongful termination. “Go ahead,” he shouted. “You will all wind up spending more than you’ll end up with which is nothing. Now, get the fuck out of my house!” His former household staff glared at Ken as they exited the home. “You’ll pay for what you’ve done,” Colleen pointed out. Her father stared at her with fury in his eyes. “They won’t get a dime out of me,” he seethed. “I don’t settle lawsuits.” Colleen laughed at her father’s ignorance. “I’m not talking about the money from a lawsuit. In case you’re not aware, the staff you fired knows everything going on in this house. There is nothing to stop them from speaking out and telling the press what they know. They can make far more cash by selling their stories than by any lawsuit they put against you.”

Her brother and sister were as amused. All three had known for years their father acted out before he thought things through. This last move was the worst decision he ever made. All of his family hoped it would be his downfall.

32

Daniel hated keeping secrets from KJ but, he wanted to protect the one person he loved the most. It was time for him to talk about his past. If KJ loved him as he claimed, Daniel was certain his husband would understand. “Why are you so nervous? You can tell me anything. We’ve been together for years.” KJ’s blue eyes locked with Daniel’s brown ones. He had never seen his husband so distressed. Daniel was the calming influence in the relationship and KJ was the emotional one. “You may want nothing to do with me once I’m finished telling you.” Daniel took a deep breath. “Okay, Danny, you’re scaring me now. What’s going on? Did you cheat on me or something?” “No. I’d never cheat on you. But, there are things I’ve done long before I met you.” KJ took a seat on the couch next to Daniel. “Okay, spill.” Daniel inhaled. “I’ve already told you my parents kicked me out when I was fourteen after I told them I was gay. They were, or I should say are, die-hard religious. In their heads, being gay is one of the biggest sins and having a son who is gay is a travesty.” Daniel took a deep breath. “So, I had to fend for myself on the streets of New York. There were weeks at a time, I was homeless and hungry. I had to resort to not-so-legal methods to make money.” KJ sat back, giving Daniel a look of uncertainty. “I started out innocent enough by begging for money. It didn’t take me long to realize people were unwilling to hand over their hard-earned cash to a homeless teen. I was hungry and needed food.

“So, at first I was rummaging through garbage to find scraps of anything. There were people here and there who give me a coffee or a donut but, it was a rarity. I turned to stealing food. It was never anything big, a candy bar and a Coke most of the time. It was wrong but, desperate times called for desperate measures.” KJ listened as his husband continued. “This older guy approached me when I was on the streets for about six months. He was a drug dealer and a pimp. He was always around us kids. But, he offered me the chance to make money and get a roof over my head.” Daniel stopped for a moment to regain his composure. KJ leaned in and his hand upon Daniel’s lap. “Were you dealing or prostituting?” His husband fought back his tears. “Prostituting. I made good money but, I always felt dirty. But, what else could I do? I was fifteen and homeless. My parents wanted nothing to do with me and no other family member would take me in. I wasn’t in a good place and I didn’t know of any other way to survive.” KJ stayed silent for several minutes. Daniel understood his husband needed to process the information. He watched as KJ stood and walked out of the living room. He decided it was best not to follow him. Danny wanted to give him the space to mull everything over. After almost fifteen years together, Daniel knew how KJ needed his space when he needed to deal with a situation. The wait for KJ to return was intolerable. When he returned, he had a look of fear and concern upon his face. He remained standing as he asked his next question. “Were you ever arrested?” Daniel hung his head. “Several times. Since I was a juvenile, the cops charged me as one.” KJ placed his hands upon his hips. “How did you get out? And when?”

“A cop who arrested me took an interest in me. He found me a spot in a group home and back into school. He put his trust in me and it is what I needed in my life. I needed someone who cared.” KJ cleared his throat. “And when was this?” “I was about sixteen. I made a promise to myself to never go back to that life. The officer who rescued me deserved my staying a law-abiding citizen.” Daniel looked up and saw KJ watching him. He could tell KJ was trying to decide if he was telling the truth. Daniel convinced himself their relationship was over. He wouldn’t blame KJ for ending it. “When you were prostituting, did you ever use protection?” Danny exhaled as he shook his head. “No. I was stupid, I know. Diseases didn’t even pop into my head. Once I was in the group home, they explained it and had me tested all the time. I was lucky; nothing ever showed up on any of the tests.” “Even HIV?” Daniel nodded. “Yes, even HIV. You don’t know how happy I am to not contract anything. If I had, I would have been upfront with you sooner.” KJ became quiet again as he paced the floor. It was several minutes before he spoke. “I need a little time.” His husband understood his needing space. At least KJ wasn’t breaking up with him for the moment. Danny hoped KJ would realize he loved him and what he did in his past had remained in his past.

33

Ken and his campaign staff sat in his office, watching as the election results filtered in. His opponent, Susan Spencer, had an early lead in many of the districts. The Inferno network was reluctant to declare a winner as it was too early and too close to call. “I told you not to worry about the polls,” Lisa told him. “The people feared to it they were behind you because of how they would look. But, look how well you’re doing with the voters. They aren’t afraid to show their in the ballot boxes.” The news thrilled Ken. The presidency was at his doorstep. “People saw right through Shifty Susan. They are all tired of the usual corrupt politicians and want someone in there who will get rid of the scum in DC.” The team watched with glee as the blue states were all turning red. At the end of the night, the network called in Ken’s favor. The GOP nominee ended up winning the presidency by a 2-1 margin with the Electoral College. Ken found himself upset about his opponent had beaten him in the popular vote. “The popular vote is irrelevant,” Lisa stated. “The only count that matters is the Electoral College, and you won it by a landslide. You should be ecstatic! You’re the next President of the United States!” Ken wanted contentment and knew he should be. But, with the murder investigation hanging over his head, he would have no peace. As long as there were people determined to bring him down, Ken could never feel safe in his new role as president. “Don’t worry about it, Ken. Your team has become adept at deflecting away from the issues. We will continue to take the heat of you.” Ken had a deep faith in the team he assembled.

Unlike his family, his campaign staff was behind him and loyal. Lisa reminded Ken he needed to give his speech on winning the election. “Do we have one written?” he asked. “You all were saying we could win but, we all had serious doubts.” His staff assured a good speech wouldn’t take long to write. While he was waiting, Ken listened to his opponent’s concession speech. Susan was more than gracious in her defeat. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We ran a good campaign but, the people of this country have chosen my opponent to be their president. To say the results didn’t shock me would be an understatement. But, that being said; I wish Mr. Kilpatrick all the best in his new position.” She tried to smile as she continued. “As I stand here, conceding the election, I ask our country come together as one and the new president. We need to stop the anger and the hatred towards each other. It’s the only way we can mend the divide created during these two turbulent campaigns. It’s time for us to find peace.” Ken seethed as he listened to Susan. She sounded sincere but insulting all in the same instant. He hated he was being one-upped by someone he defeated. The staff watched as Ken stomped around the campaign office. To them, anyone from the outside world would have thought the man lost the election instead of winning it. “Forget about Susan Spencer,” advised Lisa. “She’s a sore loser. Sit down and enjoy your victory while we finish your speech.” Ken took a seat but, he couldn’t relax. He was thinking about the popular vote and it was irritating him. How could people not like him? His followers on Twitter outnumbered those of Susan’s. She wished she was a popular as Ken. He had a successful TV series, and it was always tops in the ratings. Sure, Susan had best-selling books but, who reads anymore? TV was the way to go for adoration and a large audience.

“The popular vote doesn’t win elections,” Lisa reminded him. “Winning the Electoral College does.” Ken continued to pout, ranting on about his popularity. Lisa handed him a sheet of paper. “Here. You need to make your speech. Cheer up. No one wants to see a Gloomy Gus.” Ken growled as he made his way to the conference center where a group of reporters were waiting. He took the stage and stood at the podium. After taking a deep breath, Ken launched into his speech. “My fellow Americans, I stand here before you as your president-elect. The overwhelming I received from everyone across the US humbles me.” Ken grasped the podium, smiling. “I accept the esteemed position of President of the United States with pleasure. To the citizens of the USA, I will devote the next four years to you.” He paused for a moment. Ken could sense his heart pounding inside him. Instead of resuming from his script, Ken went off on one of his notorious tangents. “My opponent claimed she ran a good campaign but, Shifty Susan played dirty throughout the whole thing. She started the rumor I killed my wife to make me look bad and hope it would lock in a win for her. She and her team were wrong. The American people saw right through their little scheme and voted for the right person to do the job. Believe me, I am the right person to run our wonderful country.” He looked out into the audience with pride. “Everyone knows I run the successful Kilpatrick Group and will do the same as President of the United States. Watch me. I will put America First.” At the campaign nerve center, his staff watched in horror and shock as their boss went off script. Although they had hoped they wouldn’t have to clean up a mess, they had a tough job ahead of them.

34

The win by their father shocked both Shannon and Colleen. Part of them realized the possibility he could succeed but, they were still in shock. “I wish I could understand why,” Colleen stated. “How are they blind to what is right in front of their eyes?” “Sometimes, what you see is an illusion,” KJ interjected. His sisters looked at him with interest. “What are you saying?” Shannon asked. He looked up, teary-eyed. After almost a month of keeping everything bottled up, KJ disclosed what his husband had told him. Colleen knelt before him as Shannon took the seat beside him. “Poor Danny. Thank God, the police officer cared enough to get him off the streets. I imagine living that way scared him to death.” “It’s not I’m not appreciative of the cop’s help. It makes me happy he found his way out. He had it far worse than I did and do. I don’t understand why he wasn’t upfront with me from the beginning.” Shannon rubbed her brother’s back. “Try to see it from Daniel’s point of view. How eager would you have been in telling Danny you were a child prostitute if it was you?” KJ let out a loud sigh and leaned back. He never considered how frightened his husband must have been to reveal his past. It never occurred to him, Daniel was trying to protect him or KJ would no longer view him in the same light. “I get it. None of us are without our faults. We all make mistakes and most of us learn from them. Dad’s not one but, Danny said he hated doing it and in my heart, I know he’s telling me the truth.” “So, are you going home?” Colleen asked. “I adore having you here, little

brother. The kids love having their crazy uncle around but, it’s time for you to mend the holes in your relationship.” She tilted her head, looking with fondness upon her brother. “You and Danny are soulmates. If you think about it, he didn’t have many choices back then. At least you had one parent to look out for you. Danny’s entire family deserted him when he needed them the most.” “I am lucky. I may not have Maman but, I still have the two of you. Daniel has only us.” “And you love him,” Shannon added. KJ smiled. “Yes, I love him. I guess I needed someone to point it out.” The three stayed silent for a few moments to regain their composure. “Let’s hope it doesn’t get leaked out or worse, Dad finds out. He already despises the fact I’m gay. Heaven forbid if he learns what Daniel used to do for a living. I can only imagine what his verbal rampage he’ll launch into if he does.” Shannon gave his back a pat. “He loves the sound of his own voice and so do the people who voted for him. Why, I don’t have a clue.” Colleen and KJ laughed. “Dad’s such an ego-maniac; he loves all the adulation he’s getting.” “But, guaranteed, Dad hates the fact he lost the popular vote. I wonder how much it’s killing him,” KJ added.

35

Detective Murphy was always suspicious of the scene at the Kilpatrick home fifteen years prior. Everything came across as too perfect. It made no sense how Micheline found her way from her bedroom to the garage with no one hearing or seeing her. With the amount of sleep medicine in her system, Micheline would have been stumbling throughout the house. If she could walk at all. Murphy was cognizant of the fact she wouldn’t make it to her care without aid. There was only one person he could think of who would want to get rid of her. Ken Kilpatrick was the top person on his suspect list from the first day. Detective Murphy didn’t buy Ken’s act fifteen years ago, and he was not about to buy his lies now. “Why would I want to kill my wife?” Ken asked him. “We had a happy marriage.” The officer raised an eyebrow, not believing the man sitting in front of him. “Are you sure about that? The material provided to us says something different. Do you want to rethink your last statement?” Ken pinched his lips together and shook his head. “No, I don’t. Micheline and I may have had the normal spats most couples have. But, overall, we had no complaints.” Detective Murphy leaned back in his chair, never taking his focus off Ken. “If that’s the case, why were you sleeping in separate bedrooms? And why did you move your current wife in so soon after your first wife’s death?” The President-elect pulled a face and shrugged. “Micheline and I agreed. If either of us died, we agreed the other would move on. There was no need to grieve. As for the separate bedrooms, I told you years ago about my back

issues.” “What do you mean by your back issues? If my memory serves me, and it does, you told me she had the back problems. Which one is it?” Ken squirmed in his seat, realizing they caught him in a lie. “Sorry, it was Micheline. I’ve developed back issues only in the past couple months.” Detective Murphy doubted Ken’s explanation. He heard plenty of outrageous reasons for entering another relationship so soon after a spouse’s death. If he had a dollar for every time he heard a lame excuse, he’d be a lot richer than what he was. “Are you implying I’m lying?” The insinuation infuriated Ken. “Why would I imply anything when I can state for a fact you are lying?” The detective did not play games, and he was letting his suspect know it. Ken’s face turned beet red. He slammed his fists on the table. “Don’t you realize who I am?” he bellowed. “I’m the new President of the United States!” Murphy remained calm. “They haven’t sworn you in yet so you’re still a commoner like me. Either way, it doesn’t matter when we’re talking murder charges. Even the president isn’t above the law.” He remained quiet as he watched Ken became enraged. People informed the detective Ken was quick to anger when confronted with the truth and with facts. He had watched the campaign and realized early on how much Ken would make up his own version of the truth. The new president stopped and braced himself on the table. His gray eyes focused on the detective’s face. “You have nothing on me,” he scowled. “I’m only here because you don’t like me.” Murphy laughed with a mighty roar. “Yeah, it’s the reason we haul in every suspect on any case we investigate. We hate everybody so don’t get it in your head you are anyone special.” He realized his last comment would get under Ken’s skin and he said it to see if

he would reveal anything incriminating. Ken went onto a tirade about his likability. “I am special,” he insisted. “I’m President, God damn it! Few people can say that, can they?” “True but, no one is immune to crime, including you.” Ken knocked over the empty chair he was once sitting on. “I didn’t kill my wife!” he screamed. “You have no evidence I did! The only thing you have against me is your jealousy, and an accusation made from God knows who!” Detective Murphy stood and walked to the door. After he gave a quick knock, the door opened. The officer gestured to the opening. “Go ahead, Mr. Kilpatrick. We may not have a lot of evidence yet; it doesn’t mean we plan to stop this investigation.” He smirked as his prime suspect stormed out of the interrogation room.

36

Zofia was far from comfortable with her new role of First Lady. She was nervous about having the spotlight focused on her for the next four years. Her husband loved being in the limelight. Ken looked as if he thrived from attention of the crowds. “What are you talking about?” he told her. “You were a model, and you could handle the attention then.” Zofia disagreed. “This is different,” she replied. “No one judged me on my modeling career. At least, not the same way as my job as the First Lady.” “People aren’t interested in the First Lady. They just want to see the President.” Zofia sighed as she rolled her eyes. She should have known he would turn the subject around to be about him. “Now, I suggest you find yourself a nice outfit to wear tomorrow at my swearing in. I cannot have a wife who looks like she’s come in from working the street corner.” Ken would be the only person judging her. What else is new? He never gave her a compliment and critiqued everything she said or did. Zofia knew whatever she purchased; it wouldn’t live up to his standards. When she returned from shopping, Ken insisted she put the outfit on to show him. His face was emotionless when she reappeared in a soft blue fifties–style wool dress with matching overcoat, hat and shoes. She wasn’t certain what he was thinking but; it wasn’t good. Ken motioned for her to turn around so he could see the entire picture. “Well, it’s not bad. At least you don’t look like the slut you are,” he told her. Zofia hid her hurt feelings. She selected with a certain person in mind. Jackie Kennedy was someone she ired. She wanted to emulate her idol on her

husband’s big day. She thought by wearing a similar outfit as the beloved former First Lady would bring her a compliment from her husband. It disappointed Zofia it garnered little from him. “Why are you so upset? I said it wasn’t bad.” “It’s not the point. You wanted something respectable, and I bought a proper outfit. The least you could do is tell me I did a good job.” Ken waved her off. “You’re far too sensitive. What you chose is fine. I said before, no one will care about anyone but me. You’ll be a part of the background.” Zofia hated being treated as unimportant. It was the choice she made fifteen years before and she regretted making it. If she had her wits about her then, she would have gone back to Czech Republic. At least if she was away from Ken, she could maintain her sanity. She no longer recognized herself. She lost the strong, confident woman she once was. “Don’t be so histrionic. Marrying me was the smartest thing you’ve ever done. You’ve got it good and you know it.” Ken was tiring of his family’s belly-aching. They did nothing but complain about how they had it and how awful he was to them. “Maybe you should go back to Czech Republic. Don’t expect me to pay you alimony or child ,” he told her. She gave him a look of dismay. “Are you out of your mind? And don’t think I will leave and not have compensation after all these years of abuse. You’re the one who chased me, then trapped me into marrying you. Or have you forgotten about that part?” Her husband stood, walking slowed towards her. He glared as he responded. “I . It was a big mistake on my part. I should have known not to fall for a pretty face. Sex with you is excruciating. I might as well make love with a blow-up doll.”

Zofia crossed her arms. “Is that a fact?” she relied. “The way you huff and puff through it, I would never imagine it. Maybe if you lost your gut, it might make things better for you.” “What are you trying to say?” “I’m saying if you lost weight, I might find you more appealing.” Zofia watched as her husband stormed off. She found herself amazed he didn’t take a swing at her like he did. “Be ready early tomorrow,” he yelled. “I have no intention of waiting for you while you try to make yourself presentable.” She let out a loud sigh, trying not to have a meltdown. The following morning, she waited at the front door for her husband. When he appeared, he gave her a quick nod of approval. Despite this, Zofia still wasn’t confident. She had opted for a simple up-do and basic makeup. Sitting in the back seat of the limo, neither spouse spoke a word to each other. Zofia feared what her husband might say or do at the inauguration. She dreaded being humiliated in front a large crowd. Ken stepped out of the vehicle, leaving his wife to follow behind him. He was at the top of the stairs before she exited the car. The media noted of the obvious slight by the incoming president. They also pointed out how unhappy the new First Lady appeared. “She looks terrified,” stated Ana Lopez. “It’s as if she doesn’t want to be here and her husband forced her to come.” Her guests concurred. They speculated about problems in the Kilpatrick marriage. “With everything which surfaced about her husband, Zofia hasn’t had it easy the past few months. Ken has humiliated his wife. I don’t blame her for looking unhappy,” Henry Adams added. Henry was a lifelong Republican and a frequent guest on the Inferno Network shows. He had been so turned off by Ken Kilpatrick; he flipped and voted for Susan Spencer.

“Everyone who knows me knows I’m a Republican to the bone. That being said, my GOP heart couldn’t a person against ninety percent of the country. My conscience couldn’t and wouldn’t allow me to deal with it.” The commentators became silent as they watched Ken take the oath of office. They tried not to laugh when they saw Zofia elbow her husband to place his hand upon his heart for the National Anthem. Ken approached the podium for his inauguration speech. The crowd became solemn as they waited to find out what their new president had to say. “Good morning, my friends. Thank you all for coming out on this fine but, chilly day. I appreciate you for doing so to watch what many said would never happen. My being sworn in as your president is beyond their comprehension.” Cheers and applause erupted throughout the small crowd assembled on the National Mall. “More people had faith in me than the lying press would have you believe. “The citizens of our magnificent country saw through their lies and voted for me. All of you ed the America First slogan and to put our country ahead of the rest of the world. You watch. I’ll be bringing back the jobs from China, the Philippines and Mexico, starting today.” He paused so the crows could cheer. “The people of this country will make so much money; there will be no more poverty and homelessness here. You all will thank me by the end of the year. Believe me; our country will be so rich; the rest of the world will envy of us.” The crowd roared again. Ken heard Zofia laugh behind him. He turned and warned her to keep quiet or else. Her expression changed from happiness to one of a scolded child. Ken continued with his speech. “As for the illegal immigrants coming into our country and taking jobs away from Americans, it will stop today. I don’t care what country they come from, if they are here without proper documentation, we will ship them back to the shit-hole country they came from.”

Again, the crowd shouted their approval. “Jobs and immigration will be my top priorities for my first year in office. Everything else will fall into place. Believe me, just watch. When I succeed, all of you will succeed.” Ana and her guests discussed what they witnessed. “What do you suppose he said to his wife?” Ana asked the . “I wish I could read lips. It had to have been bad,” replied Henry. Lance Thompson added his opinion. “He told her to be quiet because he was the star of the show.” “Do any of you have anything to say about what our new president said in his speech?” Henry raised his concerns over the promise of jobs. “I fear we’ll have a revolt on our hands if not everyone is working by the end of the year. As much as I would love to have everyone to be working, I feel it’s a promise he can’t keep.” Lance agreed. “Henry’s right about the job situation. But, I have a bigger issue with his immigration comments. The president wants to overlook the fact both of his wives are immigrants. He also forgets his mother and father. Now, I wouldn’t be able to tell if any of them were illegal but, it’s not the point. He wouldn’t have gotten married if it wasn’t for immigrants.” He looked at his fellow reporters. “In fact, President Kilpatrick wouldn’t even exist at all if it weren’t for his parents. My opinion is he forgets these things when he spouts his rhetoric and his base doesn’t care.” The comments from the reporters infuriated Ken. “Why do they hate me and insist on trying to make me look bad?” “You’re asking me?” Zofia replied. “Yes, I’m asking you. Why?” His wife huffed. “Maybe if you weren’t so combative and say things that were untrue, maybe they would like you more. They’re not the ones making you look

bad, either. It’s all on you. If you didn’t show yourself as an obnoxious narcissist, you’d have a lot more people behind you than your base.” Ken scowled. He swatted at her. “Why do I even ask you anything? What do you know? You’re just a woman from a shit-hole place you call a country. Everybody knows women are inferior human beings.” Zofia ignored her husband’s last comment. Instead, she took the girls and went to bed.

37

Danny and KJ watched the inauguration, and it didn’t surprise them what the president had to say. “How the hell did you put up with him growing up?” “It was tough. I was fortunate enough to have my mother and sisters. We were our own little group because my father treated us all like shit. I let my mother down when I moved out at 18. She understood but, she worried about me.” Danny hugged his husband. “You had it good. With so many who people care about you should make you happy. I’m so glad I have you and your sisters. I wish I could have met your mother. She sounds as if she was a lovely person.” “She was. Colleen takes after her; both in looks and personality. It’s my bad luck, I look like my dad. He hates it; makes it hard for him to deny me as his son.” Danny grinned. “He imagines his base will assume he’s gay, too, because of it.” Before KJ could respond, a heavy rock crashed through their living room window, missing them by mere inches. Shattered pieces of glass covered the two men, cutting them everywhere. Outside, they heard a group chanting. “Faggots must die! Kill the faggots! No faggots on our street!” It petrified them. KJ grabbed his cell and called the police. Danny opened the front door and charged outside. “Get out of here!” he shouted. “And mind your own business! We’re not bothering you so you can stop bothering us!” The small gathering hissed at him. “Wrong, faggot! Your mere existence bothers us! Being gay is a sin! What you do is repulsive and against everything our faith

tells us!” Danny stood firm. He was not about to let them intimidate him or KJ. The last incident made him guilty. He was away on business, leaving his husband to deal with the attack alone. “What about the part of the Bible telling you to love your neighbor or have you forgotten about that part?” The crowd booed as they continued to taunt him even when the police pulled up behind them, their sirens blaring. The police issued a warning over their loudspeaker. They advised them they would all face arrests if they didn’t leave the property ASAP. “We want these faggots out of here,” exclaimed the ringleader. One officer approached the man. “They’re not bothering anyone unlike the lot of you. Plus, do you know who these gentlemen are?” “Two fags I want to destroy!” “Wrong,” replied the officer. “One is the son of President Kilpatrick, KJ. The other gentleman is KJ’s husband, Danny. Now, I suggest you all leave or I will charge with unlawful assembly, tresing, disturbing the peace and uttering threats.” Both officers stood firm as the crowd dispersed when they realized the police were serious. The only hanger-on was the ringleader. He was refusing to leave. He was taunting the police, daring them to arrest him. “I’m not worried,” he informed them. “I’ll be out of jail before you complete the paperwork.” One officer laughed. “I doubt it,” he said. The man remained steadfast in his statement. “Oh, trust me; I won’t be in jail for long. President Kilpatrick paid me to be here to harass his son. He’s against the gays as much as we are. The president knows these faggots are destroying our country with their flagrant display of immorality. We find them

repulsive.” KJ stepped onto his front lawn. He looked into the conspirator’s face. “My father put you up to this?” The other man laughed. “How do you think we found out? Your father finds your lifestyle disgusting and so do we! Don’t think for a minute our protests will stop. We will not quit until you’re both out of here. Degenerates!” After cuffing the man, the cops guided him into back of the squad car. The officers apologized to Danny and KJ before leaving. Danny turned to KJ. “Your dad is a piece of work. He is out of his mind. Why would he do this?” “Simple, because he’s a hateful bastard who presumes anyone who doesn’t fit his preconceived idea of perfection doesn’t deserve to be here.” KJ was fuming about his father being behind the recent attacks on him and his husband. He would no longer put up with his father’s petty antics. “What are you going to do?” “Something my father won’t do; hold a press conference. If he wants a fight, I’m taking him up on it.” KJ called his sisters to advise them of what happened and what he was planning to do. His next call was to the local press. He was waiting for them on his front lawn when they arrived. Colleen, Shannon and Danny stood behind him in a show of solidarity. “I’ve called you all here today for one simple reason. The reason is to tell you how my father is behind closed doors. My father, the man elected as President of the United States, is a narcissistic, ego-maniac who also has homophobic and racist blood running through his icecold veins.” KJ stared into the camera. “This morning, my husband, Danny, and I had a hate group threaten and attack us. This group claims my father hired them to

intimidate us and force us out of our home. Neither Danny nor I have seen these people before. They made it clear to us, it wouldn’t be the last time we would.” His sisters and husband nodded. “Danny and I maintain a low profile. We bother no one and we expect the same courtesy in return. My father and this hate group violated my privacy. I realize not everyone will accept who I am as a gay man. I’m okay with others not accepting who I am. But, my sexuality is no one else’s business, including and my father. If he’s listening, and I am sure he is, I will say this once.” Danny stepped forward and wrapped his arms around KJ. “Your intimidation tactics no longer work on me. You won’t get rid of me like you did Maman. You may have gotten away with her murder in the eyes of the law, but, not to those of us you told about it. How you can live with yourself is all on you.” He paused for a moment. “Just so you know in the off-chance you didn’t already, I didn’t vote for you. I couldn’t, in good conscience, vote for a murderous, selfcentered bigot who looks out for only himself and doesn’t give a shit about the people of this country.” He thanked the media for coming and led his family into the house. His father was watching the telecast and was fuming. He was so angry; he was shaking. “I don’t see why you’re so mad. Your son was speaking the truth. Maybe if you weren’t so divisive, you might find your popularity rise,” Zofia told him. “But, are you inclusive? No. You have to denigrate and demean every sector of society except for wealthy, white heterosexual men. For everyone else, you have this sick need to step on like a bug.” Ken raised his fist. “Is that your answer whenever somebody presents you with facts? You hit them? I’ve seen you punch your own daughter because she stood up to you. I’m no longer afraid of you. Deport me if you want; I no longer care. But, don’t expect it’ll reflect well on you. People will learn the truth and they will see you

as the monster you are.”

38

When Ken’s family received notice the investigation into Micheline’s death was being dropped, their hearts sank. They were hoping the police would find any evidence against him. “We don’t have the evidence to bring charges against anyone,” explained Detective Murphy. “The crime scene looked suspicious but, that is all we have. Suspicions are not enough to bring about charges.” Ken escaping prosecution shocked Ana Lopez and her viewers. “What about your informant? Would they be able to provide any proof?” Detective Murphy shook his head. “Our informant was unknown. Whoever the person was, they refused to reveal their identity.” It was obvious by the look on the officer’s face; he hated having to close the case. He wasn’t the only person disappointed. It upset Micheline’s children their father escaped rightful prosecution. It would be their word against their father’s and so it would be a no-win situation. Shannon voiced what everyone was thinking. “It’s incomprehensible how he can come through these controversies unscathed.” “It has to catch up to him at some point, doesn’t it?” KJ asked. “It’s as if everything he has said or done, people let him off the hook. Detective Murphy did his best, but God, I wish he charged him with something.” “We’re not so lucky,” Colleen answered. “Our only hope is if somebody has enough of his bullshit and tries to kill him off.” “It won’t be one of his minions. They are far too devoted to him and are blind to how he is.” “I don’t think they are blind as much as they don’t give a shit,” KJ stated. “None of them have lived the life we did with him. It’s why they’ll take his word over

ours.” Colleen agreed. “They have someone who thinks and talks the way they do.” “Yes, the whole racist, sexist, homophobic lot,” KJ observed. “They’re like a cult who found their god.” “Please don’t tell Dad,” Colleen begged. “He’s beyond intolerable now. Dad’s ego would be so inflated; he will be impossible. No one will want anything to do with him.” “It might be a good thing,” Shannon said. Her siblings wanted to agree but, his die-hard followers would never desert him. “His core base will him, regardless of what Dad says or does.” “It’s like he has nine lives. Every time we assume he’s done, he comes bounding back full force.” Shannon wondered by how her father escaped every scandal unscathed. Anyone else and the country would have been in an uproar over it. They would have demanded their heads on a platter. But, with Ken Kilpatrick, people look the other way. “Guaranteed, if this was President Gomez, they would all be in a pandemonium,” Colleen said. “Do you when Dad tried to say he wasn’t a legitimate leader because he was Mexican?” KJ rolled his eyes, shaking his head in disbelief. “I forgot about that. Gomez is from in New Mexico but, Dad chose not to hear the word new. Once he gets something stuck in his head, he can’t let it go. He refuses to see anyone else’s point of view or it he was wrong.” “Oh, lord. If he ever itted being wrong on anything, the world would end. It would be the last sign of the apocalypse,” said Shannon. “There has to be a breaking point when people will tire of his bullshit. When will they wake up to the fact our father’s an egotistical ass who doesn’t give a shit

about them?” “Never,” Colleen replied. “He’s disparaged so many groups, blacks, Mexicans, gays but, he is still getting people from those sectors ing him. It doesn’t matter to them. They take what he says and twist it around to suit their argument about why they him. It’s insane.” KJ laughed. “Dad’s gloating right now about escaping prosecution.” “It’ll catch up to him. It has to,” Shannon said, echoing her brother’s sentiments.

39

Ken knew the police wouldn’t lay murder charges against him. The only reason they opened a case was because of an anonymous caller. He suspected Susan Spencer or one of her cronies. She wanted to win the election, and she’d be willing to stoop to any level to do it. Ken had an inkling one of them may have leaked the information to her but, he couldn’t prove it. There was no way the police could prove murder in Micheline’s case. He delighted in the fact he outmaneuvered everyone. “You have outsmarted no one,” Shannon informed him. “You were fortunate Detective Murphy didn’t have the evidence to prove your guilt. We would have testified against you but, it wouldn’t have been enough. We doubt any jury would have taken our testimony. They would have viewed us as spoiled, bitter children who despised their father.” “Well, the last part is true,” answered Ken, his voice laced with venom. Shannon huffed. “Spoiled, no. Bitter and loathing towards you, yes. I will until I take my last breath.” Both Colleen and KJ echoed their sister’s words. The three reminded their father of his treatment from the moment they took their first breath. “You forget how abusive you were and always will be,” Colleen pointed out. “How can you expect us not to be hateful and angry when our own father treated us with resentment and bitterness? And don’t you dare defend your actions. There is nothing you can say to make up for the shit you put Maman and us through. “Not only are you a pretentious ass but, you’re an ab, batterer and murderer. You can deny it all you want, Father dear, but it’s the truth no matter how hard you deny it.”

Ken swung, hitting her on the jaw. He hit her so hard; he knocked out two of her teeth. Blood poured of her mouth, causing Zofia to gasp in dismay. She went for a cold cloth to apply to Colleen’s mouth. “You should go to a doctor,” she advised. “You may need stitches to stop the bleeding.” Colleen shook her head. “No, I’m fine. It’ll stop on its own. Plus, I’m not about to give him the satisfaction.” Ken still had his fists clenched, watching his daughter defy him. “Just watch yourself, little girl. I have no problem putting you in the hospital if you cross me again. , I’ve put you there before.” “How can I forget? It’s impossible to do when your father berates or beats you whenever the whim hits him. Trust me; the time in the hospital was like a vacation for me.” “Believe me, it was a welcome break for me, too. It meant I didn’t have to listen to your constant whining.” Ken stepped towards his daughter, his eyes locking onto hers. “And I suggest you leave my house right now and go back home to your nigger husband. Let him take care of you. You’re no longer my responsibility.” Colleen said nothing as she took her coat and slammed the door behind her. “Why do you do that? She’s your daughter and you treat her like shit. How do you treat Anneliese and Rosalie when I’m not here?” asked Zofia. “The same as when you are here. The twins stay out of my way so they don’t get hit with my temper. Unlike my other children, they know how to avoid pissing me off.” The response did not satisfy her. “So, you ignore them.” Ken pursed his lip, nodding. “Pretty much but, they ignore me too. I like it that way. Too bad you and my other children can’t learn from them.” When Colleen arrived back home, her mouth was still bleeding from the punch her father gave her. Elijah came out of the kitchen and was angry. Only one person would have the nerve to hit his wife.

“This has gone too far,” he told her. “It’s time to put your old man in his place.” He grabbed his jacket as he stormed out to his car. He was beyond tired of his father-in-law’s outrageous behavior. It was out of control and it needed to stop. As much as Colleen tried to curb her father’s antics, it wasn’t working. It was time for a man to take control. Ken didn’t like him which gave him more reason to take his father-in-law on. He grew up hearing the racial slurs and stereotypical commentaries. It didn’t bother him as much as once did because the problem wasn’t with him. The problem was with those spewing the hatred. They were the ones who had issues with their own self-esteem; they needed to lash out and others to make themselves feel more important. This was Colleen’s father through and through. Ken was such a petty man; he needed to do his best to keep his family in tow. But, they were rebelling against him and he didn’t like it. Elijah was not about to allow Ken to harm Colleen and pay no consequences. His brown eyes were black when the housekeeper opened the door. “Where is he?” Elijah asked through clenched teeth. She gestured towards the dining room. He stormed past her and into the next room. When he saw the girls, he asked Zofia to take them into the kitchen. He grabbed Ken by the scruff of the neck, yanked him up, and slammed him against the wall. “Why? Why did you injure your daughter?” “She pissed me off! She needs to learn her place.” Elijah inched closer, pressing his nose against Ken’s. “It doesn’t matter if she pissed you off or not. You don’t lay your hands on a woman in anger.” Ken tried to push Elijah off him but, the younger man was too strong. “Don’t even try it, old man. I could kill you without a second thought but, you’re not worth my spending my life in prison. I’d rather be with my wife and children.” Elijah released his grip and watched as Ken fell to the floor. Zofia and the twins

came out of the kitchen, frightened. Elijah turned to face them, his expression softening. “Sorry, ladies,” he apologized. “The last thing I wanted was to upset any of you.” Anneliese smiled. “We know, Eli. We’re glad to have you here to stand up to Dad.” He touched her cheek. “So am I. what I told you all before. Call me if you need anything. Now, finish your supper. I need to take Colleen to the hospital.”

40

Ken refused to walk Colleen down the aisle at her wedding. In fact, he boycotted the entire ceremony. She married Elijah despite his orders condemning it. Her decision infuriated him. Colleen and the rest of the family had a sense of relief he stayed home. It meant they could enjoy the day without his persistent negativity. Micheline stepped up and walked her daughter down the aisle. Colleen and Elijah promised to each other, no matter the circumstance. “Your dad not being here is the best present he could have given to us,” Elijah chuckled. “Your father’s a piece of work. How you and the rest of your family escaped being the same confounds me.” “The rest of us are mammals. My father is a reptile. We were fortunate to take after our mother.” With each child Colleen and Elijah welcomed, Ken refused to have anything to do with them. “I will not accept any child with nigger blood as part of my family. Your grandparents are rolling over in their graves right now.” “You didn’t know them well, then. Gran and her parents helped their Jewish employees escape the death chambers during the war. Are you aware Grampa hired immigrants for various positions in the company? Neither one of them had a discriminatory bone in their bodies. I don’t know why that same comion skipped you, their son; their flesh and blood.” Ken was about to hit her but, Elijah grabbed his arm, preventing him from doing so. Elijah spun in around in to look at him and ensure Ken could see his face. “I’ve already warned you, Mr. Kilpatrick. She’s told me you’ve hit her in the past. Sometimes, you hit her so hard; she needed to go to the hospital. I told you before, you hit her again and I will send you to the hospital. Am I

making myself clear?” Elijah’s eyes were black and angry. Ken yanked his arm from Elijah’s grip. “I am not afraid of you,” he replied. “My daughter knows better than to cross me. She has this sick, perverted obsession to be impudent. She should respect me because I am her father. Parents make the rules; not the children.” “True, parents make the rules. But, parents cannot demand their children respect them. Not when those same parents abused them.” Elijah could tell he had Ken befuddled. His father-in-law wasn’t as smart as he claimed to be and it was easy to talk around him. He stood silent as Ken stormed out the room and into his study.

41

Lisa Cooper had made it her mission to dedicate her entire focus on keeping Ken Kilpatrick from looking foolish. She understood she had taken on the impossible. Ken would often go on Twitter rants and she was the one who had to clean up the aftermath. She and the rest of the team were more than capable of the task at hand. The press conference KJ dismayed her and the rest of the team. His children stood as a unified front against him. She wasn’t certain how to spin it. When Emma Sinclair offered to take on the task, it comforted her. Emma was the daughter of Ernie Sinclair, Republican Governor of Wisconsin. She was unafraid to take on the press, which was the reason Ken appointed her as Press Secretary. She took her place at the podium to address the press corps. “Good morning,” she began. “I would first like to say, it concerns President Kilpatrick about the unfortunate incident at the home of his only son. He would like to assure the people of this country, he will not tolerate hate crimes. His son and his husband are upstanding citizens. They have done nothing to warrant such actions taken against them.” Emma shuffled the papers in front of her. “As for the person who suggested Mr. Kilpatrick was the one who ordered the protest; that is false. The president would do nothing to bring harm to his children.” With the end of her speech, Emma faced with a litany of questions. “What about the press conference held by his son? KJ accused his father outright of instigating the attack. If anyone should know how their parents are, it would be the children. Am I right in saying that?”

Emma never batted an eye. She expected questions in such a vein. “An accurate assumption in most cases. But, President Kilpatrick has made it clear, his children were resentful about his running for office. It distressed them, thinking about their personal lives being thrust into the spotlight and I understand that. They are private people and would prefer to stay that way. Mr. Kilpatrick understands their concerns and advised them nothing would happen to them because of his run for office.” “Well, even the blind can see the president lied to them. His children voiced their concerns, and he disregarded them when he ran for the office.” Emma shifted her position at the podium but, her facial expression remained emotionless. “Where did you get that information, Richard?” The reporter never hesitated in his response. “From a reliable source close to the family. The president brushed off their concerns, telling them no one will care about anyone but him. What are your thoughts on that, Ms. Sinclair?” The press secretary remained emotionless. “Your source gave you incorrect information. There are people whose sole mission is to bring down our president. They are doing so because they are angry about his winning the election. My opinion is they are ers of Susan Spencer and in their minds; she should be the one in the White House.” Henry, a veteran reporter with Inferno, raised his hand. “It’s not obvious. There are people who think we should not have a racist and murder suspect as leader of the free world.” “If you recall, Henry, the police cleared the president of all charges.” “No,” Henry returned. “There were no charges laid against him. There’s a difference.” “I see no difference.” A collective groan emerged from the press pool. Did they hear her what they thought they heard? There was no way the press secretary could be so naïve or blind. “Are you serious, Emma? You don’t see the difference?”

Emma stayed resolute in her response. “There is no difference, Patrick. Why are you all pushing the issue?” Patrick was not about to let it go. “Because it seems you appear to not know the difference between being cleared of charges and not being charged. The two are not the same.” The press secretary didn’t skip a beat. “I disagree. The police did not charge President Kilpatrick; therefore, they cleared him of any charges.” Everyone in the room moaned in disbelief. How could an otherwise intelligent woman be so gullible? Could the president have brainwashed her? They were at a loss why a smart woman like Emma could not see the truth and be honest about it. Maybe she worried of losing her job and didn’t want to say or do anything to anger her boss.

42

Colleen was fuming. How dare her father put out such blatant lies? Did he forget about punching her and knocking out her teeth? Or, did he forget he ever assaulted her? Her husband suggested she speak out against him. “Look how brave KJ was to come forward. Shannon and KJ will you if you hold a press conference and tell your side of the story.” Eli was right. She could not allow her father to saturate the media with his own version of the truth which was incorrect. Colleen had no choice but to speak out against her father. With her husband and siblings by her side, she launched into her speech. “My father, through his press secretary, has stated he has done no harm to us, his children. This statement is untrue. My father should be ashamed of himself for even implying he was a good father. My father has sent me to hospital on more than once.” Colleen maintained her composure as she continued. “The most recent was last week when he punched me in the face and knocked my teeth out. I guarantee he will deny it but, records will show I am speaking the truth. His version of the truth is missing one key ingredient. Facts. He has no factual basis to his version of the truth. That being said, he has a team around him who affirm his lies as gospel.” Her family moved closer to her. “Despite being called out on their lies, his people double-down on the claims my father is speaking the truth. They believe the words coming out of his mouth. Why? I am not 100 percent certain. I imagine they are fearful of him. They will say or do anything to keep him from exploding.”

She took a deep breath. “It shocks me to this day he won the presidency. How he won despite losing the popular vote by a large margin is beyond my comprehension. Although I cannot prove it, I imagine my father had outside help with the election. Understanding him like I do; he’ll deny it but, I know his tactics well.” “My father loves to intimidate and threaten people to get his way. All he is worried about is his own image. He couldn’t care less about those working for him. Even as a child, he would brag about accomplishments he never achieved. My grandparents were at their wits’ end with him and his constant boasting.” “They had no choice but to send him to a strict boarding school. They hoped it would improve his attitude. To their disappointment, it didn’t do what they expected. Everyone who came into his atmosphere found themselves with a person whose ego is so inflated; it’s difficult to breathe clean air.” “My grandparents blamed themselves for their son’s outrageous behavior. They were unaware my father may have been dealing with a mental disorder. Although he hasn’t had a diagnosis and I doubt he ever will, it is my opinion my father suffers from a narcissistic disorder.” After her press conference, the media was abuzz with the First Daughter’s speech. They speculated the amount of discord within the family since Colleen was the second person to speak out against the president. But, the media zeroed in on Colleen’s statement about her father getting help to win the election. “Who do you suppose she was referring to?” Ana Lopez asked her guests. “I’m at a complete loss,” responded Kareem Mohammad. “He’s disparaged so many people and countries, why would anybody want to help him win?” Ana nodded. “True but, it’s possible they did it to turn around and use it against him when the time was right.”

Meanwhile, at the White House, Ken was furious. First, KJ spoke out against him and now Colleen. Why were his own children making a spectacle out of him? “Maybe if you stopped abusing them, they would stop talking to the press. You have only yourself to blame.” Zofia found courage from the strength of KJ and Colleen. If they found the courage to speak out; why not her? “I will prevent you from saying anything,” her husband warned. “Have you forgotten what I’m holding over your head?” She signed. “How can I? You throw it in my face all the time. I don’t care anymore. Go ahead. Have me deported. You have the power to do it now. If you do, know I will have no problem going public with our past.” Ken glared, realizing he was in a no-win situation. He hated being cornered. He mumbled under his breath as he stomped off.

43

Zofia slept in a separate bedroom when they moved into the White House. She was against his running for the office. She told him if he won; she planned on sleeping in a separate bedroom. Ken didn’t care, and she realized why long before. He was cheating on her and she no longer cared. It meant she no longer had to listen to his panting while having sex with her. She could now sleep through the night without listening to his snoring or to feel his sweaty body against her. “Why do you now find me repulsive?” She put her hand on her hip, giving him a dirty look. “I found you repulsive from the moment we met.” “Then, why did you agree to marry me?” Zofia gave him a look of indignation. “Are you for real? You’re asking me that? Do you not the ultimatum you gave me?” Ken raised an eyebrow. “You could have refused.” “Yes, and I would face jail time before deportation. In retrospect, jail time would have been preferable to the torture chamber I’ve been living in for years.” She let out a scream as Ken grabbed her, dragging her to his bedroom. “What are you doing?” she screeched. Ken pinned her down, his gray eyes filled with rage. “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m forcing you to do your duty as my wife.” “You plan to rape me?”

He increased the pressure on her wrists. “Call it what you want but, you haven’t fulfilled your end of the marriage in a long time.” Zofia tried to squirm her way out of his grasp. “Why should I have sex with you? You’re already out screwing countless other women. You don’t need me.” Ken released his grip from one hand and hit her in a rage. Her eye throbbed as she tried to push him off her. Ken was much stronger than she was. Zofia begged him to stop. Ken ignored her and forced himself inside her. She shrieked in pain when he did. As with every other time he had sex with her, Zofia zoned out and allowed him to do what he wanted. It made her life so much easier and he never took long. Once he finished, he would roll off her and go to sleep. This time was different. His rage appeared to intensify his libido. To Zofia, the sex went on forever. She was in tears by the time he finished. Ken stood over her with a satisfied look on his face. “I don’t know what you’re crying about. You’ll never find another man who will give you sex like that. I’m the best you’ll ever have. Why are you not grateful I still want to fuck you?” Zofia sat up, covering her naked body with a sheet. “I would if you left me alone.” “Why would I do that? I told you I should send you back to Czech Republic but, it would be stupid on my part. As long as we are still married and under the same roof, I can guarantee you won’t be going public with our little understanding. If I set you free, I can’t keep you from going to the police or telling your story to the tabloids. I already made that mistake with my former staff.” “Why should they show loyalty to you? You weren’t loyal to them and treated them all as second-class citizens. “And then, you fired them for no reason. You expected them to remain silent on what they saw and heard. If you thought they’d keep quiet, you’re delusional.” Ken said nothing as he threw her clothes towards her and motioned for her to

leave. Zofia dressed as fast as she could and walked out of his room.

44

The rumor about election hacking was gaining momentum. Every news outlet became focused on the likelihood someone interfered with the results. They all speculated who might want Ken Kilpatrick as the President of the United States. “Who would have the most to gain with Kilpatrick as president?” posed Ana to her of guests. “Well,” replied Lance. “It would be someone he has a difficult time in denouncing. Or to be more specific: a group. Everyone knows he cannot bring himself to condemn anyone associated with all white supremacist groups.” Lance continued, “My theory is one of those groups are behind this. At this moment, it is a rumor and we have no proof of any wrong-doing.” Ken watched the morning news programs and becoming agitated by the coverage. He despised the fact the media continued to speculate about the legitimacy of his presidency. “I won the election, fair and square,” he told his team. “I didn’t need help from anybody. People of this country told us they didn’t want the same old politicians. It’s the reason they voted for me. People were looking for something different.” Lisa was growing weary of listening to her boss’s ranting and frequent outbursts. Her four children acted more mature than Ken Kilpatrick. While she still couldn’t comprehend how or why he won the election, his going on about it was wearing thin with many of the team. Ken did not realize he had assembled a terrific group to help him with running the country. His perpetual raging about non-issues was making even the most patient of people frazzled and discouraged. Lisa deemed it was time for her to voice her concerns. “Ken, please stop with

this nonsense. We’re all tired of hearing about the election. It’s done, Ken. You won. You’re the president. Who cares what the press is speculating? They can’t change the results, no matter how much they hate it. No one is disputing the fact you won the election fair and square.” “Yes, they are, Lisa. If they were all certain I won fair and square, there wouldn’t be such media brouhaha right now. This is all Colleen’s fault. If that little bitch of a daughter of mine hadn’t opened her fucking mouth, no one would debate it right now.” Lisa exhaled in exasperation. Once he had something stuck in his head, nobody had the ability to change it. “There’s no blame here. It’s all speculation at this point. It would be useless but, she had to try.” She leaned over and put her hand on his shoulder. “You need to focus on running the country and not what people are saying about you. Stop watching television and stop reading the newspapers. You promised the American people you’d make us number one again. You can’t do that if you are always spewing off about things that never happened, doesn’t exist or you can’t control. It’s time for you to focus on your promises.” Ken sat at his desk, stewing about being lectured to as if he were a child. Lisa didn’t understand. He hated having people dislike him. He longed for the adulation he gleaned when he was on the campaign trail and hosting rallies. “You have that, Ken. The people who voted for you worship the ground you walk on. Why can’t you focus on that? Don’t give a second thought to those who want nothing to do with you. They’re not important. You’re the President of the United States.” She crossed her arms. “And they aren’t. They’re jealous of your success. It’s time to look at things in ways other than in the negative. If you don’t, it’ll end up killing you.”

45

Because of the uproar over the possibility of meddling in the election, Attorney General Victor Robinson, knew he had no choice but to launch an investigation. He realized he had a near-impossible job ahead of him. He had to walk the fine line of not pissing off the president who had a short fuse and delving into a situation to see if there was any evidence to the allegations. Victor was already sensing the pressure. Ken denied any knowledge of election meddling. He was tweeting he was innocent of any wrong-doing. He insisted he had no involvement with any white supremacist organization. Victor was well-aware the president took everything to heart. It unnerved him when Lisa told him Ken wasn’t taking the investigation well. He would double down on his plea of innocence. Victor needed to block out everything around him and focus on the task at hand. To have the president breathing down his neck was not first on his list. The investigation was difficult enough without the pressure from others to let it go. Staff made him aware of Ken’s inclination to refuse dropping any subject which showed him a negative light. Even with this bit of information, Victor would let no one dissuade him from performing his duty. If there was any kind of interference, the Attorney General determined he would find it. If there wasn’t any evidence, then he wouldn’t find it. Either way, Victor had no choice but to focus on uncovering the truth. At the press briefing, Emma did her best to divert the attention away from the investigation. “The president has no involvement in any conspiracy to meddle in the election. He won the election fair and square. The people of this country chose who they wanted to run the country.” “And those people were the KKK and other white supremacist groups?” The press corps was not letting her off the hook.

She and the rest of Ken’s inner circle would talk in circles to confuse the issue at hand. “That isn’t what I said. Mr. Kilpatrick won the Electoral College, and that is all he needed to become president. He didn’t need help from any organization to do that.” “Are you so sure about that? Do you have any proof there was no rigging the outcome?” Emma wasn’t backing down. “It’s obvious Ms. Spencer and her ers are still angry with the loss to Mr. Kilpatrick. There are the ones who started this whole meddling idea to begin with.” “Stop lying, Emma. It all started with Mr. Kilpatrick’s daughter, Colleen. She was the one who floated the idea her father may have had help in securing the presidency. Why are you and the president unwilling to it the truth instead of deflecting everything to Susan Spencer?” “We are telling the truth.” “No, Emma, you aren’t. You are all in denial about the whole thing. It’s time to stop pointing the finger at Susan Spencer and the Democrats and blaming them.” The reporter kept pressing. “They had nothing to do with accusing the president or his ers of wrong-doing. Colleen stated at her press conference, she thought there may be something underhanded about the election. She didn’t mince words.” The press secretary shuffled her papers, trying to drum up a response on the spot. It was starting come clear, at least to the media; Emma’s inexperience had risen to the surface. It was becoming difficult for her to talk her way out of situations she put herself in. “We are not pointing fingers, Henry. All we are saying, Ms. Spencer can’t accept losing to Mr. Kilpatrick. No one would put it past her to start such a rumor.” “Although it was the First Daughter was the one who brought up the subject?”

Emma refused to change her stance on the topic. It left the media and many watching shaking their heads. “Your father’s people are something else,” Elijah said to Colleen. “They can’t it they’re wrong even when confronted with the truth.” Colleen laughed. “Just like my father. All of them are his puppets. Dad enjoys surrounding himself with people who will mimic his views.” “Explains why he can’t get along with anyone whose opinion differs from his. This would be anyone with an ounce of active brain cells.”

46

“Stop this, Ken. This country you claim you want to make better is splitting apart. All because of your constant spewing of hatred and discord. Your staff is becoming restless and irritable.” Lisa had enough of Ken’s childish outbursts. “They’re tiring of having to clean up your mess and failing miserable. Instead of making things easier, you rant and rave about how you’re innocent and how everyone is conspiring against you.” “They are, Lisa,” he returned. “It’s all over the media. Susan Spencer and her lackeys are making me look like a fool.” Lisa crossed her arms, giving him a stern stare. “Come on, Ken, stop it. You’ve brought this on yourself. Continuing to blame Susan Spencer for your problems is no longer an option when she’s not responsible for your current situation. It’s time for you to grow up and take responsibility for your own mess.” Ken stood, scowling. “I am not about to it to something I didn’t do. Why should I? I’m the president, damn it! I make the rules and the people need to follow them.” “That’s not how it works, Ken. You’re running the country, not your own business. To run a country, you need to compromise and work with others. The US is not a dictatorship.” Lisa was questioning herself about why she remained on the team. He was proving to be too much for her to deal with and she longed for a break. She no longer recognized herself when she appeared on news programs, defending the president and his actions. It was also taking its toll on her personal life. Her husband had become so frustrated with her and her boss, he moved out, taking their children with him. He had warned her he would if she didn’t put an end to her defense of Ken Kilpatrick.

She ignored his warning, certain he was bluffing to get her to quit. When she came home one night to an empty house, the realization set in he wasn’t joking. Ken did not see how much his staff had sacrificed for him. They deserved a lot more gratitude than he gave which was none. “If you’re so unhappy with me, why don’t you leave?” “Maybe I will,” Lisa responded. “But, this. If I leave, others will leave with me and leave you to clean up your own messes. You’ll end up worse than Emma at trying to talk your way out of your web. There is no way you can keep up with your own set of lies. You’re not that smart.” Ken shoved the papers off his desk, slamming his fists on the top. “Never, ever, insult me like that again. How in the hell do you think I got where I am if I wasn’t smart? I wouldn’t have been able to run a business if I wasn’t smart! Or become president!” “What are you talking about?” Lisa asked. “I know for a fact you never ran the Kilpatrick Group. Your parents ed that responsibility onto your children. This is one of the many reasons you resent them. Your parents realized you were incapable of running a successful company but, they saw their grandchildren did.” Lisa waved papers in front of the president. “I got my hands on your school transcripts. You were far from a top student anywhere. In fact, your grades are near the bottom of your class. Not only that, you had many disciplinary actions.” She slapped the documents on his desk. “There is only one reason your parents sent you away. You gave them no other alternative. They couldn’t handle you any longer and you resented being pushed away. You believed they didn’t love you and this is the reason you don’t allow people to get close to you. It’s why you crave the attention at your rallies. They give you the love you’ve been looking for your whole life.” Ken scowled. First, Lisa insults him and then she tries to tell him what he wants? What did she know? She was a mere woman.

“Fine, Mr. Kilpatrick,” she stated. “But, you watch. The rest of your team will fall like dominoes once I leave.”

47

The media was buzzing about Lisa Cooper’s sudden departure from the White House. No one saw it coming. Everyone believed she was the one person who would be with the president until the end. It surprised them she was the first one to abandon him. She explained at her press conference; it was time for her to focus on her family. “The long hours I’ve been putting in has taken its toll on my personal life. My husband and I need to work on repairing our marriage. We cannot do that if one of us isn’t there.” She thanked the press for coming and left without taking questions. Shannon wondered how her father would take to Lisa’s absence. He depended on her for everything. Losing her meant Ken had to do for himself. It also left a hole in an advisory position. Lisa served as his confidante and sounding board. He never listened to her words of wisdom but, he counted on her to fix his mistakes. Emma did her best but, she wasn’t Lisa. Lisa was a pro and never hesitated when confronted with tough questions. She had faltered at key times the past few weeks. Shannon sensed this wouldn’t go over well with her father. He hated when others made him look foolish. Emma was doing it too frequent a basis. It wouldn’t take much more for her father to fire her. Ken never considered he made work impossible for the two women. If he had stopped sending out tweets condemning large sections of the country or made up stories, they wouldn’t have to spend all their time defending him. Shannon’s heart went out to Lisa and Emma. They signed a deal with the devil when they went to work for her father.

“True,” KJ agreed. “But, they must have had an inkling of what he was like before they did. He had been showing his true colors since he announced his intentions to run.” Shannon breathed a heavy sigh. Her brother was correct. Their father had no problem in showing his hateful tendencies to the world. In return, he received the adoration he wanted. Ken had a cult following, and he lapped up the glory. “He loves the attention his ers give him. It makes him feel important.” “To our chagrin, it makes his head even bigger. He’s beyond impossible to deal with now.”

48

A month into the meddling investigation, Ana Lopez received notice about a source who wanted to come forward. This person said he had information about a member of the president’s family. She agreed to meet with Morris James that afternoon. When she arrived at the coffee shop, a man in his late 50s met her at the door. His face showed signs of hard living and he wore disheveled clothing. “Mr. James?” The man gave a feeble smile. “Yes. Thank you for meeting me, Ms. Lopez.” He followed the reporter to a quiet table near the window. “What did you want to see me about?” she questioned. The man shifted in his seat. He leaned forward, answering in a soft voice. “I wanted to tell you about KJ Kilpatrick’s husband; Danny O’Malley was a child prostitute.” Ana threw him a dirty look. Her instincts told her he was looking for his fifteen minutes of pain. “I can tell you don’t believe me,” he continued. “I don’t blame you. But, I can tell you this, I was a repeat customer of Danny’s. I loved his tight, teenage ass.” The journalist looked at him in shock and dismay. She still couldn’t understand why this man was coming forward now with his story. “Because Americans deserve to know a deviant has found his way into the president’s family. I’m sure they would want this information.” “What they want to know and what they need to know are two different things, Mr. James. What Danny O’Malley did when he was a youngster is none of their business.” Ana sensed the man across from her had a personal agenda. “If what you say is true, Mr. O’Malley was a juvenile at the time you claim you’ve had sex with him. This means if there were any charges against him, they would have expunged his records.

It also makes you a criminal. Not only because you hired a prostitute but, one who was underage.” She leaned in and focused her stare into the man’s eyes. “If you come out with this, you’re the one will look bad; not Mr. O’Malley. Is that what you want to happen?” Her snitch squirmed in his chair. It never occurred to him people would view him in the negative. “Mr. James? If I were you, I would reconsider going public with this. You will destroy the life of a man who has done nothing but good in this world.” Ana didn’t let up her interrogation. “Another question for you. Do you want to subject your family to such scrutiny? Do they even how about your past? How will they react if they find out?” The man remained silent for several minutes. There were so many questions to which he had no answers. Ana was right. He couldn’t come forward and risk losing everything he had. “What made you want to do this in the first place?” He shrugged. “I thought it would help bring down the president. I figured he would have to resign due to humiliation.” Ana touched his hand. “You understand it won’t happen the way you want it. Anyone else would face backlash. President Kilpatrick will come out of this unscathed.” Mr. James sighed, dejected. “I understand. It wouldn’t be fair to Danny. I’d only be ruining my life and his. I can’t do that to him. You know, Ms. Lopez. The president is wrong about you. You’re not a bitch. I’m glad you dissuaded me from doing something I could never take back.” He shook her hand and exited the coffee shop. Ana breathed a sigh of relief. She couldn’t, in good conscience, go forward with a story so sordid. She thanked God she changed his mind about coming forward. At least, she thought she did. She was aghast when she saw him on the XRAE network, spilling his story to Edward Nickerson. Her heart sank as she thought of Danny and KJ.

She didn’t care about the president. Whatever happened to him, he brought on himself. But, Danny had turned his life around in the years since he was a homeless youth. He had confided in after an interview he granted to bring light on his non-profit youth project. Ana had become a good friend after the meeting. She often attended fundraisers for him. She stood up the LGTBQ population. LGTBQ youth face bullying and ostracization daily. They often took their own lives because they couldn’t deal with the turmoil any longer. Ana had it in her head to end the stigma in her lifetime. Her beloved niece, Michaela, had committed suicide for the same reason as many others. She thought she had nowhere else to turn, and no one had loved her. The Rainbow Retreat was the brainchild of Danny O’Malley. He understood LGTBQ youngsters needed a place where they felt safe and secure. The camps provided havens for them to be free. By being with other kids like them, they let their guards down and their selfesteem grew. They provide and positive reinforcement to everyone around them. Ana found herself disgusted by Mr. James’ actions. There was no need for him to destroy a man’s life for nothing more than his fifteen minutes of fame. She exhaled, irritated as she continued to watch the interview. “How do you know of Danny O’Malley’s history?” Morris gave a wry smirk. “I was one of Danny’s customers. In fact, I was a frequent customer.” “How long ago was this?” Morris took a moment before he responded, pretending to mull it over. “Over 25 years ago.” His answer made Edward suspicious. “So, why come forward now?” “Because he portrays himself as a sanctimonious and upstanding member of

society and he’s nothing but, a whore.” The reporter was leery of the man’s true intentions. “Is that a fact, Mr. James? Is it not true, you met with Ana Lopez earlier today? Did you not tell her you were coming forward because you wanted to destroy the president? And did she tell you she couldn’t proceed with an on-air interview because of her concerns about the ramifications it could have on you and your family?” Morris fidgeted across from Edward. How did he find out about his meeting with Ana? “It’s easy when you meet in a public place. Other people overheard you. They had enough concern to come forward and to tell us before you came on the program.” His guest turned deep red. It never occurred to him others would overhear his conversation and report to the news networks. “Maybe you should have chosen a different setting; somewhere more discreet. Public places are notorious for eavesdropping.” The camera remained focused on Morris as he fumbled for his words. Edward soon let him off the hook, ending the segment. “I should have never let you on the show,” he advised while on commercial. “But, I wanted to knock you down a few pegs. Because of my decision, we have disgraced an upstanding member of our country. Security is now on its way to escort you from the premises.” After the break, Edward launched into a monolog. “I would like to express my deepest apology to Danny O’Malley and his husband, KJ Kilpatrick. My intention was to expose Mr. James as a hypocrite and an opportunist. Instead, I humiliated an upstanding young man who has done nothing but good since his life on the streets.” Edward took a deep breath, his eyes watery. “All of us have a past we don’t want to talk about. I am certain few of us can claim no wrong-doing.

I am sitting here before you, itting it was inappropriate for me to destroy the life of Mr. O’Malley.” He felt his heart sinking. “We aired a story for nothing more than ratings. I beg our audience; please do not harass Mr. O’Malley or his husband. We do not know the circumstances behind Mr. O’Malley’s decision. It is not up to us if it is right or wrong. If Mr. O’Malley gives a rebuttal, I would consider it an honor. He deserves the chance to defend himself. If he chooses another outlet, I would understand without judgment.” KJ and Danny watched in horror as Danny’s past flashed across their TV screen. “What in the hell?” he said to KJ. “I don’t this Morris guy. I forgot none of the men I was with.” “So, what do you think? Somebody paid him to come forward?” Danny exhaled. “I don’t know, babe. It’s possible. What are your thoughts about my going on Edward’s show?” “It might be a good idea. His apology was sincere. At least, it’s how I saw it.” His husband nodded. “He looked remorseful. Hand me the phone. I’ll call him right now.” Danny sat in the green room, wringing his hands. His segment seemed an eternity away. He took a deep breath when the production assistant led him to the set. Edward extended his hand, welcoming Danny to the show. After he introduced Danny to his audience, Edward allowed him carte blanche to tell his story. “Were you ever frightened?” “Yeah, all the time,” he answered. “I heard so many horror stories during my time on the streets. I witnessed so many kids OD, commit suicide or murdered. It terrified me when I saw it happening.” Danny became reflective. “When the police officer rescued me, I had a sense of relief. It meant I no longer had to worry about my next meal.

I decided I would do everything I could to help these kids. It was my way of paying it forward. I graduated NYU with a degree in psychology and began my mission to establish my retreats. LGBTQAI+ kids need a safe place even if it’s only for a few weeks.” He looked into the attentive eyes of Edward. “It gives them the opportunity to meet others in similar situations. They make new friends and they counsel each other. They know they can talk to each other with no judgment. When Mr. James came on your show last evening, I feared how it would make me look. I then realized, it had nothing to do with me. He would be the one who looked bad.” Danny turned his focus toward the camera. “I never slept with Mr. James, as I told my husband; I all of my Johns. He was not one. I don’t know for certain but, I am certain somebody paid him off.” “Would you like to tell us who you think might have done so?” Danny shook his head. “No, I don’t. Without proof, there would be no point. It doesn’t matter. The only important thing is making sure the kids get what they need. The fact someone felt it necessary to reveal my past is a good thing despite how I thought. It shows people can overcome anything life throws at them. They’ll know our mistakes do not define us as long as we learn and grow from them.” The staff at XRAE was in tears and all applauding. Danny smiled, satisfied in clearing his conscience.

49

Emma felt the pressure upon her. She endured more than an hour of Ken’s ranting about Danny’s XRAE interview the previous evening. “How could he embarrass me? Does he hate me that much?” “I don’t know, sir. I’m sure he never meant to embarrass you. You would have to ask him if he hates you or not.” Ken paced the Oval Office, mumbling. Emma wished Lisa was still with the team. Lisa could handle the president. He didn’t intimidate her like he did Emma. Her heart fluttered as she took the podium. She braced herself to keep from trembling. “Good morning. As I’m sure you are aware, Danny O’Malley appeared on Edward Nickerson’s show last evening. As you know, Danny is the husband of the president’s son, KJ. The events of the past week troubled the president. He is disturbed Danny was into child prostitution. President Kilpatrick wishes Danny had confided in him before going public.” Henry raised his hand. “Why would the president want Mr. O’Malley to talk to him? Everyone here knows the president despises both KJ and Danny.” “President Kilpatrick never expressed dislike for Mr. O’Malley. The president s his children in whatever life choices they make. The rumors of his abusing them are just that; rumors. It distresses him that his three adult children are certain he doesn’t love them.” Emma did her best to hide her nervousness. “As for why Mr. O’Malley not confiding in the president, you would have to discuss that with him. All I know is President Kilpatrick wishes Danny trusted him enough to discuss it with him behind closed doors.” Patrick spoke up. “Why should Danny talk with a man who is a blatant

homophobe? President Kilpatrick has made it known; he only respects white, heterosexual males.” Emma shook her head. “That is untrue, Patrick. He is the opposite.” “Are you sure about that? Then, how can you explain his wanting to send all immigrants back to their own countries? He said it countless time while on the campaign trail.” Emma shifted her position at the podium. “Well, for one, he was talking about illegal immigrants, not those here with legitimate work visas. Second, everyone knows what a person says while campaigning is mere talk. No one expects candidates to mean everything they say.” “So, he doesn’t plan to bring jobs back to the US and abolish poverty?” Emma let out a loud breath. She wondered if she made the right decision to accept the position. Maybe it was time for her to follow Lisa’s lead and leave. She let out another loud, exasperated breath. It took everything in her power to keep from having a public meltdown. She could feel the eyes of the press watching her with interest. If she hadn’t already suffered with high stress levels, the stares would have done it. Instead, they pushed her over the edge. She remained at the podium, frozen. After several minutes, other staff led her to the next room. The press corps was abuzz with what they witnessed. None of them had ever seen a member of the White House staff have a mental break. It had them wondering what was happening behind the closed doors of the Oval Office. All were in shock when Lisa announced her resignation and reeling from that news. Now, they faced another controversy. The media pondered what would be next.

50

Events of the past few days had taken its toll on Danny. They had him exhausted. KJ ed him a cup of tea. “Here, drink this,” he ordered. His husband thanked him as he took a sip. He sighed in contentment. “This is what I needed.” “I know, babe. Your worst nightmare had come true. But, I have to say, you handled it with class. You should be proud of yourself. I know I am.” Danny gave his husband a meek smile. “You know what, I am. Since my past is out in the open, I feel free. I don’t have to hide it any longer.” KJ wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “True enough. I’m sure you’ll get tons of hate mail. I also think you’ll receive twice as many accolades. You’re what our community needs right now. My opinion is you’re the one to bridge the gap between us and those who hate us.” Danny was not so certain. “The kids, yes. They can see we can make bad life choices and overcome them. It’s important for them to know mistakes do not define them. What they do with those mistakes will.” The men sat silent for several minutes, reflecting on their past. The two had difficult times but, in different ways. Their adversity drove them to be more comionate. It also brought them closer together. “I wonder if your father’s freaking out right now.” KJ grinned. “I would say he’s having a coronary. I can hear him now. How dare Danny embarrass me like this! What was he thinking by going into prostitution? Did it not occur to him he was jeopardizing my future?” Danny laughed. His husband was right. He could imagine him having a major meltdown. The man hated when the attention was on anyone but him.

“My dad is a classic narcissist. I don’t a time when he didn’t want to focus on him.” A loud noise startled the men. They turned to see the man who had the led protest on their lawn weeks before. “What are you doing in our house?” KJ demanded. Instead of answering, the man raised his hand, pointing a gun in their direction. “I told you before; it was your father who sent me here to protest. You didn’t heed our warning. Now, I’m back for the second part of my job.” KJ stared at him. “We heard you. You had to have seen my press conference. If you had, you would know this.” “But yet, you both continue to flaunt your sexual deviance. We told you to leave but, you didn’t listen to us. Then, you had the audacity to go on TV and brag about your abhorrent past. President Kilpatrick takes such actions as personal attacks on him. He doesn’t appreciate it. As one of his ers, I don’t like when my president is unhappy.” The gunman continued to wave his weapon. “We will do what it takes to defend him. In case you haven’t figured it out, he is the reason I’m here. I can’t have righteous faggots making my president look bad.” “Did my father send you here to intimidate us? Because if he did; newsflash, I’m not afraid of my father. You can tell him that. In fact, I will tell him.” As KJ turned to grab his cell, the man fired. KJ fell, blood pouring from the bullet wound to his head. Before Danny could get to him, a second shot struck him in the chest. The shooter let out an evil laugh as he left unseen through the back door.

51

In the two weeks since the departure of Emma Sinclair as press secretary, Ken’s team had almost disbanded. Many of those he trusted wanted anything more to do with him. The only two people still with him were Mark Cooper and Caleb Wilson. Mark once worked as a financial analyst on the XRAE program, Making Dollars out of Cents. Ken ired Mark because he knew how to make money. Mark signed on as financial advisor but, took over as general advisor when Lisa took her leave. “What are we going to do about the press secretary position? The natives are getting restless.” “They can wait. We’ll select someone when we find the right one.” Ken would not rush into a decision. He made that mistake when he hired Emma; she ended up an embarrassment. Mark and Caleb both understood their boss’s mind. “What do you think about Anthony Armstrong? He would be a great press secretary.” Ken spun his chair until he faced the window. Caleb was right even if he didn’t want to it it. He needed to appear as if he had to mull it over. “Do you still have his number?” Mark asked. “On speed dial.” Anthony arrived from Miami late that morning. The rest of the group greeted him with joy. To have another team member to share the load was a Godsend. Anthony had a tough job ahead of him but, he was up for the challenge. After the party yacht video surfaced the year before, no station would hire him. He didn’t just want the position; he needed it. Plus, in his mind, it was only right Ken should offer him the position. Anthony blamed him for his firing from

XRAE although he never itted it in public. He took to the podium after Mark introduced him. A broad smile appeared on his face. “Good afternoon, everyone. I recognized many of the faces in the room. As everyone knows, it’s been a tough few weeks for the president.” Anthony became somber. “First, he had the loss of his team and second, losing his son. Emma is doing well in treatment. We all wish her the best and hope she will be her old self soon. The funerals for KJ and Danny are coming up in the next day or two. We expect the attendance will be high. Both men had love and respect in all sectors of society.” Patrick lifted his hand to question Anthony. “Come on, Anthony. We all know better. Everyone in this room, including you, knows for a fact the president despised both men. Not only him, but a large segment of the population.” Anthony glared at Patrick, fury emanating from his dark blue eyes. “Why would Mr. Kilpatrick hate his own son? There’s no reason for it. I’ll it, his lifestyle was less than desirable. It’s not a valid reason to hate your only son.” “It never stopped the president from doing anything before.” The press watched Anthony regroup. Unlike Emma, the new press secretary remained calm and collected. He refused to allow the media to fluster him. “Mr. Kilpatrick does what he wants. I can’t disagree with what you’ve said. What I disagree with is the mischaracterization of the president.” Henry gave him push back. “How did we do that, Anthony?” Patrick pointed out President Kilpatrick has never shown affection of any kind towards his son.

“If anyone knows how his father felt, it would be KJ. He stated that fact at his press conference.” Anthony took a long breath. “You’re wrong, Henry. The only thing KJ said about his father was what the protesters told him.” “KJ stated the president directed the protestors to harass them. If anyone knows the president, it would be his son. Wouldn’t you agree?” “In most cases, yes, but as we all are aware, the president and his adult children have an antagonistic relationship. The children will say anything to contradict their father.” of the press let out a unified groan. Anthony sounded like his predecessors. They twisted words to suit their message. “Are you serious, Anthony? You and I both know it’s the president who enjoys ruffling feathers. He doesn’t hold back when speaking his mind. Everyone in this room heard his hate speech.” The press secretary held his ground and didn’t hesitate. “I’m sorry you interpreted them in such a way. President Kilpatrick hates no one. “It’s true, he doesn’t pull punches. His directness is the reason people elected him.” Henry rolled his eyes. The president continued to surround himself with people who mimicked his rhetoric. “He’s a rich white man who loves looking down his nose at people, including his family. Two of his children have spoken out against him and one ended up murdered. Is it a coincidence?” Anthony scoffed at the insinuation. “You think the president is behind his son’s murder? That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard you say.” “It doesn’t mean it isn’t true. We all know he’s hot-tempered. I wouldn’t put it past him.” The media watched as Anthony took his time to respond. Being on the receiving end of tough questions had him rattled. His former colleagues had no trouble throwing them at him.

“It is a coincidence. The president wouldn’t be able to go anywhere without the Secret Service. There’s no way he could go anywhere unseen.” Henry piped up. “It doesn’t mean he didn’t hire someone to do it. We well know the president hates being overshadowed. With three people in his family doing it; I’m sure it pushed him over the edge.” Anthony took another deep breath. “I can’t argue about the president’s temper. Wouldn’t you be angry if people accused you of murder?” “Only if I was innocent,” Patrick replied. “But, the president loses it over every little thing. Don’t you think he should have learned to control his temper by now? What kind of example is the president setting when he can’t show any semblance of composure?” “I don’t have an answer to your first question, Patrick. Who are we to say about a person’s disposition? As for the example issue, the president didn’t sign up for it. He ran to bring order back to our country. No one I know looks to the president as an example for how to live their lives.” The reporters laughed in disbelief. They wondered what type of people the press secretary associated with if they didn’t look to the president as an example. “You must know at someone who wanted to be president. We all know at least one person.” Anthony inhaled as he stared into the audience. The journalists had him cornered. He couldn’t twist this final point to his liking. Instead of replying, he thanked the press for coming and exited through the back door.

52

Colleen yawned as she reached for her phone. Who was calling her at two in the morning? “Hello?” she said, still half asleep. “Colleen, wake up,” Shannon wept. “We lost KJ and Danny.” Colleen jolted. “What do you mean we lost KJ and Danny?” Elijah braced himself on his elbows, looking at his wife in bewilderment. Shannon was frantic. “They’re gone. Somebody came into their home and shot them. The police say they died on the spot. I still can’t wrap my head around it. If I didn’t go to identify the bodies, I’d be in complete denial.” Colleen was sobbing. Someone murdered her brother, and she didn’t understand why. She was still grieving her mother even though it had been decades. Why them? Why? They were peace-loving. If they hurt anyone, it was never their intention. Who would have a vendetta against them? “One person comes to mind,” her sister said. Colleen’s emotions went from grief to anger. “Dad,” she seethed. She jumped out of bed, making a beeline to her closet. “Where are you going?” her husband asked. “To confront my father. He needs to know what he’s guilty of doing.” “This is insane,” Eli told her. “What are you going to do when you get there?” Anxious and angry, Colleen continued to dress. “I don’t know,” she answered. “But, he has blood on his hands. I can’t let him get away with it.” Elijah took her in his arms and held her. He kissed the top of her head. “I understand you’re upset. You have every right to be.

But, take time to grieve. Your father isn’t going anywhere. There is no statute of limitations on murder. Trust me on this one. I am a lawyer.” His wife allowed herself to laugh. “Come on. Let’s have a cup of tea and wait for Shannon. We can figure things out once she’s here. She may have more information to give us.” Colleen and Shannon embraced each other for several minutes when she arrived. No one said a word in fear of breaking down. “Do the police have any idea the person responsible?” Shannon nodded. “The guy they arrested last month. They’re out looking for him now.” Colleen didn’t know how to feel. She flipped between anger and grief. Her heart blamed her father. In their father’s eyes, KJ was a black mark on the family and it angered Ken. “All three of us were black marks according to Dad. If we’re not careful, he’ll kill each one of us.” The ringing of the phone started the group. Eli took the call, realizing the sisters were in no shape to talk with anyone. When he returned, the look on his face told them who it was. “Your father wanted me to tell you he’s not responsible.” Shannon huffed. “Why am I not surprised? Heaven forbid he considers someone other than himself. Is that all he said?” “Yes. He didn’t even pretend to mourn about KJ’s murder.” This piece of news infuriated everyone. How a man could not grieve the tragic death of his only son mystified them. Colleen and Shannon remained silent, tears rolling down their faces. Elijah rubbed his wife’s back, his eyes red and swollen. Danny and KJ brought so much joy into their lives. Their infectious laughter forever silenced. “I failed him,” Colleen wept. “I promised him I would protect him and I let him down. This is my fault.”

Elijah and Shannon tried to reassure her. “You’re not to blame, hon. KJ wouldn’t want you to feel guilty about his ing. There is only one person responsible for this. And it’s nobody in this house.” Shannon’s heart was in the right place. It didn’t stop Colleen’s guilt. Her guilt turned to anger as her mind wandered to the one responsible. Despising KJ by her father was no secret but, she never thought he would stoop to having him killed. Then again, he had murdered before. What was to stop him from doing it a second time? “Even though someone else pulled the trigger, Dad’s the one who put the plan in motion. The problem is how to prove it.” “It’s not our only problem,” Elijah mentioned. “Once it’s out, the press will swarm this place. The lot of us won’t have a moment of peace.” In his bedroom, Ken delighted in his son’s death. He no longer had to feign for him. Ken relished the fact Danny would no longer show him up with his sanctimony. He could spout whatever rhetoric he chose without either man chastising him.

53

Victor entered his office, sighing in frustration at the stack of papers on his desk. This case will be the death of me, he thought. In the months since he started the investigation, information bombarded Victor. He and his team dedicated themselves to delve into every tip received. They welcomed any iota of detail to help with the case. Victor took his seat, staring at the pile in front of him. A frustrated growl escaped his lips. How was he supposed to prove meddling in the election? The attorney saw the case as a challenge and he never backed down from a challenge. He flipped through each page with diligence. If his missed anything, fingers would point at him. Victor refused to let it happen. His brow furled as he leaned back in his seat. As he reread the document, a sense of excitement rose within him. The cell phone record showed many calls to the same number in a short amount of time. Who does this number belong to? His face lit up after a quick internet search. “Pay dirt!” he shouted. He handed the document to one of the team who rushed into his office. “Sally, can you look into these guys? One or both have what we need on this case.” She nodded as she took the paper and disappeared. The rest of the staff grabbed some of Victor’s pile before returning to their desks. Finding a break in the case ignited a spark in the office. Victor looked up when he heard a familiar voice on the television. He stepped into the main office to see the president speaking to a small group of reporters. “I want to repeat; I am not involved with any white supremacist group nor am I aware of any election meddling. This pointless investigation will find no evidence of my cooperation in any wrongdoing.”

Victor scoffed at the president’s staunch denial. The president’s frequent refusal to accept meddling fell on deaf ears. Most Americans doubted his claims of innocence. The only people still backing him were his core base. “The FBI has nothing on me. You’ll see. The lack of evidence will clear me.” Victor and his team cackled. “If he only knew we are on to him,” Sally stated. “And we haven’t even scratched the surface.” “Okay, people. Let’s go back to work. We have a puzzle to solve.”

54

Colleen and Eli followed their two sons into church for the funeral of KJ and Danny. Shannon took her place with the family in the front pew. As suspected, their father did not appear. The fact Zofia and the twins were also absent told them Ken threatened them somehow to stay away. “It’s for the best,” Eli whispered. “People will focus on the service and not your father. Danny and KJ deserve the attention. This is their day.” Colleen fought back tears as she took her place for the eulogies. “My baby brother and his husband were two of the most loving and gentle people anyone could ever meet. From the moment KJ took his first breath, a light emanated from him. His sensitivity gave him comion and empathy for others. He had only one goal, and that was to bring joy into the lives of others.” She let out a painful breath. “My brother hated no one. But, he received more than his fair share of hate. The hatred he faced came from those who claimed to be Christian. KJ and Danny maintained a low profile because they didn’t want the attention. They understood how the extreme right viewed them. Extremists protested them on their own front lawn, invading the privacy of two men who kept to themselves.” Colleen paused as she wiped away her tears. “It is unfortunate the protestors didn’t take the time to know my brothers. If they did, they would know the real Danny and KJ. The pair was funny, caring, and smart. They were more than their sexuality. They were men of character; men who volunteered their time to help those in need.”

She braced herself to keep from trembling. “It was not in their nature to publicize their efforts. They believed it defeated the purpose. As I stated, they preferred to keep a low profile. It didn’t mean they stayed hidden behind closed doors.” Colleen looked at those in attendance. “They didn’t enjoy drawing attention to themselves. Danny devoted his life to Rainbow Retreat. He and KJ had envisioned a space where LGBTQ youngsters were free to be who they were without judgment. They achieved this with the Rainbow Retreat. My sister and I have discussed keeping the project going.” Her back straightened as she finished her eulogy. “It is important for us to continue such an important project in their memory. They are no longer with us but, their spirit lives on. With us and the kids they had mentored.”

55

The ringing of her cell phone woke Shannon from a deep sleep. The voice on the other end alarmed her. “Listen. You need to have the cops stop the search for me or your sister and her nigger husband will be next.” She shot up as the phone clicked. Her breathing became labored. She dialed *69 to see if she could get a number. To her dismay, the caller blocked it. Shannon called the police and informed them of the call she received. She begged them to not give up looking for the suspect. Her next call was to Colleen. “Don’t tell me not to worry because you know me enough to know I will. I hope they catch this bastard before he kills again.” She heard Colleen sobbing on the other end. “They have to find him, Shan. I can’t live in fear any longer. My kids deserve better than to have a mother who is always afraid.” “You’re right. Double check your alarm to make sure it’s activated. We both know how dangerous this guy is.” “Eli’s doing it now. I will never feel safe until he’s out on the street. Dad’s behind this. I feel it in my gut. They have to find him. They have to find him now.” It confounded the sisters how their father was not being looked at as a suspect.” With all of his hate speech; why would they not scrutinize him? “He is being investigated for election meddling,” Eli said. “They will find something, I know it.” Colleen exhaled a loud breath. As much as she trusted her husband’s instincts, history told her something different. “My father’s made of Teflon. He’ll slip out of their net just like everything else

thrown his way.” Eli gave her a quick squeeze. No amount of worry on her part would solve anything. “Try to focus on the boys. That’ll keep your mind off things.” She promised she would do her best but there would be no guarantee.

56

Sally tapped on Victor’s door. He looked up from his desk and waved her in. She placed her file folder in front of him as she took a seat. “We got him,” she exclaimed with confidence. “Kilpatrick?” “Not yet. Kilpatrick hired Caleb as his social media director. Other than Twitter, Caleb was to circulate campaign rhetoric into Cyber space. When we dug into Caleb’s history, we found several arrests of both him and his father.” Sally pointed at the file. “They were protesting black families moving into their predominately white neighborhoods. They faced no charges. The Wilsons and ranking of the police department are part of an organization known as The Lodge.” She smiled. “The Lodge, we discovered, is a white supremacist group. Caleb’s father, Joseph, is the commanding officer.” Victor leaned back in his chair, interlocking his fingers. He wondered if the president had known of Caleb’s connections before hiring him. If not, was he now? “We think President Kilpatrick learned of it after he hired Caleb. The president used it to his advantage. Not only that, Caleb graduated Cum Laude in Computer Science from LSU. A few of his professors told me he hacked into school records and altered his grades.” Sally continued with what she found out. “He also took over the social media s of staff , sending out nonsensical messages. They let us know doing so was part of the curriculum. They considered his hacking as benign. That being said, they found his views on race relations and homosexual people

unnerving. Caleb often ranted how he would love to rid the world of anyone who wasn’t white or straight. They told us they believed him to be dangerous and capable of harming someone.” Victor stayed silent as his head processed the evidence. Sally did well but, it wasn’t enough to bring about charges. “Well, get a load of this,” she added. “Because of what we uncovered, the grand jury granted us a search warrant for Wilson’s computers. Our tech guys scoured every single microchip and found a shitload of evidence. Caleb was behind the hacking of Susan Spencer’s Twitter .” “He also created the ads and pop-ups geared to gear people towards voting for Kilpatrick. But, the most important item they found was a program Caleb created to alter electronic ballots. For every third vote for Ms. Spencer, the program altered it to go for Mr. Kilpatrick.” Victor slammed his fist with excitement. “Woo-who!” he shouted. “Pay dirt! We don’t have Ken but, we’re well on our way!” Victor issued a subpoena for Caleb Wilson to appear before the committee. When he appeared the following morning, Caleb acted as if he didn’t know why they summoned him. He didn’t bother to wear proper dress. Instead, he wore ripped jeans and a t-shirt. His callous attitude aggravated Victor and the rest of the team. “I wouldn’t be so high and mighty, it I were you, Mr. Wilson. We’ve got you dead to rights.” Caleb shrugged, flippant. “You’ve got nothing on me and you know it. You dragged me in here, hoping I’d break. I have no information to provide to you.” Victor remained focused on the man in front of him. “I wouldn’t be so cocky, if I were you,” he advised. “You don’t know what we have.” The color in Caleb’s face drained as the investigator pounded him with questions. He realized he could deny nothing. “What do you know about the protest at the home of KJ Kilpatrick?”

Caleb refused to say anything. “I can’t help if people find them repulsive. If they want to protest two faggots, I see nothing wrong with it. It’s their prerogative. I had no involvement in it.” Victor continued to stare, unfathomed. “Are you sure that’s the response you want to go with?” He continued his gaze as Caleb refused to it any wrongdoing. “I know you are in constant with your father around the time of the protest.” Caleb brushed it off as no big deal. “What’s wrong with talking to my father? I didn’t know it was a crime.” “In most cases, it isn’t. The fact you and your dad are both part of a white supremacist group known as The Lodge does. We saw the email you sent to Joseph providing him with the address of Mr. O’Malley and Mr. Kilpatrick. You altered the email to make it look as if it came from the president, directing your father to terrorize them.” Caleb felt sick. He was certain he had covered his tracks and left no trace of evidence. The FBI team proved smarter than he thought. “Is there anything you would like to tell us? We already have enough evidence to charge you with election tampering. Make it easy on yourself and tell us what you know.”

57

When federal agents appeared on his doorsteps, it took Joseph by surprise. “How can I help you, gentlemen?” Agent Paul Franks stared, his face emotionless. He held up a piece of paper. “We have a warrant for your arrest, Mr. Wilson.” Joseph gave a fake look of confusion. “Arrest? For what? I’ve done nothing illegal.” “We have evidence to the contrary. We have evidence you were the one who organized the protest at KJ Kilpatrick’s home.” Agent Franks maintained his focus on Joseph. “Not a chance,” he replied. “I was nowhere near Mr. Kilpatrick’s place. I have no clue where you got this idea I was.” His brown eyes darkened in determination. The agent showed no fear, and his suspect saw it. “Do you want to rethink your last statement? The NYPD has provided us with your arrest warrant. Plus, your son told us everything.” Joseph’s expression changed from determination to defeat. He still refused to it to any wrong-doing. “My son knows nothing. If he told you anything, he did so to save his own skin.” Agent Franks smirked. “There is a paper trail, Mr. Wilson. We’ve uncovered the emails exchanged between you and Caleb. They show both you and your son not only contrived to harass KJ Kilpatrick but, also to sway the election.” Joseph became quiet. His son betrayed him by pointing his finger at him. “Caleb refused to it your involvement until we showed him the evidence we gathered. We will advise you of your Miranda rights. Please turn around so we can place cuffs on you.”

The federal agent performed the Miranda rights. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you by the court. With these rights in mind, are you still willing to talk with me about the charges against you?” Joseph fumed as he refused to say anything more. “I want my lawyer.” How dare Caleb do this to him! His son was smart enough to know better. Caleb didn’t cover his tracks and he should have. Now, the two of them were in hot water. His only solace was the feds never mentioned the murders of Danny and KJ. It meant they had no evidence against him for their deaths. Joseph sat relaxed in the interrogation room. It didn’t bother him to have agents watching him from behind the two-way mirror. His connections would ensure he remained free. Agents Larsen and Franks watched their suspect with caution. The agents found out of Joseph Wilson’s history of escaping charges. His get of jail free cards ran out at last. Joseph could no longer depend on his friends at The Lodge to bail him out of the mess he found himself in. Neither Joseph nor his lawyer said a word. “I’m going in,” announced Franks as he exited the room. He opened the door to the interrogation room. He took the chair across from the suspect, saying nothing as he stared into Joseph’s eyes. The agent refused to break the gaze. Joseph turned his head in defeat. “Tell me the truth. Why am I here?” “We told you when we picked you up. We have evidence you were the one behind the protest at the home of KJ Kilpatrick. You can deny it all you want, I don’t care. The officer who took you into custody in New York provided us with the paperwork. Your name was all over it.”

Joseph pulled a face. “They never charged me so you have nothing. You might as well let me go.” Agent Franks shook his head. “Not a chance. Just because they didn’t charge you then, it doesn’t mean you can’t have charges laid now. Mr. Wilson, you and your son are not so smart. I’ve already told you, we uncovered the emails the two of you sent each other.” The agent focused on the suspect. “Caleb provided you the address of the president’s son. Several of your emails discussed organizing of protests at KJ Kilpatrick’s home. In case you are unaware, we have arrested Caleb for election meddling. Once he saw the evidence we had against him, he told us everything. He threw you under the bus, Mr. Wilson. Your son itted it was you who murdered KJ and Danny.” Joseph remained silent while beneath the surface, he seethed. How could his own son betray him? He raised him to not be a stool pigeon. “Or he was saving his own skin. It happens when people face prosecution. Your son realized he would get less time if he spilled everything. He may have been naïve enough to believe we wouldn’t catch him but, smart enough to know when the jig is up.”

58

When Ken received word of charges being laid against Caleb and Joseph Wilson, he became enraged. How could Caleb be so careless? They assured Ken the plan was foolproof. “Nothing is ever foolproof,” Anthony told him. He realized he was poking the hornets’ nest but, he had to chance it. “But, Caleb is taking the bullet for the team. Why aren’t you grateful he didn’t implicate you? He told the committee only he and his father were behind the election meddling.” The response did not satisfy Ken. Just because Caleb didn’t point the finger at him, it didn’t mean he was off the hook. The FBI would not quit until they found something on him. “That’s not true, Ken. They have their suspects and neither one is pointing the finger at you. Unless they change their minds, you’re in the clear.” The news of Caleb’s arrest troubled the three remaining of the team. They needed to decide how they would spin this fiasco at the press briefing. “Don’t worry. I can handle it,” Anthony stated as he headed for the briefing room. Anthony chose to not look in any one person’s direction. He believed doing so would distract him from the task at hand. “Good morning. I am sure you are all aware of Caleb Wilson’s indictment by the FBI. Both he and his father are facing charges in meddling in the election.” The press secretary remained dodgy. “They also have the additional charge of first degree murder for the deaths of KJ Kilpatrick and Daniel O’Malley. Neither man stated the president had any involvement in either case. They maintain they were the ones who concocted the plan without the president’s knowledge.”

Patrick was the first to question the press secretary. “Do you expect us to believe the president was oblivious of the scam?” “Yes, because it’s the truth. President Kilpatrick did not know of any wrongdoing. It saddens him a trusted colleague stooped to such a level to deceive the American public.” Anthony stood firm at the podium and refused to accept any hint his boss colluded with The Lodge. The press corps believed otherwise. President Kilpatrick had to have knowledge of the goings-on during and after the campaign. “No, he didn’t,” Anthony replied. “The president was far too busy to keep track of what others were doing. I’m sure none of you know what others on your staff are doing every moment of the day.” Henry pushed back. “No, but for something this big, I would have a clue. Unless you’re telling us, the president is oblivious to the world around him.” Anthony shook his head. “President Kilpatrick has knowledge of important matters. The fact people suspect him of doing anything unethical is not important.” “You don’t find election meddling important, Anthony?” asked Patrick. “Yes, I do. But, the Wilsons denied the president’s involvement so I don’t see the issue.” Patrick held his ground. “No one is pointing fingers. We find it curious the president claims to know nothing on the issue. He can’t be that oblivious.” “I will reiterate, Caleb and Joseph Wilson took complete responsibility for it and that’s the last time I will comment on it. Next question?” Henry signaled. “How does the president feel about his son being murdered by a white supremacist?” Anthony exhaled. “This revelation saddens the president. He doesn’t have an answer why they targeted his son.”

“What reason does he have for not attending his son’s funeral? If he’s such a devoted father, one would think he would show up.” The press pool focused on the press secretary as he struggled to find an answer. “As everyone knows, there has been a lot of tension between the president and his children in recent months. He believed his two oldest daughters did not want him there. He regrets not being able to pay his respects to KJ and Danny.” The media groaned in unison. How Ken felt about his children was public knowledge. Sources told them Ken resented having a gay son. “I know this is untrue. Wherever did you hear such garbage?” Patrick huffed. “As I stated, sources have provided me this information. You can deny it all you want, Anthony. If the president has no issue with any of his children, he would have attended the funeral. Even if he did, he should have gone. The optics is bad for him; don’t you think?” Anthony took a sip of water, coughing as he did. How was he to wiggle his way out of this one? He agreed with the reporters but; he had to save face. “For most people, it would be bad optics,” he explained. “But, the president is a busy man. Unlike the public, he can’t take a day off to attend a funeral. He’s running the country, not the local country club.” The room fell silent. What was wrong with Kilpatrick and his team? They once respected Anthony as a journalist. Despite his working for XRAE, he was always neutral in his reporting. Now, he was working at the White House; he seemed to lose his focus to be fair and impartial. Disgruntled, Anthony walked away, slamming the door behind him.

59

Victor believed the president knew more about the election meddling than he will it. Despite the denials by Caleb and his father, his gut told him otherwise. “I’m telling you, Mr. Robinson. The president had nothing to do with any of it. Everything was my idea. I’m the one who came up with the program to alter the votes. It was me who ed my father to harass KJ and Danny. Trust me; President Kilpatrick had no connection.” The Attorney General never changed expression. “What about the murders? Did you plan that as well?” Caleb shook his head. “Nah. That was my dad’s idea. He saw it as a 2-for-1 plan. Not only would we rid the world of faggots, but, we would garner sympathy for the president. It was a win-win situation.” Victor sat in disbelief. How could anyone lack a sense of comion? “I have comion. It isn’t for anyone except for white, heterosexuals. We are the superior people.” Victor raised a single eyebrow. “Are you sure about that? What if you get to heaven and find out God is a gay, black man?” Caleb’s expression showed his disgust at the mere thought. “Not a chance,” he replied, his voice laced with venom. “There are no niggers, no spicks and no chinks in heaven. Only white people.” “Including gays?” Victor said nothing as he watched Caleb go into a rage. “Fags are not welcome either.” “Is this why you had your father murder Danny O’Malley and KJ Kilpatrick?

Because you wanted to rid the world of them?” “And send them straight to hell.” Caleb smiled with evil satisfaction. His attitude of superiority irritated the Attorney General but, he refused to allow the young man to see his aggravation. If Caleb found out the truth about him, he wouldn’t be so obliging with information. “What about Mr. Kilpatrick? Did he ever mention in ing how he felt about his son?” Caleb pursed his lips as he shook his head. “Nope. He never talked about any of his kids. His entire focus was on winning the election. Nothing else mattered.” “So, was he pleased with what you concocted?” “He loved it.” Victor slapped the table, his face lighting up. “Got cha!” he exclaimed as he pointed at Caleb. He delighted in the confused look on the young man’s face. “I see you’re perplexed so let me break it down for you. When we first hauled you in, you denied the president had any involvement in the scheme to rig the election. But, just now, you itted he loved your plan.” Victor crossed his arms as he leaned across the table to look into the other man’s eyes. “So, if you lied about the election meddling, you had to have lied about the president’s knowledge of the murder plot. Make things easier on yourself. Tell us everything you know. The president wouldn’t think twice about throwing you under the bus to save his own hide.” Caleb hid his head in his hands, defeated. After gaining his composure, he told the Attorney General of everything the president knew. “He was in on it from the beginning. President Kilpatrick hired me because of my connections with The Lodge. He realized they had a big influence on voters in the south.

He understood if he could have sway with the people in those districts, he would have little problem winning the election. The computer program I created was an insurance policy.” Victor maintained his determined stare. “Was it President Kilpatrick’s idea to have his son murdered?” Caleb nodded. “The president despises having others overshadow him. It’s the reason he had provided their address to my father. My father hated gay people, he took on the mission.” “What about Colleen? She embarrassed her father after KJ. Was there a hit out on her?” Caleb nodded. “The plan was to wait until the hoopla settled over the deaths of KJ and Danny. We wanted to garner as much sympathy for as long as we could.” Victor leaned back in his chair, eyeing Caleb in silence for several minutes. “I appreciate your candor, Mr. Wilson. I have just one more question for you.” “What’s that?” “How does it feel to have confessed to a gay, black man?” Caleb’s face turned pale. “How is that even possible? You don’t act gay and you don’t look black.” “Not every gay person fits into your pre-conceived idea of how a gay person acts or looks. As for my skin color, I will tell you this. My grandmother was from Nigeria. She and my mother both married white men. So, while I may not be 100 percent black, I am black.” He smirked as he watched officers escort Caleb out of the interrogation room. Victor sent word to the White House he wanted to speak with the president. He informed President Kilpatrick could either come in or he would issue a subpoena. Either way, Ken had to appear. When the president stormed into the Attorney General’s office, Victor was

sitting at his desk. “Have a seat, Mr. President.” “I’d rather stand,” snarled Ken. “Suit yourself. This may take a while so I suggest you reconsider.” Ken stood, obstinate. He wasn’t about to take orders from an underling. “I understand you wanted to have me fired. Is that a fact or a mere rumor?” The president refused to answer. He wasn’t stupid enough to fall into whatever trap the Attorney General was planting. “I never implied you were stupid, Mr. President nor am I trying to entrap you. All I’m doing is close this election meddling case. For that, I will need your full cooperation.” The president stared, unsure of what he should do. His attorney, Max Munro, advised him to cooperate. “Fine,” he answered as he took the chair opposite the Attorney General. Victor pressed the record button on his tape machine. “Mr. President, what can you tell me about the program Caleb Wilson created to help swing votes to your favor.” Ken shrugged as he pursed his lips and shook his head. “Nothing. Mr. Wilson did this without my knowledge. I only found out when I saw it on the news.” Victor remained calm. “Interesting. Can you tell me what you know of the protests at Danny and KJ’s home?” “Again, I have no information. It came as a surprise when my son held his press conference. I wouldn’t want any of my children to go through such an ordeal.” The Attorney General raised a single eyebrow but, never changed expression. He couldn’t let on he was aware the president was lying. “What do you know about the murder of your son and his husband?” Ken refused to it having any information on the deaths of KJ and Danny. It didn’t surprise Victor the president denied involvement in anything criminal.

“Are you certain those are the answers you want to give? I’ll give you a chance to reconsider.” Ken refused. “You have no proof of my involvement in anything. I’m innocent and you know it.” “What if I told you both Caleb and his father, Joseph, pointed the finger at you? They told us you were the mastermind behind the whole thing.” The president maintained his innocence. “What do I know of computer programming? That was Caleb’s job when I hired him. “His responsibility was to keep track of social media interactions. I’ve never even met the father.” Victor looked into the eyes of the president. “You didn’t have to meet Joseph Wilson to set up the protest or plan the murder. A simple email would have sufficed. Plus, we’ve sent a subpoena for your bank records. Do you know what we discovered? “We found a money transfer from your to Mr. Joseph Wilson in the amount of half a million dollars. Seems an awful lot of money sent to a man you claim you’ve never met.” Ken’s face turned bright red. He needed to come up with a reason for the transaction. “I am unaware of such a transfer. Perhaps Caleb hacked into my bank to send it. Have you even considered that possibility?” Victor stood, still maintaining his focus on Ken. “We have and we questioned young Mr. Wilson. He denies ever sending his father money on your behalf. Why would he lie about one thing but, it to everything else?” Ken pulled a face. “Maybe to save his own hide? How am I supposed to know what other people are thinking?” “Caleb is already looking at major prison time for the election meddling. It makes no sense he wouldn’t fess up he hacked your bank .”

Ken wasn’t ready to give up the fight. “Maybe but, who knows with kids nowadays? I don’t know what else you can ask me, Victor. Unless you provide actual evidence against me, I think we’re done here.”

60

Colleen and Shannon said nothing as they sipped their coffee. Their father escaped prosecution once again with the election meddling. Neither woman could fathom how he could slip through the FBI fingers without a scratch. “At least they’re still investigating the murders. There must be something there for them to keep it going.” Shannon breathed a loud sigh. Like her sister, the fact the FBI didn’t drop the murder case relieved her. “I still feel he will get off scot-free. “Victor Robinson thinks Dad knows more than what he’s telling them. Unlike his minions, the Attorney General does not wear blinders.” Colleen became teary-eyed. She couldn’t understand why her father was so hateful and angry. How could he resent his children; his own flesh and blood? “We’ve tried to figure him out for years. The only thing we’ve discovered is he’s a self-centered egomaniac. Even Gran and Grampa said as much. He was forever exaggerating his accomplishments.” Shannon stared out her window towards the garden. Their father had no qualms in displaying his resentment of others. Before running for office, his tantrums remained behind closed doors. From the moment he announced his decision, to run, his true character showed itself to the public. “It boggles my mind how he still has followers who love him no matter what. How can they not see what everyone else sees?” Shannon took a sip of her coffee. Her extended silence concerned her sister. “What’s going on with you?” Colleen looked at Shannon who was still staring into space. “Don’t tell me you’re backing him after everything he’s done?” Her sister shook her head.

“Never,” she replied. “He doesn’t deserve my or anybody’s. I only wonder what it is about him people find attractive. Everything he says or does is full of anger and hatred. His people thrive on it.” Colleen sensed her sister was holding something back. She urged Shannon to open us. Shannon teared up. How can she tell her sister her problem? Shannon sighed, irritated. “Did you ever wonder why I’ve never dated?” Colleen gave her the side eye. “I have but, I figured you didn’t want to end up with someone like Dad.” “That’s only a part. The biggest reason is I’m not attracted to either sex. Does that seem weird to you?” Her sister shrugged. With how dysfunctional their family was, nothing sounded odd to her anymore. “Weird? No. Understandable? Yes. With the father we have, you’re better off. It means you don’t have to expose an innocent person to his poison.” Shannon chuckled in agreement. “Poor Eli. I felt bad for him the first time he came to the house. But, witnessing him stand up to Dad was the best thing ever.” “And knowing how much Dad hates being confronted; it must have killed him to have this young black man put him in his place. It didn’t endear Eli to him.” The girls giggled as they reminisced about the confrontation. Elijah had no issues standing up for the family and it comforted them. Colleen found herself a good man. “Yes, I did,” she smiled. “I lucked out with him.” Colleen jumped when her cell rang. She smiled when she saw who the caller was. “Speak of the devil,” she told Shannon. “Hi, hon. Were your ears burning?” Eli chuckled. “Yes, they were. You were talking about me again?” “Always.”

Her husband changed subjects. “Turn on the Inferno channel,” he directed. “You and Shannon need to see what’s going on.” Shannon turned on her television to see Attorney General Robinson taking questions from the press. “Are you closing the case on the election meddling?” Victor nodded. “The arrests of Joseph and Caleb Wilson satisfied us. Both men have confessed to the crime and were cooperative.” “Has either of them implicated the president?” asked Patrick. Victor took a deep breath. “Caleb stated he had advised Mr. Kilpatrick of the plan and the president approved. Although Mr. Wilson itted to the crime, we have no reason to believe the president had any direct connection in the meddling scheme.” Collen heard him take a breath. “As for the murders of KJ Kilpatrick and Daniel O’Malley, we are still looking into President Kilpatrick’s involvement. We believe he was behind the plot to kill husband both men.” Henry wanted to know what evidence they had gathered. “I can’t get into that right now. The last thing we want is to jeopardize our case by discussing too much too soon. When we have finished our investigation, we will advise all of you of our finds. Thank you all from coming.” Victor waved to the press corps as he headed off towards the FBI building. Shannon and Colleen looked at each other in disbelief. Was their father going to pay for his crimes? “I don’t want to get my hopes up again,” said Colleen. “But, it sounds as if they are building a case against Dad.” Shannon clasped her sister’s hand. She shared Colleen’s reaction. “The problem is; can they charge him? Doesn’t he have immunity from prosecution because he’s the president?” “If anyone should know, it would be Eli.” She called her husband who informed her Ken was not free from prosecution. “Your father may believe he’s above the law but, trust me; no one is.”

The women felt better with the information Eli gave them. It meant their father would not avoid justice. They realized he could still escape having charges laid against him. “We have to stay vigilant,” Shannon stated. “If we give up hope now, we’ve lost the war.” Colleen said nothing. Despite being reassured by Eli, she held the belief her father would never come to trial. Her loved ones deserved their day in court. “I agree,” her sister said. “But, we have to remain patient. Mr. Robinson will give them their justice.” Colleen felt defeated. She had convinced herself any jury would find her father innocent. He had to pay for his crimes. Shannon wrapped her around her sister’s shoulders. “So do I but, what can we do?” “I don’t know,” Colleen replied, frustrated. “But, there has to be an answer.”

61

Ken announced he was planning a rally to celebrate his first year in office. When Zofia asked him why, he shrugged. “Why not? People need to hear from me about these stupid allegations against me.” Zofia stared through him. Her husband wanted to put his own spin on the controversy and plead his innocence to a crowd who already cleared him of any wrongdoing. “That’s not true,” he replied. “They deserve to hear my side of the story. My Twitter followers want me to do this.” “What about what your family wants?” she asked. “Aren’t we more important to you than your followers?” Ken huffed. “Why would they? My family has done nothing but, antagonize me. None of you have ever ed me in anything. In fact, you’ve all done everything in your power to make me look bad. None of you wanted me to run for office. The only thing that concerned you was your precious privacy.” His wife stared at him, annoyed. “We’ve been over this countless times already, Ken. You never consulted us about your decision. You informed us you were running and didn’t give a shit about how we felt about it.” Ken’s eyes darkened. “Because I was the one who was running -.” “Stop it,” she interrupted. “I’m tired of hearing about how it was all you and so are your kids. Why do you think they’ve stopped coming around?” He waved off her insinuation. “They have a company to run and with KJ dead, they have a larger workload to deal with.” “You made sure of that when you had your own son murdered.”

Ken grabbed her by the throat. “No one can prove I had anything to do with it, including tat dumbass Victor Robinson.” The blinding rage upon her husband’s face terrified Zofia. She didn’t want to be his next murder victim. “Then you and my daughters better show up next week to my rally or else.” He shoved her to the floor and left her coughing for air. Ken stood on stage, his arms outstretched to take in the adoration from the crowd. It had been a rocky year for him as president. He had made enemies during the campaign and they seemed to multiply each day he was in office. People speculated he would have an even tougher time for the next three years. Polls showed his approval ratings were plummeting at a record-setting pace. Ken didn’t give a crap about any of it. He never put much stock in polls since they favored his opponent in the campaign. Instead, he proved his detractors wrong. Now, he was celebrating his first year in office and sharing in the success with his loyal followers. As he approached the microphone, he applauded with them and smiled his signature smug smile. “Good evening, my friends and believe me, you are my friends. You all have been behind one hundred percent from the beginning and I have your backs. Believe me; I’m doing all of this for you.” The crowd responded with thunderous applause. “Ken! Ken! Ken!” they all chanted. He beamed and ed in the applause. In his eyes, he was their god and he could do nothing wrong. The fact people voted for him despite everything he said and everything that had surfaced proved that point. He didn’t concern himself with what anyone else thought about him. As long as he was still drawing large adoring audiences, nothing else mattered. They fed his already over-inflated ego. He grasped the podium, still smiling his large smirk. “In the next three years, we

will achieve even bigger things than we have already. Didn’t we accomplish so many extraordinary things already?” The Ken chants erupted again. “The lying media doesn’t want to believe we’ve accomplished anything. They want everyone to think I’m a nobody; that I’m not doing my job. Well, believe me, they’re wrong. The press doesn’t know what they’re talking about. I’m the best damn president this country has ever seen. Believe me!” The crowd cheered even louder. Their president’s bluster energized them. Ken walked around the stage. He spied his wife and family standing near the steps of the stage. Zofia and his children appeared upset and in response, he scowled at them. He turned his back on her and the rest of his family as he made his way back to the lectern. As he carried on with his speech, a solemn figure took to the stage. No one paid much mind; their focus on the president. The figure strolled behind him. When he turned, his face displayed his surprise to see the person who was standing in front of him. A loud bang came as soon as he turned around. Ken collapsed from the bullet that had entered his forehead.

62

The crowd fell silent, unsure of what had happened. They all heard the shot and saw the president collapse on stage. Who would want to kill him? None of them considered he was as bad as everyone said he was. They argued people did not understand their president. Reporters took Ken’s words out of context. To his staunch ers, everyone else envied him. Once the shock of the shooting wore off, their gaze focused on the woman standing over the body. There was a chorus of gasps once they realized who she was. It was Colleen, the first daughter. She was a reluctant participant in her father’s campaign for the White House and she didn’t keep it a secret. But, none of them thought she was so disturbed by it; she would resort to assassinating him. There had to be a better reason for it; a reason only known to those close to the family. The shocked silence soon turned to chants of why throughout the crowd. Colleen appeared catatonic as the police cuffed her and took her off stage. There was no resistance on her part as the crowd became more raucous as they led her out of the building. Once in the interrogation room, the officer questioned the president’s oldest daughter. “Why did you shoot your father, Ms. Kilpatrick?” Her blue eyes stared back at him, emotionless. “I had to stop him,” she answered, her voice unwavering and cold. Detective Harris leaned forward. “Stop him from what?” Colleen maintained her distant stare. “His lies needed to stop. I had to end his verbal assaults. I couldn’t take his assaults any longer.” She detailed the physical and mental abuse her father had afflicted upon her and her siblings. “He was cruel to my brother. He berated him every chance he had

and assaulted him to toughen him up. My father had a difficult time accepting the fact he had a gay son. To him, it meant he failed as a man.” Colleen’s eyes showed emotion as tears fell down her cheek. “He couldn’t grasp KJ was a blessing, not a curse. He despised KJ and Danny so much. The man I call my father loathes being overshadowed by anyone.” She inhaled to calm herself. “When Danny appeared on XRAE to tell his story, I’m certain my father felt humiliated. I am positive he directed Joseph Wilson to murder them both. Everything is all fine and well for him to say and do things as long as it benefits him. It didn’t matter to him how it was affecting his family.” She looked into the officer’s eyes. “He never cared ; we were only pawns in his little game. My father only loved himself and how his minions saw him. Nothing else mattered to him.” She took a deep breath. “If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t have anything to do with my father once I was old enough to leave.” Officer Harris stayed patient. “Do you regret it?” “My only regret is not being able to protect my family. If it wasn’t for him, my mother would still be alive. He hated her. My father assumed she had gotten pregnant on purpose to trap him. Before he started his campaign, he itted his being able to kill her and get away with it. He was proud of himself. Then again, he always was.” Colleen began crying again. “My father bragged to us about how he did it. It’s too bad it would have been our word against his. The NYPD reopened the case when they received a tip before the election. But, without evidence, they couldn’t press charges.” The officer saw she wavered between anger and pain. “I don’t regret killing him. He was out of control and it was only getting worse. He put our country in jeopardy and made our country a laughingstock around the world. It was the only way to stop the madness.”

About the Author

Tracilyn was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada. She is the youngest of four and the only girl. She has been writing since the age of 12. She considers herself fortunate to have had teachers who encouraged her creativity. Tracilyn enjoys exploring different writing styles and finds it a challenge to dive into something new. She draws inspiration from the world around her. Read more at Tracilyn George’s site.

About the Publisher

Clydesdale Books was established in 2021 by Tracilyn George. They currently publish books written by Tracilyn George and are actively searching for up-andcoming writers from all backgrounds.