The next morning I met with my new client. She was a young woman who worked at a grocery store. She wore her back belt just the way she was supposed to and was asked to life more weight than the female employees are required by the health code to lift. She refused to do it, reciting the health code and was told that if she did not do her job, she would be written up. She argued with her supervisor about it and was written up for not only refusing to lift the 50# boxes, but for insubordination also. Since she had a prior write up for being late one morning, that made her third, her supervisor fired her on the spot. The case did seem pretty cut and dried. Angela, the client knew the health code she was talking about and she did tell her boss why she would not obey her order. She was being asked to go against the Health Code and that would put her at risk of hurting herself. She explained further that she would happily do something else but only men were supposed to lift the 50# boxes and her supervisor refused to give her a new assignment. The supervisor was giving her unreasonable demands to meet and then punishing her for not meeting them. Yes, this was going to be an easy case! I asked my client if there were any witnesses and she said, "yes, John Samson, who offered to switch assignments with me and was told no. He was breaking down empty boxes!" I told her that she needed to be at the courthouse at 8:30 Monday morning outside courtroom "B". I would find her there, and not to be late.  After she left, I looked in her file for John Samson's information. Good he had been subpoenaed as a witness in her case. I found his phone number and called him. I told him who I was and that I just had a few quick questions for him. I deposed him over the phone and his story was the same as Angela's. I thanked him for his time and told him what time to be at the courthouse and where to meet Angela and me. I had no other clients to meet with today so I went ahead and thoroughly read over Angela's file. Everything was in order. Her filed deposition was the same, so was John's, there wasn't even anything left for me to go over. I went and asked Simon if he had any more cases for me. I told him that Angela Martinez's case was ready for Monday, if he had another one he wanted me to start looking over. He smiled and said, I like a Lawyer who likes his work, and handed me another file.

Back at my desk, I opened the file and started reading. This case appeared more challenging. I liked that. I needed something to sink my teeth into right now. The State of New Mexico VS Gregory K.Hamilton. As I read on. Gregory was accused of failure to pay court ordered child support for his three children. He claims that he would pay support for his children if his ex-wife would uphold to the terms of the divorce and court order and allow him to see his children. He states that he hasn't seen his children in the last 6 months. He has called, shown up at the house and been turned away, and then she moved and changed her phone number. He went to her parents house they told him that they were sorry but she said if they told him anything she wouldn't let them come and see the kids. He even tried staying outside of her parents house for several days at a time, hoping to follow them to her house. But he had to go to work. He states he has all of the money in a savings account for the children and will produce a savings account statement to show each deposit. Hmmm. If he's telling the truth, I need a detective to find this lovely ex-wife. I buzzed my secretary, "Ms. Lange what snoop do we use?"  She responded quickly, " Harker Sir, do you want me to get him on the phone for you?" "Yes, please." I answered and put my brain back in thought mode! Just a few minutes later my phone rang, " Jonathan Thomas, can I help you?" " It's Harker what can I do for you, is the question?" A gruff voice responded. "Harker, I need one Felicia Janine Hamilton found, Caucasian.  DOB 7/23/72, SS 663-54-7768, I have a year old picture for you. She has three small children with her. 12 month F, 3yrM and 5yrM. I have 6 month old pictures of them. I have Hamilton's parents current address. Hamilton is on State Aid. Last known vehicle 2000 Blue Toyota RAV.4 Licence plate NM- SDF877. Any questions?" He asked, "How long do I have to find her?"  "My case goes to court in 3 weeks, I need her in two!" I said, worried that I had asked to much. He said, " Oh, I thought this was going to be a rush job! No problem. I'll be by later today for the pictures." Then he hung up!

That night I was finally able to sleep soundly. I needed a good days work, where my brain was kept busy for a while. We barbecued Saturday afternoon while it was still warm enough out. The dogs enjoyed having all of us outside with them. We brought Anna and Josiah outside and let them play in the portable crib.  It was nice. It seemed, if only for a moment that we were all living a normal life.

It was the week of the trial in Sacramento. I was definitely on edge. The only person I could talk to about it was Momma and that was only when we were alone. We were both waiting for any news to trickle down the line to us. I did pretty good while I was at work because my mind was kept involved with other matters. Harker had not found Felicia yet. That surprised both of us since he had a lot of good information to work with. He kept running into dead ends. He went to her parent's house and found it empty! He was trying to track them down too now! If nothing else, Harker can show that if all of his attempts to find Felicia had failed, then how could my client possibly pay child support to someone he can't even find? Any way I should be able to get the state to drop the charges against him.

Another week passed and we still hadn't heard anything about Sharon. I was getting extremely worried now. My case had gone to court this morning, without Felicia, but that worked to our benefit after all. Harker presented all of his detective work and the fact that he hit all dead ends, impressed the Judge. All charges were dropped against my client. Further more, my client was told that he had a right to file charges against his ex-wife for breaking the visitation orders if he could find her! I told my client that I wished him luck, shook his hand and we left the courthouse. I went back to my office and checked to see if they had any new files for me. Ms. Lange stopped me and said that Georgia called, she said she needed you to call her at her house as soon as you got back to your office. I thanked her and walked to my office casually like any other day. Inside, I nearly ran for the phone. I had the number on speed dial, all I had to do was push #1. Momma answered after the second ring, "Hello, Jonathan, good I'm glad it's you. Today the package will be wrapped! Ok. I will let you know as soon as it is finished. Delivery will take about a week after it's been done. I know but  that's the best they can do. No problem. I'm glad I can help!" I lay my head on the desk and wept. The tears were tears of relief. Sharon would be home soon. We would have to remain in witness protection because of possible retaliation but it wouldn't be as hard as things were right now, so we were told. Soon they will have already suffered their damage, Sharon couldn't hurt them anymore.

I was so antsy, I couldn't concentrate on work. I told the partners that I wasn't feeling well and I went home at lunch time. I knew that at any moment Sharon would be giving her testimony.  Soon this nightmare would end. Well, at least it would be just a bad dream.

When I got home, Momma was just cleaning up after lunch. Josiah and Anna were having another play date in Josiah's Nursery. Nanny Li was hosting the gathering! I helped Momma put the dishes away while we talked. She hadn't heard anything yet.

I took Nanny Li some warm tea and sat in the rocking chair to watch Josiah and Anna play. Nanny Li was such an asset to the household. I finally asked her how much money the CAGC paid her to be a Nanny and Bodyguard. I was surprised. She said she was only paid a standard Nanny fee, her body guard services were volunteered to the cause. I told her that I would be happy to pay her Nanny Fee so the CAGC didn't have to pay it. She said the process was to donate the money to the CAGC.. She gave me a Corporate PO Box that I could sent a postal money order to. No names would be involved. The Business Card simply read, Reid and Salman Legal Enterprises PO Box 259, Sacramento, Ca. 92300. Nanny Li said that they represented some of the CAGC's interests.

The phone rang. Momma answered it as she always did, but turned toward the kitchen window and I couldn't hear what she was saying. Nanny Li turned the music off of the Baby Gym that Josiah and Anna were enjoying. All I heard her say was, "I understand and I will handle it on this end."

"Jonathan, I need to talk to you, and you need to leave Josiah with Nanny Li.." Momma called to me, after she hung up the phone. I didn't like tone in her voice. I knew something was wrong. " Jonathan, that was one of our contacts in Sacramento, she said that Sharon never made it to the court house. Peggy and Tom were in the Van with her, as well as two Agents from the District Attorney's office. They were about five miles from the Court House when they were trapped by two Diesel Rigs on a set of train tracks. The drivers of the rigs got out of their trucks abandoning them on the tracks. When Sharon and the rest of them tried to get out of the van a gun fight ensued and Sharon was killed. She was wearing a gun vest Jonathan, but she was hit in the neck. Peggy is also dead, Tom has serious injuries and the Agents from the District. Attorneys' Offices are both dead. Whoever hit them, knew to go for the head.  When Momma finished, I was totally distraught. I had just found her a few short months ago!

Momma turned on the news and looked for the news report. She turned the channel several times until she found something about the story. "No one knows where the drivers of the two big rigs are that forced the van with the most important witness in the states case against UC Avis Research Department and The Department of Healthcare and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality onto the Union Pacific Railroad tracks just outside of Sacramento City Limits and pinned them there. A fierce exchange of gunfire took place afterwards leaving two females dead, two males dead and one male critically injured with gunshot wounds to the head. The train that had been heading towards that intersection was unable to stop, and plowed right through the vehicle leaving  wreckage behind. Bodies had to be extricated from the mass of tangled steel." Said the newscaster.

I was horrified at pictures of the scene, and then my mind returned to the body count! Five bodies were found. Two females were dead! Oh my God, Sharon was really dead. I looked at Momma and she could see that I had hoped that her death had been feigned. The truth slapped me in the face. "I am so sorry Jonathan." She said as she came over and hugged me. There was no solace, so consoling me. I got up and asked Kevin to take me to get a Whiskey Sour. I looked in on Josiah and told Nanny Li, I would be gone a few hours. She could see the tears in my eyes, "Ask Momma, I told her," and then I walked out the door.

I returned a few hours later, Kevin helped me walk. I wasn't quite up to par! Mamma was making dinner and this time I couldn't set the table for her. Nanny Li helped pour me in my bed. Kevin said he would set the table.

The next morning when I woke up, I had a monumental headache. I called the partners and told them that I had the flu and would be out for several days. Momma made me a very strong cup of coffee, it had a real bite to it! She said that she had added a jigger of Whiskey to it. "The hair of the dog," she called it! She also gave me some well done, dry toast! This was at 6:30 in the morning, and by 7:30, I was able to pick at breakfast with everyone else. Momma said that I had to try to keep things as normal as possible for Josiah's sake. I complied! Momma always knew best. Only today everyone was more quiet than usual.

After breakfast I took the trash out and fed the dogs. They wanted to play. I tried, but my heart was not in it. I wondered what would happen to Sharon's body? Would she be flown home for a proper burial? Or would the CAGC take care of it there?  I needed closure.

I was in the Nursery with Josiah, Anna and Nanny Li trying to keep my mind on my son. Momma was keeping the house up as usual and Kevin was helping her move furniture around in the living room. Peter and Sarah were at work. We were all continuing our lives as if they were normal, yet none of us lived a normal life. I wanted to go home. I wanted to go back to Sacramento, back to my parents and give Josiah his real family. What would they want with me and Josiah anyway? We didn't have any first hand information that could hurt them! I made my mind up that I would be leaving the next week. That gave me enough time to make some arrangements.

I asked Nanny Li if she would come with me and continue as Josiah's Nanny and she said that she would have to see if she were needed on any other cases first. If not she would come until she was called into duty again. I understood her dedication to the CAGC and was very thankful for all they had done for us.

It was quiet around the house all that day. No one knew what to say to me. At dinner that night, I set the table and sat down with everyone else to eat as usual. Then I announced my intentions to return to my life in Sacramento. I asked everyone what they thought. Momma was the first person to speak up,  "Jonathan, I don't think you should do anything right away. You and Josiah are safe here and for whatever we are worth, we are support for you. You shouldn't make any hasty decisions based on emotions right now. That could be dangerous for you and Josiah."  Then Peter spoke, " Jonathan, I have wanted to go home for a long time. If I had the chance to I would, but only if I was 100% sure that it was safe for Sarah and Anna. I can't tell you what to do, but I will say, whatever you do, be careful, my friend."  Next, Sarah had her say, " If Peter were to be killed, I would take Anna and head for my parent's house as soon as I was sure it was safe. I understand where you are coming from!"  Then I had my say again, I explained that I would not start making any plans for another week. During that time if I received any threats, I would stay at the safe-house. I also let them know that Nanny Li had agreed to go with Josiah and me. We would have some protection.

After dinner I helped Momma with the dishes, I felt like I was letting her down in some way. I told her how much I appreciated all she did for Josiah and me. She said that she appreciated the sentiments. She also told me that she had been giving her home as a safe-house for 20 years and had helped many family's who were in trouble. She explained that it all started when she and her husband had been placed in D.A  Protective Custody. She and her husband had witnessed a hit man meeting with a Senator. The next day, that same hit man killed another Senator. They were placed in protective custody by the District Attorney in Washington, D.C., and someone made it possible for there to be a weak link in their Security, and her husband was killed. The CAGC took over her Security and put her in a safe-house of theirs. She was able to make it to court. The assassin and the Senator who paid him were both indicted, prosecuted, and found guilty with her testimony! Her husband had a very good life insurance policy, and with that and what they had already amassed, she was able to buy the Villa and open her own safe-house! She said the CAGC pays the utilities and grocery bill, but that is all!

By the time she finished, I felt guilty. I still had nearly $65,000 cash left. Plus I was making good money as an Attornedy for the partners firm. I could help too. The CAGC had done a lot to try and keep Sharon safe. Josiah and I were safe. Here I was whining about wanting to go home when Momma lost her husband too, and so many other people were committed to volunteering their abilities to the CAGC and all they stand for, and against!

That night I tossed and turned. I got up and drank a late night cup of hot Chamomile Tea hoping it would help me to sleep. My mind was disconcerted. I couldn't put my finger on it. But I knew something was just not right! I looked out the patio door and the wind had begun to blow, it was dark and ominous looking. I shuddered in the cold as I closed the patio door and locked it again. Belle and Sasha took their places on the carpet right outside the door. I rinsed out my cup and drifted back towards my bedroom. I stopped on the way and slowly opened the Nursery room door to check on Josiah. He was sleeping, totally unaware that his mother was never returning. Nanny Li's reading lamp was on, she whispered that I was welcome to come in if I wanted to. I figured I might as well since I could not sleep any way. I sat on the end of her bed, as the rocking chair was too far away for her to hear me whisper.
She asked how I was doing, I told her that I couldn't sleep. I had just had a cup of Chamomile Tea to help relax me. I didn't think it was working.

Nanny Li offered to massage my shoulders if it would help me relax and before I could respond, her gentle, yet strong hands were working on my very tender and rigid muscles. Before I recognized what was happening, I was misplaced in her arms. I could only feel Sharon, but it was Nanny Li whom I gave myself to that night. When it was over, Nanny Li put her finger to my lips when I began to speak and simply shook her head no. She kissed me tenderly and walked me to the Nursery door. Her gentle smile was the last thing I saw before I fell asleep in the very early morning hours.

Momma woke me up at 7:00 for breakfast, she said that a cup of coffee was waiting for me on the kitchenette. Breakfast was always at 7:30 for everyone! I hopped in the shower and did a bad job of shaving, but was dressed and had my coffee in my hand within 15 minutes. I took a few sips and began setting the table. Peter and Sarah were ready for work and were playing with Anna. Kevin was feeding Belle and Sasha. Nanny Li was giving Josiah some baby cereal. He had developed quite an appetite. He was into his third month now. The pediatrician said a little rice cereal wouldn't hurt him in the morning!

Nanny Li, smiled when I looked at her holding mine and Sharon's son. I felt so guilty this morning. My wife had only been dead for 2 days. I hadn't seen her in several weeks but that didn't make any difference, I had let my emotions get the best of me! I was able to offer Nanny Li a slight smile but then I turned my head and began helping Momma put food on the table.

With Josiah and Anna in their Nursery's the rest of us sat down for breakfast. I told everyone that I had thought about leaving some more, and decided to stay for a while. As long as Momma had room in the house I would stay and see what I could do to help the CAGC. I did not feel that I needed the guard outside or Kevin any more though, no offense to Kevin. He was polite and said he understood. Momma agreed that I was probably right about those two guards. She also said that the house had plenty of room. Nanny Li was relieved that I hadn't decided to let her go after last night, I could tell by the look on her face!.

After breakfast I helped with dishes and then went to spend some time with Josiah. I told Nanny Li to take a break and shower if she wanted, I would take the babies for a while. She smiled and thanked me. I was happy with ignoring our midnight tryst! I loved Sharon very much and was not ready to replace her. I wouldn't deny that Nanny Li was beautiful, gentle, kind, unselfish and wonderful with Josiah. She was everything a man could want. And I wanted her, I needed her, but I couldn't allow myself to have her again! Something was telling me NO!

A few more days passed and I returned to work. Simon had a case ready for me. I was glad to be back at work. I had several calls to make to follow up on the case, and a few people I needed to meet with. This was good, I needed to keep my mind busy. This case was a dispute over a will! The wealthy, but eccentric Father left his money to his Maid. His children are disputing the will, claiming that he was mentally unstable and the Maid had duped him into changing his will and leaving everything to her! I could help but wonder if sexual favors had been involved! My own guilt was creeping into my work!

At the end of the day, I drove myself home. The freedom was very different! I had a Security Guard driving for me for so long I had almost forgotten what it was like to drive myself somewhere. This morning I took a Taxi to work, after work, I bought a Toyota, Matrix and drove it home. I nearly got jumped by Peter and Sarah's Guard when I got out of the car. He didn't recognize it and I pulled in the driveway behind the Van. When I got out of the car, he was in my face! Everything was fine when he stepped back and saw it was me!

It was 6:45 when I walked in the door. I apologized for being late. I explained that I stopped and bought a car on the way home from work, Momma said that they had been worried, to please call next time I was going to be more than 15 minutes late. Then she said to sit down and eat before my dinner was cold. After dinner, there were plenty of dishes to do, so while Momma washed them, I dried them and put them away. When I was done, I went to get Josiah and spend some time with him. Nanny Li was holding him in her lap and singing to him in Mandarin. They were rocking in the chair and looked so comfortable. Josiah loved her to sing to him. I sat down on the bed and listened. Josiah was falling asleep. Peter and Sarah were playing with Anna in the Nursery next door and the sounds, although joyful, made Josiah jump every few minutes. I closed the door so he could fall asleep. Then I sat back down and I watched and listened until Josiah was sound asleep!

Nanny Li laid Josiah down in his crib and I knew I should have walked out then, but I hesitated. I walked over to Josiah's crib, leaned down and kissed him good night. When I turned around Nanny Li was sitting on her bed. She asked me if I wanted to talk about what happened the other night. I didn't know what to say. I walked over and sat down next to her. That was my second mistake. She looked so beautiful in her nightgown and silky robe, so inviting. I could smell a hint of Vanilla emanating from her. She asked me if I was upset with her and I saw a tear in her eye. I had been avoiding her and trying not to make eye contact with her. I reached over and wiped the tear from her eye. She put her hand on mine and looked into my eyes. She told me I should go. I told her that whatever she thought, I was not angry with her. 

I left the Nursery and went to take a shower, afterward I went in the Library and got cozy next to the fireplace and looked over a Readers Digest. Momma brought me a hot cup of Cocoa and said she needed to talk to me. I thought she new about Nanny Li and me! I was relieved to find out that she was wanting to talk about something else. She said that the CAGC wanted to know if I was ready to commit my legal skills to them. If I did, they would help set me up in my own Office and I would be asked to represent their interests when called on in this area as well as my other clients. I didn't even have to think about it. I told her to tell them that I was ready.

Later that night,,,, I quietly entered the Nursery, Josiah was sleeping. Nanny Li, heard the door open and turned on her reading lamp. She asked me if everything was all right? I sat down on the bed next to her and told her that I needed to talk. If Sharon had been there I would have been sharing with her. I told her about the CAGC's offer of my own legal Office and my volunteering my legal services to them. She took hold of my hand and said that it was a good decision. I leaned down and kissed her without even contemplating it. She wrapped her arms around me and passion necessitated the moment. I lay there with her afterward and tears ran down my face as I held her in my arms. I didn't know if I cried because it was so wonderful or if it was because I still felt Sharon's presence and therefore guilt! I did know that Nanny Li and I were drawn to each other and there was no denying that!

The next morning I did find it easier to face Nanny Li, I greeted her with a cup of coffee. I wanted to spend a few minutes with Josiah before I had to leave for work so I fed and diapered him myself this morning. I asked Nanny Li if she had a good idea for my resignation with the partners! She said, "Tell them the truth, well part of it. Tell them you will be opening your own firm, that you had the offer of financial backing and couldn't possibly turn it down!" She was as smart as beautiful, I kissed her on the cheek and thanked her. I would tell them just that! When I got to work later that morning, I told them what Nanny Li said. They were not very happy as I had not been with them very long. I told them that I would stay until I finished my present case. Which I was able to win for my client!