 
An Act of Revenge

By W.S. Peter

Copyright 2018 W. S. Peter

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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CONTENT

Prologue

Chapter One: Ten Years Pass

Chapter Two: Deerfield

Chapter Three: Hide and Seek

Chapter Four: The Chain of Evidence

Chapter Five: The Old Albany Cemetery

Chapter Six: Mashpee

Chapter Seven: Change of Mind

Chapter Eight: Follow the Money

Chapter Nine: Diaries

Chapter Ten: Research

Chapter Eleven: Evidence Doesn't Lie

Chapter Twelve: Deliverance

Chapter Thirteen: Unlucky

Chapter Fourteen: It's in the Research

Chapter Fifteen: Home Again

Chapter Sixteen: Artful Revenge

Chapter Seventeen: Home Sweet Home

Chapter Eighteen: Reconciliation

Chapter Nineteen: Pay Back

Chapter Twenty: Trouble at Home

Chapter Twenty-one: RetributionAbout the Author

Bibliography

Prologue

Ten years have pass since Becky and Suzy lost both their husbands and father. The murder of their father Jake Roi was a well-planned execution, but the death of their husbands came unexpectedly; and at the hands of Detective Richard Milneck. Jake Roi was murdered by Misha Prince while he was recuperating at a local hospital from his latest heart attack. Although Misha had just come back into Jake's life she convinced her former lover to marry. The couple had been romantically involved just over eight years ago while Jake's first wife lay ill in bed. Becky and Suzy always hated Misha but realized that she was their only chance at reconciling with their dad. The sisters would form an alliance with the very woman who did everything in her power to break their parents' marriage apart. Misha's return was part of a revenge plan conceived by Jake's daughters and their husbands Elan and Tate. A plan that would avenge their mother's death and make their dad pay for all his indiscretions; it was a plan that would allow the sister's and their husbands to gain access to the family fortune. A plan that involved Misha convincing Jake to write his daughters back into his Will. A plan that would end with the murder of their dad, Jake Roi. The execution of Jake would involve the use of an air-filled syringe to induce pulmonary embolisms; a death that the doctors would determine natural because of Jake's history of heart disease. With Jake's death Becky and Suzy would inherit the family fortune and avenge their mother's death at the same time. But Misha Prince had other plans. Misha would become the lone beneficiary by marrying Jake without his daughters' knowledge; a double cross that would cost the girls their inheritance.

As the plan unfolded Becky and Suzy would discover that Misha had cut them out of the Will; and they uncovered the truth about their mother's death. They vowed to make Misha pay for all her sins. Her death had to look like an accident as to not shine any suspicion their way. The sisters would make sure that Misha would never live long enough to see any of the money. Their desire for retribution against their father was replaced with a stronger need to avenge their mother's death; a death at the hands of Misha Prince. The same air-filled syringe used to kill their father would be the murder weapon used on Misha; a death by multiple embolisms. But unlike their father Misha had no prior heart condition that would disguise the true cause of death; so, they came up with a way to hide the murder. Becky and Suzy planned to stage a car accident; an accident that would place Misha in her car at the bottom of a deep ravine. The autopsy would state that Misha died from massive blot clots caused by the accident. The burning wreckage at the base of the ravine would cover up all traces of a murder. Becky and Suzy thought it ironic to choose the same ravine where an ambulance carrying their mother to the hospital had crashed years before. And like then they knew that the authorities would conclude that Misha's death was an accident; just like their mom's. Misha's death would make the sisters the beneficiaries of their dad's Will. They would inherit everything; at least that's what they thought. What Becky and Suzy couldn't know ahead of time was the existence of another heir to the wealth and power; Jake Prince, the young son of Misha Prince and their father Jake. Although Becky and Suzy would be willing to share some of the family wealth with their newfound stepbrother their husbands Elan and Tate would have other plans. Elan and Tate never planned to share the wealth with anyone; including their wives. They had always planned on killing each other's wives to gain possession of the Roi family's fortune and businesses. But before they could murder their wives they had to get rid of the young boy named Jake Prince; a boy who was a well-liked chief of the Wampanoag tribe and a major beneficiary listed in both Jake's and Misha's Wills. Elan and Tate knew that they needed to make Jake Prince and their wives' deaths look accidental. But what they didn't count on was Detective Richard Milneck and a confession letter written by Misha Prince; a letter linking Elan and Tate to several previous murders and a line of evidence linking a major casino and hotel project to political cronyism and payola; Evidence that included bribes and illegal land trusts deals that could turn the local political and judicial world upside down; Evidence that was first uncovered by Misha Prince.

Chapter One

Ten Years Pass

With her wavy auburn hair and smoky hazel-blue eyes it was said that Becky looked and acted much like her mom. She was the same height, about five foot eight with a very athletic body; even now at the age of forty some would say she had a knock-out body. Suzy on the other hand always looked more like her dad Jake with her dark hair and chestnut brown eyes. Even at thirty-six her eyes maintained a youthful gleam, but her hair started to show a few strands of gray. Suzy was still every bit the passionate woman that her father called his Queen of Hearts. Becky on the other hand was colder and more calculating like her mother. She possessed a fiery temper that matched the reddish tones in her hair, yet her overall demeanor was cool as reflected by her piercing blue-green eyes. Becky could be downright frigid at times; no wonder her parents called her the ice princess. She was always the analytical one and the first to stir up trouble. For most of their adult lives Becky and Suzy considered themselves to be Wampanoag by assimilation and marriage. It was not long after college that Becky fell in love with Elan, a Huron from Southern Quebec. Suzy on the other hand met her husband Tate at Becky's wedding reception. Tate was a strong good looking Huron from the same area of Quebec as Elan. But their lives as husbands and wives ended abruptly when the two young men hatched a failed plan to access to the family's wealth for themselves; a plan that started with the abduction of the boy Chief, Jake Prince. At the time Detective Richard Milneck was assigned as a caretaker for the young eight-year-old Wampanoag Chief by the Council of Elders. For Elan and Tate to secure their future they needed the young chief as leverage; a bargaining chip to gain access to his mother's confession letter; a letter that Misha gave to Detective Milneck for safe keeping and as an insurance policy on her son's life. The letter contained evidence of murders committed by Elan and Tate; a letter that could be used to blackmail the two men or send them to jail. At a predetermined meeting place the boy would be exchanged for the letter containing incriminating evidence. The letter that Milneck would be responsible for delivering. But Milneck was a detective for over thirty years and knew that he and the boy would not be allowed to leave the meeting alive. So he planned to double cross the two men. Milneck hid a 38 Special in a briefcase containing the evidence and an unloaded gun strapped to his ankle holster. When Milneck arrived at the exchange point Elan took the unloaded 9 mm gun from the detective's holster; a gun that had no ammo in the chamber. Tate jumped from behind a tall bush and held the detective while Elan pointed the 9 mm gun at the detective demanding the evidence. Tate let Milneck's arms go so the detective could open the briefcase as directed. But when Milneck's hand came out it was holding a 38 Special; he fired two shots into Tate. As Tate lay dead, Elan returned fire using the 9 mm gun he took from Milneck earlier; but there were no echoes of shots; the gun was unloaded. Milneck pointed the 38 Special at Elan and demanded the 9 mm gun. Milneck placed a full ammo clip into the chamber and fired two shots into Elan's chest. As the two men lay dead Milneck wiped both guns clean then placed the 38 Special into Elan's hands and the 9 mm into Tate's. Milneck knew that he would get away with the murders; the guns couldn't be traced, and the only fingerprints were that of the two dead men. Milneck's only concern would be with convincing Becky and Suzy to go along with his double cross. But Milneck knew he could convince Becky and Suzy that their husbands deserved their fate; he possessed a recording of a conversation between Elan and Tate; a recording that outlined their plan to murder their wives. And he had Misha's confession letter. After Becky and Suzy heard the recording of their husband's plans and read Misha Prince's letter, they agreed to go along with Milneck's double cross and how justice was served. In one short night Milneck had managed to bring justice without the help of the courts or attorneys; and in the process he managed to save the lives of the two sisters and the life of the young Wampanoag Chief named Jake Prince.

After the deaths of Elan and Tate, Milneck continued to serve as caretaker and advisor to Jake Prince until he turned eighteen. Jake continued to serve as Sachem of the tribe; he chaired the Council of Elder meetings, oversaw the finances with the aid of the tribe's treasurer and dealt with all political matters with advice from tribal attorneys and accountants. As for the sisters, Becky and Suzy had their own children to care for; children who had survived the odds of inheriting a curse; the curse of a genetic blood disorder that their grandfather had carried. Ten years have passed since Becky and Suzy gave birth on the same day, February 29th of a leap year. Now Becky is the proud mother of a ten year old boy and her sister Suzy is mother to a set of twins; a boy and a girl. All three children turned out to be healthy and strong just like their step-uncle Jake Prince predicted. It seemed just like yesterday when Becky and Suzy entered Doctor Jacob's office as he was scratching his head and murmuring. It was at that office visit when Becky's blood tests showed normal levels of the HCG hormone; indicating that all is well with her baby; and other genetic tests indicating that her baby had little or no risks of carrying the blood disorder; a disease that once cursed her parents. On that same day Suzy learned that the genetic marker tests predicted that neither of her twins carried the blood clotting disorder either. Life was full for the sister's as single parents with professional responsibilities related to the family businesses. As CEO Becky oversaw the day to day operations of all the family's businesses while Suzy oversaw the family financial investment side as President of Davies Enterprises. There was little time for social events and a personal life outside the family businesses for the sisters; other than attending events sponsored by their businesses or charities they donated to. As it were Becky and Suzy had to hire nannies to help with the children and maids to carry out the daily house chores. At age ten all three children were enrolled at their mother's Alma Mata; Deerfield Academy located just down the road from the Old Albany Cemetery. As for their step-uncle, Jake Prince, he had little to do with the family's businesses due to his heavy commitment as Chief of the Wampanoag. But as a partner of Davies Enterprises his name appeared on all official business documents and the company letterhead.

As for the young chief Jake Prince who was saved by Detective Milneck, it was near late November and he was turning eighteen. Although the Wampanoag never celebrate birthdays the young chief's birthday was close enough to Thanksgiving Day to hold a traditional celebration in honor of the season's change, harvest times and Thanksgiving. As with Wampanoag tradition the celebration would include singing, dancing and the sharing of food to honor the Creator for providing the means for life. The celebration was attended by many members of the Wampanoag tribe including Becky, Suzy and their three children. Richard Milneck who was near seventy-five at the time needed the help of a cane to get around but still managed to attend. The celebration was held at the same lodge were Jake was nominated and elected as chief; the lodge near the tribe's sacred burial ground adjacent to the Mackin Sand Bank area. During the celebration a tribal elder said some words of thanks to the Creator for the bounty that lay before them. As the members took their seats an Elder rose and said, "The Wampanoag give thanks today and every day because every day is thanksgiving to us. We give thanks to the sun rise at it begins our day and the sunset as the moon takes its place; and to the clouds in the sky that provide our crops the rain needed to bring us a great harvest." Richard Milneck stood up and added, "We also give thanks for the Creator for providing us a great Wampanoag Sachem, Chief Jake Prince." And with that the members raised a glass to toasts the birthday of the young chief. As the celebration continued Richard Milneck pulled Jake into an adjoining room. Milneck stood in front of Jake and pulled out an envelope; Richard held it out and said, "This is yours now." "What is it?" Jake asked. "It's your mother's confession." Jake took the letter out and began to read it out loud, "Dear son, I know that if you are reading this then I am dead and that these words will not be easy for you to hear. I just hope that someday you might be able to forgive me; forgive me for all my actions; knowing and understanding that I did it for you. I am guilty of loving too many men in my life. I fell in and out of love with your father, Steve Butler. He was a good man most of the time but he had a lifestyle that didn't include women in his future. I fell in love with Jake Roi early on in our marriages and tried to convince him to leave his wife, but to no avail. In the process I committed some awful acts. I am partly responsible for the death of Jake's wife, Samantha and for aiding in the death of Ted Davies as revenge for his part in the murder of Samantha Roi. I took blackmail money from Eleanor Davies and fled the country and authorities when I was pregnant with you. You were eight years old when I finally returned to the States to face the authorities. But knowing I might have to serve a long prison term I gave you up to the Council of Elders. They placed you with a Wampanoag family who lived on the Cape. They did a wonderful job raising you. Once free from prosecution I stayed in the area and plotted my revenge on the remaining members of the Davies family; a plot that involved your uncle Elan and Tate; a plot that saw them murder Mary and Kathleen Davies. It was my plan to gain access to the Davies fortune by convincing Jake Roi to marry me. As his wife he would have to write me into the Will; but then I would eventually murder him. All of this required the help of your stepsisters, their husbands and Attorney Downs. I gave this letter to Detective Milneck as a means of protecting your life from the likes of your uncles and their wives. I gave this letter to the detective because it would assure me that you would have a Wampanoag to watch over you; and that you would be the only one left to benefit from the Davies fortune. As a former Council Elder Richard Milneck assured me that my wishes as written in my Will would be executed. I do this out of my love for you; I did it all for your future. I know in my heart that my death is payment for all the pain I have caused people; like those of Samantha and Jake Roi. So, I end this confession with a warning; be careful of your stepsisters for they will continue to seek ways to avenge the death of their parent's. Love always, Mom."

Jake turned to the detective and said, "Well holy shit; no wonder you kept this letter a secret. It was a time bomb waiting to go off." "Yes it is; and now it's yours for keeping; you can do with it what you want." Milneck responded. "Do you think that my mother's death was an accident like the police report states?" Jake asked. "I'm not sure; all I know is that your uncles are dead and their wives are still alive; all I know is that your stepsisters had motive, opportunity and the means." Milneck replied. "Then why didn't you arrest them at the time?" Jake asked. "Not enough proof; like always not a lot of physical evidence was left behind and certainly no witnesses." Milneck replied as he continued to chew on the end of his cigar. "So my mother's case went unsolved." "Not really; what you might not know is that the autopsy showed that your mother was pregnant at the time of her death." Milneck stated. "What the fuck; who was the father!" Jake shouted. "DNA tests indicate that it was Attorney Downs. It seems that your mother was sleeping with him; probably to get him to quickly alter the Wills." Milneck replied. "Are you saying that my mother was a cheap whore?" Jake yelled. "No; No that's not it; what I am saying is that she would do anything to secure your future. She needed to make sure that you would always be taken care of financially and by those around you who truly cared." Milneck explained. "And as for Attorney Downs; well you know he committed suicide. But before he did he left his own confession letter." Milneck added. "Where's the letter?" Jake demanded. Milneck reached back into his jacket and pulled out a second envelope containing a copy of the letter and said, "Here, I thought you might want to know who might have been involved in your mother's death." Jake Prince took the envelope, opened it up and read out loud, "Dear Mary, I am so sorry for all the sins I have committed and for all the sorrow and dishonor I have brought to our family. I wanted to tell you so many times of my infidelities these past years; all the details of my lurid affairs. But now I know it's too late for that; it's too late to ask for your forgiveness and for your love. My lurid past will become public as the police carry on with investigations of cases that I am involved with. I have tried to erase some of those past mistakes with deeds that are hideous. You and the children will hear and read many details of those cases in the coming months. I regret not being around for you or our children; to be able to explain what happened. Even as I write these final words I still hold out hope that someday you will find it in your heart to forgive me. I can no longer take the strain or responsibility that life comes with. Love forever." As Jake put the letter back into the envelope Milneck said, "When I spoke to Captain Tory of the State Police, I told him that I thought that Downs might have been a good candidate for suicide but that he was not the murdering type." "I know; he really doesn't confess to my mother's murder does he." Jake replied. "Nope; I don't think so." Milneck said as he continued to chew on his cigar. "So, what do you think? Was it really just an accident?" Jake asked again. "Maybe your stepsisters can answer that one for you." Milneck replied as he walked back into the hall with Jake at his side. As Jake placed the envelopes into his coat, he turned to Milneck and murmured, "If it was them, they will pay." "Be careful for what you wish; I don't think that seeking revenge would benefit anyone at this time." Milneck advised. Jake could only sneer at Becky and Suzy as they stared at them rejoining the celebration. Suzy turned to Becky and asked softly, "what do you think they were talking about?" "I don't know but I don't like the looks of it." Becky responded.

As the celebration was ending Becky called for her son Tyee whose name meant chief. Tyee was a good looking young man with hazel-blue eyes like his mom but who looked more like his father Elan in every other way. As Becky was calling for Tyee, Suzy told her twins to put their coats on. Just like Becky, Suzy decide to give both her kids Native American names. Malina, whose name meant soothing, looked much like her mom Suzy. She had dark brown hair and chestnut brown eyes. Malina even had the same shape nose and lips. Her twin brother Nodin whose name meant friend, look more like his father Tate; tall, dark and handsome with similar color eyes as his sister Malina. But his blonde hair was a trait that he got from Suzy's mom. All three cousins were smart, well-mannered and well-liked by all. They all possessed a kind of charm and charisma usually reserved for leading actors or statesmen. All three attended the prestigious Deerfield Academy. As the sisters and their kids walked toward the exit they were intercepted by Jake Prince. "I am happy that all of you could attend this celebration; my only birthday wish is that in the future we have more time to spend together. The most important thing in life is family." Jake said as he gave an odd look at Becky and Suzy. As the sisters and their kids walked toward their SUV Becky turned to Suzy and murmured, "Do you think Milneck showed him Misha's confession letter?" "Yeah; that's why we got the strange look when we said our goodbyes." Suzy replied. "Do you think he told him anything else?" Becky added. "I'm not sure; I always found it hard to get a read on him. He might have talked to Jake about his mother's death." Jake Prince left the celebration an hour later and headed home to what was once the Davies estate. As he drove through the iron gated entrance, he murmured out loud, "I've got to find out if they really killed my mother; maybe I can convince Milneck to help me out with the investigation."

Chapter Two

Deerfield

It was a cold December day as Tyee, Malina and Nodin were chauffeured to the Deerfield Academy campus. Although money was a non-issue Becky and Suzy decided not to have their kids attend as boarding students since the school was so close to their home. They made the decision to hire a chauffeur who also doubled as a bodyguard. The three cousins didn't mind being shuttled back and forth by the chauffeur Peter Wayne; they like the idea of having a man around the house to talk to. Although he stayed in the guest house with the other servants he readily made himself available to the three. You would think that with having a housekeeper, handyman and gardener, cook and chauffeur that the three kids would be spoiled; you know, act like snobby little rich kids. But that was not the case; their mothers made sure that all three knew the value of hard work and money. Each had a list of chores that included cleaning out the stalls, feeding and grooming the horses. And each had to volunteer at a local food pantry and help serve meals at a local homeless shelter during the holidays. Becky and Suzy made sure that their children were well behaved and well versed in the Wampanoag culture. Their step uncle Jake Prince kept his promise and would often visit on weekends to teach the three cousins about their Wampanoag heritage; the traditions, laws, religious belief and practices. It was during one of those weekends when Jake overheard a conversation between Becky and Suzy that would change the course of all their lives.

Becky and Suzy were in their office dealing with the end of the month issues that come with running a small empire. Jake was downstairs giving a lesson on a Wampanoag tradition of Condolence Ceremony while holding a Condolence Cane. Jake and the three youngsters sat on the living room floor as he started to explain the Condolence Ceremony to them. The burial of a Wampanoag is held at a spiritual place and overseen by one of the other chiefs." Jake started to say. "Were would it be held around here?" Malina asked. "It would be held at our lodge that lies adjacent to our holy burial grounds; you know it better as the Mackin Sand Bank area. As for the ceremony itself, there would be a chief present to represent the speaker of the clear-minded moiety. He would recite the fifteen verses of the Requickening Address. This would be followed by the use of Wampum strings that are colored to represent a specific metaphor." Jake went on to explain. What are Wampum strings?" Nodin asked. "Yeah and what is a Requikening Address?" Tyee added. "Wampum strings are made of white and purple beads made from Quahog or what you would call clam shells. Wampum is used to signify great authority and the importance of a message or ceremony. For our people the origins date back to a time prior to the League of Five Nations and Aiionwatha." Jake explained. "Who is Aiionwatha?" Malina asked, "You know him better as Hiawatha, leader and co-founder of the Iroquois Confederacy." Jake replied. "I always thought that Wampum was used as money by Native Americans." Tyee stated. "Not exactly; the early colonists mistook Wampum as money; it was often used as a gift by the Native Americans." Jake responded. "What about the different patterns on the Wampum belts that I've seen at the lodge; what's that all about?" Nodin asked. "The designs and the colors of the beads used in wampum belts had various meaning; the belts themselves were mnemonic devices that were used to aid the memory of our history, traditions, and laws. (Ganondagan, ganondagan.org. 2017) The color of the beads had meaning; the white beads represented purity and light while the purple colored beads stood for grieving and death. The combination of white and purple beads was symbolic of the dual nature of the world; like light and darkness, the Sun and the Moon, life and death. Enemies of the Wampanoag like the Iroquois believed that wampum was very spiritual and powerful; they believed that it could be used to bring back the dead." Jake explained. "What about the Condolence Ceremony?" Nodin asked. "When the condolers at the ceremony hand out the string of Wampum to the mourners they say a traditional verse, which is then repeated by the clear-minded or mourners as they return the wampum. The use of wampum in this ceremony demonstrates both involution and reciprocity." Jake responded with pride. "What about the Condolence Cane; what's that about?" Malina asked. Jake held up his Condolence Cane and said, "The Condolence Cane is used in such rituals as a means to take the roll call of a Condolence Council. Symbolically, the eagle atop the pine would screech loudly to warn the tribes of approaching danger. The cane was really originated by the Iroquois as a mnemonic way to remember stages of a ceremony and all their Sachems or chiefs." "So how did the Wampanoag get a hold of these canes?" Tyee asked. "The Wampanoag managed to barter for some of these canes using Wampum before the wars with the tribes of the Iroquois Nation began. We still possess some of these canes and often display them during ceremonies like the Condolence Ceremony." Jake explained.

Jake and the three kids took a break from the lesson as the nanny called them for lunch. Jake took the break time to meet with Beck and Suzy about the upcoming birthdays of the three kids. As he started upstairs to their office he overheard a conversation between Becky and Suzy about his mother Misha. Jake paused at the top of the stairs and listened. "You know maybe it would have been better if Misha did survive; then she would be the one to have to deal with all these headaches." Becky said softly. "Yeah; who would have thought that running the Davies businesses would be so difficult. How did Dad every manage it?" Suzy responded in a low voice. "Maybe we should have kept her around; Misha might have been an asset instead of just being an ass." Becky fired back chuckling. "I don't think that our political friends would want her around." Becky added. "Do you think Detective Milneck still believes it was an accident?" Suzy asked quietly. "Who cares; he never believed it was from the start; I think he knows who did it; he might even know the reasons why." Becky replied as she looked over her shoulder to see that the door was ajar. "What's wrong?" Suzy asked. "I thought I told you to keep the office door closed." Becky said as she gave her sister a pissed off look. "But I did shut it tightly." Suzy replied defensively. "Then how the hell did it get open?" Becky said as she got up to close it. It was less than two minutes later when Jake knocked on the door and asked, "Ladies, may I come in?" Jake entered the room with a smile on his face as Becky just looked at Suzy perplexed. "What's up' what can we do for you Jake?" Becky asked. "Just a heads up; I finished the lesson with the kids and thought I come and ask you what your plans are for their birthdays." Jake replied. "Oh that; I thought you had something else on your mind." Suzy said nervously. "Nope; just their birthdays; I figured that you guys can handle the family finances well enough without my help." Jake said as he smirked. "We plan to have a small gathering for all three on the same day. They are all turning eleven and we thought it is time that we take them on the tour of the Old Albany Cemetery on the eve of leap year." Becky stated. "But why take them on that day? Why take them to the Old Albany Cemetery?" Jake asked. "You know why Jake; it's about the experience; it's about visiting their ancestors and finding out whether or not the entities at the cemetery will recognize their presence." Suzy explained. "One way or another they need to know and understand what preceded their birth and what might lie ahead." Becky stated. "Besides, our father brought us there at about the same age and on the same day; that's when we started to believe in the force of the afterlife." Becky added. "I'm not sure if that's a good idea." Jake stated. "It's not for you to decide; besides your mother is buried there alongside her family." Becky stated. "Yeah; and it's about time they honored their grandmother Samantha who is buried with her family, the Williams." Suzy added. "I get all that about your family, but my mother should have been buried in the Sacred Burial Grounds at the Mackin Sand Bank area instead." Jake said. "Look, it's her fault that she was not allowed to have her ashes placed in the sacred area; Misha's the one that dishonored herself as a Wampanoag; she is the one that caused the Council of Elders to vote against giving her that honor." Becky stated. "I still say that she should have been buried as a Wampanoag." Jake replied. After the heated exchange subsided Suzy said, "So our plan is to take the ghost tour on the Eve of Leap year followed by a party with their friends at the estate." "You sure I can't change your minds about the cemetery?" Jake asked as he left their office. "No; it's been settled." Becky reaffirmed. As Jake left the office heading back downstairs he murmured, "I don't care what it takes I will make them pay for my mother's murder."

Jake made a solemn promise to himself to have the investigation of his mother's death re-opened and bring Becky and Suzy to justice for their part in it. He planned to seek the advice of his old caretaker Detective Milneck. Milneck was near seventy-five and had trouble getting around. Jake Prince now found himself in the reverse role as caretaker for his mentor. Richard Milneck was the closest thing to a father-figure that Jake had. Not only was he Jake's caretaker he had become a close friend and confidant. Jake ensured that Richard had access to all the services required to make life comfortable; years of smoking and chewing tobacco had taken its toll on the former detective. Richard had access to twenty-four hour medical service and a personal assistant assigned to him. His room was more than a bedroom; it was a business suite that had its own bathroom, walk-in closet, mini kitchen equipped with a café table and chairs; it also included a big screen TV, sofa and an office desk equipped with a lap top and file cabinets. Jake went directly to Milneck's room upon his return to the Davies estate. As he entered his room he noticed that Richard had a female visitor who was just buttoning up her blouse. As she left the room Milneck said, "I might be old but I'm not dead." Jake just smiled and said, "As I told you before, whatever it takes to make you happy and comfortable Richard." "So Jake, what do you want?" Richard asked as he adjusted his pants. "I need some help with a possible murder." Jake replied. "Milneck knew intuitively that Jake was talking about his mother Misha's death. Milneck remembered the letters he gave to Jake at the celebration of Thanksgiving and in honor of Jake's eighteenth birthday; the confession letters of Attorney Downs and Jake's mother Misha; letters that explained the motives behind the murders that took place under Milneck's watch; letters that lacked any real evidence pointing to his mother's murderers. "I need..." Jake was stopped in mid-sentence by Milneck as he interrupted and said, "You want my help getting the investigation of your mother's death re-opened; you still believe that her accident was no accident." "Yeah; I think my stepsisters killed her; I think they were seeking revenge for their mother's death." "As I told you before; be careful for what you wish; I don't think that seeking revenge would benefit anyone." Richard replied. "Besides there wasn't enough proof then and nothing has changed since." He added. "That's not true; I just overheard a conversation while at their house. They said that maybe it would have been better if Misha survived; then she would have to be the one to deal with the business issues." Jake explained. "That's not substantial; that's nothing but complaining on their part." Milneck replied. "No there's more; Becky said maybe we should have kept her around and that Misha might have been a good asset; and Suzy asked Becky about you, whether or not you still believed it was an accident. And Becky believes that you already know who murdered my mother." "Even if what you overheard is true there is no way a court would admit it as evidence. It's still your word against theirs." Milneck replied. "But I heard what I heard; it was pretty much a confession." Jake shouted. "Yeah I agree but it's too bad you didn't get it on tape." Milneck responded. "I'm not going to give up. I'm going to prove that they did it." Jake shouted. "Are you going to help me or not?" He added. "Yeah I'll help you. But remember the proof has to be absolute." Milneck replied. "Where do we start?" Jake asked. Milneck walked to his desk, pulled out a stack of folders marked Evidence and slapped them down on the nearby table. He looked up at Jake and said, "We start with the evidence we already have!" "How the hell did you get those files?' Jake asked. "One of the assets of being a great detective is to make sure you have copies of everything." Milneck replied as he smirked. "When do you want to start?" Milneck asked. "Right now; which file first?" Jake responded eagerly. "Why not start with your mother's accident report." Milneck replied. Richard took a seat at the table and opened the evidence file labelled Misha Prince-Roi. Jake took the chair next to him and started to look at the photos of the scene. The pictures were gruesome, bloody and frightful. The picture of his mother's burnt body stuck behind the steering wheel was hideous and difficult to look at. Milneck read the police report out loud on the accident and the evidence that was collected at the scene as Jake continued to scan more photos. "A middle-age women with third degree burns over seventy-five percent of her body; charred beaded necklace and cane that appears to have a metal eagle handle." "Stop, stop I see all that from the pictures." Jake shouted. "I knew it was your mother the moment I looked into the front seat." Milneck murmured. "What about the road conditions that night?" Jake asked. "Police reported stated that the roads were dry and the night was clear; there were no skid marks to indicate breaking. It states that the driver loss control due to high speed then went through the guard rail and into the ravine bursting into flames." Jake teared up as he listened to Milneck recite the report. "The strange thing was that your mother was headed back from the Cape in the opposite direction of the accident. She had to be heading North uphill to get back home but the investigation indicates that the car had to be travelling Southbound; that just doesn't add up." Milneck stated. "Didn't the police think that the car spun around when she went out of control?" Jake asked. "Yeah; but I never believed that part of the report. There would have been skid marks indicating that the car spun out; and no skid marks were ever found." Milneck stated. "Is that why it became a closed case?" Jake asked. "No; not really; it was closed because the State Police assumed that Attorney Downs was the only one involved with the accident because of his confession letter." Milneck replied. "Yeah; I know because my mother was carrying his child: but it didn't help when you had the attorneys for the Wampanoag get an injunction so that my mother's letter couldn't be read by the authorities." Jake fired back. "Look Jake; I was protecting you, the reputations of the tribe and your mother; I did what I was ordered to do." Milneck explained. "But who would give you such an order?" Jake asked. "God damn it; don't be stupid you know it had to come from the Council of Elders." Milneck replied as he turned back to continue reading the autopsy report.

As Milneck read the report he suddenly stopped and said, "Oh shit; how did we ever miss that?" "What did you miss?" Jake inquired. "The autopsy indicates the presence of several distinguishable puncture wounds on the back of your mother's neck; just below her hairline." "So what if there are some marks." Jake exclaimed. "The marks had to be made from a syringe." Milneck added. "So, are you saying that she was poisoned before the crash?" Jake asked. "No; no not poison; the toxicology test came up negative. The only abnormally were massive embolisms; you know blood clots. There is no way she could have drove that car if she was injected with air bubbles that caused the clots. The crash didn't cause the embolisms; it's the other way around. She was dead before the crash." Milneck stated assuredly. "But how do we prove that?" Jake asked feverishly. "We find the syringe then test it for fingerprints and any blood left in the needle; if it's still around." Milneck added. "Who would be stupid enough to hold onto a murder weapon?" Jake responded. "You never know; sometimes people to the dumbest things like keep a memento to remind them of an important event in their lives; if it was Becky and Suzy who did this then they may have kept the syringe. Think about the irony; the same needle used by Misha to murder their father could have been used to murder your mother; ah; revenge can be so artful." Milneck stated as he began to smile. Jake just stared back and said, "I'll find a way to search their house; I'll find that fuckin syringe if it still exists."

Chapter Three

Hide and Seek

Finding evidence pointing to Becky and Suzy as his mother's murderers would be a long shot at best but Jake was not about to let his stepsisters get away with murder. Over the course of the next month Jake made efforts to search various parts of their house. He was limited to the times he spent there providing lessons on Wampanoag customs to his niece and nephews. The search was difficult but he managed to come up with excuses when he was caught in the wrong room on several occasions. Jake became increasingly frustrated as nothing came of his search; as time pass he begun to believe that the syringe didn't exist. The only piece of evidence tying Becky and Suzy to his mother's murder had probably been tossed away. The one place he didn't have access to was Becky's and Suzy's home office. Either it was always locked, or they were in there doing work. Jake needed a means to check their office. It was a Friday when Becky was working on the financial business statements when Suzy entered the office. As she sat at her workstation she turned and said, "Becky, do you think that something is up with Jake?" "What do you mean?" Becky asked. "I've seen him walking around the house a lot; like he's looking for something. Once, I even caught him in my bedroom. When I asked him about it he said that he was just looking for the framed picture of us dressed in traditional Wampanoag outfits; he wanted to show it to the kids. He said he needed it as part of a lesson on tribal customs" Suzy explained. "Hum, how did he know you had that picture in your room?" Becky asked. "I must have told him about it at some family gathering." Suzy replied. "But why didn't he just ask for it; you would have gotten it for him?" Becky uttered. "I said that but then he said that he didn't want to disturb me at work; we were so busy doing the end of the year financial statements." Suzy replied. "Seems logical to me; Are you concerned about something else?" Becky asked. "Yeah, maybe it's nothing but I get a sense that he's looking for proof that we murdered Misha." Suzy replied with concern. "Well if he's looking in the house he won't find a damn thing." Becky stated as she laughed.

As the weeks passed Jake's hopes of finding proof of his mother's murder dampened. It was on Saturday afternoon when Jake was giving the kids a lesson on the connection between the Wampanoag and the concept of Thanksgiving when his luck changed. Jake explained to the kids that although the Wampanoag celebrate Thanksgiving the way most Americans celebrate it that the idea originated as a feel-good story; a story made up by Abe Lincoln to unite the Union. He told them that the Wampanoag always celebrated the harvest time and introduced the idea of giving thanks; they introduced this celebration with the first English settlers. He went on to explain how the English continued to take away the lands owned by the Wampanoag and how they used their Puritan faith to subvert the Wampanoag culture. He told them of all the Wampanoag deaths caused by either an epidemic or massacre carried out by the colonists; and because of these massive deaths our ancestors really look at Thanksgiving as a day of mourning. As he continued the lesson Jake said, "The Puritans added a Christen element to Thanksgiving by using formal prayers; but the Mashpee Wampanoag families celebrated it by making quiet offerings of tobacco to other family members; to give thanks to Mother Earth, their parents and siblings. The tobacco was planted, picked and housed for drying in Tobacco sheds much like the ones you have in the back of your house." "Oh that's what those were used for." Malina stated. "Of course that's what they were used for; did you think they were there for keeping horses all this time." Nodin said sarcastically to sister. "No, I thought that only some were for our horses and others were a place to worship." Malina replied. "Why would you think that they are like churches?" Jake asked. "Because that's where our mother often goes to pray; so doesn't Aunt Becky." Malina answered. "Yeah; I've seen them both walk out to one of the tobacco sheds; once I followed them and stood outside the doors and heard them talk using words like our father; mother and son." Nodin explained. "I've seen them go there too; sometimes for hours." Tyee added. "Well maybe they go there just to walk and have a private talk; you know just to have some time together." Jake stated. "Maybe; but we were told that our fathers pasted away somewhere in back of one of the tobacco sheds." Tyee added.

As the lesson came to an end the three cousins went to the kitchen for a snack while Jake walked to the back door and stared out at the tobacco sheds. He remembered the story that Richard Milneck told him; of how his uncles were killed; killed because they had abducted him and held him for ransom; an exchange for his mother's confession letter. As a boy, Jake could still smell the scent of tobacco when he dreamed about his abduction. He would remember how Suzy talked quietly to him; after he was drugged. He even remembered hearing another voice talking to Suzy; a familiar voice that was more frantic; A voice that came in the form of a shadowy figure casts by the dim light; a light that reflected off a small object being held by the voice. Then the voice would disappear along with the shiny object into darkness. As Jake turned back toward the living room he murmured, "it can't be; was it her; was she carrying the syringe." He was interrupted by Becky and Suzy walking into the room. "What's wrong Jake; you seem to be daydreaming." Suzy asked. "No; I was just having a flashback to the day I was abducted. I keep seeing strange images of figures and remembering bits and pieces of voices talking." Jake responded. "Can you make out the faces or the words?" Suzy asked with concern. "Who said anything about seeing faces? What are you worried about:" He replied. "Nothing; nothing at all. I just thought that maybe we could help you get over the abduction that still haunts you." Suzy explained. "Yeah; maybe we can help you resolve some of your post-traumatic stress." Becky added smirking. "The only way you could help me is to help me solve the murder of my mother and I don't think that either one of you are interested in that!" Jake blurted out as he headed for the front door. Becky and Suzy stood stunned by the words. They always knew that Detective Milneck thought that they had something to do with Misha's death, but they never expected Jake to be able to remember that far back. But maybe he was beginning to put the pieces together. Becky and Suzy got nervous and decided to take a walk back to the tobacco shed. As they strolled down the path from the back of the house Jake followed them; making sure to stay out of sight. It was nearing sunset as he saw the sisters enter the second tobacco shed. He quietly approached the doors to the shed to get of glimpse of what the sisters were up to. Becky and Suzy went to the North corner of the tobacco shed were several bales of hay had been stored. Becky pushed one bail in the far corner aside and looked down to see the top of a small box. She brushed dirt and hay off the cover and slowly opened it. Suzy reached in and slowly pulled out a scarf. As Suzy undid the scarf a syringe fell out onto the ground. Becky said, "Good it's still here; I thought maybe that Jake had found it." "Me too; the way he was talking and acting I thought that he found it." Suzy added. "Why didn't we just get rid of it that night?" Suzy asked. "I don't know; remember we were in a panic and hid it before the police came. And after they had gone we decided to keep it wrapped in one of mom's favorite scarfs as a reminder of our promise to each other; a promise to make Misha pay for what she did to our family." Becky muttered. "I know but don't you think it's time to get rid of it along with all the other evidence? How long are we going to hold on to this stuff?" Suzy asked nervously. "I'm not sure; we have dad's confession letter, mom's scarf, the syringe used to murder dad and Misha; along with Milneck's letter." Becky said as she went rummaging through the rest of the items stored in the box. "This isn't the kind of stuff that we can keep in the house or a vault; eventually someone will find it and I don't want it to be our kids." Becky added. "I guess your right; but nobody comes back here except for us." Suzy said as she helped put the items back into the box. The sisters placed the cover on the box, swept some dirt over it and pushed the bale of hay back over the spot.

Jake was hidden around the corner of the tobacco shed as the sisters closed the doors and started back toward the house. From where Jake stood he could only hear bits and pieces of their conversation; although most of words were muffled he at least now knew where the evidence was hidden. Evidence proving that his mother's death was a murder; at least that what he thought. As the girls entered the house they could hear the kids in the kitchen talking to the nanny. Maggie was a woman in her early fifties with a stocky build and graying hair. She was a retired school teacher who was a widower with no children of her own. When the sisters advertised and interviewed for a Nanny she was easily their top choice. Maggie quickly took the position when it was offered. After the death of her husband she needed a change in her life. The position of Nanny not only offered up a chance at change it also came with great benefits, a residence and three great kids. As time passed Maggie became more than a Nanny; she was the grandmother that the three kids never knew. Becky and Suzy continued to walk into the front living room to help pick up materials left after their lesson on Wampanoag culture given by Jake. As they looked up they could see Jake's car still parked in the driveway. It seemed odd that Jake was still here; they knew that he walked out of the front door a half hour ago. Becky and Suzy continued to look out the front window as Suzy said. "Where the hell did he go?" "I'm not sure; maybe he's talking to the chauffer or handyman?" Becky suggested. Just minutes later they saw Jake return to his car holding his backpack tightly under his arms. It seemed odd that it wasn't slung over his shoulders as usually.

When Jake arrived back at the Davies estate, he went directly to his office adjacent to his bedroom suite. He took his coat and gloves off and opened the backpack. He took out a couple of folders and then two letters and a scarf. He opened the scarf and out fell the syringe onto his desk. He stared at the needle and noticed dry blood stains. At that moment he knew he had the physical evidence needed to solve the murder. He opened Jake's confession letter and started to read it out loud to himself, "Dear Samantha, I miss you so much and I am sorry for the loss of our children but at least I avenged your murder. Yes dear, revenge is ours; Ted Davies will no longer harass our family; and with the help of Will Girard I sent him to a fiery grave. It has taken me years to realize that I was wrong to have an affair with Misha; years that I wish I could take back. I just hope that someday you can forgive me and let me be part of our little girl's lives once again." As Jake finished reading the first letter he looked down to see the second with Becky's and Suzy's names on the front. He opened it up and read, "Becky and Suzy, I know that at times you see me as just a detective, but I am also part Wampanoag and sit on the Council of Elders. Your mother was always held in high regard by the Council because of her help to our cause; a cause to reclaim our lands and holdings from the government. Because of her deeds I made a promise to your father to look the other way when he went seeking vengeance for your mother's death. And when you both became estranged from your father I promised that I would watch over the two of you in his absence. I honored his wish not only during his illness but well after his death. I continued to honor his wish not only because of your mother's work with the Wampanoag tribe but because of your father's deep belief that the Davies family needed to pay restitution for all their transgressions against the Wampanoag and other Native American tribes. I understand that your father's death came because of revenge at the hands of a Wampanoag woman; but you must understand is that same person also betrayed the great spirits and our culture. I urge you not to seek vengeance for the death of your parents; look beyond to the great spirits of the Wampanoag who believe in taking only what is needed and forgive those who have done harm to you; and be thankful for all the good people and things that you have in your life. I will continue to honor my promise until the day of my death." Jake put the letter down and murmured, "Shit; even if I show Richard the proof of my mother's murderers he may not do anything about it. He may not turn Becky and Suzy into the authorities. But Richard is my mentor; he has helped me all my life; so why wouldn't he help me finish the investigation and solve the crime?"

Jake decided to show Richard Milneck the evidence; he thought that the former detective might be able to expedite the forensics tests on the syringe and get the case re-opened. Milneck was downstairs in his room reviewing old evidence files when Jake walked into the room. Jake showed him the letters and syringe wrapped in the scarf. When Milneck saw the syringe, he knew he was looking at the murder weapon. Jake asked him to read both letters but Milneck declined; he already knew their contents. Milneck explained why it was necessary for him to look after Becky and Suzy. He was following an order from the Council of Elders; the elders wanted to repay Samantha Roi's work toward regaining lost lands on the tribe's behalf and for Jake Roi's vendetta against Ted Davies and the rest of his family. Milneck looked at the young chief and assured that there was no conflict of interest in this matter; he would help facilitate the tests on the syringe and urge for the case of his mother's murder to be re-opened. But what Jake didn't know was that there was a third letter not hidden in the box; a letter that was a political and financial bombshell that Richard Milneck kept from Jake. Milneck and Jake headed for the State Police barracks in Northampton to see Captain Tory. Tory listened to Jake's story about how he came by the syringe; based on Milneck's insistence the Captain expedited an order requesting tests on the syringe; tests for fingerprints, blood type and possible DNA. Even at the Captain's urgent request the results would still take a day to come back from the lab. The one thing that Milneck or Jake didn't share with the Captain was the contents of the two letters. Milneck didn't want to be charged with hindering a crime investigation and Jake didn't want to be arrested for possession of evidence that could solve at least two other murders.

Becky and Suzy had returned to their office to continue their work while Milneck and Jake were with Captain Tory. As Becky was reading an Excel spreadsheet on monthly finances Suzy's computer pinged indicating an incoming email. When Suzy opened her Gmail she read the title, "Murderers!" Becky quickly walked over to Suzy's desk and looked to see the contents of the email. Suzy softly read out loud, "I know what you did. I know that you murdered Misha Prince! Your lives and the lives of your children are forever damned. Give yourselves up or else face the wrath of revenge." The email was signed, Stacey McDonald. When the two looked at the senders email address it read, StaceyMcMtHolyoe.edu. Becky new right away that the sender was using the same IP address from Mt. Holyoke College set up as a ghost server so that any email sent couldn't be traced back to the original IP address. Becky turned to Suzy and said, "Remember all the emails mom use to get from a Stacey McDonald; remember dad telling us that it couldn't be traced and that he discovered that it was and old college friend that set up the Virtual Proxy Network for Misha to use." "Yeah; that way any network traffic would go untraceable; the Mt. Holyoke IP is just a sham." Suzy replied. "That means we will never really know who sent this email." She added. "Yeah; but we know it can't be Misha; she's dead." Becky blurted out. "So, who the hell do you think is behind this?" Suzy asked nervously. "I'm not sure but I may have a pretty good idea. Let's go check the tobacco shed again." Becky suggested. The sisters quickly ran downstairs and out the back door. They took the path leading to the second tobacco shed and opened the doors. It was nearing sunset when they saw light peeping through the corner of the shed were the evidence was hiding. As they rushed toward the corner they saw the sun's light shine through the carved surface of the wooden planks; it read, Murderers. They quickly moved the bale of hay hiding the box and opened to find nothing. "All Becky could spit out was, "That fuckin Jake; he's got the evidence." Suzy turned and said, "He must have carved the letters into the wall; he must have sent the email; what the hell do we do now?"

Chapter Four

The Chain of Evidence

Captain Tory called Milneck and Jake back to his office the following morning. It was about ten o'clock when the three met in Tory's office. Captain Tory pulled out a manila folder containing the results of the forensics tests done on the syringe. As they sat at the conference table he scanned the documents then looked up and said, "It seems that the dried blood samples taken from the syringe came from two individuals. The lab-techs had difficulty deciding because the blood was dry." "I don't get it, blood is blood; why the problem?" Jake uttered. "When blood dries the red cells split and make identification more difficult; the cell's fragments clump together." Tory explained. "I'm impressed." Milneck said. "Don't be, I was just reading the explanation from the report." "The forensics techs were able to tests for ABO, Rh and Le blood group antigens; but these are usually used to prove someone's innocence if there's not a match with blood taken from the crime scene or in this case, a weapon." Tory added. "That doesn't seem very useful." Milneck stated. "Agreed; but in this instance the lab techs were able to identify some blood proteins and enzymes from the blood samples that can be used as genetic markers." Tory explained. "So what do the results indicate?" Jake asked. "It seems that the blood type and genetic markers match those of Suzy's and Becky's father, Jake Roi. Likely the syringe was used to murder him." "Are they sure? Milneck asked. "Yeah; they found a genetic marker indicating the same clotting deficiency that Jake had." Tory replied. "Anything else; you said that the blood sample indicated two people." Jake shouted. "Calm down Jake, let the Captain speak." Milneck urged. "It seems that the other blood type was A negative; the same as your mother's." Tory stated. "So, they did use the syringe to murder her!" Jake exclaimed. "Not so fast Jake; we were able to lift a partial fingerprint off the syringe and we got a match." Tory added. "Who; who is it?" Jake asked nervously. "It's a perfect match for Elan." Tory replied. "That doesn't make sense; why would Elan murder his own aunt; my mother raised him like her own?" Jake asked with confusion. "Hum; it would seem that your stepsisters have just been cleared." Milneck stated. "Not so fast; why did they have the syringe in their possession; why were they hiding it all this time?" Jake asked. "That's easy enough to find out; I'll have them pulled in for questioning. We'll get to the bottom of this; one way or another." Tory asserted. Becky and Suzy received a phone from the State Police shortly after lunchtime requesting their presence at the station around 2:00 PM; they were also advised to have their attorney present. Becky and Suzy knew all too well why they were summoned; they knew that it had to with the syringe.

Becky and Suzy arrived at the Police Station at 2:10 PM with Attorney Rebecca Lacey. As the three entered Captain Tory's office they saw Milneck and Jake sitting at the conference table. Captain Tory welcomed them in and asked them to take a seat. "It's my understanding that my clients are here for questioning; is that correct?" The Attorney stated. "Well yes in a sense." Tory replied. "Let me make it very clear that my clients have rights and if they are going to be charged then I need to know why and I need to see any evidence that you have." Attorney Lacey stated adamantly. "Look we are here to determine whether or not there is a need to re-open the investigation on Misha Prince-Roi's death." Tory stated. "I thought that was solved; I thought that it was a closed case." The Attorney replied. "New evidence has been brought to our attention and we need to address it before we make that determination." Tory replied. Tory took out a plastic evidence bag holding a syringe and placed it on the table along with a copy of the forensics tests results. "Do either one of you recognize this syringe?" Tory asked. "Ladies you don't have to answer; your rights haven't been read and this isn't a court of law." Attorney Lacey stated. "Why wouldn't they answer unless they were guilty?" Jake shouted. "Keep quiet; let the Captain do his job." Milneck suggested as he pulled on Jake's arm. "We don't mind answering the Captain's questions; we don't have anything to hide." Becky replied. "So, do either of you recognize this syringe?" Tory asked again. "It looks like one that we buried in our tobacco shed along with some other items." Becky replied. "Have you looked in your shed lately to see if you are missing those items?" Tory asked. "Yes, we did; we found the items missing and a threat etched into the side of our shed." Suzy replied. "What was it?" Tory asked. "It was murderers!" Suzy stated. Milneck turned toward Jake with a disapproval look and murmured, "I told you to beware of what you ask for." "Do you realize that forensics tests on this syringe indicates that its needle contains the blood of your father and his wife Misha Prince-Roi?" Tory inquired. "How would they know that?" The Attorney shouted. "Maybe they knew that Misha used it to murder their father; and then murdered Misha with the same syringe." Tory yelled back. Becky and Suzy just stood silent while looking at each other until Attorney Lacey said, "I've been scanning this report; the thing that pops out to me are the fingerprints. One; neither Becky's or Suzy's fingerprints show up on the syringe; and two, the only fingerprint on the syringe belongs to Elan!" "Well yes but that doesn't explain why they hid the evidence from the police." Tory replied. "All you have here is a potential murder weapon that points to another perp." The Attorney replied. "Well ladies what's the story; what do you know about this syringe and why did you hide it?" Tory demanded. "I think it's easy enough to explain; we knew that Misha probably murdered our father for the money; but then the autopsy stated that he died from natural causes." Suzy stated. "Yeah; and if it was Misha that caused his death then our husbands probably knew it and murdered Misha for our sake; so that we would be the ones to gain access to the Davies fortune." Becky stated. "We knew that Elan had found a syringe in Misha's room." Suzy added. "So when we heard that Misha was in a car accident we panicked thinking that maybe he and Tate did kill her; so I checked Elan's dresser and found the syringe wrapped in my mother's scarf." Becky explained. "Becky showed me the syringe and I suggested that we bury it so that the police couldn't find it; I thought we could protect our husbands." Suzy added. "We know that it was wrong at the time but when it came out that Attorney Downs was responsible for Misha's death we just forgot about the syringe; it seemed like it didn't matter anymore since the cause of her death was solved." Becky explained.

"Are you actually going to sit there and think that we will believe that?" Tory questioned. "Look here Captain; my clients aren't the bad guys here; they are the victims; they were the ones bamboozled by their husbands and taken advantage of by Misha Prince. All they are guilty of is hiding a syringe; evidence they thought might be used by one of their husbands to commit a murder; they were just trying to keep a murder weapon out of the hands of someone who may have used it." Attorney Lacey argued. "What about Elan's fingerprint on the syringe?" Tory asked. "You just heard Becky explain that she found the syringe on Elan's dresser; of course his prints are going to be on it!" The Attorney replied. "Then how do you explain Misha's blood being on the needle?" Tory asked. "How do you know it was her blood?" The Attorney asked. "It was the same type as Misha Prince's, A negative." Captain Tory replied. "That's not necessarily true." The Attorney replied. "What do you mean?" Tory asked. "It's right here in your own forensics report; it states that evidence by blood typing is not as convincing as genetic fingerprinting." Attorney Lacey explain. "What are you trying to say?" Milneck asked as he broke his silence. "Look when they tested the blood sample and discovered it to be A-negative they determined that the sample had the presence of a specific antibody, anti-A. This is because the blood clumped together in the presence of this anti-A antibody." The Attorney read out loud from the report. "Yeah; I get that; that's how they matched it to Misha's blood type." Milneck replied. "But there's more; read the notes from the report. It states that Blood Type AB also carries the same anti-A antibody. So you can't be sure if it truly matched with Misha's blood type. The report even states that the margin of error is high due to the fact that over 40 percent of Americans are Type A and over 4 percent are Type AB. And they didn't find any connecting genetic markers like they did for Jake Roi's Blood. This kind of evidence would get thrown out of court." Attorney Lacey argued. "But they had to have done it." Jake pleaded. "Why; because you say it's so." The Attorney replied. "Is there anything else you want to ask my clients before we leave?" The Attorney added. "No; not at this time; I'll get back to you." Tory responded. "Next time make sure you have your shit together and a warrant." Attorney Lacey stated as the three women got up and left the conference room.

Jake turned to Milneck and said, "I know they did it; I know they're guilty." "Look Jake; my advice is to stay away from their kids and the house for a while; let all this cool down." Milneck suggested. Milneck turned to the Captain and asked, "So what do we do now?" "Nothing; there's nothing we can do for now." Tory responded. "But I know they did it!" Jake shouted. Milneck turned to the Captain and said, "Captain can we have your office for a couple of minutes; I'd like to speak to Jake alone." "Yeah sure; take all the time you need." Tory replied as he got up and left. Milneck sat alone with Jake in silence. Then he turned to Jake and said, "Look; I'm going to say something that you may not want to hear but you need to listen, and you need to let me finish. Your mother was not a very good person. She was involved in planning the death of Samantha Roi because she was jealous; and she murdered Jake Roi for money. She bankrolled Elan's and Tate's plan to murder Mary and Kathleen Davies: I know this because I saw her at the bank withdrawing money from your trust and give it to Elan. I also have proof that she and your uncles were planning to kill their wives; your stepsisters to get all the Davies wealth." "But; but she was my mother." Jake replied. "No Jake; not really; remember she left you with the Council of Elders when you were just a little boy. You were placed with a Wampanoag family in Mashpee on the Cape; Misha hardly visited you never mind care for you. The person who brought you up as her own was my daughter, Nell. She and her family took you in and cared for you all these years. So, I have trouble understanding why you are so adamant at seeking revenge over the death of a woman who gave you away; who cared more about herself than your existence." Milneck explained. "I get what you're saying Richard but there is one thing you must remember, my mother was carrying a child when she died; my stepbrother and future chief of the Wampanoag. Say what you wish but with her death, but they stole part of my future." "But you can still have a future; you can meet a nice girl, marry and have kids of you own; kids who will grow up and possibly be chief." Milneck replied. "No; no I can't. I might be able to marry but I can never have kids." Jake stated. "Why can't you?" Milneck asked with a confused look on his face. "Because my mother had Chlamydia when she carried me in her womb; she infected me with this STD; and it damaged my ability to produce healthy sperm." "Oh shit; I never knew. Why didn't she take antibiotics before it was too late or at least ask for a cesarean delivery?" Milneck asked. "There weren't any antibiotics available; remember I was born in a third world nation with no doctors around mush less medicines. I was delivered by a midwife from a local tribe." Jake explained as he teared up. "Isn't there anything that the doctors can do for you now?" Milneck asked. "No; they said that they can't reverse the damage done; they said I'm lucky that I didn't get HIV." "Sorry to hear that." Milneck replied as he put his hand on Jake's shoulder.

"So what are you going to do Jake?" Milneck asked. "Nothing for now; I'll take some time to think about what you said. Maybe I'll return to Mashpee to visit my adopted family; maybe even stay a while." "That sounds like a great plan. Let me know if you decide to go maybe I'll tag along for the ride. It's been a while since I visited my daughter and her husband." Milneck said with a twinkle in his eye. "Look Richard; don't think for a moment that I won't get my revenge; all I'm saying is that I'll bide my time." Jake exclaimed. "Just promise me that you will stay away from the Becky, Suzy and the kids for a while." Milneck pleaded. Jake kept his promise and then some. He stopped giving weekly lessons on Wampanoag culture to Tyee, Milana and Nodin; he conducted any family business with Becky and Suzy via Skype. He kept busy watching over his friend and mentor, Richard Milneck at the Davies estate.

It wasn't until late January when he and Milneck received an official invite to the eleventh birthday for all three kids from Becky and Suzy requiring an RSVP. Although Richard advised him not to have any direct contact with his stepsisters, Jake decided to RSVP in person; on Valentine's Day. Jake arrived at the house in his BMW just after lunch time. The three kids came rushing out to great him as he stepped out of his car. Malina was the first to reach him and gave him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. Tyee and Nodin followed behind and shook his hand followed by a first pump. All three were elated to see their step uncle again. "Wow, it's been a while; you all look so tall and older looking." Jake exclaimed. "Thanks; you look shorter and older looking." Tyee replied jokingly. "Hey, I have some gifts for all of you in my car; let me get them." Jake stated. "What for; it's not our birthdays yet; that's not until the end of the month." Malina said. "Well it is Valentine's Day isn't it?" Jake replied. Jake had gotten the boys a replica of a Condolence Cane; as a reminder of their lessons and heritage. And he brought a string of Wampum for Malina; he knew she loved the colorful blue and white beads. Becky and Suzy stepped out onto the porch as Jake put the beads around Malina's neck. "I see that you still know where we live." Suzy said jokingly. "Yeah; it's hard to forget about this place and the people who live here." Jake replied. "What are you doing here?" Becky asked in an icy tone. "I bring gifts and an answer to your invitation." Jake replied as he handed both sisters a bouquet. "These are beautiful." Suzy said. "May I come in; I can only stay for a moment." Jake asked. "Yes of course; let's all go in; I'll put each of these in a vase and you can bring us up to date." Suzy said while Becky nodded reluctantly.

Suzy gave the bouquets to the maid as the three kids escorted Jake to the living room. Becky followed behind shaking her head. When all were seated Jake said, "I've decided to attend your birthday party along with Richard. We're both looking forward to celebrating all of your eleventh birthdays and want to offer our help in setting up the Wampanoag lodge for the event." "Well, that's great news isn't it Becky." Suzy said as looked at Becky nodding. "That will be so cool uncle; I can't wait to dance with you." Malina said as she glowed. Becky looked at Malina and thought; Malina always had a crush on Jake. "So, Jake, what have you and Richard Milneck been up to?" Becky asked. "Well, Richard's health is good most of the time but there are days when he looks his age and then some. I told him that if he ever wants to live to see his grandkids in Mashpee then he had better knock off the cigars and the booze. But you know the detective; he doesn't take advice well." Jake replied. "What about you Jake; besides the short conversations via Skype about the family businesses how else are you keeping busy?" Suzy asked. "As Sachem of the tribe I've been asked to help out with the development of a Resort and Casino in Taunton; you know the one billion dollar project that the Mashpee Wampanoag are trying to get off the ground. It seems that a District Court Judge in Boston sided with the anti-casino group and ruled against the tribe's claim of acreage in Taunton and Mashpee being part of a sovereign reservation. So, there's been a temporary halt to construction; they want me to do some additional research along with our attorneys for an appeal." Jake explained. "Maybe some of my mother's research will help the cause." Suzy stated. "I'm sure her name will come up in our research." Jake replied. "Well, I better be going; I have lot's to do before February 29th." Jake added. "Do you have to go so soon?" Malina asked. 'Yes he does." Becky said as she got up to escort Jake out. As Jake opened the door he turned and asked, "Do you still plan on doing the ghost tour of the Old Albany Cemetery as part of their birthday celebration?" "Absolutely; they need to experience that part of their heritage and culture too." Becky replied. "Then I'll see you all there." Jake stated as he walked toward his car.

Chapter Five

The Old Albany Cemetery

Historical Deerfield's Old Burial Ground is also known as the Old Albany Cemetery. It was located just off of Old Main Street at the end of Albany Road; just past the Deerfield Academy. The burial ground is considered haunted by the souls of those who died a brutal death during the Deerfield Massacre of 1704. A mass grave for the fifty-six men, women and children killed during the raid is centrally located in the cemetery. It sits on an elevated mound with a stately grave marker shaped like a small Egyptian obelisk that reads, The Dead of 1704. This was the cemetery where Becky's and Suzy's parents were buried. It was also the same cemetery where Misha Terry Prince-Roi was laid to rest after her deadly car accident. Most of the head stones are worn and weathered; and it was difficult to read the names. But many souls of colonial families were buried here; names like John and Mary Catlin, 1643-1704, Deacon Thomas French, 1683-1733 and Martha French, 1690-1750. Here lied carved in stone was the heritage of Becky and Suzy Roi. Not only were their parents buried here but so were all the rest of their ancestors; Martha (French) Roi, Jacque Roi, and Reverend Williams along with all his family members; which now include their late mother Samantha Williams-Roi.

It was a cold February evening when Jake and Milneck drove pass the Post Office just beyond the Academy and pulled up to the parking lot that led to the cemetery. They were there to meet Becky, Suzy and the kids for the ghost tour. As Jake and Richard Milneck walked toward the double iron gates, they could see the silhouettes of naked oak and maple trees cast by the moonlight sky. Even from that distance they could see the headstones of those who had passed erupting up from the ground at varying angles. These were the grave stones once described by Becky's and Suzy's mother as granite flowers and crystalline stalagmites carved with names of souls who suffered a horrific death. As Jake and Richard moved past the iron-gates they saw the ghost tour assembling by a makeshift wooden building. As they approached they saw Becky, Suzy and the three kids drinking hot cider and eating warm donuts provided by the tour guides. "Well I see you both made it." Becky stated. "We're so happy to see you both." Malina said with a grin. "Glad we were invited." Milneck replied with a smile. "How are you two doing?" He added as he starred at Becky and Suzy. "Not bad; but boy it's cold." Suzy replied. "Well what did you expect for February 29th?" Jake stated as he put on some gloves. As they moved forward to the starting point of the tour the facilitators handed them a lantern, map and an oak tag handout labeled, Haunted Happenings. The oak tag contained information about the tour; the names of famous people, a brief synopsis of their status and how they came to die. Names like Dumontet, Corse, John and Mary Catlin, Deacon Thomas French, Mary Baldwin Catlin, Martha French, Freeda and Paul Davies, Martha and Jacque Roi and of course the Reverend John Williams. Jake turned the handout over and read out loud the cause behind the hauntings. Beck and Suzy remembered their father reading the same explanation to them as little girls. The group listen as Jake read, "Amongst the many settlers killed during the raid of 1704, the French and Indians brutally attacked and killed two of John William's children and a housemaid as they attempted to flee through a hidden tunnel leading from their house to the Deerfield River. The pregnant woman was scalped and hacked to death with a tomahawk in the presence of the children. Any woman, who unexpectedly dies before, during or after giving birth have been known to be unable to leave the physical world and will forever mourn and worry for their children." "Wow; is there anything more?" Malina asked. "Yes is there more to the story?" Tyee and Nodin asked simultaneously. "Yeah, Deerfield legend states that every four years on the 29th of February, the presence of an entity is seen hovering above the grave stones producing sounds of mourning and cries for the unborn children and the death of the two William's children as well as for her own violent death. These sounds can be heard throughout the cemetery. It also states that this curse continues today and that women, who unexpectedly die before, during or after giving birth have been known to be unable to leave this world and will forever mourn and worry for their children." (Haunted Houses, 2016)

Malina, Tyee and Nodin shook their heads in disbelief as they headed out toward the graves with their lanterns and map. Their mothers followed behind with Milneck as the three kids stayed close to Jake. The ghost tour brought back bittersweet memories for Becky and Suzy. As they began their walk they came across a posted sign located in front of the first row of graves. Malina read it out loud, "As you tour the cemetery, take note of the names on the markers and stay alert to any hauntings whether they are by sound, presence or both as they may be proof of the curse's existence." Markers were posted at prominent gravesites providing additional information pertaining to the soul who lied beneath the cold ground. The map provided the names, location, and date of death with a brief history of the person's life. As Jake and the kids continued they noticed little grave markers aside the larger grave stones. An eerie sensation came over Jake and the kids as they approached the grave site of a person named Parthena. As Becky, Suzy and Milneck followed from behind they could see an aura emanated above Jake and the kids. All in the area could hear the sound of moaning that seem to originate from the fog filled air. As the group stood in front of the grave site a presence became clearer; it appeared to be that of a young woman. (Haunted Houses, 2016) The group looked at each other shaking nervously and quickly moved on. As they made their way through the cemetery they came across one of the largest stone markers isolated from all the others by an iron fence. Jake opened the wrought iron gate and read the name on the stone out loud, "Reverend John Williams, beloved father, leader and first-born son." Becky's and Suzy's eyes teared as they read the head stone located to the left, "Samantha Roi loving wife, devoted mother and daughter; may her soul rest with God." Two small crosses lay near her headstone. Malina tugged on her mother's coat and asked, "Mom, what are those two crosses?" Suzy looked at Becky briefly then turned to all three kids and said, "Those crosses are where our unborn brothers are buried; your uncles. Our mother and father lost two sons before they had your Aunt Becky and me." As the group said a silent prayer over her grave Malina, Tyee and Nodin could hear mourning and crying emanating from the grave site of their grandmother. Malina turned to the boys and murmured, "She must still mourn the loss of her two little boys." As they all walked away Becky and Suzy felt the presence of their mother; and they too heard the mourning. The group moved on to where the French and Roi families had been buried. Just beside the small row of worn graves markers stood a new granite stone head with the name Jake Roi, Loving father and Husband. Becky and Suzy pointed out to the kids that this is where their grandfather laid. As before all in the group said a small prayer except for Jake Prince. Jake asked the group to make one last stop before they left the cemetery. All agreed except with one stipulation; Becky, Suzy and the kids would not say a prayer for the person who lied beneath the soil of the next gravestone. As Jake and Milneck approached the grave site the others remained several feet behind. Jake Prince stared down at the grave stone with the name, Misha Terry Prince-Roi. Richard Milneck placed a hand on Jake's shoulder as he recited a Wampanoag prayer over her grave. As Jake finished they all began to walk toward the parking lot. Jake turned to look back over his shoulder only to see what he thought was an image of his mother hovering above her grave; in disbelief he quickly turned back toward the gates leading out of the cemetery. The group dropped off the lanterns and maps on their way out. At they exited through the gates toward the car Malina stopped Jake and said, "Jake I heard it, I heard your mother." "We heard the voice too" Tyee and Nodin added. Jake stood in silence momentarily and then asked, "Did you hear the words of the great Wampanoag War Chief too?" The three kids looked at each other and gave no response; they just walked faster to catch up to their mothers. Malina turned back and said, 'We'll you at the party; right?" Jake yelled back, "Yeah of course and ran to catch up to Milneck who had continued on to the car.

As Jake started to drive to the party, he turned to Milneck and asked, "Did you hear any voices coming from my mother's grave?" "No not really; just some loud moaning. I figured that the caretakers of the cemetery were piping in weird sounds as part of the ghost tour." Richard responded. "Why; what did you hear?" He added. "My mother's voice; she was asking for revenge. I could even hear her speak the words of the great Chief Metacomet." Milneck just stared back at Jake and said, "Maybe that's what you wanted to hear; maybe you just thought you heard her voice." "It sounded real enough to me." Jake replied as he drove onto the party. The three kids sat quietly in the back seat of the SUV as Becky drove toward the lodge where their birthday celebration was scheduled. Suzy was in the passenger's seat just staring out the window. "Seems awful quiet back there; anything wrong?" Suzy asked. "Yeah; I never seen you three so silent." Becky added. Malina turned to the boys and murmured, "We've got to tell them." "What are you guys up to back there?" Suzy asked. "Mom; we need to tell you and Aunt Becky something." Malina said nervously. "What is it?" Becky asked.as she continued driving the SUV. "When we were at the cemetery we heard some voices." Tyee stated. "Oh that; we expected the spirits would be unrestful in your presence. The same thing happened to us when our father took us on the ghost tour when we were little girls." Becky explained. "Yeah we heard our mother's voice and her sobbing when we were at her grave site; much like tonight." Suzy added. "These earthbound spirits are strong; your grandmother is one of them; those who have chosen to stay behind and close to their children. We believe she wants to protect us and our children from harm; she doesn't want any of us to experience the kind of death she suffered." Becky explained. "I get that Auntie, but we also heard the voices loudest when we passed by Misha Princes grave." Nodin said. "Yeah; and it sounded frightening." Malina added. "Could you make out any words? Suzy asked. "Yes mom; Nodin replied. "What did you guys hear?" Becky inquired. Tyee looked at his cousins and then said, "It sounded like a warning; the voice said, my curses on the white man. May the Great Spirit curse you when he speaks in his war voice! You are murders! May the last of the Wampanoag curse be on you!" "Becky starred at Suzy and said, "We know those words; they are the words of the Great War Chief Metacomet. He speaks about a curse that will follow the path of one's children; he speaks about revenge for murders committed." "Yes; it did say revenge' revenge my death." Malina replied. "Did Jake hear the spirit's words?" Becky asked. All three responded, "Yes."

When the SUV pulled up to the lodge Becky, Suzy and the kids could hear the music and loud voices; it seemed that everyone was there and already having a good time. The birthday party for the three kids was a smash; there was plenty of food, beverages, music and dance. There were also plenty of gifts and well-wishes for all three kids. The dance floor was packed; even their chauffeur, nanny and other hired workers attended the event. Teachers and fellow students attended as well as many members of the Wampanoag tribe along with state and local politicians' even the Lieutenant Governor and several Cabinet Secretaries were in attendance. It was the major event of the year in the valley towns of Deerfield and Northfield as well as most of Western Massachusetts. As the evening wore on Becky and Suzy found themselves standing in front of Jake Prince. After the three said their hellos they moved into one of the office rooms adjacent to the lodge hall. As Jake shut the door Becky said, "Our kids tell us that they heard your mother speak to you from the grave. Malina said that she heard the words clearly; is this true?" Jake turned toward the sisters and replied, "Yes, it is; she was using the words of Metacomet asking for revenge on those who murdered her." "It seems convenient that she would speak so clearly and loudly so our kids could hear her words during the ghost tour; usually spirits are more subtle; using moaning and sobbing sounds." Suzy added. "Yeah; how much did it costs you to have the caretakers of the cemetery pipe that through their sound system?" Becky demanded. "Cost; can't you two believe that her spirit is not going to rest until her death is avenged. Because her spirit is strong and very negative it will continue to remain earthbound and haunt." Jake explained. "I ask you again; how much did it cost you to pay off the caretakers?" Becky demanded to know. "You fools; you nonbelievers; it cost me a step brother!" Jake shouted back. "Step brother; what the hell are you talking about?" Suzy asked. "Remember; my mother was pregnant when she died! My brother died that night along with my mother." Jake shouted. "But don't worry; I am not the one who will make you pay for your sins. The spirits of the Wampanoag have already cast your fates; and I am at peace with them and myself. I plan to move on with my life." Jake uttered. As the three rejoined the celebration, Suzy tugged on Jake's coat and asked, "What are your plans?" Jake turned to the sisters and said, "After tonight's celebration I leave for Mashpee to rejoin the Wampanoag family who raised me. I'm needed there to help out with the casino project." How long will you be gone?" Becky asked. "I really don't know; maybe two or three years; however long it takes. But don't worry; I'll be using Skype to keep in touch with the membership and Milneck. I'll return at the end of every month to run the tribal meetings and take care of my other duties as Sachem. Besides it's only about a three hour drive from Mashpee to Deerfield. " Jake explained. "Make sure you say goodbye to the kids before you leave." Suzy requested. Before Jake could move too far Becky stopped him once again and said, "I know that you blame us for your mother's death; I now that sometimes we don't see eye to eye; but remember we have all gone through some terrible times together; we are still your family." Jake nodded and walked away.

As Jake packed his bags in the car the next day, he turned toward Milneck and said, "Richard make sure you take your meds and call me if anything goes wrong. I'm only a few hours away and I can get back quickly if there is an issue." "Look Jake; I'm not dying just yet. I'm just upset that I can't go with you to visit my daughter and the grandkids; this goddamn chest cold has just knocked the energy out of me." "That's okay maybe on my return later this month I can get you there. But for now I made arrangements for a nurse to look in on you daily and I have your doctor's number in my cell phone." Jake explained. "I'll be fine; nothing to worry about; just focus on the job down there and keep me updated." Milneck replied. As they hugged each other goodbye Richard murmured, "And try to forget about avenging your mother's death." Jake said nothing as he got into his BMW and drove off. Richard Milneck stood in the entrance shaking his head.

Chapter Six

Mashpee

The town of Mashpee sits in Barnstable County on Cape Cod. Its population is about 15,000 and still includes the Algonquian speaking Wampanoag who were indigenous to the area. During the seventeenth century the English colonists settled in the area. They began to interact with the tribe and eventually began to encroach upon Wampanoag lands. Mashpee eventually was designated by colonists as the largest Indian reservation in Massachusetts. Following the tribe's defeat in King Philip's War, the Wampanoag resettled with the Sakonnet in what is now called Rhode Island while others were brought, together with the Nauset, into towns such as Mashpee. Today Mashpee is the headquarters of the Wampanoag Tribe, one of the two federally recognized tribes of the Wampanoag. If one visits Mashpee today you will find a thriving town with more than five miles of sandy beaches and multiple fresh water ponds known for their recreational value. Although the town population is mostly composed of European American ancestry Mashpee still has a strong Wampanoag culture embedded in and around the town.

Jake didn't go to Mashpee just to oversee the tribe's political and social structure. His presence was a request by the local Sachem to aid in the legal battle to have land that was once encroach upon by the English colonists returned to the tribe, so it could be designated a sovereign reservation. Although he was still young Jake Prince was considered an expert in that area of tribal ancestry and was very good at doing historical research; the same historical field were his mother Misha was considered an expert. The tribe's appeal involved a District Court Judge's ruling against the tribe's claim that acreage located forty miles south of Boston in the towns of Taunton and Mashpee was a Sovereign Wampanoag Reservation. When Jake first arrived to Mashpee he made a quick visit to the family that raised him. Most of the children had moved out of the house leaving only Sheila and Terry; the two people who cared for Jake and raised him as their own through his early teens. Although he was invited to stay in his old room, the local chief had planned for him to stay at a nearby hotel; a hotel that catered to those that had business with the tribe. Jake stayed for lunch but then was off to the hotel. When he arrived at the hotel he a representative of the tribe assigned as his personal assistant greeted him. Marianna was twenty-one and fresh out of college with an undergraduate degree in business. Currently she was in the process of enrolling in the prestigious MBA program at the Harvard Business School. She stood about five foot nine inches with beautiful auburn hair and deep blue eyes that complimented her dark skin tone and athletic body. Her honors included membership in the International Honor Society of Kappa Delta Pi and contributor of Research Articles to the Harvard Review on the Impact of Native American Culture to American Wealth. Jake on the other hand graduated from Mashpee High School as a Student Scholar Athlete just three years earlier. Now at age of twenty and Sachem of the tribe he had little time to attend college. All his education came from online courses and independent research. Although his education was less formal he was every bit intelligent as any graduate student and more capable as a leader and speaker than most politicians. Of course his persona was helped by his rugged good looks, his six two athletic frame along with his dark piercing brown eyes and wavy hair. When you first meet Jake, you would have thought you were in the presence of a model or actor. It is said by many that he looked like a young John Kennedy Jr. only with a darker tan. As soon as Jake got to his room he unpacked and began working in the adjoining office that was part of the business suite. Marianna joined him an hour later after she made sure that the boxes of research documents arrived and were brought to his suite. When she arrived upstairs she went straight to Jake's work station and opened her laptop located on an adjacent desk. As Jake scanned several court documents pertaining to the appeal Marianna started to read a historical brief related to the tribe's case. "During colonial times the Mashpee Wampanoag lost lands through English encroachment. The Tribal Council was established in 1972 and seeks recognition from the Bureau of Indian affairs in 1974. Then in 1976 the tribe sued Mashpee for return of lands but lost the case, but the tribe still pursued Federal recognition which was given in 2007." "Yeah; I already read that in one of your briefs." Jake replied. "I also know that the process of seeking retribution for lands encroached upon was muddied by corruption and lousy leadership." Jake added. "I assume your referring to the chairman that was under investigation for illegal lobbying efforts; and pleaded guilty to tax evasion." Marianna replied. 'Yes I am and more." Jake replied. "But our argument for the appeal has to focus on historical proof not recent events that involve the abuse of power and the misuse monies." Jake added. "I concur with your analysis but where do we start?" Marianna asked. "As with any dealings involving our people we start with the past." Jake replied.

"I've discovered something that may help our case. It seems that after the Plymouth Court deeded about sixty square miles of land to the tribe the court ruled that the English couldn't purchase any of the land without the tribe's consent. The research indicates that the tribe petitioned the court seeking relief from encroachment about seventy years later; and forty years after that petition President Washington signed the Trade and Non- Intercourse Act requiring Federal approval before Native American land can be sold or transferred to other people." Jake explained. "I know that Act well; I wrote an opinion paper on it while at Harvard." Marianna replied. Yeah; I know; the Act established federal control over the bargaining of Indian lands." Jake added. "What really screwed this case happened back in the mid1800's when the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs was given oversight of all the tribes. A goddam bookkeeping error omitted the Mashpee Wampanoag from the list of viable tribes. That fuckin oversight costs us our lands despite the War Department's recognition of the Mashpee Wampanoag as a tribe." Jake added. "I agree, that error cost us in the original case to gain back encroached lands." Marianne stated. "So what is the premise of the District Court Judges ruling against the sovereignty of the lands in Taunton and Mashpee as a Wampanoag reservation?" Jake asked. "The Judge cited Carciere versus Salazar ("Carcieri v. Salazar." Oyez, 2008) were the U.S. Supreme Court stated that the federal government could not take land into trust that was acquired by the Narragansett Tribe because the tribe was not recognized by the federal government until 1983." "But records show that the tribe was a viable thriving community; I don't get it." Jake said. "Well it seems that the State of Rhode Island had disposed much of the tribe's land while the State had control; and the court ruled that the meaning of tribes as stated in the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act only referenced tribes who had been recognized at the time the Act was passed." Marianna explained. "I know that Act; it was called the Wheeler-Howard Act. It dealt with the status of Native Americans. It was supposed to reverse the goal of assimilation of tribes into the U.S. society and to ensure that Native American traditions and culture would survive. The Act also gave the tribes back their assets like land and mineral rights; and the ability to create an economic foundation to sustain their culture." Jake explained in detail. "This explains why we have so many Casinos constructed on reservation lands." Marianna replied. "So where does that leave our appeal process; how do we use the language in the rulings to gain back encroached lands claimed by the Wampanoag?" Marianna asked. "I'm not sure; it might take more than legal arguments to win this appeal." Jake suggested.

Jake's and Marianna's review of the tribe's Casino application and related documents went on for the next two weeks. Jake's daily routine included a light breakfast followed by a workout in the Hotel's gym and a swim in their Olympic size pool. He would finish it all off with a hot shower back at his suite. By 9:30 AM he would great Marianna at the door with a cup a coffee and then they would proceed with the day's work. Before the end of the second week Jake gave Marianna a key to the suite so that she could come and go as needed. On Friday Marianna arrived at the suite early just as Jake was walking out of the bathroom half naked. He was still dripping water from the shower wearing nothing, but sandals and a bath towel wrapped around his waist as he entered. "I thought I heard someone come in." Jake said smiling. Marianna made no attempt to look away as she stared at Jake's perfectly etched body. "I see that you keep in pretty good shape." She said smirking. "Yeah; I try to stay in shape; it counters the long hours sitting at the desk." Jake replied with a grin. "You're in pretty good shape yourself; how often do you have to work out to look that good" Jake added. "Every day, it's part of a routine that I do since my running days on the college track team." She responded. "Why don't you put on something decent so we can get down to work?" She added. Jake just turned and complied. As he walked back into the bedroom to get dress Marianna peeked just as Jake dropped his towel. She quickly turned back and quietly walked toward the desk thinking; holy shit; if he looks that good from the back I can't image what he looks like from the front. Jake entered the office section of the business suite and walked to where Marianna was sitting and murmured, "Did you like what you saw?" She didn't respond; she could only blush. The two just went on with business as usual; as though nothing happened. Marianna was packing up her briefcase as the work day was coming to an end. Jake was finishing writing a brief of their research. As she said her goodbye Jake reached for her wrist, tugged on it and said, "Why don't you stay for dinner: We can have room service bring us something." No thankyou; not tonight, maybe another time. Besides I need to get home to let the dog out and take a shower." Marianna replied as she closed the door.

Chapter Seven

Change of Mind

It was about ten minutes later when Jake heard his door open. He walked out of the bedroom to see Marianna standing in the doorway. All she said was, "I got my neighbor to watch the dog." She ran and jumped onto Jake wrapping her legs around him. As he held her up in his arms they kissed each other; with a passion that neither one of them had ever felt before. Their bodies generated so much heat that it caused them to sweat profusely as though they had a high fever. Jake held onto Marianna as he walked into the bedroom. He threw her onto the bed and began to rip her clothes off. First her blouse then her bra leaving her breasts exposed. She grabbed his shirt and pulled until the buttons popped exposing his broad chest. Their eyes met momentarily as he slid his hands down her body and up her skirt; letting his fingers wander into her inner thighs. He carefully removed her panties and threw them onto the floor. As he pushed his fingers further she began to moan loudly. As he continued moving his fingers he began to kiss her all over; her neck, her lips and finally her breasts. Marianna stared at Jake like a deer caught in headlights. She began to unzip Jake's pants as he continued thrusting his thumb inward. Marianna took one look at his large throbbing dick and lowered her head; Jake continued pushing his thumb further inside as she continued to stroke his head into her mouth. Minutes later she raised her head with her mouth still dripping. Jake couldn't resist his lust for her; he slowly removed his wet fingers from between her legs and entered. With each thrust and throb they began to lose all control. After a final thrust they lied motionless with their wet bodies still immersed in one another. As Jake remained still he suddenly realized that he just might have found the love of his life. As for Marianna she felt an experience unlike any other; much more than any of her former boyfriends had ever offered; she suddenly sensed that she was in the arms of the man that she could share a lifetime with; a man that loved her unconditionally. Both fell asleep in each other's arms curled underneath the blankets.

Daylight crept through the blinds of the bedroom causing several rays of light to reflect off Marianna's back. The silk sheets were pulled just over her hips, leaving her breast exposed. Jake lay naked beside her with his legs intertwined with hers. His arm was draped over her waist which was still warm from the night before. As Jake woke from the morning light, he looked at her and thought how beautiful she looked; as he begun to stroke her back Marianna began to smile. As she opened her eyes, Jake murmured, "I love you." Sam pulled Jake closer to her and said, "Wasn't last night enough for you?" "It was great. I just want to cuddle." Jake replied with a grin. "Oh no, what time is it Jake?" Marianna asked nervously. Jake turned and said "ten o'clock." "I've got to call my neighbor and ask her to let the dog out before he goes on my new carpet." As she made her call Jake made some coffee in the small kitchenette. As she re-entered the bedroom she yelled to Jake that she was going to take a shower. Marianna left the shower door slightly ajar as she started into the large shower stall. As he heard her voice Jake took a sip of coffee then put it down and headed for the bathroom. As he entered he could see that the shower door was left ajar causing the air to fill with steam. Jake peered into the shower to see every curve of Marianna's body dripping with wet soap. As she turned their eyes met. Then Jake lowered his head to see Marianna was washing herself with a wet face cloth. She was not about to play shy as she dropped the face cloth. Jake became overwhelmed with lust as he felt his lower extremities begin to throb. He quickly stripped off his clothes and entered the shower where he began to caress Marianna's body from behind. Jake slid his hands down her body making sure that his fingers found all the appropriate crevices to pleasure as the shower continued to fall like rain. Their heat and intensity increased as the wet soap and water continued to rain between them; and with each thrust their bodies became one. Jake could feel himself falling in love with the five foot nine inch beauty with auburn hair, deep blue eyes and athletic body; a woman that was both gorgeous and intelligent.

After the showering they dried off, got dressed and ordered brunch. Jake and Marianna were like a young married couple who could only be bothered with each other. As brunch finished Marianna told Jake that she had to go home to put on some different clothes and walk the dog. He asked her to pack a suitcase and stay with him at the hotel. She agreed but said that she would have to put her dog in the kennel and ask her neighbor to watch the house. Marianna was willing to do all of this to be closer to Jake. As she left she turned to Jake and said, "You know; from now on it's going to be more difficult to focus on our work." Jake smirked and replied, "Yeah I know; but it'll be worth it." By the time Marianna returned around 6:00 PM Jake had completed a half days work and managed to order dinner for two to be delivered to the suite. After Marianna put her clothes away and placed her toiletries in the bathroom she walked out to the small dining area adjacent to the kitchenette and said, "Jake I think we both could use a little wine." Jake opened up a bottle of red and poured two glasses. As he handed Marianna a glass she said, "Jake, I know this is quick and we've only known each other for a few weeks, but I think I'm falling in love you." Jake embraced Marianna and whispered, "I am so happy that you are here; I love you too!" She placed her wine glass down and said, "We may need to take another shower if you keep talking like that." As both sat ate their dinner they talked about what Jake's research uncovered. Jake explained that he made a call to an old friend back home and told him how he felt about her. Jake said that his friend Richard Milneck would approve of her; and would be jealous of him even at the age of seventy-five. He explained that he told him about their research findings and what some of the court documents stated. "What did he say about what we uncovered?" Marianna asked. "Richard said that he may have some information; some document that may help our cause. He said that I should make a trip back to the valley." Jake replied. "So when are you going?" Marianna asked. "We're going in a couple of days." Jake replied with a smile. Marianna just looked at Jake with loving eyes as they both finished their dinners. After, Jake had a glass of bourbon after dinner while Marianna placed the dishes in the sink.

As Marianna walked from the kitchenette toward the bedroom she turned toward Jake and said, maybe you can join me after you finish your drink." Jake's eyes followed as she walked toward the master bathroom located next to her bedroom. From where Jake stood he could see Marianna reflection in the mirror as she started disrobing. He tried not to stare but it was difficult to ignore her sensuous body. As Jake heard the shower, he took a few more sips of bourbon then headed for the master bathroom. Jake entered and placed his glass down on the vanity next to Marianna's cell phone. Jake saw that the shower doors were left open and that Marianna's rose-colored nipples were already stiff. He continued to stare as she continued to scrub her body with soapy water. Moments later Jake ended up in the shower. As the soap and water fell between them Jake lifted Marianna up onto his hard throbbing body. He could feel her hard nipples press tightly against his torso as their bodies became one. "Oh my God, Jake yes give it to me, give it to me now." Marianna screamed out loud. Several minutes had passed as Jake continued to push inside her. After a final thrust he carefully let her down; both of them were physically and emotionally exhausted. Marianna stayed behind in the shower to clean up while Jake wrapped a towel around his waist and headed back to the kitchenette with his glass of bourbon in his hand and a smile on his face. After her shower and his drink, they headed back to the bedroom; and as they did the night before they fell asleep in each other's arms. It was two days later when Jake and Marianna found themselves driving back to the Davies estate to meet Richard Milneck.

The trip to Deerfield was just about three hours. Jake made sure to bring Richard some of his favorite bourbon. Marianna brought a briefcase full of summary briefs on their work. It was about 1:00 PM when they arrived at the estate. As they drove up the long driveway Marianna's jaw dropped in awe of the spectacular estate that was in front of her. "I guess you can say that you're pretty rich" She said as she tugged on Jake's coat sleeve. "Nah; not pretty rich more like filthy rich." Jake replied with a grin. The butler answered the door as Jake rang the doorbell. Richard Milneck greeted them as they walked into the foyer; he was zipping up his pants as a pretty young nurse passed him up on her way out. Jake smirked as Richard said, "I told you I might be old but I'm not dead." "And this must be Marianna; Jake understated your beauty. You sure you're a business woman and not a playmate of the month." "Oh my Mr. Milneck; Jake didn't tell me that you were such a dirty old man." Marianna stated in her best Southern Bell voice as she fluttered her lashes. "Come on in and sit down in the living room; I'll have the servant bring us some glasses with ice and see if we can't make a dent in that bottle of bourbon. Milneck said to Jake. "That's okay I'll skip the drink for now; I'm here on business with Jake." Marianna replied. "That's okay; just more for me to drink." Milneck replied. As they sat in the living room Richard went over to Jake and murmured, "Holy shit; she got the brains for business and a body made for sin. You're one lucky dog." The servant brought two glassed of ice into the living room and asked Marianna if she wanted anything. She asked for coffee as she opened her briefcase and handed Milneck copies of their summary briefs. Jake filled Richard's and his glass with bourdon. Milneck quickly scanned the first couple of briefs as he slugged down the first glass of bourdon. "What do you think?" Jake asked while sipping his drink. "Yes Mr. Milneck what are your thoughts about our appeal arguments?" Marianna asked. "You can call me Richard dearie; as for the arguments; well I'm not a lawyer but I think your evidence for an appeal might be somewhat weak. Did you show this stuff the tribal lawyers yet?" Milneck added. "No not yet; we still need to do some additional digging; you know some research on property transfers and written accounts of encroachment by the English colonists." Marianna stated. "Jake turned to his friend and asked, "Richard, you said that you may have some document or documents that may help our case?" Milneck looked at Jake for a moment and then asked for the servant. "More ice sir?" The servant asked. "Of course, I need more ice; but I also need you to go upstairs to my bedroom and bring me a metal box from under the bed." Milneck barked. Minutes later the servant returned with both a glass of ice and the metal box. Jake poured Richard another glass of bourbon and asked, "What's in the box?" "Oh just the documents I told you about." Milneck replied.

Richard Milneck took a key from a chain that also held his dog tags and opened the metal box. The first document he took out was a letter from Jake's mother, Misha Terry Prince-Roi. Jake looked at the envelope and asked, "What the hell; A letter from my mother! I thought you gave me all her communications on my eighteenth birthday." "This one is special; I was ordered by the Council of Elders to hold on to it until the right time; and this is the right time; trust me." Milneck stated as he began to cough. Jake opened the letter and begun to read it out loud. "In 2009, a chairman of the tribal Council pleaded guilty to federal charges of embezzling, wire fraud, mail fraud, tax evasion, and election finance law violations. The chairman steered tens of thousands of dollars in illegal campaign contributions to politicians through the tribe's hired lobbyist in order to pursue a casino; and in an attempt to overturn a ruling against the Tribe's claim to sovereign reservation lands located in Tauton and Mashpee. The Council of Elders banned these former elders for the scandal and shame they brought to the tribe. But since then there has been many protests by various Elders over decisions related tribal finances and land acquisitions." (Boston Globe, Saltzman, 2009) "That's not news; the Boston Globe and Cape Times ran a story on those issues." Marianna stated. "Go on Jake read the rest." Milneck urged. Jake looked down and continued to read, "Although the towns signed an agreement that would generate over eight million dollars annually for them if the Casino and Hotel complex was completed by August of 2016 a District Court Judge rejected the Bureau of Indian Affairs' land in trust decision." "Yes we know this already; Jake and I found this out during our research." Marianna stated. "Give it a chance; read on Jake." Milneck said pointing to the letter. "Jake continued reading, "There is a brief filed by an alliance of twenty-six tribes that support the Interior Department's re-establishment of the Wampanoag claim to homelands located in Mashpee and the tribe's right to have the Federal government establish a land-in-trust." "We have that same amicus brief right here." Marianna stated as she held up the document. "What the hell is an amicus brief?" Jake asked. "It's a legal document filed at the appellate court level for cases were non-litigants, you know, people who aren't named in the lawsuit, have an interest in the court's ruling. The briefs usually provide the court with some additional information or counter arguments that the court might want to consider." Marianna explained. "You sure you aren't a lawyer." Milneck replied. "So how is this going to help us?" Jake asked. "Look at the amicus brief from the supporting Eastern and Southern tribes; the answer may lie there." Milneck suggested. "Is there anymore?" Marianna asked. "Yes." Jake said as he nodded. "It seems that my mother may have uncovered a payoff scheme. She doesn't cite any exact names or information in her letter, but she does say that if you look hard enough into the political structure back then and follow the money trail then you may find the answer. (Boston Globe, Saltzman, 2009)

Jake turned to Milneck and asked, "Why was my mother so knowledgeable about these matters; How did she come about this kind of information?" Milneck looked at Jake and said, "I don't know if you really want to know the answer to that?" "Why not Richard; I have the right to know?" He replied. "I told you once that your mother was not a very good person. She liked the good life and the glamor; she tended to have a weakness for men, powerful and wealthy men." Milneck explained. "What are you saying?" Jake implored. "She slept around with some of the most influential people in this state and in Rhode Island; tribal elders, politicians, lawyers, even judges." Milneck replied. Jake just grabbed his glass of bourbon and guzzled it. Then he poured another glass and drank it down in one gulp. "That's not going to help Jake. Here, look at some of the other documents that the Council of Elders asked me to hold on to." Milneck stated. "I've seen some of this stuff after I was elected chief of the tribe." Jake replied. The first document was a copy of a declaration dated April 2006 from the Bureau of Indian Affairs giving provisional recognition to the Mashpee Wampanoag as an Indian tribe. The second document was a copy of a declaration dated February 2007 giving Federal recognition as an Indian tribe. The third document was a copy of an official deed stating that Wampanoag descendant's own lands both in Chappaquiddick and Christian town as well as Middleborough. The fourth document was a copy of the tribe's application to build a casino on land in Mashpee owned by the Wampanoag. "We've seen this documentation already." Jake stated. "Yes; this application was denied because the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act contained a prohibition against gaming on lands acquired into trust after October 17 of 1988. The National Indian Gaming Commission argued that the tribe did not control a reservation prior to this date." Marianna added. "That's when the tribe proposed to build a casino on land they owned in Tauton. The state of Massachusetts accepted that location but the Pocasset Wampanoag tribe challenged it." Jake added. "It seems that the Wampanoag Tribe's plan got the necessary financing and backing; so, what happened?" Milneck asked. "We don't know except that the some Tauton property owners brought suit to Federal court and the District Court Judge ruled that the Bureau of Indian Affairs was in error to designate the casino site as a reservation." Jake explained. "So, now what do we do?" Marianna asked. "As your mother suggested, follow the money trail." Milneck replied.

Chapter Eight

Follow the Money

Jake and Marianna stayed the evening with Richard and decided to visit Becky, Suzy and the three kids the next day. Richard made a call to Becky and Suzy letting them know of Jake's plans. Jake and Marianna arrived at the house just before lunch time. As soon as he stepped out of the car all three kids came rushing out while Marianna stayed in the car and watched. Malina was the first to reach him and gave him a big hug and kiss on the cheek. Tyee and Nodin followed behind and shook his hand briefly and then gave him a big bear hug. All three were elated to see their step uncle again. "Wow, it's been a while; you all looks so much taller and older looking to me." Jake exclaimed. "That's because we are; were thirteen now!" Tyee replied. "Hey, did all of you get my gifts on your birthdays?" Jake asked. "Of course, but we rather have had you deliver them in person." Malina stated sarcastically. As Malina spoke Marianna got out of the car and walked toward the group. Tyee and Nodin blurted out, "Wow!" Malina stared at her and asked, "Who is she?" "Guys I want to introduce you to Marianna; my girlfriend." It was obvious to all that Malina was not too happy about the news; everyone knew that she always had a crush on Jake. "Now turn that frown upside down. Marianna is a great lady and very smart. She's a lot like you Malina." Jake added while smiling. "Why haven't you visited more often? We know that you've been back several times for the tribal meetings." Tyee asked. "Yeah Jake; the lodge is only a half hour away; you could have stopped." Nodin added. "I really don't have a good excuse except to say that the meetings were held in the late evening and by the time I finished checking on Mr. Milneck I just had just enough time to get to the meetings and then get back to Mashpee to do all my other work." "That's a pretty lame excuse; you missed all our important events this past year!" Malina shouted. "But we Skyped; I kept in touch with all you guys." Jake said defensively. "I bet it was her; you rather be around your girlfriend than us." Malina quipped. "That's not true." Jake replied. "Really honey, I thought you enjoyed my company; why don't you just tell them the truth." Marianna said as she tugged on Jake's arm. "Okay; Okay; the truth is that I thought that I wouldn't be welcomed back into the house by your mothers." Jake said. "But why wouldn't they want you to visit?" Malina asked. "I think they believe that I was becoming a bad influence on you kids." Jake replied. Just as Jake was responding Becky and Suzy stepped out onto the porch. Becky said, 'That's not true Jake. You know that you are always welcomed here." "Yes, you're family." Suzy added as she reached out to hug Jake. "And you must be the gorgeous Marianna we've heard so much about." Suzy added as she gave her a big hug. "Thank you for the compliment and the welcome." Marianna replied as she blushed. "Becky took one look at the blue-eyed auburn beauty and said, "She's kind of old for you isn't she Jake?" Before Jake could say anything Marianna shook Becky's hand and whispered, "Old enough to know how to please a man." Jake than replied, "she's not that much older than me, besides we have a lot in common." Becky snidely replied, "Yeah; I bet you do." After the exchange all went into the house to have lunch. Becky made sure that the servants used the finest dinnerware; and that the food would be exquisite. As the group sat to eat Becky asked, "So what brings you back to Deerfield Jake; other than your obligation to chair the tribe's meetings?"

"As you know I've been working on the appeal case for the tribe's casino application with the state. That's when I met Marianna; she was assigned by the Council of Elders as a business expert to assist me." Jake stated. Becky leaned over to Suzy and whispered, "I bet she did more than assist." Marianna caught the exchange and just ignored the comment. "After reviewing most of the court documents we hit a wall; we couldn't find what we needed to make a viable appeal. So, I called Richard last week and he told me that he may have some information; some documentation that could help. He suggested that I should make a trip back to the valley." Jake explained. "So was he any help?" Suzy asked. "Somewhat; he had some copies of documents that the Council of Elders asked him to safeguard and a letter from my mother that he thought might help." Jake replied. "What documents and what letter from Misha!" Becky exclaimed. "We already had copies of most of the documents from our research." Jake stated. "Yes, many of them were copies of the Wampanoag official recognition as a tribe and others pertained to acquisitions and ownership of acreage to be place in a land trust and claimed as sovereign reservation land." Marianna added. "What about your mother's letter?" Becky asked with concern. At that point Suzy said, "Hey you kids don't want to hear any more of this why don't you go and play with on your Xbox 360 in the game room." "No mom I rather hear the rest of the story." Nodin said. "Me too; I think it's pretty cool." Malina added. "Yeah; let us stay; we want to hear the rest." Tyee urged. "So, what about your mother's the letter?" Becky asked again. "It seems that she thought that she might have uncovered a payoff scheme involving the court's decision against the tribe. The letter doesn't cite any exact information, but she does say that the answer may lie in the political structure and in an amicus brief of support from the Eastern and Southern tribes." Becky turned and stared at Suzy with concern then asked, "So what does Milneck say about all this?" "He said follow the money trail." Marianna replied as she caught the look given between the sisters. "Wow what a conundrum!" Becky replied. "What's a conundrum?" Malina asked. "It's a confusing and difficult problem that is hard to solve." Marianna replied. After lunch Jake and Marianna said their goodbyes. Although Malina was reluctant to give Jake's new girlfriend a hug but the boys were more than willing. As they drove off in Jake's BMW Becky turned to Suzy and said, "Do you think that they'll find the connection: Do you think they will uncover what the Davies sisters did?" "I hope not." Suzy replied. "If he does find evidence pointing to their payoffs than he might connect the dots leading back to us; he just might discover the real reason his mother was murdered." Becky stated.

Jake and Marianna returned to Mashpee after they provided an update to the Council of Elders on the status of the appeal process and their research. As they approached the Bourne Bridge Marianna turned toward Jake and said, "Richard told us to follow the money. Maybe we need to look at the finance statements of the tribal leaders back then." "Yeah; I agree. Our answer may lie in the bank statements and the lobbying efforts of certain members of the tribe." Jake replied. When the two finally reached their hotel suite they were exhausted. Each quickly changed and went straight to bed. Marianna woke to find Jake already up and working at 6:00 AM. He skipped his daily workout to get a jump on the research. Jake had already made several phone calls to the Elders requesting financial statements and documents for the last ten years; he wanted them delivered to his suite by 10:00 AM that morning. The request was not well received by the members of Council; especially before six in the morning. Marianna took a shower while Jake continued thumbing through some of the documents received three weeks ago. He came across several news articles on a lobbying scandal carried out by several members of the tribe. One mentioned a Congressman hired as a lobbyist to represent the casino project who received campaign contributions from the Wampanoag tribe that was authorized by the now deposed leader of the tribe. Another referenced campaign contribution to a sitting Senator and other local politicians. One article stated that by the end of 2006 the casino project had the support of most of the legislators including the Governor.

Marianna was just finishing her shower and a light breakfast when several boxes containing the tribe's finances were delivered. As she started scanning the documents Jake continued delving into the history of the casino application. He came across an article that referenced a tribal leader being sentenced to federal prison for political corruption and embezzlement of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Jake turned to Marianna and handed her a piece of paper with a name and a year then said, "let's start searching all financial records that involved this guy." It was just an hour later when Marianna came across several financial statements and documents from that time period. As she read the documents she discovered that several lobbyists hired by the Native American gambling interests bilked nearly one hundred million dollars in fees from all the tribes. They pulled this off by overbilling their clients. They were also accused of illegally giving gifts and making donations to campaigns of various legislators throughout the nation in return for their support for developing casinos on Indian lands. "I think I found a money trail." Marianna said as she tugged on Jake's arm. Jake looked at the documents for several minutes and said, "Yeah, I agree it's a money trail, but I don't think it's the trail that we are looking for; we need something that is specific to the Wampanoag; not something that extended nationally." Jake went back to his research on the original application for the casino. It seems that the tribe applied for a land-in-trust deal with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and got approval in 2015 for over 300 acres to be placed in a Federal Trust as part of a reservation. Jake already new that the land in trusts was disallowed by a District Court Judge's decision; a decision which led to Jake's being hired to work on an appeal to the First Circuit Court. Jake then uncovered a Federal court ruling from 2016 that allowed the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe to be directly involved in the lawsuit that led the appeal. Then later in the same year the government officially recorded the tribe's reservation land in the Federal Register; All this while the original lawsuit is still unsettled. And on top of that a judge would not order a stoppage of the casino development and remanded the land-in-trust decision back to the Department of the Interior.

"Find anything Jake?" Marianna asked. "Not really, but I'm only half way through the paperwork." Jake opened another box and pulled out a file labelled land acquisitions. A familiar family name appeared as he scanned the documents. Eleanor Davies's name along with Mary and Kathleen were listed on several land holdings throughout the state. As Jake reviewed the documents it became clear that some of the land the tribe wanted placed in trust and claimed as part of a sovereign reservation was owned by the Davies family. It seems that their ancestors laid claim to acreage located in Mashpee and other surrounding towns. Jake was familiar with the immense land holdings of the Davies's in the Connecticut River Valley but was surprised by what the copies of the legal documents stated. As he finished reading the final pages he began to wonder why Becky and Suzy didn't mention any of this to him. They had to have access to the original documents when they inherited most of the Davies wealth and holdings. Maybe he should have paid more attention to the business interests he shared with his stepsisters when he was in Deerfield; then he would have known about this. But again he was too busy being Sachem of the tribe. If they've seen the original documents than they would have known that Mary and Kathleen Davies would have done everything in their power to keep from having the land go in a trust to be used by the tribe; this would cost the Davies's hundreds of millions of dollars over the years. And if the Davies sisters used their political influence and money to keep the land transfer from happening then maybe Becky and Suzy continued to do the same. The only way to determine if this did happen is to go back to Deerfield and investigate the Davies family's documents. But how would he pull this off without his stepsisters knowing? It seemed that Jake would be heading back sooner than expected.

Before Jake headed back, he made a phone call to Richard Milneck; if anyone knew about the past dealings of the Davies family it might be his old detective friend, Richard Milneck. Jake called Richard to explain what he discovered and asked where he should start looking. Jake didn't want to raise any suspicion from his stepsisters when he returned to Deerfield. Milneck told Jake that he should start with the Davies's diaries; they always had a habit of recording their personal and public lives just like people use Facebook today. Milneck suggested that the answers may lie in one of the diaries. "Richard, I'm going to need an excuse for returning home so soon." Jake stated over the phone. "You're right; if you just drop in unannounced it may raise suspicion." Richard replied. "Look, we can say that you came back because I took ill and that you were concerned for my health; they'll buy that." Richard added. "That's a great idea; besides they may not find out anyways, I won't need to go to their house. The diaries should reside somewhere in our home at the Davies estate." Jake explained. "I'll start looking around; maybe I can find them before you arrive." Richard said. Okay then, "I'll see you tomorrow." Jake replied as he hung up the phone. "What did he say Jake?" Marianna asked. "He said that we may find some answers in the diaries left behind by Mary and Kathleen Davies. I hold him that I'll return tomorrow to help search for them." "Won't Becky and Suzy be suspicious if they find out that you're back so soon?" She asked. "We got that covered; Milneck took ill and I have to check on him." "Should I go with you?" She asked. "That's not necessary; you should stay here and continue the research." Jake suggested. "But I'm going to miss you." Marianna said as she wrapped her arms around Jake's neck and pulled him closer. "Don't worry I won't be gone long; besides we have the rest of the today." Jake said as he threw her onto the bed and ripped her clothes off. As her blouse and bra came off her nipples perked up. Jake slid his hands down her body and up her inner thighs. He pushed his fingers further into her causing her to moan loudly; as he did he kissed her all over her neck. Then he began to lower his head toward the crevice between her legs. As he continued thrusting his tongue inward her body muscles began to contract producing a contortion of her limbs until she screamed and oozed all over his tongue. Marianna lay quietly for a moment trying to catch her breath. Then she quickly unzipped Jake's pants put her hand into his jockeys; She could feel that it was already wet as she began to stroke. She lowered her head and continued stroking. Marianna continued to stroke and lick with her tongue until Jake erupted in her mouth. As she raised her head her mouth was dripping from the corners. Jake couldn't resist his lust for her and spread her legs. With each thrust, each throb, they both lost all control. After one final thrust they lied motionless atop of each other; with their bodies immersed in one another. It was daylight when Jake woke up to see the sun reflecting off Marianna's ass. He gently pulled the sheets over her and quietly got dress. It was near 7:00 AM when Jake finished jotting a note to leave for Marianna stating that he would be back by noon the next day; and that he loved her more than she could ever know. Jake placed the note on the night stand with a single rose then walked toward the door. As he locked the door behind him Marianna woke up to see the red rose and the note. As she read she smiled; then she laid back down in bed and began to rub herself as she heard Jake's BMW roar down the driveway.

Chapter Nine

Diaries

Jake stopped for a Hazelnut coffee and bagel at a local Dunkin Donuts on his way back to Deerfield. It was near 11:00 AM when Jake pulled his BMW into the driveway leading to the Davies estate. Richard could hear the Beamer come up the driveway and headed to the front stairs. As Jake got out of the car and walked toward Richard he could see him waving a couple of old books in his hands. "Fuck he found them" He said out loud. Jake and Richard talked as they walked into the living room. Richard held the books out to Jake and said, "I was looking for these since your call. I found them this morning." "Where were they?" Jake asked. "Strange enough I found them in an old cargo chest stored in a corner of the attic. They were mixed in with some old documents and pictures. I'm not sure who put them there or when." Richard replied. "Did you get a chance to read through them?" Jake asked. "Just a little of Mary's diary; and boy did it shed some light on her life." Richard exclaimed as he began smiling. "What's with the grin; what the hell did you find out." Jake asked. "Well it seems that Miss prim and proper wasn't so proper; she had numerous affairs and one night stands with quite a few men. And she didn't mind writing about her exploits. Shit if this stuff got out it would ruin many a marriages and reputations." Richard stated as he continued to smirk. "Strange thing though; when I checked the dates of her entries they all seemed to be about the same time of the month." "So what do you think that means?" Jake asked. "Not sure; just that I get very curious when I see a trend." "Does she list any names?" Jake asked. "Some; but mostly she uses their titles or alias; like legislator, attorney, judge, lobbyists, sexy solicitor and kinky businessman." Richard explained. Holy shit, that's quite a list." Jake replied. "Well they all must have been pretty important to her because she dedicated two pages to each one." Richard Added. "Let me thumb through Kathleen's diary and see if there is a similar pattern." Jake said as he quickly scanned the first few pages. It was less than ten minutes when Jake stopped, looked up at Richard and said, "It seems that Kathleen Davies was having as many affairs and one-night stands as her sister Mary; and based on her entry dates they occurred around the same time; Except for one thing." What's that?" Richard asked. All her names and pronouns reference females; it seems that Kathleen preferred the company of women. Shit and some of the details are pretty X-rated." Jake added. "More trends make me more curious. Do any of the women listed hold a political office?" Richard asked. "It seems so; there is a Ms. Legislator, her majesty the judge, a realtor named Kim, an attorney listed as the she-devil, a female Mayor and so on." Jake replied as he dropped the diary. When the diary hit the floor it flipped over causing the pages to flip up. Jake stooped to pick up the book and noticed some scribbling and numbers on the back side of the journal entries. As he read it became apparent that Kathleen had logged the time, date and place for each meeting; with a dollar amount written beside each. Jake scanned and notice dollar amounts ranging from one thousand to ten thousand dollars that were dated one day prior to each entry. When Jake showed Richard what he discovered Richard turned to view the back side of each page of Mary's diary only to discover the same. "I think that these were more than just meetings between consenting adults. I think that these were all payoffs by the Davies family." Richard stated. "If this is true, then Eleanor Davies was using her daughters at a very early age to deliver payoffs to gain influence. She might have even used their journal entries as blackmail. Hell some of these meetings started when they were just 16 or 17 years old and continued well into their fifties." Jake Replied. "But how do we connect the dots? All the Daviess are dead, and the dead don't talk." He added. "Like I said before; follow the money trail. You got to get hold of the Davies's financial records from the last four decades and look at any withdrawals to see if they match up with some of these entry dates and amounts listed." Richard suggested. "Question is; how do you gain access to those documents?" He asked. "It shouldn't be a problem, I'm listed on the family businesses and holdings; I can go directly to the company's CPA and requests them without Becky and Suzy knowing." Jake replied.

It was around 1:00 PM when Suzy was walking out of a backdoor of the Servant Quarters housed in the Guest house when Becky saw her sister buttoning her blouse; she also noticed that her cheeks were bright red. As Becky approached her sister she saw Peter Wayne come out the same door zipping up his pants. Becky looked at Suzy and said, "Oh my Suze it seems that you had another wardrobe malfunction. As Suzy continued to walk down the path to the main house she turned to Becky and said; you don't think I hired Peter just because he's a good chauffeur." "I guess not; not the way you're walking sis." Becky said laughing loudly. "Well that's not the only thing that's sore." Suzy said as she moved her jaw back and forth. "I'd say that you're just jealous but I know better." Suzy added. "What the hell are you talking about?" Becky asked. "Come on Becky: There's a reason why the chamber maid takes so long to turn your bed every morning! You've got to learn to lock your door Sis. I've peeked in to see you and her naked." Suzy fired back. "Well like you said about Peter, I didn't hire her for her cleaning skills; now did I Suzy." Becky said as she licked her lips." "So why were you searching for me?" Suzy asked. "I just got a call from our CPA stating that Jake is sitting in front of him. Jake is asking to see the Davies's financial records for the last two decades." Becky stated. "So what did you say?" Suzy asked. "What could I tell him; he already knows that Jake is an officer of the company and part owner; he's listed on all the documents. He has a right to request that kind of information. So, I said give Jake what he needs." Becky stated. "But aren't you afraid that he's going to find out?' Suzy asked. "No; what's he going to discover; that the Daviess withdrew several amounts of cash from various accounts every month and listed it as family business expenses. Jake won't be able to make sense out of it; he'll probably just think that they were paying off some of Ted Daviess' old gambling debts; or paying off witnesses to some of the drunken accidents he caused; nothing more." Becky explained. "Are you sure?" Suzy added nervously. "Look, unless he has some written records that document payoffs with names and dates, he will never know why the Daviess held on to the land in Mashpee and Tauton. He'll never discover all the acreage owned by our holding company unless he knows to ask for specific deeds." Becky stated assuredly. "So stop worrying. Just turn around and have another go with the chauffeur." Becky added sarcastically.

It took the CPA firm nearly four hours to make copies of all the financial documents covering the last ten years; it took six boxes to store all of them. Jake asked for the rest of the documents from the decade before to be copied and shipped to his hotel room in Mashpee by the end of the week. Jake took the six boxes containing the documents back to the Davies's estate. When Jake arrived home Richard was waiting for him at the door. He told Jake that Marianna had called. Although exhausted, Jake made sure to return her call right after dinner. Jake dialed Marianna's cell. "Hello my love, how are you doing?" She asked. "I'm pretty exhausted but the trip was well worth it. Depending on traffic I should be back at the hotel around lunch time." Jake replied. "Did you find the diaries; did you discover anything that can help us?" Marianna asked. "Yeah; I'm bringing the diaries with me and copies of some financial records. "It seems that my mother may have been right about a payoff scheme setup by the Daviess." "What about the diaries?" She asked. "I can't wait to see your expression when you read the diaries; those women were very kinky." Jake replied. "Never mind their sexual prowess. I can't wait to get you back into bed." Marianna said. "I'll see you tomorrow Mar." Jake said in a very passionate voice. Jake hung up and went right to bed. When he woke up he packed the boxes in the car then sat with Richard to have a quick cup of coffee and bagel. It was around 7:30 AM when Jake said goodbye to Richard and headed back to Mashpee.

Chapter Ten

Research

Once again Jake made a stop for a coffee and a bagel on his way back to the Cape. Traffic was backed up just before the Bourne Bridge along Old King's Highway or Route 6A as it is known today. As Jake waited in traffic he remembered explaining the origin of the highways' name to Becky's and Suzy's kids during one of his many lessons on the impact of Native Americans on the area. He explained that Route 6A was once a Native American trail running east to west that was used by farmers and settlers after the colonists encroached upon tribal lands. By the seventeen hundred the trail became the main corridor to Cape Cod filled with stagecoach stops, inns and taverns. Today, Route 6A which is located on the bay side of the Cape maintains its charm as it winds through some of the oldest villages in America; villages that contain historic homes, white steeple churches and tree-lined streets. When Jake finally reached the hotel, he pulled his BMW into the parking lot and asked the bellhop for help in unloading the six boxes containing financial documents. Marianna was waiting in the hotel lobby. As Jake entered she ran and jumped into his arms whispering, "Do we have time to fool around?" Jake murmured, "I think the work can wait another hour or two." They rushed to the elevator rolling the luggage carrier filled with boxes. Shortly after 2:00 PM Jake and Marianna emerged from the bedroom and moved toward the office suite. They ordered a light lunch and began unpacking the financial records. They placed the documents in chronological order on the small conference table. Marianna would research the first five years and Jake the last five. But before starting Jake showed Marianna the Davies's diaries while as they ate lunch. She was surprised to read about all the sexual encounters each sister had over the years; but stood out more were the various occupations and offices held by the persons referenced in their entries. Like Richard Milneck, Marianna was quick to notice the trend between each journal entry date and the dollar amounts recorded on the back of each. It was obvious that the different dollar amounts recorded were not related to the kinds of sexual favors documented in the diaries but to the position held by the person they had sex with. As she ate her salad she said, "Jake these diaries are more than just a personal account of the sexual encounters each sister had; they're a record of money transactions between the Daviess and people who were power brokers with lots of influence." "I agree but we need to find out what the connections are to aid our case." Jake replied. "It's time to get to work." He added as he finished his coffee.

Before Jake delved into the financial documents he needed to generate a spreadsheet containing dates, names and money associated with each sexual encounter as documented in each of the diaries. As they researched the money withdrawals form the accounts they cross-referenced them with the dates of the recorded encounters. They had to determine if a pattern existed. Jake knew that this would be time consuming, but it was the only way to get proof of payoffs affecting the tribe's casino project and any attempt to establish a land-in-trust. The process of going through business financial statements for a corporation as large as the Davies was overwhelming. It would take weeks or even months to determine if there was any evidence of a connection. What Jake and Marianna needed was some luck and another pair of eyes. After a week of working straight-out Jake decided to call Richard Milneck for help; even in his mid-seventies Jake thought that Richard could still be of some assistance. Milneck was knocking on Jake's door two days later. Jake opened the door to find Richard standing there with two women in their early fifties. "What's going on Jake?" Richard shouted as he stood in the doorway. "I thought you were coming alone?" Jake replied. "I thought I would bring some extra hands and eyes to help out." Richard responded. "I hope you reserved a suite for us as nice as this one." Richard said laughing. "Really; really Richard, aren't you getting a bit old for that kind of stuff." Jake replied. "As I said before, I might be getting older but I'm not dead. Meanwhile can you show these two ladies where they can put their luggage. Oh, by the way this is Terry and the blonde is Justine; both are paralegal secretaries on vacation. I hired them as my personal assistants." Milneck explained while as he winked. "I thought I recognized both of you; didn't you work at the law firm representing the tribe?" They both nodded and explained that they knew Richard when he was a detective and that he asked them to use some of their vacation time to help him solve a case. Before they could get started the Assistant Manager and another hotel staff member knocked on the door. The Assistant Manager informed Richard that his suite was ready and asked if he would like their bags brought down to the room. The bellhop loaded their luggage onto the cart and started for the elevator as the Assistant handed key cards to Richard and the two ladies. As the Assistant left Richard turned to Jake and the others and said, "Ladies, don't you think we should get settled in our room before starting?" Jake replied, "Really; really Richard, you can't wait until tonight?" As Richard escorted the two ladies to the door he turned and said, "Nope; I'll be too tired by then; besides I'm not dead yet." "Don't you ladies think we need some light exercise after that ride? "He added as he winked. When Milneck and the ladies left the room, Jake turned to Marianna and said, "Well, we won't see them for a couple of hours." "Is he that good in bed?" Marianna said laughing. "How the hell would I know; all I do know is that he's always surrounded by women." Jake replied while shaking his head. "Hum, maybe I picked the wrong man." She whispered in his ear while pushing her breast into his chest. Jake just looked into her eyes and replied, "Do I need to send you to bed too." "Only if you're going to tuck me in" She replied as she grabbed Jake's crotch.

It was about two hours later when a knock on the door forced Jake out of bed. Marianna got dressed as Jake put a robe on to. When he opened the door, he saw Richard standing alone. "I see you took a short nap too." Richard said while smirking. "Where are the ladies?" Jake asked. "Taking a shower and getting dressed." He replied with a grin. They'll be up in a few minutes." He added. "Where's Marianna?" He asked. "She's getting dress. I guess we both needed a nap." Jake said laughing. "Well make some coffee and let's get down to work." Richard suggested just as Marianna walked into the room. "Hello Richard, I see that you're still erect, I mean standing." She quipped. "Yeah I'm okay it's just that goddam Viagra needs to wear off." He said as he looked downward. "Now where are those documents?" He added. They moved to the small conference table where the documents were laid out by month and year. Jake had his laptop attached to a small projector and positioned on the end of the table so that his spreadsheet could be projected onto the wall. This made it easier for everyone to view the data from the diaries that were cross-referenced with the financial withdrawals; withdrawals that might match the entries of the Davies sisters' encounters. As the three took a pile of documents to research the two ladies arrived at the door. Jake updated the spreadsheet using the entrees from the diaries as the others read through the financial statements from the last ten years. As paralegal secretaries Terry and Justine were used to such mundane tasks. "What are we looking for specifically" Terry asked. "We are looking for cash withdrawals that were made by the Davies's or in the name of the Davies foundations or businesses with denominations ranging from one thousand to ten thousand dollars." Marianna explained. "Yes but the transaction dates must be within a week prior to any of the dated entries you see up in the spreadsheet." Jake added. "Why are we using those specific dates?" Justine asked. Jake turned to Marianna and Richard, then nodded and said, "The spreadsheet lists all the entries made by the Davies sisters; the dates and times of their meetings with very powerful and influential people; we believe that these dates indicate the times when money was exchanged for political favors and services." "Holy shit; this is a big deal isn't it?" Justine replied. "More than both of you can imagine." Richard added. The day ended with no connections made by the group. "It was near dinner time when Jake suggested they break for the night. Jake offered to take Richard and his two companions out for dinner but they all decided to order room service from their own suites. Richard, Terry and Justine said their goodbyes as Jake and Marianna reorganized the mess of documents on conference table. Jake turned and said, "I'll mark the documents were all of you left off; and I'll see you all in the morning around 10:00 AM." Richard and the two girls nodded and left.

Chapter Eleven

Evidence Doesn't Lie

The next morning Jake completed his daily ritual that included a workout, a quick swim, shave and shower. He returned to the suite to have breakfast with Marianna. As they just sat down for breakfast they heard a knock on the door. Marianna walked from the small kitchenette to open the door only to find Richard Milneck holding a bag of bagels and a box of coffee in his hands. The ladies followed as Richard entered the room. "Ah, I see you guys have already started breakfast." Richard stated. "Well more for us." He added laughing. "Why didn't you guys eat in your suite or go down to the buffet?" Marianna asked. "It was a late night for all of us." Terry said while smirking. "Yeah Richard kind of stayed up most of the night if you catch my drift." Justine added while laughing. "I can't believe it; I just can't believe you Milneck." Jake stated as he sipped his coffee. "What can I say; I guess I'm just some kind of a stud." He replied as he placed the bagels and coffee down on the table. "Let's get to work; we can eat while we go through the documents." Richard suggested. Richard and the ladies picked up where they left off from yesterday as Jake fired up his laptop and projector and started updating the spreadsheet. It was Marianna who first found two withdrawal amounts whose dates matched two of the diary entries; one from Mary Davies's diary and the other from Kathleen's. The dollar amounts matched the values recorded on the back of the diary's pages that logged the sexual encounters. The withdrawal dates were made one week to the day prior to the diary entries recorded by Mary and Kathleen Davies. Jake searched the spreadsheet to discover that the withdrawal dates coincided with one of Mary's diary entries detailing a sexual encounter with a Judge in July of 2016. An entry from Kathleen's diary for February of the same year matched the amount withdrawn from a Davies business account; her entry detailed a sexual encounter referencing a female Assistant District Attorney. Both withdrawals were listed as family business. As the morning proceeded Terry and Justine came up with four additional withdrawals made from various Davies's accounts coinciding with entries in the diaries; and each withdrawal was listed as family business. Mary's diary listed two thousand dollar amounts made in early April of 2006. This matched her diary entry detailing two sexual encounters on the same day with two different men; each man was listed in her diary as one of the Feds. The date and amounts coincided with the timeline involving the Wampanoag recognition as a tribe. "But that didn't make sense, why would the Davies's try to bribe authorities if the Wampanoag already received recognition as a tribe in 2006?" Jake stated out loud. After hearing Jake, Richard looked at the evidence and said, "Jake remember it takes a majority vote by the Bureau to gain approval as a tribe; the Daviess may not have had enough votes to stop it from happening. Marianna researched the vote taken back in 2006 on her laptop; and sure, enough there were only two descending votes; not enough to stop the process.

The other two withdrawals matched with two of Kathleen's diary entries. When Jake posted them in the spreadsheet they coincided with two different dates in 2007. Both diary entries listed five thousand dollars on the backside of the journal page; entries describing sexual encounters between her and two female attorneys on different dates. Kathleen identified them as Attorneys representing the family. The withdrawal dates and encounters preceded an injunction filed on behalf of the Daviess; an injunction against the tribe's claim for additional land located on the Cape; and against claims from Wampanoag descendant's to lands held by deeds owned by the Daviess. Based on Marianna's research it seems that the Davies's won one case but not the other. It was a short time later when Richard came up with five additional withdrawals that coincided with trial dates of a lobbyist hired by the Daviess. The amount and date on the flipside of the diary's pages detailing each sexual encounter matched the amount and date of a payoff given to a legislator's aide or to a campaign of someone running for reelection. Most of the first names mentioned matched the names of several legislative aides assisting a campaign manager. Even after all the money that exchanged hands the tribe still received approval to have 300 acres placed in a Federal land-in-trusts; a first step in getting a reservation established. As the group continued its research it became increasingly clear that the Daviess pedaled their wealth and power to influence the outcome of the Wampanoag's claim of a sovereign reservation comprised of lands located on the Cape.

As the group wrapped up their research for the day Marianna came across a withdrawal from one of the Davies family trusts in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars. This amount was out of whack with any of the other amounts listed in either diary. Marianna asked Jake to take a look at the financial transaction that was listed as family business. When Jake looked at the date he realized that neither Mary nor Kathleen could have possibly made that withdrawal. "They didn't make this transaction." Jake stated bluntly. "How can you know that for sure?" Marianna asked. "They were both dead before that date." He announced. Jake showed the transaction date to Richard. Richard shook his head, turned and said, "Jake, this has to be the work of Becky and Suzy. The date of the transaction is exactly one month prior to the 2016 court decision that went against the tribe's attempt to have the land-in-trust cited as a sovereign reservation." "It can't be; they aren't that nasty, are they?" Marianna asked. "Look, if the land remains as a Davies entity then they own it outright as outlined in the Wills. They would have the right to develop this prime acreage any way they see fit; they can also countersue the tribe to reclaim money spent by the Daviess on lawsuits filed over the years to retain sole ownership of the land." Jake explained. "That decision is worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Becky and Suzy; so, why wouldn't they do it!" Richard exclaimed. "But is this enough proof; it seems pretty circumstantial to me." Terry said. "Yeah; we dealt with several similar cases at our law firm and most were thrown out of court." Justine added. "Jake do you think that your mother knew about what the girls were doing?" Marianna asked. "Maybe, maybe that's why she was murdered." He responded as he turned to look at Richard. "You know the girls pretty good; what do you think Richard?" Jake asked. "That's a possibility; your mother may have gotten too close to the truth; maybe the girls weren't just seeking revenge for their dad's death after all. Maybe they already knew about the casino project and what transpired over the years." Richard responded. "I heard that Becky and Suzy were experts in the field of Native American culture and dealings throughout the New England states." Marianna stated. As he listened to the conversation Jake got more upset. Richard tried to calm him down, but it was too late; Jake was pissed. "They would have had to know; they are part Wampanoag. I'll kill those fuckin bitches." He blurted out. "Now baby calm down; we'll find a way to prove their guilt; and if not we will find a way to win the appeal and screw them that way." Marianna promised. Richard suggested that they quite for the night and pick up with the review of the documents tomorrow. As the group broke Richard pulled on Jake's arm and said, "I know that your upset, but we need you to stay focused. Your time is best spent researching our tribe's history to determine if we can make a legal argument based on historical documents; you need to put your revenge on hold for now."

Chapter Twelve

Deliverance

Jake had trouble sleeping that night and was up earlier than usual. It was 5:00 AM when he decided to go to the gym for a quick workout. He arrived back at the suite around 6:30 AM to find Marianna taking a shower. As he walked into the bathroom he saw the shower door open. He found himself fixated on the soapy water dripping from her body. Marianna turned to see Jake standing in the doorway still wet from his workout. "Like what you see?" She said. He stripped off his clothes and entered the shower. They passionately kissed as the water flowed effortlessly between them. Jake slowly dropped to his knees continuing to kiss her body; and using his hands to feel her sensual curves. As he knelt on the shower floor he spread her thighs. Marianna started to moan as Jake held on to her wet ass and continued with his tongue. She grasped onto Jake as he stood up to steady herself. The water continued to wash the soap and cream-like fluid off her shuttering body. Whatever energy she had was zapped. She had trouble making her way back to bed as Jake stayed in the bathroom to shave, shower and get dress. As Marianna lay in bed Jake poured some coffee and began his work. It would be 9:30 AM before Marianna would join him and the others at the conference table. By then the group was well on its way to completing the review of the financial documents. When she finally made her entrance she was greeted with knowing smiles. She joined Jake at his desk and began helping research former agreements made between Native Americans and the government. As Marianna searched on her laptop she came across an archive referencing an act passed in 1742 by the State of Massachusetts that predated any agreement that she was aware of.

Marianna read a synopsis of the Act of 1742 passed by State of Massachusetts to the group. The Act ordered all remnants of historical tribes within the State to move to one of the four communities. The stipulation was that each of the communities had to have a designated functioning Indian Government. The communities included Mashpee, Aquinnah, Herring Pond and Grafton. She also read to the group a document referencing a Wampanoag petition. It appears that in 1742 the Mashpee Wampanoag petitioned the Commissioners of Boston for assistance with their grievances against the English. It seems that the English encroached upon Wampanoag territory and then sold or leased the tribe's land without government or tribal permission. It also stated that English settlers would often beat tribal members when they crossed paths. When Marianna finished reading the documented grievances Jake announced that he discovered a petition referencing the same Wampanoag petition made to the Commissioners. As he held up the document he said, "this document argued that Mashpee was legally set aside for the Wampanoag for as long as Wampanoag Indians lived. The petition further argued that if the English continued to encroach on lands already deemed to belong to the Wampanoag than our children's children will have no place to live. (nsn.gov, Jan. 2017) As Jake finished reading Marianna asked, "So why wasn't this petition cited in the court case of 2016; it would be a strong argument for the land-in-trusts requests and the declaration of the 300 acres as a sovereign reservation." "Let me try to explain. It seems that the original document was written in the Indian language of Wôpanâôt8âôk; a language not understood or spoken by the Commissioners of the state." Jake explained. "Hell even if the Commissioners had access to a translator the Wampanoag petition was being reviewed by the same English settlers assigned to protect them from English oppression." Marianna blurted out in rage. (nsn.gov, Jan. 2017) "Yeah it's like asking the fox to guard the hen house; the fuckin irony." Jake replied. "You know if that petition still exists and we can get it translated than we can use it along with the Act of 1742 to make a legal argument for the appeal." Marianna explained. "You know that may just work; the Act and the petition predate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act which contained a prohibition against gaming on lands acquired into trust after October 17th of 1988. The Gaming Commission argued that the tribe did not control a reservation prior to this date." Jake explained. "And it predates the District Judges decision against the land-in-trust case by the tribe; his decision was based on the Supreme Court's decision on the Carciere versus Salazar ("Carcieri v. Salazar." Oyez, 2009) citing that the federal government could not take land into trust that was acquired by the Narragansett Tribe because the tribe was not recognized until 1983." Marianna added.

"So, we can make the argument that the Bureau of Indian Affairs first made an error when the Mashpee Wampanoag was left off the original list of viable tribes; we can use their own documents and our tribal records as proof. And if we can find the tribe's original petition from 1742 to the Commission in Boston written in tribal language then we can get it translated. With that petition and language from the Act of 1742 we can make a historical argument that counters the Judge's ruling based on the 2009 case." Jake continued to argue. Richard Milneck and his two lady friends listened intently as Jake explained the details of an appeal. "But where do we find the original petition; even if we do find it what kind of shape would it be in?" Marianna asked. Richard turned from the conference table and said, "If the petition still exists it would have to be stored in the tribal archives located at the Mashpee Wampanoag headquarters." Milneck stated. "We can get there in less than a half hour and start our search." Jake replied. Jake and Marianna got their coats and a copy of their work summary to take with them. Richard, Terry and Justine stayed behind to finish reviewing the rest of the financial statements.

When Jake and Marianna left for the headquarters Richard and the two women took a short break for a late lunch. As Richard was in the bathroom Terry turned to Justine and said, "You know Becky and Suzy would pay big money for this kind of information and for copies of these documents." "Yes I agree; if they knew what Jake and Marianna uncovered and their plan then they could possibly intercept their attempt and maintain ownership of the lands." Justine replied. "I'll make the call while Richard is not around." Terry suggested. "How much do you think this is worth to them?" Justine asked. "I think the sky is the limit; no less than fifty thousand apiece; no less." Terry replied. When Richard came out of the bathroom he announced that he was going downstairs to their suite to take a nap. He suggested that the two women do the same but they explained that they needed to complete their work before Jake and Marianna returned. Richard nodded and left. Terry reached for her cell phone to call the paralegal secretary at the law offices of Downs, Drake and Lacey; the law office that use to represent the Daviess but now are the attorneys for Becky and Suzy. As a favor between paralegal secretaries Terry asked her old college buddy for Becky's and Suzy's personal contact number. Terry lied and explained that she needed the number to tell them that she had some important information about their step-brother Jake that is urgent; Information that may affect their interests. "Okay; but you owe me one Terr." She replied as she looked up number.

Jake and Marianna arrived at the Wampanoag headquarters just before 2:00 PM. They managed to arrive just as a Council of Elders meeting was ending. Jake asked the Elders to stay for another half hour so that he could provide an update on the research that would be used for their appeal. Jake and Marianna overviewed the timeline, documents and decisions ranging from the early seventeen hundreds up to 2016. Jake explained the bookkeeping error made in the 1800's by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs when they omitted the Mashpee Wampanoag from the list of viable tribes. He also overviewed the District Court Ruling against the land-in-trust case; a case which the Elders were aware of. Marianna explained that tribal records from the 1800's indicated that the tribe was a viable thriving community but the court decision stated that the Department of the Interior had errored; the court stated that the agency had no authority to acquire a land-in-trust for the tribe because it was not federally recognized at the time of the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act. The Elders were aware of the decision but were hanging their hopes on the BIA's 2006 decision to grant provisional recognition to the Mashpee Wampanoag as an Indian tribe which was followed by the Federal government's 2007 decision to officially recognition the Wampanoag. There was no need to overview the BIA's 2015 decision to approve more than 300 acres as part of a reservation to be placed in a Federal land-in trust; and approval of the tribe's application to build a casino on that acreage. The Bureau of Indian Affairs 2015 decisions contradicted the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act which prohibited gaming on lands acquired into trust after October 17 of 1988. The National Indian Gaming Commission argued that the tribe did not control a reservation prior to the 1988 date.

As Marianna and Jake continued with the overview the Council of Elders sensed that their efforts to fight the court's denial were at a standstill. But then Jake went on to explain the Act of 1742 that ordered all remnants of historical tribes within the state to relocate to one of the four designated communities that had functioning Indian governments. Their ears perked up when Jake pointed out that one of these communities was Mashpee. This was news to them. Jake stated, "It is well documented that the State of Massachusetts had legally set Mashpee aside for the Wampanoag only as long as Wampanoag Indians lived." Then some of the Elders began to tear up when they heard Marianna review the tribe's 1742 petition to the English Commissioners in Boston. The petition outlined tribal grievances against the Colonials that included the English encroachment upon Wampanoag territory which led to the selling or leasing of the tribe's land without their permission. It also detailed the abuse and beatings that many tribal members endured at the hands of the English settlers; and other methods used to force the Wampanoag off their own lands.

The Council of Elders spoke amongst each other trying to determine if anyone knew if the original documents where onsite or elsewhere. One of the older members remembered seeing the documents displayed at the tribe's tri-centennial back in 1975 that celebrated the beginning of King Philip's War. The Elder took the time to explain that members of tribes from the Cape like the Mashpee Wampanoag and others from Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard fought in the war against the English settlers. Another Elder also in his mid-seventies remembered seeing the same documents during a heated debate on the casino brought out by a Tribal Council Chairman back in 2006 to make his point. "Then the documents should be right here in the headquarters' vault." Marianna suggested. Jake and Marianna followed the current chairman to the vault as the rest of the Elders continued talking. When the vault was opened the Chairman turned and said, "The documents aren't here!" Jake took a peak then thumbed through most of the files only to come up empty. "Who would take them out of the vault?" Marianna asked. "I can't tell you; I just know that they've been under lock and key for such a long time." The Chairman replied. "What about the chairman who was prosecuted for embezzling a half million dollars from the tribe; remember he used the money to make illegal campaign contributions and for a personal slush fund." Jake suggested. "I don't know; he might have taken them; but why would he?" The Chairman replied. "Has he paid the money back?" Marianna asked. "No, not yet; and he was ordered by Federal court to make restitution, but nothing has been paid back." The Chairman replied. "What about the Vice-Chairman or Secretary at the time? Would either one have had access to the vault?" Jake asked. "Of course they would have access; all elected officials and leaders of the tribe would have access." The Chairman replied. "Jake, do you think that any of them still have the documents in their possession?" Marianna asked. "I'm not sure but my sense is that they are long gone. In the wrong hands those documents are worth a lot of money." Jake explained.

As Jake and Marianna packed up their documents to head back Terry was making her phone call to Becky and Suzy. It took Terry less than ten minutes to explain to Becky what Jake had uncovered and Marianna's argument for the appeal. Becky knew damn well the importance of getting her hands on the original documents as Terry explained the State's Act of 1742 and the subsequent Wampanoag petition. "Do you know where the originals are?" Becky asked. Terry replied in a soft voice, "Yes; I'm the one who handled the documents when they were delivered to our law firm for safe keeping." "Then I take it you work for the law offices of Miller and Patruno; the firm that represents the tribe." Becky replied. Terry responded softly by saying yes. "Can you get your hands on the documents without being detected" Becky asked. Terry responded softly again, "I'm the head paralegal and office manager for the firm; I have unlimited access to all documents; and besides there are no security cameras inside the filing room. It shouldn't pose a problem until they've been discovered missing." Terry replied. "Is that going to be an issue for you?" Becky inquired. "No; I'm not the only one with a set of keys and besides my friend Justine will provided me with an alibi." Terry responded. "So there are two of you?" Becky stated. "Yes and were both in it for the money. So we expect you and your sister will meet our demands." Terry responded. "Give me a number where I can reach you at and I'll get back to you after I talk to my sister." Becky replied. When Terry hung up Justine pulled on her arm and asked, "How much did you ask for?" "I didn't; I'll let them give me a price and then we'll see." Terry responded. It was less than one hour later when Becky called Terry back. Becky and her sister Suzy agreed to pay a quarter of a million dollars to have the documents safely delivered into their hands. Terry started to negotiate the amount until Becky said, "I think you misunderstand; that's $ 250,000 dollars each." A deal was struck; Terry would call Becky once she took the documents from the firm. Justine and she would call in sick one day and hand-deliver the documents to Becky. An illness and sick day were their alibi.

Chapter Thirteen

Unlucky

Jake and Marianna stopped for coffee on the way back from the tribe's headquarters. Jake had his usual combination hazelnut and bagel while Marianna ordered a decaf Caramel Swirl with extra Caramel and one cream. As they sat Jake began to talk about the future. Marianna was two years older and enrolled at Harvard Business School. Jake on the other hand never enrolled in college but his leadership role as a tribal Sachem provided an education that equaled the finest business schools. The decisions that Jake had to make at a young age forced him to mature quicker than his peers and wise beyond his years; at age twenty he already had the respect and admiration of the Wampanoag tribes. "Marianna I think it's time that we start to think about our future together. I know you're committed to grad school but would you consider moving in with me after we finish our work for the tribe." Jake explained nervously. "I'm not sure that's wise Jake. I mean I would love to, but we won't have as much time for us once school begins; besides I can't be traveling back and forth from Harvard each day." Marianna replied. "I get that, but we could find an apartment close to the college. I don't need to live at the Davies estate to carry out all my duties as chief." Jake explained. Marianna smiled as she leaned over to give him a kiss and said, "I'll think about it. Besides, it would be nice to have you around when I get home every day." The couple finished their drinks and then continued their journey back to the hotel. No one was there when they returned at their suite, so they went down to Richard's suite. When Richard answered the door still dressed in his pajamas. "Where are the ladies?" Jake asked as they entered. "They both left pretty suddenly." Richard replied. "So what happened?" Marianna asked. "They left a note stating that they needed to get back to Northfield; something to do with work they said. It seems that Terry and Justine took a taxi back." Richard explained. "I guess they took too many vacation days in a row and their boss must have gotten pissed." Jake replied. "Well we were nearly done with the work anyways." Marianna added.

"So what happen at headquarters; did you guys find any of the documents?" Richard asked. Jake explained what had transpired after Marianna and he gave a briefing to the Council of Elders on the status of the group's research. Richard agreed with Jake and Marianna that someone who has a good understanding of the casino application process and law must have taken the documents. "If the Act of 1742 and Wampanoag petition to the Commissioners fall into the hands of the anti-casino coalition then any attempt to overturn the Judge's decision will certainly fail." Richard stated as he poured a bourdon for Jake and himself. "Kind of early to be starting that." Marianna stated as she turned and walked toward the bedroom. As she passed the nightstand she looked down to see the phone blinking; someone had tried to call the hotel and ended up leaving a message. Marianna turned to Richard and said, "Hey Richard, you have a message. Do you want me to take it?" "Yeah, go ahead." Richard replied as he sipped his bourbon. As Marianna listened to the message her expression changed. She rushed back into the living room and said, "You'll never guess who left a message." "Well who" they both said. "It was a paralegal secretary named Darlene from the law offices of Downs, Drake and Lacey." "What the hell did she say?" Richard asked with confusion. "She said, Hi Terry this is Darlene. I tried reaching you on your cell, but it appears you had no service. So I called your law office and they told me where you were staying. I thought that you might like Becky's home phone number just in case you can't reach her on her cell. Remember you owe me one." "Why the hell would Terry be calling the attorney's representing Becky and Suzy?" Jake asked with concern. Richard sipped his drink and said, "Although I love those women, it doesn't mean I totally trust them; they know all our research; all our plans for the appeal." Richard stated as he shook his head. "If they contacted Becky then they must be selling information; giving her a heads up on how to stop the appeal." Marianna added. Richard poured another glass of bourbon and began pacing the room. "What the hell is up with you?" Jake asked. "Just thinking; I think better when I walk; I need to think." Richard replied scratching his forehead. "What are you thinking?" Marianna asked. Richard took another sip of his bourbon and said, "I'm thinking that Terry and Justine are both paralegals for attorneys who represent the Wampanoag tribes. What if those documents aren't missing; what if one of the Council Elders sent them to the attorney's office for safe keeping." "If that's true than why didn't the council tell us that when we were at their Mashpee headquarters; why would they hide that from us?" Marianna asked. "Maybe, just maybe the Elder who sent the documents passed away; or maybe that Elder is still in jail serving time for embezzlement and moved the documents out of the council." Richard explained. "If you're right than Terry and Justine would have known that those documents were sent; as office manager Terry would be the one who had taken possession of the documents and filed them away." Jake explained. "They must be planning to sell the documents to Becky and Suzy." Marianna added. "That would kill our case for any appeal." Richard exclaimed. "How do we stop them?" Marianna asked. "I'll call the attorneys and give them a heads-up; they need to stop them." Richard stated.

Richard called the attorney's office and asked to speak to Attorney Patruno. Ron Patruno and Richard Milneck go way back to when Richard first made detective. Both Patruno and he were members of the local tribe and held positions on the Council of Elders. Richard explained the situation and asked Ron to search for the documents in question and to immediately call him. Within the hour Ron called back. It wasn't good news. Ron explained that there was no record of either the State Act of 1742 or the official Petition dated the same year received from the council's headquarters. Milneck asked if anyone searched the office vault or files. Ron stated that he had several office associates search the vault; nothing was discovered missing and the documents were not on site. Richard asked if either Terry or Justine were working. Ron stated that both women had taken a sick day and weren't answering their phones. Richard hung up the phone then turned to explain the situation to Jake and Marianna. Jake took a sip of his drink and said, "We're too late; we're screwed; were fuckin screwed." As he took a seat on the couch Marianna walked over and sat next to him. She turned toward Jake and said, "Maybe not. Maybe were not screwed at all." "What do you mean?" Jake asked. "Look; Richard's has their cell numbers right. He can still call them and make a higher bid for the documents. If they are willing to sell the documents to Becky and Suzy, then they should be more than willing to sell them to us for a higher price." Marianna explained. "That's right; they're not vested in one side or the other; they're in it for the money; we just have to outbid the competition." Jake exclaimed. "Maybe they won't pick up; remember Ron said that they aren't answering their cell phones." Marianna added. "They'll pick up for me." Richard said with a smile. As Richard called Terry's cell he turned and said, "I still can't believe we have to pay for our own fuckin documents; they belong to the tribe!" When Terry saw that it was Richard calling she took the call. It took Richard just minutes to get Terry to admit that she had possession of the documents. Terry was a lifelong friend and lover of Richard's; their close relationship made it difficult for her to hide anything from him. After several additional minutes Richard turned and said, "They're supposed to meet Becky and Suzy tonight; and each is getting two hundred fifty thousand." Jake thought for a moment and replied, "Tell them we'll offer $ 400,000 each; but only if they immediately return to Mashpee with the documents tonight." Richard explained the offer and the contingency attached to it. It took less than a minute for their answer. Richard hung up the phone and said, "I hope you have that kind of money, they'll be here in three hours." "Not a problem. I'll call the treasure of the local Wampanoag and have them get the money ready before the bank closes. I'll pick up the cash myself." Jake replied. Within the hour Jake left for the bank. He returned with two duffle bags each filled with one hundred thousand dollars in crisp new hundred-dollar bills.

It was nearing 8:00 PM; and Terry and Justine had yet to arrive. "They should have been here by now." Marianna stated. "Maybe they're just running late; you know that the traffic can be pretty bad coming over the Bourne Bridge." Richard suggested. It was nearing 11:00 PM and still neither Terry nor Justine had arrived. "Maybe they called Becky back and got a better offer." Marianna suggested. "I don't think so; part of the deal for receiving such a large sum was making sure they didn't contact Becky or Suzy ever again." Richard replied. Jake turned on the TV to get his mind off the situation. A newscast had a breaking story involving terrible crash on Route 6A just after the Bourne Bridge. As the live camera feed showed the scene of the accident Richard yelled, "Fuck that's Terry's car!" "Are you sure?" Jake asked. "Shit, I know that's her car. I can tell from the crumpled license plate and those stupid dice hanging from the mirror." Richard yelled. The newscaster stated that the two female occupants were killed in the accident and that speed may have been a factor. "What do we do now?" Marianna asked. "I'll go down to the scene and talk to the police. Neither one of them have immediate family. I'll be able to identify the bodies and look around." Richard replied as he began to tear up.

The State Police were still taking their measurements when Richard arrived at the scene. As he got of his car he could see that Terry's car had been wrapped around a tree and that the fireman had just finished extinguishing the flames. Although Richard was retired he was able to get pass the yellow tape and patrolmen by flashing his old detective's badge. As he entered the scene he was greeted by an old acquaintance, Captain Tory. "Oh my god; look who has risen from the grave. Well if it isn't my old pal Richard." The Captain stated. "Hi Tory; I thought you were still working out of the Northampton Barracks." Richard stated. "Not anymore; I got transferred down here. I think that the bosses thought that they were giving me a break for all my years of service by assigning me this duty. But I am busier than ever with all the drunk driving accidents on the Cape." Tory replied. "Do you think that this was a DUI?" Richard asked. "We'll have to wait for forensics but between you and me, no. There was no booze in the car and no odor of alcohol. My guess is that it was a combination of wet roads and high speed." Tory replied. "So what brings you down here?" He added. "I was watching the news and recognized the car." Richard replied. "Are they friends of yours?" Tory asked. "Yes, good friends. They were actually on their way here to see me." Richard replied. "Do you know if they have any immediately family we can call?" Tory asked. "No; both woman weren't married and any family they had have passed away." Richard explained. "Can you make a positive identification?" Tory asked. "I'm sure I can. I'll follow you down to the morgue." Richard responded as he headed back to his car. Captain Tory and Richard followed the ambulance heading for the hospital morgue in their vehicles. When they arrived at the emergency entrance they saw the two bodies being rolled into the hospital on gurneys. They sat and shared some old war stories while waiting for the Medical Examiner. Finally, both were summoned by the Medical Examiner. Tory had asked Richard for a positive identification of both bodies as the doctor carried out his inspections and tests. Before Tory and Richard left the room, the doctor explained that both deaths were due to blunt force trauma caused by impacts with the interior of the car when it hit the tree. As Tory and Richard exited a patrolman was waiting with several bags containing personal belongings. Tory just looked at the bags and said, "Keep the handbags but you can give that manila folder marked Richard Milneck to this man here. I'm not sure what the contents are but I assume they belong to you. Since there is no evidence of foul play there is no reason to hold on to this package." Tory said as he turned to Richard. As Tory departed he turned and said, "Stay well my friend." Richard rushed back to his car as fast as his seventy-five year old body could carry him. Once inside he opened the sealed folder and looked at the contents. Milneck sat back and smiled.

It was after midnight, but Jake and Marianna were still awake waiting for Richard's return. When they heard a knock on the door they opened it to see Richard standing in the hall holding a manila package and grinning from ear to ear. Richard stated, "I have the documents but it came at the costs of my two friend's lives." We're sorry about that; they seemed like good people." Marianna responded. Marianna took the archive labelled the Act of 1742 and began to scan it as Jake attempted to read the Petition of 1742 written in original Wampanoag language. Jake was able to make little sense of the document and thus unable to grasp its full meaning. "Can anyone translate this document?" He asked as he turned to Richard. "Richard took one glance and said, "There might be one or two Council Elders here in Mashpee who could translate it. They are known as great scholars of the language and historians of the Wampanoag culture." Richard replied. Jake turned to Marianna and said, "It looks like we're taking another trip back to headquarters; we'll leave in the morning. Richard headed back to his room to drink to his lost.

It was about 9:00 AM when they arrived at the Wampanoag headquarters. They were greeted by an Elder as is customary and directed to an office that housed the Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project. The secretary at the desk explained that the tribe has a Wôpanâak Language Center and Language Department located on Great Neck Road South in Mashpee. She explained that instructors there would be able to translate their documents. When Jake, Marianna and Richard arrived at the WLC there was a poster listing language classes ranging from a Beginner Workbook Class to an Animate Intransitive Workbook Class and an Elders Lunch and Learn Class designed for members over 55 who already had a grasp of the language. The class ran from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM followed by a lunch. It was about 12:15 PM when the three made their way to the main office of the language center. Jake explained the reason for their visit to the secretary. As she looked at the clock she said, "Class is almost over; why don't you wait in Mr. Cooley's office. I'll let him know that you are here." When Cooley entered his office, he saw the three sitting around a small conference table usually reserved for students. After introductions Jake explained why they needed to translate the Petition of 1742. Cooley scanned the document and explained, "Do you know that the Wampanoag Language is one of more than three dozen languages belonging to the Algonquian language family. It was the first American Indian language to develop and use an alphabetic writing system. The reason for developing an alphabet was due to missionaries arriving from England in the early 1600s; they wanted to convert the Wampanoag to Christianity and needed to have a written language. By the late 1600s the Wampanoag used the written language to record personal letters, wills, deeds, and land transfers amongst each other and between communities. In fact, some of the land transfers recorded took place 100 years earlier." (wlrp.org, February 2017) "I didn't know that and I'm a Sachem." Jake replied. "So how did this school get its start?" Richard asked. Cooley pointed to a poster on his office wall containing the picture of a man and said, "The Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project began in 1993 under the direction of Jessie 'little doe' Bird who earned a master's degree in Algonquian Linguistics from MIT in 2000. It was a collaborative effort of the Assonet, Mashpee, Aquinnah and Herring Pond Band Wampanoags, aimed returning native language fluency to the Wampanoag Nation." (wlrp.org, February 2017) "I've lived almost eighty years as a member of the tribe and I didn't know this." Richard exclaimed. "So can you translate the petition?" Marianna asked. "Yes but it will take some time; can you leave it with me overnight?" Cooley asked. "No way; I'm not letting that document out of my sight." Jake replied. "Then I suggest that you go to our luncheon and come back around 2:00 PM; I may have a good handle on it by then." Cooley stated.

When the group returned to Cooley's office he was smiling. It seems that he was able to get a loose translation of the petition that the tribe sent to the Commissioners in Boston. As they sat at the conference table he said, "Keep in mind that this is an interpretation based on my knowledge of the language." Then Cooley began to read out loud, "We have many grievances against the English settlers who continue to occupy our lands. We ask for your assistance in resolving our grievances. Members of the Wampanoag have been beaten by English when fishing or hunting on Wampanoag territory. The White neighbors leased our lands without our permission and the English sold Wampanoag land to one another without our consent. These English neighbors keep treading on our land by being in our trees, woods and marshes without our consent. These are lands known to you as Mashpee and lands that the Commissioners have legally set aside for the Wampanoag so long as Wampanoag Indians live. We think that if it is to stay this way; that soon we poor Indians here in this place of Mashpee will have no place to live; and our children's children will have no place to call home." (nsn.gov/timeline, January 2017) "That sounds terrific; I don't see anyone being able to challenge that in court." Richard stated. "Before you begin to celebrate there was a second paper that accompanied the petition." Cooley stated. "What is it; what does it say" Marianna asked. "It's just a blurb nothing more, but it does have an impact on your case. It references an appointment of two Englishmen by the State in 1763 to oversee all business related to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe." Cooley explained. "So what; the state provided people to oversee their grievances, right?" Marianna asked. As Jake looked at the attachment he said, "No; it did the exact opposite; it stripped the tribe's right to negotiate the lease of its lands and control over all the natural resources found on or under the land." "Essentially the tribe got fucked." Richard blurted out. "What can we do now?" Marianna asked. "Keep digging; we'll find the answer sooner or later." Jake promised. The three said their goodbyes and headed back to their hotel. As Jake drove the BMW Richard murmured from the back seat, "I wonder what Becky and Suzy are thinking right now." All knew that Becky and Suzy must have seen the same newscast covering the car accident.

Back home Becky and Suzy were discussing the car accident. They figured that the documents they were willing to pay for had vanished in the fiery accident along with Terry and Justine. It never dawned on them that the two women were heading back to the Cape and not from it when they crashed. Both sisters were just as happy to have the two documents burn up during the accident; they would never see the light of day; so, they thought.

Chapter Fourteen

It's in the Research

By the time the three arrived back at the hotel it was after 7:00 PM. Richard decided to go out for some fast food while Jake and Marianna decided to order from room service. When Richard returned to his suite he called Jake and told him that he was going to bed early and that he would see him in the morning. Jake stated that they were going to do the same, right after they finish their meals. Jake and Marianne were even too tired to have sex; something they really enjoyed doing. It was near 9:00 AM the next morning when Richard knocked on Jake's door. He stated that he was heading back to Deerfield and needed to check on the estate, pay some bills and make a quick visit to see Becky and Suzy. Jake told Richard that he thought that the visit was ill timed, but Richard explained that if he didn't keep up appearances and a normal schedule then the sisters would become suspicious. Besides he reminded Jake that he told the sisters that he was only going to be gone for a week; and it was nearing two weeks since he spoke to either one of them. Jake understood and asked Richard to make sure that his step nice and nephews were okay; and to give them his love. He asked Richard to tell them that he and Marianna were planning a trip to Deerfield within a week and would like to get together. As Richard opened the door he turned and said, "Jake, good luck with the research; Marianna make sure he calls me." After a quick breakfast Jake and Marianna continued their research. They outlined a synopsis of their current findings and decided to divide the remaining tasks. Jake would continue to research historical achieves while Marianna would continue to follow the money trail. Hopefully they would uncover evidence that would counter the decision made by the English back in 1763; a decision that stripped the tribe of its sovereignty over their lands.

As Marianna continued to delve into the Davies financial documents, she came across several recent entries indicating massive withdrawals made by Becky and Suzy. She discovered that all the transfers were made to lobbyists. She made several calls to her government contacts and others from the private sector. She discovered that two of the lobbyists firms were involved in an anti-casino move to persuade legislators to introduce bills to kill the initiative while another dealt specifically with members who served in the court system. Jake's research uncovered some interesting documentation that referenced the awarding of bounty land given to Mashpee Indians for their service during the Revolution. It seems that almost all the 1500 plus Indians from Mashpee and some from Stockbridge suffered heavy losses by the British during the battles. Documents' from 1977 indicated that after the war Indians employed by Massachusetts or their heirs were compensated for their service with 200 dollars or with bounty land located on Cape Cod by the State and Federal Governments per order of the Continental Congress. Jake sat back for a moment and realized that he had in hand an official document in the form of a letter written by President John Hancock to George Washington in 1776; A document that approved the employment of Indians for the war. And he had court documents submitted by a lawyer from Sandwich, Massachusetts that assured the release of pensions and bounty land warrants for services rendered by Indians during the war. These documents superseded the decision of 1763 that gave oversight to all business related to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe that included land leases and land purchases to two appointed English colonists.

Jake and Marianna took a short break for lunch and time to share what each had discovered. As they spoke they sensed that they were getting closer to making a viable case for an appeal. After lunch Jake returned to researching historical tribal archives and other primary source documents. He was joined by Marianna who researched the timelines involving their discoveries. Marianna rolled out a sequence of events which included Mashpee being listed as a plantation in 1763 and the King of England's decree allowing Mashpee residents to elect their own officials. Jake uncovered an Act dated 1777 that allowed certain lands to be sold to raise funds for the poor; this coincided with the State issuance of bounty lands to Indians for serving in the Revolutionary War. As Jake continued his search he came across the Act of 1834 which incorporated Mashpee as a District and giving the residents of Mashpee the right of self-government. The Act allowed Indians to manage their own affairs with some oversight from an area Commissioner. It was about twenty years later when the Office of Commissioner was deemed unnecessary by the State and eliminated. As Jake scanned the document he remembered coming across a provision in a law dating back to 1842. There was a chapter in the law specifically dealing with Mashpee lands that were held in common. He searched his files and found the law; it stated that from that date forward all common lands will be proportioned into 60-acre parcels and could be deeded only to Mashpee residents. The law also stated that the lands could not be taxed or controlled by the State or the county. Jake also knew that there was a bookkeeping error made by the Bureau of Indian Affairs back in the 1850s that failed to list the Mashpee Wampanoag as a viable tribe. Jake turned to Marianna and said, remember the District Court Judge ruling against the sovereignty of the lands as a reservation; and the case cited by the judge in making his decision?" "Yes I do; it was the Carciere versus Salazar ("Carcieri v. Salazar." Oyez, 2009) case were the U.S. Supreme Court stated that the Federal Government could not take land into trust that was acquired by the Narragansett Tribe because the tribe was not recognized by the Federal Government until 1983. You know that; so, what's new?" Marianna replied.

"As I stated before; we can argue that the Bureau of Indian Affairs error that left the Mashpee Wampanoag off the list of viable tribes had to be just that; a bookkeeping error. Look; Members of the tribe were deeded lands in 1842 and the Act of 1834 incorporated Mashpee as a district, some could argue a reservation, giving the Mashpee the right of self-government. The same Act also gave oversight of deeded lands that constitute more acreage than what the current members of the tribe want considered as sovereign reservation land." Jake explained. "Yes, I get it, but I think our case would be stronger if we also included the Wampanoag petition of 1742 that they made to the State; and the fact that the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a Federal Government agency, recognized the Tribal Council in 1974; a date way before the 1983 date listed in the Carciere versus Salazar case." Marianna explained. "You're absolutely right! And the final piece to our argument can be the Indian Intercourse Act! It contains six statutes passed by the Congress between 1790 and 1834 that set American-Indian boundaries for reservations." Jake added. "Yes we can use those statutes to claim that a precedent had been set; even though the statues applied to other tribes." Marianna added. "There it is in black and white. This is our counter argument against the District Court Judge's decision." Jake stated with a sigh of relief. At that point he and Marianna took one look at each other as both nodded toward the bedroom. It had been a while since they had touched each other. After stripping their clothes off Marianna straddled on top of Jake and slowly began to make her body undulate. This caused the bed to move with a smooth wavelike motion by the thumping rhythm of their bodies. Their bodies rose and fell in a surging swell as she could feel Jake swell up and flow within her. Minutes later they lay motionless beneath the silk sheet in total exhaustion.

It was near 8:00 AM when Jake woke to see Marianna still asleep with her body half covered by the bedsheet. He stared in amazement of her voluptuous figure that had brought him sensual pleasure the night before. Her body exuded a sexual attractiveness that brought out the beast in him. At that moment Jake wanted to make love to her but held back from reaching for her curvaceous body. As he rose out of bed Marianna turned and gave him a seductive look to lure him back to bed. But Jake winked and walked toward the kitchenette still naked to make coffee. Marianna rolled over pulling the sheets over her head; and fell back to sleep. As Jake waited for the coffee maker to finish his cell phone rang. The caller I.D. indicated that it was Richard. Jake answered and started to explain what they discovered from their research and outlined the appeal's argument. Richard acknowledged that their plan seemed viable and suggested that he and Marianna should explain it all to the Council of Elders. Richard also told Jake that he informed Becky and Suzy of Jake's plan to return to the Davies estate along with Marianna; and that they would like to see the kids. Richard also stated that he told Becky and Suzy that he was the one who identified the bodies of Terry and Justine at the scene of the accident. He told Jake that the sisters asked him if anything was found of value in the car. "What did you tell them Richard?" Jake asked. "I played stupid; something I'm good at doing at times. I asked them what they meant by important." Richard explained. "What was their response?" Jake asked. "They said that they had heard from their attorney that the two women where under suspicion of taking important documents from their law firm; at least that was the rumor." Richard stated. "How could they know anything; when we spoke to the attorney where they work there was no mention of that or the existence of any documents?" Jake stated. "I think that they were just fishing for clues; making sure that nothing survived the car accident." Richard suggested. "What did you say?" Jake asked. "I just said that if there was anything of value than it probably disappeared in the fire of the wreckage. I told them that the State Police had nothing but personal items that they were holding." Richard replied as he smirked. "Okay, so they are still in the dark about everything." Jake replied. "Yeah, their clueless." Richard laughed. "Okay then, we'll be home within a week after we present our findings to the Elders. Goodbye my friend." Jake said as he hung up.

Becky and Suzy were in the kitchen having breakfast with the kids when Richard called. He wanted to let them know that Jake and Marianna were returning from Mashpee today around 4:00 PM; and that they would like to host a small get together for drinks and hors d'oeuvres at the Davies estate. Becky and Suzy quickly accepted the invite and said that they would like to bring the kids. Richard said that would be fine and that Jake had bought some small gifts for each of them. When the call ended Becky turned to Suzy and said, "Jake must be done with his work for the Mashpee tribe. I wonder if he was able to come up with anything that can be substantiated with documentation." "Remember you told me not to worry; that Jake won't be able to make much sense from the Davies's financial records unless he had documentation of payoffs and access to our deeds in Mashpee." Suzy replied. It was 8:00 AM when the doorbell to Jake's suite rang. Marianna was still in the shower when Jake answered the door. It was the Assistant Hotel Manager holding a large manila envelope requiring Jake's signature. As Jake signed for the package Marianna came out of the bathroom still dripping water and wearing nothing but a large bath towel. Jake turned and said, "Put some close on; we have guest at the door." Marianna let her towel fall as she turned and walked toward the bedroom. Jake turned to see the Assistant Manager blushing and closed the door in his face. As Jake walked toward the conference table with the package he yelled, "Did you have to do that; you nearly gave the guy a heart attack." When Marianna walked back into the living room she was wearing one of Jake's white button-down dress shirts. As she walked toward Jake she unbuttoned the shirt and said, "he's lucky if it was only a heart attack." As she stepped closer to Jake her breasts bounced causing her nipples to peak from behind the open shirt. Jake dropped the package and grabbed her. He began to kiss her on the neck then slowly worked his way down. As he slid down his mouth found her breast. Jake began to suck and wrap his tongue under her nipple. Marianna became more aroused as Jake continued to fondle and suck on her breasts. Jake continued sliding his wet tongue around her nipples until Marianne came to an orgasm. She continued to press Jake's head into her breasts until she screamed out loud. Moments later she buttoned up the shirt and said, "And that's just a preview for when we get home."

Jake turned his attention back to the package sitting on the conference table. He opened it to discover that it contained a list of recorded deeds that he requested from the local office of deeds. He specifically requested information on deeded lands owned by tribal members, state owned lands, lands-in-trust and lands owned by large corporations. The list was several pages long and came with an apology note from an office assistant stating that they were sorry that it took so long to fill his request. The note also stated that many of the deeds dated back decades and even centuries which added to the complexity of the search. As Jake began to scan the list Marianna walked back into the room; this time fully dressed. "What do you have there?" She asked. "A list of deeds I requested some time ago; that's the package that was delivered when you came into the living room from the shower." "Oh, that's the delivery." She replied grinning. Jake gave several sheets to Marianna and instructed her to look for names and corporations listed on the deeds who deal in the casino business or who had land-in-trust by the State or anything else that looked suspicious. As they scanned the lists Marianna reminded Jake that he needed to finish packing so they could leave on time. Jake had most of his stuff already packed along with the financial files that were to be shipped back to the CPA firm. "I only have some personal items to pack. I still have plenty of time to go through these lists." He replied. Suddenly Marianna screamed, "I got it; I have something that is going to surprise the hell out of you." "What is it?" He asked. Marianna pointed to several deeds listed on page three of the packet. As Jake read the listings, he murmured, "Oh shit; four deeds listed to the Davies Land Holdings; one for 180 acres and three for 60 acres each." But what's their location?" Marianna asked. Jake took out his IPad and used Google Maps to put in the coordinates. He plugged each one in and the map popped up indicating the location. Marianna crossed referenced the acreage with the 300 acres listed in the land-in-trust for the casino project. Sure enough the lands listed on the deeds overlapped the location of the casino project site. "Those goddamn stepsisters that's why they payed big money to keep the casino from being built. They know that the land is worth millions if not more."

Chapter Fifteen

Home Again

It was about 3:00 PM when Jake and Marianna were greeted by Richard at the Davies Estate. Becky, Suzy and the kids weren't due to arrive until 4:00 PM so the three had time to discuss the recent discoveries made by Jake and Marianna. Richard shook his head as he looked at the list of deeds that Jake showed him. When he scanned the listings, he saw the Davies name on all of them and said, "it all makes sense now; the hold up on placing 300 acres in a land-in-trust by the tribe has to be related to land holdings listed on the deeds; land now owned by Becky and Suzy; and don't forget, you too Jake." "That's why Mary and Kathleen Davies made those payoffs; it was a way to rig the decision in their favor." Jake replied. "What about the large payments made to lobbyists and campaigns by Becky and Suzy; is what they did illegal?" Marianna asked. Richard mulled the question for a moment then replied, "I don't think so; it's not illegal to contribute funds to a lobbyists or a campaign as long as you stay within the laws governing contributions." "I'm sure that the sisters didn't want to disclose who donated the funds, so I'm guessing that they set up a back channel to get it done." Jake added.

It was just after 4:00 PM when Becky and Suzy arrived with the kids. As the car came to a stop the kids jumped out and ran into the house before their mothers could get out of the car. Tyee, Malina and Nodin all rushed to hug their uncle Jake as the door opened. Tyee and Nodin gave Marianna a hug but Malina just glared at her; it was obvious that she was jealous of Jake's girlfriend. Becky and Suzy followed them into the house holding several gifts. Richard joined the group as they sat in the living room. Becky handed a gift to Richard; his favorites, a box of Cuban cigars. Jake received a Rolex from the kids and Suzy handed the final gift to Marianna. As she opened it up Suzy said, "It's from all of us." Marianna began to tear up as she opened the jewelry box. It was a bracelet with a charm that said, Family. "We wanted to welcome you into our lives and our family." Suzy said as she gave Marianna a hug. Now it was Jake's turn to hand out gifts to the kids. It was obvious from the shape and size of the packages that they were all the same. They all began to scream as they unwrapped the gifts, "It's a Quadcopter!" "More specifically it's a DJI - Phantom 4 camera drone; you can view the world. It has great maneuverability and imaging. The drone includes smart object avoidance and easy control using your iPhone or iPad. And you can select a target with this drone and track it automatically." Jake explained. Mom can we go out and try them out?" Tyee begged. "Yes mom, can we?" Malina and Nodin pleaded with Suzy. "Are those safe to use Jake?" Suzy asked. "Absolutely; they are already registered with the FAA. Being thirteen, the kids could have registered themselves, but I thought it best to have them ready to fly when they opened them." Jake replied. The three kids rushed out to the back of the house where there was plenty of open space and began to fly their drones. Becky looked at Jake and said, "So much for them spending time visiting us." "What do you expect; they're still kids." Richard replied.

"So how are thing going for you and Jake?" Suzy asked Marianna. "Very well; we have spent a lot of time together these past couple of months." She replied. "Yes; we've grown quite close; you could even say, very close." Jake added as he kissed Marianna on the cheek. Becky looked at Suzy momentarily then turned to Jake and said, "We know that you requested ten years of financial statements from our CPA firm." "Well as an officer of the company I had the right." Jake responded. "We understand; but we also know that you are helping the Wampanoag with the appeal case involving the land-in-trust issue." She added. "You knew that before I left Deerfield; you both knew why the Mashpee tribe specifically asked for me." Jake replied. "Agreed but we were also informed that there were certain documents illegally taken from the Law offices of Miller and Patruno; the firm that represents the tribe." Becky stated. "How would you know that?" Marianna asked. "Look; we're in the business of knowing who are enemies are and what kind of information can hurt us." Becky replied. "Besides; our kind of wealth can be a useful tool in gaining access to important information and influencing various people of power." She added. "So you guys did use payoffs to influence the outcome?" Richard stated as he shook his head. "Just like Mary and Kathleen Davies; when we looked at their financial statements, we uncovered withdrawals from the company accounts for the sole purpose of paying off high ranking officials." Jake shouted. "How do you know that the withdrawals weren't used for paying off their brother's gambling debts; how do you know for sure that the money was used for payoffs?" Suzy asked. "Because we have their diaries; Mary and Kathleen recorded every meeting and transaction in their diaries along with their sexual exploits." Marianna blurted out. "Well they might have been sexual deviates; and they might have broken the law but they're dead." Becky replied. "Yeah; but you two aren't." Jake responded. "Look Jake, we're not like the Davies sisters. Any money that you found withdrawn from our business accounts were used for lawful gains." Becky explained. "Yeah right, like the twenty-five thousand dollars that was withdrawn just a month before the judge made a decision that could only benefit you two." Jake replied. "We did nothing illegal." Suzy stated. "I can explain where the twenty five thousand dollars went to." Becky said. "I bet you can." Richard shouted back. "Richard you should look up the definition of lobbyists and the laws that govern them." Becky fired back. "Marianna you took a Business Law course; you're a smart girl, you're enrolled at Harvard; tell him." She added as she continued to stare at Richard.

"Well, lobbying is any attempt to influence decisions made by officials in the government, usually legislators or members of regulatory agencies." Marianna stated. "Everybody knows that." Richard replied. "I assume that Becky and Suzy hired several people to persuade legislators to support their cause; in this case their anti-casino stance. Their lobbyists got paid to win favor from politicians just like the big oil companies do when they send lobbyists to Washington to attempt to make life easier for their companies." Marianna explained. "Again, I'm not stupid I understand what they do." Richard stated as he became more upset. "Well, in our case we not only paid lobbyist for our anti-casino stand for the Cape we lobbied the judicial branch as well. We tried to influence the court by having an outside law firm file an amicus curiae or friend of the court brief on behalf of our interests; we wanted our side of the issue considered and we wanted the judge to rule in our favor based on a solid argument." Becky explained. "And if we got a non-favorable ruling we were willing to file lawsuits against the State government and the tribe." She added. "Okay I get that." Jake said. "You should; the tribe did the same for their side; they had a third-party file an amicus curia on their behalf; They tried to persuade the judge to rule in their favor." Becky replied.

There was a momentary pause until Richard said, "that doesn't explain the large donation made to certain legislators." "Everything we did was totally within the letter of the law." Suzy argued. "We're not criminals; we're not like Mary and Kathleen Davies. The money was given to a PAC for the re-election of several candidates who had yet to take a stand on the casino issue." "Just like I said before it's all about payoffs." Richard stated. "No; in this case we obeyed the FEC and the law; we donated $2750.00 each to the Political Action Committee for the purpose of having them spend the money to elect certain candidates and defeat others." Becky explained. "Besides Jake you're very familiar with the tactic; the tribes have PACs that represent their interests; in this case the gaming industry." Becky added. As Jake was getting more pissed Marianna had all she could do from reaching over and choking Becky. Richard just stared at the two sisters and sarcastically said, "Wouldn't your daddy be so proud of you." "I don't have an issue with that; our dad was a cheat and a murderer." Becky screamed back. "Is there anything else that any of you wants to say before you leave?" Suzy asked. Jake pulled out a series of folded papers from his back pocket. He unraveled them, then held them out and said, "How do you explain my mother's last letter?" It was the letter that Richard had given to Jake after his eighteenth birthday; the letter that was placed in the hands of Richard for safe keeping by the Council of Elders. Becky took the letter and read it out loud. It was the letter explaining how a chairman of the tribal Council pleaded guilty to federal charges of embezzling, wire fraud, mail fraud, tax evasion, and election finance law violations. This chairman steered tens of thousands of dollars in illegal campaign contributions to politicians through the tribe's hired lobbyist in order to pursue a casino and in an attempt to overturn the ruling against the Tribe's claim that acreage in Tauton and Mashpee are Sovereign reservation lands. It went on to explain how the towns signed a financial agreement with the tribe for a Casino and Hotel complex to be built. And that although the District Court Judge rejected the Bureau of Indian Affairs' land in trust decision in 2016 that an amicus brief with the Appellate Court was filed by an alliance of twenty-six tribes supporting the Interior Department's re-establishment of the Wampanoag claim to homelands located in Mashpee and the tribe's right to establish a land-in-trust.

"Becky paused, looked up and said, "All this is common knowledge; we already know all of this; besides it proves my point about lobbyists." "Read on." Richard urged. Becky continued reading the letter out loud. From my dealing and relationships with several legislators, judges and high ranking officials over the years I discovered that a substantial number of legislators, judges and businessmen involved in the gaming industry received large amounts of money in favor of the anti-casino movement. If you research the political structure, then and trace the money you will find an argument for the cause. Becky raised her head and said, "She doesn't cite any exact information; only that there was some politics involved and money in campaigning against a casino." "But you already told us that Jake." She added. "I know but this is my question; why was my mother murdered: is it because she uncovered a payoff scheme that would bring down the political machine and big business entities like the Davies Corporation?" Jake blurted out. "What are you saying Jake?" Becky asked. "I think I've said it; my mother was murdered to keep her quiet." Jake shouted back. "Well Jake as far as we remember your mother died in a car accident; that's what the official police report states." Becky replied in a confrontational tone. "I may never be able to prove it but I know that you and Suzy had something to do with her death. You didn't want the kind of information she uncovered going public; it would have ruined you, your political connections and your business interests." Jake shouted out. "Jake I think you misspoke; don't you mean our business interests; remember your name is on the company letterhead too." Suzy chimed in. "Let's all calm down for a minute." Richard suggested. The room remained quiet for several minutes. Then Jake replied, "Don't you get it; you guys are on the wrong side of the issue here." "Jake; you're so naïve. It doesn't matter what side of the issue we're on; we win no matter what." Becky replied.

Jake sat perplexed. "Let me explain." Becky stated. If you lose the appeal, we win; we get to keep our land holdings in Mashpee and develop them the way we see fit so that it brings us the largest return on our investment. If you and the tribe win the appeal, we still win. The casino will go forward using our Construction Company which already won the bid. And our Food and Beverage Company have been guaranteed the service contract for the hotel and casino." "I see it's all about money; it's always been about the money; when is too much money enough?" Jake replied. "Darling Jake; remember you own one-third of the Davies business ventures and holdings; you just don't have controlling interest. You stand to make a lot of money no matter what side of the issue you stand on." Becky replied. "Becky, you're such a conniving bitch." Marianna stated loudly. "Look it honey, don't be so high and mighty, we're just trying to get the best value for our land. If the tribe wins the land-in-trust appeal than we might only get 40% or 45 % of what the land is assessed at by the Federal Government; that's why we invested so heavily in lobbyists. We're not trying to deny the tribe their right to a sovereign reservation we just don't want to be financially punished for it. We have no problem if the Council of Elders is willing to negotiate a fair price." Becky explained. "Either way, I suppose that if the casino goes through you'll make sure that the lumber used will come from your lumberyard?" Jake stated. 'Darling, you mean our lumberyard, don't you?" Becky replied snidely. "That reminds me Suzy, we need to do a walk-through at the lumberyard before the OSHA inspection." She added. "We should do it this coming Sunday when nobody's around." Suzy suggested. "Jake do you want to tag along; I mean it's your business too?" Becky said laughing. "Go fuck yourself." Jake replied. At that point Jake, Marianna and Richard got up and left. As they exited the door Suzy asked, "Jake don't you want to spend some time with the kids?" "Not now, I'm too upset; I'll see them before I leave town." "Okay and don't be a stranger." Becky replied. "Yeah; And you can bet I'll see both of you sooner than later." Jake yelled back in a threatening voice.

Chapter Sixteen

Artful Revenge

As soon as the three arrived back at the estate Richard headed straight for the liquor cabinet and began pouring glasses of bourbon. He handed Jake and Marianna each a glass and offered up a toast. As he lifted his glass he said, "Here's to the dreamers and schemers of the world; for without either life would be boring." "Why are we celebrating?" Marianna asked. "Why not; you heard Becky." Richard replied. "What are you talking about; there is no reason to celebrate you old fool." Jake said angrily. "Look Jake; the tribe wins no matter what the decision is in the Appeal case." Richard replied. "What the fuck are you saying; has the booze gone to your head?" Jake fired back. "Jake when you get to my age you will know when to charge into battle and when to hold back and let the fight come to you." Jake looked even more perplexed as Richard spoke. Richard took a sip of his bourbon and said, "The Tribe obviously wins if the judge rules in their favor. The Tribe also wins if the judge rules against them." "How's that so?" Jake asked. "If Becky and Suzy get to keep their land then they will be pressured from the State and National level to develop it quickly. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education, both part of the Department of the Interior are trying to reduce the flow of federal funding that subsidizes the costs of education, tribal courts, roads, agriculture and social services. And there is a real move to hire Native Americans to high paying jobs in the building and service trades. As far as the government sees it, if the standard of living for the tribe goes up then the number and cost of federal subsidies goes down. The Elders told me that an amicus brief is already to be submitted; they see such an argument as part of an alternative solution in this case." Richard explained. "So, you're saying that members of the tribe will get guaranteed jobs; good paying jobs no matter what." Marianna stated. "Yes, and the irony of it all is that they will be hired by the Construction and Service Industry Companies owned and operated by the Davies Corporation." Jake shouted out. "It's a win-win situation." Marianna added. "Why are you still looking so upset Jake" She asked. "I'm just thinking; not only will Becky and Suzy make lots of money they will still get away with murder of my mother." He replied.

The next day Marianna received a text message from the Graduate Enrollment Office at Harvard reminding her of her required attendance at the three-day symposium hosted by the School of Business. She was also scheduled to meet with her assigned advisor and get her room assignment during her stay. When Jake came down to the kitchen she showed him the text. "Do you have to leave so soon?" He asked. "Yes, I'll have to leave tomorrow morning." She replied. Although Jake understood he knew what it meant; Marianna had made the decision to continue her schooling; their relationship would be long distance over the next two years. "So you've decided on Graduate School." Jake said. "Of course Jake; it's a great opportunity for me, It would be foolish to turn it down." She replied. "It means that we won't see each other as much." Jake said as he stared into her eyes. "Jake, I'm not going to the other side of the world, its' still Massachusetts; we can see each other on weekends and during breaks." She uttered as she caressed him. "I love you." Jake said as he held her head in his hands and gently kissed her. "I love you too." She replied as she began to weep. "At least we'll have tonight." Jake said. "Don't be silly, I'm only gone for three days; I'll be back on Monday." Marianna replied. As she spoke a thought crossed his mind; with Marianna gone this weekend he would have a window of opportunity to avenge his mother's death and solve the land-in trust issues all at the same time. "Are you going to miss me?" She asked as she batted her eyes at Jake. "Of course I will; but I'll try to find a way to keep myself busy." He replied as he smirked.

The night before she left for Harvard was filled with lust. Jake and Marianna couldn't get enough of each other as they continued late into the night and early into the morn. Both woke exhausted from the sexual events of the night. They agreed that Jake would drive and pick up Marianna from Harvard. Traffic was light for a Friday on the route to Cambridge. Jake was able to make the 90-mile trip there and back in less than four hours by taking less traveled Route 2 East. On the way back, Jake made a stop at the lumberyard in Deerfield. He turned left knowing that the lumber yard was located a mile down the road, on the right-hand side. As he took the final turn to the lumberyard he saw an old sign with the Indian word, POCUMTEK etched in it; the Indian name for Deerfield. Jake pulled onto a side road adjacent to the lumberyard so that he would not be seen. He got out of the car and walked through a thatch of trees. As he walked he saw an old sign hanging from the main storage area with the name, French's Lumber Yard; the original owners. Jake knew that the current owners and the original lumberyard owners had common descendants; descendants of Becky's and Suzy's father; Jake's biological father. He surveyed the yard Jake making sure he remained undetected. As he came across a series of log stacks waiting to be de-barked he noticed an electric forklift located just behind the stacks. He looked at the height of raw timber and thought; this is place. Before Jake retraced his steps back to the car he removed the large safety bars used to stabilize the base of the log pile. Jake had formulated a plan of revenge as he drove back home. He thought; I'll call the kids early Sunday and ask for Becky or Suzy knowing that he could get their mother's timeline for arriving at the lumberyard. He would take the same road running adjacent to the lumberyard and remain undetected. He knew that the sisters would eventually have to check the log storage area. Eventually they would come across the missing stabilizing bars during their safety check and must replace them. He would use the electric forklift to push the log pile on top of them; The falling logs will take them both out. Jake got the idea from a story he read about; two people died in an apparent industrial accident at a lumber yard in Vancouver. It seems that a stack of fresh cut logs had given way and crushed the loggers.

Come early Sunday morning Jake made sure to leave the Davies Estate undetected. As his BMW rolled down the driveway he made a call to his niece Malina. He inquired about her mother's schedule for the day and told her that he just called to set up a visit later that day. He asked her to keep it a secret so that he could surprise everyone. Malina stated that they would be back sometime after 1:00 PM and that they plan to be at the lumberyard for most of the morning. She said that they plan to arrive there by 10:00 am. Jake said, "Thanks Malina; I'll see you all later in the day then." Jake pulled his car up on the side road adjacent to the lumberyard around 9:30 AM. He quietly made his way through the thick thatched area and jumped the fence leading to the storage area. Becky and Suzy arrived just before 10:00 AM with the kids. As they walked to the office Becky turned and said, "We'll be busy for a few hours so make sure you guys don't get into any trouble flying your drones; and for heaven sake stay away from the logging area; use the open field to the North. We'll pick you up around noon time and go for lunch." Malina, Nodin and Tyee grabbed their drones and ran toward the open field located on the opposite side of the lumber processing area. Becky and Suzy unlocked the office door and picked up two clip boards and an OSHA safety check list. Suzy turned to Becky and said, "Boy this brings back memories; doesn't it?" "Yes, I remember dad staying late into the night to do paperwork. I even remember driving here to pick him up because he was too drunk to drive." Becky replied. "Me too; I remember seeing his silhouette in the office window; he always seemed lonely and very sad." Suzy added. "I think he was still mourning mom's death; he never really got over it." Becky replied as they headed out the door. As the sisters toured the lumberyard they made sure to check off all safety hazards that needed immediate attention; hazards to be addressed by the yard foreman on Monday. As they continued Suzy said, "Maybe we should have done this walk through with our insurance rep and attorney." "They could have advised us on potential problem areas." She added. "I thought of that but they would have slowed us down; besides we can do a teleconference with them early next week about possible violations." Becky suggested as they continued toward the processing area where all the logs were stored. Jake quietly kept an eye on them as they did their walkthrough. From time to time Jake would look up from beneath his hooded sweatshirt; thinking he heard a high-pitched sound. As the sisters approached the third stack of logs they noticed that the stabilizing pins lying on the ground. "Someone must have forgotten to place the steel pins into their metal holders at the base. Well that's an issue right there." Becky said as she pointed to the ground. "Yes we'll have to notify the foreman on Monday and have a crew place them back in." Suzy suggested. "What; we can do it ourselves. We don't need some hired hand for this." Becky announced. "But they look pretty heavy; maybe we should wait." Suzy stated. "Screw that; the two of us can handle it." Becky replied as she walked toward the first steel bar. When Jake heard Becky's response and their footsteps he turned the key to start the electric forklift. Becky turned to Suzy as they lifted the heavy stabilizing bar off the ground and said, "Do you here a loud humming noise." Before Suzy could respond the stack of logs came crashing down on them; pinning them. Jake lowered the forks then moved the forklift back to its original place and turned the key off. He rushed around the collapsed stack of logs to see Suzy buried beneath the logs with her skull crushed. Jake removed his gloves and reached to check her pulse; there was nothing. He turned after hearing Becky moaning. The logs had crushed her legs and upper chest and ribcage; she had difficulty breathing. Becky was still conscious but in shock. As she looked up at Jake she murmured, "Why; why." Jake pulled out a syringe and filled it with air. He stuck the needle just below Becky's hair line on the back of ear and pushed the plunger down. He repeated this over and over as he recited, "My curses on the white men; May the Great Spirit curse you when he speaks in his war voice! You are Murderers! The last of the Wampanoag curse be on you! May the graves of your children be in the path that the red man shall trace! May the wolf and panther howl over your bones!" (Stone, 1833, p.40) Becky's mind flashed back to the first time she heard those same words spoken by her mentor, Will Girard; the words of Metacomet's curse on the Whiteman. As the gleam in her eyes faded and the spirits of the grave came to take her she murmured, "But the kids, the kids." With Becky's last gasp of breath, she said, "Look up." Jake heard the same high pitched sound as before. He looked up from beneath his hood to see a drone flying overhead; a Quadcopter. The same DJI - Phantom 4 camera drone he had given to each of Becky's and Suzy's kids.

Jake quickly turned pulling his hoodie over his face and placing the syringe back in the pocket of his sweatshirt. As he made his way back to his car he murmured to himself; "I told you I would get you back for my mother's death." Jake arrived back at the estate just before lunch. It seemed that none of the staff were aware of his departure or return. But when he walked into the living room he was greeted by Richard. "Where the hell have you been all morning?" Richard asked as Jake continued to walk toward the kitchen. "I just went for a walk; needed to think things over." He replied as he walked pass Richard. Richard reached out and grabbed his arm and said, "A walk my ass; you're dressed more like a burglar." "What the fuck did you do?" He added. "Nothing; I just had to get something done." Jake replied as his face turned eerie and lurid. Richard looked down at Jake's muddy boots containing bits of bark and sawdust. He could smell the odor of pine emanating from his body. "You went to the fuckin lumberyard, didn't you?" Richard yelled. "I was just walking in the woods." Jake replied as he stared back at Richard. "Goddamn it Jake, you got to remember I was a detective for forty years. I can tell when someone is hiding something or outright lying; besides your muddy clothes and smell give you away." Richard replied. "Tell me you didn't commit murder." He added. Jake just stared back and said, "I've got to take a shower and change into some different clothes before lunch." As Jake turned around and began walking upstairs Richard yelled out, "You can't wash out the stench of death."

It was a half hour later when the three kids came across their mother's bodies pinned under the pile of logs. Tyee quickly called 911 as Nodin and Malina cried uncontrollably. They wanted to hug their mothers but neither could be reached. By the time the EMTs and firetruck arrived on scene the police and yard foreman were already there. When the 911 call came in the police sergeant had the dispatcher call the yard foreman down to the lumber yard. The police focused on securing the scene and getting the kids out of the immediate area. They escorted all three to a second ambulance to be checked out and treated for possible shock. The yard foreman used a crane to carefully remove each log allowing the EMTs to access the bodies. Meanwhile a second police car had arrived on site carrying two State Troopers from the Northampton Barracks. One officer did a quick search for evidence while the other spoke to the EMTs and the cop who was the first on the scene. The EMTs explained that both women appeared to have died from blunt force trauma when the logs fell; crushing their bodies. The yard foreman explained that the Steel Safety Bars appear to have either given way or not properly set. The State Policeman asked the yard foreman if he noticed anything unusual. The foreman stated that everything else seemed in place; and that nothing looked out of ordinary. He did add that lumber yards and logging is a dangerous occupation. The State Police wrapped up their investigation by questioning the kids. Although they were still in shock and crying profusely, Becky's son Tyee was able to tell the officer what their mothers were doing at the lumberyard on a Sunday. The foreman explained that there was an upcoming OSHA safety inspection. The officer then asked, "So, what were you kids doing here?" Suzy's daughter Malina replied as she continued sobbing and sniffling, "Our mothers wanted us to come along for the ride; we were supposed to all go to lunch afterwards." "They told us that we could fly our drones while they did their work; as long as we stayed out of the way." Malina's brother, Nodin added. The State Policeman turned to the yard foreman and asked, "Is there someone we can contact; any close relatives?" "Neither sister had family living in the area; as far as I know both set of grandparents and great grandparents are dead." Tyee looked up still wrapped in a blanket and said, "There's our Uncle Jake; you can call him." "Yes you need to call our uncle; he can come and get us; he can take care of us." Malina urged as she sobbed. The officer turned to the foreman and asked, "Is he the next of kin?" The foreman worked for Becky and Suzy for nearly six years; he knew all too well the family structure and the friction between Jake and the sisters. "Well he's a stepbrother to the sisters. Their father married his mother. From what I hear their father died a week later. "Jake is our uncle." Exclaimed Nodin as he wiped his tears away. "Well he does treat them like his own kids but I'm not the law." The Foreman added. "I can give you his cell number." Malina offered while still sobbing.

The Officer called Jake and informed him of the industrial accident at the lumberyard. He explained that it appears that Becky and Suzy had brought their kids along but didn't witness the accident. Jake immediately asked if the kids were okay but that they were very shaken by the ordeal. The officer also told Jake that the bodies were being transported to Nobel Hospital and that the three kids would be transferred there by police car. Jake said. "I'll leave immediately and meet you there." On their way to the hospital Richard said, "I told you to forget about revenge; I told you to stay away from them. But not you; you never fuckin listen to anyone." Jake smiled and then replied, "They deserve what they got." Jake and Richard arrived at the emergency ward at the hospital to find that the three kids were being checked out for post-traumatic stress by the Doctor and a Phycologist. After Jake spoke to the police officer he went through the set of security doors to see each child while Richard remained in the waiting room. The officer asked Richard some questions about Jake's relationship with the kids. Richard explained how close he was to each child and was their mother's stepbrother. By then a woman from the Child Welfare Office came into the waiting room and began to ask Richard similar questions. She was trying to determine if Jake might be a good candidate to be an immediate temporary custodian for the kids or if they needed to be placed in the system. As she continued questioning Richard about Jake and his relationship to the kids the Phycologist continued his observations of the three kids. Tyee seemed to be holding up okay but Malina and Nodin were still sobbing and shaking. Jake was asked to talk to all three to calm them down, but it was only Tyee who seemed to respond. The Phycologist asked Jake to step out so that he could continue his evaluations. Jake entered the waiting to see Richard talking to the officer and a woman he didn't recognized. As he approached Richard introduced Jake to Susan; the woman from the CWO. She quickly began to ask Jake the same series of questions pertaining to his relationships to the mothers and the children. Jake finally asked her about custody. She replied, "Each State defines a relative slightly differently whether they are relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption. Preference is usual given to a child's grandparents, followed by aunts and uncles. In some cases it could be an adult sibling or cousin. But in this particular case you are not a blood relative even if they do call you Uncle." "I get that, but I am a Sachem of a Tribe and for Indian children, there are nine States that allow members of the child's Tribe to be considered extended family members for placement purposes." Jake replied. "Are you telling me that they are Indian children?" Susan asked. "Their mothers were members of the Wampanoag Tribe by ceremony and marriage; and their fathers were Native American Indians, so doesn't that automatically make them Indian children?" Richard argued. "I'll have to research that." She replied. "Look either way Jake can be listed as a Standby Guardian." Richard added. "Standby guardianship can be granted without going to court if the parents signed a document giving their consent to have a relative or someone else designated to be a guardian of their child. Standby guardianship goes into effect when a triggering event occurs such as the death of the parents or for some other reasons were the parents are temporarily unable to care for a child due to physical or mental disability." She explained. "So if Becky and Suzy listed Jake as a potential guardian in their Wills then that would work?" Richard asked. "Did they Jake; did you sign a document approving their wish?" She asked. "Yes I did; you can call the Attorney's office and they will fax the declaration to your office." Jake responded. "If that is true than you can be granted guardianship up to one year; you will still have to ask the Probate Court to make the guardianship permanent." Susan replied. "Can you give me the Attorney's number so I can make the call now?" She added.

An hour and a half had passed since Jake left the Tyee's, Malina's and Nodin's side where they were sobbing and shaken by the discovery of their mother's bodies. As Susan made her call the Phycologist entered the waiting room to give Jake and Richard an update. He said that all three are highly anxious and showing some early signs of PTS disorder that included negative feelings and hyperarousal. He stated that he prescribed a low dose of benzodiazepines for each child. He explained that the drug is one that he commonly uses with kids that have anxiety disorders. "Is the drug dangerous?" Jake asked. "No, they're meant to be short-term and can be extremely effective in reducing intense anxiety in youngsters who are in distress." The Doctor explained. "What's the down side doc?" Richard asked. "Well as with all benzodiazepines you can develop a tolerance. Although they are effective in the short term the dose would have to be increased over time to continue managing their anxiety and stress. If that needs to happen the kids may begin to like how it makes them feel." The Doctor replied. "You mean the drug can lead to addiction." Richard said. "That's possible." The Doctor replied. "So how can we help; how are we going to know if they are okay?" Jake asked. "Children act differently than adults when it comes to trauma; and each kid can react differently based on their age and personality. All you can do is to support them and help them deal with their emotions." The Doctor explained. "Is that all; really." Richard blurted out. "For adolescents; I would try to reassure them that you'll do everything to keep them safe. Be honest with them if they ask questions and encourage them to talk about their feelings. Most importantly, stick to a daily routine." The Doctor replied. "Is there anything else Doctor?" Jake asked. "Keep a log of their sleeping and eating habits; note any changes like nightmares or excessive crying. Be sure to record any edginess, lack of appetite and avoidance to talking about their mothers. All these are signs that they are still distress. If after a month or so they are still showing signs of distress than you need to get them professional help from a mental health specialist." The Doctor suggested. It was near 5:30 PM when Susan returned to the waiting room with a form for Jake to sign; acknowledging that he is the Standby Guardian for all three children. The three kids were released into Jake's custody. As Jake and Richard left the emergency waiting room to head back to the Davies Estate, the State Policeman pulled Jake aside and murmured, "I'll be in touch with you after we receive the official autopsies on the two bodies."

Chapter Seventeen

Home Sweet Home

Jake and Richard arrived back at the estate around 7:00 PM. No one seemed hungry, but all were tired from the day's events. Jake had called ahead to make sure that his housekeeper and butler had set up rooms for each child. He also had the chauffeur drive to Becky's and Suzy's residence and had one of their maids pack a small suitcase of clothes and some personal items for each child. Jake wanted the kids to feel at home when they arrived at the estate. By 9:00 PM all three kids were fast asleep. Richard and Jake moved to the living room were Richard poured a glass of bourbon for each of them. As they sat on the couch Richard turned to Jake and said, "What are you going to do if the police figure it out; how are you going to be able to ever face those kids?" "Jake took a sip of bourbon turned and said, "They will never find out; it was an industrial accident nothing more! Besides, you're my alibi; remember I never left the house." "Jake, I've backed you before; I even lied for you in the past; but this; you murdered them!" Richard replied. "Remember, you swore an oath to your tribe and your Sachem. You can't go to the police." Jake argued. "But did they really deserve to die?" Richard asked. "Are you telling me that they didn't deserve it; they both were murderers. They both were full of greed; both manipulated the system and political powers to work against our people." Jake replied. "With them gone there will be no more road blocks in our way; the tribe will have their land-in-trust deal and the casino project." He added. "Was it really worth selling your soul for it?" Richard asked as he finished his drink. "Only time will tell," Jake replied. "What about the kids?" Richard asked as he poured himself another drink. "I will take care of them; they will want for nothing. They will go to the best schools and get the best that money can buy." Jake replied. "What about love? What about parents?" Richard asked. "I grew up with no mother by myside to love me. My parents were the tribe; my love came from them. They will survive just like I did; they will turn out okay, just like I did." Jake responded. Richard took a long drink of his bourbon and said, "Yeah and look what that's done to you."

It took less than six months for Jake to be named permanent guardian for all three kids. Each of the kids had their own room and bathrooms at the estate. Jake made sure to keep Becky's and Suzy's house up to date; he hired additional staff to maintain both the house and the land. He knew down the road that all three kids would inherit the property once they turned twenty-one. The wake and burial of Becky and Suzy was scheduled on the same day. The service for both sisters was highly attended by businessmen, politicians, those who worked in the judicial circles and locals from the valley; even high-ranking members of the Council of Elders attended to pay tribute to the sisters who ran the Davies Corporation with an iron hand. The funerals were planned to be more of a celebration of life. It took the kids some time to accept the reality. Jake thought it best to keep the kids home until the spring semester started at Deerfield Academy. Jake hired the best private tutors money could buy to ensure that their education would not suffer due to their grieving and suffering that took time away from studies. Jake also made sure that each had multiple opportunities to meet with a grief counselor and adolescent physiologists twice a week.

When Tyee, Nodin and Malina returned to campus in the spring the routine of school and sports brought back a sense of normalcy into their lives. Each had missed their close friends and teachers while they were tutored at home. Deerfield Academy was very supportive and made arrangements for the three adolescents to skype with their teachers during their time away. Each managed to keep up with their accelerated programs using web-based programs. All three remained on track to graduate early at the age of seventeen. Jake knew by that time the kids turned seventeen the love of his life Marianna would be finished with her Graduate Degree at Harvard Business School. He planned to offer her the position of CEO with his corporation. Even though Jake was only able to see Marianna every other weekend the next few years flew by. Jake kept busy overseeing the company and attending school related events for all three kids. Tyee, Nodin and Malina had all turned seventeen and were ready to graduate from Deerfield in May. With their pedigree and money there was no lack of post-secondary offerings; each was accepted by several big name colleges and universities. Tyee signed a letter of intent to attend Stanford University in California and major in Biomechanical Engineering. Nodin decided on Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; he was impressed with their number one ranking for architecture and design. As for Malina she wanted to stay closer to home. She accepted a full scholarship to Mount Holyoke College located down the road in the town of South Hadley, Massachusetts. Mount Holyoke was her aunt Becky's Alma Mata. Malina was accepted as a triple major; her undergraduate areas included Art History, Art Studio and Native American Studies. Jake figured that when the three kids were away at school he and Marianna would have the time and privacy to get reacquainted; Jake looked forward to more time with his future bride. It was late August when Jake and Richard help packed the kids up for college. Tyee was scheduled for his flight to California in the morning while Nodin packed a van with his personal belongings; the family's chauffeur was assigned to drive him to Ithaca, New York and help him move into his dorm. Malina packed her belongings into a small U-Haul trailer that Jake would tow behind a rented pickup truck. Even though Richard was near eighty and couldn't lift heavy objects he decided to go along for the short drive and say his goodbyes to Malina at the campus.

With the kids off to college Jake turned his attention to Marianna. He expected to see her back that evening, but she called to say that she was running late and needed to meet with her advisor about her dissertation. Jake told her that all the kids were settled at college and that he would drive up to Cambridge to pick her up after he got her call. It was exactly one week later when Jake heard from Marianna. As she spoke Jake sensed that something had happened; she seemed jittery and uneasy over the phone. Jake asked her if there was something wrong but she said no and continued to talk about the logistics of picking her up at her campus apartment after her presentation. Before hanging up he pressed Marianna to tell him what was troubling her but she passed it off as pre-dissertation jitters. Jake couldn't wait to see his future bride; it had been almost a month without sex and he was getting anxious. Jake arrived in his BMW and parked near in a designated lot adjacent to the Harvard Business School as Marianna suggested. He still had to walk several blocks to reach her one-bedroom apartment on One Western Avenue. When he arrived at her apartment he knocked on the door. When it opened Jake grabbed Marianna in his arms and began kissing her. He closed the door and carried her off to the bedroom and threw her down onto the bed. Marianna was just as ecstatic to see Jake and have him in her arms once again. He tore off his clothes as Marianna quickly undid her blouse and bra. He quickly began to kiss her neck and worked his way down to her breasts. As he sucked her nipples she began to moan. Jake slipped her panties off as he continued kissing. Marianna grabbed Jake and pushed him inside her. He could feel that she was already wet. Their bodies slowly began to undulate causing the bed to move in a wave-like manner. Jake's body moved to the thumping rhythm of her body. She could feel Jake swell up and begin to flow inside her. Minutes later they both lay motionless beneath the sheets in total exhaustion. When Jake finally got up and walked toward the bathroom he noticed that Marianna had not yet packed. When he was in the bathroom he saw that her personal items were still on the sink and bathtub. As he took a piss he yelled, "Why haven't you packed yet?" Marianna sat up from the bed and said, "Did you say something dear?" She pretended as though she didn't hear the question. Then Jake looked down at the bathroom basket and saw a used condom. He screamed, "What the hell!" He ran back to the bedroom holding the basket in his hands. As he shook it at Marianna, he shouted, "What the hell is this all about?" As Marianna looked in the basket she saw the condom. She momentarily thought to blame it on a girlfriend who used her apartment but she couldn't lie to Jake; his face was full of heartbreak. As she sat naked in bed with her knees up to her chest shivering she began to cry. "Who the fuck is he; why did you let him fuck you?" Jake screamed. "As Marianna continued sobbing she murmured, "He's my advisor. He took me out for dinner and drinks to celebrate my dissertation. When he walked me home I asked him to come up for a drink." You whore; you goddam cheating whore." Jake yelled. "No Jake, no it wasn't like that. We were a little drunk; his wife had just left him and we began talking about relationships. When he started to kiss me I pushed him away. But then he started to caress my breasts and the next thing I knew my dress fell to the floor; I was so lonely; it had been so long for both of us." She explained while trembling. "So you let him fuck the shit out of you." Jake screamed back. "Jake, I still love you; it was just physical, it means nothing to me; he means nothing." She replied crying. "You still want me don't you Jake?" She begged. Jake just stared at her as he felt a coldness come over him. He couldn't bring himself to respond. As he got dressed Marianna leaped out of bed grabbing his arm and begging him to forgive her. As he reached the door he pushed her to the floor and slammed it shut.

As Jake sped off in his BMW Marianna continued lying on the floor of her apartment sobbing uncontrollably. It didn't take long for Jake to make it back home in record time. But before he got back to the estate he stopped at the local package store and picked up two bottles of bourbon. Richard was waiting for Jake when he entered the living. Richard took one look at Jake's face and knew something bad had happened. Richard poured the drinks as Jake told the story. Richard's only advice was that life is too short; you may never forget but you must learn to forgive especially if you're still in love with her. Jake ignored his friend and continued to empty the first bottle. By early evening Richard had to help Jake into bed. As Jake passed out on the bed Richard covered him with a blanket and murmured, "Now it's my time to take care of you."

Chapter Eighteen

Reconciliation

As the years passed Jake had difficulty returning any of Marianna's phone calls. He tried to forget what she had done but it was still difficult for him to forgive. It was Christmas break and all the kids were home from college. The kids found it difficult to celebrate the season without their mothers; their deaths had just happened a few years ago. Knowing that the season would be difficult for the kids Richard and Jake decided to keep the holiday low key. They spent most nights listening to their stories about college life and the demands of their courses. Even with the turmoil all three kids still managed to be very successful. The only times that Jake was not at their sides during the semester break was when he hit the local tavern to drink and forget about Marianna. Jake found himself becoming a homebody; he rarely went to parties or socialized except for the mandated meetings held by the tribe. As Chief he had to attend to his monthly obligations. Richard tried his best to get Jake out of the house but with little luck. On New Year's Eve Jake sat alone at the bar of the local tavern while the three kids attended a celebration at Deerfield Academy. Just around 11:30 PM the door of the tavern opened; and in walked Marianna dressed in a sexy black tight fitting dress with matching heels. She quietly walked up behind Jake tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Hey mister is this seat taken?" Jake turned and smiled. It was the first time in a long time that he could remember feeling happy. Jake just stared for the longest time; then said, "No, it's not taken." As Marianna sat he asked, "What are you drinking?" "I'll have what you're having; but make it a double shot." She replied. She leaned over and put her head on his shoulder while she waited for her drink. She looked up and said, "I miss you." It was at that moment that Jake's heart began to melt; he gulped and replied, "I miss you too; I miss us." The couple sat at the bar and talked; just talked. The big screen TV in the corner of the tavern was televising the Ball Drop at Times Square. Marianna and Jake kissed as the clock struck twelve midnight. Jake couldn't deny his love for the only woman he truly wanted.

Jake and Marianna arrived back at the estate around 1:30 AM. Richard was in bed asleep but Tyee and Nodin were still out partying at a friend's house. As they entered the living room Malina was sitting on the sofa with glass of champagne; she had waited all evening to toast the New Year with Jake. Malina's face grew pale as she saw Jake enter the room with Marianna on his arm. Jake said, "Your still up; isn't kind of late?" Malina just glared back at Jake and shouted, "I was waiting for you all night so that we could toast the New Year together!" "Aren't you kind of young to be drinking?" Jake uttered. "Goddam it Jake, stop treating me like I'm still a little child; I'm twenty; I'm a grown woman!" Jake just stood dumfounded as he stared at Malina and suddenly realized that she was wearing a see-through nightie. From the pout on her face Marianna could see that Malina was upset by her presence. Malina grabbed the second flute filled with champagne from the end table, got up from the sofa and walked over to Jake. She handed Jake the glass of champagne, then kissed him on the lips and said, "Happy New Year." Jake could feel Malina pressing her nipples into his chest as she toasted the holiday. "Marianna shoved Malina's arm, glared and said, "He's mine bitch." Malina quickly took a sip of her champagne and threw the rest in Marianna's face then strutted upstairs. Jake just stared at her in disbelief as her nightie swayed back and forth; letting her ass show. Marianna tugged on Jake's arm to break the trance and said, "Baby, I think she's in love with you." Jake shrugged it off and said, "She's only twenty, she doesn't know what love is." "I'm telling you Jake she is going to be nothing but trouble; when does she go back to school?" They all go back the second week of January; their programs require an early return." "Not soon enough." Marianna replied. Jake and Marianna spent the night together and the early hours of the morning making love. On her way to the bathroom down the hall Malina stopped in front of Jake's bedroom door; she put her ear to the door to hear the sound of lusts resonating from the room. She shook her head and murmured; "that bitch; she doesn't know who she's dealing with." As she returned from the bathroom Jake's door suddenly opened up. There stood Marianna wearing nothing but Jake's unbuttoned dress shirt. It was barely long enough to cover her upper thighs. Both women stood in each other's path. Malina stared at the fullness of Marianna's tan colored breast and reddish nipples sticking out from beneath the shirt. There was nothing shy about Marianna; she opened the shirt a little wider; as she placed her hands on her hips she said, "This is what a real woman looks like. This is what Jake expects; not some little bitch like you!" Malina raised her hand and slapped Marianna across the face then pushed her out of the way and continued toward her bedroom. Marianna turned and said, "Why don't you go back to school little girl." When Marianna returned from the bathroom Jake was still asleep in the bed. When she hopped back under the sheets he stirred and murmured, "Is there anything wrong?" Marianna just snuggled closer and murmured, "no darling, nothing; nothing at all." He just smiled as he felt the heat radiate from Marianna's body.

It was close to 9:00 AM when Nodin and Tyee entered the house. Richard was in the kitchen drinking coffee. As they walked in he smiled and said, "Late night gentlemen?" They both grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and said, "Yeah; it was a heck of a night." Then walked upstairs and went to bed. Jake came downstairs with Marianna and walked into the kitchen for coffee. Richard looked up as they entered; smiled and said laughing, "Late night." "When did you arrive?" He added as he looked at Marianna still somewhat disheveled. "Last night; I bumped into Jake at the tavern just before midnight." She responded as she yawned. "How did you know where to find him?" He asked. "I stopped at the house and the boys told me just before they went out." She responded as she poured herself a cup of coffee. Richard leaned over to Jake and whispered, "I see that you finally learned to forgive." Jake just smiled as he sipped his coffee. Malina stomped down the staircase with a packed bag in tow and her backpack swung over her shoulder. As he strode across the living room Richard yelled out, "Where the hell are you heading so early in the morning?" Malina opened the door; looked back and yelled, "Back to school!" As she slammed the door Jake ran to the front door and opened it; yelling, "Isn't too early to return to Mt. Holyoke; besides how are you going to get there?" Just as Jake spoke an Uber driver pulled up in front of the house. Malina threw her luggage in the backseat then turned and yelled back, "The campus dorms are opened; some people don't get a chance to go home!" "Come on, you should stay the rest of the week; don't go back mad." Jake pleaded. "I'm not staying in the same house with that woman." She screamed as she slammed the car door. Jake stood in the doorway staring as the car drove away. Marianna walked up behind Jake, placed her hand on his shoulder and murmured, "She'll be oaky; didn't you hear, she's a big girl."

The rest of the semester break passed without incident. Tyee caught his flight back to Stanford College in California and Nodin took a bus back to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Jake and Marianna had the house to themselves after all three had returned to school. Richard had caught a cold and was laid up in bed for several weeks. Jake had to hire a second nurse to take care of his ailing friend. Marianna took the rest of the month to help Jake out with the Davies Corporation and the multiple business interests under his ownership. On several occasions Jake pushed Marianna to become CEO but she stop short of committing herself to a long term position. He couldn't grasps why she wouldn't come to work for him permanently; after all she had her MBA and experience to run a large corporation. It was nearing the end of the month when Marianna looked across the dinner table at Jake and said, "Darling these last few months have been wonderful. I've cherished our time together and I love you deeply." Jake stared back waiting for the next shoe to drop. As she spoke he felt a pit in his stomach. "Jake, I need to complete my law degree." Jake was startled by the news. He knew that she just completed her MBA and thought she would come to work for him. But Marianna explained that soon after Jake and her separated she applied and was accepted into the joint JD-MBA degree program at Harvard Law School. She explained that she completed all the requirements for her MBA but that she would need another year and a half to complete her Juris Doctor Degree. Jake sat across the table looking depressed. Marianna explained that this was important to their future. She wanted the JD Degree along with the MBA in order to have the necessary credentials to be the best CEO his company would ever have; she didn't want the job because she was going to be his wife. As she spoke those final words Jake began to smile and said, "That's the first time I've heard you say that word, wife." "Of course I want to be your wife; wasn't that our plan; so if you really love me than you'll support my decision?" She replied.

"But a year and a half is a long time; I will miss you." Jake uttered. Marianna explained that they would still be able to see each other every weekend and during semester breaks. Jake didn't immediately respond; he had trouble taking all of this in; he remembered what happened the last time they were apart for such a long period of time. By the end of the meal Jake capitulated with her request. He knew that to have her for life he needed to let her go now. Deep down they both knew that this would be a true test of their love for each other. "When do you have to go?" Jake asked regretfully. "Next week." She replied as she reached out to hold his hand. "Okay then, I'll drive you to Cambridge and help you get settled." "Do you have a place to stay?" He asked. "Yes; I made arrangements with my advisor to rent out an apartment," She replied. "Is that the same shithead?" Jake demanded to know. Marianna sensed that Jake's wounded ego had yet to heal. "I thought we got beyond that indiscretion; no it's not him; it's a woman." She replied. Jake knew he had overstepped the line with his comment, but he still had trouble dealing with the past. "I'm sorry; I guess I still have a small issue with what happened." Jake said. "I'm sorry too; I should have said something earlier about my plans, but I was so happy to just be back in your life." She replied. As Jake stared at the five foot nine inch beauty with auburn hair and deep blue eyes she sensed his undying love for her. Marianna stared back and realized that she was truly in love with this man; the man that she would marry and build a life with. Marianna got up and took Jake by the hand leading him upstairs to the bedroom. As Jake followed her up the staircase he stared at her ass thinking, she is everything he ever wanted in a woman; she was gorgeous, intelligent and had a body of an athlete. He was so in love with her. As she turned at the top of the staircase she let her dress drop to the floor.

Chapter Nineteen

Pay Back

Jake drove Marianna back to Cambridge the following week as planned. He stayed long enough to get her settled in and meet her advisor Barbara over lunch. Barbara was a mid-fiftyish heavy set woman with scraggly white and grey hair. She spoke in a deep tenor often with the language of a sailor; needless to say she didn't mince words. She was raised on the streets of one of the oldest neighborhoods in Worcester, Massachusetts; the second largest city in the state. Her childhood home is one of a couple hundred dwellings listed in the historic district of Crown Hill. As she spoke Jake found it difficult believing that she was in charge of the JD program at Harvard. But she had all the American Bar Association credentials and lots of life experiences practicing law. After lunch Jake and Marianna said their goodbyes. Marianna continued her meeting with her advisor as Jake drove back to Western Massachusetts; he needed to work on a temporary solution for replacing Marianna. He knew that it would take at least two people to do the work she was doing for his corporation.

Jake and Marianna managed to see each other every weekend as planned. But as the weeks passed every weekend turned into every other weekend. Eventually their workloads reduced their get-togethers to once a month. Although their time together lessened their love and desire for each other grew; and as for the sex it was better than ever. Back home Richard's health was failing. Jake had to make arrangements for a hospital bed to be moved in to one of the unused first floor bedrooms with its own private bathroom. Richard required oxygen from time to time as well as injections for his diabetes. All this necessitated a nurse twenty four hours a day seven days a week; but Jake easily could afford the costs. As for Tyee, Nodin and Malina, Jake heard less and less from all three; the only time he got a call from any one of them was when they needed additional spending money. None of the three came home for Christmas that year or in February to celebrate their twenty-first birthdays. Jake had planned on having a small gala for the celebration but each nixed the idea; they said that they rather stay at college and go to the bars with their friends. Even Malina who was local refused Jake's offer; she planned to celebrate her birthday with her friends by attending a frat party at Amherst College. Besides she had never gotten over that New Year's night; the night that she threw champagne in Marianna's face after kissing Jake. Marianna and Jake managed to spend a quiet Christmas together but shortly after she went back to Harvard. As time passed it became more difficult to see each other. Marianna was busy with her law courses and Jake was taking on a greater role at the corporation in her absence.

It was nearing May when Richard took his first stroke. As with most people Richard didn't show the symptoms of Carotid Artery Disease. The Doctor explained to Jake that CAD rarely causes overt symptoms. Symptoms are only likely to appear once one of the carotid arteries becomes fully or nearly blocked. That increased Richard's risks for a transient ischemic attack or what is commonly called a stroke. The Doctor explained that TIA is a mini-stroke; it causes stroke symptoms that can last for a few minutes or hours. He said that's why Richard had trouble speaking and seeing; and why one side of his face drooped. Jake knew that Richard was taking meds for high blood pressure and that his doctor ordered him to stop smoking cigars and lose twenty pounds; but Richard never listened. What Jake didn't know was that Richard was also dealing with diabetes. By mid-May Richard died of a Thrombotic stroke caused by large blood clots that migrated into the carotid arteries that completely stopped blood flowing to his brain. The Doctor told Jake that this led to brain herniation resulting in death. The Doctor explained that even if Richard had changed his lifestyle that his arteries would have stiffen and become more susceptible to damage and clotting due to his age. Jake made arrangements for Richard's wake and funeral according to Richard's wishes as stated in his Last Will and Testament. Essentially Richard wanted a traditional Condolence Ceremony. As a Sachem of the Wampanoag Jake was very familiar with the Condolence ritual; he knew that it would have to include traditional dances at a celebratory feast after the burial ceremony. The Condolence ceremony is a burial ritual were all layers of the Native American social structure are intermeshed. Jake made sure to invite representatives from the Oneida, Iroquois, Mohawk, Onondaga, and Seneca tribes who would help out with the ceremony. As was done with past burials Jake planned on a ceremony comprised of adaptations of rituals taken from both the Iroquois Nation and the Wampanoag tribe. The invitations stated that the ceremony would be scheduled for 1:00 PM at the sacred burial ground located in the Mackin Sand Bank area of Deerfield. Other dignitaries from local and state police departments, legislators and members of the judicial system attended the ceremony along with representatives from the Wampanoag and other Native American tribes. Tyee, Nodin and Malina made the trip home in time for the burial. Marianna was at Jake's side as the ceremony began. Richard's Condolence Ceremony began with a Welcome at the Wood's Edge by one of the chiefs. (Foley, 2001, p. 29) Jake also made sure that there were chiefs to represent the speakers of the clear-minded moiety. As is tradition a chief recites the fifteen verses of the Requickening Address. As this is done the condolers hand out Wampum strings to the mourners. The Wampum strings are colored and ordered to represent a specific metaphor. As the condolers completed their verses, the mourners repeated the verses to the clear-minded and then returned the wampum. Nodin turned to Tyee and asked, "Why are they handing out these colored strings of beads?" "I'm not sure." He replied. Malina overheard the conversation and answered, "The use of wampum demonstrates both involution and reciprocity because it is the clear-minded ones who give wampum to the mourners and then it's the mourners who return the wampum to the clear-minded as they repeat the verses." (Foley, 2001, p. 29) "How do know that?" Nodin asked. "Remember one of my majors at Mt. Holyoke is Native American Studies." Malina murmured. Richard left specific instructions to have his celebratory feast held at a local tavern in nearby Easthampton instead of the tribal lodge. He wanted a place where members of the tribe could celebrate his life with food, drink and dance. Most of those who attended and participated in the Condolence Ceremony made the short trip to Easthampton to celebrate Richard's life. The drinks flowed as the celebration grew louder with song and dance. Malina was on her third shot of tequila when her brother Nodin urged her to slow down; but she ignored his plea and continued. Malina sat at the bar just starring across the room at Jake and Marianna. In her mind Marianna was stealing her man. Malina got up and walked across the room. As she grew nearer Marianna looked up and said, "You're not going to throw another drink in my face; are you." Malina pulled her arm back to toss the drink, but Tyee stepped in and held her back as he said, "You need to calm down cousin; you're totally out of control; you need to leave." Malina snarled at Tyee saying, "Mind your own business and leave me alone!" As Malina stormed off she turned and yelled, "She's nothing but a whore anyways." Nodin took his sister outside to cool her off. Marianna looked at Jake and said, "I told you that she was in love with you; you better be careful of that little girl's hot temper."

Come Monday Marianna returned to Harvard Law School in Cambridge as Jake continued another hectic week of work. Jake knew that Marianna was approaching a vital time in attaining her JD; She was about to begin her Judicial Clerkship at the District Court level. It would be a month before their schedules would allow each other time together. After the Condolence Ceremony Nodin took the bus back to school in Ithaca New York while Tyee caught a flight back to the west coast to continue his studies at Stanford. Malina decided to stick around the estate for another week before returning to Mt. Holyoke College; she figured that a lot of her research could be done just as well from home. Almost a week had passed since Richard's burial and Jake still found himself working late into the night. He had got into a routine of working long days followed by heavy drinking at home and then passing out on the couch. As the routine continued the housekeeper and other staff began to worry for his health. The loss of Richard combined with the absence of Marianna's and the stress of work weighed heavy on Jake; he began to look much older than his age of twenty-six. Over the course of the week following Richard's burial Malina kept to herself and worked out of the estate's library. It was the Friday before she was scheduled to return to Mt. Holyoke when Malina planned to make her move. She knew that Jake wasn't due home until late. By 4:00 PM she told the staff to take off early. As 6:00 PM approached she took a shower, then put on makeup and perfume. She stayed in sweat pants and a Mt. Holyoke jersey until she heard Jake's BMW pull up. Jake entered the living room and quickly threw off his jacket and poured his first glass of bourbon. Malina let Jake have a half-hour to settle in and an opportunity to enjoy another glass of bourbon. She snuck down the staircase to see Jake beginning to nod off. This was her cue. Malina went back upstairs into Jake's bedroom and took her sweat pants and jersey off. She pulled one of Jake's white dress shirts from his closet and put it on. She quietly walked down the stairs into the living room then strolled over toward the voice command speaker and said, "Alexa play some romantic music." As Jake heard her voice he turned to see Malina walking toward him; he continued to sit quietly staring at the beautiful young woman as the song began. As she strolled closer she unbuttoned the shirt fully exposing her body. Jake stared up from the couch to see her reddish tone nipples perk up. Malina pulled the shirt farther apart letting her shaven area come into full view. As he stared at the firm body of the young women she said, 'Do you like what you see?" Jake gulped his drink and said, "Yes, I'm not that drunk; but I'm your guardian." "It's okay; we're not blood relatives; besides you know I'm twenty-one." "You think your old enough to be in love with me but you're too young to what true love is." Jake replied as he continued to sip his bourbon. "Hell Jake, you know I've always had a crush on you; and besides I know what you like." She replied as she placed Jake's hands on her breasts and moved them around. Jake continued to fondle Malina as she started her hands downward and unzipped his pants. She began kissing Jake all over his face. Jake continued to rub her nipples as she reached inside his shorts and grabbed. As she began to stroke Jake slowly he started to kiss her. She continued to stroke him faster and faster until she could feel his wetness. Jake grabbed Malina's head and pushed her downward. Malina put up no resistance as she opened her mouth wide. She continued stroking until she could feel him throbbing in her mouth with a wet sensation. She raised her eyes to see Jake filled with ecstasy; Jake looked down into her eyes as she continued to lick the corners of her mouth with her tongue. He pushed her head back down as he began to ooze. As she finished she got up and quickly stripped Jake's clothes off. She straddled atop of him and spread; pushing Jake inside her with her hands. She slowly began to make her body undulate causing the couch and Jake to go in rhythm with her body's thrusts. As their bodies rose and fell she felt Jake swell up and surge. Malina used her hands to push harder and harder causing her to have a second orgasm. She lied motionless atop of Jake exhausted but refused to get off or let Jake come out. As their bodies lay together she murmured in his ear, "Darling, I know what you did at the lumberyard." Jake became startled and said, "You know what?" "Malina lifted her head off his chest and smiled at Jake and said, "I know that you are a murderer." Jake pushed Malina's naked body off and onto the floor. As she sat naked she yelled, "Remember the Quadcopter you gave me for my birthday!" Jake stared at her dumfounded as he thought back to that day; the day he heard a noise above him. It was the noise of a DJI - Phantom 4 camera drone flying overhead. He remembered looking up for a moment and then covering his face with his hooded sweatshirt when he saw the drone. "Yes, you can view the world with that kind of drone. It has great maneuverability and recording imaging capabilities." She uttered in a sexy tone while smirking. "How the hell did you know it was me?" He asked. "I was able to control the drone using my iPhone. All I had to do was to select a target for the drone and have it track it automatically." She explained. "Besides I knew it was you; remember I gave you that sweatshirt for your birthday." She added. Jake stood silent for a while as he watched Malina get up and put his shirt back on. "What do you want?" He demanded. "You know darling, I just want you." Malina replied as she kissed him on the cheek. Jake pushed her away as he said, "But I plan on marrying Marianna." "Not anymore; I suggest you get rid of her or else I will." Malina said as she strutted her ass back upstairs to take a shower. Jake ran to the bathroom got dress and drove off in his BMW. Malina spent the rest of the night alone while Jake continued drinking at the local bar.

All was quiet as Jake and Malina sat across from each other at the breakfast table. Jake looked up from his coffee and said, "What will it take to make this go away?" "As I told you last night honey, I want you; all of you to myself. I don't care how you do it but you better find a way to cut her loose." Malina demanded. "You don't have a video; if you did you have gone to the police by now. Jake shouted. "Honestly, I didn't know the video existed until my birthday. After what happened at the lumberyard I had all but forgotten about the drone; all three of us forgot. Then just before I was ready to go back to college I decided to clean out my closets; that's when I came across the drone. I saw that it had a recorded video and I decided to play it." Malina explained in a low voice as to not reveal anything to the staff cleaning in the next room. "So where is the video now?" Jake inquired. "You don't think I'm going to tell you do you: besides it's in a very safe place; a place that no one will ever come across." Malina stated as she smiled. "So I have one last question." Jake uttered. "What is it darling?" "Why didn't you bring the video to the police; why didn't you turn me in earlier?" Jake asked. "Because stupid, I was in love with you; and I'm still in love with you." Malina said as she got up and hugged Jake from behind. She leaned over pushing her breast into him and murmured, "I know you murdered my mother and aunt but I forgive you; I know that they did some pretty bad things too." "So what do we do now?" Jake uttered. "I move in with you; I can commute to college from home; that way we can see each other every night." Malina pulled Jake's head around and undid her blouse to expose her breasts. As she walked away she turned and used her finger signaling him to follow her upstairs. Jake got up and followed. As they reached the top of the staircase she let her skirt and panties fall to the floor; she rushed to his bedroom to get under the sheets. As Jake followed her into the room he stripped off all his clothes and got atop of her. She dug her nails into his back to pull him closer. As she felt him began to throb inside she whispered, "I finally got you all to myself."

Chapter Twenty

Trouble at Home

Almost a month had passed since Marianna had heard anything from Jake. She was upset that he couldn't even take the time to make a simple phone call; so she decided to call Jake. It was around 7:00 PM when Jake's bedroom phone rang. No one picked up so she left a message. "Hi Jake this is Marianna calling. I miss you baby; when are you coming to Cambridge? If you come this Friday I can take Monday off and we can make a long weekend. You know Jake; spend some quality time in bed. Call me ASAP; can't wait to see you; Love you. Although Jake wasn't home to take the call Malina had heard every word from Jake's bedroom; Malina and Jake were now sharing the same bed and bathroom. As she erased the message Malina murmured, "He had better do something about that bitch before I do." When Jake finally got home he went upstairs to change. He found Malina coming out of the bathroom dripping wet wrapped in a towel. As he started to undress he asked, "Did I get a call today?" "Why no Jake; I was here most of the day." "I had no late afternoon classes so I came home early; I would have known if someone called." She added. Jake gave Malina a queer look and said, "that's funny; Marianna left a message on my cell phone stating she tried to reach me at the house but ended up leaving a message." Malina remained quiet momentarily then looked up at Jake. "Oops, maybe I accidentally erased it by mistake." Malina said as she stuck her finger in her mouth and dropping the towel. "I can't do this anymore." Jake uttered. "You didn't seem to have any trouble on all the other days." Malina replied as she snuggled her naked body up against Jake's. Jake shook her by the arms and said, "You know what I mean; I can't play house with you anymore! I'm still in love with Marianna!" Jake shouted. Malian glared back and said, "I told you once before that you need to get rid of her or else I'll go to the police; do you hear me!" Malina turned and strutted her ass back to the bathroom and slammed the door.

Jake was in a quandary. He was uncertain of what to do this coming weekend. If he returned Marianna's call and ended up going to Cambridge he knew he wouldn't have the will to break off their relationship. And he knew that his love for her would keep him from telling her about Malina. But if he didn't go then Marianna would be suspicious; she would infer that something has happened or worse yet that someone had come between them. Jake sat on the bed perplexed over the difficult situation. As he sat it dawned on him, Malina's video didn't exactly show his face; he remembered he pulled his hood over his head quickly when he heard the drone buzzing above. And that during the police investigation his dear departed friend Richard lied to the police when asked about Jake's whereabouts that Sunday. So, if they did reopen the investigation it would be just Malina's word against his; and Jake already had his alibi. And then Jake thought of the evidence; if he could find the video and destroy it then Malina would have nothing to blackmail him. As Jake sat contemplating his move Malina came back out of the bathroom still wrapped in only a towel. As she walked toward Jake she dropped the towel and jumped on Jake. As they fell backwards on the bedroom she began to kiss him all over. She lay atop of Jake who was still partially clothed and whispered, "I forgive you darling; I know that you really love me. I know that sometimes you have trouble showing it. So let me show you how much I love you." Although Jake felt repulsed he knew that he had to go along with her advances. Malian stripped off the rest of Jake's clothes and began kissing his neck. She made her way down to his chest; then slowly continued her descent. When she reached her target she began licking.

It was nearly 7:00 PM when the two woke up; the physical activity made them both tired. After cleaning up and putting on sweat pants and a T-shirt they both headed downstairs to get something to eat. As they sat across from each other at the kitchen table eating leftovers Jake looked across and said, "I think you're right; I think it's about time I tell Marianna that we're all through. I'll go to Cambridge and tell her this weekend." Malina looked up with a big grin on her face and replied, "That'll be great; but why can't you just tell her over the phone?" "I think that after four years she deserves to hear it in person, don't you?" Jake uttered. "I guess so, but she might try to lure you back; you know she can be pretty deceiving." Malina suggested. Jake sat there thinking, look who's talking. Come tomorrow Jake would pack a small overnight bag to take on his trip to Cambridge on that following day. Malina would keep herself busy finishing several essays due this coming week. She felt the need to occupy her mind as Jake drove to Harvard to break up with Marianna. When Malina was at school on Thursday Jake searched the premises for the video. He thought that she might have hid it in her room or possibly somewhere in the estate library; but he came up empty handed. As he sat in the library he thought back to what Malina said about the video; he remembered her saying that it was hidden in a very safe place; a place that no one will ever come across. Then it struck him; the room she cleaned out was at her mother's house; the house where her aunt and mother hid Jake when he was abducted. Although he was just a young kid he remembered that he was taken to one of the Tobacco sheds located behind the house. He thought; Shit it can't be in the same spot under the bale of hay; in the same shed where I found the syringe used to murder my mother.

Jake drove over to the house that Becky and Suzy inherited from their father. Jake remembered that this was the place he was taken to the night of his abduction. This is the place where he first discovered the evidence hidden in a box under a bale of hay that pointed to her murderers. Although Jake hired a house keeper and grounds keeper to keep up the house and surrounding area it didn't keep the house from looking vacant. He parked his car and walked toward the second tobacco shed. He remembered seeing Becky and Suzy going to the North corner of the tobacco shed and pushing aside one of the bales in the far corner to reveal a small box. It was the box that Jake had discovered containing some personal items and the syringe. Jake moved the bale of hay and looked down to see the small box. He reached in, pulled it out. A grin came across his face as he opened a small manila folder holding a video labelled, Malina. This was it; this was the blackmail tape. Jake placed the box back and pushed the bale of hay back. When Jake got back to the estate he went upstairs to play the video on his private media center located in his bedroom. As the tape played he saw himself running from behind the stack of logs to check Suzy's pulse and then sticking the needle into Becky over and over again. The last part of the video showed a young man peering upwards as he pulled the hood of his sweatshirt over his face. Jake replayed that section several times pausing it at times. Malina was right; anyone could identify the college name on the sweatshirt and some of the man's facial features. Jake took the tape to the outside terrace were the fire pit was located. He lit the pit and threw the tape into the fire. As the tape burned he stared at the smoke rising and murmured, "Ashes tell no secrets." Malina no longer had any evidence connecting him to the murders; he could do what he wanted and what he wanted was to marry the love of his life, Marianna.

Although it was only Thursday Jake was already packed and ready to drive to Cambridge. Jake was walking to his BMW when Malina arrived home from college. As she parked her car aside of Jake's she put the window down and yelled, "Where are you going in such a rush?" Jake stared back and said, "I'm going to Cambridge early." "But why, she's not expecting you until Friday." She uttered. "I thought I get it over with and head back before the weekend." "Ooh, I like that idea; this way we can celebrate over the long weekend." She replied excitedly. She rushed out of the car and gave Jake a big kiss and said, "I'll miss you." Jake didn't respond; he just nodded; got in the car and drove off.

Jake left on Thursday so that he could have time to shop for an engagement ring in Boston. He booked a five day stay at the Ritz Carlton. He figured that he could choose a ring take in a game and pick up Marianna on Friday; Cambridge was a short drive. Instead of staying at her apartment he would surprise her by staying in the luxury suite with a panoramic view of Boston. He planned on proposing to her that first night over dinner. Malina tried to reach Jake on his cell phone come late Friday but he never answered her messages or texts. Jake had surprised Marianna with his plan to stay in Boston when he picked her up late morning on Friday. It took her all of 15 minutes to pack an overnight bag and some personal toiletries. The room was breath taking; Although the couple spent more time gazing into each other's eyes and making love most of the afternoon. Jake had called the restaurant ahead and reserved a table for two in a quiet corner. He also planned on providing a note to the waiter so that it could be taped to the inside of the dessert menu. He planned on proposing when it was time for dessert; as she opened the menu and read his romantic note. All went well from drinks to appetizers and the main course; the only interruption was the constant vibration of Jake's cell phone when Malina tried to call or text. Throughout the meal Jake and Marianna talked about their future together; what they wanted out of life both professionally and personally; they spoke of the CEO position that was Marianna's for the taking and how they might consider adopting kids because of Jake's sterility. It seemed as though they talked forever. Finally the waiter came over with the dessert menus. Marianna waved off the waiter's offer; but Jake convinced her that she deserved to cheat on her diet at least on this night. Marianna took the menu and opened it. As she read the note she began to cry, "I can't think of a time when I didn't feel you in my life. From the moment you came along my life changed for the better. You have given me so much already that I can never pay you back; but I know that I might be able to begin to if I can only spend the rest of my life loving you and holding you in my arms." She looked up with tears in her eyes to see Jake down on one knee with an opened box holding a two carat engagement ring. Jake stared up at Marianna and said, "I promise my heart only to you along with all my love. I promise to be faithful and to always be there for you. I will cherish you and our time together until the end of time. You made me complete when you entered my life. Would you be my wife?" Marianna nodded: as they stood they kissed each other passionately as the rest of the patrons applauded. As Jake held Marianna in his arms he thought, now; how do I tell her about Malina? Malina will be home waiting when we arrive back at the estate.

Before they left Boston on Monday Jake called Malina back as Marianna was packing her bags. Malina was beside herself when Jake told her that he stayed in Boston and got engaged. Malina threatened Jake with telling Marianna that they have been sleeping together but Jake lied and said that Marianna kind of already knew that they were. Then she tried to convince Jake that Marianna doesn't deserve him and that she was the only one that earned the right to be his wife. Jake tried to explain that Marianna was the love of his life and that they had always planned on eventually getting married. Then Malina lost it; she threatened to go to the police with the video showing Jake at the lumberyard sticking the needle into her aunt Becky if he didn't leave Marianna immediately. Jake simply replied, "Malina you have no proof; I found the video and destroyed it. It's just your word against mine and I have a fool proof alibi given by Richard before he died." "I don't want to see you when we get back; I think that it would be best for all of us if you move back into your dorm." Jake added. "No; you aren't getting rid of me that easily; I still have something to say to you, but I'll wait until I see you both." Malina yelled. Jake hung up the call and thought, what a bitch; first she tries to blackmail me to get me to sleep with her and now she thinks that I'm going to marry her instead of Marianna! Jake pulled off the turnpike at Sturbridge on the way back to the Davies estate. He decided to treat Marianna to a lunch at a high end restaurant. He asked for a table in the romantic area of the dining room near the fireplace. Jake needed as much privacy to tell Marianna about Malina. As they sipped their drinks Jake looked across the table to see that Marianna had a concern look. "I get a sense that you have to tell me something and it's not good." She said. "Yes; I've been trying to figure out when it would be the best time; but there is no good time for this." He replied. "Just tell me Jake!" Marianna said. "I slept with Malina." "What the hell." "It was about a week after Richard's burial; you went back to Cambridge and all the kids went back to collage except for Malina." Jake explained. "You're telling me that she stayed with you at the estate!" "I was working long days and depressed over Richard's death and you leaving; I started drinking heavy again. Hell Marianna I missed you; I didn't want you to ever leave." "Obviously you didn't miss me that much!" Marianna shouted in the restaurant. "One night I was drunk on the couch and she came down the stairs wearing nothing but a dress shirt. She came on to me." He said. "Oh, so that made it okay!" She uttered in an upset tone. "I didn't know what I was doing; I just needed to be with someone that night. She seduced me!" Jake said as he pleaded for forgiveness. "How can I ever trust you again; she seduced you my ass!" She shouted. "How can we move on from this?" Jake asked. "I'm not sure if we can." She replied. "Maybe someday we can, but not anytime soon." She added. It one last attempt to redeem himself Jake said, "Look, I forgave you when you slept with your advisor; why can't you forgive me?" Marianna just glared at Jake said, "You are such a fuck for throwing that in my face. So is that what it was all about; I slipped up just once and this is your way to justify what you did?" "Let's just fuckin go home." She added as she got up and left. Jake paid the bill and quickly ran after Marianna. He grabbed her arm, swung her around and said, "But I love you." She looked up into her eyes and uttered, "You hurt me Jake; you hurt us." The rest of the ride back to the estate was filled with silence. By the time they pulled up the driveway and parked in front of the estate Marianna had made up her mind not to let the little bitch get away with taking Jake from her. Although she was very hurt she still loved Jake; but she would never tell Jake any of this; she wanted him to suffer for a long time.

Malina was watching from a window as they walked up the sidewalk. When she saw Malina peeking out Marianna grabbed Jake's arm and kissed him on the cheek which caught him by surprise. Jake smiled and kissed her back thinking that she had forgiven him. But Marianna staged the scene knowing that Malina was looking; she wanted to show her who Jake really loved. Malina greeted them at the door with a sour face. Malina welcomed them in but then turned her back and walked hastily toward the living room. When all three were finally in the living room Marianna glared at Malina and said, "Jake told me what the two of you did in my absence; don't you understand that Jake will never be yours; what you did just makes you look like a cheap whore and Jake a cheating asshole." "I'll never forgive you for seducing him but as far as Jake is concerned, we're engaged." Marianna uttered as she pushed the diamond ring in Malina's face. Malina stared down at the large stone and then at Jake. "You told me that you were going to Cambridge to break up with her; not to get engaged." "You're too young to know what real love is; all you know how to do is fuck." Marianna shouted. Malina's eyes beamed like lasers at Marianna. She was not going let Jake go that easily. Malina turned to Jake as she pulled several photos out of the back pocket of her jeans. She pushed them into his face and said, "You can't marry her; see, I'm pregnant and it's yours." Jake and Marianna both stared at the ultrasounds showing a fetus. "That can't be Jake's baby; he's sterile." Marianna shouted in disbelief. Jake just stood their nodding in agreement. "Oh yeah; well here's the DNA tests that proves Jake's the father!" She exclaimed as she handed Jake a copy of the lab's findings. Jake shook his head as Marianna stared at him. "How can this be? The doctors told me that I have a low sperm count?" Jake uttered in defense. Marianna glared at Jake and shouted, "Just how many times did you sleep with her?" Jake didn't answer; he just lowered his head. "Almost every night that you were gone bitch." Malina screamed. "I told you that Jake would be mine one way or another." She shouted as Marianna ran toward the door, turned and threw the engagement ring at Jake. "I hope you rot in hell; you both deserve each other!" Marianna stormed out of the door and took off in Jake's car down the road. Jake stood stunned by the news and Marianna's sudden departure. Malina grabbed his arm and shook him. "Jake you can't leave me now; you can't leave us." She said as she looked down rubbing her abdomen. Jake stared off in the distance and thought, I might be a cheating asshole; even a murderer but deep down I'm still an honorable man. In his mind Jake reasoned that he murdered for the right reasons; he kept his promises to the Wampanoag tribe in fighting the good fight that led to the approval of their land-in-trusts. After the deaths of Becky and Suzy he took responsibility for raising the three kids left behind by their mother's murders. And now he would take care of Malina and the baby; although he would become a father his heart would never allow him to be a husband; he would never marry; that all but disappeared when Marianna drove away.

Chapter Twenty-one

Retribution

Almost three months had passed since Marianna stormed out the door leaving Jake and Malina behind. She was still upset and shaken by the news that Jake was sleeping with Malina and that she was pregnant with his child. Marianna had returned to Cambridge and took a position as an associate in a local law firm. It was late in the day when she received a call from Tyee. She was shocked to hear from him; she was more shock by his request. "Tyee, how can I help you?" She asked. "I need some legal advice; I have a question about the validity of DNA tests and the legal responsibilities of a biological father." He stated. "Why? Are you telling me that you may have gotten someone pregnant at school?" She probed. "Well maybe; it's something like that but only more complicated." He replied. "Look I'm in Boston for the weekend. Can I come to your office?" He asked. "Yes, I'll book you for tomorrow afternoon for 1:00 PM. Can you make it then?" She asked. "Yes, I'll be there." Tyee replied.

Tyee was waiting at the reception area of the law firm when Marianna came out of her office to greet him. After initial hugs she escorted him to her office. As they walked she asked about Nodin and Malina but avoided bringing up Jake. As they entered her office she asked, "What's up?" Tyee sat and began to tell his story. "I spoke to my cousin Malina and asked her about the baby. She said that she is entering her second trimester and the doctor put her on a strict diet. The doctor is monitoring her for a genetic blood disorder. It seems that her blood test shows abnormal HCG levels. "What does that mean?" Marianna asked. "Abnormal HCG levels indicate the likelihood of a miscarriage or tubal pregnancy; she will likely lose the baby." Tyee explained. "How do you know that?" Marianna asked. "Remember, I majored in Medical Biology Technology." Tyee responded. "I'm sure that Uncle Jake told you that both our mothers lost their first-born sons because of a blood disorder." He added. What would cause that?" She asked. "Just like her mother and mine, Malina tested positive for the gene causing abnormal clotting. The genetic defect leads to pulmonary embolisms that usually occurs in baby boys." He explained. "So, is the sex of the baby male?" She asked. "Yes. It is." He replied. "Is there something you're not telling me?" Marianna asked. There was a long awkward silence until Tyee said, "Yeah, it seems that I have the same recessive gene for abnormal blood clotting." "What are you trying to say?" She asked. "Normally the blood disorder only shows in a fetus when it is a dominant gene; when both parents are carriers." Tyee explained. "Are you saying what I think your saying?" Marianna stated. "Yeah, Jake can't be the father of Malina's baby. He doesn't have that gene. I'm the father!" Tyee announced. "What the hell; you slept with your cousin!" Marianna said in shock. "It was an accident; we both got pretty drunk right after Richard's death; and ended up in one of the Tobacco sheds. We were wrestling in the hay when she pinned me, and we started to kiss. One thing led to another and before you know it we were both naked. Both of us tried to put it behind us but Malina missed her period and a pregnancy test showed positive." "Holy shit!" Marianna responded. "Wait, there's more. At the time when Malina started sleeping with Jake she asked me to give blood for a DNA test." "What?" Marianna blurted. "Malina changed the name on the DNA test; she doctored it, so she could hold onto Jake." Tyee explained. "That little bitch!" Marianna screamed. "So, what now? What do I do?" He asked. Marianna paused for a second then said, "You do nothing. Sign this document making me your attorney and all this becomes privilege information between attorney and client." She responded. "What about the baby?" He asked. "Based on what you told me; Likely she will have a miscarriage. And, I'll take care of the rest. Go home and forget about all of it." Marianna suggested. "By the way, have you heard anything about Jake?" She asked. "The only thing I know is from what Malina has told me. She said that Jake moved into the guest house right after you left. And that he rarely talks to her." "Oh, I see." She replied. As Tyee was leaving, he turned and said, "Maybe you should call him. You know he's still in love with you." It was later in the week when Marianna called Jake. She explained what Malina had done. How she altered the DNA tests to make it look like it was his. Although Jake was pissed he felt that he was paying for his sins. Marianna said, "we all make mistakes in life; we sometimes take the wrong path and end up hurting the ones we love the most." "Are you saying that you forgive me?" Jake responded. "I'm still hurt, but I can't help but love you." She replied. "Can I come to see you?" She added. Jake said absolutely but explained that he would probably be at the hospital by the time she arrives. "Why at the hospital?" Is everything okay?" She asked. Jake explained that he knew about the blood disorder that Malina has and that she was at the hospital under doctor's care. The doctor asked Jake to be there when he broke the bad news to Malina about the baby.

Marianna arrived at the hospital from Cambridge in a little over two hours. She called Jake on her cell as she entered the parking lot. Jake's eyes filled with tears when he saw her walk into the waiting room. Marianna ran and embraced him sobbing as she held him tight. "I'll never let you go again." She said. Jake looked into her eyes and said, "I love you so much." Moments later the doctor came in and asked them to come with him to Malina's bedside. As they approached the room Marianna stated that it would be best for all if she remained outside the door. Jake nodded as he entered the room with the doctor. Malina's face lit up as Jake entered. He kissed her lightly on the cheek and held her hand as the doctor explained that the latest test results indicate that the baby will not make it." Jake stuttered as Malina cried. The doctor said, "Malina, it seems that the baby will not fully develop and that you will likely lose it; a miscarriage." The doctor said something about abnormal HCG hormone levels and a blood clotting factor. Malina sobbed as she asked, "Was it a boy?" "Yes, yes, it is." The doctor replied. Marianna was listening just outside the door. She peeked in time to see Jake and the doctor attempting to console Malina. All Marianna could think of was how much a conniving bitch Malina was. Jake went back to the waiting room with Marianna as the doctor and nurses prepped Malina. Two hours later they returned to Malina's bedside. This time Marianna went in. Malina was heavily sedated and groggy. Jake said a few words, but they were incoherent to Malina. But Marianna heard them clearly. Jake was trying to explain to Malina that she would be taken care of and that he made the arrangements for her to permanently stay at the estate. He said that he was moving to Cambridge to be closer to Marianna. Marianna smiled when she heard those words. Marianna forgot her pocketbook as they left the room. On the elevator Marianna turned to Jake and said, "I need to go back, I left my pocketbook behind in her room." "I'll go with you." Jake said as the doors opened to the ground floor. "No, no you wait here; it won't take but a few minutes." She replied. Jake stayed behind as Marianna took the elevator back up. As she walked toward Malina's room she looked to see if any staff were around. It was just her luck that it was break time for most. Marianna quietly walked into Malina's room. The lights were dim, but she was able to find her pocketbook. Malina was still groggy but opened her eyes to see a shadowy figure hovering over her. Marianna pulled out a syringe from her pocketbook and filled it with air. As she pushed air into Malina's vessel she murmured, "My curses on you, may the wolf howl over your bones you bitch!" When the elevator door opened Marianna ran into Jake's waiting arms. As they kissed she asked, "Do you still want me to be your wife?" Jake grinned from ear to ear and replied, "Absolutely, now and forever." As they walked toward the hospital exit they heard an announcement; Code Blue, Code Blue. Jake and Marianna continued to walk as he said, "I wonder what that's all about." Marianna just smiled and held onto his arm while walking.

THE END

Thank you for reading my book. If you enjoyed it, won't you please take a moment to leave me a review at your favorite retailer? Thanks! Wayne St. Peter

About the Author

With the support of my wife, Linda and family members I began a journey that led to my third book in a sequence of stories involving the Wampanoag tribe. We have been blessed with three wonderful adult children and several grandkids. I am a former educator and have always thought of writing at the center of any discipline. Writing gives voice to stories that need telling. It is a journey that tells a meaningful story were flawed characters evolve. This book is a continuation of a story involving the Roi Family and their descendants; stories told in previous books called, Ashes Tell No Secrets and Fire and Ice.

My research of the Connecticut River Valley and American Native folklore and history led me to write a fictional piece based on historical and current events that took place in the valley and other areas. I took great latitude in re-introducing a curse based on hauntings of the Old Albany Cemetery in Deerfield and storylines ripped from the headlines of today's newspapers. What culminated was a murder mystery story involving lust, deceit and revenge called, An Act of Revenge.

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