SAMS WORLD

Sams World

Chapter 1

‘What on earth did I just witness?’ In Miami…. I’ve sworn that I had seen it all. Some days people cry as you walk down the street. Whilst others are having fun or intensely gossiping on the phone about the night before. If you are anything like me, then you’ve watched sin city evolve. As the United States most important minds migrate here the atmosphere changes and the level of danger heightens.

Even in a sunshiny state the stakes become high as a pandemic threatens a free way of life. In the year 2020 everyone's life changed. But in the year 2021 January the sixth, marked an epic. I am Aurelia. I happened to have overslept in the bed of someone I never see the light of day with. Just as I open my eyes -- I see him run in with a frantic face;

“Bad news love…”

My eyes widen.

“I’ve company…. You need to hide.”

I gasp.

“You’re married?!” I whisper in disbelief.

Just as I’m rising --we hear startling bangs at the front door downstairs and then a window breaks. The air gets deadly thin and silent. Sam grabs my naked body, wraps the comforter around and runs to the end of the hall with me in his arms. His home is huge. A two-story mansion on Billionaires Row. Since it is lit by daylight and not by moonlight, I see the grandeur of it all. I have been in bed with a gangster. No wonder my gut feeling always told me to leave before dawn. At this very moment, the terror has taken over my body. I look Sam in the eyes as he opens some secret door. It looked like nothing was there. He puts me down, shuts it, secures it and turns around.

“Listen, you need to stay put right here. This is a bunker. It’s going to get really ugly. Relax your mind, listen to music with these headphones.” Sam says as he passes me some expensive headphones from a brand I’ve never seen before.

“ There is a security monitor over there in the far corner. Wait four hours and then look at it.” Same continues to take off his gold diamond embezzled Rolex and puts it in my hand. His gaze is so deep. I never look away from his eyes. He cups my face and says…. “Ari, I wanted to get to know you better. You are so beautiful and smart. When you leave this room go into the kitchen….open the bottom cabinet and take everything you see.” The pause is deep and unnerving.

“If… I… Don’t come back-- look under the chair back there (He points to a giant vintage ottoman)... take that dagger on the wall and cut the bottom. Take everything inside.” Sam is only making demands now.

“Where are my clothes?” I say numbly…

“I torched them…” Sam replies bluntly.

He takes off his gold Cuban link chain and puts it on my neck. He removes his pinky ring that is also yellow gold with a giant green stone in the middle. It’s Alexandrite, a rare stone found in Russia and it's next to impossible to obtain.

“Give this to my son…” Keep the watch, Keep the chain…” he says softly.

“You’ll be back.” I say with my heart pounding. ‘Fuck what’s gonna happen..’ I think inside.

“Give me a gun..” I demand

Sam smiles at me and kisses me deeply. My chest twists. Why do I feel like I just kissed a dead man? My heart drops and begins to feel like it's getting stabbed.

‘Ok, no more casual hookups.’ Although I’d be meeting Sam on and off for 6 months, it was strictly fun and no one really knew….Oh shit! People had seen us out!! People saw us out, people saw us dancing last night. They saw his hands on my waist. What if this unknown enemy knows me too? I AM IN DEEP SHIT. Sam looks like he can read the panic on my face.

“Don’t worry… You’ll be ok…” Sam says.

The situation looks like life and death. He’s now in a bullet proof vest and guns in holsters ready to go. He hands me a .9 caliber and another gun with a banana clip. I’ve no idea where he got them from. I’m still drunk from the night before and cradling the comfort around my body along with my new toys.

“These are yours now Princess. Don’t be afraid to use them.” Sam is now addressing me as a royal general. My eyes sting from the tears welling up.

“Hey.. Hey..hey… Don’t do that. I know you tough Mama.”

I want to tell Sam I love you. I don’t though… but I felt that he should hear it. So I said it.

“I love you Sam. Thank you for protecting me.” I breathe hard trying to hold back my tears.

“Godspeed.” My face turns cold.

“Aight soldier.” He smiles and gives me one last deep kiss.

“Lock up after me.” Sam takes a peek at the monitor and out he goes.

I hear faint arguing, then screaming. Things are breaking. I’m stunned so I put the headphones on before I turn around and secure the door. Once the door is locked I press play, I can’t stand to hear the chaos unfolding…Chaos I know nothing about. On comes Tchaikovkys' Swan Lake. So dark yet calming. How eerily sweet is this outwardly gangster man. My Cuban man. What an irony… I’ve only seen him around Russians. Then I remember he’s a half Russian Jew. I start to recollect so many of our past conversations about his life. I’m in deep shit and I can’t even run yet. I fall asleep to the all-encompassing quality sounds thanks to these amazingly expensive headphones.

5 hours later

I need to pee when I awake. I feel my stomach turn and realize I’m hungry too… I slept on the floor. A strange feeling hits me. I feel like I was in a war movie and left alone in the generals compound. I am trying to figure out where I am and rip the headphones off. I turn around and see a door that leads to a tiny bathroom. I stumble and kick something across the room. A gun. ‘Oh shit!’ Now I have remembered where I am. I pee but I don’t flush just yet. I don’t want to make any sounds. I find hand sanitizer and go on. I pass by the covered monitor and breathe hard. Everything is silent. I start looking for a clock and rush my hands to my head frantically---- hitting my forehead with the Rolex.

“WHAT THE FUCK!!!” I curse aloud covering my mouth regretfully. The time reads 6 p.m. … How is that possible? Was it even morning when I woke up? How will I know four hours elapsed? I can’t…. I look over at the monitor—sadly and notice a white index card.

It reads: [LOOK AT 5:15]... I’m only 45 minutes off. That means he woke me up around 1 pm. I lift the cover and frown at the scene. Glass, debris, blood… I see bodies. None I recognize. All dressed in designer clothes and bullet proof vests. Before I can wonder when Sam had the time to write that note… I see something move. There is a man and he’s kicking at a body. His hair is jet black and slicked back like Keanu Reeves. He looks scary just like a monster. The man takes out a flip phone from his pocket and answers.

“Yeah...He’s dead.” I can hear the audio from the monitor. It’s low.

“Post-mortem 45 minutes now.. the scary man responds

He put up a fight..” There’s a pause as he listens to the other end.

“Yeah, it’s a shame. Will is coming to clean up now.” The man pauses again.

“I’ll take his body now.” He replies obediently.

I can’t move. I keep still and listen; deathly afraid the floor will creak. I look down at the wood floor and back at the screen. I stare at it for 5 minutes and squat down slowly. I’m sitting Indian style. Another 15 minutes and I hear a man come in. “Oh fuck! I told them to just sack him at the club but he had to be with a fucking girl.” Such an expletive man. So cold… Each and every single one of them. I was in danger the whole night and possibly on other occasions. I can see that this is going to take a while so I cover the monitor. I couldn’t watch the previous man handle Sam’s body. It was grotesque. I run to the bathroom and heave. No one hears a sound. This house may be under surveillance after they leave. How the hell will I get out?!?!

Chapter 2

Two hours later… I began to see why he said leave in four hours. It’s a fucking commune of the underworld. I see men. Lots of them. Men I’ve never seen before this gruesome day; but all of them are here in Florida --in the shadows… A meeting will start soon while blood stains are being cleaned by people in all black clothing.

I think of photographing the monitor and begin looking around for my phone. It’s nowhere to be seen. A feeling of shock hits me. I breathe deeply for the sake of my anxiety and say; “you’re all right… Don’t panic… God is with me…” and I pray, the Lord‘s prayer

“ Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy Name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those

who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

A glass breaks and the sound echoes through the monitor… Everyone in the room is startled. It’s silent and a man with a heavy Russian accent says “There’s already a ghost in here...” he looks scared and it makes me uncomfortable since he’s such a big man.

Some people chuckle and a woman with a black pillowcase covering her head is escorted into my view and sat down. They are not gentle with her. As I watch the men settle, a leader steps forward and he examines the woman’s hands and arms. I peer closer… This man looks familiar… My eyes widened… “That’s not her”.He says.

“Oh fuck… They’re looking for me!” I stop watching this horror show and slowly crawl to the wall with the majestic dagger. I remove it ever so gently and marvel as I crouch down. Now I have to trust that I am secure.

“ Yes, I am secure”.I whisper to myself.

‘Slowly, slowly.’ I say in my head. My heart pounds as I position myself on the floor to cut open the bottom of the Ottoman.. I have no idea what’s inside so I'm looking for something to cushion the floor with. I’m in luck and put many pillows down from the Ottoman and the silk rug that’s within reach. Now it’s time to cut, the dagger looks like it's glowing and is sharp as I don’t know what!! Amazed, I run my finger down the blade and stop. ‘Shit!’ I almost broke blood. I’ve calmed down some more. Acting with precision is absolutely dire. The dagger has royal blue enamel on the handle… Maybe it’s a carved turquoise or lapis lazuli. It’s impossible for me to read the gold lettering. I'm starting to wonder if it’s an old Persian dagger… Amazing, I’ll keep this to... I’ll call it Sam...

My heart hurts. So what if we only messed around in the night. I enjoyed his company and his gaze. I’ve yearned 0for a man to love me actually with the type of affection he’d shown me. Maybe, it was I that was elusive. Either way, when we’d meet there would be so many stars under the night sky but I always showed some sort of hesitation to leave with him. That’s unfortunate because look at what has bled over from his life to mine. One last deep breath and I begin to feel then quickly cut. The bottom is heavy. There’s a lot of stuff in there. I have no idea what it can be. All of a sudden the contents burst out. Thanks to my pre-meditated cushioning, the contents make no sounds anyone can hear. I cannot believe my eyes when I see stacks of $100 and $50 bills pour out along with sealed envelopes. A jansport backpack and eerily enough a little black book. My mind is so blank. Instinctively, I reach for the book first and hear a voice from behind me… “I choose you.”

The hairs all over my body stand up. I look back slowly and in front of the still shut secret door is Sam. I freeze. I want to scream but strain to breathe deeply and watch him say “Now.. you are secure.”

I stand up slowly wondering if this is just a really bad nightmare. Dagger in my hand, God as my witness... I walk over to Sam holding the little black book in my right hand. He’s ghostly. He didn’t want to leave yet. Does this mean he is still alive? Maybe… Maybe not.

I stop right in front of him. He's a perfect vision up close. Sam uncrosses his arms and I get so close--- until my lips are close to his. I smell his scent. I see his blue eyes that have turned dark like a jagged ocean storm. Our lips move in for a kiss. I feel nothing. It’s a ghost and he’s still standing there. I’m back up. Sam looks extremely pained.

“I’m sorry.” he says.

“I’m so sorry for this. I’m going to help you get out of here.” I’ve never spoken with a ghost before..

“ Is it my fault that you have—-:, I wince in pain. I can’t say death or died. He shakes his head no.

“It’s mine. I waited for you. No part of my body would let me leave you alone to escape. I was born into this Aurelia. I knew you were special because you always left before danger knocked at my door. I lived in a fantasy with you… I even said that I can love a woman like you. You never asked for anything and I was just happy at you and with you. I had an escape from my reality. The world I was in with you was nothing like my day to daylight. I didn’t want you to think you weren’t special to me. So I had a plan… For the day you would finally let me see the sunrise with you. The undertakers will go soon. They will not search for you for no other reason then to find out if I said too much to you. Once you leave this house you must stay out of Miami. At best go somewhere far away and enjoy your life for a while...” I listen and eye every single part of his ghostly presence. He’s absolutely beautiful.

“Everything here is to help you get through. Only a few things must be delivered. Get them to my son, Don. He and his mother will know what to do with everything in that black backpack. Don’t unpack it…ever. The rest is yours .” Sam stops speaking.

“ How much money is that?” I ask.

His eyes shift to look at the floor and again at me.

“Expenses.” Oh shit. Yeah, I have got to leave town.

“Gather everything up. Sam says.

“Read the black book up to page 3. The undertaker‘s are almost done here. I must go now. When it’s time… I’ll meet you downstairs…”

“ Sam... wait! Are… Were you mafia? Tell me something, please..” I choke quietly.

“ This is deeper than that Aurelia. We are cursed and slave to the underworld. It has been a bit supernatural too. We cause so much death and agony. These men want hell on earth. You will be safe. Have no fear, if you feel the urge to kill anyone you’ve seen tonight..” his words are hurried.

Our conversation is now telepathic. His eyes become low and a sweet smile and erupts on his face.

“I’ma miss that ass though.” he says loudly. In shock-- I scrunch my face.

“ Find a way to go back in time.” I hiss.

“ Oh, I wish.” And he kisses me through the air and moves through the wall…

Immediately, all hell breaks loose. I guess the ghost of Sam is destroying the house. I look at the monitor and it’s like the comedic part of a horror scene. Men are screaming and running out the house.

“But, he’s dead!!”

“I thought you removed his bo—..” Before the man could finish his question, a vintage glass decanter breaks on his head. He’s either out like a light or dead. We watched it fly. All of us.

I see Sam’s ghost. I realize some of the men can see him and someI can’t as they run through him and into the walls and each other. I giggle. And remember that should be fixing this mess I have to lug around.

I turn around and get to work. It turns out I have $8000 cash. That’s something. It made me smile and I neatly organized the different sized envelopes next to the cash. There’s no time to think of what's inside as I start to feel strange again. I am not alone and I hope to God it’s Sam. But no one’s there in the bunker. I check the monitor and scream at the sight of so many bodies piled up and Sam’s face is looking at the monitor. A black duffel bag appears from thin air and plops on the floor.

“Pack.” Sam says telepathically.

I put all my new belongings inside and made sure both of my guns are on safety. Once I’m done-- Sam is no longer in my view on the monitor. 10 minutes had passed since his ghost went downstairs. I don’t know what the hell this world is but I go straight to the kitchen. Just as he told me when he lived and now as it was written on page 3 of the black book.

Chapter 3

This home is absolutely spectacular! I look around as if nothing happened. The walls are an art collectors dream. As I near the foyer blood stains stains start to appear on the wall and I begin walking quickly. I’m finally dressed but in a dead man's clothes. I see my first body and gasp for air. I speed walk around the corner to see Sam’s ghost blocking another doorway.

“Turn around babe. You're lost.” His voice is becoming more ghostly. He’s fading bit by bit.

“We don’t have enough time babe.” He leads me to the kitchen, pointing to the bottom cabinet and then quickly pulls out sealed shopping bags from brand-name stores; Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, Balenciagas, Versace, Tom Ford… There’s so many bags; I’m wondering if this is all filled with drugs. I jump at the sound of a closet door opening. Out rolls of brand new two piece luggage set. I’m amazed that it’s bright red. My favorite color when there’s not so much blood around.

“ I had plans, baby. For you. I wanted to watch you open them so can you open one for me? You choose.” I look deeply in his eyes and reach then, I look. I touch a Chanel bag. I open it and I’m shocked to see such a beautiful all white, furry, leather bag. It looked delicate. My smile is so wide I look crazy and giggle--then begin to cry. I took the bag back inside. My life makes no sense at this moment and my dream moment has been stolen by hate --I’m assuming. I gaze into Sam's eyes and he gazes right back at mine. It felt like forever but it was merely seconds before he said take the car in the back garage. Sam looks at all my luggage and says, “I’m so sorry. I can’t touch you or these things to help you. My mission here won’t allow it now that I’m dead…” I put my eyes down and look over to my left and see several keys hanging above the kitchen counter. Take the Porsche babe. No one knows it…” He smiles and motions me to follow him.

‘I feel like I’m in some Anime movie except there’s no crazy Asians here, just some crazy Russians, one lone black girl... Oh! and the Latino Russian Jewish ghost!!’ I think intensively to myself.

Sam says, “Can keep it down? I can hear you.”

I blush and I’m quite brown so I’m sure he can see it in my eyes. Sam chuckles. He points to the garage door and I watch it open without a touch from me. I see three Porsches in the garage. I press the key to unlock a gorgeous all white Porsche Cayenne. I marvel as it lights up. My heart is pounding.

“Get inside. You must go.” Sam is speaking telepathically.

I don’t look back-- quickly putting all belongings in the trunk except a little black book. Once in the driver seat, I see that Sam’s ghost has disappeared halfway and is still standing in the same place. He stands there like a chief. I begin to back up and hear—

“Get a new phone. I got rid of everything.” That’s Sam’s last telepathic message as I drive off the secluded area of multi million dollar homes. As long as I’ve lived in Miami… I’ve never seen this area and don’t think I will again.

Chapter 4

I thought I’d get lost but luck was on my side. I drive down Collins Ave. I’m heading north and I never look at anything else but the road. I have to get to a quiet area on the ocean. I can smell gunpowder, blood, death – – – and need to bathe but I can’t go home so I am extremely irritated.

Once I get to 79th and Collins Avenue , I go and grab some Brazilian food to go. It’s a quiet night, It’s late and I’m lucky to be alive. So lucky! On the way to the beach I make a quick pitstop to the 24 hour drug store… I grab a burner phone, water, cookies, cups, prepaid card for a debit card and phone. Aspirin, toiletries and beer. I have a long night ahead of me and no smartphone. I searched for a tourist booklet and scored. I paid cash and stormed out. As I walk hurriedly towards the ocean-- I see people are on the beach. It’s 9:58 PM. I stuff my mouth and no one pays me any attention. Oh… It’s a full moon. So there is a drum circle on the beach. I go to the shoreline where there’s no one and strip. Going into the ocean during jellyfish season is a risk. The water is freezing. I dip my hands and splash my body. I take the peppermint soap that’s dry and in my pocket. I packed it from Sam’s secret bathroom. It feels good to lather the cooling minty soap onto my body. I count to three and take a dip. Once I get out-- I pause. I almost stepped on a washed up jellyfish. It was a man of war.

“ Lucky.” I whisper.

I pull a small hand towel from my bag and dry off. It’s windy so I’m already chilly. After I put Sam’s clothes back on-- I walk back to the Porsche and drive to I 95. I go north until I get to Fort Lauderdale. I’m still hungry and want some smokes to ease my mind. I need to find a place to sleep. Cash only. I pull into a drive-thru with a long line. That will be enough time for me to get some things in order. I open the booklet and find motels, hotels. Luckily the porch has GPS so I’ll find away. I call three locations. The three star hotel has availability. Smoking room only. Perfect. I set the address and pull up in the slow moving line. Next is The black book. I need to dispose of this Jansport backpack. I l re-read the first three pages.

[Inside cover

This book is your passport. Ari, things got out of control in my life. I’m gone now and I need you to do me the biggest favor. I’m a dead man walking. You will find out why quickly. At this moment the first three pages are vital to your survival and my loved ones. God willing, you’ll get to the address on page 2. Drop the backpack off in the front yard. Put the pinky ring in Plainview. Do not let anyone see you! Especially my son‘s mother. My life is in these pages. I’m so sorry babe. This is the only way I can protect everyone now.”

ah, I see… He’s a family man…

Page 1 of The Little Black Book

“When I’m gone. I need you to know me. You have this book now because I need to confess… You are good. I am not. So I’m sorry you’re in this mess… because an old Sage once told me to make this book...and the individual who comes in possession-- will deliver my last wish. So thank you. Whatever happened didn’t kill you. I’m forever thankful to you. Thank you.”]

It’s finally my turn. I ordered two long Nathan‘s fries. My mind flashes back to the bloody seeing on the monitor. Flashbacks have begun.. Great! I pull up two cars away from the window to pay…

Page 2

“So to sum it all up. I’m a criminal baby. Yeah, I know you’re a woman. You might be this lil cutie with a light birthmark in your thigh. ;-) All jokes aside the most important thing is that you deliver the backpack 2618 Harmony Dr., Hollywood, FL. Stay out of sight, you will be fine. My ex is jealous… It would unwind her to see someone else like you and know that you were around the end of my life. Also you can’t trust her. Sorry.”

Well, at least I know where I’m going. And it’s nice to know that he remembers my birthmark tune. I key the address into the GPS as a stop. Thank God it’s close. Only 10 minutes from here. Thank goodness. At this point I’m ready to sleep in the Walmart parking lot. Too bad I’m not in a Hooptie car. Someone might knock on the window. Oh! The Wholefoods parking lot is better! Nah... I’m delirious. I can’t even relive the events from earlier. It’s getting close to midnight. I’ve been in this line for 15 minutes.

Page 3

I want you to know who I am. Maybe you can tell a story to my son when he’s much older. If ever. Stay young. He is 14. In four years… Maybe even two. But never stay in contact. It’s for your safety. So my mother is Afro Cuban and my father is a Russian Jew. My mother was so beautiful and powerful --not even my Russian fathers partly racist Soviet family would have checked their union. Her name was Alejandra Inez Delacruz and my father was a notorious Crime boss, Vladimir Maximillian Chernovski. My mother was his Nefertiti. No one dare touch her. Their union opened up international relations in the underworld. So it brought new enemies to… But my parents lived a long and well. But not without a shit ton of blood shed. They called it sacrifice. It was prominent in both their underworld cultures. I craved love like there’s so I left you many tokens of my admiration in the kitchen cabinet next to the sink. The big one.

“Wow! What the fuck!!!” I yell aloud.

I can’t believe I’ve been a Mafioso Royale son's lover. Sam is much more different than I thought. Dangerous is an understatement. I close the book at page 3 and close the gap in the line. Only one window is open to pay for and collect the food. I demand extra honey mustard and a beer. I can’t get a beer because I have no ID. Great.

I pull out the driveway and am off to deliver the backpack to Sam’s son. I believe he must be giving some sort of signal to his loved ones. Plus, you’re automatically connected to another person when you have a child with them. Whether you like it or not…. So I’ve heard.

Once I get out of the Oakwood plaza I head toward Young Circle. His son lives in a nearby neighborhood. Young Circle is an artsy area with dining and boutique shops. This area has grown over the years— So have I. I must admit, it’s nice driving this Porsche.

Five minutes go by and After hitting several lights, I’m in the neighborhood. When I get closer to the house— I pull over down the street from the destination. The neighborhood is pitch black and quiet. I walk and find the house. There are beautiful flowers in the front and two black SUVs waiting outside The house.

I get a strange feeling and cut to the side of the house. I hear a woman weeping. Some men are standing in front of her. I decide I will wait until they leave to drop the bag. I stare down at the SUVs and there’s no drivers inside. From my view-- just one look out. I’m positive no one saw me. I wait 10 minutes and hear my stomach growl. A teenage boy comes into view from another room. A man has a gun pointed at them. Then it happens!! A vintage wine glass flies and hits the gunman. He flinches in pain, still holding the gun up. Everyone goes silent. It’s Sam. He’s here.

Now it’s time for him to work. Sam causes chaos. He doesn’t appear this time. The men begin to run out of the house. The boss from earlier they got hit with the glass decanter is bandaged up. Half of his face is covered. I can’t believe he showed up!

“ Sam is a fucking curse to us now…” he put one hand up to motion the gun man to stay down and get out. The Boss stands up and says with unusual certainty,

“ I believe you Uma..” he looks up and around

“ OK. I am leaving now Sam.” Sam’s family members watch the man without moving. They’re stunned.

The man steps slowly and cautiously staring Sam’s ex in the eyes until he’s outside of the house —then he scurries into the SUV with his henchmen.

Wow. Way to go Sam!!. Both cars leave slowly. I can see the men looking out the window and they’re all staring. Shit… Can they see me? Nope. I follow their gaze and see Sam’s Ghost is glowing majestically. Glaring right at them... Right where I have to drop the Jansport.

“ Dad? Dad!” His son yells and is about to run to him.

I clutch the bag and his mother grabs hold of his arm. Tears well up in my eyes. I feel their pain. The mother is indifferent; she must know more than me and is totally on the defense. The ghost begins to float towards the SUVs causing one to speed into the back of another. They never stop though; and all speed off making screeches throughout the neighborhood. This must be freaky, having the man you murdered coming to haunt you. This is definitely foul business.

Barely 24 hours have elapsed and this time last night – – Sam and I were drinking sake and eating sushi before we went to some underground rave. Now… Well...Would you just LOOK AT THIS SHIT!!!. I’m lost in thought until I hear the front door shut. Mother and son enter in silence.

“Go...” I hear Sam’s voice. He’s telepathic again. I drop the bag. I’m as light as a feather and almost forget the pinky ring. I remove it quickly from

Sams’ pocket and clean off my fingerprints. Last look around me in a full 360 before I drop the ring and run off. I’m surprised no one came outside from all the commotion. Ha, they must know about this family. Maybe that’s why all the lights are out.

Oh well. Lucky me, I parked in the opposite direction that the Undertakers went. I get in the car and can see Sam’s ghost returning down the street.

“ Thank you..Aurelia. I got it now.” Sam communicates telepathically. I drive off and catch a glimpse from my rearview mirror. He's keeping watch over the home. He’s standing exactly where I left his belongings. He is a real chief.

Chapter 5

I drive in the city for a good six minutes before I’m at a red light and key in the hotel's address. I’ve had some extremely good luck today because I’m literally three minutes away. Lucky me… I feel like a smooth operator who desperately wants her mommy and daddy. But I’m stuck. Fuck.

When I pull up, the valet opens the door. After requesting a dolly he loads it for me and I walk inside. A thought strikes me. I walk back before he can pull off and open the glove compartment. I see my purse. Thank goodness. I decide to tell the front-desk that I’ve lost my ID anyways. Standing at the desk is a middle-age woman in uniform. She's African-American, has natural hair braided in tresses that erupt into a picked out Afro. I take a mental note of everything, she’s about 5’4”— including the gold rings on her fingers as well as these long ass nude and jeweled holographic nails. I’ve already decided that I'll pay her off. I’m cleaner than before but I feel crazy. I need to relax.. ASAP.

“Checking in?” She looks at me with a straight face.

I nod yes. This is the fourth human interaction that I’ve had today and yet again— only for another transaction. I want my family so bad.

“ What time is check out?” I ask tiredly.

“11 am. ID Please.”She retorts.

“ I don’t have it but I can fill out my info and pay incidentals upfront.” I reply.

“ The room is only $79,Ma’am. I can ask the manager but I can’t make any promises.” She is all business. My eyes sink low.

“ I’m so tired. If I sit down, I might sleep on the couch. I’m sorry. I’m having a rough night. I had to run away from my boyfriend!” I begin to sob. Yes!! Whatever, I genuinely need to cry anyways.

“ Oh my God! Are you OK?” She whispers in concern. One thing is for certain; I’m not and this woman is sharp. Her concern is deep. I look at the nametag… Her name is Anne.

“I’m extremely tired…” I say in between sobs. Anne looks at me and then back at the computer screen. She types ferociously on the computer.

“ I can put you in a king suite for tonight or a queen bed for three nights at $384..”

Hmmmm… I wonder if she smells my danger. I take the three night deal. She sets me up and says “ if you’re going to do cash only… No one will ever know that you were here.” I love the way she speaks. Like Miss Pennyworth but southerbelle version.

Anne offers me a very genuine smile and hands over my change. I tell her to keep.. I’ll gladly part ways with $16 as a tip. I’m also going to pray for us. I hope no one ever saw me. I'm questioning myself and feeling overly confident—sure that I went through this day like a ghost.

I walk sluggishly to the elevator but time passes fast. Next thing I know… I’m in the room. I take another quick shower and hit the bed, naked with a robe on my side. After a few sips of water and scarfing the rest of my food down – – I enter a deep uninterrupted sleep. It’s about 2:30 AM. ‘I wish I wasn’t alone’ I whine inside as I fall asleep... ‘Oh well.I don’t care anymore.’

“ I am secure now…” I whisper.

I surrender to sleep. The hero of the moment.

Chapter 6

It’s date night. I’m looking in the mirror. I just used the bathroom of this fancy spot but we’re at some grungy underground rave. The irony is that both crowds and I are feeling the effects of the vices my date offered me.

“ Dirty. He's a dirty man..” giggle under my breath. Sam’s so bad. He’s got a fucked up attitude; my mind flashes to a guy he had punched outside the lounge earlier. I watched from Afar… Because he told me to go in first. Sam is... Sly… He doesn’t say much at all even though— his eyes are as intoxicating as the drugs we took.

‘dddam! I'm on something. Shit! How old am I? What time is it? What was I just doing? Why on earth!’ I think all of this to myself because I’m drunk and something else just took over. I touch and embrace my body. Smiling at each finger's caress. It’s official. I’m out of control…

Yet, very well composed as I walk out the bathroom. I’ve got fake glasses on my face and I strike a look at everyone looking at me. If Harley Quinn had a child. I’d be it. Instead of letting my eyes roll back from the sudden onset of seeing Samson. I smile instead and cock my head back. Then slowly to the side. “ SssaamSONITEE!!.” I call out to him as my glasses tip down my nose while I look him in the eyes. He licks his full lips and winks these bright blue eyes. I don’t know who’s watching my high ass.. but his eyes only matter.. Until I catch a glimpse in a mirror that happens to be a napkin holder. I grad it immediately – holding it like a pretend compact and check my lips and teeth. All is well. I’m ready to play with my favorite bad bad man…

It’s amazing how encapsulating the mind is on drugs. I’m only lethal (so I think) because of my need to control and only for control of myself. Sam and I danced the night away… The lounge became an exclusive VIP rave… And being in the kind of mode I was on made me miss out on last night's classless gossip— which happened right in front of everyone that was there.

When I wake up the next morning I can barely open my eyes so I don’t. I feel so good in the sheets. I gave Sam so much attention. Danced with other women while he watched— but he only opened his arms for me. It was so much fun!! So much fucking fun!!My eyes shoot open… A feeling of panic hits me. Where is Sam? I hear arguing. Something breaks. ‘What the fuck is going..’ I wonder and freeze in silence after sitting up in the bed. Blood starts leaking into the room from the ceiling and splattering on the walls from the floor.

“Ah! Ah!” I get up yelling and panting. I was hoping I would not have any nightmares and I did. Right before 11 AM. I’m impressed I slept that long. I laid back down and felt cold from the sweat —I just realized it drenched the bed. I jump up and head to the shower. For some reason, my bathroom has a small shower and a big bathtub. As the tub fills – – the dirt is cleaned off in the shower. I take five minutes and jump out before my mind goes deep into the dream I just had. I run into the room, water dripping off my body and open my purse. I dump everything onto the table. I notice a medium jewelry box. I’ve never seen it before… And ooh I need food, so bad. So I take the phone and some lavender essential oil,

‘Oh and I’ll take this directory… ooo is there Room service?’ The hotel local directory reads “Nearby food.” Bingo!

Damn, I forgot about the drugs the other night. The party and the restaurant we went to was a bit fun. Sam and I.... I shake the thought… I drop everything on the bathroom floor. Drops of lavender essential oil fall into the tub and soon fill the air. I set it on the counter then turn on the cold water to cool the tub down. I begin to feel sick… I’m hungry.

I look at the phone and directory and sit on the floor. I’m really tired. I see a fancy modern Italian spot and order gnocchi with white truffles and vegan sausage and cheese. My heart warms at the thought of it. I add swisschard and seasonal veggies (I love squash)! Add an appetizer of guacamole because I need all the serotonin I can get. Today I’m recovering. I wonder if I have any smokes or Mary Jane for that matter. I’m a bit paranoid so I take 45 minutes to chill and pray the front desk will deliver my food to me. An hour passes while I let it all go and soak in the tub.. No calls yet but they must be close. My fingers are starting to prune anyways. I hop out feeling refreshed. I'm so weak and rush to drink cold water as soon as my towels are wrapped around my body and hair. I throw my body on the bed and hear a knock shortly after. I’m startled from my short daze. I feel a bit nervous and look through the peephole. I answer the door immediately and am shocked the woman from the front desk is there holding my food and some extra items for room service.

“Hey!” She smiled sweetly.

“I paid this for you.” Anne hands me my order. “My manager got you this food from the continental breakfast. I had to semi tell him you’re in a bind.” My eyes widen.

“ but it’s OK…“ Shethrows her hands up and coaxes me to relax and sit down on the bed..

“ I don’t know much really and I sincerely want to help you hon. My daughter died from domestic abuse so I genuinely care.”

I’m silent from taking it all in. She’s already invited herself in and setting up the food.. in front of me. She pulls out a giant bottle of some premium vodka I’ve never seen before. “Before I go, I’m going to make you a pitcher of mimosas. You need to check the news Aurelia…”

Now, I’m alarmed. I must speak! My face, my name, it's all out now. I didn’t even write it down for her! Nor, did she ask last night!

“ being that my face is on the news. Presumably as missing… I’d like to request that you have a drink with me and watch the news.” I respond as daintily and fast as possible.

Anne looks up from the orange juice she’s pouring into the picture of ice and vodka. She stops the pour and places of orange juice on the bottom of the cart.. She pops open the Prosecco. This woman’s in deep thought as she tops off the pitcher. I’ve never seen this concoction before but it’s safe to say she’s nervous and an absolute alcoholic. God bless Anne. She motions for me to eat and serves me the food and pours a glass of Mimosa for herself and I. She sits and throws the first drink back. This must be hard for her since she had a daughter. I must remind her of that special girl somehow.. She had to have been special and I believe it so because Anne was special in this moment. Protecting me while I’m protecting my own family by staying away. I eat. Because once that TV goes on I may not be able too. I’m down two glasses and feel like a merry drunk that is only tipsy…

“ wow you were hungry.” Anne marvels.

“ yes.” I reply with a stuffed mouth and raised eyebrows. I’m a bit uneasy at the food. It's almost gone so I drink some warm tea from the continental hotel breakfast Anne brought me. Then I’m ready for the Mimosa and remote simultaneously. I count to three in my head and press the power button and see Anne shift and comfortably in her seat from the corner of my eye.

“ breathe.” She says.

I take a big sip and spit it all out. What a damn horror show!!! The news is the first station on and there’s my face next to Sam's photo! The words read deceased on the bottom right corner of his picture. The words on my picture say missing… Now I have to tune into the reporters words.

“The families of Sampson Chernovski and Aurelia Jones are asking the community for any information related to this heinous crime as well as the disappearance of Miss Jones. Both families have no reason to believe that Aurelia is involved with this crime. She is NOT a suspect. The community of south Florida is searching desperately for her safe return home. Furthermore, a statement has been released by Samson Chernovski’s sister ,Aya Delacruz Chernovski”...

(The statement flashes on the screen.)

“ It is with deep, and unfathomable grief that we announce the death of my beloved brother, Samson Chernovski. He left behind a son. and Samson was a patron to the arts and humanities. He leaves is behind the children’s charity ‘Deep Purpose that battled the Sex Trafficking industry by rescuing hundreds of victims and closing down several rings worldwide.’ He’s deeply loved and missed. My family is supporting Miss Jones' family in her search and rescue. We are praying and hopeful she will be found safe and alive. This is an ongoing investigation. I would like to say out of respect for my brother's extremely private relationship with Miss Jones that she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. We respectfully ask that the public respects our families privacy as law enforcement aids us in piecing together what has happened in this horrible tragedy.”

The TV flashes to my parents who are surprisingly standing next to Sam’s mother & sister who are unbelievably beautiful and his only heir. I shut the TV off.

“Wow!”

I look at Anne sheepishly and ask “ does that answer any questions?”

Anne raises her eyebrows.

“ it’s quite a story.” she chuckles nervously.

“ what do you need to do now? My manager and I have sworn secrecy to each other. I got more hours to work and I get to take care of you. He makes sure you’re never seen. He’s put security guards at each one of his four locations. Until next week. Just in case…” she trails off..

“ Jjjust in case?“ I stutter with a confused look but my eyes get wide and I look away. Just great! My parents are involved now. I feel so ashamed. I brought it on myself…slut. No!! At this point I can afford to accept that it’s fate. Sam must’ve knew this would happen. I shake my head violently and grab my face. Deep inhale, loud exhale…again and again until I can face Anne.

I finally muster the courage to look at her again.

“ I'm only doing what Sam told me to do... BEFORE he was murdered. I need you to stay safe Anne. I need a favor.. a few items from a beauty supply store. Like a black lace front wig. I’m in mourning. I need some cute clothes. I just want stuff from--- Nevermind. I don’t need clothes. Do not mention me to anyone. Tell your manager that I AM NOT the girl on the news. It’s for your safety. Tell him I have suffered verbal abuse. Nothing more. I don’t know the people that murdered Sam but I do know one thing. They’re inhumane…”

I’ve walked over to her side and I’m holding her hand. Crouched down by her side as she sits in the loveseat.

“ I know exactly what you need.” She replies like a diligent Comrade😌.

“ Make sure that hair is hella nice. Real hair. I need shampoo… My hair is natural and —.” I’m starting to panic.

“ don’t worry sweet pea. My daughter did hair. I know what to get and I’m assuming you can do it yourself…” She raises one eyebrow.

“Yes.” I say quietly.

“ OK I’ll be back in 30 minutes. Make a list.” She rises from her chair to head out the door.

“ yes, thank you.“ I say.

She’s on her way out and I lay back down. What on earth has happened? Am I going to be OK?

Chapter 7

-Black lace wig

-hold spray

-mini shampoo and conditioner

-wig cap/glue

-natural soap

-underwear (small)

-sports bra (small/m)

I make sure no actual sizes are on the list.. ano I just think ahead in case it needs to get freakin torched for any reason... Anne comes back, ultimately and I have what I need to change. She drops everything off at the door and let’s me know she’s going to stay at the hotel tonight. For some reason I feel safe.

I don’t know why but I’ve been avoiding the black book. I feel sick with the events from earlier creeping into my mind and I can’t fight this burning desire to read it to completion… Tonight, before I go away… I must know Sams meaning behind all of this. Also, in case he asked of me one more thing. I’m aware now… Here before it’s too late.

I fixed my hair by washing all of the pain and dirt from yesterday off forever. I too have changed so I make my hair black instead of pink and marshmallow. Because I wore Sam’s baggy clothes The night before, I was able to conceal my hair color by tying it back and pulling over Sam's luxurious hoodie.. I look in the mirror and I see my new self. There’s sadness in my eyes, looks deep like those bags under my eyes or maybe I’m just merely tired.

I drift off and keep wondering, ‘Am I really such an asshole?’ I’m thinking because I told him man- I love you, before he died. Could it be that I actually love him now? I’m too tired to be mad at myself... so I look away and my eyes go directly to the black book… this book is becoming an entity— as it lies across the room and is sitting on the nightstand. I feel taunted then I get extremely nervous. I hear shit breaking and faint arguing. It’s happening again! I want to scream so bad. I grab my head and thrust my body onto the bed. I sigh heavily and grab the pillow. I scream and scream until I can no longer scream. What’s this called? Why is this happening?

“ Sam!! Sam!!!” I see him. We’re back in the safe room again.

“ Hey… Hey… Hey that don’t do that… that I know you strong mama..” Sam coos sweetly.

“ I smell truffles..” I cry out and giggle and start to feel warm inside.

I feel silly. Sam’s OK. I look at the leftovers. Then back at Sam. But he’s gone. We’re no longer in the safe room.. this must have been a flashback. I’m not scared anymore... Just sad and lonely. I’m feeling a deep sadness I have never ever felt before. I’m vulnerable now and worst of all it makes me feel sick; knowing I have to keep people far away now.

I’m wondering if I’m experiencing PTSD. Was that really a flashback or did Sam really appear? I’m not sure but I know he said those same words to me before he died. Even if I have PTSD from this event, I have to figure out how to get through it. I can’t flip out like this while I’m on the run. I wonder if the bad guys are looking to bank on my vulnerability so that I’ll break down and go see my parents. I didn’t even know Sam had a sister. She’s stunning as well. Unbelievably and so is the son and mother. Wow! We could’ve made beautiful children.

Immediately, I smack my own face. Let me not daydream and idealize shit while I’m here hurting so bad. My mind needs a break. I need to focus on something other than me and Sam and our families… Maybe the book has an answer that will lead me to a restful week.. I just want to rest somewhere comfortably and not be on the run in less than 48 hours. I look at the book and wage a staring contest. Who wins such a thing with an inanimate object? The book wins. So I pick it up and start where I left off. Now, I’m back in Sam’s World, the new name I gave the little black book.

Page 4 Sams world

Unfortunately before you learn everything there’s something you must now. Today’s September 28, 2020… I am not sure who you are but I do have a feeling. Now… We might’ve just met. There’s no way to avoid what has happened to you now. I dreamed of it for months. I could never figure it out. Then my mother started asking about women in my life. She had a strange dream about you too… Whatever is bound to happen has happened and you must be safe... you must stay in hiding. Everyone will search for you but my family will send signals through the media. Until the danger is calmed... We will protect your family. For now you need access to some serious help! Before you leave town, retrieve it. I’ve buried it away. Do not make it a last minute thing. Prepare to meet the Sage. She can be trusted. She will give you what’s left of me… For you. From me to you. I am genuinely sorry. The steaks were high but this is fate…”

I turn the page… They knew me? Are they even human?

Page 5 SAMS WORLD

Daisy Hernandez-Benitez, Riviera Beach, Florida

561.444.6862

You go there by taxi. only she will call you one to come and go out. Take a new backpack with you. It will look like you are on the nature tour. Never look back. But do give Daisy your number. She's your bridge while you’re in hiding. When the coast is clear you will be free to roam. The only thing keeping you in hiding is the volition of the situation. Darlin, listen, I’m telling you now you do not want to get cocky or comfortable. This world I’m in is nuts. They can attack for no reason. We are in an underworld war. I’m going to make sure you’re safe. Only worry about yourself. Your family is our duty now. What fate brings can be handled wisely or badly. Keep a clear mind and low profile. If Bond were a woman… You define her and let fear become adrenaline and creative energy. Daisy will spruce you up.”

Ha ha, Spruce? Sam, my beloved Cuban Russian Jew maybe we could have seen an opera together. Shit… Romantic thoughts are causing me pain. I must numb it and drink the vodka out of the bottle… One more romantic and pensive thought… Would he have invited me to meet his mom or Shabbat? The mess in my mind is dangerous…It CAN make me angry… So I go to the next page

Page 6 SAMS WORLD

Now that you know about Daisy. I can go on but you must visit Daisy 24 hours after I die! So if I pass in the morning you see her in the afternoon if I pass in the afternoon you see her at night. Wherever you were staying, return to it. When you exit your accommodations after seeing Daisy flee! you literally have a 70 hour window after my passing considering you have an invisible cloak on now ;-) .... Now, my dear I must explain to you our fate. You know... I know what you must do now. You are secure now…”

The chills and cold sweats on my body become unbearable. I have to throw my body into the shower again. My mind, my heart, my nerves. How is this possible? People dream of me, consult a psychic to prepare for this? It doesn’t make sense.

I am a heathen, it may as well be its own religion. I’m not religious at all but still I do pray. I can’t reject my upbringing totally because somethings really do comfort me. Like prayer right now. No one is talking back but I’ve already been conditioned to believe that someone’s listening. I even convince my atheist friends to pray to the universe for positivity. I appreciate divination for sure but to believe All OF IT!?

That Has been out of the question... until now… I’ve always needed to experience or at least see what’s happening. You can’t be gullible in Miami anyways…

I tried to clear my mind in the shower but it’s impossible now. I know that Daisy is waiting now and It’s been an hour already with my wet and warm emotional blanket. My mind is pounding with thoughts of Daisy and Sam … and my life. Before Sam’s murder I was having fun and trying to find my way, I have goals… An associates degree in liberal arts. But my real passion is physical activity. I'm always on the move. I never really let people close to me because I was bullied and my best friend was murdered for protecting me... at 15. His name is Ezekiel. I called him Eazy-E Or E. Tears began to drop profusely down my face. Ezekiel was the brother I never had and he protected me from getting raped. My anger boils as I look at the guns... Those guys are still free. I wonder if any of them were part of Sam’s underworld. The feeling inside me makes me feel like I should investigate. I’ve got 70 hours and my own Vendettas. If Bond were a woman… she’s going to have to read the complete dossier. I look in the tiles reflection and smile crookedly. I am a mad woman now. It’s time to train.

Chapter 8

After another hour-long shower— I hop out to get dressed. My suitcases have now become a daunting task. I know they are filled with goodies but even a shopaholic like me... is tired… I need something to wear besides Sam’s soiled clothes and the very expensive ones he’s gifted me. I hurry over and start to expedite my night. I rip a few bags open and stop myself. I just want comfy clothes that I can find buried treasure in. I Point my index finger to a bag that looks like it’s Sporty. Feels like there are sneakers inside. When I open it I see an all blue, cream and pink Adidas dress with blue and pink sneakers. I look at the tag. They say size 9. I’m shocked. This guy really paid attention to me. I feel guilty… Had I been so nice to him? Normally I pop tags and wash. Today I’m popping tags and spraying with an all natural hand sanitizer that alcohol based. I get dressed in a blue color dress. The blue relaxes me. I decided to get cheap stockings on the way since it’s chilly. I’m just thankful that the blue dress has long sleeves.

After I put myself together as much as I can, I realize that I need makeup. I call Anne to inform her I’ll be back in a few hours. Her only request is that I call her when I’m on my way back and 10 minutes before I pull up. The trust there is unbelievable. I feel like a filial child and give her my guarantee. I made one more short list Since I have only two things to buy.

A backpack for mountain climbers or children

Stockings

In January, Florida can get chili. Especially when you get further away from Miami. So I try

My luck and search the bags for a jacket. I’m impressed with myself. I’m not even willing to try it on at all or take peeks at my new wardrobe. I take my little black book that I’ve dubbed SAMS WORLD AND run out. I decide to use the stairs although I’m on the 12th floor. I take the side exit instead of entering the lobby and I'm surprised I’m so close tomy Porsche. It’s waiting outside where I left it last night. As I walk over my keyless vehicle opens instantly and I jump in. I ride out to the furthest drugstore— one I won’t see again, Even when I return to Florida. Damn, my paranoia is unreal. Upon my arrival at the drugstore I open my book and burner phone so I can dial Daisy.

“Alo?” She answers as I walk in the

store.

“ Yes, hello Daisy. Sam gave me your number…”

There’s a long pause. The woman answers—

“Are you OK? Are you injured Darlin?”

“ I am not injured. But my mind is troubled…”

“ how soon can you get here?” Daisy asked me with deep intent.

“ I am 45 minutes away.” I pick stockings in my size. We conclude the conversation and she guarantees me an exact address to Walmart via text. There’s another store next-door so I hurry to get my backpack. I want to be as prompt as possible with Daisy. I drive and turn on a rock station. The closer you are to Palm Beach the closer you are to rock ‘n’ roll heaven radio stations. It’s a mix to delight me and I sing my heart out to the song Mother by Danzig. A mental preparation for the light I am refusing to see in everyone. Unless Sam deemed it safe.

Before I hung up with Daisy she told me to park in a super Walmart parking lot. I am never going inside but I have to wait there for a taxi. I call Daisy again and she sends an Uber immediately. It’s a 15 minute drive to the swamp area covered with willow trees. I feel like I’m really in the deep South now. I’m at a halfway point between the country of South Florida and the actual American part of Flo-Ri-Da.… Amazing! It’s just as the natives have left it. I feel familiar here but I’ve never been here… I call Daisy as the Uber drives me closer to her. “Hey! I see you pulling up. See you in a moment.” She hangs up and the driver sounds scared as he asks me

“who are you going to see?” I realize it’s pitch black except for his headlights. How does Daisy see us? I see no house as far as the high-beam lights go..

I begin telling the driver that I’m going to see my best friend and that she loves nature. I further elaborate that we’re going to explore and eventually end up at the springs in Clearwater Florida.

“Oh!” He says with relief.

I decided to start investigating.

“Do you know the area?”

“ there’s a legend behind it.“ He says solemnly.

“Do tell!” I squeal behind fake enthusiasm.

“Oh… These lands are old. The Seminoles had a graveyard on this land. But the further you travel the further into their sacred land you enter. Unless you’re from the Rez you don’t know too much. But my mother was from the Rez. She used to take me to a special part of this reserve to connect with nature and our ancestors…”

I stay silent and listen intently.

“ anyways, my father was from Puerto Rico… He has a lot of Cuban family too.. his father was Cuban. One of our cousins married the owner of this land. They combined witchcraft, voodoo, whoo doo Santeria and all types of occult practices. The Chiefs frowned upon it because they brought foreigners to our land and they performed sacred practices for these foreigners. Those who fell to evil fell coincidentally alongside those foreigners and reeked havoc across this state and the some.... They summoned evil like the Ansari mistakenly had done thousands of years ago in the Grand Canyon. The only people left here are the descendants to the heirs; there's a power here thats too powerful. Only a warlock could attempt to move them out…”

Isit in silence feeling like Velma from Scooby Doo… I want to say it’s a joke but I dare not.

“ Who are these foreigners?“I ask.

“Colonizers… Some were Eastern European too. But the good of them never made it here. Only the bad. That’s why so much evil was practiced they brought their own occult practices. Can you believe it was all to make sure that their crimes went well...so they were unscathed.!?” He said passionately. That passion burned me. My own native heritage forces me to resonate with it.

“ We are here.” He says solemnly. Daisy’s waiting outside in an all black hooded outfit. She drops the hood and a sweet petite face comes forth. We look wide-eyed and she smiles and says—

“welcome!”

The driver is silent. I turned to look at him in the driver seat… He’s gone. My eyes widened in shock (Best way to prevent me from screaming now) And I looked back over at Daisy who now has the driver hovering over her.

“Daisy?”

She smiles at him even with her eyes.

“Yes Andarian.” She says. I can see a bit of nervousness in her.

“ how did you survive?“ The man blurts out trying to hold back tears.

“I had to hide. I had to hide darling.” She is calm and rubbing his back.

“ I’m sorry Dai.” He says softly.

Of course I am standing there confused. I did not interrupt. I just feel that my world is totally alien. It’s killing me. I wish this moment was happening with Sam too… As if Daisy is on cue—

“Andarian...” She says in a honey like voice.

“ now that you have found me. I can explain so much to you but I must take care of my friend here. Isn’t she lovely?“

‘Oh she’s a charmer’ I think of Dais as I watch Andarian bow to her. His face becomes boyish. I’m assuming they used to be in love are really good friends. He says goodbye and she smiles at me. Daisy walked him to the car and we watched him drive off together. Silently. The car disappears and Daisy holds my hand tight.

“ now… Let’s work.“ She winked at me. Now I will know about the secret world of Sam’s and my fate.

Chapter 9

Daisy guides me. She holds my hand and walks me into the abyss… We end up in the back of the house and she hands me an identical black robe.

“ tie your hair back and where this… So the bugs and twigs won’ getcha.“ Her humor is cute and southern. It makes me smile.

She holds my backpack as I add my new accessories.

“There’s no time darling. You are in danger. I can hear the spirits whisper in the wind…”

The whispers Daisy speaks of are loud. I thought it was the wind or me hallucinating…

“ I didn’t know that I could hear them too…” I say quietly.

“ You can hear, see and do so many things my dear Aurelia.“

A tear falls down my face.

“ I will answer all your questions and tell you all as I have promised Sam.“ She is speaking telepathically. What on earth!?

“ First we must retrieve those things he buried before midnight… People are searching and trespassing since the moment they broke into that home…“ her eyes look black and stormy as she talks. Goosebumps are all over my body.

“What is hidden belongs to you. It’s yours. It’s your fate and just so you know —-I am a lightworker. I will protect you. I feel your skepticism. That’s fine. You should never be willing to trust so easily, especially now. Don’t worry. It will make sense shortly.”

Daisy is pulling me through the swamp as she talks through telepathy. I watch the alligators that are lit by the bioluminescence and fireflies. It’s absolutely insane to see that they run away from us and back into the swamp. Are these ferocious beasts also peaceful? I wonder about these deadly creatures. This is all quite a sight to behold.

My mind, my body and my heart are all in flux. I feel the danger. I get gory reminders of yesterday. I feel like I need to be held, then I am numb and feel as if the world is still… While humans move.. the show goes on. My thoughts are interrupted by a branch Smacking me on my butt. A gasp goes out my mouth and Daisy turns around… With a wry smile.

“ The trees have eyes.“ she whispers.

My heart beats fast from what she says. I look back at the branches swaying in the wind but there’s no haughty faces on the willow trees. After what feels like an eternity… Daisy squeals

“Eureka!!! It had been so long since Sam buried it.” she exclaims excitedly and hushes up…

There’s one tree adorned with something white. I can’t tell if it grows in this manner or if it is simply decoration. Daisy disappears behind it.

I’m much more confused today and I have been in years. I thought I would turn 28 with no real epicness. However, this epic has the potential to end my life as it has completely changed it. My mind is raging. This is a ghastly life. Daisy returns with two half sized shovels.

“Where were these?“ I say quietly.

“ Well hidden.” She replies.

Life gets you when you least expect it. I didn’t expect to be digging today. The land is wet and mucky so the technique is to throw all the marsh into a pile two steps away from where you’re digging.

“ Do you think the items sunn deeper?“ I ask.

“ It is a marsh…” She replies.

We dig until we hit something! Clink goes my shovel, ding! goes Daisys’. I look at Daisy. She is standing on my left. She shows her excitement in ways I’ve never seen or felt. I can feel she’s nervous or excited and so I am extremely nervous. Honestly, I can’t read this old sage– who looks extremely young. After standing still with her hands out to the side as if she is in prayer… She jumps into the mud— dirtying her cloak. I whisper as loud as I can;

“ Daisy the bugs!”

“Oooohhh nothing and little magic can’t fix.” She replies as she pulls at something from the mud.

“ so it’s magic protecting you from bugs?“ I ask confusedly.

“Something like that... but it was a protection spell I did. Someone wants what is meant for you… So I had to. Our time is limited.” She pulls something completely out of the mud. It’s heavy so I reach over to help her and almost fall in.

“don’t fret my dear.. you couldn’t drown in this mud anyways.” She giggles and winks.

My face is blank. Daisy reaches for my hand and I pull her out with all my strength. After 30 seconds of flicking off mud Daisy turns to the what appears to be a black trunk wrapped in plastic.Daisy points to the side of the trunk.. “There’s another handle.” She says solemnly. I pick up the other side handle and she leads us back to her home in pitch black swampland. If you’re from Florida… Rural Florida then you can definitely refer to yourself as a swamp people. I never felt so swampy until this moment. I’ve been doing things in the state I’ve never done before. It felt like five minutes had passed before we made it to her home. The walk back was definitely much faster..maybe not that fast.

When we get to her backyard… Daisy lights several candles. At five feet and two inches, Daisy is a force to be reckoned with. She also walked faster than any New Yorker I ever knew… As we walk up, she guides me to her patio in the backyard. It is dimly lit. She begins to hose down the object.

“Give me your cloak.” She says. I hand it over and she torches it in a giant pot of fire… ‘Is that a cauldron?’...I can’t handle it anymore.

“Good grief.. Why do you guys torch and destroy everything?!?!”

I’m so upset. I have no idea why I am involved in this madness. I start to explode in madness.

“ I don’t understand anything!! Nothing! My life is a bounty to men that I have no business with. Just please tell me anything!” As I rush my hands to my face, I smack some mud on and cry uncontrollably. Daisy is crouched down next to the object we pulled out the marsh— cutting off the muddy plastic.. It really is an old trunk.

She gasps at my dirty face and outbursts and leaves the trunk alone. She grabs my hand and rushes me into her home. I’m blinded by my tears… I can’t see but we end up in her bathroom and she immediately draws a bath. I take my clothes off, no questions asked. No questions asked. ‘Maybe I am getting this telepathy thing.’ I think to myself. Daisy‘s bathroom looks like an old Victorian salon with a bidet, shower and freestanding tub. I have no idea where the water comes from… The walls are a gentle Green color with shades of beige in between. She turns to see me completely naked. She smiles at me as I clutch my clothes like a teddy bear.

“Awwww darlin. Your nerves are bad. Clean yourself up. I’m putting special herbs in the bathtub for you. I have to finish outside and lock up. I’ll take care of you. Relax your mind child.” Daisy says all of this as she checks the temperature of the shower. She shoos me inside and I’m crying until my wet emotional blanket takes over…

I’m so distraught that some time passes before I even lather on soap. Before I can wash it all off Daisy comes in. She has a tea mug in one hand and a basket in the other.

“My love, come get in the tub.” Daisy is staring me dead in the eyes as I open them from washing of soap! She motions me over and I jump in. I can already smell the lavender essential oil. She begins adding more herbs as I slowly settle in. I can tell she’s surprised… The water is scorching. Once I’m all the way in she cools the tub with cold water that she poured into a large bouillon and then hands me the tea. “Take a few sips…” she insists.

“ These herbs will calm your nerves and no there are no drugs inside… Just honey.“ She is gentle and light with me.

I giggle and begin to relax. I put my head back and can feel Daisy watching over me.

“ relax. Time is on your side.” She coos at me.

“OK.” I whisper.

I want to ask questions but I can’t… Sipping tea and easing my mind was best and already a lot of work. At this moment… I can’t handle another morbid flashback. PTSD was slowly creeping in. I can only thank myself for reading about mental illness or else who knows what my mind would think and what tricks it could have really played on me. Who am I kidding… Those flashbacks suck so bad!!!! Daisy had left the room for about 20 minutes before I saw a shadow move. There was nothing there. I looked over to the mirror and saw Sam‘s reflection. He stands still like a chief and slowly tears of blood roll down his face. I try not to scream instead taking a large deep breath—- staring at his image in the mirror. I look away ready to finally let it out and I scream and scream and scream. I look at the mirror… Sam is gone. I still scream and then groan at the horrible images repeating in my

Mind. Daisy rushes in and holds my wet body in the tub she jumped in right in time just like a mother

~30 MINUTES LATER~

Half an hour passes before I calm down. Daisy gets out of the tub so she herself is in shower. She had removed some of her clothes before jumping to my rescue but still remained in a black flowy top and black tights. She cradled me until I could breathe without trembling. She must know I’m suffering from my traumatic day at Sam’s house.

~Two hours later~

We eat and I even lay down for a 40 minute nap. When I awake Daisy is hovering over me she’s looking intensely as if she is seeing my soul or future. I get up slowly and my body feels heavy. She helps me up. “Grief… It’s weighing you down. Stay with me tonight so I can do chakra/energy work on you. I can’t let you fall apart.”

“ May I just sleep until the morning?“ I ask her like I’m four years old.

“ no baby… I have been waiting all evening to tell you why. So sit back, relax and listen.“

I set up and she pulled a pillow behind me. She walks out and quickly drags in the trunk. I tried to get up to help her and she shoos me back down.

“ I got it…“. She says as she places the black trunk in front of me.

“Open it…” I look up at Daisy and see her mouth is closed.

“ Open it!“ The voice is louder and deeper. Was it Sam? With a reluctant look at Daisy…i Respond with a nod. Her head is bowed to hide tears. I look at the trunk and finger it’s rectangular outline. ‘Sam buried this for me?’... I flip open the large silver clasp on the left then a second one on the right. I tried to lift the top but it’s either stuck or I’m in need of a key.

“Do you have the black book with you Aurelia?!” Daisy asks.

“Yes.”, my tone is quiet. Bring it here, it’s in my backpack. Daisy turns around and pulls my backpack that’s hanging on her door. She hands it over then returns to her post at the door. I pull the black book out and show Daisy my confusion. She says…“thumb through until you find the key.”

My eye is wide for the mystery. My book has a key? Has Daisy read it? As I thumb through I realized how many pages had been filled out. I had only gotten to page 6 but there were 27 pages some with symbols, codes, illustrations of people, activities in Sam’s life and some dark art with a very ugly creature. The pages go blank after page 28 which is filled with codes and info about block chain/crypto Jedis. I have no idea what any of that means. Four empty pages later and I find a small key that might unlock the trunk… I insert it in here Daisy say

“Are you ready?” I look up at her and say, “ It’s time!!”

Chapter 10

The chest opens and I shriek.

“ Oh my goodness gracious! ITS HUGE!!!“ I pull out a Harvey Winston box.

“ Daisy. What is the meaning of all of this?“ I say out loud.

“Look quickly darling.“ She smiles widely. In my head I hear the word ‘FATE’. The box has a transparent glass on the top encased by a dark blue wood. It's a Diamond and Alexandrite necklace with; a matching Diamond cuff, cascading alexandrite and ruby earrings and a fine selection of diamond studs ranging between two and three carats. Wow. Three new pairs of studs. One for each hole in my right ear. Sam was insanely wealthy and--- I suppose, crazy about me.

Daisy comes and sits next to me!

“He is such a gentleman!!!” She cries.

I blush deeply. I’m going to miss that man. I continue digging in the trunks..I see kilos of gold bars inside. 6 kg to be exact. I lift a medium size safe. Lying beneath them and notice there are three more. I take them out and see more mini safes. I look at Daisy and instantly point at my new found wealth —

“ what the hell is going on?“

Now I’m speaking telepathically. Daisy is shocked. My tone was so demanding. She finally throws her hands up with her eyes wide and an ear-to-ear smile.

“From this moment forward let’s communicate like this. I’m going to explain to you why this has happened to you. You may continue rummaging in that chat I’ll explain to you first; these safes contain in total $20,000. 10 thousand is solely in US dollars the other 10 is divided into euros, British pounds and Japanese yen. Furthermore 30 Bitcoin is in a drive locked away in one of the safes. If you ever cash one out make sure you do it in Dubai.

I’m looking at Daisy intensely. Now I’m holding my black book again. Instinctively, I look away and into the trunk... I see something underneath glowing in orange. The box starts to appear as I remove a few the rest of the safes. It’s an orange Hermes box… still wrapped with ribbon. The bow has been flattened. I undo it quickly as Daisy continues to talk through to telepathy.

“ You must understand now. Your life will never be the same. Some people are after you. They cannot touch your family and the undertakers know it.“

I'm not sure how-- but I gasp through telepathy; upon hearing about undertakers and being in shock by the Birkin bag that’s red and gold snakeskin. It is stuffed to the brim with hundred dollar bills. A gorgeous medium size purse. I am definitely well equipped to be on the run. If Sam we’re not as wealthy I really wonder what he would’ve left behind. Daisy pauses from speaking and looks impressed. “Maybe there's’ more than 20k in there…” Daisy states aloud. We look at each other and she continues telepathically.

“When we’re far apart… I’ll be able to communicate with you like this. I know what you saw my dear. I could see it all happen from here. I’m so sorry you saw those evil men. They’re all so disgusting. They need to rot in hell! However, you my dear sweet angel are blessed beyond human understanding. You, Arelia Jones are connected to Sam by not only one but SIX past lives.There was a time when you were a real monarch Queen… A Pharaoh's Queen and what a mighty bloody past that was. There are many lives where Sam was a nobleman and you were some courtesan. In most lives you were elite socialites. But with you two— danger always followed and you always found each other. That’s because you never were here on this earth for simple living. You have important missions. Long before Sampson met Aurelia. … Aurelia was causing a ruckus with her sweet face and charm. People begin to notice you baby girl. Some of whom were in the underworld. There was a man you saw on the monitor.. I know he was looking for you and you know it too. Aurelia he’s a freak- he wanted you before Sam got to you. And when Sam approached you six months ago in September… That other man knew he had no chance to make you his next victim. This man is the undertaker. His name is Clarence. He’s the clans torture/interrogator that enjoys causing pain. He’s also one of the head honchos first born son and air to Gnarly Corporations. A grandfather company of weapons and artillery distribution. They are crazed bloodthirsty fools. Incapable of love but always looking forward to torture. You have to shoot him. He won’t go away until he’s dead.” Daisy is shaking me from my daze..

“Aurelia. I’m serious.” Daisy stops to let me take it all in. I’m in disbelief. I have to kill? I don’t want this part of my misfortune. “Why is this my fate?” I ask.

“Everyone has Karma darling. If the world had lost you then the world would’ve lost a light that is DESTINED to destroy this enemy.” She responds.

“How is this my karma? I don’t understand!!” I Yell inside.

“Darling, I’m sorry but Samson was your soulmate. That’s why the intensity of your connection and the danger escalated all together. Until you two totally right your wrongs from your past in this life and before; you must serve the people of this world and protect them. Before Sam died he uncovered some of Clarence‘s knowledge of a dark, deadly world in the black market. Some of those codes are complex and some are quite easy. Few are python and written in the black book. There is a site head and more people are being bought and sold. Sam found the IP addresses of six homes throughout Florida, that are involved in kidnapping, human trafficking, distribution of drugs, and worst of all Deadly Street fighting. Samson was sure human sacrifice was taking place. No matter the amount of crime his family did. The Made Men that stuck to Sams and his father had limits. Many things were taboo to these Made Men. They would never hurt a child or woman in retaliation. My dear, before you leave you must know all those homes belong to Clarence and his family. Very few people in the underworld can go so dark. But where there is darkness there is light. I will do energy work for you right now. I need you to be on your toes because that man is coming for you. We believe he is so evil that he gave his body willingly to be a host for a demon…” Daisy gives me chills.

“ you have got to be kidding me.” Daisy motions me to stand up and starts smudging me with Sage and dragon's blood.

“Maybe it’s a bit far-fetched but where do you think all these strange happenings are coming from. It’s supernatural and since these guys are like mean warlocks you have got to trust me and never feel bad for pulling the trigger on them. They drink more blood than you can drink water and nothing is better for them than causing grief in misery. Nothing!!!”

Daisy literally climbed over me and got in my face by standing on a chair. She continues to smudge me and for some reason I’m feeling lighter.

“ They can’t attack me but I’ll be sick if they get to you. They want it badly because of how Sam loves you.”

“He loved me?” I ask.

“Yes, he’s a gangster so he couldn’t show it and wasn’t available all of the time. Sam never hurt women or children. It was his greatest desire to take those scumbags out at once and for good.”

We speak telepathically only. I question my existence. Who am I? I say to myself as I look out the mirror.

“We’re… Sam and I are connected because basically-- were soulmates who live destructive and flamboyant lifestyles?” I speak telepathically.

“Yes.” She nods and opens her arms to hug me.

“Oh no! Someone’s here.”

Daisy panics. “Shit…” Daisy puts a hand to her head.” he can smell your scent. Quick! put everything in the trunk. We must put it in the car now!!”

I can remember how slow the drive is through the marsh on the way to get here. I breathe and silent confidence. I exhale as I quickly load my future into the trunk and lock it. Something tells me to put two small safes in my backpack. I noticed the bottoms have a white pearl ink with different currencies symbols. I take the pounds and the US dollars. I’m going to flip money. Daisy screams hurry. We rushed outside into the darkness and remembered I took an Uber. We hide the truck behind a cooler and cover it with a black cloth. Daisy asks me

“where is your gun?”

“ in my bag.” I respond.

“Ok darling, don’t be afraid to shoot.” My eyes bulge, my adrenaline kicks in.

“ Is it Clarence?”

“Yes. Yes” Daisy nods and motions me to rush:

“Pretend you’re Bond girl now. No. Believe it Arelia. You know I can see the future now. Get rid of clearance. You are a part of the underworld now. This is your chance to clean it up.”

We see the lights pull up. Daisy watches outside as I grab the pistol. I have to cock it back before I shoot. Now I know I’m ready, because I feel no more fear holding my metal piece without hesitation and cock it back twice then I add myself to the darkness behind her. Hidden behind Daisy. I want the man to walk up to us and fall backwards just as he made so many innocent men, women and children before Sam died last night. I too want to make amends with my karmic wrongs. I’ve been living wrong for so long just to hide from old pain.

Two men exit the SUV.

“Daisy where is she!!” A man runs up towards Daisy and yells as lightning strikes nearby. The sky is becoming alive with a lightning storm. It’s so sudden. I keep my mind still and blank. I figure these men have telepathic abilities, especially after all Daisy has told me. Daisy lifts her hand and yells

“ get out of here! You have no right on this land Clarence. You and your evil family have been banished.”

Daisy throws her hands forward and two fireballs shoot forward. She looks like a super Saiyan fighting on Dragon Ball Z— except her hair is jet black. The only thing that got hit was Clarence's driver.

Clarence growls with disapproval and lunges at Daisy. There’s a force field protecting Daisy so he flies backwards; now she can’t be touched. Now I know why I need one. Nonetheless, I see my chance as Daisy is throwing fireballs and reseals her force field from Clarances’ attacks. I point the gun straight at him. Then the unspeakable happens.. Clarence begins to transform.

“RAAAAAAWWWWWWRRRRR AHHHHHH!!!!” He yells as his voice deepens into the sound of a fearsome demon that he has begun transforming into. It shocks me but then I pull the trigger. The bullet hits his human neck before it transforms. I cock back and shoot again. I hit his human heart. Another shot and I hit him in his human neck. I point down below and blow out the demon's knees. First the left and then the right. I cock it back one last time and empty the clip. Daisy is now holding fireballs in her hands she torches the remains of the driver and now the hybrid body Of Clarence.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t see that coming.” She puts her hand up and snaps her fingers. The keys of the men’s SUV are now dangling on her index and middle fingers.

“C’mon… i’ll drive you back.” Daisy smiles and then she screams

“ that was awesome! You got him just in time. I was a little bit worried but it’s all right your instincts lead you to hit the right spots. His mother was human but his father was an extraterrestrial that looked human and extremely mean spirited.”

I feel so many different emotions while carrying the trunk over to the back of the Suburban trunk. We lift the trunk and put it in the back of the SUV on the floor where it can’t be seen. We grab my backpack. Daisy has me a bottle of water and she drives me to the Walmart where my car is parked. She helps me unload and reload the trunk. We make sure that the trunk is well hidden in my Porsche. I drive back to the hotel and call Anne on my way back. I get an idea just as I’m 10 minutes away from the hotel first to call Anne again--just to let her know. I park after what seems like the longest eight minutes of my life. When I park I know where I’m going to go next. I decided On the Midwest. I think there’s something I need to learn In the Grand Canyon. And it won’t be too far from the ocean. This is new territory for me and I’m sure California has its own underworld and connection to Sam. What’s imminent is that I have some more uncovering to do. If I were simple minded I would’ve thought that Sam gave me all these luxurious presents just to spoil, impress and entice me. So he knew I’d love the admiration. But I know I have to fit in with the underworld now — for I was the true underdog. I know all the above is possibly true… that it ran through his mind when he planned this.

But the real truth starts with a question. What if Bond were a woman. I’ve been told in less than 48 hours, twice by two people— to think and define the meaning of that. So as I embark on a new chapter I lay my head down and comfortably sleep again. On page 20 of my little black book are a list of phone numbers and where these people reside. People who will help me to understand my new position in the underworld. Sam and I must’ve caused a lot of heartache and bloodshed in our past lives. When I just think of the wars of old kings and queens have waged—-I suppose being a good character and paying those debts to society will help heal me. War leaves crazy vibrations in this crazy crazy world.

6 months later

A bright red convertible is cruising down the highway in Santa Monica California. A woman is dressed in designer clothing. She has perfectly manicured hands and feet that are adorned with gold jewelry and white Jimmy Choos. Her makeup is carefully applied; not even her cherry red lipstick bleeds outside her lip line. She pulls up to the outside gates of the giant estate. The guard walks up and asks her to identify herself.

“Annie Samsonite.”

The guard looks closely. We are face to face then he walks back to his post and calls into the estate.

“Mr. Chernovski….. Miss Samsonite is here. All right she’ll be right in..” The garden unlocks the gates and she drives-in.

I finally get to meet Sam’s father and my parents after what has been the longest pilgrimage of my life. When I first left Florida-- I went straight to North Carolina. It was cold but I enjoyed the mountains and fireplaces in the wicked cold weather. It was a stark contrast from how the sunshine State kept mocking me with this beautiful weather in eerie people.

As I continued to read and decode Sam’s Little Black Book... I saw exactly the crimes against humanity that Clarence and his family continue to commit. I also knew that Sam‘s family was not innocent either. But Daisy was right; they never crossed that line. Their vendettas were strictly reserved for their enemies and not the civilians in public. They also refused to involved in any kind of Human Trafficking but they were involved in other evils of the world..

As I pull up to this largest state my heart pounds. The last time I saw my parents we got into an argument. It was a light argument but they were asking me not to drink so much anymore. In the end I forced myself to listen to them. They were right. I am much healthier today. I am much wiser and revitalized. As I park the car in the driveway I see a line of people standing side-by-side. My parents, Sam’s parents, Sam’s son, sister and a Butler.

I walk up to my parents first and give them a big hug and they hold me quite tight. We start to cry. I’m handed a napkin by the butler and smile politely. Sam’s father walks up to me and begins his welcome speech to me;

“ It is a pleasure to meet the woman that would’ve been my son's wife.” I’m taken aback by this comment. I could have fell but Mr. Chernovski holds me up and chuckles.

“We are so thankful that you were able to get through this and make it here. It has been a long and tough road. But we will forever be family Aurelia. The risk you took to deliver that Jan sport backpack to my grandson has saved not only our professional well-being but millions of lives. Our dear Samson went rogue and had a passion to put an end to a myriad of crimes against humanity. He was ashamed of our past but instead of denouncing and disowning his family he wanted to find a way to make amends with the world….”

Everyone is locked in to Mr. Chernovski and I. I am processing this all as I’m always expecting a new bombshell with this family.

“If you are ready we can begin to train you. I've been watching you Aurelia. You are ready to be a spy.” Mr. Chernovski smiles with confidence like the organizer of the Justice League.

My parents hold onto each other but also look at me with pride. I hold back my tears and breathe deeply. I look over at Sam's sister, mother and child. And smile at them.

“ If Bond were a woman would you fight alongside her?“ I ask this question to everyone.

They all look me in my eyes--one by one and nod without hesitation. Without a doubt Aurelia Jones is loved and supported by her new family. I feel this love inside me.

“Before I forget. Sam left something behind for everyone.. We can begin training now. But there will be a short intercession Mr. Chernoski….” Sam's father looks confused.

“I will have a daughter. She is Sam’s last dying wish…” I Open my long brown jacket that hides my pregnant stomach well. I am petite for a pregnant woman that's about to bust.

Everyone gasps in excitement from Chernovski's side. My parents look mortified. Sam's son runs over to touch my belly. He is so excited that he’ll have a sister.

“ The honor is mine Miss Jones. You were...are really brave. My mother says thank you so much. You don’t have to worry she won’t be upset. She had a feeling that might happen.” He points to my stomach… I’m impressed by Sams’ son. He is well spoken and also let me know that his mother has extraordinary senses as well.

Our parents take their turns marveling at my stomach. We all walk inside where I’m greeted by the sweet aroma of summer and the smell of my favorite foods. My mother must have been behind that. When we sit down on the couch they all marvel at my survival. But I reiterate that it’s because of everyone, I was able to survive. All the lessons my mother and father taught me in self-defense and outsmarting others… kept me alive. Being fearless in the face of death kept my miracle going. I’m 7 1/2 of months along. I know that everyone doesn’t realize that I am ready for war. When I give birth to Sams’ last heir, I will give birth to the final version of me and I know exactly how I’m going to fight. No one will ever stop me...ever.

The end