Read Online Holding Their Own VII: Phoenix Star by Joe Nobody - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Joe Nobody
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given the amount of fuel we have left. I think our best bet is to stay away for a while and let Nick work to clear my name. Let things settle down. My greatest hope is that we can return to West Texas one day soon.”
“You’re right,” Terri sighed. “I just want the best for Hunter. I want him to go to school and have friends – a normal childhood. My mind is conflicted by different priorities these days.”
“I’m only going to drive until we have used half our fuel. I want to save the other half to get home. We’ll cross that bridge when…,” Bishop paused, a pained look crossing his face. “We can go back, Terri. We can go back right now. I can fight the charges against me. In a way, I’d welcome the opportunity to face my accusers.”
She shook her head, the reaction strong. “No. If it were a normal situation involving just you, an accuser and the search for justice, I wouldn’t have wanted to leave. But that’s not the case. There’s a war involved, a conflict that a lot of people are willing to sacrifice one man in order to avoid. There’s also the reconstruction of one country and the freedom of another region at play. Whoever set you up was powerful… very powerful, and they aren’t playing by the rules. We did the right thing. There’s no way you would have gotten a fair trial in any venue. Let the dust settle – the truth will come out.”
Bishop wasn’t sure. “And if we get killed out here in the badlands, was justice served? What if Nick and Diana lose control of the Alliance? Is the price for all that we have built worth my freedom? Will Meraton be better off without Pete and the market? I would sacrifice my life for what we were creating back there. Hell, I almost did several times. Why is this any different?”
Terri reached up and touched her husband’s cheek, admiration causing her heart to swell. “Your honor and willingness to sacrifice are a big part of why I love you. They are core definitions of a good man. But in this case, you can’t win, my love, and you’re being naïve if you think you can. You would be throwing your life away. Don’t you realize that? If you were convicted, even wrongly so, then the leadership of the Alliance would be considered polluted and corrupt. Everything we have accomplished would be questioned. If you were found innocent, then we’d still be viewed as tainted – only protecting our own. Whoever dreamed up this little false flag knew exactly what they were doing. The only way out is to let emotions die down… give it some time, and let the truth come out in a natural way.”
Bishop’s expression flashed respect for Terri’s words, but he was still skeptical. “I’ve never been keen on politics. Never understood most of it. I’ll go with what you think is best. But if you change your mind, I’m willing to turn this truck around and head home. I’ll gladly face the music.”
Terri smiled, but it wasn’t bright. While her husband’s use of the phrase ‘home,’ had reminded her of the hope they shared to return one day, she was still troubled by circumstances out of their control. After all, this was the second time they had abandoned their residence just to survive. Now, they had no choice, but to place their faith in the hands of people they trusted and God. That was the best option, and she prayed they wouldn’t encounter anything that changed that.
With a belly full of warm food, Bishop found himself getting sloppy with his diligence. He needed sleep and was frustrated by the lack of a suitable spot to set up the camper. The sun will be cresting soon – maybe it will be easier to find some place in the daylight , he reasoned.
They were within a mile of interstate I-40, and he convinced himself that the interchange would be one of those remote exits that didn’t house any gas stations, shops, or stores. No need to stop and scout ahead , his tired mind justified. Maybe there will be a lane or abandoned restaurant we
“You’re right,” Terri sighed. “I just want the best for Hunter. I want him to go to school and have friends – a normal childhood. My mind is conflicted by different priorities these days.”
“I’m only going to drive until we have used half our fuel. I want to save the other half to get home. We’ll cross that bridge when…,” Bishop paused, a pained look crossing his face. “We can go back, Terri. We can go back right now. I can fight the charges against me. In a way, I’d welcome the opportunity to face my accusers.”
She shook her head, the reaction strong. “No. If it were a normal situation involving just you, an accuser and the search for justice, I wouldn’t have wanted to leave. But that’s not the case. There’s a war involved, a conflict that a lot of people are willing to sacrifice one man in order to avoid. There’s also the reconstruction of one country and the freedom of another region at play. Whoever set you up was powerful… very powerful, and they aren’t playing by the rules. We did the right thing. There’s no way you would have gotten a fair trial in any venue. Let the dust settle – the truth will come out.”
Bishop wasn’t sure. “And if we get killed out here in the badlands, was justice served? What if Nick and Diana lose control of the Alliance? Is the price for all that we have built worth my freedom? Will Meraton be better off without Pete and the market? I would sacrifice my life for what we were creating back there. Hell, I almost did several times. Why is this any different?”
Terri reached up and touched her husband’s cheek, admiration causing her heart to swell. “Your honor and willingness to sacrifice are a big part of why I love you. They are core definitions of a good man. But in this case, you can’t win, my love, and you’re being naïve if you think you can. You would be throwing your life away. Don’t you realize that? If you were convicted, even wrongly so, then the leadership of the Alliance would be considered polluted and corrupt. Everything we have accomplished would be questioned. If you were found innocent, then we’d still be viewed as tainted – only protecting our own. Whoever dreamed up this little false flag knew exactly what they were doing. The only way out is to let emotions die down… give it some time, and let the truth come out in a natural way.”
Bishop’s expression flashed respect for Terri’s words, but he was still skeptical. “I’ve never been keen on politics. Never understood most of it. I’ll go with what you think is best. But if you change your mind, I’m willing to turn this truck around and head home. I’ll gladly face the music.”
Terri smiled, but it wasn’t bright. While her husband’s use of the phrase ‘home,’ had reminded her of the hope they shared to return one day, she was still troubled by circumstances out of their control. After all, this was the second time they had abandoned their residence just to survive. Now, they had no choice, but to place their faith in the hands of people they trusted and God. That was the best option, and she prayed they wouldn’t encounter anything that changed that.
With a belly full of warm food, Bishop found himself getting sloppy with his diligence. He needed sleep and was frustrated by the lack of a suitable spot to set up the camper. The sun will be cresting soon – maybe it will be easier to find some place in the daylight , he reasoned.
They were within a mile of interstate I-40, and he convinced himself that the interchange would be one of those remote exits that didn’t house any gas stations, shops, or stores. No need to stop and scout ahead , his tired mind justified. Maybe there will be a lane or abandoned restaurant we
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