Chapter 3
"Liz, where are the kids tonight?"
"They're at neighbors. Annie went to her girlfriend's house for a sleepover and when I knew I was coming down here, our neighbor agreed to keep him. She has a son about Gus's age so he'll be fine."
The two women had come back to the Residence and Abbey had poured each a glass of wine.
"Liz, how are you doing?"
"Mom, I'm scared. I'm scared for Dad and for you and for me. But I'm mainly scared for the kids. They're going to be devastated."
"Have you thought about a divorce?"
"How can I? We're Catholic. Divorce is not an option."
"Well, Liz neither is adultery but that didn't stop Doug from messing around, did it?"
"No."
"Liz, whatever you decide you know we'll back you one hundred percent. If you need financial help, your father and I will be glad to help. And you and the children can stay at the farmhouse however long you need to."
"Thanks, Mom. But I can't even begin to consider my options quite yet. I'm more worried about this article and what effect it will have on the kids."
"I know. I do too."
Both women sat silent for a minute until Liz smiled.
"What's so funny , Liz?"
"Dad."
"Dad?"
"Yeah. I figure he might want to kill Doug for this and whatever technique he used he wanted it to be done slow and painful. Am I correct?"
Abbey laughed. "Yeah. I think he wanted to call the CIA and get the torture experts to give him some instructions."
"Yeah. I kind of figured that." Liz laughed. "Maybe I can share his instructions."
"That's a great idea."
The phone rang in the Residence. Abbey reached for it and was surprised to hear the person on the other end.
"Danny, it's a pleasure to talk with you."
Abbey paused a minute, listening to what Danny had to say.
"Sure, come on up. I'll notify my agents to let you through. "
As she hung up the phone, she turned to Liz with a smile on her face. "Danny Concanon has a surprise for us. I think you need to hear this."
"What is it about, Mom?"
"Just wait and see."