Chapter 22-1
A New Plan
Part 2
The call finally came in which seemed like an eternity as we watched Stringham pace across the study. By that time, Dad had approached the subject of taking Stringham's job offer. Mom and Dad knew Stringham could deliver, and it wasn't a small a matter what he was asking. There were tons of questions regarding, what to do about Shawn and Arthur, and what to do about my younger brothers because all everyone knew in Heber was that we were a family of four, and not counting Jody made it five and Kerry would make six-plus Shawn and Arthur not to mention Shane.
Then there was the house of course, and my mother as well as my grandmother. That could cause a problem not to mention our horses. So Dad said if we could work it all out to everyone's satisfaction the idea was more than doable.
Stringham looked up as Dad and our little tribe entered the study except for Shawn and Arthur. Dad quickly stated that his family had decided that he'd be a fool not to take the job, but some things needed to be worked out first, and that's when the call came in. Dad and we didn't know if we should leave or stay, so we decided not to be rude and told Stringham we would come back when he wasn't so busy. After all, we weren't going anywhere for the moment.
Stringham held up his finger and said. "Robert just give me five minutes," pointing to a seat. He beamed with pride as he quickly hung up the phone and said. "Our people are on a chopper as we speak safe and sound, and our friend Tony and his little task force are now busy locating our targets." He buzzed for Landan and poured himself another drink then changed his mind settling for a nice hot cup of hot chocolate and quickly poured us some as well making it just like we liked it. Landan came in and Stringham gave him the news Landan's face brightened, and Stringham asked him if he wouldn't mind taking notes so we could draw up a contract. Obviously, it was no secret that Stringham had offered Dad a job, considering nothing escapes Landan's attention.
Mom and Dad quickly stated their questions on how this would work, Stringham remained silent, as he opened his filing cabinet and said. "Go on, I am listening. Now, where did I put that? Oh, here it is." Pulling out a large vanilla envelope and placing it in Dad's hands. It had Shawn and Arthur's name on it. Dad opened the envelope and dumped the contents into his lap. There were two large folders, one with Shawn's name on it and the other with Arthur's name on it. Dad opened the one with Shawn's name on it first. Reading Crest Ridge Academy a Therapeutic Boarding School for Troubled Teens. With everything, he would need to enroll them. The idea that it was in Texas didn't set well, but it had everything they were looking for. Stringham said, the further the way the better where the occult and Crawford wouldn't be a problem.
Dad said. "We tried that method of sending Shawn and Arthur to a different school."
Stringham said, "Yes, but it wasn't a boarding school where they house them. Nor did it have the programs designed to fix what's going on in their little heads. Instead, they come home every day, knowing that sooner or later you'd cave in, knowing they could get away with it."
I have contacted the school, and they assured me that Shawn won't be a problem. If you don't like that one, there are others, but they cost a lot more. Alternatively, the one inside that packet, I know the headmaster personally, or you might consider one closer to home."
Dad found the one that said Liahona Academy. He and Mom frowned, finding it out it was in Pleasant Grove which didn't offer what the one in Texas did. Stringham said they are both schools are top-notch schools, and he and Mom could take a tour of both before making a decision.
Mom and Dad stated that they had already taken a tour of the one in Pleasant Grove near them and found it unappealing being so close where Crawford had some influence there. Stringham said there are other schools, but they are very expensive and further away, but if they wanted to look at them, he would request an interview with them.
Stringham expressed his willingness to pay a certain amount in relation to Shawn and Arthur. To illustrate his point, he handed them a list of specific items, each with a price range indicating the monthly and yearly costs. We were all taken aback by the prices, causing Dad to quickly calculate whether he could afford the one in Texas. With his new salary, Stringham agreed to contribute twenty-five percent towards any school of their choice for Shawn and Arthur. It's important to note that Stringham's wealth did not come without hard work, determination, and wise investments.
Both Arthur and Shawn were uncertain about making wise investments, though Shawn appeared to be more hesitant. He believed that by making certain changes in his life, he could increase his chances of achieving success. However, he was only willing to exert limited effort to get things started. Instead, he preferred relying on Mom and Dad to do most of the work, rather than taking a free ride. It surprised me that even I didn't receive such treatment, considering how Stringham considered me as another son.
In addition, Stringham warned them about the potential consequences of not homeschooling them or bringing them to Heber, Highland, or a halfway house. He mentioned the risk of Crawford or the satanic church getting a hold of them, emphasizing that we didn't need any more problems. He also stated that they would have to earn the right to come home or they could visit them. Even in my case, I had to earn money the hard way before Stringham would provide financial support, unless it was for a worthwhile cause like investing in my future.
Dad mentioned that he needed time to think about it, but suggested that visiting schools would be a good starting point. He then opened the second folder, which contained information about a school called Sadhana in Andhra Pradesh, India, catered to children and teens like Arthur. Mom expressed her concern about the distance, but proposed considering the Aspen Education Program in Syracuse, Utah, which was only a six-hour drive from Heber. She believed a visit would be beneficial, or alternatively, they could explore options in Salt Lake City. Stating with the boys separated it was unlikely that Crawford, would lose interest quickly in regards of Arthur, and they could easily afford that one of those and the one in Texas with Stringham's help and providing he could keep both the boys safe. Stringham told them he would provide anything to make sure that happened, including a bodyguard of some sort, until they were no longer in danger.
As Dad spoke, the room filled with heavy silence, the weight of their decision hanging in the air. The sight of Arthur, barely noticeable in the dimly lit room, added to the somber atmosphere. The sound of Dad's words echoed, each syllable piercing the silence. The faint smell of anxiety lingered, as if it had seeped into the very walls of the room.
Mom's face contorted with worry; her brow furrowed deeply. She closed her eyes, trying to shut out the world as she considered their options. Stringham, always composed, stood beside them, his presence calming amidst the tension. The room was filled with the scent of old books and polished wood, giving a sense of familiarity and tradition.
Stringham's voice broke the silence, his words cutting through the stillness. The sound of his voice was steady, reassuring. He made promises, offering solutions to their worries. The room seemed to brighten with his words, a glimmer of hope breaking through the gloom.
Time passed quickly, the minutes slipping away like sand through their fingers. Dad, now resolute, signed the contract with a decisive stroke of the pen. The sound of the pen scratching against the paper seemed to seal their fate. With a sense of urgency, he handed Dad a check, the weight of their financial burden now tangible.
Stringham's offer seemed almost unbelievable, but I watched as he confidently walked to a hidden corner of the room. As he pressed a button on the keypad, a hidden door swung open, revealing a small room filled with the scent of musty banknotes. The sight of the stacks of cash, cold and untouched, left us all in awe. It was a sight we had never witnessed before, a sight that held both promise and uncertainty for our future.
Dad said he never sleeps having that kind of money lying around and said he would be more than happy with a check. Stringham laughed said. "I sleep like a baby knowing it's perfectly safe here. In fact, I highly recommend a strong bank safe and where no one can ever find it." Taking the money and putting it back inside then tossed me one of the bundles of crisp one-hundred-dollar bills, said. "For your help today and in the future in helping us bring the occult to their knees and I'd pay your friend as well, but I think he has no more use for money. Landan will show you where you can keep it inside your room until you can put it in the bank."
He tossed one to Jared, Dad, and Mom as well telling them to spend it any way they would like. He took another bundle and separated it, putting it into two piles, then scooted each of the piles to Jason and the other to Jonathon telling Mom and Dad to make sure he doesn't spend it all on candy or use it for monopoly money. Mom was speechless but quickly recovered when Jonathon and Jason reached for it. She quickly took it and placed it inside her bra for safekeeping and as well as theirs.
She saw them pout, their downturned lips reflecting disappointment, and rolled her eyes in response. Reaching inside her bag, she retrieved two crisp hundred-dollar bills, the sound of their rustling filling the air. As she handed them each their reward, she reminded them not to lose it, the scent of freshly printed money lingering in her nostrils. With a smile, she explained that the rest of the money would be going into a missionary fund for them. Mom, ever the practical one, couldn't help but think about what she would tell her employer, her mind consumed by the task at hand. But amidst her thoughts, another question arose - what would she do with all her newfound free time?
Dad chuckled, his laughter resonating in the room. "Oh, I think you'll be too busy redecorating our new cabin and moving," he remarked. The mention of their new home brought up another decision - should they sell their current house or give it to Kerry and her husband? The weight of the choice hung in the air, intermingling with the anticipation of the imminent arrival of the people they had been waiting for. Suddenly, the sound of a chopper filled the atmosphere, its deafening rotor blades announcing their guests' arrival. Mom and Dad excused themselves, their exhaustion clear in their movements, as they stated that it had been a long day, and it was well past the bedtime of their sons, Jason and Jonathan.
Stringham said as he turned to Dad and me, extending an invitation to meet our potential assassins. Mom, weary and wanting to shield us from the violence she had already witnessed, urged us to go ahead, her weariness palpable in her voice. Stringham, aware of the importance of the meeting, expressed his desire for us to become acquainted with them, as we would see them frequently in the coming months. Mom let out a tired sigh, her fatigue clear, but she nodded in agreement. She made it clear, however, that she did not want any discussions about killing or violence, having had her fill of it for the day, and indeed, her entire lifetime.
Unbeknownst to her, Dad withheld the knowledge that she might witness more of it in the future. In fact, he didn't reveal that she would be learning to defend herself, transforming into one of the most formidable housewives. I silently concurred with Dad, realizing that witnessing such a transformation was not something I desired to see. Then again, Mom had a way of surprising us all, so who knows what she might say or do next."
How awesomely cool. Not only could I kill them with one of my herbal concoctions. I can beat them over the head with a frying pan at the same time." Somehow, I doubt that was going to happen. Dad asked Stringham if he should call his employer in the morning and break the news to them.
Stringham said looking at the time. "Depends on do you like the job or do you hate it?"
Dad smiled and said looking at his watch. "I'll give them a chance to change shifts then c all them."
Stringham laughed. "I got a better idea how about you call your boss at home say around two a.m. and tell him then? That way he will think twice how he took you for granted."
Dad said. "But he didn't take me for granted. I took him for granted by always taking so much time off."
Stringham said. "Then, in that case, I find if you make a nice large donation. Not only would you be helping the boys get the help they need. You will feel like a million bucks knowing that you left on good terms, and they will be more than glad to help you whenever you need a favor. Trust me, money speaks a lot more when they see the cold hard cash. Even more so when you hand them a stuffed envelope and say for your trouble for putting up with me and give them a wink."
Dad nodded said. "That I can live with because they could really use the help and people, I work for could certainly use the money."
The entry hall looked far better than it did when we first arrived, where everything was covered with a drop cloth or dust covers. One of the staff was just finishing polishing the floor with the buffer with the help of Shawn and Arthur who didn't look too pleased to see us. I could only imagine how they were going to feel regarding attending a boarding school so far away that it would be nearly impossible for them to contact Crawford as well as any of the members from the Satanic Church.
The only thing Mom and Dad were worried about was them raping another child, and finding a way to contact Crawford, besides being brainwashed. Stringham assured us that none of it was going to be a problem. One of the reasons why the boarding school in Texas was ideal, and why the one near Salt Lake City would be perfect for what they were all looking for. Money wasn't the problem, at least not anymore. With Dad's new income and with Stringham's help showing him how to invest wisely. He could become a billionaire in less than five or six years.
Stringham quickly reached into his pocket and counted out ten one-hundred-dollar bills and placed it into the man's shirt pocket and said. "Thanks for your help, for coming in on short notice," and gave him two more says. "For your wife and your children," placing three more. The man gasped and beamed with pride, as Stringham did the same to every one of his helpers along the way. Telling Landan to make sure everyone is well compensated for their trouble. He also told Landan to give himself a raise as well and for hell, sakes turn up the heat. Again, I questioned why he felt it was still cold in here when the rest of us were nice and toasty. Personally, I think it had to do with what happened today at the service. Just thinking about it now that I have watched the tapes, I too felt a little cold.
Dad gasped seeing the people he was giving money to. Stringham wanted him to notice because he said. "I learned a long time ago that if I keep my employees happy, they will bend over backward to make me happy and I never have to worry about high turnover. Money doesn't belong in a safe for a rainy day when you have plenty of it. They say money is power and makes you greedy for more. Personally, I find the people that I know and help give me the power and influence that other people who have the money don't have. Because they don't invest in the people they have to work for them.
"I keep them happy and their families happy because I like to think I am investing in their future. In turn, I get it back tenfold. So, when I need them, all I have to do is pick up the phone and say I need a favor. Instead of getting the run-around or going through red tape, I get instant service when I need it the most. This is especially true for the man Tony you are about to meet. I invested in him by helping him and his family. I gave him everything he would need to make a nice comfortable living, as well as paying to train others for jobs like tonight and further missions."
"For instance, if I need him to be a delivery boy delivering telegrams or going to the store to buy me a pair of boots, he is more than happy to do it. However, if the situation requires it, he is willing to kill someone, but only as a last resort. Unfortunately, what we saw tonight indicates that at least five, possibly six, people we have identified are going to die. I don't like it, but I will sleep better knowing that they won't be killing anyone else. Additionally, I'll have the law on my side, which is one of the reasons I had those officers come by today to witness what happened."
"If I have the proof that says they are guilty of the crimes, I will call a Supreme Court judge. Within the hour or by the end of the day, they will either give me a thumbs up or a thumbs down or tell me to bring them to stand trial. If they refuse to be taken alive, I will have their blessing to do what needs to be done. Tony knows this and has been given the authority by the US government. He carries a badge and has his own personal task force. I may pay for most of it, but it's legal and by the book. The State looks the other way and classifies it as top secret," Mom said.
"Oh, that makes me feel so much better knowing that you have found a way to legalize murder," she added.
Stringham said. "Would you rather that man kill our children or make you do it for him? Or would you rather have him keep doing it knowing that he has killed hundreds before he is stopped and sent to prison for the rest of his life as we the people pay taxes to keep him well-fed, clothed, and sheltered until he makes parole and is back on the streets to recommit his crimes because of some loophole? I told you, Karen, that if it comes to that and he gives us no choice but to kill him. And I will do it before he kills you or me or our family, I will make sure he meets his master in hell before he does it.
"Death is sometimes the only answer, but if I don't have to do it I won't, but please understand that this High Bishop we have met today has already killed young children like your sons Jason and Jonathan without blinking an eye. Has been doing so for at least a year or more that we know of. We have seen him do it today when he killed that man in cold blood and we watched him … and his people do unspeakable things that I rather not say in front of your young children, and he is not the only one in his little club doing it. I know of fifteen or so High Bishop and Crawford is one of those, performing that same ceremony we witnessed today.
"I want you to think how many people they have killed in cold blood? How many of them are women and children? Then ask yourself if I had the power to stop them, would you? Or would you just ignore them and say it's not my problem and see some child on a milk carton missing and wonder if that child has been sacrificed in the name of their God?
"Do those people have the right to keep doing it? Or do we stop them and make sure they do not have the chance to get away with it? Because right now he wants your children, he wants you and our friends to join his ranks and take over the world and make what you just accused me of doing legalizing murder, rape, doing and selling drugs, kidnapping, and prostitution. Until all we see is death all around us and call it just another normal day. I am sorry, but I can't live with that, and I don't think you can either.
"So, if it gets a little messy, close your eyes and think you are on a nice beach somewhere, but don't look down because you might see someone's child floating in the water and say I should have done something I am sorry. Knowing that sorry means very little to their parents who are told I am sorry to inform you but your son or your daughter is dead and I did nothing to prevent it." Mom didn't say anything, but I could see he had touched a nerve.
I took her hand and said. "Mom, everything will be ok, and most of all I want you to know I love you. Or I wouldn't be doing this and neither would Dad." I squeezed her hand and put on a happy face. Knowing nothing will ever be the same again, but Pa told me that if things always remained the same, life wouldn't be worth living and he was right. But it has always been a dream of mine to meet a real live ninja. And what boy wouldn't if they liked cool kick-ass moves yelling hi-yeah as they kick a phantom killer?