The following is from the book "Luke's Quest: Time to Learn." Visit: Lukesquest.com for more details.

“I am still waiting for an explanation, dear cousin,” I told him. “Why did you choose to spend time with the man who had just tried to kill my bride and me on our wedding day rather than with family?”

Willie and Bill leaned in to stare at Neville.

“It seems my actions have been misunderstood. If I have offended you and the locals, I do offer my sincere apologies,” he said.

I poured the water into his cup and then mine after having added milk and sugar to mine. He ignored his.

“Apology not accepted,” Willie glared at Neville. I remained silent, not breaking eye contact with Neville.

Bill reached out to pat Willie’s arm. “I think this is a family matter, Willie,” Bill told him.

“In this case, Willie speaks for me, and, I’d bet, the entire town,” I said.

My comments were greeted by some murmurs of agreement and vigorous nods. Neville started to sweat. “Perhaps, we should discuss this in private or at least at a later time, say dinner this evening?”

Before I could answer, Travis rushed into the diner and shouted, “Luke, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know.”

“It’s all right, Travis,” I said, thinking he was referring to Neville.

“No, Luke,” Travis shouted. He looked about to cry. “Lisa’s been kidnapped!”

“What?” I asked, stunned.

“Two men took her at gunpoint just a few minutes ago. They stopped at my house and gave Karen this note,” he explained, handing it to me.

Take no action until you hear from us. You have what we want, and we have what you want. It will take a simple trade to save Lisa’s life.

Josh Brown

“Well, it seems you have greater problems now than a distant cousin,” smiled Neville. “I am certainly glad I was with you when this tragic event happened.”

“So you’d have an alibi?” I demanded.

“Heavens, no!” he continued his annoying smile. “I’m family; I’m offering you support.”

“Get out, and never come back!” Darlene snarled, moving toward him with a large butcher knife in her hand.

Travis looked at Darlene and then at Neville, who quickly rose to his feet, perhaps too quickly. The next instant, Travis, Willie and I all three had handguns pointed at Neville’s chest.

I saw his terror for an instant, but then his annoying smile returned. “I must remember that I’m in the land of cowboys, rednecks and the ’hood. Where I come from, we don’t believe in firearms except for sport. We are more civilized.”

“I said GET OUT!”


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