John And Sarah: Book 2 Shadow Truth Insurrection

JOHN AND SARAH

BOOK 2: SHADOW TRUTH INSURRECTION

Author

Ralph Payne

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright © by Ralph Payne

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the express written consent of the author.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

The Saga Novels

Introduction

John and Sarah are leading the new generation, Generation A, into the future. A future that promises to be totally different than the present one they were born into. The changes were slow at first, but are now developing much more rapidly.

This is an insurrection that is there but is not yet discernable by the authorities. One that is getting more and more powerful and no one is permitted to stand in its way, even those whose obstructions are done unwittingly.

Sarah is maturing into a young woman and is experiencing many changes in her life including John, her parents and Frank, her boyfriend. Her years in the California Assembly and afterwards are expanding her world and she is gaining an immense financial empire.

John comes out of his coma in later part of the book. He already has the ability to control Generation A and uses that ability to remove anyone blocking Sarah’s advancements or causing her harm in any way. But now he also has new powers that he uses at his discretion in advancing the insurrection.

Frank, Sarah’s heartthrob, is advancing through law school and joins a law firm. His situation and relationship with Sarah are changing. They finally marry and buy a condo together. However, his support for Sarah’s political aspirations has changed and his thoughts about John are causing a rift between them.

This is the continuing saga of John and Sarah Smith, younger brother and older sister. In the first book John and Sarah: Truth Concealed Revolution, the two were introduced and followed through their formative and school years. This book picks up where that one left off and follows them through the next six years or so.

Chapter One

Sarah was definitely a newbie when it came to political office. Fortunately, she was extremely intelligent and picked up on things faster than most people. She soon learned that not only did she have an office in Sacramento when she was there to cast her vote on legislation, she was also had two offices in the 37th District area.

She was also provided staff members for each of her three offices. These were all on the government payroll and, because they were at-will employees, she could replace any of them at any time. She decided early on that she’d move her own people in as soon as she felt she’d confident enough to do so.

In the capitol office there was a chief of staff, a chief consultant, a principal consultant, a scheduler/senior assistant, a legislative director and a legislative assistant and a committee secretary.

The first district office, for Santa Barbara County, was in Santa Barbara and the second one, for Ventura County, was in Ventura. Sarah would spend most of her office hours in Santa Barbara, travelling to Ventura as needed. This was good for her because she was still in her master’s program at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB).

For her two district offices she was provided a district coordinator, a senior field representative and three additional field representatives. The district coordinator was headquartered in Santa Barbara along with one of the field representatives. The senior field representative and the other two subordinates were assigned to Ventura.

She also planned to have interns from the local colleges help in the two district offices. She might have some in Sacramento, too, if she determined she needed them. She was hoping that some of her interns would be replacements for the salaried staff members in the near future. She definitely wanted her own people assisting her. For now, though, she had to depend on the outgoing assemblywoman’s personnel.

When she needed to be in Sacramento she’d have to work things out with her professors in order for her to complete each course’s requirements. Even if she had to take an incomplete in a particular class, at least the professor would be aware of the reason and that she’d complete the course as soon as she was able to.

What was more than a little upsetting to her was that the outgoing Democrat, Sue Ellen Hughes, left her own two district offices in a total mess. Just another obvious sign that she was not pleased with losing the race and, even more so, to someone heretofore unknown.

Sarah had to quickly have new furniture brought in and the place cleaned up. Having to do this unanticipated extra work while also attending class put a tremendous strain on her that first week in office. Travelling between the university and her Santa Barbara and Ventura offices took a lot out of her both physically and mentally.

She managed to get all these accomplished, but by the weekend she was more exhausted than she could remember ever being before. She crashed all day on Saturday until late afternoon. She managed to eat a light lunch-dinner before having to get back to her studies. The next day, Sunday, she slept in again but was finally feeling re-energized and resumed her normal school work with the additional consideration of being in each of her district offices once per week.

***

Sarah was finishing up the first quarter of her master’s degree as Christmas Break came. Frank came down to be with her and they celebrated like crazy for her election victory. Not only that, but her first paycheck would be deposited into her bank account on the Monday after Christmas weekend. It wasn’t to be a full paycheck as she took office on December 6. But still, the net would be around $3,700 after the typical deductions.

They enjoyed the holiday with Frank’s parents at their home. Sarah’s own parents never bothered to offer to have her at their home. Their plan of having Sarah suffer for her decision to run for state office had backfired. They’d probably still be angry at her for ousting the incumbent Democrat as well as becoming independent of them. To make matters worse, she now controlled a salary that would afford her a great lifestyle, like the one she’d enjoyed when she was still in high school.

It’s nice to see you again. Mrs. Hightower smiled with joy as Sarah entered their modest Santa Barbara home. Come in. Come in.

Frank was waiting just inside the doorway as his pretty girlfriend entered. They exchanged hugs and light kisses. I’ve missed you, sweetie. Frank released the tall young woman and they entered the living room where Frank’s father was waiting.

Mr. Hightower gave Sarah a light hug. Glad you could make it.

I wouldn’t have missed it.

The Hightower’s home was a typical middle class dwelling. Not small, but not spacious like Sarah’s parent’s home. There were four bedrooms and three baths, a den, a family room, a living room and an ample kitchen. It was from the kitchen that the delightful aroma of today’s dinner was coming from.

Mrs. Hightower was responsible for most of the cooking and today’s feast was proof of just how good a cook she was. Sarah was now cooking, too, as she’d been forced to learn after separating from her parents. Perhaps someday, in the near future, she could hire a chef like the one her parents had to do the cooking for her.

Sarah, Frank and his dad sat in the living room talking about all kinds of topics while Mrs. Hightower retired back to the kitchen to preparing their dinner. Sarah offered to help, but the older woman was one who liked that her guest would not be working, too. The guys had learned a long time ago not to bother her while she was cooking. Doing so only resulted in a serious tongue-lashing.

***

Frank told us that you’d found the district offices in a total mess when you entered them. Is that true? Mr. Hightower was sitting in his easy chair adjacent to the couple on the sofa.

It’s true, Mr. Hightower. Sarah let out a sigh as she recalled just how much of a mess it truly was. I mean, it was like she’d, Ms. Hughes that is, had deliberately trashed the place. There was trash everywhere

That bad, huh?

Worse. Sarah continued detailing just how bad the place was. The walls were damaged, the pictures were ripped, the carpet was stained, you name it. I doubt that it was that way the Friday before I took over.

Sounds like Ms. Hughes had a temper tantrum.

Yes, you could call it that, definitely.

I’m sorry I couldn’t be here to help you, sweetie, Frank, who’d been sitting next to Sarah listening to her description of her offices.

No need to apologize, sweetie, you had to tend to your studies.

Mrs. Hightower brought some snacks for them to munch on while she finished her dinner preparations. Putting the tray of cheese cubes, peanuts, and grapes on the coffee table between them, she asked. What do each of you want to drink? I’ll prepare them.

Frank was the first to speak. I’ll have a glass of red wine, please.

Sarah asked for some tea.

Sorry, sweetie, but we don’t have tea. What else would you like?

What else is there? Mrs. Hightower quickly gave her the rundown of drinks available. Okay, then, I’ll have a diet soda.

You got it. She turned to her husband for his order. And what about you, dear?

Oh, I’ll have some of that red wine, too.

The mother moved back to the kitchen while the others resumed their conversations. She returned in a few minutes bringing each of them their drinks and then retired by into the kitchen to put the finishing touches on their Christmas dinner.

Mr. Hightower turned the television channel to the football game being shown that day. The conversation turned to the game which left Sarah out of most of it since she wasn’t at all interested in it. She sat there, patiently, as the two guys hooped and hollered about each play.

You don’t like football, do you, Sarah? Mr. Hightower had noticed that Sarah seemed detached from the contest.

Sarah shook her head. No, I’m not interested in any sport actually,

How come?

Oh, there are a number of reasons.

Such as?

Sarah really didn’t like where this was heading so she offered the reason she thought would be most palatable for the older sports enthusiast. Well, the high school I attended really didn’t have that many sports programs. It was just too small.

Oh, I see.

Yea, we didn’t have a football, basketball or baseball team. We did have sports like tennis and golf, but I was not interested in either of those. Sarah grabbed a bunch of grapes from the coffee table.

I don’t blame you, those are two boring sports. The older man discontinued the conversation and returned to the game. Touchdown! he roared as his team scored.

Just then, Mrs. Hightower cried out. Everyone move to the table. Dinner’s ready.

That got everyone’s attention. But even so, the two guys moved towards the dining table with their heads still swiveled towards the television. What is it about guys and football? Sarah thought to herself. It seemed like there was some magnet that just drew their attention to the game.

They were finally seated and the hostess brought out the dishes from the kitchen. Everything looked and smelled wonderful. The turkey, the centerpiece of the feast, looked like those seen in magazines. It was a most delightful golden brown. She’d prepared all the sides and the dessert—apple pie with a lattice top.

The official turkey carver stepped up. Mr. Hightower expertly sliced the bird into even slices and placed it on each person’s plate. The sides were passed around from person to person and then the feasting began.

This is so good! Sarah praised the mom. Sarah had had this dinner many times before, but this was the best she’d eaten, including the one prepared by the chef hired by her parents.

I’m glad you like it. Mrs. Hightower was glad that her prospective daughter-in-law enjoyed her cooking. This was the appropriate time, she thought, to bring up her and Frank’s future. So how are you and our Frank getting along?

Sarah instinctively knew where this was headed. We’re doing fine. Aren’t we, sweetie? She turned to her boyfriend for his input.

Frank nodded in agreement. We’re getting along just great, mom.

Glad to hear it. The woman paused and then added. So, any plans for the future?

Frank took another bite of stuffing before replying. Yes, we both plan to finish our education in the next two years or so.

Mrs. Hightower gave a sigh of frustration. Taking a bite of her own dinner, she rephrased her question. No, I meant between the two of you.

Why is it that moms only think about grandchildren? Sarah thought to herself.

That’s just it, mom, Frank replied. Our immediate plans for the future are to complete our educations. Right, Sarah?

This time Sarah nodded her head in agreement. Yea, we think that it’s too soon to be thinking about marriage or anything like that. Perhaps in the future, after graduation.

The disappointed was easily discernible on the older woman’s face. Well, I guess that’s true. It would be at least another two years, probably longer, before they’d walk the isle, so to speak.

The conversation changed much to Sarah’s relief. She really didn’t want to think about marriage or any long-term commitment just now as she had too many things concerning her. Her schooling and new job as assemblywoman were more than enough for now. I’m not sure that I’ll end up marrying Frank. This was also a very real possibility at this moment.

After dinner, the four of them returned to the living room. The two men quickly refocused on the football game which was now near the end. It appeared that Mr. Hightower’s team was going to lose, but he continued watching and hoping. She and Mrs. Hightower took up some small talk about a whole host of topics including her apartment, her schooling, her new job and plans for children. The last one was the one Mrs. Hightower was most interested in. Sarah’s emphasis on waiting to have them until older wasn’t exactly what the mother wanted to hear, but at least there’d be some in the future.

They finally broke up around 8:00 pm and Sarah drove back to her apartment. She enjoyed her time with Frank’s mom and dad, but she was more than a little glad to finally get away from the interrogation about their future marriage and children.

I guess that’s what parents do. She thought to herself. I wonder if my mom and dad even concern themselves with that anymore?

***

New Year’s Eve fell on Friday night this year. Sarah had received her first paycheck on Monday so she had much more money for her and Frank’s celebration. They’d agree previously that she couldn’t buy him any more dinners, so they split the cost evenly. They chose a local swanky nightclub for their evening.

Sarah, tall and pretty, dressed in her long, off-the-shoulder, light-blue gown from Neiman Marcus. Fortunately, she’d stopped growing so the garment fit just like it did when she still lived with her parents. She’d always been a classy dresser and, now she enjoyed a lucrative income, she’d be able to continue that style.

Frank was decked out in a natural color blazer with matching slacks and blue shirt with an open collar. He was tall, but not too tall, with wavy dark-brown hair, slim and fit. He looked every bit like an attorney though still in school.

As a couple, they were true head-turners when they entered into a room together. This nightclub was no exception, even though there were many beautiful women and handsome men already there. Fortunately, no one there recognized Sarah as being their assemblywoman. She really didn’t need that, tonight.

They were ushered to their table where Frank helped Sarah into her chair like gentlemen typically do. They ordered their drinks, wine for Frank but only tea for Sarah, and began their New Year’s Eve bash. After their dinner, they danced many dances before returning to their table for another round of drinks and snacks. This was followed by more dancing until the midnight hour struck and everybody shouted out Happy New Year in unison.

They didn’t get home until past 1:00 pm, Frank dropping Sarah off in front of her apartment. Sarah was a little depressed to see her little apartment and decided right then and there to do something about that in the month ahead. For now, it’d have to do as she was exhausted from the festivities.

***

Upon receiving her second paycheck, this one a full one, Sarah was successful in finding a better apartment than her first one. It still had all of the amenities she required but with more living space and more elegant décor. In addition to that, it was close to both UCSB and her district office making it much easier to attend to both.

She was a little sentimental to say goodbye to her first home, but she couldn’t let those feelings stop her from getting an upgrade in that area. Next on her list was to upgrade her car. Her Mercedes C-class sedan was given to her by her parents as a Christmas gift back in 2034. She’d grown attached to the thing, but it was getting out-of-date now, so she felt it best to trade it in for a new one. She could also afford it now.

Just like her parents, she decided to lease instead of purchase because she wanted to be able to change it every two years for a newer model and yet still have a nice car under warranty during those years. She’d always preferred European makes over either Japanese or American ones, so she visited a nearby Mercedes dealership. They walked her through the necessary paperwork and she left there in her brand new E-300 4matic sedan.

She liked the white model she’d driven before, but not went with diamond silver metallic as her color choice. It was beautiful, powerful and came with all the features luxury cars are known for. She was more than a little pleased at her choice. She couldn’t wait to show both her new car, as well as her new apartment, to Frank when he was able to come down again.

***

They’d agreed to see each other on holidays. The next one was Martin Luther King Day on January 17. This time Sarah drove up to visit him in Berkeley both to show off her new car and because Sarah had to be in Sacramento for a vote on some tax bill on Tuesday, the day after.

As she arrived in Berkeley Saturday afternoon, she remembered her trip here four years earlier. She came there to check out the law school she was intending to apply to, but left fully convinced that that wasn’t what she wanted for her future. She changed directions and went to UCSB for their political science program. This was also a major reason for the rift between her and her parents.

Frank was housed on campus as per his full scholarship. This made things a lot more convenient for his studies. He didn’t have to worry about any domestic issues and all his meals were included. But for Sarah, it meant she had to stay in a hotel while there. She chose the same one she was in four years ago as it was just off campus and in easy walking distance.

The biggest difference this time was that she had someone to enjoy spending time with even though they could only be together for dinner and that in the school cafeteria. But on Monday the school and cafeteria were closed so they were be together all day. They hopped into her new Mercedes to find an off-campus restaurant.

Great car, honey. Frank was impressed with her new set of wheels. Her first car was great, but this new one was even better. The color was a little more stylish, too.

I’m glad you like it.

I do, I do.

Just wait until you see my new apartment. She smiled at him as they entered the valet parking of their restaurant.

Looks like you’re moving up in the world, sweetie. Frank was both impressed and a little jealous of his girlfriend right now.

Definitely. She got out of the car and let the valet attendant drive it off. She could sense that he was a tad jealous. You’ll be driving something like this or better soon, honey. There’s no doubt in my mind about that.

Those words were like a salve to Frank’s ego. To have her express such confidence in him only made him more assured of this future. He’d definitely be moving up in the world, just a year or so from now. They had a great dinner together, both contributing to the cost as they’d agreed some time ago when she was still living with her parents.

Returning back, they walked leisurely together throughout the campus that evening, holding hands and sharing a few kisses. It was a most delightful evening, one they’d missed now that they were so far away from each other. They hadn’t actually told each other they loved each other, but this was the moment that pushed Sarah into that reality.

I love you, she opened to him first.

I love you, too, he confirmed his feelings for her, also.

This was a relationship that had great upside potential and they both knew it. Any talk of marriage would have to come after graduation for each, but it was now definitely on the table for them in the future. They went to her room that evening and made love. Afterwards, he kissed her adieu just outside the hotel entrance. She was now totally dreamy-eyed as she watched the handsome young man walk slowly back to campus. She made her way back to her room where she packed up her suitcase for the trip to Sacramento the next morning.

***

She arrived in Sacramento around 10:00 am, Tuesday morning after breakfast at her hotel and the short one and a half hour drive from Berkeley. The scheduled vote was for 2:00 pm shortly after lunch. She couldn’t even check into her hotel but went straight to her office. This hotel charge would come from her per diem allowance of over $300/day. This really helped save her a lot of money because she was required to be here many times per year.

She was in her office when the Assembly Majority Floor Leader, Mr. William Tuxton, called upon her. The Democrats, in both the Senate and Assembly, enjoyed a supermajority up until now. They used that supermajority to ram through any legislation they chose into law as the governor was also a Democrat. The Republicans couldn’t even slow them down in any way.

They still had that supermajority in the Senate, but Sarah’s election victory broke it in the Assembly. What was really important was that monetary legislation originated in the assembly not the Senate.