Soon You Will Be Mine

By Jeanne Riedel

William, along with his two marine comrades Randy and Bob, never thought that the papers Bob found would turn their world upside down. Though retired from the marines, they vowed to right a wrong involving their former commander, Frank Kraft.

Kraft would stop at nothing to prevent the truth from coming out. Explosions, kidnappings, and murder were not above the realm of possibilities with Kraft.

Circumstances become very personal for William when Kraft starts targeting his fiancee, Anna. William is ready to take matters into his own hands as Kraft becomes more obsessed with killing William and making Anna his own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798891301191

Book preview

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Soon You Will Be Mine

Jeanne Riedel

ISBN 979-8-89130-118-4 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89130-119-1 (digital)

Copyright © 2024 by Jeanne Riedel

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

This book is dedicated to Monica, who critiqued my book and gave me many wonderful suggestions, and also to my dear friend Cindy, who is always there to support me in all my endeavors and keep me on the right track with my writing.

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About the Author

This book is dedicated to Monica, who critiqued my book and gave me many wonderful suggestions, and also to my dear friend Cindy, who is always there to support me in all my endeavors and keep me on the right track with my writing.

1

Hey, Bob. What's up? William asked when Bob opened the door. Must be awfully important to get Randy and me here. He shook his hand and then looked at Randy. Hey, what's with the facial hair? William asked with a grin.

Rubbing his hand over his beard, Randy commented, I don't know. I figured I'd try it out for a while. I think I look good in it. Anyway, Liz likes it.

Whatever you say, William said as he laughed and patted him on the back. Turning to Bob, he added, So what's up?

You know me. It takes me forever to get things organized in my office. Well, yesterday, I finally decided to organize my military paperwork and get it in the file cabinet.

Bob walked over to the table and picked up a folder. Opening it, he motioned for William and Randy to look at the information.

William and Randy looked at each other and then leaned on the table to look at the papers.

Where did you get this? William asked in disbelief, looking at Bob.

I don't know where that folder came from. I have no idea how it got in with my things. Bob sat at the table and shook his head.

There is some pretty damning information here, Randy remarked, looking up from the papers in shock.

Looks like Lieutenant Colonel Kraft signed off on all these phony invoices. You have both the correct ones and the doctored ones. Whoever was in on this with Kraft was selling those items on the black market. William continued looking through a few of the invoices. Here's one that has the name of that kid, Steve Faulkner, who committed suicide right before I retired five years ago.

Reading through the invoices, William got the impression that it may not have been suicide.

Here's an invoice dated nine years ago, indicated William as he showed Bob and Randy the paper. Can you imagine how many millions of dollars they made over the years selling military supplies on the black market? William just shook his head. I wonder who their contact is on the outside. It has to be someone not in the military.

It's been two years since I retired. Someone would have had to put it with my things when I was packing up, Bob remarked as he looked at William and Randy, but I have no idea who.

Do you remember if anyone helped you get your papers together? William asked as he sat at the table and looked through all the papers that Randy handed to him.

I don't remember. There were people in and out the whole time I was packing my things. I guess it could have been anyone, Bob said as he got up, stuck his hands in his pockets, and started to walk back and forth.

Was there anyone from Kraft's office that came in while you were packing? William asked Bob, and then he quickly turned to Randy and asked, You retired a year before Bob, right?

Yes, I did. Randy sat down on the chair next to William and moved the folder in front of him, looking through the papers.

Everyone knew of our feelings for Kraft. Since you were the last one of the three of us to retire, they slipped this folder in with your things. They probably figured the three of us would do something about it.

William didn't know what to think. The whole situation was puzzling.

But Kraft is retired now also, Randy remarked, placing the papers back in the folder.

He can still be prosecuted in a military court if there is enough evidence, Bob said, sitting at the table. I called you guys because I'm not sure what we should do.

Drumming his fingers on the table, William wondered what to do. Randy reached over and put his hand over William's fingers to stop him.

Sorry, I didn't know I was doing that.

What do you suggest we do? Bob and Randy both looked at William for advice.

Why are you both looking at me? Bob, you've always been the leader of this group, William said, looking at Bob.

I was the leader when we were in the marines and the one that caused all the trouble, but now Randy and I look to you as our leader especially with something like this. Bob grinned, shrugging.

Randy added, You've always been the levelheaded one. That's why we're looking to you for advice in this matter.

Getting up from the table, William walked to the kitchen and leaned against the doorjamb. Then he turned around and remarked, First off, I think we should find a safe place for those invoices. Second, I think we should not rush into anything. And third, we should think about this some more, get together in two weeks, and decide then what we should do. He added, That will give us all time to consider the seriousness of this situation.

William looked first to Bob and then to Randy for their approval.

Bob spoke first, breaking the silence with a sigh of relief, That's a good idea. I think we need to take our time to decide what to do. Waiting two weeks and meeting again is a good idea. Bob breathed a sigh of relief.

I think waiting two weeks is a good idea. Randy agreed as he closed the folder and moved it in front of William who sat back down at the table.

Randy, if Liz asks you about what Bob found, be very vague about it. I'll do the same with Anna.

Randy and Bob looked at each other quizzically.

Who's Anna? they wondered in unison.

It's a long story. I've been seeing Anna for around four weeks, said William. He didn't want to go into all the details.

Come on, spill it. We have lots of time, encouraged Bob, as he went to the kitchen and brought back three beers. Now tell us all about it. What does she look like? Is she tall, short, fat, skinny, blond, brunette?

I guess I won't get any relief until I tell you about her, replied William with a sigh. She is about your sister Tammy's height. She's not fat or thin. Her hair is brown, I guess you would say, and curly about to here, William said, putting his hand on his neck to show the length of her hair.

So how did the two of you meet? Randy asked.

We went to school together in Clarksville, answered William. Her husband, Peter, was a classmate of mine, and Anna was two years younger than us. After graduation, I left for the marines, and Peter started dating Anna when she was a senior. They got married, and I married Mary.

That still doesn't tell us how you met again and started seeing each other, Randy remarked, taking a drink of his beer.

Sighing, William continued, I was home for a visit when our class was having a reunion. Mary and I decided to attend. Peter and Anna were also there. We danced together, and the four of us had a good time. Since Mary had passed away, I was thinking of moving. About four months ago, I moved to Jasper and started renting an apartment.

He took a long drink from his beer and went on, One Sunday, I happened to attend her church, and Anna was one of the lectors at Mass. I knew Peter had passed away, so I waited for her after Mass, and we have been seeing each other since. End of story.

William got up, picked up his beer, and walked over to the living room. Bob and Randy followed, still curious.

Did you date Anna in high school? Bob asked, sitting in the chair next to the couch.

No, William answered. She was two years younger, and I'm afraid I didn't notice her back then. Setting his beer on the end table, he remarked, Anna is a beautiful, strong, smart, confident woman. William smiled as he pictured her. Now, enough about me and Anna.

I would sure like to meet her after that description, Bob said with a grin.

Why don't we plan on it when we get together in two weeks? William suggested. Randy can bring Liz, and I will bring Anna. She's been wanting to meet you two anyway, since I talk about you guys a lot. Tammy can get together with them. The ladies can visit while we decide what we are going to do about that information.

William took the last swallow of his beer and looked at Randy and Bob for approval.

Okay. We'll plan on that. Bob and Randy agreed.

Looking back toward the dining table, William rubbed his chin and said, Two thoughts on that folder: Do we each need a copy of those papers or just Bob? And we need to find a good hiding place for them. What do you two think?

I have a good hiding place out in the shed, Bob offered. Why don't I just keep them for now, and then when we decide what we are going to do, we can each have a copy in case one gets lost or stolen. Bob got up and picked up the folder from the table. Follow me. If someone got wind of these, there is no way they could find them out here.

Bob unlocked the shed and went to the far wall. As he lifted out a piece of paneling, he said, Randy, would you go in the house and look in my desk? There are manila envelopes in one of the drawers. Would you get one for me? Thanks.

Randy nodded and headed back inside.

That's a pretty good hiding place, William said as he knelt beside Bob to check out the hiding spot. I don't have anything like that living in an apartment.

Here you are, Randy said breathlessly as he returned a few minutes later.

Bob sealed the folder in the envelope and put it in the opening. Placing the panel back on the wall and fitting it just right, he made sure no one would know it was there.

Safe and sound, Bob remarked, standing up.

Let's go have another beer, Bob said, leading the way into the house.

*****

William shot Anna a text letting her know that he was leaving Pueblo. Since the drive was a little over five hours, he would get back early enough and would stop by when he got into town. He smiled when she responded with a thumbs-up emoji. He had a lot of thinking to do and the drive back to Jasper would give him plenty of time to do it. William, deep in thought, drove in record time, making just one quick stop for a bathroom break and to get something to drink. He pulled into Jasper at one thirty and headed toward Anna's place.

Anna let him in and remarked, I didn't expect you for another day or two.

Closing the door, they went to the living room.

We got our business done sooner than planned, and we made plans to meet again in two weeks, William explained as he sat back, putting his arm on the back of the couch. Oh, by the way, you'll be going with me. The guys would like to meet you. Randy will bring Liz along, so you can meet her and Bob's sister, Tammy. We can spend the weekend.

The weekend? Anna questioned. Sounds like you three have it all figured out.

You've been wanting to meet them, William answered. This way, you can meet Liz and Tammy, too. While we take care of our business, you ladies can visit and do your own thing.

William put his arm around Anna, smiling.

So this is a business trip basically for you guys, and we ladies get to do our own thing, Anna asked, pretending to be annoyed.

Oh, William said sheepishly, trying to win her over. Did I forget to mention that we would take you out Saturday night for dinner and who knows what else.

William smiled and give Anna a kiss. He'd have to remember to tell Bob and Randy about that.

That sounds much better, but I do have one question. Since it's a weekend stay, what kind of sleeping arrangements will you be making? Anna replied and looked at him quizzically.

One hotel room would be nice, but I can spring for two, if that's what you prefer. William was not about to push anything on Anna.

At this point in time, I think two rooms would be better, and I can pay for my own, Anna said.

Two rooms it will be, but I will take care of payment for both, insisted William who was not about to have Anna pay her own way. I'm old-fashioned and when I invite a lady out, I intend on paying for everything, unless I accidentally leave my wallet at home. William grinned, lifting her chin and giving her another kiss. This coming Saturday, we have a dinner date, right?

That's what you said. I can cook for us again. I don't mind, Anna commented. You're always so helpful cleaning up.

Saturday night, I'll take you out, and then one of these times, I'll cook for you. I'm a pretty good cook, William remarked proudly.

Boy! A man who cooks and cleans up. I like that, Anna said and smiled brightly at William.

Surely, Peter helped you in the kitchen, William responded.

Peter was a good husband, but he didn't help in the kitchen. Even though we both worked, that was my area, Anna said. I would love to have you cook for me.

Since I was gone a lot when Mary and I were married, I enjoyed helping her in the kitchen and around the house when I was home, William recalled. It was time to spend together. When she got sick, I took care of everything that needed to be done.

Sounds like to the two of you had a really good marriage, said Anna. She wished Peter had been a little more like that.

We did, and I miss her, but I'm happy where I am right now, William said, touching her cheek tenderly.

*****

How about we put in a movie and have a glass of wine or beer if you prefer? Anna said as they returned from dinner.

William helped her off with her jacket and hung it up. She was getting used to him being so courteous.

Thank you for a wonderful dinner.

You're welcome. Why don't you pick out a movie and I'll get the wine? I know where your wine and glasses are.

William took out two wineglasses and picked out a bottle of wine from the fridge. After filling them, he went to the living room. Placing his glass on the end table, he sat down and held the glass, waiting for Anna to sit next to him.

Thank you, Anna said, sitting and taking a sip of wine. I hope you like comedies. That's what I watch mostly. I like to laugh. Life is serious enough.

I can make you laugh, William said, pretending he was going to tickle her.

Not like that, Anna remarked, moving away from him. I never enjoyed being tickled that way. My dad would tickle us when we were kids, but he would get a little rough sometimes and Mom would get after him to stop.

Message received. I would never do that to you. I've seen that happen to kids, and to me, it's cruel.

Do you have any children? I know you haven't talked about any when I've mentioned Abby and her family, Anna asked quietly, hoping she wasn't prying.

No, Mary and I were never blessed with children. She had a couple of miscarriages and was never able to conceive after that. William took a drink of his wine, holding the glass and looking at it.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you, Anna remarked, touching his arm.

Putting his glass down, William turned to Anna and smiled. That's okay. I came to terms with it a long time ago. Seeing people my age with their kids and grandkids makes you wistful at times. I'm looking forward to meeting your daughter and grandkids sometime.

We'll have to plan that at some future date since she lives out of town. Anna had mentioned to Abby that she was seeing William, but that was all. I'm curious about something, Anna said, sitting sideways so she could look at William.

And what are you curious about? William said, turning to face her.

I was wondering if you're always that courteous with the women you meet or if you do it to make a good impression and then eventually stop doing it?

Anna knew that she made absolutely no sense, but she was okay with it.

William gave her a strange look, not sure what she was talking about. I beg your pardon?

Laughing, Anna said, I'm sorry, I know I made no sense. What I was wondering was do you always help a woman off and on with her coat and open car doors for her, or is that just to make a good impression and then you stop doing it when you have known her for a while?

I see, William said, chuckling. For your information, my dad taught my brother and me how we were supposed to treat a lady from little on up. He always helped my mom on and off with her coat. He always opened doors and the car door for her even after being married fifty years. I don't do it to impress, I do it out of respect.

Well, I'm very impressed. Your dad taught you well. I like that you do. I think too much of that courtesy has gone out the window with the feminist movement.

I agree. My dad always said that a woman is special and should be treated that way.

*****

Hi, Bob. What's up? William asked when he answered the phone.

I wanted to check with you to see if you have been getting any weird calls since we found those papers, Bob asked.

How do you mean weird? asked William.

Well, Bob replied, at least four times a day, I receive a call from an unknown source, and no one is on the line when I say hello. After I say hello, they just hang up.

Did they start right away? asked William.

No, they started about three days ago, Bob answered. And they are never at the same time of day. But always the same.

Have you tried blocking the number? William asked, concerned.

No number shows up to block. That's the strange part. I've always been able to block nuisance calls. These won't let me. It'll only say unknown number, answered Bob.

Next time you get one of these calls, take a whistle and blow into the phone. See if that helps, William suggested. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he didn't like it.

I'll try that next time, Bob said. I'm glad you guys will be here on Friday. These calls are really spooking me.

Bob was glad to be telling William. He felt better just talking about it.

If the whistle doesn't stop the calls, don't answer when they call. I'm not sure if the two are related, but it is strange that they started once you found those papers, said William.

Thanks, Bob said with a sigh. If anything else unusual happens before you get here Friday, I'll let you know.

If I think of anything else, I'll try to let you know. See you Friday.

Putting his phone down, William hoped this was all just a strange coincidence, but he had a nagging feeling it wasn't.

2

Anna turned to William as they pulled into Pueblo.

I'm a little nervous meeting all your friends. What if they don't like me?

I have no doubt that they'll like you. Besides, I don't need their approval as to whom I see. The only thing that matters is how the two of us feel about each other, William answered.

Thank you, that helps, and I feel the same way. I usually don't worry about other people's approval. They can like me for who I am, and if they don't, that's okay too. But since they're your friends, I hope they like me.

This was the first time Anna had been in Pueblo. The mountains looked so close. Maybe some time, they could take a drive up there.

Here we are, William remarked, pulling into the hotel parking lot. I'll go get us checked in and get our keys. Be right back.

I guess this will be a test on our relationship, Anna thought. William had always been very polite and not pushed himself on her. Will this be different since he will be around his friends? She hoped not because she really liked him.

Here's your key card, William said, handing it to Anna. We're next door to each other and can use the main entrance and elevator to get to our rooms on the third floor.

Sounds like you have everything taken care of. Anna took the key card and slipped it into her pocket.

After getting a parking spot, William took both bags, and they headed into the hotel to the elevator. The doors opened as they got to it. They quietly rode to their floor and walked to their rooms.

Pulling the key from her pocket, Anna opened her door and turned on the light.

Just put my bag on the bed, Anna told William as she walked to the window and opened the curtain to let in the sun.

I'll be back in about fifteen minutes, and we'll head over to Bob's, said William as he placed the bag on the bed and turned to leave.

I'll be ready, Anna said, following William to the door.

While she waited, Anna unpacked her suitcase. Taking a couple of hangers, Anna hung up her tops and her good slacks. Taking her bag, she placed it on the chair by the table. Hearing a knock, Anna went to open the door, leaving the chain in place. Seeing it was William, she closed the door to undo the chain and opened it back up.

It looks like Randy and Liz won't get here until late. But you'll get to meet Bob and his sister Tammy. She's making supper for us tonight. Are you ready? William asked as he picked up Anna's jacket and helped her on with it.

I'm ready, Anna said, putting it in her purse. Walking to the elevator, she thought, I should have probably touched up my makeup. Oh well, this is me. Take me as I am.

Bob answered the door and let William and Anna into the house.

Good to see you again, he commented, shaking William's hand.

Bob, I'd like you to meet a good friend, Anna Randal, introduced William.

Nice to meet you, Anna, Bob remarked, shaking her hand.

Nice to meet you also, Anna responded and began to relax. She liked Bob's contagious smile.

I don't know why he kept you such a secret, Bob said, grinning. Unless he was afraid that I'd steal you from him. Laughing, Bob led them into the living room. Tammy, tear yourself away from the kitchen for a minute and meet Anna.

Tammy stepped out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.

This is Anna, William's lady friend. This is my sister, Tammy. She thinks she needs to take care of me, Bob teased.

Nice to meet you, Tammy remarked, smiling. He definitely needs a keeper.

Anna returned the greeting, smiled, and asked, Do you need some help?

I don't need any help, but you can keep me company, Tammy remarked, heading back into the kitchen.

William helped Anna with her jacket and took her purse for her.

I'll put it in the other room.

Anna went into the kitchen to visit with Tammy.

Have a seat, Tammy said, pointing to the stool. You would be bored in five minutes listening to those two talk about the marines and all their hunting and fishing trips.

Sounds like man talk, Anna said, laughing.

Hey, Tammy, Bob shouted, we need a couple of beers!

You have two legs and know where the fridge is, Tammy shouted back.

Bob came into the kitchen, grinning. I had to do that. She always answers the same.

Grabbing two beers, he went back into the living room.

Seems like you two get along pretty well, said Anna.

She could tell that they were brother and sister from their shared facial features and dark-brown hair. Bob kept his hair trimmed and a little wavy on top. Tammy's was about shoulder length, which she had pulled back in a ponytail at the nape of her neck.

We do. It's good to have him back. Tammy mixed up her casserole and put it in the oven. How long have you known William?

I actually knew of him in high school. He was two years older than me and was in my late husband Peter's class. He didn't know I existed back then. We saw each other at their class reunion about ten years ago. Then recently, he showed up at my church one Sunday, and we got reacquainted and have been seeing each other about six weeks, I guess. Anna was surprised when she said that because it didn't seem that long.

Well, he's a good guy, Tammy remarked, putting the last of the dishes in the dishwasher. He cares about the people he is close to.

What about you? Anna asked, noticing she had no ring on her finger. Do you have a special someone in your life?

Tammy busied herself, wiping off the counter. Clearing her throat, she said, "I guess William didn't tell you. I lost my husband and son in a car accident four years