Oriole – Chapter 1

Parent Teacher Review Oriole put up her hand in class and the teacher pointed to her indicating she could speak. It had been a lesson on math and Oriole who was obviously the smartest in class was always quick to put up her hand and answer when a question was directed to class generally.  Even when teacher Tom Clooney directed a question specifically to one … Continue reading Oriole – Chapter 1

Family Business – Chapter 3

Succession Plan Audrey and James were in their final year having commenced August and looking forward to finishing May next year and as it was customary to take time travelling abroad for a while before settling down to a career for those in the upper class of society James decided to use that transition period working at the Stewart plantation. His enthusiasm for that line … Continue reading Family Business – Chapter 3

Family Business – Chapter 2

Happy Celebration James was lost in thought as he pondered what he’d just said to Audrey’s father. Life in plantation production had been furthest in his mind when he came to spend thanksgiving with Audrey and her parents, but it looked appealing since visiting the citrus plantation briefly. His father had expectations he and his siblings would join his organization which consisted of engineering and … Continue reading Family Business – Chapter 2

Family Business – Chapter 1

Thanksgiving Cynthia Stewart busied herself around the kitchen organizing for the upcoming thanksgiving celebration with family. Her husband Albert tried his best to stay away from her during preparation for this event as she seemed to have no end of things for him to do on her husband-do list. Not that there was any serious tension between them. They’d been married now for a very … Continue reading Family Business – Chapter 1

Family in Crisis – Chapter 5

Final Resolution Senior members of the Gamal family were taken by surprise when a truckload of Egyptian secret service operatives suddenly appeared at their home and herded them into a room for questioning by two senior members of intelligence. The rest fanned out around home and outbuildings minutely examining paperwork they found and confiscating phones, computers and other electronic devices while the family protested. The … Continue reading Family in Crisis – Chapter 5

Family in Crisis – Chapter 4

Goodbye Galisha Zaid found it difficult to sleep that evening and wondered how he’d be able to cope with his research at the university next day. FBI agents had told him it was probable his return to Jordon would have to be delayed as they needed him to give recorded evidence at their headquarters. The stranger had been whisked away in handcuffs for interrogation but … Continue reading Family in Crisis – Chapter 4

Family in Crisis – Chapter 3

The Spy At the end of the second semester Zaid prepared to escort a batch of exchange students to Vanderbilt University in consultation with university administration and those who’d been student escorts in the past. He’d made copious notes as this was to be a venture, he had no prior experience with. The past months had been discouraging with no communications from his love Galisha … Continue reading Family in Crisis – Chapter 3

Family in Crisis – Chapter 2

Family Retribution “You want me to travel to the US?” Zaid sat in the chair with his mouth open in surprise processing what had been said. His friend smiled in recognition this would have been the last thing Zaid expected and waited patiently for Zaid’s response. “I’d welcome the opportunity sir though this being my first trip to the West I’m naturally nervous.” “All part … Continue reading Family in Crisis – Chapter 2

Family in Crisis – Chapter 1

Zaid’s Secret Attraction Zaid Gamal was in the valley of decision as he reflected on his life journey to date. His parents in Egypt had been reluctant to send him to Jordon where he wanted to complete a master’s degree in Information Technology, but Zaid had been insistent, and his parents eventually came around to his point of view when they considered some cross-cultural experiences … Continue reading Family in Crisis – Chapter 1

Life After Grief – Chapter 2

Happy Reunion “Cyn this is Pat Dermody. Your resort administration has directed me to your home, and I’ve been ringing the doorbell but no answer. Are you inside or out walking? They could not find you at the administrative center.” Cynthia laughed. She was pleased to hear Pat’s voice. Pat had been her bowling partner for several years before Pat’s husband was transferred to another … Continue reading Life After Grief – Chapter 2