Free Stained River by David Faxon

can provide. Some, like you, may not have realized they had relatives aboard. The company wishes to offer its personal condolences and regrets. I might add, we haven't given up hope but must inform you the situation doesn't look promising.”
    Pam was stunned and didn’t know what to say. Terry was a son of a bitch who cheated on her all those years. Yet, despite the conflict and tension between them, she was saddened by the loss; at least for the man she once knew. She stood in silence, digesting the shocking news, not responding, staring through them as if they weren’t there.
    “We understand your situation, Mrs. Connery. Here's my card. Call anytime if you need us . We will certainly call you as we receive more information. We will continue to hope for positive news.”
    “ I know you don’t want to talk right now, but there is one other thing...”
    Pam sensed they were getting to the real issue. She turned to the medium built, plain looking man with rimless glasses, an official looking government badge hanging around his neck.
    “I'm agent Morris from Treasury . Mrs. Connery. We've checked with your husband's secretary and found he was on his way to a meeting in Brasilia with an Estevo Castelo Branco who is a person of interest. Has your husband ever mentioned his name in any of your conversations? I realize you are now divorced, but any information you might have would be of help.”
    “Has Terrence done something wrong?”
    “Not that we know of. Do you know any reason at all, why he would be going to Brazil? Have you heard of Castelo Branco?”
    “I'm sorry, I haven't. It's been some time since I've known anything about Terrence’s business life.”
    “What about Dan Hewett, your husband’s partner? Has he ever mentioned that name to you?”
    Pam reacted defensively.
    “I don’t know what this is about , or who this Castelo Branco is. I never heard of him and this is a poor time for you to be quizzing me about my former husband’s business associates.”
    “I understand. Here's my card. Call me if you think of anything at all; my condolences to you and your family.”
    Pam thanked the man from Global, glared at the Treasury agent then closed the door. She returned to the table not knowing how to break the news to her children or what their reaction would be. Richard loved his father despite their limited time together, and Jenifer wished she could see him more often. At ten, she was the older by two years.
    “Who was it, Pam?” Asked Katherine.
    “I have some bad news. Terrence was on board that plane on the news.”
    There was silence for a moment, then both children dropped their eyes and sobbed. Katherine put her hand to her mouth.
    “My God! Have they found it?”
    “No, not yet, they don't know where it went down.”
    She didn't mention the federal agent. The requiem for Terrence at the table was somber; the dinner went untouched. Deep down, Pam cared, though she tried not to show it. She remembered a younger, more sensitive man who swept her off her feet , convincing her to marry him. She would never understand what drove him to the point of ruining what once was a good marriage. But it was over. Forever, it appeared.
    She went to bed that night thinking of him and their early years together. They were good, but the last three or four soured her. It was hard to erase the scar, and she played mental movies that kept her awake. Sleep didn't come until just before dawn, then the alarm went off. She hit the button, crawled back under the covers. By the time she arose, no one was home and the house was quiet. Mentally tired, her morning coffee was no help. Thank God, mom got the kids off to school. She must be at the supermarket.
    The tick-tock from the grandfather clock echoed louder than she remembered. She stared into the cup. Despite the news about Terry, she had to begin her day. At the front doorstep, she picked up her copy of the Times.
     
    TERRENCE CONNERY ON MISSING PLANE
     
    Terrence