Free Precious Stones by Darrien Lee Page A

house.”
    â€œSell it?” Malcolm asked. “Michael, you love that place. Why do you want to sell it?”
    Michael sighed and said, “After everything’s that’s happened, I need a fresh start. I don’t know if D.C. is the place for me anymore.”
    â€œWait a second, Michael. You’ve been through a very traumatic event, and you don’t want to make any major decisions without thinking them through. Son, you just got back. Give yourself time to exhale. Besides, your aunt would be devastated if you moved away.”
    â€œI don’t know, Unc. I don’t feel comfortable here anymore.”
    â€œAll I’m asking you is to give yourself time to think things over,” Malcolm suggested. “Now, I’ll give your number to my friend in a few days, and if you still feel the same way, then do what you feel you need to do. We’ll support you no matter what.”
    â€œThank you, Uncle Malcolm.”
    â€œGreat! Now, your aunt is preparing a nice Thanksgiving dinner for the family, and she expects to see you. She’s driving me crazy, so you’d better show up.”
    Michael chuckled and said, “I’ll be there.”
    â€œPerfect. In the meantime relax and enjoy being back in your home.”
    â€œI will. Talk to you soon.”
    Michael hung up the telephone and walked over to his desk and turned on his laptop. He sat down and Googled the Stone-Chance Protection Agency and entered the Web site. He wanted—no, needed—to see Keilah, even though he knew she hated what he did to her. He had deceived her in the worst way. He never got a chance to apologize to her for his deception, not that she wanted to hear anything he had to say, anyway. He should be thankful for the fact that she had allowed him to live after what he did to her. It was the ultimate betrayal, but everyone deserved forgiveness ... right? He jotted down the telephone number to the agency and tucked it into his pocket and then began to unpack his bag. In every room he went into, he had vivid memories of heartbreak.
    The town house was in an ideal location, close to downtown, near restaurants and shops, and was now worth double what he had paid for it a few years ago. It also helped that he had upgraded his kitchen and master bathroom and all the landscaping. He had also finished the basement and had turned it into a great entertaining space, fully equipped with a bar, a big-screen TV, and a pool table. He needed a fresh start and something to keep his mind off his past. He also had some other decisions to make, one that included possibly retiring from the military and settling down once and for all. His desire for a family was stronger than ever now. He’d messed up once, but he vowed never to do it again. In fact, his therapist had encouraged him to move forward with his life and not get stagnate, so as soon as Thanksgiving was over, he would put his new life into motion.

Chapter Seven
    Thanksgiving Day had finally arrived, and Michael had a lot to be thankful for as he stepped up on his aunt and uncle’s porch and rang the doorbell.
    Malcolm opened the door and greeted him with a hug. “Michael, you’re right on time! What do you have there?”
    Michael handed his uncle the large bag, which contained a delicious chess pie and two bottles of their favorite wine.
    As they walked toward the dining room, Malcolm looked into the bag and said, “This pie smells delicious. You know you didn’t have to bring anything.”
    â€œI know, but I wanted to. You and Aunt Teresa have really supported me through all my drama. I’m mostly thankful for you guys this Thanksgiving.”
    Malcolm patted him on the back and said, “We only do what families are supposed to do, son.”
    â€œMichael!” Arhmelia yelled as she entered the dining room with a tray of utensils.
    Michael’s uncle smiled and said, “I’ll put the dessert in the