LITMIR.BIZ

      Chapter 12

      Priorities

      Jenene awoke from a very troubled sleep with a heavy heart. The things Aunt Mimi had told her about her father kept going through her mind over and over. She had been Daddy’s little girl forever and ever, and he was her perfect father. If her father had a mistress, surely by the time Jenene was in her teens, she would have suspected. Obviously, these were only rumors as anyone high in politics would encounter, yet Jenene had seen the look on Aunt Mimi’s face when they were talking about this, and there was little doubt that Aunt Mimi believed those rumors.

      She headed downstairs, determined to have a better day and renew more pleasant memories with Aunt Mimi. Mimi was fussing about the kitchen, preparing a breakfast, as Jenene came in.

      They talked and talked of things gone by and about her “growing-up days” they had spent together.

      Jenene began to finally feel that certain peace of mind that came with being with people you knew loved you and would always love you. After a short while, Uncle Fritz joined them, but not with his usual jovial spirits.

      “What is it?” asked Mimi. “What are you so glum about?”

      “Just heard over the news, Mimi,” he answered, “that the governor’s death is definitely being considered a murder. They didn’t say much more, except evidence had been uncovered to indicate murder and that a thorough investigation was in progress, and an arrest was expected soon.”

      “Oh my god,” said Jenene, “I must get home. Dan is in trouble.”

      “What are you talking about?” asked Mimi. “What has this to do with Dan?”

      “I don’t know. I just feel as if his life and mine are both in danger,” Jenene sobbed, “and my priority should be with my husband.”

      With that, she ran upstairs and began packing for the return flight home.

      On the flight back to Vegas, her head swam with unwanted worries. Who knew she was coming to Reno and knew just when she would get to Mimi’s? It seemed no matter where she went or what she did, someone already knew. It sounded like the “Mob” that you always saw in the movies or television in which you could never escape if they really were after you. Could there be some connection between this and Dan’s job? Dan discussed very little with her about his firm’s clients as she did not discuss her firm’s clients with him. She had, however, heard the rumor that Dan’s firm was in line for representing the soon-to-be Drake Hotel and some other gambling entities.

      Maybe there was something going on similar to the politics her father had (she was convinced) died for. Just how did she fit into all this—the threatening notes and (looking back) almost getting shoved off the mountain road on a rainy night.

      It has to be something political, she thought, and somehow Dan is involved. As mad as I am at him, he is my husband. Maybe there is something I can do, if we can communicate this time.

      And she closed her eyes for a short rest to brace for the return home.