Chapter 32

I went home and was waved to by the guard. I stopped. “Have you been contacted by the management company about allowing media onto the premises?”

“Yes, Ma’am. None will get by me.”

“Thank you.”

I arrived at my home and parked in my garage. I went in the house and sat for a few moments waiting for Jam. He drove up and I got in his SUV. “Hello, Dear. Your letter started some concern with the management company today.” I chuckled.

He smiled. “That was the idea.” We need to head to Pastor Dean’s office. I want to watch the news. We are invited to supper with my parents.” I nodded.

When we get to the house, I’ll give you a copy of the letter. Dad and I will answer any questions.” I smiled and nodded. We pulled in at the church and went in to meet with Pastor Dean.

After prayer, he said, “It would seem you were cornered by the press again.”

“Yes, my complex is gated and we found they were letting anyone claiming to be media through. On top of that, they were doing it in violation of state law and the condominiums’ rules. I have informed them that I’m not amused.”

“Jar’s right. Dad and I prepared and sent a letter to stop that. We found last night that some of the people let through were not media but independent paparazzi. Those people can be dangerous and are easily mimicked by terrorists or other ilk.”

He said, “You both seem okay.”

“Yes, but we are pretty capable of taking care of ourselves in bad situations. We will protect ourselves and our property.”

Pastor Dean went on to other matters namely our vows and wedding related matters. We spent a relaxing and enjoyable forty minutes. After a closing prayer, we left for Jam’s parents’ house and supper. I noticed a news van on the street. I also noticed that no one set foot on the Madison’s property. The house was set well back from the road. The newsies didn’t even try to shout out to us. We ignored them and went inside.

Mister Madison was smiling grimly. “Hello, Jar, Son. No one bothered you, did they?”

“No, Sir.”

“No, Sir. They didn’t even shout at us.”

Mister Madison said, “That’s good. I went out there wearing a side arm and advised them of the state law regarding nuisances and that I would take immediate, violent steps to protect my home and its occupants along with invited guests. I think they took my statements to heart.”

We had an enjoyable meal. Missus Madison and I talked wedding some more. She had, with my agreement, sent invitations. People wouldn’t have a lot of time but I wasn’t worried. Those who cared would be there. Most important, Jam and I would be there to be married by Pastor Dean!

We watched the news. There was nothing this evening on us. I noticed a long, shaky shot of me leaving my office. I hadn’t seen anyone and figured it had to be a telephoto lens.

Mister Madison chuckled. “Jar, I think you have scared them away. Try humor and harass them as long as it works. Then, we’ll go to Plan B.”

‘I would like them to find something else to follow. Jam and I aren’t newsworthy.”

“Oh, but you are. First, you are heroes to many. Second, you are both photogenic. Third, you will say things they can use to keep the pot stirred.”

He looked at me. “Jar, I know it’s not your way but not responding to them will help get them to lose interest. The worst of them want a response and don’t care what it might be.”

“Yes, Sir. I understand that but I’m just not good at walking away from a fight.”

Jam grinned. “You usually don’t let others walk away from the fight either.”

We all chuckled and ended that discussion. I did seriously think about what Mister Madison said and decided to try. My preference would be no more press.

It was late when we left with Jam taking me home. He came in and we spent some enjoyable time kissing good night. Jam left and I went to bed.

Things were quiet. It was now time for the folks from Landers to start arriving. Charles Anderson was acting as host for the Landers contingent.

Berthold flew in on a commercial flight. Jam and I picked him up at the airport. He and I kissed each other’s cheeks. Then, Jam drove to Charles’ house where there was a small dinner party for him. Jam’s parents were there. A friend of Charles was the current chair of the church’s trustees. He was there and Berthold and he would talk about security. With the entire Landers royal family participating in my wedding, there were some very real concerns. Jam and I participated in those discussions. I didn’t want strange things happening at our wedding.

I had talked to Mo and told her that I wanted her to meet Berthold. I said that she had hinted in the past that she would like to meet a winner type of guy. I reminded her of that and said that this was her chance. She was interested. I also suggested that jumping immediately into bed with Berthold was not a good plan. She agreed that program had begun to give her diminishing returns. She came to the dinner party as my guest.

Berthold was sitting next to me and I had Mo sitting next to him. She was dressed in her usual very short dress which showed that she had fabulous legs. It was tight enough to clearly indicate that the rest of her figure was fabulous as well. She knew men would look at her. However, she didn’t look back except at Berthold. I thought that a good sign.

As the meal progressed, she and Berthold talked, a lot. I could tell he was interested in her which, of course, was my plan. Mo excused herself to go to the bathroom. Berthold leaned toward me for the first time this evening. “Are all your friends as interesting and beautiful as Moira?”

“In a way, she and Angela are my two best friends though Mo and I have drifted some in the last year or two. Should I try to find other friends or other females to be by your side while you’re in America?”

“No. Moira is fine, very fine.”

She returned and he stood to seat her. I said, “Bert, where’s your sidearm?”

“It’s still in a locked case. I have decided to believe you that we will not likely be attacked here. You have said that the real danger is when the King Marcus and Prince Roger arrive. I will have a temporary permit for Georgia supplied by your sheriff. I pick it up in the morning. Mister Anderson set that up for me.”