Since I ended “Aeris C” a little early I’m going to do this story differently. It will be told in First Person. Unlike the other two multi-chapter stories on the Toss Family this WILL be more thoroughly planned out and executed. I finished my last two stories quickly because I needed time to tend to information being relayed via my website.

This story is bittersweet for me to do as I’ve been seeing bits and pieces of it in my head over the last few days. I think I need to get them down in writing now! The first few chapters are short but it picks up. There, now you know in advance…

Summary: After Ann is mistakenly sold into slavery Ted and Tom Ado chase her captors across Europe, Africa and Asia to find her before it is too late. With no help from the US the two are forced to follow the dangerous trail on their own.

This Novel is rated R for Violence, Language and Graphic Torture Scenes. Reader Discretion is advised.

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Chapter 1: Old Friends

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/Ted’s POV/

“It’s good to see you in good spirits.” I said after me and Ann met with our longtime friend Tom. His full name was Tomiko Morado but he preferred Tom Ado. He’d just finished his tour of service in the Middle East and had landed in London with the rest of his squad. We hadn’t heard from him since he’d been deployed and it was surreal.

“Did you really think I’d come back in a box or on a stretcher?” He asked. “I went to Afghanistan to fight, not die. Now come on, let’s go eat!”

After he got his things we took them to the hotel at which we were staying and went to a nearby restaurant to celebrate his return. “You haven’t changed all that much since we were in school.” I said “You were always into action as long as it was meaningful.”

“Yeah, and you were always into Ann-Marie Johnson and Terra Garcia.” Tom replied.

“And now I’ve got both!” I replied with a laugh.

“Where is Terra, anyway?”

“Visiting Fin in Little Rock.” Ann replied. “Katrin’s looking after Celes in Boston and Mark Anthony is in Florida.”

“I could definitely use some relaxation myself.” Said Tom.

”And you’re get to do all that when we get back to the States.” I replied. “Just sit back, this one’s on me.”

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/Ann’s POV/

“I think I’ll call it a night,” Said Tom when we got back to the hotel. “I’ve had a long morning and could use some R&R.” “We’ll see you in the morning, then.” Said Ted after getting off the elevator. “We can work out heading back to America 2 two days.”

“Later, then.” He said. “I’ll be seeing you in the morning. And Ann—try not to have that baby overnight, now.” “What!” I exclaimed. But by then he’d already closed his room door. “Can you believe that?” I asked Ted. “That is just the wrong thing to say to a pregnant lady.”

“I think he was just messing with your head.” He replied. “That and your are running late again.” “You know I don’t like to rush these things.” I replied. “Fin and Katrin came early and Celes came right on time. I like waiting for things to happen, you know that.”

“It can’t be helped.” Ted replied. “Let’s just—come on.”

/Tom’s POV/

I woke up the next morning and got ready to go to breakfast with Ted and Ann As I was getting dressed my personal cell phone rang. The number I saw on the screen surprised me. “Shiva?” I said into the phone. “Good to see you remember me, Tomiko.” She replied. “It has been a long time.”

“Please, call me Tom.” I replied. “I only use my full name when I’m with my war buddies.” “So what does that make me?” She asked. “Fine, Mr. Morado…” Now I was more than slightly annoyed. She was really trying my patience.

“Look, just tell me what you want.” I said. “I haven’t the time for this.” “Just what I wanted to hear.” She replied. “Listen, I have a job for you. Payout’s quarter of a Billion—providing you want it, of course.”

“Where?”

“Capetown, South Africa.” She replied. “You and at least two other people—one of them female—are to sneak White Apartheid-era activists out of the country to Sudan. If you accept I will take care of your military status.”

“The hell am I supposed to find extra bodies to go with?” I asked. “You know I only roll with people I know.” “You’re a big boy, Tomiko.” Shiva replied. “You figure it out. Oh and there is one other thing: My contact in South Africa has already hired another guild for the job. They’re expected to arrive in Capetown in 3 days. If you get there before the other guild does you pay will be doubled.”

“Way to put it all in my lap, huh?” I replied. “Alright Shiva. I’ll be in South Africa in 36 hours.”

/Ted’s POV/

“Tom, are you going out already?” I asked. When Tom came out of the elevator he had all his gear and was dressed in his Army fatigues. “I thought you wanted to play catch up in London?”

“Who says we still can’t?” He asked, throwing me a bulletproof vest. “You’re coming with me.”

/Ann’s POV/

“Where exactly are we going?” asked Ted once the plane was in the air. “South Africa.” Tom replied. “Aww, you shouldn’t have!” I exclaimed. “Sorry to break it to you, but it will not be a sentimental visit.” He replied. “Just so you know, by getting this flight you accept any and all risk involved in this job.”

“Don’t tell me spoke to—did you speak to Shiva?” Ted asked. “You said you were through takin’ side jobs on active duty…” “I’m not on active duty, Ted.” He replied. “I was deactivated before I arrived in London. I’ve got some time before I have to report back to Germany so I figured I’d do one more job before the end of my commission.”

“I still don’t see where Ted and I fit into all this.” I said. “Part of the deal is I have to bring at least two more people.” Said Tom. “I decided to pick you two and a pilot in South Africa.”

“This better not go bad, Tom.” Ted warned. “If it does and we survive I’ll kick your ass.”

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That ends Chapter 1. Next Chapter will be ready in a few days. Hope you like what you see so far!