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    Forged in Fire: Chapter 30

    “Alliance?”

    He nodded. “Safety doesn’t come free in here. For me to do what I need to do for Starbird, for me to manage all the irons I have in the fire, I need both protection and access that I shouldn’t have.”

    Kaitlyn replied, “Are you scared, Dad?”

    Steven shook his head and flipped his hand to underscore the trivial nature of her inquiry. “Not in the least. I’ve done well. My alliances in here are strong. And my investors are even more committed to the company than they were before that silly article as published in The Times. Your sister actually did me a favor.”

    “When she finally figures it out, she’ll be crushed,” said Kaitlyn.

    Her father smiled. “And that’s exactly where I want her. She thought she could outsmart me. No one outsmarts me. I’ve been in this game a long time. I know which buttons to push. She’s an amateur.”

    “Buttons?”

    “Absolutely. You tell this Christian leaders and investors that you love the Lord and the money just flows in. They’re either devout fundamentalists or sinners seeking absolution. The ones that actually believe in a God feel guilty for holding so much cash. Investing with me helps them sleep easy at night. Hypocritical pedophiles, abuses, and thieves. And those are the better ones,” he said.

    Kaitlyn looked confused. “But what about the big ones. Kenneth Raymond, Joel Osteen, and Kenneth Copeland? Even our pastor?”

    “Raymond’s a fanatic. Crazy as a loon and believes all this bullshit is real. He won’t make a decision without praying on it. Scriptures all over his house. But he doesn’t even really understand what he believes in. I mean, he hates Jews but doesn’t get that Jesus was a Jew. Fucking moron. But his pockets are deep. And I do and say whatever it takes to keep his money with Starbird. Lots of other guys follow him and he’s influential,” said Steven.

    “And the others?”

    “Osteen is charlatan; loves the cameras and the money. And Copeland, he’s crazy. But a different kind of crazy. A self-obsessed hypocrite who believes his own bullshit.”

    Kaitlyn sighed, suddenly feeling overcome with sadness. As though a cloak of despair had been lain across her shoulders. “Dad, I always thought you were so religious. I mean, do you even believe in God?”

    Comments

    1. Wow…. that explains a lot. The article was a diversion while the Hannity show was the main attack. I want to know the reaction from Steven Kennard. And now what happens to Daniel and Kaitlan? And where are Bette and Tina now? The plan was very well done. Peach Tea in the bottles. No wonder Bette could drink so much of it. And to act drunk, she just quit bathing and eating whatever she had available in the kitchen. That is really hunkering down and playing the role. The fact that Tina spent days just watching her on the cameras must have been hard as hell. And I love that Melvin help out with the plan and provided a place for Tina while they were waiting. This really reflects how much Melvin has changed and how much he cares for Tina as well as Bette and Kit. I am now officially a fan of this Melvin Porter.

      This is a well done drama. It sure fooled me. Thank you for this chapter… I look forward to another when you can get it to us. Thanks.

    2. This does explain a lot. Love that Melvin came through for them. I still worry about Bette. That’s a lot to put her through. She needs to keep taking her meds and checking in with her therapist and Tina needs to deal with Henry’s murder once and for all. And…….. for God’s sake……. Bette needs to sever ties with Alice. Offering her pot!!! What is wrong with that woman???? I pray this has not been too much for Bette. Not all of those tears were acting. That she endured it all for Tina is amazing. What love! I also wonder if Bette on any subconscious level remembers her past or at a minimum senses something. I know she is not supposed to.

    3. This is a thoroughly thought through plot, MTS! Very impressive. Unexpected twists, unexpected allies, great storyline with the time offset and the different perspective of the acting characters. Sublime.
      I have to read it again to get all the details right.

      First do exactly what Darth Kennard was expecting, then – bam! – bring on the girlfriend of the dead son-in-law and mother of his child and have her tell the story on a big news station. Tables turned! Great. But I still fear that Kennard remains a threat as long as he is alive.

      Never thought that Melvin could be part of the plan but it seemd to be an excellent idea to refer to his expertise. I have to admit that he is getting in my good books again. Never would have guessed.

      Will Bette tell Tina whether she visited the girlfriend? Will someone knock some sense into Alice until she finally understands Bette’s problem with drugs? What a friend would tempt an addict (who is still in acute treatment) with consuming themself under their very nose? Tina and Bette still have a lot to talk about. Too much holding back still.

      Fantastic twist btw that Alice (of course) remembered Bette’s strange behaviour when she picked her up at LAX all those months ago. Could be an interesting topic for a conversation between Bette and Tina.

      Thanks so much for posting, MTS. Throroughly enjoyable chapter.
      Can’t wait for the next instalment.

    4. Can’t believe it, I actually like Melvin :-)

      Love the explanation of a well thought out plan.

      Thanks for this Chapter in a superb story. Really looking forward to more
      Stay safe
      SG

    5. Geez just going to leave us hanging right there.. lol.. thank you great chapter fills in all the blanks. Still waiting on my nc-17. Details woman I need details.. lol glad the sister is seeing it now too. Later

    6. Hi MTS, Hope all is well. I just finished this chapter of Forged in Fire, and love every moment of it. I surely hope that you will continue this story. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Your writing is amazing. I do hope you continue.

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