Writing the letter proved more difficult than Jonathan had imagined. But even more difficult than writing it—and both Parker and Cody had read it to make sure it was Jackson style, and that nobody could infer insanity on Jonathan’s part—was sending the damn thing. After having pushed the send button, Jonathan felt he was going insane after all.
The hours passed, and his vid-phone remained silent. He seriously considered calling Rick and Jeanette, but decided against it. Finally, about three hours after having sent it, he received a response, short, concise from Jeanette:
Got your letter. Need time to process the news. I’ll be in touch. Love you, J.
“Process? Well, at least she seems to still love me,” Jonathan said powerlessly, as he showed the message to the boys and Marc.
“What did you expect?” Marc asked.
“That’s better than I expected,” Parker said. “I was sure Mom would go ballistic. This is excellent news, unless of course she’s on a plane here to kill Marc!” He and Cody laughed, but Jonathan didn’t see the humor.
“Please leave us alone for a bit, okay?” Jonathan asked the boys, and they left the suite to roam the ship, which was approaching the Panama Canal.
“What do you think? Is my life in danger?” Marc leaned in and put his head against Jonathan’s shoulder. He wasn’t afraid.
Four long days later, Jonathan woke up to a letter awaiting him. Judgment Day!
* * * * *