Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Flashback to 2020

On October 26th, 2020, Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed as the next Associate Supreme Court Justice of the United States. She filled the seat left vacate by Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

In November, Trump did not win the election as he had predicted.

The ROE Group began planning.

~~

7:10 AM – July 8th, 2025 – Oklahoma City, OK

**CNN BREAKING NEWS**

From White House sources, we have learned that an organization has claimed responsibility for the Texas grid take-down, where 96% of the population is still without power.

Later this afternoon, during the president’s briefing, she intends to announce the intel received, the group’s identity and what will likely happen next in more detail.

No other information has been released. Stay tuned for more to come.

~~

Tess emerged from their bedroom excitedly. “Dale! Did you hear?” 

He nodded, and so did his mom sitting next to him. “Yep, just waiting for the press conference to start. I really want to know who did this to our state.” He looked anxious.

“Where’s Dad?” Tess asked Jennifer.

“Oh, he’s still sleeping. I’ll keep breakfast warm for him. He should be up soon.” She rose to get more coffee. “Do you want anything, honey?”

“No, I’m too nervous to eat anything just yet. But maybe later. Right now, I have to finish writing up this manual for my boss. He needs it for a meeting scheduled this evening. Luckily, he’s in California, so it gives me quite a few extra hours to work on it. I’ll just head off to my cave now,” she said with a wry smile and a hand wave.”

“Dale, I know it’s only been a few days, but have you given any more thought to just selling your house in Fort Worth and moving in here permanently? You know it’s no bother at all for you guys to stay with us, and honestly, we love having our family close.” Jennifer’s eyes gave away a very heartfelt expression, one of deep love and concern. “Plus, with the economy the way it is, it definitely helps us out financially, and having the emotional support has been a bonus.”

“Not yet, Mom,” Dale feeling a bit pressured. “I want to wait to see how quickly the grid repairs take. If they continue to predict it will be months instead of just weeks, it might make sense to move in with y’all. It’s only been four days, so that could change in a week. Be patient, and please, don’t get your hopes up. You know how independent Tess and I are.”

“I know! But a momma can dream, can’t she?” Jennifer smiled widely and chuckled a bit. “Well, let me go check on the old man. I let him sleep long enough. If I don’t wake him up now, he’ll be mad he has to rush for work.” Getting up, she gave Dale a hug and a kiss on the back of his head. “I love you. I’ll catch up with you later, Son.”

TO BE CONTINUED ON FRIDAY…

Hello Readers – Now it’s your turn! Please cast your vote in the comments below for the type of ending you would like to see. Try to have your choice noted by 5PM CST.
Here are your ending possibilities this week:

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I look forward to writing how the story will end! Here’s hoping you enjoy it! 🙂