“You’re the perfect person for this one, Jan,” he told her over the phone. “You’re now seen as a westerner, so you have that perspective down pat. You’re also nationally known, so you’ve got instant credibility. Besides, I think this Thomas guy likes you.”

That GO Thomas had been more than accommodating to her throughout the fifteen minute interview was noted by everyone who reviewed the tape. There was even some talk by those who were now her competition that she and Thomas had scripted the entire event. Were it not for her impeccable reputation for integrity, much of what transpired in the studio of a local Denver TV station would never have drawn the national attention her piece was still commanding.

Of course, none of those who were trying desperately to explain away Jan’s extraordinary interview with GO Thomas suspected the real reason this man of great wealth and power had catered so readily to a TV personality. Only a handful of people within GO’s own inner circle knew of his weakness for independent, tough-minded women. To GO, Jan was as close to his ideal woman as he could imagine. She was determined without being pushy. Confident, yet lacking all appearance of arrogance. Beautiful, yet approachable, almost longing to be touched. That she was happily married didn’t much matter to a man who reminded all around him of his own peculiar spin on the teachings of their Savior, Jesus Christ. “Forgiveness without sin,” he liked to explain after failing to meet his own high standards, “is meaningless.”

From across the table, Scott took note of the distant look in Jan’s eyes. Though it was both fleeting and totally missed by his sons, Scott could tell she was up to something. That it involved her work was certain. Once presented with an opportunity, Jan was transformed into a zealot of the worst kind. She would not be able to let go of the issue at hand until she had dealt with it in the thorough, professional manner for which she was noted. Until that time Scott knew it was best just to leave her alone.

Instead, he turned his attention back to his meal. He never did much like the military wives who pined at home while their husbands were away or made busywork for themselves by intruding into the lives of other military families or their community. Whatever this new crusade of hers was, Scott knew it would be good for her.