The scene: The Home That Love Built.
The players: Cathilynn and Sam.

“I just don't know Sam.” Cathilynn said confusedly. “I mean, Sara deserves justice for what was done to her, and I DO want those who are responsible to be punished, but how far is TOO far? Do I want them dead? Do I want them punished under the law? Is the law capable of doing what needs to be done? Oh Sam! I am SO torn about all this!”

“Cath, speaking as a lawyer, I want to see the law brought down on those gang bastards, but I don't think the law has enough hard evidence to charge any of them, or to even arrest them at this point. As much as I hate the thought of going outside the law, I really believe it's the only way to end the threat the gang represents, and the only way they'll be truly punished.”

“So we wait to see if that mysterious contact gets in touch and just turn them loose on the gang with no oversight or controls? Sam, I am so uncomfortable with that thought. This Home was built by love. It was built to try to address some of the injustices that happen to Trans kids and adults, but it's primary reason is love. To give free rein to some mysterious person or persons to bring hellfire and brimstone down on some wannabe gangsters goes against everything this Home and, for that matter, I believe in.”

“Cathilynn. You understand that I cannot be a part of this, don't you? I'd be risking my career and by association, this Home and you if it ever got out that I knew about this and did nothing to stop it. I've been your friend since we were both in school and I've been by your side every step of the way while you fought to make the Home reality. Your courage and belief in what's right is just one of the many things that has kept me right where I am and even if this goes a bad way, I will not waver from my personal commitment to you.”

“I know, Sam. You standing right with me all the way through school and my eventual transition has made who I am and what the home has become, so much easier for me.”

“Ah Cathy. Things might have been so different for us, but we both know that neither of us is what the other desires. I've accepted that we can't ever be more than the friends we are, but sometimes... sometimes I can't help but wish and wonder, 'what if,' you know?”

“Yes Sam, I DO know, but we've been all over that ground. If I could ever give my heart to a man, you'd be the one, but we're off the subject here. Lets go get some lunch and talk more about this other matter, shall we?”

“Like the man said in that movie, 'As you wish.' Cathy.”

Meanwhile, across town:

Brett is talking with David on the phone.

“So you understand, David. You have to figure a way for us to spy on the gang, either electronically or in person, without them knowing about it. We have to get some proof, even if it wouldn't stand up in court.”

“Yeah Brett. I got it, okay? Have I ever let you down? I can get in and out of their hideout and they'll never know I was there, but you gotta figure out someway to get them distracted. All I need is five or ten minutes to wire that dump so they won't even be able to fart without us knowing about it. I already have a plan to wire their cars with trackers and transmitters, so all I need to finish up is to plant cameras and mikes in their hideout. Don't you worry about it. You got hold of Sonya, right?”

“Yeah. She'll be coming in within the next hour or so. She's been briefed and knows the situation. Her martial arts and weapons know-how will be critical to our success. I've made initial contact with this Cathilynn person... anonymously of course, and I don't think she'll want what we might have to do. 'Number one' thinks we might want to go the favor route instead of getting paid for this job. That way there's no paper trail or money trail for the authorities to follow.”

“Listen Brett... with what those punks did to that kid, I'd be inclined to do this job for free. Anyone who'd do that to a poor kid like this Sara, deserves no mercy as far as I'm concerned. I'm in for whatever we gotta do to bring them down.”

“Okay David. I knew you'd feel that way. To tell you the truth, I pretty much feel the same way, and I know that Sonya will love doing her thing on those punks. One other thing... we gotta make sure that another gang doesn't move into the SSB turf once we're taken them out of circulation. I know for a fact that there is at least one other gang who wants the SSB turf... the Northsiders.”

“Yeah Brett. I already got eyes and ears on their place and vehicles. I also have taps on their computers and phones. Don't ask me how. It's better you don't know everything about how I do my wizardry. Makes you guys appreciate me more. I got a feeling that, once they see what happens to the SSBs, they'll stay away from anything that has to do with that Home or anyone who goes to it. I'm gonna plant some warnings on their computers once the job is done.”

“Okay David. Good job as always. I have things to do. Stay in touch.”

Brett then went to his meeting with Cathilynn.

She met with Brett alone, without Sam. Sam was standing by his phone and could reach Cathilynn inside of two minutes if he had to, but he knew that this was something she had to do for and by herself. He didn't like it, but he knew that Cathilynn needed this.

Brett used some electronics to disguise his voice and wore all black clothing including a head mask. They met in an out of the way place, both staying in their own cars.

“Okay lady,” Brett said. “Here's the deal. We take care of the gang by whatever way we see fit. This gives you some deniability. Most of the time we get paid, and paid very well to do what we do and we are damned good at it. Sometimes though, we trade favors. A job for a favor. Never anything illegal though, and you always have the option of saying no, but that would still leave you owing a favor, understand?”

“Yes, I get it. I don't like this at all, but I can't see another way. Sara was... special to me. She touched my heart and took a piece of it with her when she died, killed by those animals! I don't want to know who you are and I don't want to know what you are going to do with those bastards. As for your payment...I choose the favor option. If and when you need my favor, whoever you send should say; 'The SSB is gone. It's time to repay.' That way I'll know it's your group that is asking for the favor.”

“Consider our business complete then. We won't contact you again.” and Brett drove away. Cathilynn just sat there in her car for several minutes, too frightened and disgusted with herself for what she'd just done. Then she called Sam to let him know she was okay.

“Sam, it's done. I'm okay, but I need you to stay with me tonight. I don't want to be alone after what I just did.”

“Cathy, you have but to ask. I've stayed at your side all these years and I'll be damned if I'll waver from there now. I'll meet you back at The Home. Go straight there, okay?”

“Okay Sam... thank you.” She hung up and began to drive home, trying not to break down and cry.

TBC

From the author. This story is very difficult for me to write. I beg you readers to bear with me while I try to make it interesting and appropriate. As I'm sure you know, the Cathilynn character is closely based on myself and I find vengeance an easy concept to imagine, but very difficult to jibe with the character of Cathilynn, and very difficult to write. I asked for some assistance, but after an initial response, nothing was forthcoming, so finally decided to try it alone.

I'll try to do my best and I don't want to disappoint you readers, but I might do just that. Maybe I should have never started this part of Sara's Story, but having begun, I will do my best to finish it. Thank you to all of you who messaged and commented, both on the original story and on this sequel. You are the only reason I write at all.

Catherine Linda Michel

My thanks to all who commented on the subject of whether or not this story should be written. Your responses have convinced me that I have to write it. There is no violence or TG in this chapter, but there will be in future chapters. The keywords and categories cover the entire story but are not germane in every chapter.

Sara's Story. Justice or Vengeance. Chapter 2

The scene: A nondescript hotel room.

The players: A large man, obscured in the shadows of the room, and an ordinary looking man dressed in normal, mostly clean clothing.

“So Brett, what do you think? Is this Cathilynn going to go for our solution?” Asked the concealed man.

“I'm not sure, number 1. She seems to be a very moral person, but she is almost obsessed with hatred for the SSB. Knowing what was done to the girl, I'm anxious to deal some justice to those sons of bitches. Besides, they have been getting into running drugs and other more serious crimes. They need to be taken down, and taken down hard.”

“You understand, Brett, that if we take this contract, we can't allow any of the gang to escape. That could get very messy, very quickly.”

Brett sighed and said, “I know. I'm also not certain if we are going to get paid for this job. In truth, having seen what they are, and what they've done, I'd almost be willing to do it for free. The cops seem handcuffed. They can't make any inroads trying to get some real, hard evidence against the gang. It's said they've tried getting someone inside the gang, but have never gotten any closer than one meet with a member... then, nothing.

“That's true, Brett. I've had some feelers out and, while I know what they're doing, I can't get any info either... at least any that I could take to the cops.” Changing the subject, “number 1 then asked. “What more do we know about this Cathilynn?”

“Well sir, we know that she won a huge lottery jackpot and almost built that home of hers by hand, fighting the city council and public opinion all the way. She's doing good, much needed work, but she's always very cautious about anything that would reflect badly on herself or the home. She has some very talented and committed people working there and they seem very loyal to her and the home. She is not hurting for money and could probably easily pay a large fee for what we can do, but I think charging her would be a bad move on our part.”

”Oh? What makes you think that Brett?”

“With all due respect, sir... any large amount of money withdrawn form her account might point the authorities straight back to us, and her. If we do this pro bono, so to speak, then there's no cash trail to follow and she, her home, and thus us, would be in the clear as far as the authorities would be able to tell.”

“What about the “other” way of payment then? Could this Cathilynn or her home be useful to us in the future?” Number 1 asked.

“I think that is a distinct possibility, sir. Her contacts, as well as the home itself could be a way to funnel people we come across who would need a place like that home. I know of at least two who we have helped who have no way to repay us, but who accepted the “Favor” that we might ask of them in the future, and are in need of a place to go where they would be out of the public eye and helped.”

“Hmmm. Those are good thoughts Brett. Sort of killing two birds and all that. We certainly aren't in any desperate need of ready money, and we can always use another person who owes us a favor if we need it. Let me think about it for a day or two. Contact Sonya and David and have them ready to go if we need them. If we get this contract, it'll be more of task than you can accomplish all by yourself.”

“I agree sir, and there's no one other than those two I'd want at my back on a job like this one. Sonya's martial arts and weapons training and David's electronic wizardry are perfect for a job this size. We also have to remember.... this Cathilynn is one tough gal. What she went through during the incident with Sara could easily have put her in the hospital with a stroke or worse. That lawyer friend of hers is no pushover either. He's smart and totally loyal to Cathilynn. Apparently they were best friends in school and he stuck by her during her transition and has, ever since. He's reported to be a real bulldog in court and has several judges who seem to be his friends and who listen to him.”

“That could be a problem, Brett. Do you think he'll stay out of this job, with the exception of protecting Cathilynn and the home?”

“I can't say for sure sir, but I do know that he is very protective about her and the home, so he could become a stumbling block if we get caught doing what we're probably going to have to do to bring this gang down. We'll have to keep a close eye on him throughout our operation. I do think, however, that his loyalty to Cathilynn will cause him to...shall we say, close one eye to most, if not everything we'll have to do.”

“You and your team will be prepared to do whatever is necessary to make certain this gang will never again be a threat...including disposals, Brett?”

“Don't worry sir. We've dealt with much worse threats than this gang of wannabe bad guys. Most of them have records anyway, although none of them have ever been formally charged of arrested. They won't be missed when and if they suddenly come up... missing.”

“All right, Brett. The details are up to you and your team. If we do take this job, I know you and they will be as professional as you have always been. Please don't make me have to get any of you out of jail or worse?”

“Don't worry sir. We've dealt with worse before. I'm not being egotistic or overconfident that this will be a cakewalk, but with Sonya and David backing any play I make. I can see no problems with getting out cleanly and with no more than a minor fuss arising after we're done.”

“Okay Brett. We'll set up a meet with this Cathilynn person and hammer out details. I think it's a good thing we'll be doing. One of my friends has a daughter who used to be his son and I know what he and his kid went through. It would have been much easier for them both if a place like this Home That Love Built had been there for them to help. You know,” as he heaved a sigh, “things would be so much better in this world if everyone would just mind their own damn business and let others do the same.”

“I agree, sir. Still, that isn't gonna happen anytime soon, and in the meantime, we still have jobs that have to be done, like them or not.”

Brett left the room and drove to another hotel, where he checked in under a false name, one of many he kept IDs. for. He made contact with the other two he'd chosen for his team and made plans to contact Cathilynn about dispensing justice to a group of more or less worthless so-called human beings who had by their actions, forfeited their breathing privileges. The before action kick he usually got, seemed to be missing and was replaced by the feeling that he was going to be righting some very wrong things and making the world just that much a better place for those who just wanted to live their lives and be safe from persecution and bigotry.

TBC

Sara's Story. Justice or Vengeance? Chapter 3

Scene: The SSB (South Side Bastards) Hangout.

The players. Big Tom: Gang leader.
Little Tom: Big Tom's brother
Feet: Runner and purse snatch expert. Very fast.
Mooch: Burglar and thief.
Big Butch: Gang enforcer.
Pretty Boy: Pimp and drug pusher.
All the gang members are involved in drugs, prostitution, and violence.

Big Tom: “Okay you fools. Listen up. I called ya here ta let ya know that we might have to cool it for awhile. The cops are gettin too close to our operations and I don't want nobody gettin busted. We all got too much ta lose if any one of us gets popped by the fuzz. Besides, I hear that there are some straights gettin all worked up over that fag we busted up.”

Little Tom...laughing: “What? You mean those homos with that Home or whatever they call it? What are they gonna do? Fag us to death?”

Mooch: “Good one LT(Little Tom)! Fag us to death! Don't make me laugh! They ain't nothin but a bunch of wannabe pussies. Maybe they just need some real men to teach 'em what goes and what don't go. They wanna be girls? I say we teach 'em what a woman is supposed to be.”

Big Butch: “Shaddup you little wimp! We need ta steer clear of that place! That bitch who owns the joint has got more money than she can shake a freakin stick at! She's also a tough bitch from all I hear. Plus, she's got that lawyer suckin up to her, followin her around like some kinda lap dog, and he don't lose in court! I hear some judges are even his buds! We can't get on her or his bad sides, get me?”

Pretty Boy: I dunno BB. There are some pretty good lookin pretend broads in that home of theirs. I could use some of them babes on the street, making us some big time bread, you feel me? Some guys dig that sort of shit, ya know, and they'll pay plenty to score a fag like them.”

Big Tom: Shaddup, alla you! I said we stay clear of that joint AND everybody who's got anything to do with it, and that's what we're gonna do! Any of you pull any shit with that joint OR the fags in it, you'll answer to me. Got it!? Now. What about the rest of our shit? Drugs and hookers doin ok? Mooch, nice job on that store. Nobody got a good look at ya and you got clean away. Feet? You gotta be more careful! That broad you snatched that purse from last week is a friend of a friend of a judge!”

Big Butch: “Yeah and don't forget that little northside wimp we caught and beat the crap outta. That'll teach those northies to stay the hell outta our hood. Man, I'll never forget the way his face crunched when I stomped it. What a kick!”

Big Tom: “Yeah, but don't get too cocky there Butch. You coulda left a bootprint on that fag punk's face or body. That kinda shit could get you and us in the middle of some real shit!”

Butch: “Don't sweat it BT! I burned those boots after I stole a new pair. I also threw what was left of 'em in the garbage dump. The cops could search that stinkin dump til their feet and hands fall off and they'd never find what was left of those kicks.”

BT: “You better be right Butch! After that fag bitch we played with, she, he, whatever, died! We shoulda just killed her right then. Nobody to lead the cops to us then. As it is, we gotta watch that Nancy fag and his/her parents. She's the one who found the bitch and called the ambulance and also pointed a finger at us. Far as I'm concerned, one less pervert in the world, nobody's gonna care except the rest of them weirdos at that home, but let's be more careful. We got too much money comin in from our other things, and we don't wanna risk any of that by bein busted for killin some pretend bitch. If it ever happens again, whoever does it better make damn sure the body never gets found. Hear me?”

Pretty Boy: “I hear ya boss, and I know the rest of these meatheads get the point as well. For me though, I wish I had some of them pretend pussies on the payroll. Maybe we could snatch a couple of 'em and make 'em disappear, workin at one of our other hoods? Nobody'd find 'em once the Doc got his hands on 'em. A little plastic surgery and they'd be real money earners.”

BT: I TOLD you! Stay the fuck away from that home and everybody in it! If push comes to shove, I got a guy who does great work, makin people and places disappear. When he gets done with a place, there ain't nothin left but pieces of people and places that nobody'd be able to identify. So, until I say somethin... STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM THAT HOME!! YOU GET ME?”

Butch: “Okay, that's it then. We got business to do and money to make. Let's get the hell outta here and get it done!”

Author's note: There are many other gang members, but I concentrated on the main leaders. The total gang numbers at around 20 or so, depending on how well they do at the gang's businesses. Potential members “make their bones” by committing some illegal act or helping full members do things. For the record, this gang HAS committed murder before, but no one ever officially connected the gang to the deaths and the Police had to let them go due to insufficient evidence.

TBC

SARA'S STORY JUSTICE OR VENGEANCE. By Catherine Linda Michel

CHAPTER 5

A couple of weeks went by and there seemed to be no change in the gang's activities. They were still up to their no-good actions and Cathy was going through different moods, seemingly daily. One day she wanted the whole gang dead and gone, while on other days she dreaded being the one behind whatever vengeance was awaiting them.

Morally, she knew that deadly vengeance was wrong except for the worst of crimes and, for the most part, she was torn, knowing that her actions might indeed lead to the deaths of whichever gang members were directly involved in Sara's beating, rape and death... but then, they HAD killed Sara and murder deserved the worst kind of retribution, or so she thought.

Sara had become more than just one more trans person seeking solace and help. She had become, in Cathilyn's mind, a surrogate child. The experiences in the hospital and the burial had gone deep into Cathilyn's mind and soul. Sara had forgiven the ones who caused her death, and her family's seeming uncaring attitudes...Cathilyn had not.

Sam had been a rock for Cathilyn. He had been at her side, even though he had a full schedule of legal duties. He had postponed some of his less pressing cases and given responsibility for some others, only handling the most serious cases on his docket, but had devoted the majority of his time to Cathilyn and The Home, knowing that he was much more needed by her side than almost anything else.

Was Sam in love with Cathilyn? This question had been in both Sam's and Cathilyn's minds from time to time although neither had confided or expressed any such thoughts to one another. Why? Perhaps Sam was too wrapped up in legal matters, or maybe that he was afraid that by telling Cathilyn would ruin their close friendship. For Cathilyn, while she believed that Sam was a true and trusted friend, she had never really allowed herself to contemplate any such possibility of romantic feelings toward Sam or any other male.

Beside that, Cathilyn and Sam had a long history of friends. Sam had been one of the very few who had stood with her while she transitioned, helping her with all the myriad of paperwork that accompanies such a major change in one's life. He had gone with her when she had her final surgeries and had become the primary legal representative for The Home. While Sam was a bit younger than Cathilyn, there was an attraction between them although neither of them recognized consciously what it might be. It was easier and much fewer mental calisthenics were involved to name it anything other than friendship, deep though it might be.

Meanwhile, Brett, David and Sonya were working to find the best way to bring the gang to justice. Elimination of the gang members was certainly an option, but maybe not the best way, since it might bring too much attention to The Home and Cathilyn. To disrupt the good work that was being done at The Home would not do anyone any good, and to besmirch Cathilyn's hard won reputation would be just as bad.

Nevertheless, something HAD to be done. Beside their responsibility in Sara's death, they had been involved in so many other illegal deeds for which they had not been arrested or punished and they were becoming a force for bad things in the neighborhood and the town itself. They weren't the only gang in town, but they were, without a doubt, the worst and the other gangs were constantly warring to supplant the SSBs to take over their territory. Sooner or later, open warfare would break out among the gangs and that would be very bad for all concerned.

David had managed to bug the gang's headquarters, a rundown home that had slipped through the cracks and the city government and the banks had lost track of it, despite concerned citizen's complaints about the disreputable home and grounds around it. The police knew about it, of course, but lacking any real, provable evidence, there was little more that they could do, save to try to keep close eyes open for anything that could enable them to arrest anyone.

David had many hours of recordings from the gang hangout indicating who might have been directly involved in Sara's beating, and had put names to at least 5 who had participated in the attack. He had briefed both Brett and Sonya about their identities and plans were in the works to bring real proof to the police, but any information David managed to gather was questionable at best and not really enough to build a case against those responsible.

“I'll tell you, Brett,” David said, “these guys are as sneaky and close mouthed about this as any I've ever come up against. I mean, yes, we could sweat some of them and get the info we need to bring them down, but it wouldn't stand up in any court. I think we're gonna have to consider just relieving them of their breathing privileges. I know you hate having that option, but I don't see any other real way to end their threat or bring this gang down.

“Yeah, I know David.” Brett replied. “I hate the idea of having to kill any of them although God knows, some of them deserve killing. I had hoped we would be able to get this job done without that happening, but as you say, we don't seem to be able to get what we need to do this any other way. Sonya, do you have any other ideas about this?”

“No Brett. Although I must admit, the crimes they've been suspected of committing justify eliminations, what they did to that poor kid puts them firmly in my book as not needed on this earth. Crimes against adults are one thing, but to pick on, beat and rape a kid who was only trying to get somewhere to get help is beyond my ability to think any of them deserve mercy. If you want, I can begin picking them off one by one.”

“Sonya, you have always been one who prefers the simpler ways of eliminating problems.” Brett remarked. “In this case though, I have begun to come around to your solution for some of these wastes of space. I'll run it past number 1 and see if he agrees. If he does, maybe we can get this job done with a minimum number of casualties and break up the rest of the gang. You do realize though that we are going to have to send a strong message to the rest of the gangs in this city that, if you mess with Cathilyn or The Home, they won't like the consequences. Otherwise, the minute the SSB's are out of power, the others will want to move in and take over what's left.”

“So maybe we'll have to send a strong enough warning to all of them then.” Said Sonya. “If they know that The Home and all of it's residents, staff are under a strict, enforced ban on interference it might even help those who are LGBT and keep them safer than they might otherwise be. You know, I'll never understand why those who are “gender variant” come under such hatred and distrust. They are just folks trying to live their lives as best as they can.”

“I agree, Sonya” David said. “So Brett, I guess you have to go to number 1 and present our findings and conclusions and I think you oughta do it ASAP. These gang members seem to be untouchable any other way. Even if we scare them, they'll just bunker up and prepare for a fight, making it harder for us to do what needs to be done. God! I hate this kind of job!”

“So do Sonya and I, David, but in some cases, there is no other way to get it done. If the law won't or can't solve things, then it falls to people like us to set the record straight and make things right again, or to obtain justice for someone who never hurt anyone. Okay guys. I'm off to see number 1 and get his thoughts and/or approval for our plan.” Brett finally said.

He went immediately to his secure phone and made arrangements to meet him and hopefully get the okay to begin their mission. He knew that it wouldn't be an easy sell, but didn't see any other way to solve the situation. The gang could not be allowed to think they had committed murder and rape without any reprisals. Fortunately, all the planning and the actual taking of this job had been accomplished with almost no connection to The Home or Cathilyn, or at least nothing that could be proved in court. Certainly there would be questions and the inevitable death of Sara would throw The Home under some suspicion but nothing that could be proved.

A few nights later.

Having obtained information that identified the ringleaders of the assault on Sara beyond any possible doubt, Sonya waited in ambush. She knew that one of the ones directly responsible would be in a certain area at a certain time and had scoped out a couple of likely ambush spots where she would be able to take care of business without drawing unnecessary attention from citizens or the police.

FROM THE AUTHOR. This is, undoubtedly, the toughest thing I have ever tried to write. Some of it is going to fly directly in the face of what I feel is right or moral. I've tried my hardest to divorce my own personal feelings about some of what will follow and try to write what would probably follow. Please don't flame me or take me to task over what might be anathema to some of you. Bear in mind that Cathilyn's hurt over Sara's death is, in a larger sense, my own, as Sara's story touched me emotionally more than I ever thought it would. Never has anything I wrote touched me so deeply. So if I get a bit bloodthirsty seeming in future chapters, it's the voice within me, screaming for vengeance agaInst people who would regard Trans people as targets for whatever violence they deem right in their deluded excuses for minds.