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THEY CAN RUN, BUT THEY CAN'T HIDE FROM THE SISTERHOOD
Once upon a time there were seven very different women who had been broken but not beaten by life. In those tough days of healing, they became the Sisterhood, a group of devoted friends who vowed to change their lives, empowered themselves, and be there for each other, no matter what. Now, they're ready to answer the call for the woman who started it all, Myra Rutledge.
Five years ago, Myra's pregnant daughter was killed by a hit-and-run driver—the playboy son of an ambassador with diplomatic immunity. Myra was left to grieve while the murderer was free to return to his lavish lifestyle with no fear of ever having to pay for his crime. But not for much longer. As the air turns crisp in the Virginia hills around Myra's lovely old farmhouse, the Sisterhood has gathered for a little creative planning, and what they have in mind is a gift for Myra of long-awaited and very sweet revenge...
Fern Michaels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Fool Me Once, Sweet Revenge, The Nosy Neighbor, Pretty Woman, and dozens of other novels and novellas. There are over seventy million copies of her books in print. Fern Michaels has built and funded several large day-care centers in her hometown, and is a passionate animal lover who has outfitted police dogs across the country with special bulletproof vests. She shares her home in South Carolina with her four dogs and a resident ghost named Mary Margaret.
With typical modesty, Michaels does not claim to be a great writer; however, she admits proudly to being a born storyteller. Her bulging bookshelf proves she is all over the map, producing with equal facility hot historicals, lighthearted contemporary capers, adrenaline-laced thrillers, and heartwarming tales of family and friendship. She is especially adept at writing stories about women who prevail in hard times – a reflection, perhaps, of her own struggles in her marriage and early career.
Raised to believe that the fortunate in life have an obligation to give back, Michaels devotes a lot of time to philanthropic concerns. She has established a foundation that grants four-year scholarships to needy students and has set up pre-schools and daycare centers for single mothers. She is also an avid animal lover and has been known to own as many as five dogs at a time.
In 1993, Michaels picked up stakes and moved from her home in New Jersey to a 300-year-old plantation house in Charleston, South Carolina. She and the dogs share the house amicably with a friendly ghost whom Fern has dubbed Mary Margaret. In addition to stopping clocks and moving pillows from room to room, Mary Margaret has been known to occasionally leave flowers on Michaels's nightstand!
Her first "sort of, kind of job" was in market research. Michaels recounts the gig's low-point in our interview: "I had a partner and we were testing a new pressurized drain cleaner. All you had to do was put this can in the drain, squeeze and supposedly the drain would open right up. It did, all right.
"The whole wall collapsed, and stuff that was in there for a hundred years flew everywhere. The lady didn't tell us the drain backed up to her kitchen drain and disposal. The company didn't care that we smelled like a sewer or that our clothes were ruined. The lady got a new bathroom, and we both got fired."
Michaels reveals some of her sources of inspiration: "Inspiration comes from everywhere. The title for Finders Keepers came from a cartoon with two chipmunks that my grandson was watching. I had a title but no story. I finally came up with one to fit that wonderful title.
"Names for characters sometime come from television. I had a character named Metaxis which is odd to begin with. There is a news anchor on T.V. who has that same last name. Sometimes it will just be a word someone says in passing, something I read or saw. There's no rhyme or reason to it. It's almost like, okay, I need something here, stay alert and it will happen."
"Darling, relax. We have two full cords of wood. I carried several loads in earlier this afternoon. Oil was delivered three days ago. We are not going to freeze. Don't you remember, dear, we had special heaters installed in the war room in early September?"
"You're right, I forgot I am just so overwhelmed that I am finally.... Never mind, it's all I've been talking about today. Your ears must be sore by now. The girls are late, aren't they?"
"No, Myra, the girls are not late. We said seven and it's only six-thirty. Please try and relax. Do you think they will like my dinner? I thought about doing something fancy and elegant but decided, that, with the weather, the girls might like some comfort food. And I know how you like my pot roast."
"It smells wonderful, Charles. The potato pancakes are my favorite. We have both sour cream and apple sauce, right?"
Charles wagged his wooden spoon in the air. "I have it all under control, right down to the wine, salad and dessert-and no, I did not forgetMurphy."
"Oh, Charles, whatever would I do without you? Never mind, I don't even want to think about that. They're almost late."
"Almost doesn't count, my dear." Charles pointed to the security monitor positioned over the back door. "I think they're here now. I see Kathryn's rig in the lead. I think they wait at the end of the road so they can all arrive at the same time."
"I think so, too. One car is missing, Charles. The girls will want to know all about Julia." Myra started to fret again. "It's not going to be the same without her. The empty chair is going to ... Oh, Charles, I feel like crying."
"There's no time to cry, Myra. I hear Murphy barking. I think that means he's glad to be back. Open the door, welcome our guests. We'll talk about Julia later."
There were squeals of delight, backslapping, high-fives and hugs galore as the five women and Murphy raced into the kitchen. The jabbering was so high-pitched that Murphy went into the huge family room to lie by the fireplace.
"Oh, I missed you all," Isabelle said happily.
Alexis dumped her red bag by the door and ran to Myra. She hugged her so hard, Myra squealed for mercy. Yoko, always subdued, clapped everyone on the back and then hugged them all. Kathryn ran around the counter to the kitchen window to see if Julia's plant was still there. It was.
"Oh God. Oh God, it has two new leaves! Hey, everyone, Julia's plant has two new leaves! We have to move it, Myra. It's too cold on the windowsill. See how the leaves are limp. Where can I put it? Yoko, you're the plant expert, what should we do?"
The women crowded around to stare at the plant Julia had left behind when she went to Switzerland, hoping to find a cure for her deadly disease. Myra looked stricken, as though she had somehow personally failed their missing sister.
Yoko picked up the plant, stuck her finger in the soil and then touched the leaves. "Some light, a little warmer area and it will be fine," she said.
It was finally decided to place the little plant on a small folding table directly under the kitchen skylight. Everyone sighed with relief.
"Any news about Julia?" Nikki asked as she filched a strip of bacon that was to go into the arugula salad. Charles pretended to swat her with his wooden spoon.
"Julia is doing well," Charles said. "She's gained eight pounds in the last four months. She's tolerating her meds and she misses us all terribly. She's coming home for Thanksgiving, and again for Christmas, but then will go back for another six months. What that means is, she's holding her own and she has not regressed or gotten worse. She's happy. She reads, takes walks, rides her bicycle. Her stamina is better than it's ever been. I spoke to her yesterday. She misses you all and she sends her love. She wants you to give Murphy a big hug for her. The first thing she asked about was the plant. To say she was overjoyed at the two new leaves would be putting it mildly." This last comment was addressed to Kathryn, who was busily wiping tears from the corners of her eyes.
"Everything smells wonderful," Nikki said as she carried candles and napkins into the dining room. "Anything new these past few weeks?" she asked Myra.
"Nothing, dear. Charles and I have just been rattling around out here all by ourselves. No one has called or stopped by. Is there any news on Jack?"
"No. That's why I thought ... I assumed he would.... Damn, I don't know what I thought or assumed. I check his and Mark's new website daily. I have no clue what the two of them are doing. That could be good or it could be bad."
"I can't believe Jack gave up his job as assistant district attorney, and I can't believe his friend would give up his job as a federal agent just like that," Isabelle said.
"Well, he did." Nikki clicked a lighter to light the scented candles. Within seconds the room smelled like blueberries.
"Are we celebrating something special tonight?" Yoko asked.
"Yes. The good news on Julia, your arrival and anything else we want to celebrate," Myra said. "Goodness, how I've missed you all. But before I forget, Charles and I want to invite you all for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Please say you will come."
"You bet," Kathryn said.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Alexis said.
"I will be glad to attend," Yoko said. "My husband will spend the day sleeping so he will not miss me."
Isabelle and Nikki smiled and nodded.
"We go out to the woods and chop the tree down," Myra said. "If it snows, we pull the tree on a sled, but if there's no snow we pull it on a wagon. We cut all the evergreens the same day so they'll be fresh. We haven't really celebrated Christmas here at Pinewood for some years now. I think it's time to get back to our traditions."
"Christmas here at Pinewood is a marvel. The house smells heavenly with all the balsam," Nikki said. "The vaulted ceiling allows us to have a twenty-foot high tree and balsam twined around the bannister going all the way to the second floor. Lots of red velvet bows and our own mistletoe. Myra always made it like a fairyland for Barbara and me. One year, Lu Chow, Myra's gardener, played Santa. She thought we wouldn't notice a Chinese Santa. We pretended not to for her sake."
"You knew? You little rascal!" Myra said. Nikki laughed.
They could have been simply a group of young people getting together to play catch-up, or a group of old friends enjoying dinner together.
"I had a date!" Kathryn blurted out, her face rosy pink. She looked around the table at the stunned looks.
"Tell me you didn't wear that flannel shirt and those Frye boots," Alexis said.
"No, I didn't wear them. I got dressed up. Panty hose, makeup, the whole magilla."
"And?" the others chorused as one.
"And nothing. Murphy didn't like him. By the end of the evening the guy was all over me. I had to deck him, at which point he got a little pissy with me. He was so good-looking, he made my eyes water. But I won't be seeing him again. Now, don't ask me any questions because I told you the whole thing."
"I had a date, too," Alexis said. "One of the women I shop for fixed me up with her next-door neighbor. Nice guy. He manages La Belle, that new restaurant in D.C. The food was excellent. He asked me out again. I said yes." Everyone clapped their approval.
"I bought a plasma TV," Nikki said.
"I had to get a new transmission for my car," Isabelle said.
"Well, nothing is new in my life," Yoko said. "I ordered two thousand poinsettias for the holidays. With Lu Chow helping us I will be able to get away for your mission, Myra. I owe you many thanks for allowing him to work at odd times for us. My husband likes him very much."
"That leaves you, Charles. Share with us what you've been up to," Kathryn said.
Charles chuckled. "I've been trying to amuse Myra because she missed you all so much. In my free time, I've been working on the details of her mission."
"Guess that means we're all caught up. Let's clear up this mess," Nikki said, waving at the table, "so we can get down to business."
The war room, as they called it, was warm and cozy. Computer monitors lined the walls, along with television monitors tuned to the three major cable networks: CNN, MSNBC, and the Fox network. Directly in the women's line of vision was an oversized monitor showing the scales of justice, with Lady Justice looking down on them.
A soft whirring could be heard above the quiet tones on the televisions. A fortune in the latest high-tech equipment was at Charles's fingertips. Some of the equipment was so advanced even the FBI didn't have it. "Spare no expense, get the best so the girls are kept safe," Myra had said. And Charles had done just that. He was Lord Supreme in this room and everyone knew it.
Myra usually presided over the meetings, but as it was her mission that was to be discussed this evening, Nikki rose and addressed the group. "This is where we all give input after Myra tells us what she wants done to the man who killed Barbara. We all know he's back in China and that's our first hurdle. I personally don't see any way to entice him back here, so that means we have to go there. We'll have to figure out a way to do that, of course. First, though, I think Myra might want to say something. Myra, the floor is yours," Nikki said, sitting down.
Myra stood up, her legs wobbly. She grasped the edge of the table with both hands as she stared around at the women who were now like daughters to her. They were her family and she knew that, no matter what she asked of them, they would do it if humanly possible. How much should she ask of them? Going to a foreign country to seek her vengeance seemed extreme. Still, there really was no other way to punish her daughter's killer. She looked from one to the other, recognizing each one's particular strength. If anyone could help her, it was these five beautiful, talented women, each with her own cause.
Myra licked at her dry lips. "I ... My quest for justice is going to be dangerous for all of you. I don't know if I have the courage to ask you to ... to help me. I won't be offended if you want to opt out of my mission. Somehow, someway, I'll get justice for my daughter. What I'm trying to say is, if anything happened to any of you, I wouldn't be able to live with myself. This won't be anything like Kathryn's or Julia's missions.
"You all know Charles's background, and we'll be operating in his field of expertise. But none of you are Charles and none of you are like the operatives he worked with when he was in Her Majesty's service. Right away, that puts us all at a disadvantage."
Kathryn, always the most vocal of the group, squawked her displeasure at what Myra was saying. "Myra, Myra, you're forgetting something. We're women! That alone gives us an edge! I rest my case." Everyone cheered, including Charles. Myra grinned from ear to ear.
"Well said, Kathryn. You are forgiven, dear. How stupid of me to forget women can do anything they set their minds to. I think I might be a little overwhelmed at this point. Now, let's decide how we are going to take care of Mr. John Chai, my daughter's killer."
"If Julia was here she could do a little slice and dice with a very dull knife. But since she isn't here, I'll volunteer to do the honors, and if he bleeds to death, oh, well," Alexis said.
"That's too good for him. He needs to suffer. His father needs to suffer for protecting him. Let's see what Charles has come up with."
Charles shuffled through the papers in front of him. When he had them in order, images appeared on the screen as Lady Justice faded away. "This is John Chai." A second picture appeared. "This is Chai Ming, China's former Ambassador to the United States. He is retired now and living in Hong Kong. From what I've been able to garner from my sources, Chai Ming has a pretty tight rein on his playboy son." Charles sought Myra's eye. "I haven't been able to find any evidence of employment of any kind. I would assume he's living off the largesse of his father, Chai Ming. John's Harvard education was a waste."
"Is he still covered under the law of diplomatic immunity even though his father is retired?" Yoko asked.
"Yes, but he cannot return to the United States for fear of reprisals, that sort of thing. It's obvious the man stays close to home under his father's supervision. Sooner or later, he's going to wander off the reservation. It's a given that he will not return here to America. That means we will bring him here. Unwillingly, of course."
The women gasped as one. "You mean we're going to go to China and ... and ..."
"Snatch the son of a bitch?" Kathryn said. "Yep, that's what it means all right."
"Tell us how we are going to get inside China, snatch this guy, and get back out," Nikki demanded. "I would think the Chai family are watched as closely as our Secret Service agents watch over our retired politicians."
Charles nodded. "You're right, Nikki, but in China they are watched even more closely. I can't swear to this, but I do know how the Chinese think in these matters. It's doubtful Ming's own eye is on his son. There are hundreds of eyes on him. They don't want any kind of scandal that will make them lose face. Family is very important. Respect of one's family is paramount."
Myra's eyes pooled with tears. "If it's impossible, why are we even discussing the matter? Why was I so foolish to think we could finally get to ... that ... hellish person?"
"Myra, dear, it is not impossible to get to John Chai. However, it will be a very dangerous and difficult mission for all of us. We are going to need a lot of outside help."
"What kind of help?" Isabelle asked nervously.
"Chinese help. In ... ah ... in my other life, I made friends with some very unlikely people. People that I was forced to depend on to stay alive. One develops, over time, instincts where people are concerned. I have a friend named Su Zhow Li. He got me out of a rather horrid situation and then I was able to save his life later on. He is probably in his mid-seventies by now if he is still alive. I haven't been able to renew old friendships since moving here. That was one of the conditions of my transfer from England to America. I'm now willing to ignore that condition.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Vendetta by Fern Michaels Copyright © 2005 by Fern Michaels . Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Whether we are aware of it or not audio book fans tend to associate a voice with a character or a particular series. For this listener my pleasure is greatly increased when one voice performer consistently inhabits a character or presents each story in a series, especially when the performer is as accomplished Laural Merlington. With the initial title in Michaels's Sisterhood series, 'Weekend Warriors', I came to identify Merlington's easy-to-listen-to voice with the storyline and the characters. My enjoyment increased with her presentation of 'Payback.' Thus, I knew I was in for a treat when I saw her name on the front of 'Vendetta,' the third Sisterhood novel by Fern Michaels. Many readers and listeners will recall that this series is based on the adventures of seven intrepid women. They've all been bruised in one way or another and have joined together as friends, promising to help and sometimes revenge one another. Myra Rutledge is the woman who began it all. She suffered an enormous loss when her pregnant daughter was killed by a hit-and-run driver. It turned out that the driver was an amoral playboy who enjoyed diplomatic immunity. Thus, he was free to return to his homeland and his luxe lifestyle. Now, Myra's significant other, Charles, a retired MI6 agent, has discovered the whereabouts of the driver. He's safe in China. That's not even a challenge for this group. Several of them plan to fly to Hong Kong, kidnap the playboy, and bring him back to their homestead where they will exact revenge. Sound simple? Few things are simple or as planned when the Sisterhood is involved. Give a listen to another exciting tale from Michaels and Merlington. - Gail Cooke
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sun Oct 09 00:00:00 EDT 2005
I read the first two of the sisterhood and could hardly wait for this one. It is one of the best ones I have read and couldn't put it down. Her books make you feel like you are right there with them and I am looking forward for the next one.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Chariot7
Posted Sat Aug 16 00:00:00 EDT 2014
With each member of the Vigilantes aka Sisterhood, the stories and what has happened with each of them, reads faster and faster in looking forward to the next and the next story, the right of what justice could not do, I cheer on the Sisters and the family of these women to coming together to unite as one to taking justice into there own hands. Another great read and as always waiting for the next one in this amazing series.
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Posted Sat May 17 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I truly enjoyed this book as well as the previous Sisterhood series. I look forward to reading the next book. It always good to pick off where the last book left off and stay in tune with the characters.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Very good book, and something I would re-read. The plot was awesome and full with detail. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Triumph, Elation, Refection . . .
Myra has waiting patiently for her turn to come up. It all started here with one act of injustice. Would the Sisterhood have been formed if this action had not been taken (or not taken) against a grieving wealthy mother with connection?
The time for retribution has come and now we will see what the ladies are made of.
Jack is still being a thorn int eh Sisterhoods side, but now he has bigger toys/bigger suspicions and more friends to help in the surveillance.
Things work out this tie but how much longer can they get by on their whits before enough is too much?
Anonymous
Posted Wed Apr 09 00:00:00 EDT 2014
It was. A very good book.it kept u wanting to know what was gonna happen next.it was an easy read.go sisterhood
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Wed Apr 02 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I finished the third of the sisterhood series. The story is most improbable but entertaining. After the first book it was pretty repetious, leaving you with a ciff hanger after each series to keep you coming back. I had no interest in doing so. Good character developement, i think it would have been better as a single book rather than a series. Margaret
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Posted Fri Feb 21 00:00:00 EST 2014
I love these books. You fall in love with the characters and are so happy when thry can take revenge on the people that wronged them.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.kizabee
Posted Thu Feb 20 00:00:00 EST 2014
This one really was better than the first two if that is possible. I absolutely love this series!!!!!!!!
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Posted Thu Aug 22 00:00:00 EDT 2013
this is an awesome book, love the series so far, I hope the rest are as good.
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Posted Fri Jun 21 00:00:00 EDT 2013
I would love to see this made into a movie. I loved the crazy antics of Jack and his partner Mark, humorous.
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Posted Mon Dec 10 00:00:00 EST 2012
The Sisterhood is a really good read
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.sunshine1TC
Posted Tue May 22 00:00:00 EDT 2012
I started off reading #17-20 and ended up starting from the beginning of the series, because, I just had to know how the whole "vigilante" thing got started. It's great reading and great fun....
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Posted Tue Sep 06 00:00:00 EDT 2011
this book is the third in the sisterhood series. keeps you sitting on the edge of the chair. things that you wish would or could happen in real life. chilling and suspenseful. Fern Michaels is my kind of lady.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.songbirdsue
Posted Wed May 25 00:00:00 EDT 2011
I really like this series. This women vigilante group enacts justice their own way when the law does not do it for them. Somehow I feel that justice is served even though I sometimes feel that they go a bit too far. I felt a little uncomfortable with this one eventhough I thought he deserved it.
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Posted Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 EDT 2011
How sweet is revenge. Myra finally gets to avenge her daughters death with a one of a kind punishment to John Chai. Although it was a little grusome i was cheering the sisterhood on.... Jack Emery thought he was smart the sisterhood showed him just what a bunch of women were capable of!
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Posted Thu Feb 03 00:00:00 EST 2011
This is first book, I read of Sisterhood Series. I've now read all them, and can't wait for eBook release of 'HOME FREE' in April!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I enjoyed this book and I have read most of all the sisterhood series and hope Fern Michaels keep the sisterhood going. I really enjoyed this book a lot and could not put it down.
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Posted Thu Nov 06 00:00:00 EST 2008
GREAT BOOK!<BR/>I very much enjoyed reading this book. I would highly recommend this book.
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Overview
THEY CAN RUN, BUT THEY CAN'T HIDE FROM THE SISTERHOOD
Once upon a time there were seven very different women who had been broken but not beaten by life. In those tough days of healing, they became the Sisterhood, a group of devoted friends who vowed to change their lives, empowered themselves, and be there for each other, no matter what. Now, they're ready to answer the call for the woman who started it all, Myra Rutledge.
Five years ago, ...