The Wayward Shepard

Chapter 1

SIX YEARS EARLIER

Looking back, I barely remember the man I used to be. I can honestly say that I do not know who Jaxon Sheppard was back then. When I remember my life before, I only see Sarah and Josie.

Sarah and I met in high school. I was a senior and she was a sophomore. We were the picture of the American Dream. After graduation we both dove into our careers and before long we were truly living that dream. I was twenty-one the day we married, and was twenty-two the day I became a father. I had never known what happiness was until then.

No father ever forgets the day his first child is born. It's that feeling of utter love and devotion that grips you every time you look at those beautiful blue eyes. Knowing that another human being's life and future are in your hands.

By the time I turned twenty-five, I had been promoted to Detective in the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. We owned a three bed, two bath house in a nice neighborhood with two new cars in the garage. That was when Sarah gave me the news that I was going to be a father again. To celebrate we threw a party and everyone was invited. Neighbors, friends, and family lined up to congratulate us.

The only family I had was my older brother Jason. My parents were killed in a car accident when I was thirteen. Both of my parents were only children and my grandparents on both sides were long since dead, so it fell to Jason to look after me. Jason was just starting college when they died, but through hard work and many late nights he managed to raise me and stay in school at the same time.

After graduation Jason had entered the private sector and rose quickly. Within ten years he was promoted to CEO of Averies Inc. in Baton Rouge. Averies Inc. was a prominent tool and equipment provider for oil companies, sending equipment everywhere from Louisiana to the waters off the coast of Cuba. As of the time when my little girl was born, Jason was worth over $200 million. Jason had never married, and never kept a girlfriend long enough to meet their family. According to him, Sarah, Josie, and I were all the family he needed.

Even as busy as he was Jason ate supper at our house at least once a week, and treated us to dinner in the city almost every weekend. He never missed a big moment in our lives and definitely never missed a Saints game on our couch. Of course he spoiled Josie constantly, bringing her surprises every time he came over and piggyback rides through the living room and the backyard. Sometimes I believed that Josie thought of Jason as just another kid to play with and jump on.

    Naturally, Jason had pulled out all the stops for the celebration. I think he was more excited about the new baby than I was. There were hors d'oeuvres and champagne all around and people had gradually moved into small groups to chat and gossip amongst themselves.

    I was quietly leaning against the back fence, watching the partiers enjoy themselves when Jason found me with a new Bud Light to replace the empty in my hand.

    "Not bad, big bro", I said as I accepted the cold brown bottle, "Are you ever going to tell me how much this cost?"

    "Nope. Because I know if I do you are going to try and pay me back. Don't worry; I'm planning on writing all this off anyway."

    We both laughed as we touched bottles and we both took long pulls of beer. I sighed contentedly as I lowered my bottle and looked at my brother.

    "So what else do you have planned?"

    "What do you mean?" he asked, trying and failing for an innocent tone.

    "I know you. You want me to go out tonight. I'm guessing Bourbon Street."