In Book 2 Janet said "goodbye" to Steve. Steve left her with important guidance concerning her goals in life. To bring things to a head with winning her father's respect, she needed to take on a problem at the mill and solve it. If that didn't win her what she wanted with her father, she could then move on to find other ways to fulfill her life. Thus began the idea of the BETS project.

Again, I have only one fear in telling you this story, that someone might take examples from our lives and try to apply them to solving their own problems. An old television saying comes to mind: DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME.

These were remarkable people in very special circumstances. By reading our story you will understand how I came to know such rich detail, the very essence of their thoughts and feelings far beyond my living it with them. No one could ever have more loyal and wonderful friends.

Remember the Privateers, so named for their mischievous nature in high school where we all attended classes together. They all room together at the university in nearby Paramount City.

Ronald Webb, son of the owner of the county's principal law firm. Ron describes himself as a born lawyer. He is the one person Janet's age who matches her intellectual ability. Tall, handsome, and well funded, he is to Janet a special most trusted friend.

Donald Vald, son of the owner of the county's major car dealership. He is his father's presumed successor. An artistic person pressured into business school, he finds Janet a special understanding friend. After learning to dance together in high school, they have a close older sister/younger brother relationship.

Tom Hankins, son of the owner of the Berkinsville Bank. Tom arrogantly lives in a world of his own imagining, believing Janet will marry him when he graduates. He survives his other bad ideas only with unwanted guidance from Ronald, Donald, and Janet.

One of the most important people in Janet's life is Ward Handleman, her Uncle, and a supervisor at the mill. In this book, you will learn about Ward and why Janet loves him as she said, "... more than my father."

This story is presented as fiction. Read to the end of the 16 book series and you will understand why it had to be told as fiction. Even so, rest assured. Everyone in this story is as real as I am. -- Diane.