The Escape

I could feel the van coming to a halt and I heard the whimpers of the others grow louder.  We sat there all huddled in the dark waiting for someone to open the truck doors and let us out. They chose us all at random. I was on my afternoon run when I realized I was being followed by a jogger that had his head completely covered. I was grabbed by multiple hands and thrown into the back of what I thought was a cargo van. Shortly after me a small child was thrown in. I grabbed her and held her against me to protect her. Every 20-30 minutes more and more people were added to the list and the back of the truck. The last time the door opened an elderly woman was lifted into the van. We were of all races and ages. The one thing we had in common was that we were all scared. I tried to keep close to the exit just in case. These people must not have done their research about us because if they did, they would have known I am a knife and sword expert who participates in MMA and works for a security agency . The guy across from me, I recognized from the fight circuit as well. He stared at me and gestured to the people behind us and the door the last time we had light. We were gonna do something when these doors opened. Then I heard one of the children in the truck say, "I smell chocolate." Then my eyes started to get heavy and I fell asleep.

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"She is coming to." A voice said as I struggled to open my eyes. I tried to sit up and a hand pushed me back down. "Just stay laying down young lady we need to make sure the chemical we used to put you to sleep didn't have any after effects."

My eyes shot open and I noticed I was in a hospital room and I was surrounded by people. I also noticed my feet and wrists were chained to the bed I was on. I started to laugh and said out loud, "Well, at least you were smart enough to chain me up because when I get off this bed I am going to take you all down."

Two of the nurses backed to the door and one of the guards drew his gun. They drew away like I was the threat. They were the ones who kidnapped and chained me down, but I am the threat. I decided to point out the irony of this. "You know you are the ones who kidnapped a van full of people and then knocked us out. But when I get a bit pissed your drawing your weapons on me? Who the hell are you people and why in all that's holy do I have a pounding headache?"

The door opened and a man with reddish hair and a medium build walked in and he came right up to the bed and lifted my chin. "You were taken because you are descendants of a very powerful line of wolves who are now low in numbers. We need your DNA among other things to bring our clan back to the size it once was."

I caught his eye and said, "If you hurt any of those children you will wish you were a wolf so you can run from me because I will skin you alive." With that I head butted him as hard as I could. I was able to get one hand out of my restraints and grabbed at his throat to prove my point. The guards pulled the man back and one of the doctors was able to put a sedative in my IV line. Before I dozed off I caught his eye as he was adjusting his suit jacket and said, "You're weak that was a warning shot."
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When I woke up I was in a large gym type of room with beds surrounding the walls. The old woman who was tossed in the van as well as the little girl I held onto were sitting next to my bed, I tried to sit up and the old woman placed her hand on my shoulder. "Careful love you got a nice bruise on that pretty little head of yours. Did they do this to you?"

I smiled and patted her hand, "No, when Mr Suit and Tie came close enough to me after answering why we are here I head butted him and told him he was weak."

The old woman smiled at me and said, "You have spirit young one but please be careful they are not to be messed with. What he said to you was the truth. My mother ran away from her clan when she was a young girl pregnant with me. This clan is one of the nicer ones I thought until this happened. Now let's get you some food you have been asleep for close to a day since they brought you in here.  They have provided for everyone's needs and there is a 24 hour food service. We should be thankful at this time."

I sat up and the little girl came and sat next to me. I hugged her and said, "Don't you worry young one I will make sure you are okay and we will get out of this."

I put my hand on the woman's arm, "What is your name?"

The older woman smiled, "My name is Isabelle and this little lady who has been attached to you since they wheeled you in and tossed me the key is Beth."

I smiled, "I promise you both I will get everyone out of this. They might have seen our blood lines, however they have no clue what I really do for a living. So food is available you say I so hungry right now."

Beth took my hand and Isabelle stood next to be and they led me to the far wall where there was a counter set up with stools. When I sat down a tray came through a slot in the wall filled with soup, salad and a sandwich. A small piece of cake appeared in front of Beth. A smile lit up her face. I looked at Isabelle, "Your not gonna eat?"

"Oh heavens no child, I am used to eating only once in the early morning and once right before bed. I have a coffee coming right now. You need to eat to gain your strength."

I started to eat and the headache started to disappear. I swiveled in my seat and looked around, "They separated the men and woman?"

Isabelle nodded, "Yes, when we woke up and were brought in here they separated us. There is a central gathering area and a gym for us to use together. But it seems they want to keep us apart. You will notice there are people who watch us from overhead. It's almost as if we are sideshow."

I finished eating and my tray disappeared. The loud speaker crackled on, "Charlie Grace please come to door 1 for a medical examination."

"Isabelle please take Beth to the other side of the room."

Isabelle took Beths hand and led her to where the bunks were positioned. They along with the other woman sat watching me sit on the stool. I rolled my neck to loosen the muscles and leaned down to see what i had on my feet. I moved away from the seats and knelt down to a meditative position. If they wanted me, they were damn sure going to get a fight. Then the speaker sprang to life again, "Charlie there is no reason to be stubborn and not come through the door. We will not harm you."

I looked up and saw suit and tie with the PA mic in his hand. I gave him the old one finger salute and said, "No, not hurt just take away our free will. You want me so bad come get me but I will always fight. This is a very temporary situation for all of us. When I get us out of here I will destroy everything you hold dear." 

With that I closed my eyes and listened. I heard gates opening as they got closer. I heard Isabelle tell the children to get back behind the adults. Beth kept saying 'I want to see'. Then I heard the last gate open and a deep voice say, "Miss Charlie Grace, you have been ordered to come to the medical wing and we are requesting you join us."

I stood up slowly and turned towards the voice as I opened my eyes, "No."

"Maam you do not seem to get the fact that you have no choice." He said with a slight bit of panic in his eyes. "Will you please come to the door as it was requested?"

"No, I was brought here against my will. For a bloodline that means nothing to me. You want my blood or DNA for something and you can not have it. I assure you you will all get sick of fighting me." I said as suit and tie himself walked through the door himself. 

"It's okay Bruno I will handle this myself. Charlie Grace I would like you to accompany me to my office so we may speak in private. No medical procedures no nothing other than to talk to you."

I looked around and then said, "If you cross me or anything happens to any of these people while I am gone so help you."

As I walked through the door he chuckled and said, "I think you meant so help me."

"I had it right the first time," I said. "No reason to help me you're the one who will need the help."

I followed suit and tie down the hall and we entered a extravagant office. He waved towards the chair and said, "Please have a seat."

I sat down and glared as I said, "When are we being released?"

"That has yet to be determined." He stated looking up at me.

"You do realize that people will be looking for us? My team alone is probably gathering intel on you that you don't even know about yourself."

"I assure you your wrong."

"What do you think I do for a living?"

He opened a folder and started to read, "Charlie Grace Mckenzie, born Aug 11th 1994. Current occupation historian at the Florida Museum of History."

I started to laugh hard. My laughter was met with a confused look. I had to calm down enough to say in the sweetest southern voice I have, "Dear you just awoken a shit show and you put your people in danger. I might show as employed by the Florida Museum of History however, that's a front for my real job. I am in fact a agent for a secret organization that protects the world from the evil that goes bump in the night. Your kind are no secret to us. We know and monitor in secret what your kind and all other kinds do. I assure you when i get these people out of here I am coming after you and personally taking you down."

Clarity started to dawn on his face, "Your not a historian?"

"Nope."

"You don't do MMA and street fight in your spare time?"

"Oh no I do that. A lot of the time when I am in a fight its because the people I am fighting against are who we are protecting the world from."

"I have seen you fight."

"Well like I said there is a lot of creatures. Listen i feel for your people. However, you can not just kidnap people for your own personal gain."

"Well we did."

"An my team will find you and will kill anyone who doesn't stand down. If i see any of these people harmed I will personally kill whoever did the harming."

"You do realize we become massive wolves?"

"You wouldn't be the first one I had to put down."

"You have killed our kind before? Your families kind?"

"Its your kind that killed my Mama and Daddy when they were found.  They ran away because my mom wanted to keep me out of the pack as she knew what happened to females. They ran to another continent and were found. My mom and dads dearest friends took me and ran as my mom was killed. They raised me as their own.  They hid me in the south and had the help of a witch to hide what I was from the world.  I only shifted once because I might need it someday. But I assure you I have no desire to be a wolf."

"Your able to shift?"

"Yes, but I will not by choice. Now as I said before you might want to consider letting us go. I can get help for the memory so no one remembers and only you would be taken in as a danger to the world. But if my team finds you they will not be so kind."

"We removed your tracking device on your ankle."

That's when sirens started up and people went into panic mode. I sat back and crossed my legs and said, "Well, I will give them that. However, they are late."

"How?"

"That tracking device was a decoy we have magical tracking attached to us."

"They have been tracking you?"

"That is correct. You see we at the agency intermingle with many different species and incase someone wanted to try holding us against our will to begin something with another species we all undergo magical tracking. Basically you forgot to really do research thinking we were just some bloodline."

He picked up the phone and screamed, "Evacuate all the specimens I have the one with me."

He jumped over the desk and i moved to the back side of my chair. "Turn off your tracking."

"No even if you kill me it will stay on."  I backed all the bookcase and said, "Do your worse I am not afraid of you. You won't be the first creature to kill me you won't be the last."

He lunged at me and as he did I ripped off the necklace he wore and stuck it in my pocket. I went to deflect his punch and he hit me into the wall. I landed on my feet and raised my head, "You hit like a little bitch. Just leave the people and go I am a liability and they will never stop tracking you."

You could see the internal battle he was going through. He finally budged when a message came over the walkie talkie, "Sire everyone is evacuated but you and Charlie they are breaching the inner sanctum we need to go." His head snapped up and he ran out the door. I ran after him and gave chase. He was fast I gave him that. He stopped at the ledge and then jumped off. I stood back and jumped down and landed on the top of the bus and heard Beth scream for me. I opened the hatch to the bus and Isabelle threw Beth up to me. I grabbed her an jumped from the bus as it went through the door leading to the outside. I held onto her as the other buses flew past us along with suit and tie. I reached into my pocket and realized his necklace was still there.  I held Beth as the buses drive out of my sight. When my team walked up behind me Beth had cried herself to sleep on my shoulder.

"The pack has a total of 38 humans, 20 Males and 18 females. This little lady is named Beth and she needs to have the memories of the last few days removed."

"No." I looked down and saw awake. "I do not want to forget Isabelle or You. I won't say anything to anyone and I will go along with any story you want. But do not make me forget."

"You know the rules Charlie." Scrub said, "The patient must agree to forget what happend."

I held Beth more firm and said, "Lets get out of here."

By the time we got Beth back to her parents I had already started a plan. We had needed a cover story. Beth had been taken by religious freaks trying to build a coven of children.  As Beth did not want her memory wiped we honored her wishes. She begged us to keep in touch and let us know when we find them. She wanted to know when everyone else was safe. I gave her my phone number and the agencies phone number in case of an emergency.

We set undercover agents near Beth's house and I headed to the base to come up with a plan to find everyone.  As I drove away from Beth house I had a feeling this little girl was gonna end up in the agency one day.

I walked into the museum and headed back to the door that leads to the agency.  I walked in and Eli the head logistics wrapped me in a hug.

"You had us so worried Charlie."

"Eli what have I told you, It is going to take more than a kidnapping to get me down."

I took the necklace out of my pocket and tossed it to Mange, "I need to know about anything you can get on this necklace. Report directly back to me no one else."

"Sure thing Charlie."

I walked to the middle of the room to start the briefing. Everyone looked at me and I decided that this was going to have to be 100% honesty.  "So as you all know I was kidnapped. We are all under the understanding that we all have some sort of supernatural ancestry and although i have never openly talked about it I am now.  My parents were full on werewolves. I use the words were because the people you know as my parents are a human and a witch. They were dear friends of my parents. They were having a dinner party the night they were killed. Bill had ran to my nursery and Sammie their daughter and I were in bed sleeping. He grabbed both of us as Maggie followed up the stairs with my parents behind them. Bill said first my father had shifted to hold off the rogues and Maggie was casting but my mom had her stop and said get me out of here with her and bill.  The last thing Maggie saw before my mom pushed her into the nursery was my mom shift to fight. Maggie opened a portal to a secure witch camp and we got out. The coven went the next day to find my parents dead. They buried my parents in unmarked graves and Maggie and Bill bought everything that was important from the house to their home for me when i got older. I am letting everyone know that yes i can shift and the group who kidnapped me and the others did so because they want our DNA."

When i mentioned DNA the group looked around with a worried look. I know a lot of our group have DNA that is mixed with other creatures and the thought of someone wanting their DNA scares them.  This is the reason our group was brought together to stop stuff like this.

"i know this is a scary scenario everyone that's why we are going after this group.  So starting today we are enacting the babysitter protocol. We will be having Kallies group enforcing all magical tracking. All team members who are not here will be called in. Under babysitter you call in and tell us what your next check in time will be. If you do not check in within 30 min of that time we start the tracking.  In light of recent events we are also extending it to your family/partners incase you go missing. Spouses, partners, parents, grandparents, pets and so forth.  Does anyone have any questions?"

"Charlie do you feel any other type of were creatures are in danger from this group?" I looked up to see Mark who is a wolf shifter stand up. "Madison is expecting and our shifting normally is into a wolf form."

"Mark to be honest with you I do not have a answer. However, When i was taken they had did a lot of research on who was from this particular bloodline. I will suggest not only to you but everyone else as well. If you are in a similar bloodline increase security. Maybe move your family to your bug out areas and above all else bring Kallies team in to get the tracking on. I know I am."

With that I walked away and walked into a conference room. I pulled out my phone and dialed my dad.

"Dad" I said.

"Charlie thank god your mom and I were so worried what happened." 

"Dad I will explain later but I need you to get the family together I am on my way to you. You all might be in danger."

"Charlie, The whole family."

"Yea dad the whole family. Tell Sammie to get the kids bug out gear ready. I will be moving you guys myself."

"Charlie, How bad is it?"

"38 people have been taken dad. When my tracking kicked in I was able to get a little girl and myself out as my team swept in to get me. There are 38 people still lost in the wind and we are going on lockdown while we do a man hunt."

"Okay baby girl I will get everyone here and let mom whats going on. Whats your ETA?"

"Dad we need to move fast. Tell everyone they have a hour and yes let Evan bring Chloe."

Dad chuckled as he hung up. I went to find Kallie and arrange everything.

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When we got to my families home everyone was there and waiting. I walked in and my Dad and Mom rushed up to hug me. Mom held my face and then said, "Who?"

I smiled and took her hand, "Let me explain everything to everyone."

We gathered in my parents living room and Kallie stood next to me. I hated having to turn their life upside down but I will be damned if y family is in anymore danger.

"Okay so I was kidnapped by a crazy werewolf pack intent on stealing my DNA for baby making purposes. Mom and Dad never mentioned my real parents to you. Mom being a witch her gifts were passed on to you but my parents were upper echelon in the werewolf kingdom and they ran away when my Bio mom was pregnant with me because of the politics. The night they died Mom and Dad took me as one of their own and we never looked back. When I was coming home from work the pack that kidnapped me suspected I was a normal museum worker. My magical tracking kicked in and I was rescued along with a little girl. There are still 38 people missing and subject to whatever experiments this pack wants to do. We are on lockdown just in case and I am taking you to my secret bug out location to protect you. Chloe your pretty much family you can call your mom now and let her know your safe and we are going to be putting magical tracking on you all. There is no cell phones allowed at the bug out site. You will have access to computers and phones that are encrypted to keep you safe once we get there."

My mom looked at me and asked, "How long Charlie?"

"I honestly do not know Mom, As soon as i get you settled I am off to find the people who were kidnapped."

Dad looked up from his drink, "Charlie could this be the same pack that took your parents from you? We know that the female wolf population has dropped significantly in the last 20 years. We need to know your not going to be attacked and taken again. Your parents were like our sister and brother. If there is a war coming we don't want you on the front lines if possible."

Sammie chuckled, "Dad if Charlie isn't on the front lines she would not be who she is."

Kallie cleared her throat, "Charlie your dad does raise a good point. This pack that kidnapped you? Could they have been the ones that killed your parents?"

"I never thought of it like that," I started. "Kallie while the witches start please do me a favor and contact Simon. Tell him we need a immediate meeting with the werewolf council. I will be taking point on this as I have some questions to ask."

I turned towards my mom. "Mom i know i said I never wanted to see the damn things but I need Mamas crown and Daddys pendant."

Mom Smiled and handed me a velvet bag, "I figured you would need them."

Kallie stood next to me, "Shall we begin then."

While the Witches placed protection on my family the great werewolf council was called by Simon with the message. All Werewolf leaders....Museum....9pm....Answers are needed.....

After Kallie had put tracking on my family and got them to the bug out location.  The rest of the witches went to homes of other Wolves related to the agency I headed back to the Agency with Kallie and headed to my office. I had to be smart about what was goin to be said in the meeting. Most packs believed I perished when my parents were killed by rogues. I was sitting at my desk when Simon knocked at my door.

"Charlie you in there?" Simon asked, "Before we go to the meeting I think we need to talk."

"Come in Simon," I said. "I figured you would be at the door soon enough. I think its time to let the world know that I am alive huh?"

"Charlie are you sure you want to do that," He said. "You know we have your back but some packs still considered your parent's rogues."

"I know but if we don't do something now more people could be taken. All the people who were kidnapped were of the same pack lineage." I sighed. "They had children and teens Simon. They crossed the line and I will get my answers."

"What if they ask you to shift? You ready to do that? You forget that I have seen your wolf Charlie and you are rare. It will prove your linage for sure but every alpha and pack will be knocking at your door to date you or kill you." Simon said.

"I know Simon thats why when I walk in with these on I am hoping it will be enough," I said placing moms crown and dads pendant on the desk.

"May I," Simon asked as he went to lift the crown. He smiled and said, "You know I knew your parents before they abdicated the throne. I met your mother when she was pregnant with you at an interspecies ball to promote unity. As head of the agency I was invited and your parents were rock stars.  Your mother never had a bad thing to say and was always trying to promote peace. She had invited me to a meeting a few weeks later when the topic of the decline of female wolves was being discussed. She had suggested a mingling of the packs with allowed marriages to increase the chances of female birth and people just about passed out.  She basically stated if we keep the bloodlines the way they had suggested then eventually the packs would die out like European monarchies. Other packs disagreed but your mother's views were gaining traction. I believe that your mother realized that you would be a target and that's why she stepped down."

"Simon I need to make sure that any squishy agents are not near this meeting. When I walk in wearing my crown and pendant we might get a reaction that is none too pleasant," I said heading towards my office bathroom. "What's the ETA for the council?"

Simon checked his watch, "You got about 10 minutes left but do not wash up. You have the pendant from the other wolf. Maybe the council will be able to catch the pack's scent on you."

I stopped and stood still. That was actually a brilliant idea. I turned slowly and said, "Well I guess i am going to this meeting in my jogging pants and t-shirt lol."

"Come on Charlie," Simon started, "Let's go ruffle some feathers. But hey if they come at you can you shift. You might need to because anyone can wear a crown and necklace."

"Yeah, Simon I thought of that." I said, "I guess if it comes to it I will have to but let's hope not because I hate shifting."

I followed Simon to the council meeting chambers and braced myself. I walked into the room with the crown and pendant in my hand. Looking around the room I closed my eyes and said, "So who wants to be truthful to me because after 27 years I am about done with the bull shit."

I heard Simon groan behind me and I walked I started to look at every member of the council. I slowly put the crown on my head and said, "My name is Charlie Grace Menard. I am the only living descendant of Queen Lauren and King Maximum. You know the royalty who stepped down and then were hunted and murdered. Oh and then a pack which has the same blood line kidnapped me and 38 other people to experiment on. I would suggest if you have any information you might want to spill."

Alpha Christian stood up and said, "Charlie that's a pretty big claim you just made. If you really are Laurens cub you would have been killed the night they were."

Alpha Morgan from Scottland stood up, "Christian did you have something to do with Laurens and Maximums death?"

"No,' Christian scoffed, "Her body was never found and it was assumed she was killed."

"Thats enough," I stated, "My mother's best friend was a witch. She saved me and her child who was with me as the killers rushed my parents. I have been raised in secret and then found my way to the agency. But as you need proof I will give you the proof you need."

I handed simon the pendant and my crown. Then I walked behind a pillar and shifted. I walked back around and walked in front of the leaders. Simon stood next to me and said, "Ladies and Gentleman if thats enough proof for you can we continue there are 38 people who could not get rescued. Charlie go shift and get dressed."

Bumping his shoulder I went back to behind the pilar and dressed. Then I walked back out. I took suit and ties pendant from my pocket and said, "I pulled this off the leader of the pack that kidnapped us. Only myself and a little girl were able to get out before they took the people and took off. If you have information I would suggest you share it as you know you cannot hide information or be untruthful while in this room."

Alpha Morgan stood up and said, "I heard rumors."

"ALPH MORGAN!" Alpha Criley yelled. "Watch what you say?"

"Oh stuff it Criley, this is not what we signed up for," She continued, "Lauren was right we should have cross breed packs years ago. I heard rumors a Russian/American pack was trying to find a medical solution to what was happening but thats its. Send my people a picture of the pendant and we will research as well. As for cross breeding I am willing to see if there could be a way to welcome wolves looking for spouses into our community."

Criley stood and yelled, "This is sacrilege."

"No sir what sacrilege is these wolves kidnapped innocent people, some of these people did not even know about their linage. When my team gets them back and I assure you I will be leading the way. The amount of damage control that needs to be done will be immense and on top of everything else the whole wolf nation could be outed." I said following up with, "There are thousands of wolves who do not want to be stuck in your kingdoms and once this gets out what will happen to your precious monarchies. I assure you they will all fall."

"She is right," A quiet voice said. "In my country we have districts, but we allow them to choose where to live, work and love. If our secret gets out our kind will be dragged to laboratories and experimented on."

Montu the Alpha from Africa turned to me, "Charlie I knew your mother and she was a woman who stood out from others. It saddened me when she stepped down I will have my spies out and about trying to get you answers in the next hour."

I turned to all the Alphas, "The people who were taken were innocents and are being experimented on. How would you feel if these were your own people or worse off family members. I assure you which ever pack is found to have caused this will be disbanded and either marked as traitors or the members will be sent to other packs to live. It sounds like two nations are already ready to host them."

My phone started to beep. I pulled it out and saw there was a message, "The pendant is from Russia. It traces back to the Romanov house."

I looked up and held up the pendant, "Well everyone I have my lead apparently Russia decided to fuck around and find out. Or at least a descendant from the Romanov clan. So before I really go start some trouble I am asking one last time in my best nice girl voice who am I dealing with? Or I can drop some hard truth for you shall I? If i let it slip the Alphas knowingly allowed innocent people be kidnapped and suffer to not only your own people but to every species out there what do you think your leadership will look like? I assure you I am willing to do whatever it takes to stop this insanity."

There was a lot of uncomfortable looks around the room, Finally Alertus from the Alaska contingent stood up. "Charlie your mother would have been proud you have her stubbornness and I am done with secrets. I will tell you all the story."

He slowly walked around the podium and stood next to me. He put his hand on my shoulder and said, "I knew your Grandparents and then your parents and they are descendant from a now minuscule Romanav pack. Yes the ROmanav were wolves and when they were found out they were taken out. But members of the pack were able to hide in Siberia and although they mourned they always swore to bring the pack back to greatness. They keep their pack names guarded quite well but every now and then they would do trading with other packs as rogues. They paid cash and would leave right away. But I have heard whispers in the breeze that they were dwindling in numbers due to inter-breeding. They have the funds as the members who escaped the kidnapping had escaped with enough gold, jewels and cash to live quite a few lifetimes. If you head to Siberias Krai region you should be in a good spot. Locally I do not know where you could search but as you were found near the North Cascades I would suggest going up and stirring up the dust. If anyone here has a problem with me sharing this information this is not what is wolves do. We do not or have not ever kidnapped man, woman or children and I will not stand for this is that clear. We are better than that and I am now opening the Alaska contingent to anyone who would like to bond or mate with my people. Effective immediately we will accept any wolves young or old who wants a safe place to run and play."

He squeezed my shoulder and laid a hand on my cheek. Putting his forehead to mine he said, "You are the spitting image of your grandma Katerina. Her and your Grandfather Joseph were good friends. and they would be in awe of your strength. I know I am."

His guard came up and helped him out of the room. I smiled watching him go thinking not only did I learn more about my family history. Turning to the rest of them, "Anyone else having a change of heart? Wanna share?"

The door opened and a woman wearing safari clothes walked in. "I am sorry I am late my name is Helena and I am part of the Russian pack. I have information for you on what you seek. But I ask we would need to speak in private."

Alpha Criley stood up and said, "Why should we trust you?"

She looked really sad and said, "Because the moment I give this information I will be marked for death."

Criley looked at her and said, "Who are you?"

"The Mad mans sister," Turning to me she said, "You have to help me I am rogue but went to Russia a few weeks ago to see my aunt and he was there and he told me what he was going to do. He found out I am with Child and wanted to experiment on me and my unborn child. My husband was killed during us escaping."

I took her hand, "You have my word you and your baby will be protected. I have the perfect place to hide you when we are done and I will move you there myself."

I turned to Eli and said, "Get enforcers back to Beths house and we need to get Beths family moved now!"

Eli nodded and got on his headset and issued the order. I looked around and said, "Beth is the child who I rescued before I had to jump from the vehicle she was the youngest of the people who were kidnapped she is a child."

Eli came over to me and pulled me aside, "They arrived to get Beth's family. They found her parents in the kitchen deceased they said it looked like a wolf tore them apart.  When they searched for Beth they found her hiding in the basement in the washing machine. Sabastion didn't let her see anything he handed her off to Rebecca and Rebecca took her upstairs to pack and they are en route."

"We were too late," I said

"CHarlie whats going on?" Alpha morgan called out.

I turned to the leaders and said, "The child Beth I had rescued. Her parents were murdered and she hid in the washer. My enforcer only found her because her scent was masked by the washing machine and he heard her crying. Her parents were ripped to shreds by a wolf. My team is handling clean up and she is now alone."

Morgan hung her head, "The poor child."

I turned towards the sister, "Helena lets go to a private room. I will share the information as I see fit. If anything gets back to the rogue pack I will let it be known that no packs here can be trusted."

The look of shock spread across the faces of the pack leaders and I lead Helena to a private room. She looked more scared than anything. She looked at me and said, "That child is she okay?"

Shaking my head I said, "She is a strong one but for her to hide like that makes me think she heard them coming. Beth is a very smart child."

Helena looked near tears, "That poor girl. I wish I came forward sooner. I was just so scared after they killed my husband I had to run and hide."

Sitting across from her I said, "You are here now and we will handle this. Beth had chosen to not forget and her parents chose to forget. As the memory wipe required permission, we could not proceed with Beth.

Helena nodded and said, "A very brave girl indeed."

Eli bought a bottle of water and handed it to Helena. He came to sit next to me and said, "Helena we have a few missing people what can you tell us."

She lowered her head and said, "The people of the pack are not bad people. However as in all packs when you have no new people coming in there is a chance of cross-breeding and low birth rates. My brother Mikel and his wife have not been able to breed. One of his scientists said only if he had the DNA of people who have left the pack or moved to different locations. That sparked a thought in my brother. I did not have any clue what was happening as my husband and I were traveling. I am a biologist and when I came back he wanted me to come on board and be one of his Doctors. When i expressed the cons of all this he went into a rage and i left back to my home. He called me and said he wanted to talk but Donovan and I decided to leave and were already in a car leaving. I didn't realize he had put a tracker on us."

We dumped the car and shifted we had a safe house a few miles away we tried to make it to. But they had their enforcers on us. A woman was driving by who knew of the pack stopped to help and Donovan had me shift, He pushed me into the car and told her to go. He took off in the opposite direction. I felt his death, it happened when the kind human was getting me clothes to wear. She had the news on and they flashed a picture of Donovan stating he was a enemy of the state and they were looking for a woman with my description. Her husband was a fisherman and he was also part wolf. He was disgusted that Mikel would do this. At nightfall his wife gave me a bag with food, clothes and water. Her husband ferried me to the other side of the bay where a plane was waiting to sneak me over to Alaska. Before I loaded into the plane he gave me a hug and tucked money into my coat. I am afraid for them but their generosity will not be forgotten. After I landed the pilot pointed to the road and said 2 miles. I walked to the next town and there was a train station. I headed here as I have been here as a child with my father."

Leaning down I said, "Helena your safe now and we will help you. Can you give me any indication of where they would have taken the captives and where I can find Mikel. I promise you I will not let him get away with it."

Simon knocked on the door, "Charlie, Beth just arrived."

Looking up I said, "Bring her in."

Beth ran into the room and jumped into my arms. "Charlie they hurt Mommy and Daddy. They tried to find me but I hid in the dryer with a blanket that smelled of laundry softener."

"Oh sweetie you did good," I said holding her.

"They wouldn't let me look. Is mommy and daddy okay?" She asked.

"Beth sweet girl I am so sorry but Mommy and Daddy are not with us now," I said.

"Their dead," She said.

"Yes sweet girl," I said.

She looked down and said, "That mean man that took us the first time did it didn't he?"

Helena knealt down and said, "I am so sorry young one. I promise you we will deal with that mean man and he will never kill another person again."

Beth looked up and said, "Did he kill someone you know?"

"Yes he killed my husband," She said.

"How do you know him?" Beth asked, "Were you taken like us?"

"No sweet girl. You might not like me after this but he is my brother."

Beth looked at her for a moment and gave her a hug as she said, "Its okay my mommy used to say you can't choose who you are related to."

Helena looked up and said, "If you would like I will keep this sweet angel with me so we are not lonely. She needs someone to care for her and I would be glad to."

I looked at Beth and said, "Beth would you like to stay with Helena for a while she is running from the bad man as well."

Beth walked over to Helena and said, "He had my mom and dad killed."

Helena swept her into a hug and said, "I know my sweet he also killed my husband. But we will get through this together."

Beth looked at me and said, "Charlie do not kill him bring him to us as we want to speak with him after you get everyone to safety. Also if he does anything to hurt Isabelle you tell him when I am of age I will come after him myself."

I nodded and Simon said, "We have a miniature version of you Charlie."

Helena looked at me and said, "Where are we to go now?"

"I am going to have Maverick come in with some maps for you to look at so we can start searching for everyone," I said. "When you give us as many locations as you can I am going to have you and Beth go stay with my parents. Mom is a Badass witch and they are all in my hiding spot."

Beth looked up as our tracker Maverick walked in and said, "Dued, I like your name."

He started laughing and handed Beth a teddy bear and a candy bar, "Well little miss I like yours as well. The bear and candy are for you. Now lets see about catching that bad guy."

For over an hour Helena showed Maverick locations all over the world. Beth watched the maps with great interest and when Helena pointed out a location near the portland and Maverick said, "Oh boy hipsters there is probably a bunch of coffee shops."

Beth leaned over and looked at the map as she said, "Maverick this location is not coffee shops. My grandparents lived near there before they passed away. If you pull up this spot on google maps its a old amusement park that looks scary in the pictures from google street view."

Maverick grabbed a tablet and put in the location. When the location loaded he whistled and said, "Your right Beth that is a creepy place. Take this and see if you see anything spooky."

Beth laughed and sat on the chair moving the view around and she said, "Umm Charlie, Maverick and Helena there are white buses in this picture."

Maverick took the tablet from Beth and said, "Kid you will work with us one day. Charlie its the buses."

Beth cut in and said, "If you look at the date in the corner, street view went through there 1 day ago. That has to be the worst job ever taking pictures while sitting in a car all day. My butt would go numb."

We all laughed as Helena looked at Beth and said, "You are so smart."

I looked at Eli and said, "Get a surveillance team out there. I am getting Beth and Helena to safety and them I will roll out to the location and we will have a strike team go in." 

"What about the Alpha's?" Simon asked.

"Beth Sweetie wanna meet some people?" I asked.

She shrugged, "Why not."

Taking her hand we walked back into the meeting chamber. Criley looked up and asked, "Why is there a pup with you."

Beth tilted her head and looked right in his eyes saying, "Because the man killed my parents and I was able to hide in the dryer."

Criley walked down and asked, "Did your parents know what they were?"

Beth looked at me and said, "Yes they did Sir. Mama met daddy when she had traveled on pack business and since they knew they could not be together even though they were mates they made a plan to meet back up after they finished their business for thier pack. They were going to tell me when I was able to shift."

He stood up and said, "My pack will allow people to leave or enter to find their mates. Effective immediately."

Beth said, "You know the guy that took us. He believes he is superior and wants to rule everything. I saw his thoughts. He wants Charlie as a mate. When I woke up Charlie was next to me and he came over to me asking if she was my sister because she had held me when we were kidnapped."

Looking over at Beth I asked, "What did you say?"

"I told him no," She said. "But when she wakes up she is going to kick his ass and destroy him."

"Why did you say that to him Beth?" Criley asked.

She laughed and said, "Because even sleeping Beth's thoughts were loud and she was mad mad."

A few chuckles came across from the council and Beth wasn't done yet. She looked at them and said, "Some of you want to fight what is happening and I can tell you know the royalty is over with."

Simon asked, "Beth what do you mean?"

She shook her head and said, "I have abilities sir. I can hear thoughts and I see things to come. Not all the time but I see things. If this can be handled wolves will not be outed but packs will change. There will be Alphas' but not like these guys. There will be leaders who actually get on the same level as their people. Like Alpha Montu, and Alertus. They walk among their people and live with them. Their reign will survive due to their willingness to change. Oh and Alpha Criley your son is planning on killing you to take the throne."

Standing there gazing at Beth I said, "Thats why your parents wanted to forget? To keep you and your abilities safe?"

"Yeah," She said. "Plus do you know how hard it was for them at Christmas or my birthday. I know my gifts before I got them."

Turning to everyone I said, "We have a lead and are going to try to get everyone out. For the Alphas listening in I think its clear to say you might want to get here for face to face policy changes. You have 48 hours or when this is done I will come to bring you here personally."

Charlie Grace- Main Character

Suit and Tie- Head wolf  Mikel

Isabelle- Captured elderly

Beth- Captured Child

Bruno- Guard

Mom- Witch- Maggie

Dad Bill

Sammie- Adopted sister

Evan- Brother

Chloe- Evans Girlfriend

Bio Mom Lauren

Bio Dad Maximum

Scrub- Team Tracker

Maverick- Tracker

Sabastion- Enforcer

Eli- Head of team logistics

Kalli- Head witch for the agency

Mark- Shifter team member

Simon- Head of the agency

Alpha Christian- Canadian Alpha

Alpha Morgan from Scottland

Alpha Criley- england

Alpha Montu- Africa

Alertus from the Alaska contingent

Helena- Russian pack Donovan

Death My Old Friend

Growing up I learned something very important about myself.  I was an angel of death and destruction. Everything good that comes into my life is destroyed in months. I was married once with kids and even that fell apart and I was stupid to stay in that hell for far too long.  I wish I could have a normal life. I wish I deserved to be loved and wanted but the truth is even my own family doesn't want me.  The children I struggled to have looked at me like I am nothing. I know boo hoo poor me. I have a soon to be ex-husband who wants to make my life miserable.  I mean he ripped up the divorce papers because he decided that screwing with me would be more fun. But what can I do right. I am just supposed to lay down and take everything that was handed to me. They didn't realize what kind of shit show they would release. My name is Abigail Greene and I am a descendant of the witches they could not burn and this is my story.

*****

I woke up feeling super sore and tired. I guess staying up all night working and writing and then waking up at 9am for my real job should not happen too often. I slid out of my camper bed and padded into the bathroom. After a slightly cold shower, I headed to the kitchen space to make a much-needed cup of coffee. After making my coffee I headed to my little patio area and sat down for a few min to watch the world. This little park I am currently camping in is nice. They only charge 200 a month in lot rent and I have the option for electricity and water as well. I decided that maybe I might add them on later if I need it. But my camper is loaded with solar panels and it gives me enough power to work. As for water I fill up every time i go to visit my only child that is talking to me. Even with showers, my tank holds enough water to last a week. 

As I was lost in my thoughts my alarm went off on my phone and I realized I had to get set up for work. I set up my internet and made sure my power was full and I logged onto the system to make sure I had everything set up. When 1030am rolled-around I saw the emails and reports start rolling in and i got to work.  The best thing about my job even though I get hourly pay I also get paid for all emails, calls and reports/tasks I complete. To be 100% honest I make pretty good money. 

I was fortunate I am in a space that looks over the local park next door. Popping open the windows to let the cooler air in and logged into my work system. On my second laptop I pulled up my freelance logs to work on stuff if we are slow. Looking at the amount of work I whistled. Thankfully with my job all the calls are outbound. There were pages of work to be done. I grabbed my headset and decided while it was early to make those calls as the do pay a bit of money. For a full hour i knocked out a bunch of calls and then went to the tasks then to emails. People hated calls and tasks, but I loved them as they are a great way to make additional money. I got my hustle on and lost track of time.

Looking at the clock I realized it was already going on two in the afternoon. I looked at who was on break and put a message up saying, 'Brb break' I got up and stretched. Looking out the window I saw my neighbor Sean was running through the park. I got my eye full and opened the fridge to make a sandwich. I threw together a quick turkey and tomato sandwich. Sitting back down I sent the message 'I'm back' and got back to work. I worked nonstop doing tasks while I was eating and then switched back to calls. Again, getting so caught up on what I was doing my screen flashed with a business message, "Great job today finish your last call and head out."

Smiling I finished my last call and shut my system down. Standing up I stretched and turned towards my fridge. Looking inside I decided tonight would be a great night to grill some salmon and went outside to start a fire in my grill. After I got it going, I went inside to season the salmon and grabbed cast iron spider pan I added some cut onions, broccoli and yellow squash. After adding in some olive oil I grabbed the salmon and headed outside. As I came down on the steps I hear, "Hey Neighbor."

Looking up Sean is walking towards me, "You wouldn't mind sharing the grill with me would you? I have a steak and corn on the cob that would taste so much better grilled."

Laughing I said, "Go grab it, who am I to say no to a man who wants to grill a steak."

I went over to the grill and got the coals flattened and put my cast iron on the hottest spot to roast up the vegis and went in and grabbed some seasoning. Coming back I added the seasoning and sat down to let them cook. Sean come back with his steak and corn on the cob. He put his corn on the cob on to start cooking and sat down across from me. 

"So Abigail should I ask why I found you grilling alone?" He asked, "Or is that a bit to personal?"

Looking at him I said, "Nothing much to tell you, My ex-husband manipulated my kids and got them in the divorce. They are eighteen or older now and only one talks to me. But I am free of his crap and my daughter is trying to talk some sense into her siblings. Should I ask why or why not on your own patio grilling up a steak for a beautiful lady?"

He chuckled and said, "Well I was married and she didn't like that I had to work to support her. So while I was away the cat will play. I didn't like that so I filed for divorce."

"I hear that, we are officially divorced two months ago and I had a great lawyer," I said.

"It sucks though your kids are manipulated like that," He said.

"It is but what can I do," I said sighing. "I do not stop trying."

I saw him looking out into the field. I saw now that it was dark the shadows had moved in. Looking at him I said, "Sean you are aware if you stare at the shadows too long you are inviting them in?"

Shaking his head he looked at me and said, "You can see them?"

"Yes I can! Since the day I moved in." Stopping a second I saw we had been spotted. "Don't get freaked out they spotted us. Looks like they are just as curious."

Sean groaned and said, "Im sorry Abigail. Will they be a pest."

Standing up I said, "Nope I will handle this."

I went into my camper and grabbed a container of Lava rock. I stuck my hand in the jar as I walked out and sprinkled the powdered Lava rock around both our campers. Sean looked intrigued as I went back inside and washed my hands. Joining him back at the table i said, "That should handle it."

"Your a witch," He said matter of factly.

"And your not a normal man either," I said. "The ability to see the shadow is a gift and you seem to have it. Just ignore them."

We sat and ate our dinner and Sean asked, "So Abigail how does a guy get a real date with you?"

Laughing I said, "Well normally he asks. But sure I am up for a date with you, name a time and place?"

That's when one of the shadow creatures came close and jumped up on the top of my camper. I stood up to where I could see it and said, "Hey that's enough get down from there you are not allowed up there."

I went back under the awning and the shadow creature jumped down. Sam chuckled and said, "Yup, your a mom."

"Well you need to speak to them with authority or they will run wild," I said.

"Seriously?" He asked.

"My old house had a few of these shits in there and believe me when I say they will act like uncontrollable toddlers," I said. "I did a blessing before I left but my ex husband has gotten quite a few calls from the people who purchased it complaining about the weird stuff. I told them at the sale it was haunted. No one believed me."

Standing up I turned his corn and mixed my vegetables when my phone rang. I looked at him and said, "Sorry one second."

"Hello," I said.

"Abigail? Its Mary from work do you have a second?" She asked

"Sure Mary is everything ok?" I said as I sat back down. 

"Oh yeah I wanted to let you know you are getting a bonus this week for your numbers last week." She said. "The way your numbers are looking this week you may be getting them weekly. Your the only person in your division who handles everything and goes all day except for lunch and break. Your bonus for last week was $200.00. I just had to ask if you wanted bonuses sent to your regular checking account or we can send to paypal, cashapp or another account."

"Oh I believe you have my cashapp information right?" I asked.

"Sure do I will send that bonus to you now," She said. "Sorry to take up so much of your time and have a great night."

I ended the call and said, "Sorry Sean unlike some people at work who do the easy stuff I apparently earned a weekly bonus for doing it all."

I got up and took my vegetables off the grill and put my salmon on. My phone binged and I got the alert I got money on cashapp. Sean laughed as I did a happy dance and sat down. Looking at him I explained, "I worked for a old neighbor's company and at the time I moved here she closed shop. I was happy I found this job. It doesn't pay the best but its enough for me to live here or travel to new locations and I think I am gonna love these bonuses while I can get them."

Sean chuckled and said, "I get it I am glad you were able to find something that made you happy. When I pulled in today I saw you at your computer and you looked like your were focused."

Laughing I said, "That's because I was doing two to 3 tasks at a time. Normally I will pull a chat while I am working on emails or calling out to customers to reply to the query. When I do multiple I have to stay hyper focused because we do not get credited unless we complete the tasks. I will consistently do calls or chats while doing emails or mini tasks the company needs to have done. Such as cleaning up documents or arranging call lists. So many people do one at a time but we get paid hourly plus tasks and I like to keep things going. I try to bank my tasks pay as we get that within 24 hrs of doing it and I take my hourly and live on it. My task pay actually goes to my savings and I try to not touch it at all. This bonus money will stay on the same payment i chose and anymore will go on here as well."

I stopped for a moment and said, "Sorry my ex husband did a lot of financial abuse with me. So when it come's to money I am very aware about what I save and spend."

He nodded and said, "That's understandable. My dad was that way with my mom and till this dad is a saver."

"I learned early on in my marriage to my ex that I had to hide money or he spent it all," I said. "His work paid the bills but if I asked for money for the kids or something I needed there was fights. He would not let me have a car in my name and only after he bounced the joint account so many times I finally had him arrange the bill money go into my account and his money went into his. Thankfully my pay he never questioned as he thought I never made much so I used that for the kids and I visited a lot of food pantries."

He chuckled and said, "I am not laughing at you. My mom did the same thing when we were young. My dad never asked and she tucked that money away and still does."

"But did you Dad ask for itemized receipts for all bills and food?" I asked

"God no," He said. "Wait your ex demanded receipts?"

"Yes he did," I said. "So he thought I went to a bunch of different stores and paid cash. He would always see the withdraw slips I had for the money which he took and put on a file. What he didn't know I would go and deposit it back in my savings account. I left very little in the checking account just in case. Some weeks my car needed extra gas which I paid cash for."

He laughed and said, "Abigail I think we will get along great."

Abigail Greene- Main

Sean- Neighbor

The Guardians- The Chair

Being a reporter is my cover, my articles have always gravitated towards the weird and freaky, Recently the organization I work for  has come across a story that even I think my freakish side might not be able to handle. Its called "The Chair". a wooden frame with a rope and board chair attached. The purpose of this chair. To bring out your most hidden and forbidden sexual desires. The chair owner has one rule. You can not stop once you start if you do you will never be allowed back. The chair and frame are reported to be over 800 years old and have had over a million users.

We have heard this chair has put dictators in power and caused catastrophes the world over. The organization I work for is determined to stop it all all costs. Billions of lives are at stake and we take protecting the world seriously. We are known only as the guardians and we protect those needing protection.

****************************************************************

I went to my boss asking permission to go after this story. He read my preliminary report and about spit out his coffee.

"Abigail are you sure you want to go after this story its risky to put it mildly?"

"Oh come on Joe you know Sex sells plus if the rumors are true its its own portable red room. We could blow playboy out of the water with a sexipade article like this."

Joe started chuckling and stamped my board cover, APPROVED. I went to pin it to the wall and Joe yelled out, "Abigail be careful on this one will you."

I gave him a mock salute and started my research.

************************************************************************

As I started the research for this chair I noticed one big similartity between all the stories. All the reported users nver spoke of it.  It was almost as if this chair was its own Willy WOnkas secret factory and it only turned out happy satisfied clients who never spoke of it. I wrote my introduction article as this was supposed to be a series once it was published. I gave Joe my completed opening article with a hand sketch of what this chair was supposed to look like. Joe started reading the introduction and whistled very loud.

"Damn Abigail you are gonna have every sex starved woman wanting to locate this chair."

"Well Joe thats kinda the point. I am hoping the true owner of the chair might reach out and offer a visual. Maybe allow some pictures to confirm it exists."

" SO whats your next step then?"

" I found a bunch of lore on this chair and the origins. They all point to one particuar store. So my next article will be on the orgins but mayb when you run the introduction article we might have someone reach out to us."

"Okay them Abs. I am approving this to be front page on the Entertainment section. Your hunches have never been wring before lets see if it this intro gets you a real life introduction. I am adding a by line on the article that if anyone has any information to send to your email. WHich will be the spoof email we have set up for you for information."

"Okay Joe sounds good, Lets see if we can get down and dirty with this article."

****************************************************************************

Lets just say that there are a lot of lonely men and woman who reached out about the chair. All with their own questions and wants. I went back to Joe and asked if we could start a chat board on the news papers website for this particular series. After I had the chat room set up for this article series i sent replies back to the people who had comments or questions. Best thing is people had to enail in with questions or desires to join the room. Joes assistant Mary and I sent the replies back once a day. When she would leave for the night I would stay on and spend a hour or so doing replies with the invite link.

Thats when i received my first interesting email.

Dear Abigail,

I am shocked that a reporter is interested in doing a story on my chair. I would like to advise you to stop before you jump down this Rabbit Hole. However, if you need to follow this path I will be watching your articles.

Sincerly Yours,

Ben

**************************************************************************
After i read Bens letter I was doing research on the chair and its stories associated with it.  I received an email as I was ready to leave the office for the day.

Dear Abigail,

You do not know me but I am begging you if you hear from the owner of the chair, do not believe a word he says. The stories you hear about the chair being for erotic purposes are only partially true. This chair is cursed and one can find one of three outcomes.

1. There will be a heightened sexual pleasure, however, not from normal means, and after time will be filled with anguish and regret from those means.

2. You will be haunted and see all your nightmares.

3. You will die.

The owner of the chair has covered up the damage that chair has caused as well as its many guardians before him.  The guardians of the chair will do everything in their power to protect the chair as their own life is tethered to it. They must have people use the chair or they will die horrible deaths. Please be careful about how you proceed.

Amelia Former Guardian

I sat back in my chair and whistled. This chair story has taken an unexpected turn. I red over the email a few times and decided to do a bit of research on the people who have written me the letters. As it seems Ben is the main guardian I thought about how to respond to him. However, Amelia seemed to be the path that I wanted to follow first. I sent the following email to Amelia.

Dear Amelia,

I thank you for reaching out to me about the story of the chair. If you would be willing I would like to have a meeting with you to go over the information that you provided. Traveling would be no concern and I would like to see what knowledge I would gather from you. 

Thank You,

Abigail

After I sent the email I headed home to my apartment. Walking up the stairs to my apartment I was so lost in my thoughts that I almost did not notice a woman standing in front of my door. I stopped and she said, "I know you probbly were awaiting a replay but since I did my research I figured I would just stop by especially since I lie just a few blocks away."

I took a breath and said, "Amelia?"

Smiling she said, "You are correct. Why don't we head inside to talk and save the people their sensibilities."

I moved forward and unlocked the door and said, "I think that would be best. Why don't we head into the kitchen. Just give me a moment you are not allergic to cats are you?"

"No," she said looking around, "You have a cat?"

Laughing I said, "Kitten but she is a holy terror so I have to lock her in the laundry room while I am gone as she likes to get into everything. The first day I came home after letting her have free reign and my toilet paper was strewn better than a frat party and my flowers were a dug up in almost all my potted plants."

Smiling she said, "Well release the beast."

I walked over to the laundry room and opened the door. No running kitten like normal, "JJ where are you sweetie you can come out now."

I listened and her a small meow I looked up and found her sitting on the top shelf of the linen shelves. "What are you doing up there? Better yet how did you get up there on your own?"

I reached out and lifted her down and let her take off around the house. Looking at Amelia I said, "I have no clue how she got up there."

Amelia smiled and reached out to pick up JJ. Looking at me she said, "She reminds me of my very own Calliope. She is a kitten though she probably climbed the corners all the way up and couldn't figure out how to get down. What a precious thing you are sweetie."

Putting JJ down she looked up at me and said, "So your aware this article has marked you. Ben takes his responsibility for the chair quite seriously and if you try to turn over to many rocks he may pay you a visit."

Smiling at Amelia I said, "I understand and I assure you I will be careful I am not a meek and mild young lady I grew up in a world of taking care of myself. If he tries to come after me he will be surprised. You said though the chair is cursed as well, would you mind telling me some cases and me writing them down?"

Amelia nodded and I grabbed my notepad off the counter, "As I emailed to you there are 3 big side effects of the chair and you never know what will happen. 1. There will be a heightened sexual pleasure, however, not from normal means, and after time will be filled with anguish and regret from those means. 2. You will be haunted and see all your nightmares. 3. You will die or someone you love will die. You see the chair is not only meant for sex it's also a tool to get what you want in life. Just by sitting in this chair all your desires will come true."

Looking up I asked, "Amelia did you use the chair?"

Amelia sighed and said, "When I was the guardian I had seen both sides of what came with the chair and I did avoid it for the longest time. But I was weak and my greatest desire was to become a mother. I did use the chair one fateful evening. We used the chair in hopes that I would get pregnant.  I did become pregnant but with the good, there is the bad. I was about 4 months pregnant and the police arrived at my door. My darling Ben was killed in a traffic crash. I know what you are thinking, The crash could have happened to anyone. But I firmly believe that it was the curse of the chair. I was devastated and my mother had to come stay with me till I gave birth to my beautiful Violet. My want to have a baby outweighed the bad of the chair. Now don't get me wrong Ben wanted a baby as bad as I did, I raised Violet in love and light, and when there was an opportunity to hand over the reigns of being the guardian I did. As I am a former Guardian when a new Ben come forward for the chair I had to see what he was like. He is nothing like my sweet husband. That's why I had to speak with you. Abigail, I would be very wary of him and whatever he says to you."

Nodding I said, "Yeah I am starting to pick up on that. Would you like something to drink? I have a pot of coffee started but I can make tea instead?"

"Oh no coffee is great," She said.

"So what other information can you provide when it comes to the chair,' I asked.

"I can tell you that many important and famous people have sat in that chair. The secrecy of that chair is because of how many people it has always given a hand up to," She said. "So if you are going to do an article on the chair you need to make sure you give an explicit warning. When I was guardian I had seen the chaos this chair caused. Now I can also give you a few stories from my day with the Chaos it caused. My dear I hope your ready to jot notes down because I am going to blow your mind."

I nodded talking a sip of my coffee, "Do you think Ben will come after me due to the information your going to provide?"

Amelia looked serious and said, "He could possibly contact you or corner you. It is up to you on how you would like to proceed."

Chuckling I said, "Well he will have a fight if he tries to corner me."

Amelia held her cup and started to tell the story, "So your aware I will not give you the real name. But this man we will call Marty. Marty was the kindest man but he had an issue with drinking. He had heard rumors about the chair and thought that maybe he could stop drinking with the chairs help. So one night him and a lady friend used the chair. He did stop drinking and became a better man. Marty became a better worker, made a ton of money and found a wonderful woman that he married. I will be honest we thought that maybe the bad that normally would happen wouldn't. Then one day Marty kissed his wife and son and went to work. A while later an explosion rocked the neighborhood. Marty's house exploded, but miracle upon miracle his son was found in the yard alive. Unfortunately his wife was not so fortunate she had run inside to get something and died in the explosion. The chair had finally taken its due."

"Does anyone know the chairs true origin?" I asked. "I have done articles on dark magic and to be honest that's what it sounds like."

Amelia gave me a look and said, "I will be honest that is not something I ever thought of."

"I wouldn't have thought of it either but while I did the article the people I interviewed for the article emphasized, Dark Magic is something that is a revolving door if you receive something will be taken," I said. "But unless we have a history of the chair and its origins I can only guess."

"Let me see if I can get any information on the chair," Amelia said, "I have some books at home I can look through."

"Amelia please do not go above and beyond," I said. "If Ben is as connected as you say he is I want you to remain safe."

Amelia patted my hand and said, "I am just as responsible for things that happened as he is. I promise you Amelia I will be safe."

She stood up and said, "You may use the stories but please change the names and I will sign a release if you need me to."

I pulled out a release and she signed it. I walked her to the door and she said, "I will call you soon my dear be safe."

After she left I sat on the couch with JJ curled in my lap when my phone rang. It was a unknown number so I let it go to voicemail. When it rang a second time JJ looked at it and hissed. I picked it up and said, "Ben I assume you are calling as I had a visit from a former guardian?"

"You knew it was me on the line? How?" He said.

I sighed and said, "Intuition."

"Well intuition aside," He said. "We need to meet and talk. You need to stop your article."

"Why?" I asked. 

"Because I said so," He started.

"Ben the last person who said that to me was my parents," I said. "No I will not. Also a word of warning leave Amelia alone. If i find out you did anything to harm her my article will not only be about that chair but about you the guardian is that clear?"

"Do you think you should threaten someone who knows powerful people?" He said.

"Well Ben if you looked into me you would realize that I am not a typical player," I said. "Also if anything happens to me Amelia, Her daughter or my cat I have back up plans in place that this will go global. Are we clear on that fact?"

"Global?" He said. "What do you mean Global."

"Time sensitive interface that has to be logged into by biometrics and if not done in a certain time frame will send out emails and trigger package deliveries as well as downloads to reporters, Authorities and news outlets all over the globe." I said. "Not including government agencies that you are not even aware of. So do you want to play fuck around and find out?"

"I have a funny suspicion of what that chair really is already after two stories and believe me when I say shame on the chair and its guardian," I said. "You should make sure no one ever lays eyes on it again."

Ben said, "Not make money off of it are you kidding me?"

"Have you ever used it?" I asked.

"No," He said.

"Then what are you afraid of Ben," I said. "You are afraid of the consequences. Listen I am hungry and tired. My bed is calling my name if you do not want to give me any more information."

"Goodnight Abigail," He said and disconnected the line.

I shivered as he ended the call deciding I would have to take measures to be on my guard with him. I stood up and went to make some dinner and my phone rang again, "Ben listen your being annoying right now."

"How did you know it was me?" He asked.

Sighing I said, "Ben I am not a normal person. My secrets are buried deeper than the emperors in Egypt. I am not just a reporter that is just a job I do on top of what I am. No one knows who or what I am and do besides me. Now if you ever send someone to follow me they will have an immediate urge to get coffee or ice cream and will forget about little ole me."

"You think so?" He said. "What if I told you my guy is sitting in front of your apartment right now?"

Looking out the window I laughed. "You mean your guy in the blue track suit drinking a coffee and plowing through a box of crispy creme donuts. Send someone else next time I do not want them to get fat or diabetes."

"What are you?" He demanded.

"Temper temper Ben," I said. I heard my computer bing and I looked at the email saying, we are tracking him but we want to see him. Go get food and tell him where your going. "You know what Ben I want to size you up. I am going to Mackie's on 5th street. If you want to size up the person who could expose you I will be there. Besides I want to put a face to the voice."

I disconnected the line and replied to the email, You got it. Mackie's is where I am heading now.

I stood up and put JJ in my room making sure the windows were locked. Grabbing my bag I headed to Mackie's. When I got there the hostess sat me back in the corner booth and I glanced over the menu. When she brought my drink I asked her to give me a bit because I was having trouble deciding what I wanted to eat and she said she would check on me in a few minutes. When she returned I asked what her favorites were and she said she loves the vegetable alfredo and the chicken parm. I said yes to both and added on a large house salad, mozzerella sticks and fried calamari. She laughed and said, "Okay doll I will get that all in for you and will bring your starters out soon with bread."

"Thank you," I said. "I get like this when I am hungry. Also do me a favor add a tiramisu and chocolate cake for desert. But box them and I will be eating them at home while watching netflix."

She laughed as she walked away. When she brought out my salad, starters and bread I started to eat when I heard, "At least you have taste in good food."

Looking up I matched the face to the voice. I will give the devil his due Ben is handsome and fuckable. Even if he is the guardian of what can cause chaos around the world. "Hello Ben."

"May I," He asked 

"Well I will give you points for manners," I said. "Of course please sit."

The waitress came over and asked Ben if he would be ordering. He said, "Yes if you could I would like a glass of white wine and then for a starter the meatballs and mozzarella, and for my main the lasagna."

"Thank you sir," She turned to me and asked, "Miss would you like us to have your mains comes out when your guests does."

Smiling I said, "That will be fine thank you."

She walked away and returned with Bens drink and more bread. As she left Ben asked, "Mains?"

"I couldn't decide hence the reason I have so much and desert ready to go home with me," I said. "You interrupted me when I was going to cook myself something at home."

A chill went up my spine as I sat up and looked past Ben. Flagging my waitress over I said quietly, "Miss do you have security?"

"Yes we do," She said looking at Ben. "Is everything alright?"

"The table with the young couple," I said. "He is being aggressive to her. I have seen her flinch more than a person should. If she needs a angel shot get it done. I will cover her meal if needed."

The guy at the table saw me looking at them and gave me a look and I said to Ben, "Stay here."

Walking over to the table the guy looked at me and said, "Get lost bitch."

I smiled at the girl and said, "I thought it was you. I am so sorry to interrupt you but I have not seen you in ages."

The guy stood up and said, "I said get lost bitch she is here with me and I want to get to know her."

Turning to him I said, "Well sweetie I was just saying hello to an acquaintance. Mind your manners."

The waitress came up and pulled the girl away as a bouncer came up behind him. He said, "Hey come back here you owe me for dinner. I expect payment when I take bitches out."

The bouncer put his hand on the guys shoulder and said, "You paid your bill you are now leaving without her. Do I need to escort you or are you leaving on your own."

He turned and said, "You are the one who stopped this. You whore."

He went to swing at me and I caught his fist and twisted it around his back. Leaning over I said, "I would not have gotten up if I didn't see you try to put something in her drink. I grabbed the vial out of his pocket and tossed it to the bouncer."

Two men from a nearby table walked over flashing their badges and one said, "We can't have one day without some idiot trying something while we are out on a date with our gals. Miss thank you for your observation we have it from here."

The waitress came back with Bens starter and drink and said, "Miss the young lady sends her thanks. When you walked over we had a cab driver already on stand by he came and drove her home. The bouncer has her information and is forwarding it to the police. She said she met him on a dating site and he told her once they started dating he expected her to put out. How disgusting."

"I agree," I said. "Thank you again."

Ben looked at me and said, "You caught that punch."

"It was a weak punch," I said. "My Grandma could fight better than he could."

He chuckled and said, "Well you did a good deed. He was lucky it was you and not me."

"He was lucky we were in public," I said. "I was going to have you watch my stuff if he got her out of the building."

"Well here is to you catching on to him being a asshole. The girl was lucky because of you," He said raising his glass.

I lifted my glass. Looking at him I asked, "Why do you let people use the chair for evil?"

He sighed and said, "Money."

"So your opposed to people like that who try to take advantage of woman," I said. "But not morally opposed to people killing millions of innocent people?"

He looked at me and said, "No."

Smirking I said, "I think your full of shit. But its okay soon the chair and you will be off the market."

He gave me a look and said, "How do you come to that conclusion?"

"Because," I said. "I am going to destroy your organization and take the chair."

The waitress came up and asked, "Is there anything else I can get for you?"

"Boxes for me when you get a moment," I said. "Have the kitchen box my meals and if you could add extra bread and butter. Its been a very long day. Also may I have my check as well?"

The waitress nodded and went to get boxes and came back with two bags full of food. She put my salad and starters into containers. When I paid the bill she said, "The chef added a surprise or three for helping that young lady. All your deserts, mains and bread are in the bags."

I handed her a bundle of cash and said, "Keep the change."

Standing up I looked at Ben and said, "You still have time to do the right thing. Think about what I said and have a good night."

Putting on my jacket I grabbed the bags and headed home. When I got home I let JJ out of my room and sat on the couch with all my food watching TV and eating. After I relaxed a bit I put everything away and went to bed.

I woke up the following morning and looked at my phone with a text from Ben that read, "You do not know everything. If you knew the truth you would run scared."

I grabbed my laptop and opened it. The picture of me and JJ was on the screen and I clicked JJ nose to bring up my real jobs website. After doing a secure login I sent a message about Ben. 

Abigail- Main  Ben-Chairs Owner Joe-Editor Amelia-Former Guardian of the chair(Violet Amelias daughter)

The Mom Diaries

Chapter 1 

How It All Started!

Never in my wildest dreams would have thought that I would have become a Mom let alone have a amzing life of adventure with them. But it's funny how life can change in an instant. Hell, I was married twenty years and come home one day to find out I replaced by a newer and younger model.  Now I am not going to pretend I knew we were having problems. However, I honestly thought those problems were working themselves out. Nope, I was a fool and walked in and found them in the guest room. I was so stupid. Later that day I called my cousin and he told me to take my kids and move into the cottage on his property until I could get my life together.  I think he was worried that I might do something stupid.

That night my husband stayed locked in the guest room, I started thinking long and hard about my cousins offer. I went into my closet and pulled out a suitcase then i decided to go to the garage and pull a couple of empty boxes I had in there as well. I went back to my room and locked my door, then I started to sort my life. I went into the closet and started pulling clothes out of the closet. I started packing the cloths I would wear now what i would pack to bring and what was being donated. it took me a little time but I finished the first half of my closet when i heard a knock at the door.

"Tabitha why is this door locked?" Chris called.

"Because you ass, I don't want you in here." I said, pushing the suitcase into the closet. "Its late Chris go back to the guest room, I do not want to deal with your crap."

"Tabs I made a mistake," He pleaded through the door. "Please let me in and make it up to you."

I looked at the twins laying in my bed and I knew I could get them through this. "Chris there is nothing to make up you are gonna leave me alone. I am gonna keep the door locked tonight if you are so lonely go to your girl friends house because you lost any chance of making things up to me ever again."

I heard him stomp down the hall and the guest room door slam. I continued to pack my stuff up until almost 1 in the morning. I took a shower and climbed into bed next to my twins and fell asleep.

I woke up the next morning with my cell phone being spammed with messages galore. The first one was from Chris with the message of  'I am out of town till sat, we will talk when I get back'. The second one was from my cousin and his wife, "wake up bitch and open your door.' I climbed out of bed and went to open the door. As soon as I did I was sandwiched between two sets of arms.

Then Cara stretched her arms and looked at me, "Well how much are you moving to the cottage and what can we do to help you move?"

I smiled and looked at her and said, "Well first thing I need coffee. Second thing we need to get the babies somewhere as i am not having them underfoot while i sort donate and pack. Third how empty is the cottage and is there room for all my stuff?"

Max started laughing, "Well the cottage is empty except for that massive desk in the office. But i know you freelance and there is plenty of room in that closet for storage. The other rooms are empty we have just been running the power on a cool setting and we mop and dust weekly. Are you going to be okay doing this?"

I laughed, "Financially, i have tucked money away for months now because i had suspected Chris has been unfaithful. I have a bit money tucked aside from when mom and dad died and i never did tell Chris about it. Its the same account that i tuck money in each time he gave me the bill and household allowence. Also I write and freelance plus my blog and unless its a gift for Chris I have not touched that money since. I guess will have to be careful with what i take from here as he owns the house. So i guess I will talk to a lawyer this week while he is gone."

Cara sighed as she was making coffee in the kitchen, "  i know a lawyer who is a friend we will call her in a bit. I just messaaged MIMI and she said bring the kids over she will watch them while we handle stuff here. Have you started anything wit packing?"

"I started my closet last night when he wanted to make stuff up to me. I locked the kids and I in the master bedroom when it was their bed time and they fell asleep. I guess its time to wake them up and get them ready for MIMIs"

"Mimi said bring them over she is gonan make breakfast for them and we will grab stuff on the way back after we get more boxes."

"OMG Aunti Cara is here!!" I looked up to see my three year old Charlie run to her favorite auntie. Then i saw Artie running to Max.

"Well good morning you two guess what we need to go get ready because you guys are going to visit Mimi today as we are going to start a adventure this week. We are going to move into the cottage at Max and Caras house."

"Is daddy coming?" Charlie asked.

"No sweetie," I said. "You will see daddy when he wants to visit but this adventure is just for us. But do not worry all your stuff will be coming over."

Both Charlie and Artie held hands and artie asked, "Can we share a room still? Daddy wanted us in 2 rooms but we don't want to."

"Oh babies," I said hugging them, "you will be able to share a room as long as you want."

They both smiled and Charlie said, "Come on Artie we need to go see MIMI. We need to wear Red its Mimi's favorite color."

Cara quietly said, "Well that was easier than i thought it would be."

Max cleared his throat and handed me a set of keys, "you have 6 months rent free, after that we will start a rent price thats low and work up every few months. But you two do not get into trouble i have to get to the shop."

"That man runs faster than anything when it comes to any sort of cleaning and packing," Cara laughed. Turning to me she asked, "So what did you pack last night?"

"The first half of closet one in my room as well as some of the linens and blankets that was in boxes. I do have 4 donate boxes a box with garbage and 6 suitcases taht need to go to the new place. They all have the cloths, shoes and accessories i want to keep so far."

"Well lets get the suitcases in the van and then you can store them there and unpack the cloths and such. Lets put the donation stuff in my truck as Matties school is accepting stuff for the comunity yard sale. When my car fills up i can drop it off and come back while we continue to go through stuff.  I would suggest we start with your outdoor sheds once we unpack what you already went through because you know you will never be able to unpack with the little ones around. How full are the sheds anyway?

"They are all full to the brim. We will be sorting a lot of stuff. Some of its stuff Chris would not let me have in the house. Some of its the stuff for the kids as they grow. I think we should get totes as well as boxes to store the stuff that i need."

"Okay we can stop at Lowes on the way back from the cottage. Only problem with the cottage is the garage is not a real garage its just a 8 by 10 foot storage area with shelves and room for your washer and dryer." She laughed, "I helped you move in i guess its help you move out as well. When does Chris come home?"

"He said he comes home sometime Saturday." I laughed, "Well we will be out by Friday night I hope."

"I am off the week to help you. We will do the areas you can't while the kids are home and Mimi said she will help all week watch the kids at her house. No way you will get much done with two three year olds running a muck. I also know Max will be back at 4 to move big furniture over as well."

"We are ready lets go see Mimi."

Cara loaded up the kids as I grabbed all my suitcases that were ready to go to the new place. It broke me that this is what my marriage came to but I had money saved and i will make it through. I just hope when Chris gets home all hell doesn't break loose.

Cara and I dropped Arti and Charlie off at Mimi's house and we drove to the cottage Almost halfway there told me to pull over as she had something to tell me.

"You okay Cara?"

"Oh yeah I just needed to let you know on the lot that is next to the cottage our friend Scott is staying in his RV. He and his wife split up and we are letting him hide out there as she is crazy."

"Okay I understand."

Cara laughed, "No when you see his RV you will understand. It is hidden under the massice oaks on the property and has some camo cover over it as she is flipping crazy. He is a friend and we are renting him the lot for his RV. But incase you saw him as he runs with his dogs around nigt time we didn't want to scare you."

"Okay np."

"Okay, lets get going and get this stuff unpacked. Maybe we can get the sheds all knocked out today. Also think about what furniture in the house you want Max to move here today he will probably have Billy with him. Then after the kids go to bed tonight you can sort stuff in the house to free furniture up if you are taking it "

We pulled up the road to the cottage and i saw the RV as i turned the corner. At least I know I will have a neighbor close by in case of a emergency. We pulled up and grabbed the suitcases. I unlocked the door and smelled the scent of lemon. Cara knows how much i love lemon. She pointed out all the storage and cabinets in all the rooms and took me to my room.

"Now this room has two big closets one that is just for hanging and the other that has handing and shelves. So its up to you where you want to put everything. The closet in your office is also huge as well."

We got to work hanging my special clothes in the hanging closet by type and sorting my normal clothes and everything else on shelves and hanging.  We combined the suitcases and were out the door. On the way back to my house we stopped at lowes and purchased totes and some more boxes for the move. We pulled the van around the back of the house and up to the furthest shed. Cara ran around front and grabbed her car to add all the donation stuff to as well. We set up a long table i used for parties and made 4 sections, Garbage, keep, store, donate. Then we began. The first sed was stuff that Chris made me store out here when my parents passed away. It was bitter sweet for me as we were sorting thier life but to be honest what did i need all these cloths for. We did sort and I kept a few items for me to wear to remember my mom and dad. Before I knew it Caras car was full to the brim. She headed out and i started going through box after box.  By the time Cara got back with the first trip she had two trips worth of stuff waiting to go. Mom and dad would have been happy to know what I wasn't keeping to use would be going to the school charity sale.

When we got to the halfway point i discovered mom and dads antiques. I grabbed my phone and called a friend who owned an antique store and told her if she wanted first dibs bring cash and get over here as its gonna be put up for sale in a hour. She bought her truck and two guys and helped me move it aside as we sorted. By the time Max got there I had a few thousand dollers in my pocket and he had a truck load of furniture to bring that i decided to keep and use in my home.

I saw Maxes face as he saw my dads tool chest. I put my hand on his arm and said, "That doesn't go to my house Max. That is yours I know Dad and you spent a lot of time in the garage working on your car together. Your the only person who could take that and the tools."

Max opened the drawers and saw that they were just like dad had always stored them. We rolled them up the ramp and he secured the box. He laughed as he started loading the other furniture as it said on the tags which room or office they were to go into. I loaded the boxes of small things for Cara and I to unpack tomorrow and took all the linens from the shed I am keeping and added them to the growing laundry pile. Shed 1 was complete and it was only 1 PM. We opened the next shed and there infront of me was my college days.Cara and I made quick work of the furniture as except for 2 peices we called the school to come pick up more stuff as we had furniture to give. By the time they called Cara's phone we had not only furnature but a mass amount of boxes for them as well. I also discovered my garbage man was gonna hate me by the time we finished. By the time Max made it back I had only 3 more peices of furnature for my new place and my van was packed with items to bring over. I threw a load of laundry on and followed Max and Cara to the school and followed them back to my place. It was 6pm by the time we got to Mimi's to pick up the twins and Cara said she would be at the house to help me again tomorrow.

That night i was telling the twins how things were at our new home and how things will be new and different for a while. They said it was okay and they were happy that we would be together and they were able to share a room together. I watched my babies fall sleep in my bed and i went to their room and decided tomorrow would be the day i had their beds and dressors taken over. I sat on a bar stool in their closet and started the task of sorting their cloths.

The next morning Cara showed up and said today we start the attic and garage. She grabbed my car keys and took Charlie and Artie to Mimis house. I went into the garage and moved Chris car out so we would have room to move. I saw the tarp covering our old washer and dryer that Chris was supposed to donate, but decided to keep just in case I slid them against the wall and stuck a note on each of them that said Chris's stuff.  I pulled the robe to the attic down and climbed the steps up.  Cara walked in as i started throwing bags of god knows what down the opening. AFter about 10-15 bags i climbed down and laughed. Okay we start with these and set up our table from yesterday. There was a lot of the twins old cloths and mine and CHris's old things. All of Chris's old clothes i just chicked into the donation pile but i did keep some of the kids stuff for memories and added them to the keep me for when i grow up pile. Ten came my old clothes. I decided I will need business clothes if i start a new job so i went through and picked wat I wanted to keep that fit. By the time i fnished the bags Cara's car was full to the brim. I continued on while she was gone and we had the attic done by Lunch time and started in on the garage. By the time we finished the garage at 3 everything was washed and packed and ready to go to the new house as well as my washer, dryer and the kids furniture.
-----
While we were waiting for Max to arrive we started sorting things in the kitchen and when i opened the pantry Cara started laughing, "I know you like to be prepared but wow."

I started sorting and boxing up the spare canned food and looked at her and laughed. "Believe it or not this is Chris. The kids and I do not eat a lot of this so i think we are gonna donate what we will not use he cn go buy his own stuff when he gets home."

I was sorting as Cara started going through the kitchen cabinets asking who got what. We realized Max was running really late and Cara Called him. He said he had to get help to move the furniture and would be there soon. We sorted so much that Cara had a ton of stuff to bring to the school again as i continued on.

"Hey Tabs where are you?"

"In the Pantry Max, " I yelled adding more stuff to a donation box.

I walked out of the pantry and there was a handsome red-haired man walking into my kitchen. I looked over at Max and said, "Still sorting boss man. I think I will be doing this all night.'

Max laughed and said, "Well good news I am here for furniture and some clothes for the kids. Mimi said hurry up and get packed she will keep the kids all week.  So I am taking furniture, kids bag and coming back with dinner. Mimi is afraid if Chris gets back early he might go apeshit and call the police."

I laughed, "Yeah I am kinda worried about that as well."

Max looked at me and said, "Do you think he can become violent?"

I sighed, "Not as far as I know but Caras lawyer friend Kelly is coming here in the morning as we pack everything to start the divorce papers while we pack." 

"Okay if he tries something we will make sure things are handled.' Max followed with, "What furniture are we taking now?"

Cara ran upstairs to grab the clothes and I pointed to the pool house, "Everything on the patio and in the pool house with pink painter's tape. Cara and I already packed up the boxes as well and all that goes to the house Those are 2 more areas done. After that Its all the kids furniture and me sorting through the rooms to get everything else gone through to make sure I am not leaving any of my stuff."

After the guys left with the kids clothing I sat down for a moment and looked at Cara. I think we need to get the kids room done today. If Chris comes home early I want to make sue the kids stuff is gone. We abandoned the kitchen and went upstairs to the kids room I looked at Cara and said, "Before the shit show started I had sorted all the clothes and toys so they all can be packed up." 

Cara make quick work of packing up the kids toys and books. I was almost done boxing the clothes in the closet when we heard the guys walked back in with mexican for dinner. Max was shocked that we changed rooms but after I explained why he understood. As we ate the Lawyer called and scheduled a appt to draw up papers on Thurs morning. After we ate the guys followed us upstairs and grabbed all the boxes and started taking all the kids furnature down to the truck and trailor. Before long we had packed up the kids closet and room and I shut that door with a resounding click. I said the bed in the second guest bedroom was mine for the house as well as the dressor and side tables and wardrobe. We cleaned up and went through all the other guest rooms and those rooms were done. Cara, Max and Scott left and when they did I walkd into the office and packed all my belongings that were in there. I decided since Chris had wanted the Brand new washer and dryer I loved the old ones to my pile in the Garage. I made quick work of cleaning out the laundry room and then the living room. That night I was happy to know even if Chris came home early than at least the important stuff is out of the house. 

The following morning when Cara arrived I had already cleared out pantry and left Chris some food. I also had cleaned out the dining room of what I wanted to keep. I also went through the kitchen and packed up what I would be keeping as I had a lot from my parents estate for the kitchen including my moms beloved cast iron. Cara whistled at the piles in the garage and laughed. I take it today is the day? I nodded and said sure is 3 rooms left. As we were cleaning Kelly came and did all the paperwork and aid she would call me on Friday morning with papers ready to be served. She understood that time was of the essense. I went into the bathroom and packed all of mine and the kids things. I emptied my dressor into boxes and the last thing I had to handle was my closet. Cara called max and told him we were ready and by 3pm that afternoon I had finished clearing all my belongings from the house. We made quick work of moving all the boxes to the rooms they needed to be in. 

Cara stood next to me and said, "Mimi said she is still going to keep the babies till Sat after Chris gets home. That way you can get everything unpacked and sorted. Are you sure you got everything out of the house?"

I squeezed her hand, "I sure did. Every important paper and picture I wanted. This has been draining and I am so thankful for your help these last few days. Tomorrow I meet with the lawyer and I will have papers to present to him when he comes home."

Cara left and I made a to do list. After I set up my bed and put on fresh sheets and a blanket I walked room to room. I had a bit of unpacking and organizing to do but I am glad this is done. I decided the first thing I needed to do was to head to the store and do a grocery haul for what the kids and I love to eat. I made sure the fridge and the mini freezer I had was plugged in and ready to go. Grabbing my bag I put the antique money in my purse and decided that I had enough time to deposit a good portion of it and use the rest to shop. 

In the bank parking lot I caught sight of a familiar car. I called Cara immediately, "You are never going to believe who is shopping at bath and bodyworks across from my bank."

I heard her gasp, "He is in town are you serious?"

"Yes I am watching him and his secretary cozy up and walk into albinos Mediterranean." I said, "All i wanted to do was get some shopping done. You know what I will call him let see what he says."

I called him and saw him walk outside, "Tabitha I was in a meeting are the kids okay."

Laughing I said, "Chris your at Albinos with Cathy your secretary. Wait here is a picture of you now."

"Tabitha I can explain---"

"Listen Chris I don't want to hear it you ended our marriage with this and there will be no discussing it. We will meet on Saturday afternoon to discuss the details. I am done," I said.

"Tabitha you can't afford the kids without me," He said.

"Chris I never hid my finances from freelancing we just always filed separately. I am lucky with that and my writing I have a nest egg. The kids and I will be fine," I said hanging up.

After that I went to a few stores to stock up on what I needed. First Hobby Lobby followed by the dollar tree and Aldi. I dashed through Sams club and then rounded out my day at publix and got sushi to end my day. By the time I sank into my bed after putting everything away I felt so much better about the future.

About 11pm that night my phone started ringing off the hook and I looked at the screen and saw it was Chris. I answered half asleep, "Hello?"

"Where the fuck are you? Who the hell said you can leave my house?" Chri yelled into the phone. I sat up and used the record feature on my phone to record the conversation.

"Chris lower your voice I am not tolerating you yelling at me," I said. "I told you yesterday when I caught you cheating on me that I moved out. As you have a chaotic work schedule the kids and I have our own place and I will have papers from my lawyer in the morning. My mail is being forwarded as I did a change of address and if you mess with that you can deal with the USPS. When we meet in a public place tomorrow, we will discuss your visitation with the kids. I have my finances ready to be submitted to the courts and I only took my stuff, the kids stuff and the bedroom set I paid for."

"You do not have permission to leave my house," He growled. "You will be in trouble if you and the kids do not come home now."

"Chris we are home," I said. "We are divorcing. You will have visitation with the kids based on all your business trips. Unless those trips were you just cheating on me."

"You bitch, How dare you tell me your divorcing me you washed up hag." He yelled. 

"Chris so you are aware you have been recorded since the beginning of this call. I am exhausted from moving and shopping to fill the house. If you look on your desk there is all your account cards in my name are in the envelope. I shut them off the day you left and used my money to move." I said, "Now I am hanging up and going to bed. Oh, and in case you decide to be a dick I already went to the sheriff department and let them know the kids and I are not missing I just moved out due to your infidelity. No need for wellness checks as I had a check in for the kids and I at 7pm this evening. I will meet you at chic fila at 1pm now good night I am hanging up."

"Tabitha don't you dare--" Click. I downloaded the file and thanked god my phone was always under my name. Chris had his business phone and he made sure I could never see the log. I turned over and went to sleep.

The next morning I woke up to knocking at the door. I sat up and called out, "One moment."

I pulled on my robe and went to the door. Looking outside I saw a police car. Opening the door I said, "Officer I am assuming my soon-to-be ex-husband called you after he was told I had already called and told you the children and I are okay?"

"Hi Tabitha," Officer Mitchel said. "He called this morning saying you had a fight and you left at midnight with the kids and did not come back."

I handed him my phone and said, "Listen to the file I have pulled up."

The officer listened and said, "Send that to this email. I am creating an incident report for you to give to your lawyer. I will also be having a conversation with Chris about filing a fake report and then this recording."

I smiled and thanked him as he handed me the incident report. After he left I went back inside and showered and got ready to meet Kelly. Heading to Kelly's office and walked in as she was saying goodbye to her earlier client. When I sat down I handed her the police report and sent her the recording of Chris's call. She sighed and said, "Did he really think you would tolerate being talked to like that?" 

I chuckled, "In our 10 years of marriage he never talked to me like that. Now the paperwork has everything in it?"

"Yes, the paperwork has everything in it. Child and spousal support. Now I know you did not want spousal support, but you do care for the kids, and you gave up your job to care for them. He chose to be unfaithful and that is on him." She said, "The more you ask for the more the judge can think about why you want it."

"Thank You Kelly I am meeting him soon and I want to hand him a copy. He thinks I am joking," I sighed.

"I feel for you Tabitha," She said. "You are aware that he might try fighting you for the kids."

"I am aware of that but I may have a few tricks up my sleeve," I said.

"Should I ask,' Kelly said.

"Sure," I said. "His company has a no fraternization rule with co-workers. If he wants to risk his job I will be glad to go to his boss. I am no longer being taken for a ride with this. He has never been a hands-on father and he and his secretary will lose their job if he wants to play games."

"Well let me know how that goes then," She said. "Here is your copy of the papers and here are Chris's papers as well. When my courthouse rep gets back I will send him immediately back to get an emergency injunction against Chris. He shot himself in the foot with a false police report."

I settled my bill with Kelly and left. I went to the local Panera and met Chris and when I turned the corner Cathy was sitting at the table with him.  Walking up I said, "Really Chris bringing your Mistress to your divorce meeting?"

Cathy went to speak and I sat down with my Coffee and said, "Listen Cathy it would be best if you remained quiet. This is not a negotiation I have pictures and security footage of you both in very compromising positions."

My phone beeped and I looked at the message from Kelly. It read "Filed and Injunction Granted."

Chris went to speak and I said to him, "Same goes for you, Chris. These are the divorce papers I had drawn up. My lawyer already submitted them and with the evidence presented there is a injunction against you. So this is done. Do you have any questions?"

"Wow, Tabitha you are taken a mis--"

"Chris stop the shit. I have the security videos from the house which show everything with you two and then the incident you started this morning." I said. "This is no longer he said she said.  If you like I can explain to your boss what is happening."

"Chris do something," Cathy said looking worried.

"Tabitha you wouldn't do that," He said.

"Do you want to try me," I said. "I have the HR number for your company and your boss's private number. If I have to make calls I will. Now those are your papers my lawyer's information is provided and after today all contact goes through them is that clear? Now if you will excuse me I have to go get a bit more household shopping done and then I am off to unpack everything so the kids feel at home."

Standing up I looked at Chris and he had a deer in the headlight look on his face. I walked out of the restaurant and headed to get the last few things I needed for the house. 

After an afternoon of shopping I went home and unloaded from the car when Cara pulled up. I waved grabbing the last few bags and said, "Hey Cara I was just getting ready to call Mimi and arrange getting the kids."

Cara laughed and said, "Girl I just came by to tell you Mimi is kidnapping them again tonight. She is in heaven having the kids there and asked me to say, "I will keep them till your unpacked. Love you and can't wait to see you."

"I owe Mimi big time you know," I said as I started putting things away.

"Tabitha Mimi is in her glory. She even said if you work outside the home she would babysit," Cara said.

"Well after I get the kids settled we will talk about that," I said. "First things first, time to get unpacked." I said as I started putting all the groceries and home items away.

Cara started laughing as she helped and said, "You sure like being prepared."

Sitting on a chair for a moment I said, "I think Chris is going to cause a war with this divorce. I am getting the house ready because I am guessing he will be calling DCF and I want no problems."

Cara sat across from me and said, "I got you. So lets get this house ready in case he decides to be a problem."

For the remainder of the afternoon Cara helped me unpack and at the end of the afternoon Max showed up to see if Cara and I wanted to go with him and Scott to the food truck rally in our historic downtown. I was weary of going out but Max said, "Cara you have been moving all week and dealing with a lot. Going out today would be good for you."

Looking up I said, "Food does sound good. I am starving and hopping between food trucks would be fun. Let me get ready."

Cara followed me into  the bathroom and we both washed up and got ready as I heard Max raid the fridge. He called out, "Cara you have my favorite beer!"

I yelled out the door saying, "I don't drink, I bought it for when you stop by."

I heard him open one and he called out, "I think I will like having my favorite cousin living up the road."

Cara and I laughed as we got ready. Putting on my running shoes I walked out and The guys were waiting. I asked if they wanted me to drive as I will not be drinking. Everyone agrees and we headed to the food truck rally. As we were driving Chris called my phone and I sent it to voicemail. When he called for the fourth time I pulled over and said, "What do you want Chris?"

Tabitha-Main  Chris-Exhusband Cara-Cousin Max-Caras Husband Scott-neighbor

Charlie and Artie- twins  billy-cousin

Kelly- Lawyer

Mimi- great aunt

Mattie- Cara and Max daughter

Cathy- Chris secretary and mistress

Officer Mitchel