YouTube- A Strange World

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Chloe- Max Best Friend-Mike Brother- Mr. Jackson Grandpas lawyer-Ted Dad- Sharon Mom-          Mack Maxs uncles-

Marshal Phillips- Grandfather(May)*

Aria- friendly

A strange new world

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Sitting in the church I stared at my feet as the funeral continued. Next to me sat my best friend Max. Max leaned over as he took her hand and whispered in her ear, "You holding up Chloe?"

Squeezing his hand I nodded across the aisle at my parents. It made me sick as my parents looked like they were celebrating. When the priest finished the service we followed the coffin out for the walking procession to the Graveyard. Max cut off my parents to let me be behind the coffin. As we exited the church he hand me my sunglasses he had put inside his pocket when we entered the church. Max stood behind me as I took my graveside seat. I faced forward and when the priest said, 'Ashes to ashes and dust to dust.' It hit me all at once and the tears started to fall. 

My head snapped up when I heard the coffin go into the ground. I sat staring at it until I heard my father say, "Chloe your required to be at the reading of the will at the house in one hour. Do not be late."

Max looked up at him and said, "I will have her there in time sir."

As my parents walked away I sighed and said, "It makes me sick how they are celebrating Papa being gone."

"Come on Chloe lets go," He said. "Papa knew how much you loved him and if his spirit is here it would tear him apart to see you like this."

I looked at Max and kissed his cheek, "Thank you for being here for me Max."

"You cannot get rid of me Chloe," He said. "You know I love you and would follow you into the pits of hell if I needed to."

Taking Max's hand I let him lead me to his truck. Max and I have known each other since we were in pre-school. Although there was definitely attraction between us we never jumped into that pool. We had a unspoken agreement that it would be tabled for another day. As we pulled up to my parents house Max laughed and said, "They are throwing a party while they do a reading of the will?"

We parked behind Grandpa's RV. As we walked past we ran our hand along the side. My older brother Mike came out and said, "When the will reading is over Mom is going to get rid of that thing."

Max looked at him and said, "Mike can you not be an dick till everything is over."

Mike laughed and said, "Why he was old and now he is dead. When Mom and Dad inherit Grandpa's money then I get a new car."

I reached up and slapped Mike so hard that his head jerked back, "How dare you? You will get yours Mike so help me god."

Max jumped in front of me and said, "Mike don't you started this and you know how upset Chloe is."

Mike turned around and went inside. Max took my hand and we headed inside. I saw Mike standing with his buddy's and my Dad looked at me and said, "You here early good. Go to my office Mr. Jackson, Grandfathers lawyer is waiting."

Max leaned over and said, "I will get us plates and go up to your room."

I walked into the office and saw Mr. Jackson speaking with my mother. When I walked in Mr. Jackson turned to me and said, "Chloe I am so sorry for your loss. I know you would rather be anywhere but here but you are required to be here for the reading. I promise I will make this quick for you alright."

"Thank you Mr. Jackson I would like today to be over with," I said as he directed me to the chair next to the desk.

My Father and Brother came in and everyone sat down. Mr. Jackson said, "We are here to go over the will of Marshal Phillips. Marshal has made sure this will cannot be contested. If you try to fight the will you will lose everything left to you. I need you all reply you understand."

We all agreed and then he turned his laptop around and said, "This is a quick video by Marshal. Please do not say anything while its playing."

The video started and it showed the office we were sitting in and then Grandpa sat in the chair. He looked at the camera and asked, "Mr. Jackson are we ready?"

We heard Mr. Jackson confirm the video was recording and he looked at the camera and said, "Well you all know I am dead. But you are all about to get the shock of your lives. I will be watching you all and believe me I am saying you are all about to get what you deserve. The will is written in my own words so get ready for what is coming to you. Chloe my love do your Grandpa's heart a solid and finally start a relationship with Max. That young man would follow you into the pits of hell if you asked him and I know you love each other like I loved my dear May. Believe me we are together now and we will be watching over you. I love you sweet pea and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Mr. Jackson please give Chloe the bag now."

The video ended and Mr. Jackson said, "Chloe these are journals written by your Grandfather and are for yours and Max's eyes only. Your Grandfather said only you both would understand what to do with these."

I took the bag and placed it on my lap as Mr. Jackson sat down and started to read the will. "This is the last will of Marshal Phillips in his own words. My son Ted your about to get a shock. You get to keep the house and car. That's it you took more than you ever gave and you do not deserve much else. Also if you and Sharon ever do get a divorce it is in the will that the house would revert to Chloe and it cannot be sold if Sharon tries to get it. I just thank god you signed the prenup and Mr. Jackson has that as well for safe keeping. As I got sick and started to die it was Chloe who took care of me not you. When I requested to be moved to a hospice facility it was to escape you and Sharon as you were waiting for me to die so you could pillage the house. Well joke is on you because before I got bad I had Mr. Jackson come in and help me move the important stuff to the RV and you have no access to it. Also, before Chloe leaves that house for good she has first pick on everything in my room. She has the key and no one can go in until she is finished looking and taking what she wants. Sharon all that jewelry you wanted will never be yours. I knew you only married Ted because of my money. But as you been in the family so long I do have to leave you something so you get this cook book called cooking for dummies and $1. That's because as of today you both have to pay your own way. My Grandson Mike you have been a tormenter and bully to Chloe all her life and for this I leave you $1. You thought you could live off your parents and me and have never showed any sort of initiative in your life. Well my Grandson that is all you get. Now to my shining spot in the world Chloe. You won the mother load my sweet angel. You get the RV which has been cleaned and readied for your adventure. Inside the RV you will find all the vouchers and gas cards you will need for this. All the items and the RV have been switched to you as well as my accounts. All my investments, savings and main checking are yours. The amount is in the the 1 billion dollar range. You will have to check all the accounts which Mr. Jackson will go over with you privately. Now to all  of this there is a catch. You cannot give any of this away or loan it out. You have always been a smart girl and have worked hard. So I know you are a saver and will use the money wisely. Use this adventure to start a blog and write that book we always talked about. Remember I love you and I will see you around kiddo."

Mr. Jackson handed me a binder and said, "This is all your accounts Chloe and it also holds the RV papers including the registration and insurance. As of today all your mail will come to our offices so we can get them to you where ever you are in the world. That was handled by your Grandfather a while ago between us and my partners."

My Dad sat there and said, "If we contest the will?"

Mr. Jackson looked up and said, "You cannot. Your father paid for everything in this house prior to his death. He paid for his funeral and went before the state supreme court to make sure this could not be contested. If you file any type of paperwork to contest it you will lose the house and cars. Then you will have less than 30 days to leave without anything but your own personal belongings."

My mom was glaring at me and said, "So we own the house?"

"The house is officially Teds as of Monday afternoon when I bring the forms for him to sign," He said.

"Good," She said looking at me. "Chloe you need to be moved out and get that damned RV off my property by Monday at 1pm."

Her and my brother left. My Dad looked at me and said, "Your Mom is right you need to leave so I would get upstairs to your room and start packing. Make sure you take anything you want from your Grandpa's room when you leave as it all goes to charity this week."

He got up and left. Mr. Jackson looked at me and handed me the keys to the RV and said, "Make sure you keep it locked when your not moving things there."

Nodding I went out the door and ran into Max. He caught me and said, "Are you alright?"

"We need to talk," I said. "Did you get food?"

"Yeah I brought it into your room," He said. 

I took his hand and dragged him up the back staircase. When we got in there I locked the door and took him to the balcony after I put on my TV and turned it up. When we were on the balcony with our food he said, "Chloe what happened your mom and Mike came out pissed off. Your Dad came out and said to me I hope you can carry boxes."

"You remember when we laughed about how Grandpa had us get our license to drive the RV?" I asked.

"Yeah," He said. "We laughed but decided to do it to make him happy."

I sat there telling him everything about the reading of the will and the journals. Then I told him about the video and what Grandpa had said about how we belonged together. When I got to the adventure Max said, "I know."

"What?" I asked.

"Your Grandpa told me when he passed he wanted us to go on an adventure but not that he was financing it. I have been saving to take you down to the keys," He said.

"Well apparently in the RV there is everything for an adventure for us. No wonder he had us get our passports when we turned eighteen," I said. "But that will have to wait for a couple of days because I have to pack and be out of this house by Monday at 1pm."

We finished eating and he took the plates and put them on the dresser. When I came off the balcony he walked up to me and put my face in his hands. Leaning in he kissed me. I did not stop it either. By the time we pulled apart we were breathless and he put his forehead to mine and said, "We will figure it out while we are on the adventure. But for now we have to get you moved out of here."

Nodding I said, "I agree."

I walked into the closet and said, "I guess I need to get boxes to put everything in the RV. There is the master bedroom I can add clothes into. Then stuff I am not using right away I can put in boxes in the bunks. Wait Max what about your job?"

He sighed and said, "Chloe I work from home remember. I can work as long as I have WIFI so I will upgrade my plan so I can do just that. Plus you should know better than anyone I do not have a set work schedule."

"So now what," I asked.

"Easy I am going to go get some boxes for you," He said. "When I get back we can take the first bunch of your clothes down to the RV. Remember I do not have a lot of clothes so I should not need that much space. If I remember right that closet is huge in the RV."

Max kissed my forehead and left with our plates. Going into the closet I started sorting clothing into warm and cold weather clothes. I kept the clothes for warm weather out for now and ready to hang in the closet. I would box up the cold weather clothes for later use. I had most of the closet done when I heard a knock at my door. Looking up I saw my mother and asked, "What can I help you with?"

"We saw Max left so we wanted to make sure you were packing. When will you be done?" She asked.

"I am working on it now and I will be done with my room and Grandpa's room by Monday at 1pm if not sooner," I said.

"Good," She said.

Stopping I looked up to her and said, "What did I do to you all to make you hate me?"

"Easy," she said. "You were born."

Laughing I said, "Well I am glad to know that I never have to see you ever again. You are a sad and bitter woman. Trust me when I say we will be packing late into the night and I will be out of here as fast as I can."

"We need your car keys," She said.

"Not until I move out," I said.

She turned on her heel and left the room. By the time Max got back he had changed out of his suit and brought in a few totes and ten boxes. He said, "Well my Mom is pissed and told me that if I am going to travel with you I need to be out by Friday of next week."

"Oh Max I am so sorry," I said.

"Don't be she is mad she will not be able to get cash from me whenever she wants it," He said. "I had already taken her name off of all my accounts and made sure all my stuff would be easy to move. So what do you need me to box?"

"All those clothes folded are winter clothes," I said. "I then need to pack all my books off of the shelves."

I took a box and put in most of my shoes in it. I kept a laundry basket free for stuff that would go in my drawers. When we had a bunch of boxes ready I grabbed the first handful of clothing and we went downstairs after locking the door to my room. When we got to the RV I unlocked it and went inside. Putting on the lights we headed to the bedroom that was shrunk for driving. Max added the books to the back of one bunk to the back. We looked at the top bunk on the other side with boxes that said, stuff for Chloe. We looked around and I said, "I guess the bunks will hold our stuff. After I move out I will go to Walmart and get food, kitchen and bath stuff while you pack. We both know I am not allowed in your mom's house."

He said, "It will be okay Chloe."

"I know," I said. "We will need to find a place to park until we leave on this adventure."

"Oh I took care of that," He said. "Uncle Mack said we can come out to the farm and park near the barn whenever we are in town. That way we can go over the journals and plan things."

I gave a sigh of relief and Max said, "Come on the woman gave me a 10pm curfew tonight. When I get home I am going to start packing. I see we can hook our gaming systems in the bedroom and living room. What I pack tonight I will bring it tomorrow before we move more of your things to the RV."

"Do you need to stop for more boxes?" I asked.

"No I have plenty in the truck," He said. "I have an alarm for 9:15 so we take one last load to the RV before I leave."

For the next few hours we continued to pack up my room. By the time Max alarm went off more than half of my room was done. When he left I went into the kitchen and grabbed a few of the sandwiches left from the funeral lunch. When I got up the stairs Mike was standing at my door. Looking at him I asked, "What?"

"I want to look through Grandpas room to see what I can sell," He said.

"No," I said. "Not until I go through it."

"You greedy whore," He said. "You made me a laughing stock and now you tell me no."

"Exactly Mike," I said. "I made you the laughing stock because you had to brag about something you did not have. Move out of my way I want to continue to pack so I can leave this place."

He raised his hand to hit me and my Dad bellowed, "Mike."

Mike jumped back and said, "This is not over."

"Mike if anything happens to me, Max, the RV or any of my stuff you will go to jail." I said. "The RV was serviced two days ago and nothing was wrong with it. You all want me to go away and I will be gone as fast as I can."

My Dad walked up as I unlocked the door and I said, "You here to tell me you wish I was never born as well."

"No I came to tell you I am sorry for how things worked out," He said.

"No your sorry you did not get anything but the house and cars," I said. "You let Mike bully me for ears and let Mom treat me as I was nothing. I will leave and never come back. Your inaction speaks louder than the words you say now."

He stopped the door and said, "Leave stuff for your brother after you go through your Grandfathers room."

He turned and walked away. Going into my room I sat at my desk and ate as I logged into the website I started making when Grandpa was sick. It was a blog named it A Strange New World. I was eating slow and I felt a breeze go past me. I chuckled lightly and said, "Grandpa you do not know what a mess you left."

As I turned to face him he laughed as he sat on my bed. "Oh Chloe I was there but you were upset. I tried visiting Max but he was to busy worrying about you. I will give him credit you both finally stepped over the friend line."

"Grandpa what are the journals?" I asked.

"Chloe there are things all around the world that people think of as mystical," He said. "My dear girl you and that blog are going to rip away the veil and bring it to life. Trust me when I say the items in the boxes in the RV as well as those journals will be your life line. Max and you will be going on an adventure of a lifeline and will soon forget about this place. Trust me on that."

"Will I see you again?" I asked.

"Oh sweet girl of course you will," He said. "Your gift to see everything is a great treasure. Your Grandma told me to tell you, live your life and try new things."

"Why is she not here," I asked.

"She knew we needed some visits to ourselves," He said.

"I miss you Grandpa," I said. "I would give up everything to have you here instead."

"Sweet girl I have had this planned since you were born," He said. "You never had a chance to fight this. But I do need to go now. I will be watching your adventures and Chloe, Max and you belong together."

"I love you Grandpa," I said.

"Love you to Chloe," He said as he walked up to me and kissed my forehead.

Finishing the food I had with me I started in my dresser and started to pack when my phone rang. Picking up the phone I said, "Hey Max."

"Hey Chloe how are things since I left?" He asked.

"Well Mike started crap, Mom told me I was a mistake, Dad tried to cover his butt and my Grandpa visited me and we had a conversation," I said. "How about you?"

"Oh my Mom is in rare form," He said. "I have been packing non stop and she keeps coming in asking me if I am taking everything. I told her I am taking everything but the furniture. She asked me to sell my TV and XBOX. I told her she could have the TV when I left and she finally left me alone. I was planning on relaxing by playing some games tonight but that is already packed ready for my truck in the morning."

"What are you going to do with your truck while we are gone?" I asked.

"Uncle Mack is going to store it in the Garage," He said. "I will leave the keys in case he needs it."

"Well that sounds like a plan," I said. "What time will you be here tomorrow?"

"Chloe you are going to sleep in tomorrow," He said. "You need to get some sleep and rest. I will be there at eleven and I will bring you breakfast."

"Ohh that sounds good," I said. "Maybe throw an ice coffee in there as well."

"What kind of man do you think I am to bring you breakfast without a coffee," He joked.

"I try," I said. "I have a lot of stuff to add to my dresser draws and I have a bunch of boxes as well. You will have to help me pull the furniture out to check to make sure I did not leave anything behind. I also want to go through Grandpa's room with a fine tooth comb. I know I want some of his flannels and if you see stuff of his you want take it as well. My brother wants to get in there to sell whatever is left."

"Don't worry Chloe we will have plenty of time to get everything done and be out of there before Monday," He said.

"Good," I said. "After today I want out of here as soon as possible. I did start to look over the banking paperwork and we will not have to worry about money. I also saw the chest behind the drivers seat. According to the paperwork there are vouchers and gas cards for all over the United States and Canada."

"Chloe we will worry about all of that once we park at uncle Mack's place," He said. "But I need to go for now I want to get more packed and I will see you in the morning. Love you."

"Love you to Max," I said. "Really you know I do love you."

"Well if we are being honest Chloe," He said. "I have been in love with you since we meet in preschool. I cannot wait for the adventure we are going to have."

We hung up and I looked at the clock and it said 11:30 I decided to go till 2am and continued to pack. By the time it was 2pm I had most of my room packed and added some of the pictures of Max and I to put in the RV. I crawled into bed and set my alarm for 9am. I fell into a solid sleep. At 7am I was woken up to pounding on my bedroom door. I called out what. When no one answered I walked to the door and opened it. My mother was standing there with Mike and said, "You need to get up and keep packing."

"Mother I was up till 2am packing and am almost finished," I said. "Max will be here at 11 and by then I am hoping we will be done in here and onto Grandpa's room. Now leave me alone."

Mike went to push himself into my room and I said, "If you try to come in I will call the police Mike. You have harassed and bullied me for years and I am done with it. When I leave you will never hear from me again. Also so you know I am spoke with Mr. Jackson before he left yesterday. If anything happens to me I am leaving everything I got to the children's home in town. He will be here at noon with a judge for me to sign the paperwork. It also stated in Grandpa's will if anything happened to me before my will was filed everything goes to the same children's home. You both made your own beds now let me be so I can wake up and pack the rest of my room up so I can move."

Mike went to say something and Mom pulled him away. I watched them walk down the hall and I shut and locked my door. Pulling on the clothes I had put aside I started packing up the remaining items in my room. I added my two trunks with mementos from traveling with Grandpa and Grandma to the pile. I stripped my bed and added the sheets to my hamper and thanked god that I did laundry the day before the funeral. Folding my blankets and comforter I added them to the pile and put a new set of sheets on the pile so I could make the bed in the RV. I checked the day before and both beds were a queen. 

I heard another lighter knock at the door and I opened it to see Max here early. He handed me a iced coffee and said, "I figured you would need this."

"Thank you," I said. "Mike and Mom decided to pound on my door at 7am this morning after I went to bed at two."

"Well let's go to your balcony and eat breakfast," He said " After we eat we will move all your furniture and make sure we have everything from your room. Then we go into your Grandpa's room and pack what you want."

Sitting on the balcony I said, "This will be the last time we are out here,"

"Are you alright Chloe?" He asked.

"Yeah," I said. "Just a lot of memories here."

"Well we will make memories of our own and when we are done with our adventure we will settle down in a home of our own," He said. "We will have to make sure we have a balcony. God the amount of time we spent on this one was insane."

We finished eating and we went inside pulling all the furniture out so we could check for things that may had fallen. When he went to move my desk he said, "Its a shame we could not bring the desk I know how much you liked it."

Looking at him I said, "We do not have room for it. But its okay I will find a better one when we settle into a house of our own."

We opened the door and Mom was getting ready to knock. She looked at me and said, "Well are you done in here?"

"My room will be done when I leave for the last time," I said. "That is when I will hand you my key, Grandpa's key and my house and car key. Now please let me get this all moved."

"Well make it fast I want to turn your room into my yoga room and Mike is going to turn Grandpa's room into a gaming room," She said. "Remember to leave stuff for him to sell."

"I will not just leave things for him to sell," I said. "He should get a job and be an adult."

She went to raise her hand to hit me and Max said, "Do not even think about it."

Putting her hand down she yelled, "Hurry up and get out of here."

We took all the stuff from my room and unpacked it or placed it in the bunks. When the last of the items were moved out of the room I hooked the keys on my belt loop and went over to my car. We took around thirty minutes to clean out the car and I locked it after I emptied it. As we were heading inside I heard my name called, "Chloe."

I turned to see Mr. Jackson and a man in a suit. "Hi Mr. Jackson. Why don't we go inside the RV. It is rather tense in the house and to be honest I will be out of here hopefully later tonight."

Mr. Jackson gave me a look and said, "Chloe this is Judge Markins and he will be the witness along with Max. Also once signed it is live and active."

Going into the bedroom I grabbed my wallet out of my purse and went back to the table everyone say down at. Before I could sit down there was knocking at the door. Opening it Mike was standing there with his Buddy's. "Chloe I need the keys to Grandpas room."

"Mike I told you when I am done getting what I want I will hand the keys over when I leave," I said. "Now if you will excuse me I was in the middle of something."

"Listen here Chloe you will give me that key," He barked. "NOW!"

Mr. Jackson stood up and came to the door. He looked at Mike and said, "Mike it looks like you are trying to dispute your Grandpa's will. Should I go inside and have a word with your parents as this could be considered them disputing the will. You know what excuse me I think I will have a talk with your parents."

He left the RV and went to the door. Both of my parents were at the door and I saw the look on my Mom's face and Dad called out, "Michael get over here now."

Mike called me something under his breath as he walked away. Mr. Jackson said something we could not hear. He walked back towards me and said, "They were warned and will now leave you alone. I told them you would be letting me know if they hounded you or harassed you anymore."

"Thank you Mr. Jackson," I said. "I would like some peace as we work in Grandpa's room."

We sat and Mr. Jackson explained the will and that if something was to happen to me the remaining amount in my accounts would go to my husband if I was married or everything would be sold and go to the local orphanage if I was still single. Anything I owned jointly would defer to the other owner. He said that this could be changed anytime but for now it is what my Grandpa suggested."

After I signed, Judge Markins and Max signed. We told them we were going to be going to Max's uncles farm to stay after I loaded the RV with supplies once I moved out. They said their goodbyes and left. Max said, "Are you ready for your Grandpa's room?"

"Yes," I said. "Let's get the boxes from my room and give it one last look over to make sure there is nothing that should have been packed."

We went inside and everything was quiet. Going up to my room we went in and I looked under and behind everything one last time. I checked the bathroom and realized I forgot the hamper. Max took that out to the RV and came back in saying, "Mike is pissed but he left me alone. Lets get these boxes and if we need more I have them in my truck."

Stopping at the door Max put his hand on my shoulder and said, "I have you Chloe."

Unlocking the door we went in and I sighed. It smelled like him still. We walked into the room and I headed for the closet. Looking at Max I said, "He was just as much my Grandpa as he was yours. If you see any clothes or things you want take them."

Max laughed and said, "After you."

Walking to the back I started going through his clothes. We found all his flannels that he loved and I took my favorite ones and laid them on the bed. Max grabbed a pile as well and said, "I will run these down while you sort more."

Finding boxes of his pictures from his travels I grabbed a box and added them into the first keep box. Then I found his collection of camera's from when he was a photographer and packed those up as well. Sorry Mike you ain't getting these at all. When Max came in he was laughing, "Mike is sitting at the bottom of the stairs monitoring everything we take out of here. He saw the flannels and was so upset."

"Good," I said. "I am done with his ways. Oh all along the bottom of the closet is all his shoes. Some of them are expensive shoes so if they fit you definitely take them. There is a lot of boots as well."

Max laughed and took a box and went into the closet. Why he started that I walked over to the first bookcase and took everything I wanted from it. We continued to go through the room. Max would bring the boxes down as we packed more. He would come back laughing each time because Mike looked more and more dismayed each time he brought down more boxes. After our first sweep of the room I asked Max, "How much more room do we have on the top bunks?"

"Well the clothes that we could wear in this weather I put on the bed so we could put them away. There is some room on both sides on the upper bunks and some room in the storage closet I found. So if you want to keep more we can fit about 5 more boxes. I left the shelves free for blankets and paper goods and I put some of my Grams baskets on the top shelf so we can add our memento's from where our adventures take us." He said.

By the door there was a partially filled box and I went back into the closet and looked through the clothes one more time. I took Grandpa's second best suit and found my Grandma's wedding dress. Taking those I added them to the pile Max picked them up and said, "Lets not let these touch the ground."

When he went out the door I looked through everything again and opened the drawers and under the bed and decided to take his blanket and his slippers. Going into the bathroom I grabbed his Bathrobe and aftershave. Looking in the cabinets I found a box that held his handgun and bullets. I took that as well and put it in the box. Max came in and said, "Anything else?"

"That box," I said. "Plus his robe and blanket."

"You ready to go?" He said.

"Not yet," I said. Sitting on his bed I called out, "Grandpa is your watching me I need to ask you a question."

There was a rush of air and he appeared in front of me, "Chloe what can I help you with?"

Max sat next to me and said, "It never ceases to amaze me when you do that. Hey Marshall."

"Hey Max," He said. "Enjoy the clothes I am glad they are not going to stay here for Mike to pawn."

"Grandpa is there anything else in here you want me to take with us?" I asked.

"Did you get the safe?" He asked.

Max and I looked at each other and said, "Safe?"

"Yes safe back to the closet," He said. "In the back where there is the corner cabinet. Do you see that tab? Pull it. The code is your birthday."

I knelt down and pulled the tab and Max brought in the box. When I opened the safe there was a stack of money and a jewelry box. Looking up I asked, "Was this Grandmas?"

"Yes," He said. "It also has some pieces that were my Mom's as well. Besides the safe you found my gun. Let me look around a second."

He came back and smiled at me, "You got it all."

I left the safe open and said, "Then I guess I am done." 

Max took the box and I took the robe and blankets. Grandpa said, "I will see you kids again. Remember Chloe start the journals when your ready to start your adventure."

Looking at my phone I said, "Wow it's only 6pm. How much more do you have left to pack?"

"About another hour or so," Max said. We headed downstairs and Mike looked angry when I came out with one last box and some more things. Walking past him we went to the RV and we put everything up. I took the cash from the safe and put it in my wallet and took the keys for the house, car, my room and Grandpa's room off my key ring. Max followed me back into the house and I found them in the dining room eating dinner.

"Here," I said tossing them on the table. I am leaving now and you won't have to deal with me ever again. 

As I went to walk away Max stopped and turned to them and said, "You can't even tell her goodbye. What is wrong with you all.  You all do not even deserve her."

When we got outside I went into the RV and max came in and hugged me. I looked at him and said, "I'm okay."

He went to say something and there was a knock at my door. My Dad asked if he could come in and I nodded to Max. He came in and said, "Chloe I am sorry about your mother and brothers behavior."

Looking at him I asked, "What about yours? You agreed when she kicked me out and have let her and Mike harass me. Its like you do not even care."

Sighing he said, "Chloe I am sorry about mine as well. I will not make excuses. Your Mother and I have been on the outs for a very long time. Honestly I am thinking about going to Mr. Jackson and talking to him about a divorce. Chloe I do not know why your mom is like this and I am going to find out. I know your mine because I did a DNA test when you were a baby."

Max said, "Wait why would you do that?"

Dad sighed and said, "Because Mike is not mine. His biological Dad passed away when Sharon was pregnant. I had no doubt in my mind but Grandma suggested it to be sure. I was young and stupid. Which pretty much sums up my marriage to your Mom. I want a chance to make it right Chloe and try to have a relationship with you."

"Okay Dad we can try," I said. "I wish Mom didn't hate me as much as she does."

"That is on her," He said. "That is all I am going to say on the subject. When are you leaving?"

"We were getting ready to go in a few minutes," I said. 

He hugged me and kissed my head. Looking at me as he went to leave he said, "Send me some postcards will ya and keep me updated on where you are."

"I will," I said.

When Dad left Max looked at me and said, "That's a start. Do you want me to back her out?"

I laughed and said, "Nope I got it. Just stand out there and give me directions."

Once I had backed out the RV Max came up to the window and said, "It should not take me more than two hours to pack. I will find you inside of Walmart." 

Watching him walk to his truck I drove over to Walmart. I was lucky this location had RV parking. Grabbing my wallet I checked for the cash and my debit card. I made sure all the locks were set inside and locked the door heading into the store. I started in the bath area getting new towels and stuff for the bathroom. Since i had the closet to store them in I made sure we would have plenty on hand. I continued around the store to the kitchen area and picked up an air fryer and coffee pot. I knew we had a small oven and two burners so I picked up pans that could be used in the oven as well as a small pot set. Grabbing beach items and chairs for the RV as well I went to check out. While I was in check out Max found me and I asked, "What's wrong?"

"My Mom as usual." He said. "I am packed and ready to go."

"Okay," I said. "I just got the basics and paper products and cleaners, but have to come back in for food and health products."

After I paid we went to the RV and I opened the side hatch for the small outdoor grill, charcoal and chairs I got and put them in locking it closed. Opening the RV Max bought the last of his things and put them up and helped me unload the cart. He asked me, "Do you want to put this away or get the groceries?"

"I figured we could put everything away once we got to the farm and settled in for the night," I said. "I am so happy that this RV has a full size fridge. Remember we have a decent kitchen so we will stock up."

Going back inside we went to the health and wellness section first and got everything we would need. Then we went through the store and bought the food we would need to get us started. I had Max get an extra cart and we loaded up on all the drinks we would need for a while. After checking out we loaded everything onto the floor in the RV and headed out to Uncle Mack's place. When we pulled in he whistled at the RV and said, "What a beauty."

Max went over and shook his hand as I got out. Mack came over and hugged me saying, "Baby girl I am so sorry about your Grandpa. You know you are always welcome here. What do you need from me to help."

"Mack, your doing it," I said. "Now that I am out of my parents house I have to go over everything the lawyer gave me and after that is done I have to start the first journal to see where we are to go first."

"Well you kids take your time," He said. "Max your Mama called me and was hopping mad with you moving out. I tried talking her down but you know how she is. She is more mad she will not get the rent you paid her more than anything."

"Since the ground is packed I am going to start putting out the extensions for the room and living room," I said. "I am so tired it is going to be dinner and sleep tonight."

"Well you kids go get settled," He said. "I will check on you in the morning."

We went inside and Max said, "Okay boss lady do you want me to set up the gaming systems while you unpack?"

"Yes," I said. "But first can you help me find the laundry detergent so I can do a load of laundry. I know the gray water tank is empty and the water is full so we should be good."

"Well uncle Mack has a gray water collection system near were we are parked and a hose so we can fill the regular water tank." He said handing me laundry detergent.

I started the laundry that was in my hamper then started to unpack everything. Putting food into the cabinets and fridge I organized everything and by the time Max was done setting up the gaming systems we were ready to make dinner. Max asked, "What are you going to make for dinner?"

Looking at the meat in the fridge I said, "I am going to make chicken taco's"

"Oh," He said. "I love Chicken Taco's. What can I do?"

"If you want to cut up some of the vegetables for me," I said. "I will handle the meat."

We both worked on the toppings and I cut up the meat and made the sides. When everything was ready we sat at our table and made our plates. Looking at Max I said, "Wanna play some Call of Duty while we eat?"

He jumped up and grabbed the remotes saying, "Yes."

We logged into our accounts and started to play while we ate. When we finished eating we cleaned up and went to get ready for bed. We stood at the bed and he said, "Chloe I do not want this to be weird. I can sleep in the living room."

"No its okay," I said. "We have shared a bed before just not as a couple."

He walked over to me and hugged me. "This is not a big deal we just started our future together we have all the time in the world. Just remember if you start to snore I will push you off the bed."

Looking up at him I asked, "Wanna fall asleep to a movie. After the last few days I am sleeping till I naturally wake up."

We laid in bed and fell asleep to Harry Potter playing. We slept soundly until we heard pounding at the door. Max sat up and said, "Stay here I will see who it is."

He left and I heard him open the window to the door. I herd muffled voices and when Max returned he said, "Stay in bed uncle Mack is going to teach me how to run the water and blackwater lines to the RV as well as the electric cord not to use all the batteries in the RV so we do not have to use the reserves."

Closing my eyes I turned over and went back to sleep. I woke up a while later to Max pushing my hair back and saying, "Chloe do you want some coffee. Sit up I have you a cup here."

I sat up and said, "What time is it?"

"Its going on one in the afternoon," Max said. "Uncle Mack and I went over the hook ups and sliders and he taught me everything including the solar panels and how to read everything."

"Oh and I slept all day," I said. "I feel awful."

"Don't say that you have been through a lot," He said. "I had an idea. We have a lot of room left in the RV for the freezer, fridge and pantry. Do you want to go to the farmers market? I know you want to get more vegetables and then we can go to Aldi after to get all the stuff you like. Today is the night market also when you get up a bit I was going to make you a vegetable panini."

"Well how about this," I said. "After everything we did this week. Why don't we go to Panera, then to Sam's Club to stock up on drinks and snacks. Bring them back and then go to the Market and Aldi."

"Well I am good with that if you let me buy lunch," Max said.

"Its a date," I said. "Is it warm out?"

"Yes," He said. "Definitely a shorts day. By the way I think we need to look through everything your grandpa left in here tomorrow for our adventures. But I had an idea if you don't mind."

"Sure," I said.

"I think we should make this a unscheduled trip so you do not stress," Max said. "Besides you need to work on your blog today. I think we should also do a YouTube channel to go with it."

"Max that is a great idea," I said. "I guess I will be working when you work tomorrow?"

Taking my hand he said, "We got this."

TikTok- The Amusement Park

1 Part Live on Tiktok.com

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Jane- Friendly- Medium    Ellie

Mr. Linus Reynolds-Lawyer, Gladys his wife-Costume Coordinator Cami-daughter (descendents of the nine tailed fox pack)

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Lifting my had to feel the book charm on my necklace. I turned to Mr. Reynolds and asked, "What are you?"

He smiled and said, "Are you ready to know everything, Ellie? If you know, you take on the responsibility of protecting the park."

Just then, a little girl ran into the office and jumped into Mr. Reynolds's lap with a woman chasing her, "Cami, dear, get back here. Daddy is working."

"Daddy, guess what," She said. "I can make my tail pop out."

She stood up, closing her eyes, and a beautiful brown tail popped out of her skirt. She hopped around, then noticed me and became frightened. I looked at her and said, "It's okay, Cami, you don't have to be scared of me. But you should always be careful and look to make sure there are no strangers around when you do that."

"Okay," She said. "I will be more careful."

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"Your a descendent of the nine tail fox pack," I said to Mr. Reynolds. "I get why my Uncle said you needed to be protected."

"Well Ellie does that mean your going to protect us?" He asked.

"Well I can't let you all get hunted can I," I said. "Besides I really do not have anything to go home to."

"Let's watch the rest of the video," He suggested. "Then we can talk more."

He pressed play and I watched the rest of the video from my uncle. He explained the creatures in the park and how I have an apartment here as well to live in. He mentioned everything I would need is in the office as well as the apartment. When the video ended I said, "I guess I am home. But what did he mean I will have what I need here and at my apartment?"

He smiled and said, "How about we take a walk over to the apartment first and I will get the cleaning staff in there. The apartment has not been opened since your uncle passed and I am sure it needs a good clean."

I followed him to the apartment housing and asked, "So two underground floors?"

Looking at me he said, "Yes I am sure you can guess who loves in the underground. Your apartment is four floors two above ground and two below ground so you can interact with all the creatures of the park."

Looking at the building that housed the workers I said, "Its always smaller on the outside."

Mr. Reynolds laughed and said, "Things are not always as they seem."

We walked into the lobby and I naturally turned to what is now my apartment. I placed my hand on the door and said, "I remember the last time I was here. My uncle invited us to the park and told my Dad he needed to talk with him before we left. Dad and I came back to the apartment with him after spending all day going on rides and eating in the park for free. I went to sit in the living room to watch TV and after ten minutes Dad came in and said, "Come on Ellie its time to leave."

Mr. Reynolds nodded and said, "Your uncle wanted to give your Dad a chance here. But after a few questions your uncle realized your dad would try selling us to science. Your Dad dragged you out not because of the questions but because he offered to care for you so your Dad could get help. Your dad took you and never let you come back. When your Dad went to jail he threatened your uncle with the park and that is why he stayed with you at your house and commuted every day."

Kindle Vella- The Secret Keeper

 New Kindle Vella- Coming in 2024

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DTH.Inc: Maggie- receptionist Charlie-Guard

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Watching the doors to the office building I work in I wondered who would be the next soul to come through. I went back to my computer when I had a message from the tenth floor come up on the screen, "You should be expecting a Camile Vanguard soon. No matter what only she is to enter the building. Use security if you need to."

I flagged Charlie my security guard and he walked over. "What's up Maggie?"

"The tenth floor has a client coming today and I was advised that only she is to enter," I said. "They are concerned someone may try to stop her from coming in."

He nodded, "Oh she is a pagan if she is going to floor 10. She should be interesting."

"I know," I said. "Let's hope there is no drama today."

You may ask what do I do for a living? Well I am the receptionists for the dead of all religions and pantheons. Our building is DTH.Inc and we handle the souls moving onto the afterlife. The building has thirteen floors and nine basement levels. The upper floors are for your chosen after life if you lived a good life and the floors below the building are for the naughty ones. 

But you may ask, Then why do you and Charlie get to be in the building. Well that is easy I have the ability to walk between the world of the living and dead. As for Charlie he is one of the many demons who work in the afterlife as guards. When he is in reception with me he has a filter that keeps him looking like a human. When he is on the other side of the desk and behind the barrier he is a 7 ft blueish demon who is a complete sweetheart. The upper floors can visit each other and can go down to the lower levels as well to get some aggression therapy on the lower level inmates. Well besides level one and two and three because those are the souls that could be redeemed.

Charlie was walking around the lobby and asked, "How is the book going?"

"It is going pretty good," I said. "So are the ones that I post on the social media channels as well."

"Who would have thought that you could do all this now at days," He said. "Have you decided what your going to do for your birthday this year?"

"Charlie you have known me for close to 150 years," I said. "When do I celebrate my birthday?"

He chuckled as he said, "We will do something Maggie. If I have to get everyone inside to plan it you will be celebrated."

I laughed as he walked away. Now I see the question forming. I am 749 years old. How I do not age is beyond me and how I can go between the realms is above my paygrade. But I am okay with it and I have been able to write and publish books for so long I am truly happy. Let me tell you the computer is so much better than making paper or on animal skins. All my books are copied into both the human and afterlife and both love my writing. 

Looking at the screen I heard the doors open and a man walked up the the desk and said, "I am a last minute appointment but I have an appointment with the basement level nine. Will you please allow me through?"

"Your name?" I asked.

Placing his hands at the edge of the receptionist desk he said, "I do not have to tell you my name. Your just going to let me in."

Standing up I said, "You have a better chance of Zeus coming down and fucking you. Now name or you will be getting no access as I have to call level nines staff and confirm your appointment."

I noticed Charlie standing up and walking over. Looking at the guy I said, "Listened I have you on camera already so your face will be plastered on each level if you were to get past us. Now please give me your name or you can leave."

He stood there and then turned and left. I sat down and sent a message to level 9 asking, "Do you know this guy? He tried to get in without providing a name or any information. All he said was he had an appointment with level nine."

About ten minutes later I received a response, "Thank you we will contact you back if we find any information."

Stretching I said, "Charlie I am feeling a bit hungry I was going to order food from Marties since they will deliver to our security door. Do you want anything?"

Charlie looked up and said, "Yes I would love a burger and fries with a vanilla shake."

After placing the order a woman walked up to the desk and said, "Good afternoon my name is Camile Vanguard and I have an appointment on the tenth floor."

Smiling I said, "Welcome we have been expecting you. Do you have everything you need?"

"Yes I do," She said.

"Well please take this clip board and read it through before we proceed," I said. "It will explain everything that is going to happen and how things work in the afterlife."

"Thank you dear," She said as she started to read. When she was done she signed the line stating she understood and stood up. Looking at me she asked, "Lets get this going my ex husband is convinced I was supposed to go to the lowest level of hell for my beliefs."

Charlie was getting our food and said, "Wait Maggie show her the picture."

"Good idea," I said. "Camile is this your ex husband?"

"Yes," She said. "Oh no how did he get in here?"

Smiling I said, "What's his full name?"

"Christopher Vanguard," She said. 

I pulled up his file and said, "Well it looked like Christopher passed away the same day you did. Oh my Camille did you know he killed you?"

She gave a chuckle and said, "Oh I am not the only one he killed. When I was killed he was up to a a forty person kill count."

"That would be why he wanted to see level nine," Charlie said. "Well Maggie our food is here why don't you walk Camille to the door and I will contact level nine to see what they want us to do about this guy."

Christopher Vanguard- Murderer not slated for a underworld level.

Kindle Vella- The Venue

 New Kindle Vella read me HERE

Abbie- Main ** Leia ** Riley- Ex ** Sadie- wedding coordinator ** Max-front desk clerk** Delores-hotel medic**

**Molly, Sally- Event staff**

Mrs Jacobson,Sarah,Bill-exhusband**

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Ten years ago, Abbie ended her engagement with Riley after she found out he tried stealing from her Grandfather and tried to frame her. Abbie had enough and ensured Riley's family knew the truth of what happened, which caused Riley to lose access to the family money by his Grandparents. Riley always swore revenge. After Abbie's Grandfather passed away, she turned his Mansion and property into a hotel, event, and wedding center called The Venue. When Abbie's best friend Leia, Riley's baby sister, decides to get married at The Venue, Riley returns home to cause as much trouble as he can for both Abbie and Leia. Read along as the Venue's staff stops Riley and his entourage from the chaos they want to cause and what those staff workers think.

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She turned around and walked out the door. I headed to the front desk and asked the team, "So, anything new?"

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Max chuckled and said, "Abbie that was an entertaining show. You really should provide us popcorn up here at the desk."

Acting shocked I said, "Max you want me to add to the mini buffet the kitchen bring you back there every day."

Putting his hand on his heart he joked, "You hurt me right here boss lady."

Laughing I added two cases of mini popcorns for the front desk staff to my Sam's Club order. Walking around I checked the upcoming check ins and events to make sure we will have enough staff. I smiled as I saw my best friends wedding coming up on the roster. 

I left the desk and walked through the venue rooms. The grand ball room was being set up for a wedding coming up this weekend. Watching my team set tables and the dance floor making measurements. Everyone of my staff was friendly with each other and the team work they had made my heart soar. When you work at The Venue you are part of the family and we take care of each other. Walking through I heard Sally call me. I headed her way and she she took my arm and she pulled me away, "Hey sorry but can you check on Molly she has looked pale and she has mentioned she has felt ill all day. We had her rolling the silverware at the cart but I think she ran to the bathroom again."

Patting her hand I said, "Of course which way did she go?"

"She headed to the staff bathrooms," Sally said.

I walked to the staff area and knocked at the bathroom door and asked, "Molly are you alright. Sally is worried about you?"

The door unlocked and Molly came out. "Abbie I am so sorry. I feel so sick."

"Molly have you seen the doctor or the staff medic?" I asked.

"No not yet I didn't want to let my team down," She said.

"Sweetie you are pale," I said. "Lets go see Delores and have her check you out. You are not going to arguing with me on this."

We walked down the hallway and went into the medic office. Delores was cleaning when we walked in and said, "Oh Molly girl did you have an accident?"

"Delores," I said. "Molly is pale and has been sick all morning. Can you check her out please?"

"Of course," She said. "Molly sit on the chair. Now how long have you been feeling like this?"

"A few days," She said. "But I am not running a fever and normally water and sitting help."

"Okay dear," She said. "Let me ask you this could you be pregnant?"

She looked at her and said, "Oh my its a possibility I never thought of it."

Delores went to the cabinet and grabbed a test. Handing it to Molly she said, "Go ahead dear the bathroom is right there."

When Molly went to the bathroom I looked at Delores and asked, "We keep tests here?"

Laughing she said, "You would not believe how many guests come asking for them. I order twenty of them a month."

Shaking my head I said, "Good gravy."

We sat and waited for Molly to come out. When she did she was crying and said, "Its positive."

She sat next to me and I asked, "Are you alright?"

She started to laugh and said, "I think so. You have to understand my husband works out of town as a truck driver. We talked about having kids but I did not think it would be so soon."

Placing my hand on hers I said, "Well we have Delores making you a appointment to go see a Doctor. You will not lose your pay today and when you come in tomorrow come see me and tell me what your doctor said about any restrictions. We are covering the initial appointment so you can see what's going on."

Delores handed her a paper and said, "Give this to the office when you get there. The address is on the front of the envelope."

Molly took it and said, "Thank you."

She left and Delores said, "So I guess we will be looking into the employee daycare center attached to the clinic?"

Laughing I said, "Yes we are. I am glad I never did anything with the rooms past the clinic. They are spacious and I will have to get information on who we need to speak with for an employee daycare."

Kindle Vella Novel- Hiding From The World

 Kindle Vella Novel Coming In 2024

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Looking up from my computer I could have sworn I just heard rain in the distance. Standing from my chair I went to the door and said, "You have got to be kidding me."

Grabbing the basket I had by the door I ran outside and started to grab all the clothes drying on the close line. The thunder started to get louder and I yelled out, "You best hold off until I get this inside."

I hurried to grab all the clean laundry and as made it to the porch the first raindrops started to fall. Opening the door my cat Jinx meowed at me and ran into the kitchen. Looking at my grandfather clock I sighed realizing it was almost dinner time. Looking at Jinx I said, "You are impatient."

Stoking the stove so the fire would start to burn more I grabbed the pot I prepared that morning and started to heat the soup I had prepared that morning. Feeding Jinx I decided to watch the storm and grabbed my camera. I took pictures to add to my blog Hiding From The World. Going into the house I loaded the pictures onto my computer and when I got to the last picture I noticed there was a human shape hiding in the trees. 

Grabbing my shotgun I made sure the doors and windows were locked. Looking in the direction the form was I looked to see if there was anyone there. I did not see a person but I did see a dog in my yard. Being miles from nowhere it worried me that someone dumped that poor baby in the woods. Grabbing my rain coat I went out the door and called the poor baby to me. He ran to me and looked frantically back at the woods. Then I heard it a small call for help. Now I know what your saying indigenous people say do not go to the calls but the dog was whining and trying to go back to the sound. I grabbed my shotgun and said, "Come on boy take me there."

Walking to the edge of the tree line I called out, "Where are you?"

The dog ran to a tree a few feet away and barked for me. Laying against the tree was a man. He looked at me and said, "Help."

Well shit okay. I asked, "Can you stand?"

He tried to get up and I slung the shotgun over my shoulder and said, "Lets get you up to my cabin. What is your name?"

"Mike," He said. "They fucking shot me and tried to kill Brody my dog."

"Okay Mike lets get inside and you can tell me everything," I said. Half carrying him to the porch of my property. When we got to the porch I sat him down and said, "Lets get you inside."

Putting him in a chair at the table I said give me a second. I ran outside and grabbed a bucket of water washing away the blood. When it was cleaned I went inside and did not see much blood. I help Mike take off his jacket and said, "Okay Mike we need to check your wound. Who shot you and why?"

"My cousin shot me," He said. "He told me if I would not do a job for him he would end me. I called his bluff and he shot me. Is Brody okay he has been running with me for two days now."

"Jesus," I said. "Brody is okay he is next to the fire. Once he rests a bit I will give him some stew I have in the cabinet. But lets worry about you first listen I am going to move you to the bathroom in my room. If they are tracking you I want you out of sight. Besides I will need to clean your wound I want the blood down the drain. If they show up here you need to get in the loft and behind the boxes with Brody. The stairs are small but you can get up those stairs."

He nodded and I went into the loft and grabbed a pair of sweats and t-shirt. Helping him out of his shirt I saw the wound and said, "Well its a good thing your cousin is a shit shot. This went through and through and missed everything important."

"How do you know," He asked.

"Because I used to be a nurse in the emergency room," I said. 

"You now live in the woods?" He said. "That must be some story."

Shrugging I said, "You could say that. Listen I am going to help you but is there anyone I can call to let them know your alright?"

"Not at the moment," He said. "I am afraid they might go after my Dad is they know I am alive."

"Understood," I said. "Okay so this is going to hurt. I rolled up these rags for you to chew on. Once I get this taken care of I have some weed in my room you can smoke. Now I want you to sit in the tub and lean back. Grip the tubs edge and bite down."

I disinfected the wound and watched his visual cues to see how much pain he is in. Then I stitched him up and asked, "Are you alright?"

"Would it sound wrong if I said it hurts but feels so much better?" He asked.

"No I have heard that before," I said. "So listen I want you to rest here for a little bit. Do not stand up I am going to get you some juice and do you smoke?"

"Yes I do," He said. "But I do not want to take your stash."

"I get a stash every time I go into town," I said. "Since I only go to town every once in a while to get a stock of supplies your fine. I have vape pens, flowers, gummies or chocolate."

"Do you have a pipe?' He asked.

"Sure do," I said. I went to my bedside table and grabbed a jar of flower and my extra pipe as well as a few gummies for him to take. 

When I went back to the bathroom I moved a chair next to the tub and placed the open jar, the pipe, the gummies and some orange juice. I laid a shirt and jogging pants on the back of the chair. I walked out and grabbed a bottle of water. When I put that down on the counter he grabbed my hand and asked, "Whats your name?"

"Its Charlie," I said. "Rest I am going to set up a space in the loft for you to rest in. That way if they try to come here there will be no view of you there. Also the stairs up to the loft are a shelf unit that can be moved against the wall when not in use so it looks like its holding nick knacks. I am going to feed Brody and walk him. If anyone asks I found him while hiking and he is mine now unless I see ownership papers."

Going into the pantry I said, "Brody my dude you are in luck I had some dog food in here incase someone showed up lost."

I opened the dry food and then I grabbed a small jar of stew I had done in a mason jar pouring that in his bowl as well. Stirring my soup I heated up some bread in the oven and went to the loft to get it ready for Mike to climb up to. I took the spare mattress and put fresh sheets on as well as fluffy pillows and a think and fluffy blanket. I grabbed a tray and set some snacks and drinks on it as well as another container of weed plus motrin and gummies. I also stuck a fan on a storage container. When I went back downstairs to check on the soup Mike was sitting up in the tub. 

"You doing okay Mike," I asked.

"Yeah I just needed to get out of the tub,"  He said. "Where do you want me to put everything?"

"Go ahead and get changed and I will wash your clothes," I said. "Dinner will be done in a few and I am just going to take Brody outside. The pipe and flower you can leave there on the chair as I put another pipe lighter and flower on a tray next to the bed."

I took Brody out and when I came in Jinx was eating his dinner on the table. I set the table for Mike and me. When he walked into the kitchen he said, "Thank you Charlie what can I do to help?"

"Nothing," I said. "Please sit down and relax while I clean up the bathroom. Is there anything in your pockets?"

"My wallet and my phone," He said. "But my phone is almost dead."

"No worries," I said. I went into the bathroom and cleaned and bleached everything making sure there is no trace of Mike. When I went into the kitchen Brody was leaning against Mike. I took the soup off the stove and placed it on a hot plate on the table. Then I grabbed the bread and put that on the table as well.

"That smells so good," Mike said. 

"Thank you," I said. "Its a basic chicken soup. The bread is homemade."

Charlie-

Mike-

Kindle Vella Series- My Alien Boyfriend

New Kindle Vella Novel Coming in 2024

Cici- Main  Kel- Second main(Mcnar 1 weeks travel)

Chitterang

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Looking at the sky I knew it was going to rain. I had just pulled into my spot when I saw lightening in the distance. Opening the back of my SUV I started to set up the tent that attaches to it. After I got everything set up I sat in my camp chair and watched the storm come in. As I sat next to the fire I watched what I thought was a plane flying overhead. Being so intent on watching it I never noticed the creature coming up behind me.

Things started to move fast then I heard a shout and a man running towards me. I went to stand up and he yelled, "Duck."

I dropped to the ground and the man dove over me and I heard a snarl. The man was fighting a creature I had never seen before. It had a tail of a scorpion and a body of a spider. The man pulled out a wand and when he flicked it forward it became a flaming sword. He put the sword through the animal and  fell to the ground. 

He stood up and I noticed his skin had a pale blue hue to it. Looking at him I asked, "What the hell is that thing?"

He said, "A Chitterang. They are quite deadly. You are lucky that it did not sting you or you would have been gone right away."

"Well should I worry about it another one showing up tonight?" I asked.

"No you should be good," He said. "I will be in the area tonight anyway. We always monitor incase something else shows up after we take out a creature like that."

"Well if your going to be around I would like to offer you dinner since you saved my life," I said.

"That would be nice," He said. "My name is Kel."

Putting out my hand I said, "Hi Kel, My name is Cici."

As our hand touched we had a spark happen between our hands. He looked up and said, "Cici, I will be back in a bit."

After Kel left I became hyper aware of the way he went and my wanting him to be back with me. I grabbed some chicken and rice from the cooler and started a skillet to make chicken and rice. As I continued to work I felt like there was someone watching over me. When Kel arrived back he said, "My apologize I had to file a report about the creature."

Smiling I said, "Your okay I had to cook the meal anyway. Please sit down I will plate everything up."

He sat at the small table I had and I brought the plates to the table. Looking at him I asked, "So I know the government announced a while back that Aliens, God I hate that term. People not from earth walk among us. But you are the first I met."

Kel smiled and said, "Unlike some of my kind. I prefer to not interact with people from earth often due to the name us Aliens have."

"So Kel where do you come from," I asked.

"I am from the plant Mcnar," He said. "It is a years journey away for humans. But with our ships we complete the travel in one week. What about you where are you from?"

"Florida," I said. "Well for now. I will be traveling the world starting next week."

"Really," He said. "May I ask what you will be doing?"

"Leaving the world behind," I said. "Honestly I was in a relationship and I came home and found out he had been cheating on me in the home I owned. I discovered that two weeks ago and I been making the moves to change my life."

"I am sorry to hear you had been hurt like that," He said. "So what changes are you making?"

"Well I bought a travel van," I said. "Complete with kitchen and bathroom. My ex moved out the day I caught him cheating. So when I get home this week I will be moving into the camper van and selling everything I do not want."

"What is your profession," He asked while we ate.

"I own a online blog," I said. "Plus I am a writer and do freelance work. Once I move out of my house and sell it along with my belongings I will have enough funds to travel. The money I had been saving up for me and my ex's wedding was what I used to buy my Camper Van. I am going to live cheap as I can. I canned and stored a lot of food in my pantry so that will all be coming with me. I am glad I had a good amount of storage in this Travel Camper."

"It sounds like you have a plan," He said. "Do you have buyers for the house?"

"I have people looking now," I said. "That's why I am here camping this weekend. So my relator could have a full weekend open house. She had around forty appointments this weekend. Hopefully by the time I get home he may have a buyer. Then its clean out and selling everything and I am off."

He looked at me and asked, "Did you feel the spark when our hands touched?"

"I did," I said. "I was unsure of what that was. Do you know?"

Sighing he said, "I do not want to scare you."

"You saved me from a deadly monster," I said. "Go for it."

"Its called a mate spark," He said. "It means we are compatible and will always come back to each other."

"Is that why I looked for you after you left?" I asked. "Then I could sense you coming back."

"Yes," He said. "Its very rare for my kind to find the spark with a human."

"Well I guess you will have to save me often," I said. "You realize I will be traveling for a while. I am not ready to start a relationship anytime soon."

"I respect that," He said. "Now that I discovered you I have to upset my parents anyway."

"Oh why?" I asked "Do they not like humans?"

"They do," He said. "But they wanted me to marry a member of the royal family. Before you become shocked do not fear we did not want to marry each other. We are close friends since we have known each other since we were kids. But we knew we could never be anything more than friends. We have laughed a lot at the thought of being spouses or lovers."

I nodded and said, "Well then how will we get in touch with each other?"

He smiled and said, "May I have your phone?"

He took my phone and put a phone number in dialing it to add my number to his phone. Then he took his phone out saving my number and asked, "What is your Blog?"

"Mycrazytravels.com you should see the night sky as a background," I said. "There are articles, videos, pictures and of course links for my writing that I share before I publish."

"Amazing," He said. "I have to head out to go back to my planet. Would it be to much to ask to hug you?"

"Oh course you may hug me," I said. "Hugs are the same in all worlds right?"

He smiled and stood up. Holding his hand out he helped me up and pulled me into a hug. When our bodies touched it was like lightening coursed through my body. He stood back and said, "That will take some getting used to."

Chuckling I said, "You can say that again. With the mate bond thing is there anything I should know about?"

"The further the bond goes the more we will be able to feel with each other," He said.

"Further as in sex?" I asked.

"Y

The Town- Case Two- The Kline Family

There was a snow storm the night before and when I went downstairs to make my lunch, I found Grace in the kitchen and she was making me a sandwich for work. I looked at her and said, "Grace you did not need to do that."

She laughed and said, "Oh I know. But I have been up for a while, that storm woke me and I could not get any sleep. So I woke up and decided to make a coffee cake for breakfast. Your Dad however could sleep through a bomb going off. I made one for here and that one next to your lunch box is for you and Sam. So what case are you working on now?"

I sat down at the table as Grace cut me a piece of the cake to try and said, "Do you remember the Kline Family?"

She put the sandwich in my lunch box and I could sight of some snacks as well. Looking at me she said, "Yes, I do. Kylie and Max kept to themselves but their kids were enrolled in the school before they disappeared. I remember the teachers coming to me after them being out for three days and when I tried to reach out to them no answer. That's when I called their Grandma Penny to see if the kids were sick. I guess my call cemented everything and that's when she went over there. She was shocked as the home was empty the family, the pets and all their belongings were gone. They had a dog and a cat. You know that may be a way you can get a lead. They treated their pets like their kids maybe see if their chips were ever changed with the local vet? Or maybe if they were ever found and brought to the pound or a shelter."

"Grace this cake is so good," I said as I took out my note book and wrote down the information Grace gave me. "As you were a mandated reporter did the family seem to have any issues?"

Sitting down she said, "No. They may have kept to themselves, However when it came to the kids they were both very active in their life and always went above and beyond for them."

Nodding I jotted down the notes and said, "Thank you. I am going to get going it does not look like the plow has been through here yet and I do not want to be late."

Grabbing my bag I went to my car and found it already warming up and I heard Dad say, "Hey kiddo be careful getting to work. I started it for you when I heard you come downstairs and dug you out as I was clearing the walkway and digging out our cars."

I kissed his cheek and switched our keys and said, "Thank you Dad."

Climbing into my car I headed to the station. I noticed the lot was cleared as I pulled in and headed to the office. When I got into the office I put the name of the family at the top of the chalk board and started a time line. I also did a side note on the pets and check with vet for chip note. Using the bulletin board I added pictures of the family and was looking over interview notes adding information to both boards as I could. When Sam arrived an hour later he saw the boards and said, "How long have you been here?"

"Not long," I said. "Oh that pan on the table is Grace's coffee cake and it is so good."

He grabbed a piece and asked, "Want to catch me up?"

"Sure," I said. "Our next case, The Kline Family. Kylie, Max, Patty and Shawn went missing in 1991. After talking to Grace this morning they were discovered missing after Grace tried multiple times to reach the family due to the kids missing school. Grace is friends with Kylies mom Penny and when Penny heard from Grace she went over to check on them. When Penny arrived to the house no one answered so she used her spare key and the house was empty. Every item in the house was gone along with the family and their pets."

"What information was gained from the interview?" Sam asked.

"See that's the thing Sam that perplexed me," I said.

"What do you mean?" He asked. 

"Except for the police talking to Penny not much else was done," I said. "The Detective on the case did not follow up very much. He went to the bank and the only notation was that the account they had did not have much in it and no movement on the account since the time the disappeared. Last active case log was four days later with a note that stated, No activity in the bank and no sightings maybe they wanted to move away from town."

"Who was the Detective?" He asked. "Maybe we need to have a talk with him."

"Not unless you have a Ouija board," I said. "Detective Mulson passed three years later in a car crash." 

Looking at the board he asked, "Why did you circle the pets?"

"Grace gave me an idea," I said. "They treated their pets like family. Grace had suggested to see if their chips were ever scanned into the system. If they were we can pin point a when and where."

"That's not a bad idea," He said. "I also had another one which I like but again do not like as well."

"What's your idea?" I asked. 

"We take the old pictures to the media," He said. "We speak privately with a reporter or news anchor and have them do a broadcast and set up a tip hotline."

"I think we may have the reporter that will be perfect for that," Barbara said from the door. "Sorry I wasn't trying to eavesdrop but I was bringing you the media file I had put together. The first reporter is Grace Mckoy. Grace has done human interest stories for decades and she was here for Thomas's case. She left her card and I know this is something she would do with tact and not make it a spectacle."

"Barbara," I asked. "Do you know why Detective Mulson did not go further with the case?"

She sighed and sat down, "Sit down you to I am telling you this in confidence."

Sam said, "Barbara if this is stuff we should not know about do not say anything to get you into trouble."

"She won't," Captain Milson said from the doorway. "Because I am going to tell you instead."

He came in and shut the door. Pulling the blinds closed he sat down and said, "This may help you a bit on all your cases going forward."

Sam asked, "Captain what's going on?"

"First from now on we are on the first name basis behind closed doors, "Second I have been in charge for close to thirty years and I am not going anywhere anytime soon. But me becoming Captain was not because I wanted it. It was because I was one of the few Detectives that did their job. There was a big investigation and by the end twelve officers were fired. I was chosen to keep people honest but a lot of cases from the 70's till now did not get the attention they deserved as we discovered the corruption was still in the force. We let go of the last of the corrupt officers here three months ago and have slowly been hiring new officers. That's why when you were graduating from the academy we decided to hire Sam and make you the task force."

Sam and I nodded. Then I said, "Those officers then did not move?"

"Oh they moved," Charlie said. "They left after they could not keep a job here. But they reason they moved was because of the stigma of bad cop."

Sam and I nodded. Grace looked at the board and said, "Any theories?"

"No," I said. "But we have a few things to check into."

"Well," Charlie said. "We will let you get to it. If you need anything come see me."

When the Captain left Sam looked at me and asked, "Where do you think we should start?"

"I think we need to go see Penny, Kylies Mom," I said.

Sam said, "Okay but this time I am driving."

We headed out to Sam's new truck and climbed in. We drove over to Penny's house and walked up to the door. I knocked then stood back. We waited a few minutes then the door opened, "Can I help you both? Oh Amy dear I didn't realize that was you, you have grown up to be such a beautiful young woman."

"Hi Miss Penny," I said. "Do you have some time to talk with us?"

"About what my dear?" She asked.

"Kylie," I said. "Mrs. Penny I am a officer now and we reopened Kylie's case."

She gripped the door frame and said, "Please come in and have some coffee."

Sam opened the door and took her arm saying, "Mrs. Penny let me help you to the kitchen."

She chuckled and said, "Oh you just shocked me that's all. After that incompetent asshole Mulson I thought no one would give my family a second thought."

She did let Sam help her and when we got to the kitchen I said, "Mrs. Penny let me help you."

She waved her hand and said, "No sit down Amy I have it."

She grabbed a tray and added coffee sugar and creamer. Then she added a plate of her homemade cookies and headed to the table. After she sat down and poured us coffee she said, "Well I guess your not a normal officer Amy. Good for you. When we cheered for you at your high school graduation we knew you would go far."

Sam asked, "Mrs. Penny all these years have you not heard anything from Kyle or the family?"

She said, "For the first few years after they went missing I would get cards around the holiday's, birthdays and just because. Now they are more sporadic. The last one I got for Christmas did not arrive until after the new year. They were not signed but they said, Thinking of you. We love and miss you. I took the first card to Mulson and he could not be bothered stating that they closed the case and they labeled them as a family that left town."

Sam looked up and asked, "Do you have the cards still?"

"Of course dear," She said getting up. Coming back with a small wood box she said, "Here is all the cards I got with that phrase they all have the cards and envelopes they came in. This envelope here is something I think you can use as well."

Picking up the envelope I asked, "What is this?"

Smiling she said, "The Christmas before they disappeared they all did a Christmas card and they used their finger prints as the ornaments."

Sam took out a evidence bag and said, "I promise we will keep these safe."

I looked at Mrs. Penny and asked, "Which vet did Kylie use for the animals?"

"Why sweetie the same one I still use today," She said. "Doc Kennedy."

Sam asked, "Do you think they were in trouble?"

"Kylie never said anything," She said. "But I will tell you Max did have a problem with gambling. I helped them out a bit when they got behind on bills because of it."

"Mrs. Penny could they have run because Max had more debt than he let on?" I asked.

She sighed and said, "It could have been a possibility. But I had spoken to Kylie when things were rough. I offered to let them move in with me and they could either rent out the house or sell it to get back on their feet. They lost the house to foreclosure. The week after they left the foreclosure notice was put up on the door."

Sam looked at her and asked, "Mrs. Penny do you know of anywhere they may have hidden if things got real bad?"

She shook her head and said, "No I even tried talking to Max's Uncle and he would not say a word to me."

Flipping through the file I asked, "Uncle? There is no mention of him in the file. Mrs. Penny do you have his information?"

She stood up and got a business card. Handing it to me she said, "You know his uncle he has repaired your jeep."

Making a few notes I stood up motioning to Sam. Taking her hand I said, "Mrs. Penny I promise you we will do all we can to figure this out."

Looking from Sam to me she said, "After you brought Thomas home if anyone can get answer's I believe its the two of you. Do me a favor if you do find her and she can't come home tell her I love her and miss her."

Patting her hand we left. When we got in Sam's truck I called Grace. When she picked up I said, "Hey Grace we just finished our interview with Mrs. Penny could you swing by and check on her."

"Of course Amy," She said. "I was going to the store I was going to go shopping for dinner tonight but I will stop there first."

"Thank you Grace," I said. When I was done I turned to Sam and said, "We need to go back to the station for a few. I want to look into Max's Uncle."

"Do you think he is into something?" Sam asked.

"I heard rumors," I said. "If those rumors are true that may be why Max and Kylie ran."

We pulled in and went into the building. When we walking in Miles the precinct secretary said, "Hey Bernard Kline is waiting in the waiting room for you both."

Sam and I looked at each other. Walking into the waiting room he said, "Amy I know the rumors but you need to help me."

Looking at Bernard Sam asked, "Help you with what Mr. Kline?"

 He said. "I have information on an old case of yours, I will tell you all what I know."

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

Sam looked at Bernard and said, "Come with us to our office."

When we went into the office and sat down I asked, "Mr. Kline what do you know about them being missing?"

"I know everything about why they left," He said. "I know because I gave them a place to go."

Sam said, "Are you admitting to hindering a police investigation?"

"No," Bernard said. "When Detective Mulsen came and saw me he only asked me one question and it never was do you know about where they are."

"Before I say anything," He said. "I need to say I believe that Detective Mulsen was being paid off to find my nephew and his family by the people he owed money to."

Sam and I looked at each other and I said, "Sam get Captain Milson. I believe he should be here for this."

Nodding Sam said, "I agree. Bernard would you like some coffee while Amy gets our captain?"

I left the room and went to Captains office. He looked up when he saw me and asked, "Amy is everything okay?"

"We need to discuss something," I said.

"Come in and shut the door," He said as I shut the door behind me.

When I sat down I said, "Keep a normal face because after what you told us I do not want to tip anyone else off."

"Of course Amy," He said.

"Was Detective Mulsen one of the people you believed to be dirty?" I asked.

He laughed hard acting like I told him the best joke and said, "Yes."

"Well," I said. "We have Bernard Kline in our room and he believes Mulsen was on the take with whoever was looking for Kylie, Max and the kids. He wants to talk about what really happened but is worried about what could happen."

He nodded and said, "You want me to sit in in case it comes back to any pending charges against the investigators. I agree lets go."

As we walked out of his office he said, "Come on Amy lets go see all those mixed up files you and Sam found. I know they storage was off but I never believed they were that off. But lets take the elevator because this old mans knee is throbbing today."

When we got into the elevator he said, "There seemed to be quite a few officers interested in what you were telling me. When we go in I am going to go to the boxes with you and Sam will have to take the notes. I think I may have to bring in some extra officers from the feds to help weed the stragglers out."

We went to Sam's and my office. When I went in keeping the door open, I said, "Sam Captain here is going to look over all the files we found that were mixed up to see if he can make headway to which case they belong to."

Shutting the door I went to stand next to Captain and Sam nodded. "Bernard this is a smoke screen but Captain has your attention."

Bernard nodded and focused on Sam while Captain and I moved a pile of boxes and opened them to pretend to look. Bernard started his story, "A week before Max, Kylie and the kids disappeared I was invited to dinner at their home. When I got there the kids were not there. Max said we needed to discuss something that the kids should not hear. You have to understand I know I do messed up shit sometimes but Max and Kylie know I would always be there for them and the kids. They could ask me for anything and if it was in my power I would do it for them. We sat down with our food and Max looked like he was about to break down. He said he messed up and took a huge gamble and failed. Max said he owes a lot of money and that the people he owes said they would wipe the debt if he allowed them to have a illegal week growing operation past his fruit fields. I asked him if he was crazy for considering it because of the kids. Max had told me absolutely not. Kylie said the men came here this morning threatening the family and was scared for the kids."

Sam asked, "Did he tell you how much he owed,"

"Yes" Bernard said. "He owed two hundred and fifty thousand dollars."

Captain said, "I have never heard of any of the local bookies ever had bets that big."

Bernard said, "Neither had I. Apparently there was a new player in town. He then told me he didn't go to the guy to make the bet. The guy found him. We spoke for a few hours and I asked what if he said no. Kylie got upset and said they were told accidents could happen. They were not worried about themselves but the kids and Kylies Mom. I asked them if they were being watched and Kylie said she thought so because she noticed a car following her to and from her Moms house."

Sam asked, "When did the plan come up for them to disappear?"

Bernard got sad and said, "During dinner and there was a knock at the door. Before we could get up a man walked in and said we are waiting for your answer Max. I intervened and said he was trying to get the money and have an answer by the end of the week. The guy said we don't want the money we want use of the land. I had asked what if the kids wandered back there they always play in that area. The guy said well we do not like intruders so the kids would be dealt with. Kylie and Max went white and my brain went out of the box. I asked them what if you all got busted and the guy said well its Max's grow operation him and Kylie would be the one in trouble. After he said that he left and I told them a secret I carried for years. I live over my garage but back in my twenties I was in love with a woman and had bought a cabin in the mountains two days from here hoping to move there and live a life of rest and art. We were both artists and made good money. She unfortunately passed a week before our wedding. In her memory I still create art in secret and have a friend who has a gallery and sells it to pay for the taxes as I paid it off years ago. Even though it was hard for me to go there I went up two times a year in her memory and make sure it was kept up. I offered Kylie and Max the cabin to hide with the kids. There was no furniture but we could get them there its hidden and they could live in peace and safety."

I asked, "How can you be sure they would be safe?"

He smiled and said, "I know my reputation around town here but outside this town I am a celebrated artist. I put a video camera system on the property and in the house. Use this login information and go to two weeks ago and pull any camera."

Sam logged into the account via his computer and said, "That's Kylie and Max."

"Yes," He said. "The kids are currently in Taiwan doing over seas studies courtesy of my art and good friend in the art industry. Patty is an amazing young artist and Shawn has a passion for cooking. I checked in with my contact and the kids are safe and protected. Please do not ask how I got them there but they are safe. Shawn called me when he could not get in touch with their parents. I know people think the home went into foreclosure but I own it. I bought it before it went to public auction and again please don't ask me how I managed that. I have been keeping my god son safe until the camera went down last week. When I disappeared for a few days was because I went to the cabin and there is no trace of them. Max got help for his gambling and actually wrote books while hiding and Kylie had a passion for vintage crafts. She actually knows my broker now and send him her things to sell."

Captain asked, "Did you ever share any of this with Kylies Mom?"

"No," He said. "I adore Penny and even though we have our issues between us I did not want to put her in any danger. The cards she gets are sent to me in a package from Kylie and I posted them from other areas to throw off the people looking for Max still. I will tell you that the people did start a grow operation as the house is empty."

I asked, "Bernard are the rumors about you true?"

He let out a hearty laugh that surprised us all and he said, "You mean the RV in the back park of my property and the fact people say I have a meth lab in there. You are more than welcome to go look in the van Amy. The RV is my art studio and the black van that comes is my art dealer who comes to pick up my finished pieces. His mother lives east of us and he is a Mama's boy so he comes through at weird hours heading back to his home and gallery. Its no ones business and to be honest after my dear Mara passed I did not give a damn what people think about me."

Captain asked, "Bernard are you sure there is a grow set up?"

"Yes I am," He said. "I have a friend who is ex special ops who went back and saw it. He reported back to me and told me I had to report it. That's when I heard from Shawn and now I am back here to you. Listen I do not want to tip off the people who they owe the money to. I can say they have money to pay that man back ten fold but after over ten years I doubt that would make a difference. Now Captain I need you to do me a favor I can tell you you have some officers that were not purged when you got rid of the garbage. I need you to arrest me on a fake charge and we need to make a show of it. I have a buddy who is waiting for my call to post bail."

Captain asked, "What about Penny?"

Bernard said, "I need you to tell her but you need to do it outside her home. I believe that her moms house may be bugged. Also please do something about that grow operation on Max and Kylies land because when we find them and bring them home they have their home to come home to."

I looked up and said, "I have a plan for Amy. But Bernard what charges can we use?"

He sighed and said, "One of those cases are my Mara's death. It was truly an accident she was coming home from picking up my wedding gift but I am the one who fixed her car before hand. The car was in perfect condition and the guy who investigated did not want to charge the person who caused it with DUI."

Sam said, "Bernard I do not want to handcuff you."

He laughed and said, "I know son but we need to keep this under wraps for now. Amy please tell Penny I am sorry for keeping this from her but make sure she knows it has to be kept secret until we bring them home."

Captain opened the door and yelled, "Read him his rights."

Bernard got up and said, "But I told you the truth."

Sam cuffed Bernard and read him his rights in the hallway. They led him to the jail as I shut the door behind them. I called Grace. When she answered she said, "Hey Amy I was just going to call you and tell you I invited Penny to dinner tonight."

"Good," I said. "Can you please cook enough for Sam and I as well. We need to talk with Penny some more but please do not tell her that."

"Understood sweetie," She said. "We will see you at home later."

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

Evidence- Card, Vets, Gambling, Max's uncle Bernard Kline

604 missing people --Westhope, North Dakota 

Amy Mcgill -- Detective Montgomery-Sam

Dad--- Grace Dads Secretary-- Captain Charlie Milson-- Barbara Capt Secretary 

John- Bailiff at the court house - Grace Mckoy TV anchor

Bernard- Mara deceased fiance

Kline Family. Kylie, Max, Patty and Shawn went missing in 1991

Detective Mulson

Penny- Kylies mom

Bernard Kline- Max Uncle

Thomas Gilder

Evan- Thomas's Dad, Susan T Mom

Fred and May- people who cared for Thomas when he ran away

I found one that was dated back to the 1940'sand I grabbed that box and added it to the table. I search through the pile and found another that had two boxes of evidence from two years ago and went to the cart to look over the files on the cart I started sifting through and found one with a family that went missing. After looking over the information I placed the file on the table. Sam looked at me and said, "Those will be the next 6 cases we work on. I have one from the 1950's and two files I liked. One of the files is a family and one is for a drifter who lived in town."

The Town- Case One- Thomas Gilder