Kindle Vella Novel- Hiding From The World

 Kindle Vella Novel Coming In 2024

****************************EDITED**********************************

Living in the woods with her family, Charlie faces a tragedy that changes her world. Knowing the police are hiding what happened, she fights to bring answers to light. While secluded from the world, Charlie rescues a man hiding from the people who tried to end him. While trying to save everyone around her, Charlie realizes she is facing a war. 

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

Grabbing the basket I had by the door, I ran outside and grabbed all the clothes drying on the clothesline. The thunder started getting louder, and I yelled, "You better hold off until I get this inside."

I hurried to grab all the clean laundry and made it to the porch as 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."

Adding more wood to the fire, I grabbed the soup pot I made that morning from the refrigerator and started to cook the soup on the stove. Feeding Jinx, I decided to watch the storm and grabbed my camera. I took pictures to add to my blog, Hiding From The World. After an hour of shooting the storm, I went back into the house and loaded them onto my computer, and when I got to the last picture, I noticed a human shape hiding in the trees.

I grabbed my shotgun off the wall. I ensured I locked the doors and windows of the cabin. Looking in the direction where I saw the form, I looked to see if there was anyone there. I did see a dog in my yard, but no people. Being miles from nowhere, the fact someone dumped him here worried me that someone dumped it in the woods. Putting on my raincoat, I went out the door and called it to me. He ran to me and looked frantically back at the woods. Then I heard a small call for help. Now I know what you're going to say. Indigenous people say, You do not go to the calls, but the dog was whining and trying to get back to the sound. I grabbed my shotgun and said, "Come on, boy. Take me there."

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

The dog ran to a tree 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, "Let's get you up to my cabin. What is your name?"

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

"Okay, Mike, let's get inside, and you can tell me everything. How you made it to my cabin is beyond me. Do you realize where you are?" I said, Half carrying him to the porch of my home. When we got to the porch, I sat him down and said, "We have to 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 them."

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 if 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, lighter 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, "What's 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 downstairs. 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 dog 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 checked 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 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 homemade chicken soup. The bread is homemade as well. Now I think we need to figure out how your going to be kept safe from your cousins."

"I need to get word to my Dad to let him know I am alive," Mike said.

"Well your in luck," I said. "Tomorrow I am supposed to go do a supply run to town. If you give me a way to find him I can let him know your safe. Do not worry I will make sure he knows your safe without giving you away."

He asked, "Why would you help me?"

"This is my sanctuary. I have lived out here to keep my calm and peace after going through a tragic time in my life," I said. "The police in our area are not worth shit and if they come to my property they will never be found."

"May I ask you what happened?" He asked.

"Not right now," I said. "Maybe when I know you a bit better. But for now we can figure things out so I can get that message to your Dad. Does your Dad do anything alone like fishing or maybe volunteer?"

"He always has someone with him," Mike said. "I do not want you to be in danger trying to talk to him."

I laughed a little and said, "Do not worry about me I can handle anything that is thrown at me."

After we finished eating dinner I cleaned up the mess and the rest of the house. After I started the laundry from helping Mike, I asked, "Do you need help getting up to the loft?"

Standing up he said, "No I should be good."

He got to the base of the ladder and said, "Thank you Charlie you saved my life."

I chuckled and said, "I just stitched you up. Brody came and found me."

He went to climb the ladder and called Brody. Brody looked at him from blanket he was laying on next to the fireplace in my room and put his head down. He looked at me and said, "Well I guess Brody found a spot he likes, are you okay with him down here?"

"He is fine," I said. "Besides he looks like he is gonna sleep sound. No worries I have him."

Helping him up the ladder I hung a few blankets on the rungs. Walking to the bathroom I got ready for bed. When I was ready I went into the kitchen and cleaned up a little. Calling to Jinx he followed me to the bedroom. Climbing into bed I dozed off exhausted from the events of day.

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The next morning I woke up with a heavy weight across my legs. Slowly looking down I saw that Brody had climbed up and laid on my legs in the middle of the night. Pulling my legs I said, "Hey boy you need to go out?"

He jumped down and went to the door. Going to the front door I saw there was a truck out front. I said, "Go back to Daddy."

After he went back to my room. I grabbed my shotgun and went outside. A man got out of the truck and said, "Do you own this property?"

"I do and your trespassing," I said. "What do you want?"

"Have you seen anyone out here?" He asked.

"You are the first people I have seen in two months out here," I said. "You need to leave as I said your trespassing and we deal with trespassers one of two ways. You do not want either of them."

"We don't want trouble," He said. "Do you live our here alone?"

"No I don't," I said. "The others that live out here do not take to strangers."

He put his hands up and said, "I am looking for my cousin. Him and his dog were out here this week and we have not heard from him."

"Well if he stumbled into the wrong area you will not be seeing him ever again," I said.

At that time a long howl could be heard from the woods. The man said, "What was that?"

"Like I said the creatures who are out here do not like strangers," I said.

"Maybe we should call the police?" He said.

"You do that and tell them Charlie is still waiting for answers," I said. "If you have not been listening the police do not come here. Your on protected land. Now I suggest you leave before you go missing as well."

He put his hands up and asked, "If my cousin Mike comes this way can you let him know we are looking for him."

"I doubt he will be found you know," I said. "Like I said a lot of people go missing and the people around here are on protected land."

"Why is this land protected?" He asked. 

"This land belongs to the ghosts of the past," I said. "We hate trouble and people who are here to cause it. I am sure you have seen the signs to stay on the paths and to leave before dark."

"Then why do you live here?" He taunted.

"Because I am not a normal person and I belong out here," I said. "Besides I have over forty cameras on the property and most of them live stream at various times of day. But all of them are monitored. Now you have bothered me enough I would suggest you leave."

As I said that a massive branch came flying into the yard. The man got a scared look on his face and said, "What the hell."

"Thank you friend," I called out. Turning to the man I said, "My hidden friend decided to warn you as he provided me some wood for my stove. Now leave."

He got into his truck and pulled out. Looking towards the woods and said out loud. "The one he is looking for is safe here. I see his truth and he is a friend. Do you need anything from town?"

A man came out of the woods and I met him halfway. He said, "If you could get me some meat I would appreciate it I am not wanting fish. Other than that the staples. Can I meet your new friend Charlie?"

"Come in Sass I am sure you would see his truth as well," I said.

When we went inside Mike was in the doorway to my room. I said, "Mike your safe. I want you to meet my friend Sass."

Mike walked over and shook hand with Sass and he said, "Is Sass short for something?"

Sass turned to me and said, "He doesn't know?"

"No Sass how am I supposed to explain where he really is?" I said. "Especially after everything he had been through?"

Mike said, "I am lost."

Making coffee I said, "Sass why don't you explain to him where we are while I make us some breakfast. Oh did his cousin leave or is he hiding Brody needs to go out."

Tilting his head and said, "He is gone."

Opening the door I said, "Okay Brody go for it."

Brody went outside as I started to gather everything for breakfast. Sass asked, "Mike when you were shot, where were you?"

"I was at the fishing hole up the river," He said. "But when my cousin shot me I took off running and Brody followed."

Sass said, "You ran onto the protected land."

Mikes face became one of realization and he said, "What exactly is being protected."

Sass looked at me and I said, "Don't you dare break anything."

He stood up and transformed into a 8 foot tall sasquatch. Mike said, "Well shit that explains why you all are never found."

Sass transformed back and said, "Exactly."

Mike turned to me and asked, "Do you transform as well?"

I chuckled as Sass said, "Only a bitch when she has not eaten or is on her period."

I said, "I have abilities to see what is actually out there. My family has been guardians of this land for years. But I am human."

"Is that why you live here?" He asked. "Or is that something that you still don't want to talk about?"

Sass said, "Kid you need to be honest about why you hate town and those people."

As I started cooking bacon I said, "Is your headspace okay? My story is heavy."

He said, "I think I can handle it."

As I cooked I said, "When I was in college for nursing I met my husband Charles. He was in school for agriculture and his family owned land along the protected land. We dated and I brought him here to meet my Dad. Charles and I went for a walk and he knew what was here and what I could see. He never judged me and was alright with everything. The plan was he would do sustainable farming here and to help protect the creatures in the protected land. I would work as a nurse and help here when I could. As time went on we were graduating and we married. Charles was in school on scholarship and he had to finish his agreement and work for the town for the first year at a reduced pay. So we lived here as my Dad was sick. Soon enough I became pregnant. I had two little ones, Grace and Charles junior."

I stopped and took a breath. Sass said, "Those little ones were amazing toddlers. All the creatures around here loved them and would visit them often. We loved Charlie but those little ones didn't care what we are they knew we were friends."

"My Dad soon passed," I said. "A week after the funeral Charles had went to go visit his Mom and Dad. I had a meeting that day and Charles took the kids with him as I worked from home as a nurse advocate and ER nurse a few days a week. It got late and I had not heard anything from him. I called his parents and they said he left around two as the kids were getting cranky for their nap. When I told them that he never came home they became worried like I was."

Sass said, "We saw Charlie run to her truck and I stopped her asking what was wrong? When she told me I let out a roar and everyone gathered. Those who could take human form started searching along the protected land. I went with Charlie and we headed towards town. Right outside the gates to the protected land we saw police and emergency vehicles."

"We jumped out and ran towards Charles SUV," I said. "At the same time Charles parents and brothers pulled up and the police stopped us all. Charles Dad explained that was his son and Grandchildren. Looking up I saw a reaper and I started to cry as the police said that all the occupants were deceased."

Sass said, "The cry Charlie let out stopped everything and I asked the officer who did it. The officer said it looks like it was a murder suicide. Charles parents went off on the officer as his Mom held Charlie. They explained that was not true they had just saw them and were planning a BBQ at their house later that weekend. The officers finally let Charlie go to them. I went with her and I smelled others besides the kids and Charles. One of the EMT's was a reaper and she said to us, the police are hiding something."

Taking a break I said, "I wanted the bodies immediately to bury them in the graveyard at the back of my property. The sheriff insisted on a autopsy. I said No absolutely not if you think it was a murder suicide than there was no need. Charles Dad agreed. Charles family was one of the human families that knew of why the land was protected and some of the protected worked their land as hired hands."

Sighing I said, "Charles Dad went to arrange for the bodies to go to a protected lands friendly funeral home. The bodies did not show up. The bodies went missing. When I threatened to go to the national news outlets the bodies mysteriously were delivered to the funeral home two weeks later and having had autopsies. I waited until after the funeral to speak with the sheriff. When I showed up to the Sheriff's office with Charles Dad and Sass I asked to speak to the Sheriff. I was told that he was not available I sat down and said if I do not speak with him now I will be going to the press. He showed up ten minutes later and we were taken into a room. I told him I know they threw the death under the rug to cover for someone so if I do not get answers things will be very uncomfortable for him come his next election."

Sass said, "He lied to cover his ass or someone else's ass and threatened everyone in the room. Charlie said he had one year from that day to get her the truth or else. Since Charles families farm comes up to the protected land they are safe. But Charlie is harassed whenever she goes to town. Speaking of which Charlie is your body cam ready?"

"It is," I said. 

Mike said, "I went to school with your husband. I met your kids when they were with him in town and there was no way he would have done that. Everyone saw the news articles and many people do not believe that he would do that. Charlie I am so sorry. What do you think happened?"

Sass and I shared a look and Sass said, "We believe that Charles drove past someone doing poaching on the protected lands. He and the kids were killed and the sheriff is part of it."

"Poaching?" Mike said.

Sass sighed and said, "Poaching the creatures that live in the forest. Most hold properties that can make people immortal or bring people back from the dead. The list is a mile long and the reason is a mile long. The government knows we exist and that is why its protected land."

"Why not go to the government?" He asked.

Sass chuckled and said, "Because we are more classified than the aliens that visit us all the time. Speaking of which Charlie Saturday we need to stay indoors after dark."

Nodding I said, "Alarms are set and we will have Brody in before hand. I have a feeling your cousin will be looking for you so it is best you stay here."

Mike said, "Your not kidding"

Placing plates on the table I said, "No as long as we are inside we will be safe. Sass are you joining us?"

"Not sure yet," He said. "As the Gnomes had issues last time I may stay guard at the caves entrance for protection."

We ate and I said, "Your the only one who has come around Sass did anyone else need anything?"

"Not as far as I know Charlie," He said. "You have the emergency phone here?"

"Sure do," I said. Taking it out of the drawer putting it on the charger. "Its on and charging. Mike does Brody eat a specific dog food?"

"No," He said. "He normally eats whatever I eat. Speaking of what can I give him for his morning meal. He normally eats in the morning and at night."

Smiling I said, "You were so engrossed you did not see me feed him some stew when I fed Jinx his breakfast. That works though as Jinx only eats two meals a day do not believe him when he says I starve him."

We all laughed as I went into the room and got cash from my safe. Coming back out I said, "Sass even if they left can you please stick around. Mike please stay inside."

Taking my body cam I attached it to the strap of my bag. I said, "I will be back when my SUV and the coolers are full. I already got my freezers organized so if you go onto the freezer inside please be careful I filled it to the brim and the fridge has some meat thawing so I can can some stuff to add to the stock in the pantry. Mike I will look for your Dad and see if I can pass a message."

Getting into the SUV I drove to the main road and stopped where my family passed away. Stopping to lay flowers at the cross Charles Dad had placed I drove past town. Heading to the Asian store north of town I started shopping when I heard, "Hello Charlie."

Turning I said, "Sheriff unless your going to give me truthful answers please leave me alone I am only getting supplies and heading back home. I have my body cam on and it is livestreaming."

The Sheriff said, "Charlie we are firm in our judgement."

"You mean your lie," I said. "But remember the truth will come out and no one in town believes it was a murder suicide. Now if you will excuse me I want to get done and go home. Oh and you know I had a private analysis done on Charles SUV. There is no way the gunshots were done from the way you say they were."

"Who did you send it to?" He asked. "I was unaware of you doing this?"

"I sent it to a friend I have in the CIA and they had a international investigator come in and look it over as well," I said. "They are aware of my theory and my time line. Good day sheriff I want to get done as the kids birthday is coming up."

I watched him go outside and pull out his phone. Seeing the fear on his face I know he knows shit will hit the fan in six months unless the truth comes out. As I shopped the owner Mr. Ti came up handing me a green tea and said, "Every month Charlie. Does he think your going to back down?"

"I don't know Mr. Ti," I said. "But I want to shop and go home. Do you have my order ready for me?"

"I do," He said. "My butcher loves that you buy all cuts instead of being a picky white girl."

We laughed and when I filled my first cart he brought me a second. When I filled four carts he brought me my meat order and said, "Since I know you have a lot of shopping to do I put it in a large box this morning and added dry ice so you can shop without worrying about it."

"Mr. Ti you are amazing," I said. "Remember Saturday night be in by sundown."

"We are closing early for that," He said. "We will be home and in our cabin well beforehand. My wife already has preparations underway."

I stopped at a few places that Mikes Dad would be at and did not see him. I headed to the last place which was a farmers market Mikes Dad would visit. Grabbing my cart I started to shop. I saw him and made myself trip. He turned to me and said, "Are you alright?"

I asked quietly, "Is Mike your son?"

He nodded and said, "Yes."

"Please walk with me," I said quietly.

He said, "Are you sure your alright you didn't twist your ankle did you?"

"No you caught me," I said. "I hope your not being kept from anyone?"

It dawned on him and he said, "No not at all."

"He is safe," I said. "He is hiding until we can solve his issue. But his cousin shot him. I used to be a nurse and was able to patch him up."

"Shit," he said. "Thank you."

"Here is my card it has my emergency phone for people who need help," I said. You can call after eight tonight. I will answer it Charlies Herbs."

"Thank you Charlie," He said.

Cashing out I went to two of the Dollar trees and went into Sam's Club. Four carts later I went to Publix last. Doing four trips in the store I went to Winn Dixie last filling up the last of my SUV. Stopping back at Mercury Pizza I ordered some of my favorites. My last stop was going through the drive through of the local weed store picking up the massive order I placed the night before. Heading home I was happy the police decided to leave me alone that day.

When I pulled up Sass and Mike came out and Mike said, "How did you see out the windows?"

"Luck," I said. "You will be hearing from your Dad after eight tonight."

Taking the takeout inside I placed it on top of the wood stove. Sass said, "Charlie we will empty the SUV you start putting it away."

As they brought in the food I put everything away placing Sass's requests into a box. When he saw the different meats and food I got him Sass said, "Charlie you make a old man happy. This will fill my hut freezer for the month for sure."

"I am not done Sass," I said. "Oh and your welcome to join us for dinner I stopped at Mercury Pizzeria."

It took an hour but when I was done Sass had multiple packages and he was happy that he had waited. Handing him two jars of the weed I picked up he smiled and said, "You are amazing and my pipe from Lincoln will thank you."

Mike asked, "Sass please tell me your not saying old Abe."

"The very same," He said. "What a warrior he is."

"Was," Mike said hesitantly.

"Is," Sass said. "Wonderful man. But this time of year he is normally up north."

"But isn't he a human?" Mike asked.

"Did you ever read the book about him being a vampire hunter?" Sass asked.

"Now your just pulling my leg," Mike said.

Sass and I looked at each other. Mike sat down and I said, "Abe is a wonderful man. Mike you have to realize that there are good and bad in each species. While your here you have to understand all those legends and lore come from something."

Mike said, "Well then I have a lot to learn."

Sass patted his shoulder, "Its alright Mike after everything you have been through It can take a while to come to terms with what is what."

Sitting down we all started to eat family style. Things were calm for a while until we heard a long howl in the woods. Sass looked up and said, "That is Mandle. Something is wrong."

We went to the porch and I called out, "Mandle come forward the person here is a friend."

Three massive wolves came running out of the woods. As they approached the porch they shifted into two men and a woman. Sass walked to meet them and said, "Friend what's going on?"

Mandle said, "We saw a stranger on the property with Sass we became worried."

Nodding I said, "Mandle this is Mike. He is a friend he got lost on our lands when his cousin tried to kill him. Sass saw his truth, he is safe."

Mandle walked up to Mike and sniffed. "I see your truth as well. One moment."

Nodding towards the female she turned and called out, "It is safe you can come see Charlie and Sass." 

Out of the woods four children ran towards us. The youngest boy ran up to me and jumped into my arms. Going forehead to forehead he asked, "Ms. Charlie do you have sweets?"

Laughing I said, "Did your Mama say it was okay?"

All the kids looked at their Mama and she said, "One sweet if Charlie has it and that is all. You all are bouncing from the trees already because of Saturday coming."

Laughing I said, "It's alright Sheeva I have something that they will love and not loaded with sugar."

Putting the young one down I said, "Well you know the drill go sit down."

Going into the house I grabbed four fruit bars from the freezer. Coming out the four pups all clapped and cheered. Sheeve said, "You best use your manners."

There was a string of thank you as they enjoyed their treat. Mandle chuckled as he said, "I am concerned for Saturday night. We have fortified the den. Charlie are you all set for Saturday."

"Yes," I said. "I fortified the locks and have covers for the windows that will go on from the inside."

Mandle asked, "Will Mike be here?"

Mike said, "That is the plan. We do not know what my cousin will do if he finds out I am alive."

Mandle nodded and asked, "Was he the truck that was in the area this morning?"

"He did have a blue truck," I said.

Mike chuckled and said, "I was hiding like you said I did not want to look out. That is my truck. His truck is black. Mine is the blue with an orange stripe around it."

Mandle nodded and said, "We will spread the word that both are foes until you have a resolution. If you hear our howls as we have sentries at the start of the park you will know to hide. Besides Charlie is a force to be reckoned with."

Thunder started in the distance and Sass said, "Well I best get my things and head home."

Sheeva said, "The same here these little ones need to get ready for bed."

The wolves said their farewell and we went back inside. I asked Sass, "Would you like some leftovers to bring home with you."

"Does a duck play in water," He asked.

Getting a container from my cabinet I filled it with pizza and some of the main dishes. He added it to a box and I said, "If anyone feels unsafe and needs shelter for Saturday my doors lock at four. Tell them to be here and we will fit everyone in."

Sass said, "I will spread the word."

When he left Mike asked, "If these aliens are safe why do you need to hide?"

Sitting back down as we ate some more I said, "Normally we give them their space as the good ones are here to gather fauna and plants they use for medicine and treats. But three visits ago other aliens came and fighting started. Some of the protected lands creatures perished or vanished. A few of the good ones were found dead or dying. We let the agency that oversees us and them know. They came and collected the bodies and arranged help for the survivors. Last month the goblins that live near a waterfall were in their den which they secured and some of the not good aliens tried to get in to them. The went further into their tunnels to hide. When dawn arrived Sass was walking the woods to check on everyone and the aliens were still there. He went on the defensive and roared. Everyone in the protected land stayed in for a while longer and the aliens took off fast. We are worried about what will happen this time."

"Have they ever tried anything with you," He asked.

"No the good ones left me a gift when they found out about my loss," I said. "Its a memorial rock with Charles and the kids names on their language with a flower of hope. I normally leave some of the herbs I grow and dry on the porch in a basket. They like Mint and Thyme."

"Well I will be honest when I took off to go fishing this past weekend I never thought I would learn any of this," He said. "Now all the myths and legends I learned about are true and you confirmed Aliens exist."

"You know creatures are not only in the protected lands," I said. "If you open yourself up to possibilities you will see the truth out there."

He chuckled and said, "I guess it would explain some of the people I met. Would it be bad of me to hope my cousin tries something that night so they take him."

Laughing I said, "A little but after meeting him i understand. I quietly hope the same thing for the sheriff as well."

We sat for a moment and then I stood up putting things away. Mike asked, "Are you alright?"

"I will be alright," I said. "I didn't tell Sass because he worries about me, but I ran into the sheriff when I went to town. I told him that I had the car looked over and that there was no way Charles could have killed himself or the kids. He ran scared. Lord help it if I find out who killed my family."

My emergency phone started to ring and I answered it, "Charlies Herbs how can I help you?"

"Charlie I met you at the farmers market this morning," A voice said. "I was interested in ordering some herbs that help with injuries."

"Of course," I said. "Are you available to speak freely about the injuries?"

"Yes," He said. "Is he around?"

I handed the phone to Mike and I went to put everything that was left away. By the end of the call I had everything put away and organized. He handed me the phone and said, "Thank you. He is gonna call my clients to let them know there was a family emergency and I would have to delay jobs till I can return. Days like this I am thankful that I work for myself."

Looking at him I asked, "You were the one that was going to build the playhouse for the kids?"

He nodded and said, "I was."

 

Charlie- Charlies Herbs

Mike-

Sass- Sassquach

Mandle- Werewolf    Sheeve-Mandles mate