The Mommy Detectives

and the Bingo Hall Mystery

By

Alathia Paris Morgan

This is a work of fiction and in no way meant to portray actual people, names, places, events, or situations. The ideas were from the author’s own imagination and any resemblance to people living or dead is entirely coincidental.

Copyright: May 2017 Alathia Morgan

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission, except in the case of quotations for articles and reviews.

Acknowledgements: Thanks so much to my editor; I couldn’t have done it without you. Rebel Edit & Design

Book cover: As always credit for the book cover design goes to Nicole Paris, thank you for all you do!!

To: My own personal cheering section: Gerald Short. You let me know I could do this and not let failures get in the way. Your encouragement means so much to me that I named a character after you.

Last, but never least, my amazing, crazy, wonderful mom. I might have based the idea of Carolina from things you do that make me want to scream, but you are truly an inspiration.

Chapter 1

“Carrots and Peas!” Sunni Wilson exclaimed as a gold Monte Carlo cut her off by crossing from the left into the right lane, then turning.

Sunni, as usual, was running late to her MOMs, or Mothers of Munchkins, group again. These days, she never made it to anything on time. At least, not the important things, like meetings or doctor’s appointments, but mention an afternoon sale and she would be the first one there and five minutes early.

Quickly, Sunni pulled into a parking space, trying to make up the time she had lost.

Brushing her medium length brown hair behind her ear, she tried to wait patiently for the twins to exit the van.

“Hurry up, kids. We’re late, and we don’t want to miss the entire meeting.” Motioning them out of the van, Flynn began to search for his missing shoe. Sunni sighed. “Stand here, Lily. Don’t move or you’ll get run over by a car.” Sunni placed a knee on the floor of the van and stuck her head in-between the seats while reaching a hand under the seat to retrieve the missing shoe.

“Flynn, sweetie, sit here and I’ll put your shoe back on. Next time, let’s leave both of them on until we get to the place we’re going, okay?” She wiggled the shoe onto a foot that refused to stay still. Placing the foot on her thigh to tie it, Sunni only hoped they were not too terribly late now.

“All right. Stand with your sister, Flynn,” Sunni commanded as she reached for the oversized purse she had tossed to the ground as the shoe searching efforts had begun. Slamming the van door, she reached for the twins’ hands and started for the building with hurried steps.

“Mom, you didn’t lock the van,” Lily reminded her.

Pausing to find the key in her purse, she hit the button on the fob and was rewarded with a satisfying beep.

“Thank you, Lily Bell. What would I do without you?” Sunni smiled at her four-year-old daughter approvingly.  She reached for Flynn’s hand again, just as a rock was about to be inserted into his nose.

“Flynn, don’t put rocks in your nose, okay?” Exasperated, Sunni picked up the pace as they neared the building.

“Mom, I wasn’t going to put it in my nose. I was just making sure it would be a perfect fit. I have to find the perfect one for my experiment.” Flynn held his fingers a slight bit apart to show what size rock he would need.

“Well, next time, ask me first and I can help you find one so you don’t have to look as hard.” Sunni was relieved when Flynn brightened at the idea of her helping him in his search.

She let go of Lily’s hand as she held the door open for them to walk through. Sunni couldn’t help but compare the twins. Lily and Flynn were the same size and had similar facial features, but they couldn’t have been more different.

Flynn was all boy. He was loud, and always out to discover the world and how it worked. The twin with the biggest imagination, he was always into something, trying to build a tower or fort so that he could be the hero in his made-up world.

Lily, on the other hand, was quiet and observant for the most part. She had a very girly streak, but could be persuaded by Flynn to join him on an adventure if it suited her mood that day.

When they combined their efforts, the amount of mischief they could come up with was astronomical compared to what their older brother, Dusty, had been able to accomplish by himself.

Arriving at the room for the children’s activities, Sunni signed both children in and began walking toward the large meeting room. Taking a few deep breaths as she made her way forward, she tried to relax.

The children are fine and we made it, so focus on having a good time.

MOMs were a group of women who had preschool age children who needed a chance to get away, to speak with other adults. It was the mommy version of AA, because there was never any guilt or judgement on what a particular mom was struggling with at home. Well, that was the way it was supposed to work, Sunni corrected herself. Not everyone was able to be objective about what they heard.

Still, it was a great to know there were many others having the same problems with their preschool aged children.

She slipped quietly into a seat near the back. Sunni was surprised that she had only missed the opening announcements.

Perri, one of the group leaders, was introducing the speaker for the evening.

“Karen is going to tell us a few ways to have patience with our children, and a way for the family to engage in activities together that will build communication.” Perri motioned toward the slim woman of about fifty to begin.

“Meditation is always a good way to relieve stress, allowing for a more patient frame of mind with which to operate from.” Karen’s voice droned on as Sunni’s mind tried to imagine a way in which she could actually find five minutes, much less thirty of silence to meditate in her very noisy household.

There were meetings when Sunni was certain that the expert had never had children at all, or had simply forgotten the days when their children were small and all-consuming in their needs.

Sunni brought her focus back to what Karen was saying. “Yoga is a great family activity for the entire family to engage in together. While your young or smaller children won’t be able to follow all the positions, it can be a wonderful way in which to laugh and have a good time together. Don’t take yourself too seriously. While Yoga is meant as a form of exercise, just remember, doing something together is what builds communication.” The moms all clapped as Perri stepped back up to thank their speaker.

“Let’s try to discuss these ideas as we break into our smaller groups for crafts and refreshments.” Perri nodded toward the tables setup in three different areas so the moms could have a little more one-on-one interaction with each other.

Sunni’s group consisted of Kristi, a single mom of two girls. Vicki, who homeschooled her five children—three boys and two girls. Then Olive, the career mom who was a real estate agent, mom of a three-year-old girl, and was expecting another in six months. Not that you could tell from the size of her small waist, though. Cheri was the only grandmother who was raising her grandchildren, a tween-ager and two toddlers, ages two and one. She was the newest addition to their small group since parenting had changed so much since she’d had her daughter twenty plus years ago. Last, but never least in Sunni’s mind was Miles, the only stay at home dad in the whole MOMs group. He had two teenagers and a five-year-old with autism.

Olive was the one in charge, and she had their activity ready to start as they reached their table.

“I know it’s early to start working on Thanksgiving, but since we only meet every other week, I thought the sooner the better. I found this on Pinterest and thought of how wonderful they would be for a fall centerpiece.” She gestured toward the table and supplies in each spot.

Each member had a pumpkin, empty can, knife, and candle sitting in front of their spots.

“Take your knives and cut a hole large enough for the can to fit inside of. It’ll help hold the shape of the pumpkin. Place all the extras in the container so you can use them later.” Olive demonstrated with her own knife in a quick and efficient manner. “Now that the centers are held in place, you can place the stones in the can and either put a candle or flower arrangement in the center, creating an amazing design in seconds that will look amazing on your table for Thanksgiving.

“Just remember, the pumpkins will only stay fresh for about two weeks, so make sure you don’t begin too early or it won’t last until the day you need it.” Impatience filled Olive’s voice. Sunni watched as Olive grew more frustrated when the adults started to play around with the knives and pumpkins. “Let’s remember that we’re all adults.”

Miles piped in. “I don’t see any adults here, just a few overgrown kids having some fun with this pumpkin mash.” In a singsong voice, he continued. “It was the pumpkin mash, a thanksgiving smash, it caught on in a flash of turkey bones…” He paused to look at the blank faces around him. “What? Don’t tell me you’ve never changed the words to a song before.”

Kristi burst out laughing. “I try to sing the children’s songs to different lyrics every day. I can’t handle the amount of times I hear the same song over and over. That was a great remake, Miles.”

The only reason the group wasn’t blessed with an outburst from Olive was because Perri moved in smoothly to handle the situation.

Sunni appreciated the mediating skills Perri showed to keep the situation from going nuclear. “Why don’t we finish up and head over to the dessert table for our refreshments, and get into small group time?”

She caught the grateful look Olive flashed to Perri as she focused back on what Olive was saying. “Take your pumpkin seeds home and you can bake them for a snack with spices sprinkled over them.”

Sunni never wanted to be the one in charge, so she didn’t mind whenever Olive took over or got a little bossy. She knew it got on some of the other’s nerves occasionally, but no one wanted to hurt Olive’s feelings.

After Sunni and the others hit the dessert table, Perri, a seasoned mom of eight, started the sharing session time. She was the perfect match for group leader as the mom of a blended family, and the counselor at the high school due to her vast experience. She took over the sharing session with a time for discussing problems and the good things that had happened that week.

“So, guys and gals, how are things going this week?” Perri hoped from all the smiles that things were going well.

“Let’s start with you, Kristi.”

Sunni could barely concentrate on what the others were saying because she had a question, but was the last to share since her topic was not about children. It was more about the senior citizen problem, really, now that she thought about it.

When her turn arrived, Sunni was hesitant about broaching the subject. “If this is not okay, then just let me know. I don’t want to bring up a taboo topic. I just really need some help.”

“Oh, Sunni, it can’t be that bad. Go ahead and tell us.” Perri invited.

“Yes, now you have us all curious, and I don’t plan on my cat dying today, so spill,” Miles persuaded with only a slight grin around the corners of his mouth.

“I think there might be drugs being sold to the senior citizens at the bingo hall where I take my Aunt Marie.” She waved a hand dismissively. “I probably imagined it, and it was really something simple. I mean, why would someone sell drugs to the senior citizens, right?”

Perri took her concern seriously. “Something made you feel uncomfortable about what you saw, so tell us what happened so we can give you some advice.”

“It was more of a feeling,” Sunni began. “There was a man in a vest and bow tie handing out grocery sacks of something. He didn’t hand one to every person that walked out. In fact, it was only about five or six people out of the thirty plus that left, but it just seemed odd.”

“It does sound a bit fishy. Why was he so dressed up?” Kristi wondered.

“He could’ve been handing out lunches. There are some groups that do that kind of thing,” Cheri commented.

“He just seemed so…oh, what’s the word…polished?” Sunni frowned in frustration as her thoughts eluded her.

“Suave! He was probably smiling too much and being too charming. They used to call them con men. I’m sure that these days there’s a politically correct term for it,” Olive provided happily.

“Exactly. He just seemed to be going overboard with his charm toward the seniors, and it was both women and men that he was talking with.” Sunni felt relieved to have summed it up for everyone.

“I don’t like to get into other people’s business because, well, it’s their business, but this just sort of hit me wrong and I wanted to know if I should tell someone. Only, I don’t know what exactly is going on, so…” Sunni trailed off.

“I always call the cops when I see something that’s suspicious,” Cheri chimed in. “Simply because you never know what some of these young hoodlums are really up to, and I want to sleep well knowing I informed the authorities.”

“I don’t ever call the cops unless there are bullets being fired. With my neighbor, I can’t take a chance that she’s just doing her gardening at midnight instead of it being a prowler. I don’t want her getting shot by mistake.” Kristi shook her head, grinning at some of the things Ms. Carolina did next door.

“Seriously, I would call the police more often because of the things your neighbor does, not less.” Olive grimaced whenever Kristi’s kooky neighbor was mentioned.

“It’s off topic, I know, but I heard something last night. When I looked outside, I could see her dancing in a bikini in the back yard with a circle of candles lit so we could see everything that the bikini didn’t cover.” Kristi giggled as she told the story.

“I asked her this morning what was going on and she said, “If you do a moonlight dance on the first night of the full moon, then you’ll ward off evil through the winter.” Kristi took a deep breath. “I was trying so hard not to laugh, but I needed to know what the bikini was about so I asked her why the bikini?

“Carolina just looked at me and whispered, “If you do the dance naked, the winter gods will be appeased and no evil will befall you. Not that I believe in those old tales, but I couldn’t just put all this out there for everyone to see. I mean, it doesn’t really change the dance if you have something covering your important parts, right?” As she said this, she motioned to her plump figure in her housecoat,” Kristi said with laughter.

“Honestly, I was just so thankful that she covered the important parts. I did agree with her that it wouldn’t change the intention of the dance. I think seeing her dance like that was more than enough to ward off evil through the spring at least.” Kristi laughed again.

“Oh, my. Is she stable? I mean, is she safe to have roaming around like that?” Vicki spoke, concerned that Ms. Carolina could be dangerous.

“She’s actually a sweetheart, but completely gullible. I think one of the neighborhood men put her up to it just so they could get her naked. Not quite what they were planning on, though, I would suspect.”

“Sounds like something my granddad might do to convince a pretty girl to try.” Miles shook his head, grinning.

“Humorous, but I don’t think that really helped with Sunni’s problem. I think we can safely say that bikini dancing is not what we’re looking for, or is calling the authorities. Any thoughts?”

Sunni watched in admiration as Perri redirected the group back onto the topic at hand.

“Why don’t you take some pictures of this man and see if you can find out who he is. Then, if you feel that you need to go to the authorities, you’ll have the proof you need to show them,” Vicki cautiously suggested.

“You mean, like, go undercover?” Sunni wasn’t sure she could be that covert.

“Just information gathering. He could see you picking up your aunt and not suspect anything, but this way, there would be no danger to you if he’s involved in something shady,” Kristi added. “Pictures and descriptions of what he’s doing and when would be helpful to the police. They don’t have extra time to investigate possibilities.”

“True, they’re more interested about catching the culprit afterward than prevention in most cases. Okay, I think I can do a little reconnaissance work and let you know what happens next time.” Smiling, Sunni was relieved to have a game plan that didn’t involve her getting shot by some drug dealer.

“Wonderful, Sunni! Now we can be your detective support group as well. If you need us to help out, I’m sure that most of us would be willing to take a shift watching him if we really need to,” Perri suggested.

“Any last questions before we dismiss?” Sunni was always glad that Perri made sure there weren’t any unspoken issues left in the group.

“Great, we’ll see you next time. Have a wonderful week.”

Sunni glanced at the clock and hurried to pick up her two children from their class so she wouldn’t be late to pick up Dusty from his friend’s house.

Trying to balance the pumpkin and hold both the twins’ hands proved impossible, so she improvised as she made her way to the van.

I’m so glad they didn’t think I was crazy. Now I have a game plan and a way to find out if I was right in my suspicions. She took a deep breath, feeling relieved, and herded her children into the van, putting it out of her mind until she went to pick up Aunt Marie a week later.

------------------

Pondering the best way to broach the subject with Aunt Marie as they were headed to the Bingo Hall, Sunni cleared her throat.

“Do you happen to know who that funny little man was? The one handing out sacks last time we were here?”

“Not really. I’m always one of the last ones out. Why?” Aunt Marie fixed Sunni with an inquisitive look.

“He just seemed…I don’t know…fishy?” Sunni waited to let Aunt Marie think.

“Fishy? For someone that doesn’t eat them, are you sure you can make that comparison?” With a raised eyebrow, Aunt Marie watched for a reaction.

“I know what the word implies and yes, he was too charming and slippery. I just felt something was off, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I guess it was nothing.” Sunni shrugged it off. “I’m seeing bad guys around every corner.”

Pulling up into the drop off zone, Sunni waited to see if Aunt Marie took her seriously.

Curious, she pulled the open door partially closed. “Why do you think he’s bad? This is a really great neighborhood, and the police station is only two streets over.”

“See, that’s the thing. He was wearing a vest and a bow tie, which is what struck me as odd, even for this area. He didn’t do anything that I could see. It was just a feeling or the vibe he was giving. He felt off.”

Aunt Marie smiled. “I’ll ask around to find out who he is and what his business is with the Bingo Hall.”

“No!” Sunni exclaimed. “What if he decides to follow you and we go to jail instead of him?”

“Huh? Listen, I’ll be subtle about it, but he can’t hurt us if he doesn’t know we’re checking out his story.” She placed her hand on Sunni’s arm reassuringly. “We’ll get to the bottom of this and make sure it stays a safe place for us seniors to hang out at.”

“Just be careful, please?” Sunni pleaded.

“Cross my heart. I’ve got this, kiddo.” She winked as she opened her door the rest of the way, then slid out. “Nothing to worry about. See you in a few hours.”

Sunni sighed as she watched her walk away. Now they were committed to this undercover investigation because Aunt Marie wouldn’t let it go until she got to the bottom of it, no matter what the consequences.

Looking at the quiet twins in the rearview mirror, who were inhaling their snacks, Sunni turned toward the park and the promised picnic. She was hoping she could wear them out before she had to return and pick up Aunt Marie.

-----------------

Parking where she had a perfect view of the front door, Sunni took out the digital camera she kept for outings.

“So, are we going to spy on the old people?” Flynn asked excitedly.

Thinking quickly, Sunni improvised. “I’m doing some documentation and research. After hours of watching people, then I’ll put a report together.”

“Ugh! That is sooo boring.” Flynn placed his headphones back on and was asleep in minutes.

“Phew!” Sunni sighed, focusing her attention on the entrance of the Bingo Hall.

They were twenty minutes early, which was astonishing. Sunni glanced around, anxious for the man in the bow tie to show up.

Aunt Marie was one of the last to leave the building as the slow-moving group made their way to their vehicles.

Climbing into the van, Aunt Marie started her report loudly. “I only got to talk to two ladies, and they’re huge gossips.”

Sunni interrupted. “Shh, they’re asleep. Talk softly, please.”

Aunt Marie lowered her voice as she looked in the back at the quiet children. “So the gossips had no idea what I was talking about, which is good for the criminal. I wouldn’t trust them to keep a secret if my life depended on it. Anyway, I’m sure they’ll talk about my need to make some cash, and I can get an insider’s scoop on what’s going on for you.”

As Sunni pulled up at Aunt Marie’s, she was startled by fingers snapping.

“I just remembered, they should have my car ready and delivered by tomorrow so I won’t need you to take me next week. I do hate to be a bother.” Aunt Marie unbuckled her seat belt and started to get out.

Sunni smiled as she placed a hand on Aunt Marie’s shoulder. “You’re never a bother, and I need someone that can do some undercover work inside the senior center.”

“Well, I do hate to impose, but I’d like to help you out with this. It makes me feel needed. I’ll keep checking and when I found out more information, I’ll give you a call.” Aunt Marie dug through her purse for her keys.

“Really, Auntie, any time you need something, just ask. If I can’t do it I’ll tell you, but family takes care of family, right?”

She held up her keys in triumph. “You are so right. I could never ask for a better niece. See you later,” she exclaimed as she slammed the door.

Sunni waved as she tried not to grimace. Neither child stirred, which was a miracle considering they had been asleep for a while.

Chapter 2

The next few days ran together, working through problems, so Sunni barely remembered there was a mystery she wanted to solve.

It started out with Lily washing her stuffed animals in the sink, causing it to overflow and flood the bathroom. This catastrophe meant Sunni would have to wash two more loads of towels from the floor cleanup.

Sunni enjoyed modern appliances, but when she could save some energy and use a more natural method, she really tried. So she headed out to the clothesline with a basket of laundry as a scream rang out.

Dropping the basket, Sunni raced to the source of the screams, only to discover Lily in the playroom, lying under the shelf of craft supplies. A sheepish looking Flynn stood next to the mess, at a loss on what to do next.

“Lily, honey, it’s going to be okay. Just stay still until I can get you out from under there,” Sunni cautioned as Lily desperately tried to escape the shelf.

Lifting the shelf only caused the contents to spill over onto the floor as Lily continued to whimper.

Hurriedly setting the shelf upright, Sunni bent to lift Lily into her arms, cradling her as she sat on the ground. She turned her gaze up to Flynn and noticed he was almost gleeful in surveying the disaster that he had created.

“Did you do this to your sister?” Sunni watched his expression carefully. At his slight nod, she asked, “Why?”

“I captured the evil queen and put her in the dungeon, my good woman,” he declared. “That’s you, Mom.”

“Did you push the shelf over on your sister?”

“Well, she was climbing on it to get the paper at the top, and I might have helped it just a teensy bit as it was falling over. It looked like she had been captured. The evil queen was trying to escape so the good knight held it down until you got here,” Flynn explained quickly.

“First of all, we are not going to put Lily or anyone in a dungeon. She could have been hurt.” She turned to Lily. “Lily, you can’t climb up on things like that. You could’ve been badly hurt.”

“Well, she was climbing the wall and was going to put a spell on the kingdom. If she did, we would’ve all died,” Flynn argued again.

Sunni gritted her teeth while checking to make sure that Lily hadn’t broken any bones.

“Firefly, are you okay? You really scared me.” Sunni started cleaning up the mess from the floor and returning it to the shelf.

“Yes, I’m okay,” Lily whimpered. “But Mommy, I don’t want to be the evil queen. I just wanted to get more paper so I could color more pictures to go on the refrigerator.”

“Well, pickles,” Sunni exclaimed. She didn’t want to say something worse in front of little ears.

Crouching in front of him, Sunni spoke calmly. “Flynn, go to your room for a time out. Even though you were only pretending, you could’ve seriously hurt your sister.  She didn’t want to play the game you picked, and you can’t force people to play the way you want them to.”

When Flynn started to protest, Sunni shook her finger and pointed toward the door. “No, sir. Now go.”

Flynn turned dejectedly as he headed for his room, dragging his toy sword behind him.

Sunni gave Lily a hug and helped her get settled at the table with the supplies she had been getting when the crisis had happened.

Returning to the laundry basket, Sunni looked outside as she opened the door to discover a downpour of rain.

A groan of frustration erupted from her as she closed the door with a bang. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and carried the basket back to the laundry room and to the dryer.

At least the dryer was energy efficient because today, Sunni was ready to give in on the fight of natural vs. convenient. Her optimism had diminished after four years of the twins’ accidents and a steady stream of crisis’.

“Banana peels!” Sunni exclaimed. “Now the kids won’t be able to go outside this afternoon.”

She decided to check on the moods of both children before she started carrying a black cloud of despair around behind her.

Lily was engrossed in her art, so Sunni continued down the hall toward the room Flynn shared with Dusty.

From her view in the doorway, she didn’t see him. The closet was empty, so she sunk to all fours to look under the bed.

Flynn laid on his back with his hands holding the hilt of his sword on his chest, with the tip pointed downward in the classic dead knight pose.

“Flynn—” Sunni started.

“I’m not Flynn,” he declared with eyes closed.

“So who are you, if you’re not Flynn?” Sunni questioned.

“Sir Percy of the Pursi…pursi…well, the in-trouble knight.” Gripping his sword tighter, he shut his mouth.

“Do you mean persecuted?” Seeing his head nod, she continued. “Do you even know what that means?”

Flynn opened his eyes wide. “Dusty always says it. I think it means the firing squad is going to death me.”

Sunni placed her hand over her mouth in an attempt to hold her laughter in.

“Persecuted is when someone has it in for you. They’re constantly trying to get you mad or in trouble. Now, Sir Percy the Persecuted, I don’t believe you’ll be on your deathbed today. I do think you should apologize to your sister for hurting her.”

“I can’t. Knights have their pride, you know,” Flynn said with authority.

“Well, I think a brave knight would be willing to admit he was wrong and almost killed the princess who looked a lot like the evil queen. Do you think you could give it a try this once?”

“I guess.” Sunni frowned. “I mean, yes, Mom?” Flynn asked.

Not trusting herself to speak, she shook her head and just sat on the floor, laughing silently as Flynn scooted out from under the bed and raced to the kitchen to give his apology.

She only caught Lily’s reply as she approached the kitchen at a much slower pace.

“Thank you, Sir Knight, and since I didn’t get hurt or broken, it’s okay. Do you want to color with me?” Lily offered.

Flynn laid his sword on the floor under the chair and joined his sister, the incident forgotten.

Sunni only wished she could forget the craziness as easily.

------------------

Aunt Marie called three days later and suggested they meet for lunch to get out of the house.

“We’d love an excuse to get out of the house. All the rain is driving us crazy. The Sweet Pea has an indoor playground with the caterpillar slide. Will that be okay?” Sunni’s day had taken an upward turn.

“Sure, but can you take me to Bingo when we finish?” Aunt Marie asked hesitantly.

“No problem. We’ll be there in thirty minutes.”

Sunni hung up the phone. “Kids, put your shoes on. We’re going to the Sweet Pea for lunch.”

Wincing at the sounds coming from the bedrooms as the twins raced to find their shoes, Sunni went to change out of her stained shirt and into something suitable for the public to see.

Aunt Marie was standing on her porch, out of the rain, watching as Sunni arrived.

“You certainly made good time,” she commented as she climbed into the passenger seat.

“Well, the motivation of a playground always speeds up the process.” Sunni grinned into the rearview mirror at her children.

Ordering was easy since the Sweet Pea was one of the few restaurants in town that served vegan food.

There were empty tables with a full view of the caterpillar slide and playground.

“So, I had an ulterior motive for asking you out to lunch. I’ve been doing some sleuthing for you.”

“Aunt Marie, it could be very dangerous to do this on your own.”

Waving a hand to dismiss Sunni’s concern, she continued. “The man you saw is Alexander Fine. He’s a librarian at the high school on this side of town. He has a college degree and volunteers to help the senior citizens with book checkouts. He works part-time at the public library to run a cart at the Bingo hall so they can get new books and don’t have to drive over to the main library.”

“I guess that sort of makes sense, but why can’t they drive to the library if they can get to bingo?” Sunni tilted her head, confused.

“Because, dear, the bus will pick them up for bingo, or their family drops them off. A library stop is considered nonessential and takes too much time compared to leaving them at the senior center. Sort of like an adult daycare, so their children don’t have to have them around constantly.”

“Aunt Marie, that’s awful. I hope no one there thinks I’m trying to get rid of you.”

“Oh, honey, it is what it is, and most of us are glad to escape for a few hours from the confines of our homes.” She laid a hand reassuringly on Sunni’s arm.

“Well, when you put it in perspective, I’m sure the seniors enjoy a little time away from their families as much as I cherish MOMs. Still, it’s hard to imagine families who want to get rid of each other in that manner.” Sunni glanced at the children racing up the slide again to hide her tears.

“Honey, the world isn’t a nice place. You’re just lucky I like you.” Aunt Marie winked at her in an attempt to lift the sad mood. “Now, let’s eat lunch, then you can drop me off at my daycare so I can play detective some more.”

Dropping Aunt Marie off at Bingo, Sunni decided to swing by the grocery store while the children were still full from lunch.

Lily and Flynn were always helpful on a shopping trip because they wanted one of everything in the store.

List in hand, Sunni managed to bypass the sugary cereals with only a few protests and placed the oatmeal into the cart, along with wheat flour and yeast to make enough bread for the coming week.

Thankfully, the fresh food’s store catered to those trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. Their fruits and vegetables were from local farmers and provided the things Sunni couldn’t grow in her own garden.

Lily and Flynn began to argue over the merits of green beans versus peas.

“Peas get all mushy, but the green beans get softer, and you can still tell what you’re eating,” Lily informed.

“Just imagine, the peas are made from mud mixed with grass, and you have to eat it to survive when they take you prisoner,” Flynn countered, excited at the prospect.

Huffing, Lily placed her hands on her hips. “I’m not going to be a prisoner. I can’t be one because I’m not joining the army, so I won’t have to pretend the mud or ugly peas are anything I want to eat.”

“Mom,” Flynn whined. “Tell Lily she won’t have a choice if the terrorists come for her. She’ll have to do what they say.”

Sunni’s dislike for guns and fighting didn’t extend to her brother, who was overseas in the army.

She was proud of her brother, but the short periods of time Flynn had been around him made it hard to keep the peace. His continued infatuation with all things military was a source of constant irritation, and all she could do was hope that he would outgrow it as he got older.

“Flynn, the likelihood that we’ll be taken prisoner is very slim. Instead of arguing with your sister, would you go get a bag of oranges to put in the cart, please?” Sunni used the best way to stop a fight, using a distraction.

------------------

Arriving back at the bingo hall a few minutes early, both the twins had fallen asleep after using up all their energy to load the groceries. Sunni pulled up under the tree to park so the sun wouldn’t shine on the twins.

She picked up the book lying on the passenger seat. She lifted the book up in order to cover her spying on the seniors pouring out of the bingo hall.

A young man with baggy clothes was leaning against the wall, catching Sunni’s attention as he lit the cigarette placed between his lips.

He must have felt her stare as he glanced around and favored her with a wink as he slid the lighter back into his pocket.

Embarrassed to have been caught watching him, Sunni lifted the book higher to cover her flushed face.

He might have fallen into the “hot” category if it wasn’t for his long hair that was pulled back in a ponytail, Sunni mused from behind her book, when a knock on the window startled her.

Dropping the book to place a hand on her heart, she was relieved to see Aunt Marie standing outside the van.

Unlocking the door, she held a finger to her lips with a warning glance toward the sleeping children.

“If you’re going to be undercover, you might want to read the book right side up,” Aunt Marie whispered as she got settled in the passenger seat.

“Aw, cheese and crackers. I guess I wasn’t paying attention.” Sunni pulled into the line of departing cars.

“You had all your attention focused on the guy in the alley.”

Sunni blushed as she protested. “I believe he could be a suspect.”

“Ah. Listen to you, a regular private eye. Found your culprit, did you?” Aunt Marie snickered.

“Well, why else would he be hanging around a senior center? He must be doing something wrong. I still think your Mr. Fine is up to something besides just delivering library books, but this other guy might bear some watching.” Sunni defended herself strenuously.

“Dear, you’re entitled to your opinion, but don’t be disappointed if you find out he’s normal,” she advised wisely.

“I’ve watched too many late-night mysteries,” Sunni acknowledged as she pulled into Aunt Marie’s driveway. “Still want me to pick you up next week?”

“Absolutely. Just because everything seems plausible, doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a mystery. We’ll just keep our eyes on those two hoodlums.” Aunt Marie closed the door with a bang before walking up the path to her house.

Flynn jerked as the door shut, but resumed sleeping while Lily didn’t make a move until Sunni arrived at home.

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The next day at Sunni’s MOM meeting, the topic was on how to deal with difficult family members during the holidays.

While some families argued throughout their entire holiday, Sunni’s small family gathering never had any problems of this nature.

Aunt Marie was the only relative who lived nearby from Sunni’s family and her in-laws, Sam and Helen, would be joining them as they did for most holidays.

Kristi and her two daughters had joined them for Thanksgiving last year. This year her neighbor, Carolina Leigh, would also be joining them since her family wouldn’t be visiting until Christmas.

“Who knows what could happen this year with a full house?” Sunni mused, trying to pay closer attention to the speaker.

Her tips for relieving stress were simple: keep people moving from room to room so no one person was cornered into a conversation with an “annoying” relative. Breaks of at least five minutes alone would help when tempers began to rise. Steering all conversations on politics and religion to other topics that are less controversial was always a good idea.

Sunni tried to imagine how Carolina would do in a group of people unknown to her. Somehow, she didn’t think Carolina had a shy bone in her body.

Following the others over to the craft tables, Sunni eyed the pinecones warily.

The pinecone project had two different approaches: the glitter dipped turkey, or the turkey made with feathers from your child’s handprints.

Sunni thought Olive seemed to be in more of hurry to finish craft time than usual, and smiled when Olive was the first to ask a question during group time.

“So, Sunni, do you have anything exciting to report from your undercover activities?”

Everyone crowded closer, eagerly awaiting her answer.

“Aunt Marie found out the suspect’s name is Alexander Fine.”

Perry interrupted Sunni. “Oh, he works at our school library. He seems a little sophisticated for the bingo hall.”

“Evidently, the bags I saw him handing to the elderly were filled with books. The envelopes are supposed to be their lists of books for the next month.” Sunni paused with a frown.

“I don’t know. He just seems suspicious to me. I did see another guy hanging around the hall in the alley. He was wearing baggy pants, and had long hair pulled into a ponytail. He was in his mid to late 20’s, but if he hadn’t been so ratty looking, he might have been cute.”

“Cute or hot?” Kristi questioned with a snicker. “I mean, there is a difference, girl, and we need all those details to know if we should put him on the suspect list.” Kristi smiled as Sunni blushed.

“I’m a married woman,” Sunni protested. “Besides, I didn’t pay that close attention.”

“Honey, just because you’re married doesn’t mean you’re blind,” Cheri sagely chimed in. “We have to appreciate what God gave them.”

“Yeah, it’s Thanksgiving, so be thankful for such a great view,” Kristi added, grinning.

“If he cleaned up, he might be handsome, but he had a tattoo on his arm and thingies in his ears?” Sunni cringed at the thought of why someone would have those if they weren’t doing something wrong.

“What’s wrong with tattoos?” Miles questioned, confused.

“Nothing, I guess. He just wasn’t your typical hard working guy. I mean, who has time to lurk around a senior center, just leaning against a building like those guys in that movie with the convenience store? He also winked at me, which is just not acceptable for a mother in a minivan.”

Miles and Kristi burst into laughter, while Cheri tried to keep a straight face.

“Ah, there’s the reason he’s on your suspect list. He flirted with you and that made you uncomfortable,” Cheri explained patiently.

Squirming in her seat, Sunni grudgingly nodded her head in agreement.

While Sunni’s distress grew, she was relieved when Perry stepped in to direct everyone’s attention elsewhere.

“As far as Mr. Fine is concerned, he’s a well-respected, although a bit odd, man at the school. He’s the assistant school librarian and with his work at the main library as well, I would think it’s safe to say he’s on the up and up.”

“I think you were caught off guard by our overly curious hangout hoodlum, if that’s even the correct term for the young man. He can probably be marked off your list as well. What do you think?”

“Well, that puts me back at square one, with nothing but an uncomfortable feeling,” Sunni complained. “I’m going to concentrate on Thanksgiving and see what turns up after we get back to normal after the holidays.”

“Splendid idea,” Olive agreed.

Chapter 3

The week of Thanksgiving arrived, and with it the end of school for Sunni’s sixteen-year-old son, Dusty.

While Dusty was old enough to babysit his younger siblings, Sunni didn’t feel comfortable with leaving both twins with him since they could sometimes be overwhelming, even for adults.

Since Flynn adored him, he tended to be easier for Dusty to handle, which was why Lily got to have a little alone time with a mommy shopping trip for the big Thanksgiving dinner.

Having cooked the meal for many years since marrying Daniel, Sunni had no problems preparing for a large crowd. When the twins were born, Helen, her mother-in-law, had volunteered to cook the turkey while she did the side dishes and dessert.

The tofurkey didn’t require as much work as a regular turkey, but Sunni considered it an important part of her Thanksgiving, so she didn’t mind cooking an extra dish.

Lily was excited to be her helper, and insisted on carrying the list while trying to read what they needed by spelling each letter out loud to her mother.

Distracted by the spelling list as she tried to shop for the ingredients for yams, she ran straight into a solid chest covered by a T-shirt with Pacman on it.

Looking up, she encountered the face of the man who had been leaning on the bingo hall wall.

Sunni backed into her basket as she fumbled to apologize.  “Um, I’m so sorry…” She trailed off as she caught the fresh smell of apples coming from the gorgeous man. “I wasn’t watching where I was going,” she mumbled, trying not to look him directly in the face. Instead, she focused on the shelf next to her.

“No problem.” His deep voice was filled with mirth. “Spelling lessons while shopping can tax the brain.” He held up his hand for a high five as he smiled at Lily.  “Great job on your shopping list.”

Lily slapped his hand in excitement, just as Sunni recovered her manners. “You have a great Thanksgiving.” She hastily tossed the sugar loaded marshmallows into the basket in her hurry to escape the unsettling encounter.

Her curiosity kicked in as she glanced into his basket as she passed by before she raced to the next aisle.

His cart was filled with pre-made pie crusts, filling, a turkey, and a ham, with a few extras not as quickly identifiable.

She paused to take a deep breath. “What’s next on the list, Lily?”

“S, w, e, e, t…” Lily spelled out.

“Sweet potatoes. They’ll be over in the produce section.” As she redirected them to the other side of the store, Sunni couldn’t help but wonder, what kind of guy made pies and cooked Thanksgiving dinner, but was a possible criminal?” Shrugging it off, she hurried to finish the list so she could take Aunt Marie to her bingo game and get the groceries home.

------------------

Excluding the embarrassing parts of bumping into Pacman dude, Sunni told Aunt Marie about his shopping cart.

“Why would someone like him be shopping for Thanksgiving dinner?”

“Honey, I’m afraid all sorts of people know how to cook, and even make Thanksgiving dinner.” Aunt Marie enjoyed poking fun at her niece’s naivety.

“Whatever.” She shook her head in frustration. “Just go play Bingo and forget I even mentioned it.”

Aunt Marie closed her mouth, but didn’t plan to forget or stop trying to find out what her niece was hiding from. She went into the bingo hall and chose a spot near the ladies who were known for the best gossip.

“I could sure stand to win the cash prize this week. When someone else yelled, “Bingo!” Aunt Marie muttered, “Christmas is going to be such a disappointment to the twins if I can’t get them the bicycles they wanted.”

Her neighbors nodded their heads in agreement, but concentrated quietly to hear the next number called out.

Dropping a few more hints about a tight budget and future needs over the next two rounds, she knew her seeds of information had been overheard by these well-informed ladies.

Aunt Marie quickly made her way to the restroom, located in the back as they called for a break.

The line wasn’t terribly long since the larger restroom was at the front of the building, but she heard someone follow her into line.

Shelia, a woman around 60-65ish, Marie determined, peeked around the corner.

“Ugh, three more to go. It’s a good thing we get a twenty-minute break. Otherwise, some of us would never make it into the restroom at all,” Shelia whispered loudly.

“Right? It’s not healthy to hold it in for an entire round of cards.” Marie sympathized, moving one person closer to the goal.

“Girl, I don’t know about you, but I’m not as young as I used to be.”

Sheila seemed to be contemplating something, so Marie agreed.

“Exactly!”

“I’m not as nice as used to be either.” Shelia gently touched Marie’s elbow, making her wait until the others had rounded the corner.

“I heard you might be needing extra money for the holidays?”

“Well, news travels fast around here. I do need a little extra, but finding a part-time job is so difficult,” Marie complained. “I can only work so many hours or my social security is cut, and that defeats the purpose, doesn’t it?”

“I’m not sure, but I heard about a job. The only problem is they pay under the table, and some people don’t feel comfortable with that kind of thing,” Shelia mentioned quietly.

“I worked hard for my retirement and I shouldn’t be penalized if I need a little more money to get by on. What are they going to do, throw all the old people in jail? At least we would have three hot meals a day and we wouldn’t have to cook.” Marie started to raise her voice, until Shelia looked around, worried someone might overhear.

“So you might be willing to check into it?” Shelia asked, waiting until an older man shuffled past them for an answer.

“Honestly, I’m desperate. I don’t want to be a burden on my family, and my retirement isn’t cutting it.”

“What types of medications do you take?” Shelia questioned intently.

Frowning, Marie appeared confused at the change in subject. “Well, let’s see, I’m on a blood pressure medication, some sleep meds, and then there’s the prescription with codeine in it. But how does that get me a job?”

Shelia shook her head at Marie’s innocence. “We pay you to give us some of your pills. Maybe you can lose a bottle down the drain and have to reorder it. Skip a few pills a month or we can have someone “break in” while you’re out for the day. We don’t want you to get ill or hurt, but there are lots of ways of getting extra meds.”

“Oh, my, that is deviously clever,” Marie acknowledged.

“The insurance pays for a new set of pills and you get paid for the ones that ‘disappear’ as well. If you have any symptoms for something, but you normally wouldn’t have asked for medicine, go ahead. We can take just about anything you can for a prescription and we’ll find a use for it.”

Shelia checked the hallway one last time. “Make a list of pills and slip it to me when we leave with your phone number on it. I’ll let you know what to bring with you to the next bingo day.”

Leaning closer to Shelia, Marie asked, “Do I just bring them in a baggie to you?”

“Oh, good heavens, no. Put them in an envelope with the number of pills and place it discreetly in a book to return to the library guy. He’ll take your donation and give you books with the payment inside.”

“You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you? I’d better hurry to the bathroom because I hear them getting ready to start.” Marie gave Shelia a quick hug. “Thank you so much, dear.”

Following Shelia’s advice, she handed her the list as she walked by on her way to her table.

Mingling with the crowd as they left, Marie paused to watch the young man leaning against the side of the building, smoking. Her confidence at her undercover skills made her curious as to if her niece was correct about him.

Appearing uninterested, she continued to watch him as she waited for Sunni to arrive. He simply stood there, watching the slow-moving flood of seniors trotting along with their walkers toward their cars.

He looked over and managed to make eye contact with Marie, winking boldly. Unlike her niece, she winked back, causing his face to break into a full earth-melting smile.

An acquaintance was struggling to hold the door open and move her walker through at the same time.

“Let me get that for you, Vivian.” As she pulled the door open further, it was held open by an arm much stronger than hers, just above her head.

Leaning back, Marie was impressed that the young man was not only strong, but fast as well.

He graced her with a quick smile, then focused on helping Vivian down the curb and through the crosswalk to a parked car. He unlocked the passenger door and settled Vivian into the seat. Marie’s mouth dropped open in astonishment.

Waving to her as he closed the trunk on Vivian’s walker, he slid into the driver’s seat and pulled out of the parking lot with ease.

A honk brought her attention back to the sidewalk, where Sunni’s van was waiting. Sunni began to explain why she had been slightly late to pick her up, oblivious to Marie’s discovery.

Dusty had egged his younger brother on, and the end result was a mud war of epic proportions.

They pulled up to Marie’s house and parked when Sunni finished explaining the chaos she had discovered when she had arrived home.

Deciding that she should keep all her undercover operations quiet for the day, Marie got out quickly.

“I hope you made those rascals clean the whole mess up.” She tried to keep Sunni from asking about how bingo went.

“Oh, they’re supposed to have made progress by the time I get home.” Sunni tried to cover the smile that crept over her frazzled face as the image of two mud covered boys tried to clean up.

“Thanks for bringing me home, sweetie, and call me if you need anything else done for Thanksgiving dinner. I can always come over early,” Marie offered as she closed the door.

“No problem. I’ve got to hurry before they hose down the entire yard and turn it into a mud pit,” Sunni apologized as she started backing out with a wave.

Chapter 4

Dusty was going crazy during the holiday break.  His little brother offered some fun on occasion, but he needed to get out of the house. He went in search of his mother, finding her in the kitchen, baking pies.

“Mom, can I go to Charlie’s house for the night?” He hastened to give her more of an incentive. “It’s not a school night, and I have to hang out with someone over the break. Otherwise, I won’t have any cool stories when we go back to school.”

Sunni looked up and swiped at the hair hanging into her face, leaving a streak of flour in its place.

“I don’t care, as long as Charlie’s mom comes and picks you up.” Sunni’s grin spread as Dusty let out a whoop, fist pumping the air in triumph.

“She should be here in ten minutes.” Dusty pulled the backpack from outside the kitchen door and slung it over his shoulder.

“I just got played, didn’t I?” Sunni questioned him.

“Yep.” Dusty grinned smugly. “I just know you need less stress while getting ready for the holiday dinner, so I’m taking myself out of the equation.”

A horn honked from out front. “There she is now. Catch you later, Mom.”

Dusty ducked out of the kitchen and toward the front door. He opened it, just as he heard Sunni’s exclamation.

“No, sir.” Sunni wiped her floured hands on her apron.

He waved at Charlie’s mom and partially closed the front door.

“Don’t even think about it.” She walked around the counter and followed him.

Sheepishly, Dusty met his mom in an embrace. Sunni hugged him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

“Better? Can I go now?” Dusty waited for permission this time.

“Yes. I’ll walk out with you and speak to Charlie’s mother.”

Ignoring Dusty and Charlie’s enthusiasm, Sunni walked over to the driver’s window.

“Hey. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay with Dusty staying over?”

“Oh, my, yes. Hopefully, Charlie will quit bugging his siblings.” His mother sighed as she glanced at the teenagers in the back seat.

“Well, let me know when I need to pick him up.”

“Sure thing. Is it okay if he and Charlie are there alone with the babysitter tonight? I didn’t remember until we were headed over here that we have a dinner with Joseph’s bosses.”

“I don’t see why it would be a problem. They’ll be playing video games, and probably won’t even come out while you’re gone.”

“True. Boys are so much easier than girls,” Charlie’s mom agreed.

Sunni waited until they were out of the driveway before going back inside to bake the pies.

------------------

When Charlie got Dusty alone in his room, he didn’t waste any time explaining their plan to sneak out.

“When my mom and dad leave tonight, we can sneak out through the garage, and Eric will pick us up for Cindy’s party.”

“Dude, there’s only one problem, I don’t have the pills. My mom is all about herbal remedies so there wasn’t anything I could bring,” Dusty apologized.

“No worries. I have enough to get us in. My dad had surgery last year and he didn’t use all the doses the doctor gave him.”

“Lucky for us,” Dusty replied. “Are you sure we won’t get caught?”

“Nah, it’s all good. Bethany thinks I’m gross, so we stay out of each other’s way.”

Dusty groaned. “I’m not worried about sneaking out, but about getting caught at the party. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“Relax. Cindy’s parents are out of town until Sunday, but she has to go to family stuff Thursday, which is why Tuesday night is perfect. There should only be about twenty people there. Plus, I made sure Mendy would be there for you so we can get you laid, dude.” Seeing Dusty’s frown at having sex with Mendy, Charlie backtracked. “At least she could use her mouth to help take the edge off.”

“What?” Dusty protested. “No way. Not on a first date, but maybe we can make out a little bit.”

“That’s the spirit. These cocktail parties loosen you up, even if you haven’t done it before.”

“Yeah, well, let’s just play it by ear until then, all right.”

“Sure, dude. You’re going to have so much fun.”

------------------

Marie had gone home to take stock of all the pills she had on hand.

Two trips and a dozen bottles later, her counter was filled with many types of pills.

I had no idea what was sitting in my cabinet, she thought as she surveyed the counter, with at least a hundred pills in each container.

Some were from when her tooth had been hurting, but she had only taken the prescribed pills that first day. Others were left over from changes in dosage to a lower or higher dose, and she just hadn’t taken the time to clean out the cabinet.

She didn’t have to wait long before the phone rang.

“Shelia, I have a question for you?” Marie began, without the courtesy of a hello. “Can you use meat after the expiration date, or will it hurt for the youth group to eat it? I just hate to throw it out.”

“Well,” Shelia replied cautiously. “I don’t believe it would hurt anything. Most of the time, they put those labels on things simply so that you throw it out and have to come back for more.”

“I have about thirty pounds in my freezer I’d forgotten about. I think I’ll split it up and make it two different donations.” Marie was having fun talking about her pills in code.

“Oh, I agree. If it’s frozen, then it won’t go bad, and you can bring the rest of it in a couple of weeks. They can only use so much at a time before it spoils.”

“Wonderful. Well, thanks for putting my mind at ease, and don’t forget to message me the list of items we need to bring.”

“Sure,” Shelia mumbled, a little taken aback at her enthusiasm. “See you then.”

As she closed her phone, Marie did a little happy dance, flinging her arms in such a way that they hit the pill bottles on the counter, knocking them over like bowling pins.

Instead of replacing them in the bathroom, she opened the pantry holding her china and tried to hide them in the pitcher and gravy moat.

There. That’s somewhere the kiddos won’t think to look, and certainly wouldn’t appeal to anyone breaking into my home.

She talked to herself so that the house wouldn’t seem quite so empty. Most of the time, it didn’t bother her, but when the holidays came around, it emphasized the fact that no one had ever wanted to commit to her.

Let’s see if I’m more attractive in my golden years. Shaking off the depressing thoughts, she headed to the computer. Now there are dating sites on here. I wonder if Mr. Fine is on one of them.

Hours slipped away as she filled out profiles online. Just as she was closing the computer, someone messaged her.

The profile’s picture was older, and showed a handsome man in his early twenties. Leery, she opened the message.

“Hi. I saw you were new and wanted to welcome you to the site. We cater to locals who want to meet someone their age without the pressures of most dating sites. We want you and those who you pair off with for dates to get to know each other and find suitable companion. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. A.J.”

“A.J., thanks for the welcome. I do have one question, why is your profile photo of a much younger man if this site is for 40-60 year olds?”

“We urge that you post an older picture of yourself so your matches aren’t based on looks alone. We want everyone to really connect on a deeper level. When you feel comfortable sharing your picture with a potential match, then please do.”

“Wow! I’ve been on several different sites tonight and none of them were worried about the inner person. They were all about age and looks. I am so relieved, A.J. You have been so helpful. Is there a safe place where people on this site get together and meet?”

“Absolutely, Marie. It is okay if I call you Marie? We have a gathering once a month, normally on the last Saturday of the month at the senior bingo center, over on 10th Street. Since there aren’t any activities that night, we meet for music, refreshments, and a good evening of friends and fellowship. Please think about joining us. It starts at seven pm.”

“I do know where it’s located, and after I leave the family part of Thanksgiving, I always feel so lonely.”

“I completely understand. I don’t have any immediate family in the area so holidays tend to drag on for me. I find a few good books and settle in for a long weekend.”

“Oh, you like to read? I do too, but I have to confess, their just trashy romance novels.”

“Nothing to be ashamed of, but you should really try a few of the biographies our library has available. There are several that are simply riveting.”

“Biographies make me depressed.”

“What? How on earth is that possible?”

“Well, the people who have biographies written about them have always done great things. As I read about them, I realize I haven’t done anything to speak of. Then I plan how I could help out in different ways, but my chair always gets the better of me.”

“Ah, such a quandary. I do think you are selling yourself short, though. You don’t have to start new programs. There are many in place already, they just need the volunteers to keep them going.”

“I don’t know. I worked hard for thirty years and now I’m really enjoying retirement. Again, I do believe this chair has magical powers that hold me down.”

“Nonsense. What time is your family doing their Thanksgiving meal?”

“Oh, we always start eating around 2-3 in the afternoon, depending on who all is attending and where they are driving from. Why?”

“There’s a shelter on the east side of town and they’re always looking for people to help serve lunch to those who are staying with them.”

“That’s in only two days…well one, really. They are probably full. People always help out with that kind of stuff.”

“Hmm. Every year, we need more hands to help than show up. Why don’t you come for the 11-1 shift? It will give you a chance to start on your biography, and you might have some fun at the same time.”

“Well, not to be forward, but will you be there?”

“Yes. I get there early to help with the turkey, and then I stay until late afternoon. It beats staying home alone all day, and I know that I’m helping my community.”

“Can I think about it?”

“Sure, but I’ll put you down as coming, and if you change your mind, just message me.”

“I guess that will be okay.”

“It’s been a long day so I will sign off for now. I’m glad that you joined our match site. I look forward to seeing you.”

“Same here. Good night.”

“Good night, Marie.”

Marie couldn’t explain the thrill she felt as she pulled information from the man.

“It wouldn’t hurt if I helped out someone else, but I’ll see what Sunni thinks tomorrow. I doubt I’ll plan to go to the shelter, but it won’t hurt to keep him guessing.”

Stretching as she stood, her body protested from sitting at the computer for so many hours. She headed to bed to dream of eligible men with bingo balls, not realizing that her plans were about to change drastically.

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Charlie’s parents left and Dusty grew more nervous as the moment approached to sneak out.

As they walked through the kitchen and out to the garage’s back door, Dusty released the breath he was holding as they made it to the alley undetected.

Eric pulled up in his blue Buick Skylark as they approached. Barely slowing down, he threw open the door and Charlie hopped in, leaving Dusty to run along while trying to open the back door.

Laughing at their prank, Dusty sat there fuming, already unhappy to be headed to the party.

The house they pulled up to was completely dark, but Eric continued on the drive around toward the back until they were sitting at the top of the hill, looking down on the car covered field next to the barn.

Eric pulled up at the end of a row and put the car in park.

Charlie turned in his seat to face Dusty. “Here.” He shoved several pills into Dusty’s hands. “Hand them to the guy at the door so that he’ll let you in. It’s the entrance fee.”

“I thought—” Dusty started to ask, but was cut off by Eric.

“Look, I know this is new to you. Just do as you’re told and follow our lead. We’ve done this a few times and haven’t gotten caught yet.” Eric threw a wink over his shoulder at Dusty as he exited the vehicle.

As they came closer to the barn door, the beats became distinguishable, until the door opened and the music rushed out, drowning out everything else.

The bouncer was a dude from the football team, and Dusty had only seen him around school since they didn’t run in the same circles.

Leaning in to ask Charlie what he was doing there, the question died on his lips as he caught Eric’s expression.

“Uppers on the left, downers on the right.” He stood between the two bowls and held out a big bowl to accept their contribution to the party. Charlie and Eric placed their hand over the extended bowl and dropped five pills each into it.

Dusty took a deep breath and followed their example, almost missing how many pills they took from the other two bowls. Charlie helped him with the decision by pointing to the uppers.

“Get any of the blue or orange pills. They mix well together.”

Nervously, Dusty grabbed two and shoved them in his pocket.

Charlie grabbed his arm and pulled him through the mass of bodies dancing to the earsplitting music. They made their way to the back edge where the girls were sitting on a couch.

Dusty looked around, wondering how they would be able to talk with the girls, but his doubts were quickly vanquished when both couples claimed the couch and each other’s mouths.

A soft hand on his arm startled Dusty, as Mendy pointed to a dark colored recliner next to the couch. Following her, he took a seat while she settled on the arm, leaning back against him.

Mendy cupped her hand to absorb some of the noise as she shouted in Dusty’s ear. “Did you want a drink?”

“Sure,” he answered, then shook his head in acknowledgement in case she hadn’t heard him.

“Be right back.”

She returned with six beers and passed them out to everyone. Everyone stopped playing tonsil hockey, as Eric lifted his glass.

“Bottoms up.” Everyone clinked bottles and popped their pills, downing them with their beers.

Charlie threw an arm around Dusty as he leaned in to whisper in his ear. “She’s all ready for you. Don’t mess this up.” Dusty took a big gulp of his beer to avoid replying.

Mendy startled him when she placed her body next to his, rubbing against him. She pulled him toward the chair beside the couch that the other two couples were occupying.

She pushed him into the chair as she straddled his lap, facing him so that she could have better access.

He almost got up, but noticed both Eric and Charlie eyeing him, so instead of them calling him a chicken, he stayed where he was sitting.

Another swig of his beer should have helped settle his nerves, that was until she started grinding around, giving him an unexpected lap dance. Downing the last of her beer, she placed her arms behind his head, pulling him close for a kiss.

Dusty’s senses were overwhelmed, and pills he had taken must have kicked in because he didn’t want her to stop. Responding, Dusty took her lead and gently kissed her back.

It must have been right because she suddenly started moving faster and took both of his hands, placing them on her waist to keep her steady.

She fell forward, her whole body shaking uncontrollably and he was certain this was not a reaction to their kiss.

Dusty jumped up and laid her back into the chair as she continued to move in uncoordinated ways.

Frantically waving at the others, he placed his cell phone to his ear.

“Yes, 9-1-1, there’s a girl here and I think she’s seizing.”

“Where are you at?”

“I’m not sure. It’s a party in a barn, and I didn’t drive so I have no idea.”

“Did she take anything?”

“Some beer and a few pills.” Dusty didn’t finish his sentence as the cell phone was ripped from his hand.

“Dude, what are you thinking?”

Dusty tried to focus on what Eric was saying, but all he could hear was Charlie screaming at everyone. “Cops! Cops!”

“Is she dead?” Charlie questioned.

Dusty put his hand on her neck, trying to ignore the foam coming from her mouth.

“Yes, for the moment.”

The band screeched to a stop and yelled, “Cops!”

A stampede for the door commenced, and they were left with silence.

Mendy wasn’t shaking anymore, but her body would give a shudder.

“Look, you guys might as well go. I’ll stay with Mendy since the party was on my property. They would question me anyway, but there’s no point in the rest of you getting in trouble,” Cindy said.

“She’s right. Do you want to come…umm, what’s your name?” Eric asked as he tried to recall Charlie’s date’s name.

“Tiffany. Yea, I’ll squeeze in because I don’t want any trouble over this.”

“Go, now! There’s a driveway around the back of the barn that leads to the main road.”

“Dusty! Dusty, come on, man.” Charlie pulled on his arm. “We have to go. The police and ambulance will be here in just a few minutes.”

“I can’t leave her. What if she dies?” Dusty said in a whisper.

“Here’s the deal. Unless you want to have the police interrogate you and have your parents find out where you were this evening, then you need to get in my car now! I’m leaving, and if you aren’t in the vehicle, well, that’s your problem.” Eric started running for the barn doors, not caring if the others were behind him.

Since they had stood around, debating on what to do, the entire place emptied out. Even the band was wheeling the last of their stuff toward the doors.

Charlie continued to pull and push Dusty toward the exit. Tiffany finally grabbed one side, while Charlie grabbed the other. They made more progress as his body moved along without help from his brain.

Finally, the fog lifted a little, and Dusty shook them off.

“I’m good. Let’s go.”

The three of them started to run to Eric’s car, pulling out the back gate as the lights and sirens could be heard.

“See, they’ll make it. The emergency people can help her, but this way, we don’t have to go to jail.” Charlie tried to reassure his friend.

“Stop it.” Realizing that there was no way to explain his feelings of guilt to Charlie, Dusty gave up for the moment.

No matter what his friends said to comfort him, he was pretty sure he had just left the first girl he had ever kissed to die.

Chapter 5

Arriving back at Charlie’s home, Dusty realized his friends and Tiffany were looking at him expectantly.

“What?” he snapped.

“Uh, we’re here. You can get out now.”

“Right.” As he started to move, they all realized that he was shaking so badly, he couldn’t move.

“Should I just take him home?” Eric questioned hesitantly.

“No. His mom will throw a fit. He can sleep it off here. Park the car while I try to get him out,” Charlie instructed Eric.

“No, I’ll manage,” he muttered shakily.

Forcing himself to move, Dusty mechanically got into the house with Charlie hovering behind him.

Charlie guided him to the bathroom and emptied his pockets before shoving him under the shower. It seemed to help shock him back to reality by the time Charlie returned with a pair of pajamas.

Dusty’s shock was diminishing, but he waited for Charlie to leave before taking off his soaked clothes.  Drying off, he took a deep breath and put the borrowed pajamas on. Wringing out his wet clothes, he opened the door to a worried Charlie.

“Ah, let’s get those clothes into the dryer.” Showing Dusty the laundry room, they remained silent as the dryer started.

The silence deepened as they got into bed and settled in for the night. Both boys lied in the darkness, wondering what was happening to Cindy, and if Mendy was still alive.

They were both awake when Charlie’s mom checked in, but they didn’t move, not wanting any questions from her that they couldn’t answer.

As the door of the parents’ room shut, Charlie finally spoke. “Do you think it was the pills? Or was she just sick?”

“No, she was fine until the drugs got to working against the alcohol.”

“I’m sorry you didn’t get laid,” Charlie commiserated.

“What the hell!” Dusty exploded. “She might be dead or hurt for life, and all you can think or worry about is my v-card? What is wrong with you?”

“Hey, I’m sorry. I won’t mention it again if you’re going to be so sensitive.”

Dusty was certain Charlie had taken something while he was in the shower because the friend he knew could never act so callously.

“Good night.” Dusty tried to repair the break, but didn’t receive an answer.

------------------

The boys were awakened by both of their phones going off at the same time.

“Hello?” Dusty answered sleepily. “Eric?”

“She’s dead? Do they know anything about what happened?” Nodding his head in response to what Eric was saying, he tried to listen to what Charlie was mumbling as well.

“Hey, thanks for calling.” He waited until Charlie finished his call.

“Well, what did Cindy say?”

“She’s pretty broken up about it. The hospital let her stay with her until Mendy’s parents got there.” Charlie rubbed his bloodshot eyes to help focus on what had happened. “They weren’t sure exactly what she took, but they’re blaming it on an allergic reaction to oxycodone and her antidepressants.”

“I had no idea she was on antidepressants. To be honest, I didn’t know much about her yet, but would it have had an effect that quickly?”

“Cindy says since she was taking several medications, mixed with both oxycodone and alcohol, it’s what caused it to happen so fast. They put her on anti-seizure medicine, but it was too late. Her body couldn’t take it, making her heart stop.” Charlie wrapped his arms around his knees, trying to find some comfort.

“Eric was saying that they weren’t going to prosecute Cindy, but will be looking into where she got the drugs. Nothing was left there for the cops to find, right?” Dusty asked hesitantly.

“The classmate who is in charge of the event is supposed to make sure nothing is left behind. They always have a car right next to the building. If the lookout spots anything, they leave with the drugs, just to be certain no one gets caught,” Charlie explained.

“Can’t they, like, trace the pills? So what if your pills aren’t used for months, or someone finds them and brings the cops to your door?” Dusty asked nervously.

“Then you say they fell out of your bag or something. Never admit your connections to a party, ever. You were never there, period. End of story.” Frustrated, Charlie ran a hand through his hair.

“You know, I think I’m going to see if my mom will come pick me. All this has made my stomach sick.” Dusty spoke as he texted his mom.

Charlie jumped out of bed and grabbed the phone. “You can’t say anything about this or we’ll go to jail. Probably for manslaughter since you were with her when it happened,” he threatened.

“Chill out. I know how to handle my mom, Charlie. I just want to go home. I texted her that I’m sick. See for yourself.” He motioned to the phone his friend was waving around dramatically.

Looking at the text message Dusty had been about to send, Charlie realized he had reacted prematurely.

“Sorry, dude. Here’s your phone. I’m going back to sleep.” With that, he climbed into his bed and turned away from Dusty.

Quietly gathering his stuff, Dusty decided not to say anything else to Charlie for fear he would go off the handle again.

Charlie’s mom was in the kitchen already when he finally made his way downstairs, but barely noticed his exit when he went to sit outside and wait on his mom. When she walked out to the car, Dusty climbed in without saying anything and tried to hold it together until they reached home.

As they parked in the driveway, he began to cry.

“Mom, I’m so sorry.”

“Honey, I was up anyway, and I don’t want you somewhere else if you don’t feel good.”

“It’s not that…I,” Dusty could hardly speak through the emotions overwhelming him. “I’m glad you’re my mom,” he finally managed to say.

“Me too, honey.” Sunni reached across the seat and pulled him into her arms. Knowing something was wrong, because Dusty never acted like this, she waited for him to explain what was going on.

“The girl I like died last night. Well, this morning.” Ignoring Sunni’s gasp as she pulled away to look at him, he continued. “She overdosed on drugs and alcohol at a party last night.”

“Were you at this party?” Sunni tried to keep any hint of judgement out of her voice.

“We just went to see the girls. Charlie and Eric were trying to get me to hook up with her, but I wasn’t ready for that yet.”

Sunni silently did a little dance in her head. That’s my boy.

“They thought if we did some pills and drank, it would loosen me up so that Mendy and I could get together. It almost worked, but after we kissed for a few minutes, Mendy started to seize up and shake, so I called the cops and everyone left.” Dusty left out the lap dance, figuring she already knew more than most moms would at this point.

“It wasn’t your fault, sweetie. None of you could have known what was going to happen.” Sunni tried to comfort him.

“But we left her there. I wanted to stay with her, only the guys were certain we would go to jail and they pulled me out. Cindy stayed and the paramedics tried to save her, but when they got to the hospital it was too late, and nothing they did could revive her.”

“Honey, you did more than most kids would have by calling 9-1-1 in the first place.” Placing her hand on his arm in reassurance, Sunni hoped he wouldn’t beat himself up about it. “Should we be expecting a visit from the police?”

“Mom!” Dusty rolled his eyes. “Cindy wouldn’t rat on any of us. Plus, with all the other kids at the party, I don’t think they’ll know who was with her.”

“Well, I think you should help me with the cooking today so we don’t have to think about. I’ll go with you to the funeral if you want me to.” Without flat out saying it to him, he wouldn’t be going anywhere ever again without her by his side.

“Sure, Mom. I think I’m going to go lay down for a while first. I still feel a little sick to my stomach.” Impulsively hugging his mother, he got out and went inside like nothing had happened.

------------------

Hours later, while the twins were napping, she checked her phone and found several voice messages from the school.

“A high school student, Mendy Iris, died this morning from a reaction to medications she was taking. Please talk with your children and inform them of this tragedy. There will be counselors available the first day school resumes. Have a happy holiday.”

Listening to the messages drove home exactly how devastating this could be for her son.

She dialed a number. “Aunt Marie, it’s Sunni. Is there any chance you could watch the twins this afternoon for a few hours so Dusty and I can have some mother-son time?”

“Sure, is something wrong?” Marie’s curiosity got the better of her.

“He was at a party last night and the girl he was dating died from a combination of drugs and alcohol. I just think we need to have some quality time.”

“Oh, my goodness. Is this connected to what’s going on at the bingo hall? Do you think the drugs they’re collecting are going to these parties?” Marie asked, appalled.

“There’s only one way to know for sure, but it’s a possibility. I don’t see how they could connect, though. I’ll try to ask a few questions if the topic comes up.” Sunni sighed loudly.  “I just don’t know if I should punish him for sneaking out, or just let that part go and make sure he’s okay emotionally.”

“Just bring those babies over here and play it by ear with Dusty. He might just need a safe place to let it all out. We need to make sure this doesn’t happen again, though.”

“I agree. Bring them over when they wake up, and I’ll have something fun to do while they’re here.”

“All right. See you soon.” Sunni decided to let Dusty know what she had planned.

“I’m taking the twins over to Aunt Marie’s, and then we can get started on the baking.” Receiving no reply, she opened the door hesitantly.

He was staring at the ceiling, lost in thoughts she knew weren’t good for him.

“Hey, will you be okay while I take the twins over to Aunt Marie’s house?”

“Yeah. I’ll be fine, Mom. Go ahead. I’ll be right here when you get back.” Dusty gave her a tight smile in reassurance.

------------------

Marie hadn’t had the twins at her house before, so she hurried to make sure it was as childproof as possible.

Dumping the mail from the basket onto the counter, she placed all the pills from her counter into the basket and hid them above the refrigerator in the cabinet.

Glancing around, she tried to see her house from the perspective of a curious five-year-old’s eyes.

Other than the glass curios and various china cabinets with collectibles, there wasn’t anything terribly tempting, until she landed on the cat curled up on his cushion.

“Ah, Fido. It’s time you went to the bedroom for a few hours. I promise you, you’ll be glad I’ve saved you from torture.”

By the time Sunni arrived, all evidence of her clandestine activities were gone, and the cat, while mad at her, was safe. Opening the door, Marie watched Flynn and Lilly’s eyes get big when they saw the inside of her house.

“Mom.” Flynn motioned her down so he could whisper in her ear. “Is this an old people’s house? The kind where we have to be really quiet and tiptoe?”

Sunni’s cheeks flamed in embarrassment.

“Don’t worry about it.” Marie squatted down to Flynn’s level. “I’ll have you know, young man, that many adventures happen in this house.”

“Mostly by Sir Fido the Brave, as he fights off the mice army, who are forever trying to invade the castle.”

“Wow!” Flynn exclaimed. “Where’s Sir Fido?”

“Oh, well…he, umm…he’s out checking the perimeter. If he returns before you leave, then you can meet him, okay?” Marie rushed to assure him.

“What are we going to do while he’s out making sure we’re safe?” Flynn asked suspiciously.

“Why you, good knight, are going to help me get the Christmas tree and decorations out of the garage.”

“Aunt Marie, are you sure you’re up to this for a few hours?” Sunni asked nervously.  The twins were a handful when separated, but together, they could demolish kingdoms.

“Hey, I need the help of these good citizens. Otherwise, the festivities won’t be completed on time. Right?”

Flynn and Lily nodded in agreement.

“I’ve got lots of muscles.” Flynn volunteered, flexing them in proof.

“Why I think you do, young knight. And how about you, miss? What talents do you bring with you today?” Marie tried to look stern.

“I have many skills to decorate the tree with, Your Highness.” Lily smiled at Marie.

“Well, since you seem to have things well in hand, I’ll leave you to it. Make sure to do as Aunt Marie says or next time, you’ll have to stay home.”

“We’ll be fine. Go do your baking, and we don’t want to see you back until after dinner,” Marie declared.

“Now, let’s go get the tree from the garage, but we must be careful to go undetected because there are scouts from the mice army waiting for an opportunity to sneak into the house,” Marie cautioned as she led the way through the kitchen and out into the garage.

Sunni smiled as she closed the door behind her. Maybe the holiday spirit wasn’t dead because she’d never seen Aunt Marie in such a good mood before.

The drive home went quickly as Sunni contemplated the best approach to helping Dusty through this crisis.

No closer to a solution than when she left, Sunni dreaded opening the door to the house, unsure of what she would find.

Dusty was sitting in the living room, eating a bowl of cereal while watching cartoons.

“Finally got hungry?” Sunni questioned.

“Yep. When this episode is over, I’ll come help in the kitchen.” Dusty volunteered without prompting.

Shaking her head in disbelief, Sunni started a load of clothes and got the ingredients out for the sweet potato pie.  Dusty joined her shortly after, and silently began to find what he needed for the cookie dough.

The silence was broken when he slammed the refrigerator closed and left for his room.

Mouth hanging open, Sunni closed it quickly when he returned and put his IPod on, filling the kitchen with music.

There was no need to talk over the music as the sounds of the ’60s and ’70s filled the room.

Knowing he was playing her kind of music went a long way to reassuring her that he might be okay in the long run.

------------------

The smell of their work lingered in the air as they cleaned up the kitchen and put the dishes into the refrigerator until they could go in the oven tomorrow.

“Mom, do you think we could go to the police station so I can give them a statement?”

Surprised, Sunni’s hands slowly finished washing the dish in her hand. “Are you sure that’s what you want to do?”

“Yes. I think I can at least let them know what happened.” Dusty leaned against the counter as he anxiously awaited his mom’s answer.

Placing the dish into the drainer, Sunni turned to face him. “We should go now because they’ll be closing soon because of the holiday.”

“Mom,” Dusty smirked. “The police station never closes.”

“Oh, you know what I meant. All the detectives will have gone home. We want to talk to someone who knows what they’re doing.”

“Will I need a lawyer?” Dusty asked, looking slightly scared now that she was taking him seriously.

“Hmm. Let’s see what the police say when we get there. I wouldn’t think so if we’re just giving them the facts of what happened.”

“All right. Let’s do this before I lose my nerve.” Dusty left her standing in the kitchen as he went to get his coat.

------------------

The police station wasn’t crowded as they approached the desk, due to it being before the holiday weekend.

“May I help you?” A young officer asked.

“We hope so. My son has some information about the girl who overdosed last night. Well, early this morning, really.” Sunni placed a comforting hand on Dusty’s arm.

“So I’m not sure what information you need—” Dusty began, only to have the young cop yell, “Durant! There’s a kid with information for you.”

Taken aback by the cop’s attitude, Dusty suddenly wasn’t sure if he wanted to go through with it after all.

Sighing loudly, the young cop turned toward Sunni and Dusty. “He’s so old that his hearing is gone. I’ll have to go get him.”

As soon as his back was turned, Dusty grabbed Sunni’s arm. “Come on, we’re leaving.”

“Honey…” Sunni started to say, but Dusty was past the point of listening. When she didn’t move fast enough, he pushed open the door and ran to the van.

Sunni hurried to catch up, but when she reached the van, she didn’t see him. Unlocking the door, she was startled when he stood up and slid silently into the van without saying a word.

“Dusty, what on earth is the matter with you?” Sunni asked, climbing into the car.

“I just changed my mind. Now hurry, or they’ll come out and try to find us,” he spat out as he ducked down into the seat, trying to hide.

She knew that asking him more questions would only push him to retreat further into his shell. “Let’s go pick up the twins and go home.” Sunni sighed in resignation.

“Mom, it’ll be okay. I just changed my mind. The cops will ask a lot of personal questions that I don’t feel comfortable answering.” Dusty glanced behind them to make sure no one had come out after them.

Reassured, he sat up and hoped he hadn’t been seen by the bouncer guy who had been talking to police officer in the back. It had only been a glimpse, but Dusty didn’t need anyone thinking he was a snitch.

They dropped the subject as the holiday traffic became heavy, and Sunni had to concentrate on her driving.

------------------

Unable to go to sleep, even though she had to wake up at three to put the turkey in the oven, Sunni tossed and turned.

“Honey, what’s wrong?” Her husband couldn’t take it anymore. “Something is bothering you, so out with it.”

“I just can’t get over what happened with Dusty and the girl that died.”

“Hold on, when did this happen?” Daniel reached over and turned the light on.

“Didn’t you hear? Our son snuck out with his friends last night and went to a party with drugs and alcohol.” Sunni faced him in surprise. “I thought he told you after dinner when you both went out back to the shed to get out the tables and chairs.”

“Hello, we’re guys. All we talked about was how many chairs we would need.” Daniel threw his hands up in the air in exasperation.

“He was talking about it, and everything seemed okay until we went into the police station. Suddenly, he got spooked or scared, and raced out without saying another word about the whole deal.”

“What were you thinking? Why didn’t you call me? You took the kids to the police station?” Daniel yelled as he jumped out bed and started to pace.

“It all happened so fast. I picked him up before you left for work. We had a moment and he went to go lay down because he wasn’t feeling good.”

Crossing her arms against his anger, Sunni continued. “Of course I didn’t take the twins to the police station. I took them to Aunt Marie’s so I could have some time with Dusty, without them interrupting all the time. He decided after we got done with the baking that we should go and give the police his statement.”

“Did it ever occur to you that they might charge him?” Daniel stopped pacing and faced her. “He shouldn’t ever go to do something like that without a lawyer.”

“First of all, he didn’t do anything wrong, and they might be able to find out where all these drugs are coming from.” Sunni defended herself.

“Going to the police wouldn’t bring that girl back, but it will get Dusty in trouble.” Daniel resumed pacing, but at a much slower pace.

“How is going to the police a bad thing? Aren’t they supposed to help us and lock up the criminals?”

“Babe, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. You’re just so naive.” Daniel crawled into bed and tried to hug her.

“How am I naive? Because I trust the police to do their job? So that makes me stupid?” Sunni threw back at him, giving him the evil eye.

“Let me rephrase this—you’re too trusting. When someone says something, you just automatically assume it’s true.”

“Hmpf. So basically, what you just rephrased was that I make an ass out of myself?”

Daniel tried to tread carefully through this verbal minefield. “Honey, the police do a great job, but when it comes to our son, I just want to make sure he doesn’t take the blame for something he didn’t do.”

“What about the drugs? If Dusty knows something about who’s supplying them, don’t you think he should tell them?”

“It’s tricky, honey. If he outs the ones doing drugs, they could come after him. Should he? Probably. But if he put a stop to it, there must be a reason.”

Sunni’s thought to herself, Guess, I won’t be telling him about the stuff going on at the bingo hall. It’s always better to ask for forgiveness then permission, after all.

“Hopefully, you can spend some time with him this weekend and see what he’s thinking. I know it shook him up pretty good.”

“I’ll make it a point for us to spend some time together and talk about more than tables and chairs. So are you still mad at me?”

Hand under her chin, Sunni pretended to think about it. “Not really. I’m very trusting of people, and just like to believe the best in them.”

If you only knew how much you shouldn’t trust me to stay out of trouble in the near future, Sunni thought again to herself as she accepted his open arms.

“Not too much snuggling because I have to get up at three to put the turkey in the oven.”

“Seriously, a few minutes of snuggle time won’t stop the turkey from baking,” Daniel whispered suggestively.

“I might take you up on that snuggle time.” Sunni agreed, reaching over him to turn out the light.

Chapter 6

Thanksgiving Day dawned cold, but Sunni decided that a T-shirt with shorts would work until their guests arrived. Working in the kitchen with both the stove and the oven going could cause her to get overheated. She could change when the first person pulled up, but Sunni knew if she didn’t take extra precautions early, the rest of her day would be miserable.

The dinging of a timer made Sunni hurry to the kitchen to pull out the turkey for basting.

Wrinkling her nose as the smell of meat cooking filled the kitchen, she lifted the lid and grimaced.

The poor turkey was doing nicely, but Sunni wasn’t really a fan of eating animals. The tofu turkey didn’t take nearly as long to cook so she would get it started after breakfast.

As she turned to get the baster and stifled a scream with her hand.

“What on earth are you doing up, young man?” Sunni exhaled slowly, thankful she hadn’t had the turkey pan in her hands when she turned.

“I was too excited to sleep,” Flynn acknowledged, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “I could hear the turkey calling me to come shoot it with my bow and arrow, like the Indians did.”

“Well, I have to say, you’re a little too late, sweet pea.” Sunni returned to basting. “Someone already shot the turkey.”

“What did they do with its feathers?” Flynn peered into the pan.

“Be careful.” Sunni kept an arm between him and the turkey. “I think they pluck them off and put them into pillows and coats for people to use.”

“Sounds poky.” Flynn stood on his tiptoes and tried to take a closer look. “Are you going to let us eat some this year?”

His big eyes looked pleadingly at her.

“I guess you could have a small portion this year.” Preparing herself for his whoop of victory, Sunni was astonished when he just looked thoughtful.

“What’s wrong?” Sunni asked, placing the lid back on the turkey.

“I don’t think it will taste as good as if I had shot it myself. It takes all the fun out of it. Well, there’s always next year, I guess.” Dragging his play bow behind him, Flynn disappeared as quickly as he had arrived.

“Oh boy.” Sunni wiped a weary hand across her forehead. “I might just break all the rules today and have a cup of coffee.”

------------------

The group that filled Sunni and Daniel’s house was quite diverse on a normal basis, but when Kristi arrived with Carolina Leigh, things took a fork in the road. Daniels’ father, Sam, got cornered as Carolina began to grill him on his fantasy football picks, until Aunt Marie took pity on him and suggested the ladies help in the kitchen.

Since Sunni had been up at seven, there wasn’t much left to do except wait on the food to finish cooking, so the ladies were standing around, talking.

“Have you heard about the situation Sunni has gotten herself in to?” Aunt Marie asked, oblivious to Sunni’s frantic head shaking.

Launching into a recap of the past few weeks, Marie embellished the story in several areas.

“Our prime suspects are Alexander Fine and a young man that Sunni is certain is selling drugs.”

After hearing about their two prime suspects, Carolina interjected. “I could do some undercover work for you. I used to work at the post office, and still occasionally cover someone’s route when they’re out. Let me know who you’re looking for and I’ll find you all sorts of stuff about them.”

“Well, while I appreciate that—” Sunni started, until Marie interrupted her.

“You can come with me on Tuesday to, and we can follow him when he leaves so we can find out where he lives,” Marie said excitedly.

“Don’t you think that’s a little dangerous, Carolina? I mean, what if he sees you? How is that supposed to go?” Kristi asked, hoping to divert them from the task.

“Dangerous? Ha! We won’t be getting out of the car. We’ll just drive by and see where he stays. I don’t plan to do anything that will make him think he’s being spied on.” Aunt Marie responded with a hurt expression clouding her face.

“I’ll bring snacks in case we need to stay for a few more hours. He might be picking up a delivery or dropping off his cash, so we need to make sure that’s where he lives.” Carolina hurried to cheer Marie up.

“He seems really nice,” Sunni added, blushing so furiously that she turned to check the turkey in the oven to cover it quickly.

“Wait, what did you say?” All four women waited for Sunni to turn back around.

“I said, he seems really nice. I ran into him at the grocery store earlier this week and he was gentle with Lily.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about this when you brought the kids over yesterday?” Marie demanded.

Closing the oven door with a slam, Sunni turned.

“I ran into him, literally, okay?” She threw the hot pads on the counter, frustrated with her uncontrollable response to the younger man. “We spoke for just a second and I raced over to the produce section so that I didn’t comment on how amazing he looked.”

“Sunni, I don’t understand? You’re married to my son. How could you think another man looks amazing? That’s just wrong.”  Helen shook her finger accusingly into Sunni’s face.

“Now, hold on a second. There’s nothing wrong with looking at or acknowledging that a man looks good. It’s only if she acts on it that it causes problems.” Aunt Marie defended her niece.

“I can’t believe you ran away from him when we’re trying to get more information. You literally fled the scene.” Kristi laughed at the image.

“Young women these days have no respect for their marriages. It’s no wonder a man won’t marry you, Kristi. He knows you wouldn’t stay with him. You’d be chasing off after the first piece of new meat that you saw.” Helen spoke casually, not realizing how rude her comments sounded.

“First off, Helen, if you can’t be nice, then go in there with the men.”

The look of shock on Helen’s face at such a suggestion was humorous, but at this point, Sunni had overcome her shyness and was angry.

“I love your son and have no plans to jump ship. God created everyone, and if he didn’t want us to look and appreciate them then he would have made us blind,” Sunni spat out in a rush, then covered her mouth with both hands.

“Oh, Helen, I’m sorry. I don’t know where that came from.”

“Don’t apologize. I have to admit, your blushing threw me off. You’ve never been anything but good to my son.”

“I just haven’t had a man who wasn’t Daniel flirt with me in a long time, and I didn’t know what to do.” Shrugging her shoulders, Sunni attempted to deflect the conversation back to a less volatile topic.

“So, Carolina, what are you doing with your time now that you’ve retired?”

“A variety of things. I have a small garden, and I tinker with things. I knit blankets for my church, and I also volunteer at the shelter for animals.” Carolina almost purred the last sentence. “Bet you can’t figure out which animal is my favorite, but I love cats. I do have a dog named Mutt as well, and he’s a great guard dog. Oh, but my girl cats are my favorite. They just need so much love, and so many people just abandon them.”

“So when you said, ‘tinker with things,’ what does that mean exactly?” Helen asked, eyeing Carolina’s outfit warily. “Fashion design?”

Her outfit screamed fashion, but more in the sense of disaster. Her brown polka dot pants didn’t match her black paisley shirt that had clearly seen time in the ’80s, and needed to be placed on a quilt instead of worn in public.

“Oh gracious, no. I like to tinker with engines and fix things around my house. When a neighbor is having trouble with something, I always assess the problem, and then come up with a solution for them. Most people don’t really think outside the box, if you know what I mean.” Carolina had lowered her voice in a conspiratorial whisper, glancing toward the living room where the men were sitting.

Kristi held back her laughter as the other three women looked at her, questioning the validity of Carolina’s statement.

“Carolina really does come up with some amazing fix it solutions. Tell them about the problem with your dog and the garden,” Kristi urged.

“They don’t want to hear about that.” Carolina waved Kristi off, but relented when she saw her audience was listening. “Well, I guess I could explain it, although it is pretty lengthy,” Carolina warned.

“We have plenty of time. The rolls haven’t even gone in yet,” Marie assured her.

“You see, I had this problem with plowing up the back yard because my dog would mark his territory all the time. I mean, can y’all imagine having him spray the tomatoes every day, then you’re supposed to eat them knowing what’s been going down in the backyard? Of course you can’t, because nobody should be subjected to that. Right, ladies?”

At everyone’s nods, she continued. “So I decided to take the dog out of the problem. I took all the tubs they had at the dollar store and poked holes in the bottom and put them up on pallets. They were up high enough that Mutt couldn’t reach them, but then there were the outside cats to worry about.

“Now the cats like to dig in the dirt and do their business in the flowerpots, so I had to come up with something that would keep them out of my garden tubs. I sprayed the outside and the pallets with skunk and dog spray to keep them away.” The entire time, Carolina’s hand moved in motion with her description.

Kristi grinned, knowing the end result of the story.

“The cats stayed out of them, but one morning I let Mutt outside, only to have him race out, barking out into the yard to do his business when I noticed that he was actually chasing something.

“A skunk had been hanging out in the garden, and Mutt didn’t want it around.” The ladies were all breathlessly waiting to see how the story ended.

“Evidently, I hadn’t specified that I wanted male skunk spray, and had gotten the female spray. So there were several skunks that had been attracted from the forest area over by the park who came to find the female skunk.” Carolina was oblivious to the fact that no one else would have bought the skunk spray to begin with.

“So there were all these males, and Mutt was chasing them all over the yard, but the one hole in my fence wasn’t big enough for them to all fit through at the same time.

“They all lined up, trying to escape, then Mutt would make a sweep through, scattering them around the yard, causing them to spray the house and Mutt several times.”

“She had to leave her house for about two weeks and go stay with her sister because the smell was so bad.” Kristi wrinkled her nose at the memory of the smell.

“She took a sprayer and doused her entire yard with tomato juice, as well as the house and everything else three times, then rinsed it with water. But by that point, all we could smell on our street was skunk. We told her to consult a profession in the future.”

“Actually, it was the HOA that made me do it. They said if I didn’t consult a gardening and pesticide professional, that they’d start fining me $500 a day until they made sure something like that would happen again. I really don’t like the two old coots who live behind me. I know they were the ones to come up with it, and since their wives don’t like me, they went along with it.”

“Now, Carolina, you have to give them credit. They put up with a lot of your ideas, but the skunks were just a little over the top,” Kristi admonished gently.

“I guess so. Every meeting, though, I’m the only one on the list that has to change or fix stuff.” Carolina pouted.

Trying to change the subject, Sunni proclaimed, “I think the turkey is done, so let’s get it out and the rolls in so they’ll be ready by the time we get the table set.”

The ladies moved quickly and had the food, children, and men at the table less than thirty minutes later.

Once seated, the family started their tradition of saying one thing they were thankful for, but what the guests didn’t know was that the person with the most interesting blessing would get to do the honors with the wishbone.

“I’m thankful that the Indians shared their food with all of the white people so they didn’t starve.” Flynn got the group started with his usual flare.

“Well, I’m thankful that there are other girls to play with besides my brother, who is a boy.” Lily slid in a passive aggressive blessing.

Kristi’s girls, not wanting to be left out, gave their blessings.

“The turkeys are my favorite bird because they has such pretty feathers, all green and blue,” Joanna, the three-year-old chimed in.

“Silly, those aren’t turkeys, they’re peacocks. You don’t even know the right things to be thankful for.” Six-year-old Hanna discounted her little sister’s blessing while adding her own wisdom to the mix. “The things we should be thankful for are having food to eat, like macaroni and cheese.”

“I’m really thankful for parents who love us and take care of us.” Dusty spoke quietly without being prompted for the first time ever, ignoring the younger children.

It continued until Caroline spoke. “I’m just really thankful for folks who care about each other, unlike those gentlemen who shall remain nameless that were trying to see me and all my parts naked the other night.”

The room grew still as the adults tried to process the oversharing of information.

“Carolina wins.” Daniel broke the awkwardness by holding out the wishbone from the turkey.

In her eagerness to grab it, Carolina had tried to stand quickly and lean forward, but instead, managed with her momentum to slide across the table on her stomach, landing on the floor on the opposite side of the room.

Sitting up, she held her arm up, clutching the wishbone tightly. Daniel and Dusty were the closest and helped her to her feet.

Sheepishly walking back around to her side of the table, Carolina proclaimed her second blessing as she held the wishbone up for inspection.

“I’m just thankful there’s plenty of padding on this old girl because the only broken thing is this wishbone.”

“We’re very happy you’re not hurt. Is everyone ready to eat?” Sunni tried to salvage the mood.

The flight across the table seemed to sap some of Carolina’s extra enthusiasm, and the rest of Thanksgiving Day continued without any other incidents.

Chapter 7

True to her word, Carolina had Kristi drop her and Marie off at bingo on Tuesday.

Marie was glad for the company because she had a baggie of pills hidden in her purse.

What had seemed like a good idea to have someone with her as a distraction was causing Marie to grow more worried by the moment.

Carolina had never met a stranger, and by break time, everyone in the hall knew who she was.

Unsure if she could go through with the switch off, Marie made her way to the bathroom with her purse. Standing in the shorter line at the back, Shelia slid in behind her.

“Did you bring them?” she whispered in Marie’s ear.

Marie placed a hand on heart and tried to act normal, nodding her head in reply.

“Here’s the book I was telling you about. Murder by Ingredients is a great book to start with.” Shelia held out a hardback.

Marie barely had time to take the offered book when the door to the bathroom opened and out walked Carolyn.

“Hey, Marie. Whatcha got there?” Carolina’s still dripping hand moved to grab hold of the book.

“Oh, it’s a book recommendation from Sheila. I’d let you look at it, but it’s a special copy and your hands are still wet. Maybe on the way home you can check it out?” Marie deftly moved out of Carolina’s reach and into the now empty bathroom.

She hurried to lock the door and leaned back against it in relief. If Carolina had gotten a hold of it, she would’ve discovered the empty pages and blown the entire undercover operation.

Deep breaths helped calm her down as she placed the book on the small counter and opened her purse to pull out the baggie of pills.

The small opening in the middle of the book barely held the baggie, so she pressed the book closed, hoping the double-sided tape would hold it closed until they were able to make the trade-off.

Sliding the book into her purse, she remembered at the last moment to flush the toilet and run the water so no one standing outside would think anything of the exchange with Sheila.

There was only one person in the hallway as she exited, and she could hear the callers getting ready to start the next round.

Carolina was already seated, but was several tables over, sitting next to a newcomer that wasn’t on the brink of death. She gave a little wave, which Carolina ignored as she sat down.

“I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings.” Marie would have worried more, but the caller announced the first number.

“O75.” He spoke into the microphone loudly for those hard of hearing.

While she was trying to act casual and not call attention to herself, Marie zoned out and didn’t daub her normal amount of numbers.

“Marie, you feeling okay, hun?” the player on her left asked worriedly.

“Oh, yeah. Sorry. Got lost in my thoughts about my internet date for coffee in the morning.” She tried to play it off as the reason for her inattention to the game.

When the card was finished, Marie got up and walked to the front door, something she had never done before.

The fresh air hit her face in welcome relief as she stood holding onto the side of the building, dropping her purse to the ground at her feet.

The panic continued to rise as she heard steps coming up behind her. Grabbing her purse, she swung it around, hoping to hit the person coming up behind her, only to have the purse held by a large male hand.

“Sorry.” He let the purse dangle in her hand again. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I was checking to see if you were all right.”

Marie’s face was drained of color as she saw who had come to her rescue.

“I’ll be f-fine. Thanks.” She hoped her short answer would make him go back to wherever he had been hiding before she raced out of the building.

“Well, you don’t seem fine. Here, let’s get you something to drink.” Not waiting for an answer, he walked over to the soda machine and bought a water for her.

He approached her slowly, holding the bottle out to her as a peace offering. Marie knew she was in trouble when she accepted it with a trembling hand.

“Thanks. I guess I’m shook up more than I thought.” She acknowledged grudgingly.

“Hey, no problem. I hang out just to rescue women in distress.” He winked at her and brushed a long strand of hair behind his ear.

“I’m Zach. I’ve seen your niece dropping you off several times.” He waited for a response as Marie replaced the cap on the bottle.

“She’s married, you know. They have three children.” Defensively, Marie baited him with the information.

“Um, I think you have the wrong idea. I don’t want to hit on your niece. She has cute kids, and I figured she was married. I'm just waiting here for my nana to get done playing.” Shrugging his shoulders, he turned to leave. “Sorry I bothered you. Hope you have a good day. Bye.”

“Zach, wait. I’m the one who should apologize.” Drug dealer or not, he had been really helpful and all she’d been was rude.

“I’m Marie Ward and I’m very rude.” He had turned around, but hadn’t come any closer.

“I had a panic attack, I think. Anyway, I took all my annoyance out on you instead of the person I’m really mad at. Thank you for this.” She waved the water bottle in acceptance.

“It’s okay. You’re not the first person to assume that just because I have long hair, I’m going to rip you off. Comes with the territory. Panic attack, huh?” Zach questioned, focusing his inquisitive blue eyes on Marie.

“Well, I signed up for a dating site and have three dates tomorrow for coffee. I’m more nervous than I thought, and I have absolutely no idea why I just told you that.” Marie laughed nervously.

“It seems that I have one of those faces people look at and just spill their guts to.” Zach grinned with a perfect set of teeth.

The doors opened behind them and the rest of the seniors started pouring their way out of the building.

Marie turned to face Zach, only to find him gone. He had vanished.

Where on earth did that boy go?  Marie wondered as she spotted the library guy on the sidewalk on the far side of the crowd.

Making her way over to him, she paused to get the book out of her purse when she sensed a commotion coming from inside.

She glanced up to see what was happening and found Carolina waving frantically. Not wanting to get caught giving away the very book she had just been given, Marie started to ignore her when a manicured hand was placed on her arm.

“Allow me.” Alexander Fine quickly exchanged the book in her hand for a new one. “I think you’ll enjoy this one much better. It’s the first one in the series, instead of the middle.”

“Ah…uh, yes. Thank you.” Marie had been startled, but recovered enough to slip the new book into her purse, just as Carolina arrived, breathless from weaving around walkers and talkers who never allowed anyone to pass them.

Mr. Fine was back on the other corner, as if he had never left his cart of books, helping the seniors make their exchanges.

Shaking the cobwebs from her head, Marie did the only thing she knew how to do.

Go with whatever was happening. This was the advice she’d found on the internet the night before on how to go undercover, and it seemed to make sense.

Carolina grabbed hold of her arm. “I hope you didn’t think I was mad at you or anything, but I needed to circulate if I’m going to help you catch the bad guys. Wasn’t your niece supposed to pick us up?”

“She was, and she’s never late. I wonder what happened.” Before Marie could call Sunni, Kristi pulled up to the sidewalk with a screech of her SUV.

“Hop in. Did the guy already leave that we’re supposed to follow?” Kristi asked through the open window.

“He’s over there, but it looks like he’s about to leave.” Carolina pointed to Zach as he got in a Monte Carlo from the ‘90s, that was a goldish color.

Marie got in next to Kristi’s two daughters, while Carolina took the front seat.

“Do you really think we should follow him?”

Marie asked, uncertain since he had been so nice to her.

“I’ve never followed someone before, but we don’t want to lose him if that’s the plan,” Kristi responded.

“Come on. That was the plan we had before, but no more fast driving or he’ll know you’re following him,” Carolina urged, motioning toward the disappearing vehicle.

“All right, but where’s Sunni?” Marie gave in with many reservations.

“Flynn actually managed to get a rock stuck in his ear so they’re at the emergency room having it removed. She called me, but I had to pick up the girls from school and race over here. I barely made it on time.” Kristi glanced over her shoulder at Marie. “Didn’t she call you?”

“Aw, snap. I had the phone on silent during bingo.” She started digging through her purse for the silent phone. A sudden stop caused her to grab hold of the seat in front of her for support.

“Blast it,” Kristi muttered as the gold car made it through the red light, and several cars got in-between them.

“Hey, Kristi, it’s okay. We should let a few cars be around him so he won’t know we’re following him. Don’t change lanes when he does unless he’s turning somewhere,” Marie cautioned.

“I watched some videos last night on the art of surveillance and how not to be spotted by your prey. Since he’s seen us and kind of knows who we are, then we have to be extra careful.” The buzzing of her phone interrupted Marie’s lesson.

“Sunni, is Flynn okay?” She placed her finger in her ear to block out the noise from the two women arguing about how far back they should stay now that they were in a residential area.

“He’s fine, except for the rock stuck in his ear. We’re just waiting for the nurse to call us back so they can get it taken out safely. I’ll call you back once we’ve seen the doctor to see how the surveillance is going.”

Marie didn’t have a chance to ask anything else because Sunni had stopped listening to the phone and was trying to keep Flynn from kicking the soda machine to make a free soda come out.

“He’s stopping at that house on the left. Drive by and we’ll circle the block to find a place to park.”

“Duck, everyone,” Carolina cried out as they started to pass where Zach had parked.

“Carolina! We’ve talked about this before. No yelling in the car unless someone is actively shooting at us,” Kristi admonished, taking the corner on two wheels as she began to hurry so they wouldn’t miss anything that Zach did.

Kristi expertly parked between two vehicles so that she was facing the street with what they assumed was Zach’s house. It was just two houses to the left of the street they were on, and they had a full view of everything that went on in the yard. Hopefully, he wouldn’t notice her vehicle just around the corner because Carolina could get really loud at times.

“Girls, I feel bad spying on him. He really helped me out with my panic attack today. He was a gentleman,” Marie protested, now that they were parked and she had a chance to regain her equilibrium from their crazy three-mile chase.

“That’s what this whole exercise is about. We’ll find out if he’s selling drugs, and if the sweet old woman in his clutches needs to be rescued, we can help her.”

Carolina was just getting started on her theories, so it was looking like they were in for a long afternoon.

------------------

“Boss, the trade-off went smoothly. I thought the new lady was going to screw it up, but she got it done and no one was the wiser.”

“Do you think she’s going to be regular customer?”

“I do. She seems determined to do this, even though she knows it’s illegal. I’m not sure if she’s playing detective herself, or if she simply needs the money to survive. I’m going to be looking for some background information on her and the group she’s hanging out with.”

“Just be careful. We don’t want to tip our hand. If you see anything that screams she’s playing detective, make sure there’s nothing to link the deals to you. We can’t have our operation in jeopardy because someone got careless.”

“She mentioned at bingo today that she has a few dates tomorrow morning, and she seemed more nervous about that than she did about the hand off.”

“Let me get her info from our female contact and I’ll be one of her next dates to see for myself if she’s someone to worry about.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll inform you about anything I dig up. So far, all our other seniors are truly in need of money, but I don’t like the idea of someone trying to work undercover and find out about the operation on their own.”

“Let’s watch for the next few days and monitor her whereabouts. If she becomes a problem, she’ll have to be taken care of immediately. Think you can still do the job?”

“Absolutely, sir. I won’t let you down.”

“See that you don’t.”

He took out the battery and placed the phone on a shelf with a dozen other prepaid phones.

Time to do some work to make sure the money train wouldn’t stop. Drugs were a lucrative business, and an old lady wasn’t going to be the reason that it ended if he had anything to say about it.

Chapter 8

The hours passed slowly as the group in the SUV began to get on each other nerves. Kristi’s two daughters were connected to their electronics with headphones, so they missed most of the adult conversation, which continued to circle the same topics.

“Ladies, I hate to break it to you, but we’ve been here for four hours and the girls are going to need dinner soon. We may have to call this a draw and use the information we uncovered to exploit a weakness in this guy,” Kristi pleaded as her stomach growled for the second time.

“I have those dates in the morning and some things to do before bed so that I’m ready for them. I think we should call it a night.” Marie agreed easily, ready to be as far away from Carolina for a little while. She was someone who was good in small doses, but after four hours, everyone was ready to be alone.

Zach chose that moment to walk out to his car.

“Look! He’s leaving.” Carolina pointed excitedly. “Hurry! Turn the car on and be ready to follow him.”

Kristi rolled her eyes and started the car. “Windows up, everyone.”

She waited until he backed out of his driveway before she maneuvered her way out from between the other two vehicles.

Already at the end of the street, Zach turned left, onto the main road.

Kristi approached the stop sign at full speed, then came to a complete stop, causing everyone in the vehicle to groan.

“Can we ease into our stops and starts?” Marie asked, as Kristi impatiently tapped her fingers on the steering wheel, waiting for a break in traffic.

Kristi didn’t even acknowledge the request as she pulled out in front of several cars with only feet to spare.

“We can’t drive like an old lady. He’ll be long gone and our chance to find out where he went will be lost.” Kristi didn’t even slow down, weaving in and out of the evening traffic as if their lives really did depend on catching up to him. “I’ve got this.”

All three women tried to keep an eye on the golden car, but the darkening evening shadows were making it hard to see any features on the vehicles ahead, except for their tail lights.

“He just turned into that neighborhood,” Carolina crowed, her finger waving wildly.

“Hold on, we’re about to be back on track.” Everything slid as Kristi turned the corner at the speed limit.

“Those lights should be his up ahead,” Marie informed them. “He’s slowed down. I wonder if he’s looking for an address.”

All three women groaned as they drew closer and realized it wasn’t his car in front of them.

“We lost him.”

“Turn around and we can look on the side streets and see if he parked somewhere.”

Twenty minutes later, nauseated and ready to give up from driving in circles, they saw a flash of gold coming up the street toward them.

“Oh, no. He’s headed right at us. What if he’s trying to run us down?” Carolina gasped in horror as the car approached quickly, not realizing that Kristi’s car was hardly moving.

The gold car moved past them and stopped. It backed up until it was even with them while the driver made a motion to roll the window down.

“Ladies, are you lost?” Zach asked with a wide smile that Kristi could almost see in the growing darkness.

“This is not really a good neighborhood to be in after dark. They don’t really like white ladies hanging around unless you’re selling something, and I’m pretty sure that wasn’t what you had in mind.”

“Thanks for the advice. We seem to have gotten our streets mixed up.” Kristi pressed her luck and added with sass. “But if the neighborhood is so bad, what are you doing in it?”

Zach reached over the seat, causing both Marie and Carolina to gasp.

He held up a gallon of milk. “It’s always cheaper at the corner store at the end of the street, and they have milk stamps so you get one free. I got something for you ladies as well.” Zach leaned out of his car and almost tossed the grocery bag into Kristi’s hands.

“What?” Kristi exclaimed as the sack with five 20 oz. drinks and a bag of chips landed in her lap.

“I thought you ladies might need something to tide you over if you were going to watch my house for the rest of the evening.” Zach winked and waved as he headed back toward his home.

“Well, phooey. Now he knows we were watching him,” Marie huffed.

“Oh, he knows more than that. Don’t you realize he left simply to get us to give up?” Carolina commented. “He’s hiding something, and he didn’t want us there this evening to find out what it is.”

“Kristi, can you just take me home now, please?” Marie didn’t care if Carolina made sense or not. She wasn’t used to being cooped up with so many people for such a long time, and needed to get away from them immediately.

“Sure. I’ll need directions.” Kristi made a U-turn and headed back toward the main street.

“When we get home, I’m going back in my own car,” Caroline declared to no one in particular. “Since it will be a different car, he won’t think it’s us and I’ll park in a different spot so he won’t get suspicious.”

“All I know is that the girls need dinner and have homework to get done.” Kristi sighed because there was nothing she could say that would change Carolina’s mind.

“Let us know if anything important happens,” Marie requested as she got out at her house.

“You do the same. We want to hear how your dates go. If you find more than one good guy, I’ll see if he might want a substitute.”

Marie ignored the shaking of Kristi’s shoulders because she wanted to laugh as well, but didn’t want to hurt Carolina’s feelings.

“If there’s more than one great guy, I’ll set us up on a double date. That way, we can check them out together over dinner.” Marie knew such a thing could only end in disaster, but agreed anyway.

“Good night girls.” Marie shut the door and almost ran through the dark to her front door to escape any more plans for a disastrous future.

Her home was bathed in silence and she had never been so thankful before that she was single.

Maybe going on a date was a huge mistake, but she was curious to see what kind of men the internet could produce to keep her interest.

------------------

Sunni had just spent the past five hours waiting in the hospital. A small procedure that felt more like a surgery later, she finally made it home. Deciding that the drive-thru for a quick takeout salad dinner was her best bet, Sunni then headed home with the twins.

“How was your day, dear?” her husband asked sarcastically as she walked in with the twins.

“It’s been amazing.” She put the groceries down to give him a two-handed thumbs up.

“Well, I think that after spending most of the day in an environment you really hate, you should go to your MOMs meeting with the girls.”

“I had to have Kristi drive Aunt Marie and Carolina to do their surveillance.” Sunni felt herself start to relax the longer they stood hugging.

“You’re kidding, right? Who were they going to do surveillance on?”

“There’s this guy with long hair that we think might be dealing drugs, so they were going to follow him home and see where he lives, and get some information on who he is.”

“You mean, the kind of hot guy who makes you blush?” Daniel pulled back far enough to see the blush start creeping up her cheeks.

“He’s the one I was telling you about, and although he does make me blush, it’s because you’re the only hot guy I’ve ever been able to actually talk to without tripping over myself. He doesn’t hold a candle to you.” Sunni placed a kiss on his lips, only to let out a gasp when he grabbed her butt, pulling her closer into his arms.

“Hmm…he definitely can’t do that to me,” Sunni almost purred in his embrace.

“You’d better get going if you’re going to make it to the meeting. I think you should go out with the girls for a drink when it’s over.” He placed a kiss on her forehead and released her.

“Seriously? You’ve been at work all day, and the twins are only going to be wound up from being cooped up in the hospital all day.”

“Yeah, I’ve got this. We’ll eat the salad you got or something else.” He grinned mischievously. “Then we’ll go outside to play, which will help with getting all their energy out. You need this time away without worrying about what the next catastrophe will be.”

“Thank you for understanding. I’ll try not stay out too late or party too hard.” She caught the flying Flynn and his co-pilot as they ran past. “Hey, you two. Make sure to listen to your dad and don’t put anything on or in your body that is not parent approved.” Fixing the two happy faces with the mom stare, she managed to illicit a, “Yes, ma’am,” from both of them.

------------------

Arriving at the MOMs group on time, Sunni wondered if the reason she was always late might be her children and had nothing to do with her. Finding herself relaxing for the first time in weeks, Sunni leaned back and actually listened to the speaker, a woman explaining how winter is approaching and with most families staying indoors more, they were more likely to be hit with cabin fever and depression.

“While many people don’t realize they’re depressed, the simple fact that there is less daylight causes the body to be out of sync, bringing out more depressive thoughts and feelings. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Most people don’t get SAD or even a big enough case of it to realize it’s the reason that things seem to be out of sync in their world. The same way children respond to the moods of their parents, they can also feel when your system is out of whack.”

“Here are a few things to try to keep that ho-humness away during the next few months. Make sure that you leave the house every other day, even if it’s only to drive to the convenience store. Make plans to have lunch with a friend once a week so that you have someone who can keep you accountable in leaving your house. Children need someplace to run off energy, so take a trip to a museum or walk around the inside of your local mall.

“While these seem like silly things, you’d be surprised to find out how much you will feel more like your normal self, and your children will be able to tell as well.”

Yeah, Sunni snorted to herself. I can only imagine taking Flynn to the mall and the type of things that he would manage to knock over or ruin.

“There are service and volunteer activities that can be done in the winter as well if you feel comfortable taking your children. The local animal shelter needs people to help feed and play with the animals in the winter because they can’t let them out into the freezing weather. Nursing homes are another great way to get out and help. They really love seeing babies and small children because they miss their own families.

“These are just a few suggestions of ways to get out and moving around during winter months.”

When everyone stood and clapped to thank the speaker, Sunni caught a glimpse of Kristi at the back of the room. She began to make her way to join her as their group went to get started on the group projects.

“Oh, my God! Is Flynn okay?” Kristi whispered so that the entire group didn’t know Sunni’s business.

“Yes. He’s fine, and Daniel gave me the night off, insisting we go get a drink after the meeting. Honestly, I’d settle for dinner if you’re up for it?” Sunni grinned, suddenly starving for something with more than greens in it.

“Let’s ask everyone if they want to come and I’ll recount our adventures with the aunts later.” Kristi almost laughed out loud at the memory of their afternoon together.

------------------

Only Miles and Perry joined them at the restaurant for a recap of their adventures.

“You should have seen the looks on our faces when he tossed that bag of snacks inside my window. I thought it was going to explode for sure.” Kristi laughed with the others. “I’m never volunteering for the duty of babysitting the aunts again. Four hours of listening to both of them was enough to drive a saint to drinking. The amount of imagination and speculation those two came up with would make me think we were watching a cartel’s drug house.”

“Do you really think this guy is dangerous?” Miles gave a knowing grin toward Sunni, waiting to see if she blushed.

Kristi giggled, startling the other three. “I think he is hot, H-O-T.” She lowered her voice as she glanced at her daughters in the booth across from them.

“Oh, we have a winner, ladies.” Miles pointed playfully at Kristi. “She’s available to date the first drug dealer she meets. Way to be choosey.”

Containing their laughter was difficult, but they held it down, causing only a few glances from the other tables.

“If Kristi thinks he’s not dangerous, then where does that leave us?” Sunni questioned, perplexed.

“I think he’s a charming character, and obviously, you guys haven’t been as subtle as you thought about spying on him,” Perry chimed in, twirling the straw in her raspberry tea.

“Aunt Marie is certain there’s more than one person running the drug ring. They could be tied in to a much bigger group that are well hidden.” Kristi glanced at the girls to make sure they were behaving.

“She’s trying to get a date with Alexander Fine.”

“What!” Sunni exclaimed as Kristi’s words sunk in. “Why on earth would she try to date a suspect?”

Kristi shrugged her shoulders in response.

“Has she ever been on a date that you know of?” Perry asked, concerned.

“No. She’s always nice to men, but they’ve never shown any interest in dating. She doesn’t even complain about being lonely like most single women do.” Sunni looked pointedly at Kristi.

“Hey, now. Just because I would like to find a man doesn’t mean I’m complaining. I’m exploring my options out loud.” Kristi defended herself.

“I personally complain all the time because no man has stepped up to make an offer.” Miles batted his eyelashes flirtingly from behind his menu.

“Ha-ha. Don’t you think your wife, Lori, might have a problem with another guy entering your life?” Kristi teased back.

“Well, now that you mention it, she has been dropping hints for us to get a pool boy.” Miles snapped his fingers. “I’ve been replaced by thoughts of pool boys.”

“Ooh, I should dress up in a speedo and knock on the door answering the ad.” Miles tried a sexy pout while sweeping a hand down his body to showcase his goods.

“I think your very hard working wife would love it if you just cleaned the pool so she didn’t have to think about hiring someone to do it.” Perry burst Miles fantasy with some common sense.

“Dang it, woman, I’m trying to spice up my marriage.” Miles pouted.

Thankfully, they were all saved from commenting when the food arrived.

The four friends didn’t revisit the topic of their detective adventures; although, if they could have seen Carolina, they would have been worried about her safety.

------------------

Carolina had parked down the street from Zach’s house in the driveway of an empty house that was for rent. She backed her blue, beat-up work truck into the driveway, facing out so she could see the house past the row of bushes that lined the driveway. She had a stash of drinks and snacks on the seat next to her, plus a thermos full of coffee to keep her awake.

The early darkness that came with winter hid her vehicle in the shadows, since the closest street light was several blocks away.

She took out a notebook and began to draw a diagram of the neighborhood, with a description of each family or person that belonged to the homes in the area.

Occasionally using the binoculars around her neck to check on a particular house number, she cased the neighborhood thoroughly while drinking from her thermos.

“Uh-oh. I forgot one very important thing,” Carolina muttered to herself as she glanced around before gingerly exiting her truck.

She left the door cracked open instead of shutting it so that she didn’t make any noise.

Hoping that no one would mind, she snuck alongside the bushes toward the back of the house and stopped when she felt it was far enough back in the dark, where she then proceeded to take care of her urgent personal need from drinking too much.

Now I know why they don’t recommend drinks or eating while on a stakeout.

Determined to do a better job, Carolina climbed back into the truck and waited until someone down the street went to leave and timed the closing of her door with theirs.

Although the snacks called her name, Caroline ignored them and reached behind the seat for the blanket she kept on hand for emergencies. Within minutes, she was asleep, and her snores could be heard across the street.

------------------

Zach dialed the number of his superior. “You’re never going to believe what the hens did today.”

“What? Who are we calling hens?” The voice on the other end was suddenly paying close attention.

“The ladies who are pretending to be detectives. You should’ve seen their faces when I threw drinks and a bag of chips in their car window. They were certain they were going to catch me with drugs.”

“You let them catch you?”

“Of course not. I went to the local J & J to get milk. It was fun to see them chase their tails, though.”

“Who are we calling hens? Not the niece, surely?”

“No. Marie and Carolina were in the car with another lady who was driving. I think they called her Kristi. She had her kids in the car with her.”

“Did you get a file built on them?”

“Yes. Although, I think that Kristi Simmons was just the person they had talked into it for the day. Listening to their conversation from their vehicle wasn’t only tedious, but Kristi offered opinions only after the other two had given her details. It sounded as if she wasn’t their first choice for chauffeur.”

“Well, just be extra careful they don’t catch you spying on them as they spy on you.”

“I’m good at hacking things. I even took the dog for a walk and went right past them. They had no idea I wasn’t safely tucked into my house, so they didn’t see me.” Zach chuckled at the amount of distractions the women were just to themselves.

“If you find anything that flags on them, let me know.”

“Copy that. I have to go leave a message for the current member of the surveillance team. Later.”

------------------

Carolina awoke to the sound of someone wrapping on the glass of her window.

She rolled down the window.

“Can I help you?” Carolina asked, as if she wasn’t trespassing on someone’s property.

“Yes. You can leave before I call the police. I noticed you last night, and when you were still here this morning, I realized that you shouldn’t be over here.”

“Oh, no worries. I’m just waiting for it to be late enough to call the realtor and have them show me the house. I didn’t mean to bother you. I was driving around looking at places because I just got into town late last night.” Carolina put a story together that sounded crazy enough that most people wouldn’t think to question it.

“Well, if that’s true, then why is there shoe polish written all over your window?” The neighbor pointed to the words that read, “GO HOME! QUIT SPYING ON PEOPLE.”

Carolina gasped. “What horrible kind of person would do that to me?”

Beginning to rant, Carolina didn’t even notice when the neighbor backed away and picked up the phone to call the police.

“I was going to buy a house and now the neighborhood is accusing me of spying. Are there no nice people in the world?” Waving her hands, she got louder as she continued. “Well, take that, you mean people. I don’t want to live in your nice neighborhood anyway. See if I come back or spend money in your town. I’ll go to another town where they’re so horrible to new people.”

With those words, Carolina noticed a crowd was starting to gather around the first neighbor. Considering that she didn’t want to get arrested, she started her truck and pulled out of the drive, not even bothering to return the wave Zach gave her from the porch of his house as she drove by in a huff.

Amazingly, she felt refreshed instead of tired from her night of surveillance, but she didn’t plan to let Kristi know what had happened unless she absolutely had to tell her.

Chapter 9

Marie woke earlier than normal. Since she was retired and didn’t have a man yet, there was no reason to get up extremely early most days.

The thought of trying to date again after so many years was really terrifying. The only man she had ever loved had been considered dead after being MIA during Vietnam. The Army had finally recovered a list of where the dead were buried in Vietnam, so they had updated him to KIA, but everyone had already presumed him to be dead for the past forty years. It might be time to move on and find someone to keep her company during her older age.

She stood in front of the mirror with a curler in hand to fluff up her natural curls from their frizzy freedom.

The young girl that had once anxiously awaited news of her man to come home was gone. In her place stood a face lined with happiness, but there were still moments when a hint of the old sadness would come through.

“I’ve waited a long time, John. I can’t do it anymore. I deserve to find someone I can love. You’ll always be my first love and hopefully, you’ll find a way to watch over me and put the right man in my path.”

Determined, Marie placed the curling iron back on the counter and walked back to the bedroom. Lifting her pillow, she took a small framed picture of a young man in uniform out from under it.

“Thanks for all the sweet dreams through these years, but I’m ready to move on.”

She kissed the picture tenderly and went over to the chest of drawers, placing the aging photo on the bottom under everything.

“One day we’ll meet again.” Closing the drawer firmly, she shut the past out and stepped toward her future. Without giving herself a chance to change her mind, she turned and went to the bathroom to finish getting ready for her dates.

A weight that she hadn’t known was there was gone. As she looked in the mirror again, she could almost see a younger woman standing there, ready to put on her war-paint and go catch herself a man.

------------------

Nervous about meeting someone, Marie didn’t think she would be able to eat anything, but when she arrived at the nearest coffee shop, a chamomile tea seemed like the best option to help calm her nerves and stomach.

Glancing at her watch as they called her order, she realized that she was fifteen minutes early.

The table along the back wall called out to her because it faced the street, and she could see anyone who was coming in ahead of time.

Her wait wasn’t very long because an attractive man walked in, and he was a definite upgrade to his picture because it had been a blank profile.

When he headed her way, she knew this was her date.

“Hi, I’m Alex Fine. Are you Marie Ward?”

“Yes.” She stood up and offered her hand.

“I see you already have a drink, so let me get one and I’ll join you. Can I get you anything else?”

“No, but thank you. I thought I’d take the awkwardness out of the date by getting my own.” She smiled tentatively.

The line wasn’t very long, since most of the morning rush was over, and suddenly, Alex was back with her.

He was at least six feet tall and was still quite handsome, with touches of gray in his brown hair. This wasn’t the man she was after, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t take a chance and get lucky while doing a little detective work on the side.

“So what do you do?” Marie blurted out, hoping it would get things started.

His face lit up with a slow smile of interest in what he was about to tell her.

“I’m retired military, and then I retired again last year from being a contractor. Now, I just oversee things when something crazy goes wrong. These days, I volunteer with a group helping veterans get back on track and reenter society.” Alex sounded passionate and full of life, which still made Aunt Marie nervous.

She had avoided available men for so long that she wasn’t sure how to respond, but he took matters into his own hands.

“What did you do, or still do for a living?” He took a sip of his straight, black coffee.

“I worked for a bank, doing their processing and analysis. These days, I help my niece out and play bingo. I’ve only been retired about six months and it’s driving me crazy.” She gave a little laugh. “So I thought I’d get back out there and see if the dating world could handle having me on the market.”

“If you don’t have to work then you should try volunteering. There are lots of places that need the help,” Alex said with enthusiasm, until he saw the look on her face.

“I’m so sorry. I assumed you were looking for something, and that was totally out of line. Some people handle retirement great, without needing to find more to add to their plate, and I always think everyone else would like to continue working until death knocks them into the grave.”

“No, it’s okay. I thought when I retired that I would enjoy sitting on my porch in the morning and watching all those young things race into the world. After about three weeks, I’d done most of my to-do list and couldn’t find any way to stay busy until a friend invited me to bingo at the senior center.” Marie smiled. “It’s nice to find someone willing to give back to others with their free time.”

“Hold on a second. I neglected to tell you that I go on about four or five vacations a year. I wanted to be able to explore and see more of the country since I spent so many years defending it.” Alex didn’t want her to get the impression that he was all work and no play.

“So, did you ever get married or have children?” Marie decided to continue with the date because a little passion never hurt anyone, and it had been a while since such a thing had been directed her way.

“I did marry right out of high school, and we moved all over the country with my various postings in the military. About the time I decided I was getting a little old for the military life, she decided that she had outgrown me.” Alex shrugged it off.

“We had three children, and now have ten grandchildren with one great grandchild on the way. We managed to part amicably and keep things civil, at least as the grandkids have gotten older. We’ve both moved on, although we still love our entire family.”

“I never married. I lost my guy to ’Nam, and when he didn’t come home, it took a lot out of me to make it without him. There were always a few guys over the years that tried to get me back on the horse, but he was my only true love.”

The look of amazement on Alex’s face was so priceless, that Marie laughed out loud.

“Before you think I’m the newest kind of sixty-year-old virgin, there have been a few dalliances over the years,” she proclaimed with a smirk. “But no one has ever been able to replace John in my heart.”

“And no one should replace him. Each person has to make their own place in your heart, but you have to be willing to let them in,” Alex commented with sincerity, placing a hand over hers.

“You’re so right, which is part of the reason I’m here to try dating again. I do want to be upfront with you. I have two more dates scheduled for this morning.” Marie grimaced, waiting for his reaction.

“I think your honesty is like a breath of fresh air. You just make me want to know more about you with everything that comes out of that mouth of yours.” Alex smiled, focusing all his attention on her lips.

“Let me warn you. Just because we hit it off on a few dates, doesn’t mean that you’ll get past second base until I feel more comfortable with you.” Marie shook her finger at him and laughed.

Capturing her hand, he raised it to his lips and placed a kiss on the back of her hand.

“I’m honored that you would need to consider warning me, because that means you see many more dates in our future.”

Suave. Confidence oozed out of him, but it didn’t make him seem arrogant. Tilting her head, she contemplated everything he’d said so far, and realized that she trusted him completely. Her nerves were gone, and in their place were the first fluttering’s of excitement.

“Since I don’t want to get caught double dipping,” Marie wagged her eyebrows up and down, “put your number in my phone so that you can call me later.” Realizing she sounded arrogant herself, she quickly retracted. “That is, if you want to.”

He took the phone from her hands and texted his phone so that it dinged.

“There. Now we can have long text conversations because it’s the best method of communication for long distance relationships.”

“Long distance? I thought you were local?” Marie was extremely disappointed.

“If you’re not in my presence, then its long distance. I hear it’s all the rage with the “in” crowd these days. Especially the makeup and breakup texts. Whew, there is nothing else in this world that I want to do more than sext.” He grinned at her as he stood up, hoping that her sense of humor was intact.

Giggling, Marie stood up as well. “I think I prefer the older model of the “in person” dating game. Maybe we can do dinner or lunch in the next few days.”

“With certainty.” Alex made a doffing hat motion. “I hope that your other meetings are less helpful.”

He made his way out, tossing his cup in the trash can. He looked back her way as he exited through the door, almost running into her next date.

The next Alex wasn’t nearly as put together and ordered his drink before making his way over to her booth.

“I hope you weren’t here long. I got tied up at work this morning and was just able to leave a half hour ago,” he apologized, wiping his nose on the back of his hand before taking a loud slurp of his still hot coffee.

Almost spitting it out, he managed to catch himself from spewing it at her, making a huge mess.

“Where do you work?” Marie asked politely.

“I have a job just up the street at the corner gas station. I work the early morning shift.”

“Ah. That explains the reason I smell pastries all of a sudden.”

“Yeah. We keep them fresh by freezing whatever is left over after the shift. Saves a ton on having to throw them out, and the customers don’t know the difference anyway.”

I’ll bet they don’t, she thought to herself. Out loud, she said, “Which gas station is this? I’ll have to check it out.”

I’ll check it out with a health inspector right beside me to make sure I don’t die from a disease.

“It’s over off of Pecan Park Road.” He gestured with a large pudgy hand.

“I’m in charge of the entire shift,” he boasted, as if that was truly an accomplishment that a man of his age should be excited about.

Marie started to ask a question, but was cut off by the continuation of his status.

“I’ve been saving up for years, and the old lady next to Mama’s house finally croaked, so I was able to get it for a steal. They even included the furniture, although the city moved the bed she died in out when it happened.”

This version of Alex Fine was just getting into his element, when she finally interrupted him.

“Um, excuse me, but I have to go to the restroom, and I’m not going to be able to make it back until you’re gone from here.” Marie wanted him to get the message, but at the same time, be as nice as possible. “I just don’t see us being compatible, so it was nice to meet you. Have a good day.” Without a backward glance, Marie hurried to the restroom and hoped that he would be gone shortly.

He grumbled loudly all the way out. “This coffee is way too expensive. We serve better stuff than this pig slop. You don’t know what you’re missing.” He screamed down the hallway leading to the restrooms as he walked to the exit and finally left, to the relief of all those in the coffee shop.

Marie took advantage of his early departure to use the facilities and cautiously came out of the restroom, looking around to make sure he was really gone.

“You’re safe,” the cashier informed her.

“Oh, thank goodness. This internet dating is really crazy, isn’t it?”

The girl simply nodded in agreement. “Can I get you anything?”

“I believe I’m going to need a coffee after that last encounter. No extras, just black. Well, I take that back, just one small dab of cream.”

“Sure thing. I’ll even bring it over to you when it’s ready.”

“Oh, thank you, but I need to stand up for just a minute and get that man out of my subconscious.” Marie shook her head in bewilderment that anyone could live like that and still try to pick up a woman for a date.

“I think the first guy was really handsome for an older guy, and you both seemed to get along well.”

“You’re absolutely correct, my dear. He is quite a catch, as long as there isn’t anything hidden under the surface.”

“Hey, sometimes you just have to have a little faith, you know?” The girl pointed toward the ceiling. “Someone must be looking out for you. Here ya go.”

“That’s a perfect reminder. I’d forgotten about my guardian angel. Well, one more date to go, and let’s hope he’s better than this last one.”

“He has to be, right? There can’t be two horribly creepy guys on the same dating site.”

“At this point, I don’t think anything would surprise me. I’ll let you know what I decide on my way out.” Marie left a large tip in the jar as she made her way back to the corner table.

------------------

Alexander had watched the people coming and going from the coffee shop from across the street.

It seemed to be a coincidence that Marie had gotten on the same dating site he was listed on. The other two men that had met her were also named Alex, or versions of it.

He was still trying to figure out if she was truly dating, or trying to find out more about him.

He adjusted his bow tie. Either way, he would find out what she knew about their operation.

------------------

Marie had no idea who would walk through the door, but when the little bow tie gentleman from the bingo hall came in, she breathed a sigh of relief.

She’d found the right dating site, and gotten really lucky that he had actually showed up for their date.

As he approached, she stood up. “I hope you’re my next date because the last guy was, well, terrible.”

Marie smiled, hoping he would be friendly, but his face remained in a tight smile.

“I’m sorry, is something wrong?” Marie asked. Her smile faded as she was backed up toward the wall.

“No, nothing is wrong. Have we met before?” Alexander held out a small, almost delicate hand to Marie.

Although he was the same height as she was, this man seemed to be more intimidating than other larger men. He had a way of making his presence felt.

Starting to timidly take his hand, Marie straightened and reached out, clasping his hand with a firm grip.

“I’ve seen you over at the bingo hall when I play each week. Yesterday, you gave me some library books.”

Cupping her hand next her mouth, she leaned forward. “I haven’t had a chance to read them yet, but I’ve been told that they’re the best classics to read.”

Taking his cue from her, he acted like there hadn’t been anything unusual yesterday about the books he’d given her. He motioned for her to sit before taking the seat across from her.

“Have you read many of the classics?” he asked while grimacing at the common atmosphere of the coffee shop as he slid onto the bench.

“Well, of course the ones you read for school credit, but that was years ago. I really haven’t read more than those few because I haven’t had much time.”

Marie still felt on edge, but wanting to make him more comfortable, she continued. “I just retired a few months ago and need something to help fill the winter days when it’s too cold to do much outside. So, do you give library books out to other senior centers, or just our bingo hall?”

“I only volunteer there a couple times a month. I work at the high school and fill in at the public libraries when they need a substitute. I really enjoy connecting people with things they can learn from and enjoy.” Alexander watched Marie to see if her interest was genuine.

“How would you find a book for say a young teen boy that didn’t want to read? What would make him interested?” Marie took a sip of her still warm coffee.

“Considering you don’t look like a teenage boy, I’m going to assume you have a son? He would be interested in a book more along the lines of an action adventure. I would have to know a little more about him to know if fantasy or another genre would be best suited for him.” Her question had only relaxed him slightly, but her response stunned him.

“I don’t have children, although my nephew was the one I was hoping to connect with because he just lost his girlfriend to a drug overdose.” Marie knew if he was a bad guy who was selling drugs, then he would be checking up on her to make sure she told him the truth.

“It happened over Thanksgiving break, and while he hasn’t said much, you can tell it’s really bothering him.”

“Have you considered taking him to see a play? Or a tour of a museum to give him a change of pace?” Alexander folded his hands in front of him on the table, trying not to fidget.

“Do we have that kind of culture here in this town?”

“They do. Since we’re in a metro area of sorts, there are several museums only an hour or so away. The college has a wonderful theater department, as does the community theater. In fact, I have tickets for the Thursday night performance if you would like to attend with me?” Alexander threw down his gauntlet, trusting that she would take the bait if she wanted to investigate him.

“Oh, my, that is an amazing invitation, but I already have plans. I’m so sorry. What play are they doing?” Marie tried to look dismayed.

“It’s a well-known play, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf.”

“Hmm, now you’ve surprised me. I really thought you would have tickets to something Shakespearian.” Marie couldn’t contain her thoughts. “Rats! I’ve never seen that play before.”

Alexander cleared his throat before answering. “I do have season seats to the theater. I generally try to go when it won’t be as crowded, but I would be willing to take you on Saturday afternoon.”

“I don’t have anything on Saturday afternoon. Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable just so that I can go.” Marie couldn’t believe the sympathy she was feeling for this man.

“No, it won’t be uncomfortable for me. I’ve been known to go on a Saturday afternoon. Thursday is my preferred choice, but Saturday is my second preference.” Alexander fidgeted in his seat. “I also love to go to any play that is more than a simple television show. I don’t mean to be condescending, I simply enjoy the finer things in life, and most people take it the wrong way.”

Marie reached over to pat his arm, but thought better of it and moved to get a drink instead.

“Fair warning, I may not be as sophisticated as you would like, but I certainly enjoy some of the finer things in life as well.”

“You’re a step above the masses because you’re a classy woman. Being polite and willing to try new things is certainly an improvement over most of the women I have found on the dating site.” Alexander made a clicking sound to show his disapproval.

“I’m still new to this dating scene. Do I meet you there, or will you be picking me up?” Marie asked, hoping that he would leave her a way to escape if she felt threatened.

“The gentleman always picks up his date, but in this case, I have to work that morning at the library so I’ll meet you there. We can decide if we want to eat dinner after the play.” Alexander wanted a chance to put a tracer on Marie’s car. “Shall we meet at one thirty in front of the statue at the art building? Do you know where that’s located?”

“It’s been a few years, but I think I can manage to meet you there.” Marie took a pen and memo pad out of her purse. “Here’s my phone number in case you can’t find me.”

Glancing at her watch, Marie realized she had been at the coffee house for almost two hours.

Alexander took the hint and stood.

“It has been a pleasure meeting you officially.” He took her hand and made a half bow. “I will see you on Saturday then.”

He turned on his heel and left Marie standing there with her hand hanging in the air.

“I guess you will.” Marie paused, realizing that he hadn’t introduced himself to her or given her his number.

“Well played, sir. Well played. I plan to win the next round on Saturday,” Marie muttered to herself as she collected her purse and coffee to head toward the exit doors herself.

Chapter 10

Kristi wasn’t expecting anyone at her door as a loud knock sounded, followed by two smaller ones.

She smiled as she answered the door, certain she knew who was on the other side.

“Sunni! Hi, come on in.” Kristi stood to the side as the threesome entered, stomping snow from their boots on the mat.

Flynn and Lily just stood there, looking around for the girls.

“Faith, Chloe, you have company!” Kristi yelled down the hall. The girls barely made it into the living room, and then all four of them shot out of there as if someone was chasing them.

“We can make some hot chocolate in the kitchen for a snack and let them know when it’s ready,” Kristi suggested, moving in that direction as Sunni took off her coat.

“Oh, that sounds good. Have you heard from Carolina today?” Sunni asked, curious as to how the overnight stay had turned out.

“I haven’t, but we just got in the door from school and haven’t had a chance to worry about it. She wasn’t back when I left this morning. Do you want me to call her?” Kristi asked as she got out the milk and a can of cocoa.

“I’ve been wondering how things went all day. Finally, the twins were just driving me crazy, and so I thought getting out of the house might be a good idea.” Sunni made herself at home and proceeded to get the mugs out.

“You were feeling left out, weren’t you?” Kristi gave her a searching look. “We didn’t mean to take all the detective work away from you.”

“No, it’s okay. I don’t think I could have lasted with both of them in the car for such a long time. I’m just restless, I guess.”

Sunni lined the mugs up evenly and counted out four marshmallows into each cup.

“Hey, those marshmallows aren’t vegan,” Kristi warned.

“Eh, it won’t kill them this time, and they’re at your house so they’ll think they snuck something by me.” Sunni shrugged it off.

Kristi left the stove and felt Sunni’s forehead with her hand.

“No fever. Are you okay?”

“I think I have a case of the SAD. Well, and being totally overwhelmed with Christmas preparations. Dusty isn’t really talking to us. I have this intuition that something bad is going to happen, but I feel helpless to stop it. A few marshmallows don’t seem as big a deal in the grand scheme of things.”

“Whoa! That is a problem. We need to get you out of the dumps, and I have just the thing. We’ll get the kids settled with their hot chocolate and I’ll get my work computer out.” Kristi turned back to the stove just in time to add milk and turn the burner down to medium.

“Will you get the cookies from the cookie jar and put them on some napkins for me?” Kristi asked, stirring the mix to keep it from boiling.

They worked in silence for a few minutes, then carried the cups and cookies to the table.

“Children, hot chocolate and cookies.” The words weren’t out of her mouth before the herd of running feet came into the room.

Sunni started cleaning up the kitchen, but Kristi stopped her.

“Leave it. We have some detecting to do.” She led the way into the living room and took out her laptop, setting it up on the coffee table.

“What are we looking for on there?” Sunni knew many people were comfortable with modern technology, but computers confused her.

“You know how I work with Olive at the real estate agency? I have access to our programs and know the site that allows us to look up property taxes so we can find out some information about Zach’s house.” Kristi turned it on and started typing to locate the information they were looking for.

“You can really find out all of that from the internet?” Sunni asked disbelievingly.

“Oh, yes. This is the age of technology. It’s a great tool, but can be used against you if you’re not careful.” Kristi grinned. “We plan to use the tools for evil today and let this great source do the leg work for us.”

“If you say so. How will we know we’ve found the right person?”

“The tax appraisal office has each address listed with the amount of taxes that it’s appraised for. So, if you know the address of the property, then you find out who the owner is and how long they’ve had that piece of property.”

“They just put that information out on the internet?” Sunni couldn’t keep the shock out of her voice.

“Excuse me?”

Both Kristi and Sunni turned to see who was being so polite, only to find four little faces standing there.

“Yes?” Kristi responded.

“We put our mugs in the sink and threw the trash away. Can we be excused?” Chloe spoke for the group.

“May you be excused?” Sunni automatically corrected. “Yes, you may.”

The four disappeared without a word.

“Should we be worried at how polite they’re being?” Sunni was amazed at the actions of her children.

“No. I don’t think they can harm anything. We can go check in on them in a few minutes.” Kristi turned her attention back to the answers hiding on the website.

“Look, when I put in the address that we watched yesterday, it says it’s owned by a Zachary Avery. He took it over about five years ago from a Hilda Avery. A few years before that, it was listed to a William Avery.” Kristi pointed to each item as she found more information.

“That is so sad.” Sunni sniffled, about to cry when there was a knock on the door and someone entered.

“Hellooo,” Carolina called out as she entered. “Oh good, you’re both here.” She pulled off her coat, mittens, and scarf. “I went to the post office this morning with coffee and found some important stuff about our suspect.”

“How was last night?” Sunni wrinkled her nose at Carolina’s entrance, but really wanted to know what had happened.

“It was really quiet. I didn’t see anything that would help in one way or another. Although, one of the neighbors did stop me this morning to check and make sure what I was doing in the neighborhood.” Carolina told them the truth, not mentioning that she slept through any excitement that might have happened.

“I don’t think we should do any more surveillance there because they have a pretty good neighborhood watch. I think Zach will get suspicious and will move his illegal activities elsewhere.”

Carolina didn’t stop for anyone to protest, but plunged on ahead with her story.

“So when I got done, I headed to the coffee shop and got my old friend a drink. You know, if you bring someone a surprise, they’re generally more willing to talk naturally, and you get a lot more information from them if they don’t think you’re interrogating them.” She flopped into the cozy chair by the door at the end of the coffee table. “Anyway, I told him I was thinking of buying the house two doors down from the suspects. He offered lots of intel on the property and neighborhood.

“Zach bought the house from his grandmother so that she would have a retirement fund and not have to worry about money. He lives there, but in the basement so that his grandmother has her own space, and he can still keep an eye on her.

“The neighborhood is mostly older and retired couples, but is slowly getting a younger crowd as the older generation dies off or moves into assisted living. The crime rate is low in that area. Now I can’t say the same thing a few streets over, but they’ve done a great job keeping crime out.”

Carolina finished and took a deep breath, waiting for both the women to congratulate her on a job well done.

“Did you happen to find out how he makes money?” Sunni zeroed in on the item that Carolina hadn’t mentioned.

“I can answer that. While she was talking, I looked him up on the search engine. He seems to have made a video game that took off and is doing fairly well. He could be laundering drug money through his game company. It would make sense.” Kristi moved the mouse, looking for more information.

“Why would he sell drugs if he has money? I mean, I know people sell drugs to make money, but once you have money, what would be the point?” Sunni’s naivety came to the surface again.

“Gamers are well-known for using drugs to help keep them awake. A lot of them take uppers to keep them going for days, then take a few sleeping pills to help them sleep when their group is cycled off or between tournaments,” Kristi informed them.

“How do you know so much?”

“I was a gamer before I had the girls. I didn’t do hard drugs, but on occasion, I’d smoke a little something to help me relax. I have a system that’s a little outdated now, but I don’t get to play very often,” Kristi admitted sheepishly.

“You’ve never mentioned it before.” Sunni felt hurt that she would keep something like this hidden from her.

“I know how you feel about violence, and these games are first person shooter games. I was trying not to bother your morals.”

Carolina had remained quiet because she was still feeling the night spent in her truck. She jerked awake, realizing that she had dozed off.

“Ladies, I’m going to head home. I need to get some rest after my surveillance duties last night. If you uncover anything else, let me know, would you?” She stood and started bundling up. It’s supposed to freeze tonight so I doubt even the criminals will be out,” Carolina suggested as she swept through the door and out into the cold afternoon.

“Oh, my, it’s really gotten dark out there. I guess the kids and I should head home so we can make it before the streets get really bad.” Sunni lifted her tired body off the couch.

“I know that she was the one up all night, but I’m exhausted. Being a mother takes a lot out of you, doesn’t it?” Kristi agreed as she closed the laptop.

“Why didn’t anyone tell us about this? Where was my warning label?” Sunni joked.

“Motherhood side effects: exhaustion, never being alone, eating cold food, and possibly wearing clothing that doesn’t match in public.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Kristi agreed, walking toward the girls’ room.

“We should get together this weekend and see what we’ve uncovered,” Sunni suggested. “Why don’t you and the girls come over Saturday afternoon and stay for dinner?”

“Done. I’ll bring a side dish and a dessert.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Sunni protested.

“Yes, I do, and the girls love to bake cookies so it will give them an excuse to do it.”

“Time to go, kids. Faith and Chloe are going to come over on Saturday to visit.” Sunni offered the information as an incentive to get them out easier.

“Okay. Bye, Faith. Bye, Chloe.” Flynn picked up the few toys that were out and squeezed through the two moms standing in the doorway to go and put his coat on.

Puzzled, Kristi and Sunni looked at each other. Lily followed her brother’s example and they were out the door in record time.

Sunni chalked their strange behavior up to the change in weather and dismissed it from her mind. Relieved when they pulled up to the house, she never saw the vehicle that followed her from Kristi’s home to her house.

------------------

The tables were being turned on the mommy detectives, and they were now being surveilled themselves.

Chapter 11

Saturday dawned and for once, Marie was up and looking forward to the day ahead. She had a morning planned with an amazing guy, then an afternoon date at the theater.

Unsure which date was going to be the most interesting, she prepared for both with a little makeup, a nice shirt, and a pair of comfortable blue jeans.

She chose the sneakers for now, but she could always change later when she got to the theater in case she was running late.

The drive to the center for recovering veterans wasn’t long, and Marie couldn’t help the excitement she felt as it got closer to when she could see Alex again.

Her phone beeped as she drove into the complex, looking for the correct section with the visitor parking. She found an empty spot and took advantage of its closeness to the front of the lot.

As she placed the car in park and picked up the phone, her face lit up with a smile when she saw the name displayed on her phone.

Prince Charming.

PC: Where are you at? I’ll walk over to find you.

PC: Are you lost?

Marie: No, I was driving. I’m in the C lot.

PC: Be right there.

Marie didn’t have long to wait until a tall man with an amazing smile was standing in front of her.

“Hello, there.” Alex grinned.

“Hey, yourself.” Marie smiled back nervously.

He leaned in and Marie thought he was about to kiss her, but instead, he took her hand in his and started toward building C. When they entered the corridor, Alex stopped to sign her in.

“They need to see your ID and make a copy.”

Disengaging his hand from hers, she reached into her back pocket for her wallet. Alex had explained the process for her to come in as volunteer for the day.

“Sorry. My mind had wandered.” Marie handed her license to the clerk at the desk.

“Thank you. It’ll only take a minute.” The man behind the desk motioned toward the few chairs that worked as the waiting area.

Marie didn’t know if they were supposed to sit down or just wait, but Alex remained standing so she followed his example.

The man returned rather quickly. “Sign in here.” He handed her back her ID and a badge that said visitor.

Before the ink was on the paper, he motioned toward the glass doors and they buzzed.

“This way, my lady.” Alex gestured toward the hall and they made their way to the relaxation room.

Marie pulled on Alex’s arm. “What am I supposed to say to them?”

He kissed her forehead. “Be yourself. All they want is someone to listen to them, or just be there so they don’t feel alone.”

Marie took a deep breath, trying to psych herself up. “All right. Let’s do this.”

Alex held the door and Marie went through, only to find a group of men and a few women all hanging out in a common room.

Marie felt the term ‘hanging out’ was a bit broad since there were only two sets of people actually talking to each other.

One young man was sitting facing the wall, away from everyone.

Marie left the safety of Alex’s side and made her way over to the lone soldier.

“Do you mind if I join you?” Marie asked softly.

When the young man didn’t respond, she pulled up a chair. He was staring blankly at the wall, but his eyes were glazed over in such a way that Marie knew he wasn’t actually seeing anything because he was blind.

“Hi, I’m Marie. What’s your name?” He had a sticker that said hello, but there wasn’t a name written in the blank space.

When he didn’t answer her, she started talking about anything she could think of, and found herself talking about her lost guy, John.

“I knew a young man like you a long time ago. He went off all gung ho, ready to do something for his country, but the reality was much different than he had imagined.” Marie couldn’t help but feel a bit of sadness at all the things this young man wouldn’t be able to see in the future.

“How did he die?” It was the only thing the young man had said since she sat down.

“They told me he was missing for a few years. His squadron was fighting and the enemy attacked, hitting them where it hurt the most because someone had given their position to the enemy. They assumed he was captured, but recently, they uncovered a shallow grave with his dog-tags so they moved him to KIA,” Marie explained to him with sadness.

“I’m sorry. It shouldn’t have taken them so long to tell you what happened to your guy.” The young man spoke in a bland monotone.

“That’s so sweet of you. It is what it is, though, but I’m glad that you made it back home,” she said with sincerity.

“You’re the first person who hasn’t asked what happened to me.”

“It’s really your story, and I would hate having everyone ask what happened or other personal questions. Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Are you an angel? Because I don’t think they make people like you anymore.”

“Nope, not an angel. Just a retiree. My name is Marie, and I’m at your service.” She blushed at his compliment.

“Would you mind taking me outside?”

Marie looked over to find Alex talking to another man across the room.

“This is my first time here, and I’m not sure where to go. Do I have to ask permission?”

He gave a snicker. “No, they tell us we’re not prisoners, but living in total darkness, it seems that way. If you don’t mind, wheel me over toward the doors and turn right. There should be an exit at the end of the hallway, leading to a courtyard where they let us smoke.”

“Okay. Anything I need to know before I push this thing?” Marie asked as she took the brake off the wheels.

He shook his head no, so Marie didn’t say anything as they made their way out, but she was relieved to see that the door didn’t lock behind them.

The weather was slightly chilly, even to Marie, but the sun made it seem much better, so she hoped the young man wouldn’t be cold.

The young man pulled out a pack of cigarettes. “You can take me toward the left, about a hundred feet, and there should be a smoking area.”

When she stopped, the young man lifted a trembling hand to place the cigarette in-between his lips.

Instead of offering to help light it, she let him struggle with it and watched as he precisely measured the distance and flicked open the lighter.

As he took a few puffs, he threw out a question to see where she was at. “So why didn’t you rush to help me from catching my face on fire?”

“I figured if you wanted help, you would ask for it. Otherwise, isn’t it better to let you do what you feel comfortable with?”

“Are they paying you something to try and get me to do stuff on my own?” Sarcasm laced every word he spoke to her.

“Nope. Again, it’s my first day, and a guy asked me if I wanted to help. I didn’t come for the right reasons. I came to impress a guy and found out that I’m a very selfish person,” Marie confessed.

“Hmm, that’s really interesting because you’re the first person who’s been truly genuine.”

“I’ve felt really lost lately, and I guess I needed to find someone to listen that wouldn’t judge me. When you didn’t respond, I thought it would be a great way to get something of it out. I’m sorry I used you.”

“Wow, lady. I think you might really need to get laid. It might take some of that guilt your feeling away.”

When the young man crushed the cigarette into the palm of his hand, Marie tried not to make any sounds that might sound like disapproval.

Marie placed her hands on the back of his chair and silently wheeled him inside.

As they passed through the doors, he spoke again. “Hey, Marie. I’m sorry, that was uncalled for. You’ve been really nice, and I tend to take my anger out on everyone these days.”

She patted his shoulder. “I understand. I’m not mad.”

She pushed him inside and waited for Alex to finish his conversation. She nodded that she was ready to go when Alex glanced her way.

As she stood, the young man caught her hand, stopping her from leaving. “Will you come back and talk to me again?”

“Only on one condition. You have to tell me your name.”

The young man held out his hand. “Nate. Nate Gomez.”

“Well, Nate, it was a pleasure to meet you. I’ll have to ask my escort if I can come back in the next few weeks.” Marie grinned as she looped her arm through Alex’s.

“I’ll bring her back as soon as I can, Nate. Thanks for keeping her safe her first time in,” Alex spoke respectfully to the young man.

“Yes, sir. It’ll give me something to look forward to.”

They made their way back outside to the parking lot after signing out and turning in their badges.

“I’m so amazed. Nate hasn’t spoken to anyone in weeks. He’s sunk himself into this hole where no one could reach him. He’s been certain that his life is over, and no one will ever hire him or love him.” Alex couldn’t stop smiling.

“I just acted like I’d known him forever. He reminded me a lot of John, and I would’ve wanted someone to be nice to him if he had come home wounded and his family couldn’t be there for him.” Marie just shrugged, uncomfortable with his praise.

“He told his family not to come back, that he didn’t need their help. They were always hovering and doing everything for him. His mother kept trying to come in the mornings and dress him.”

“Oh, my. No wonder he was so happy when I let him be a man.”

“I think you just cashed in several dates worth of approval here, so just in the interest of disclosure, I’m going to kiss you now.”

Marie didn’t have time to protest as she was overwhelmed with a sweet and savory kiss that took her breath away.

“Do you have root beer chapstick on?” Marie giggled.

“Yes. What, is it too manly for you?”

“No, just unexpected.” Marie didn’t get to continue because Alex’s phone rang, scattering her next thought.

“Yeah, okay. I’ll be over to check it out and see if we can come up with a temporary fix until the new materials arrive. No, I understand, and I’d rather get it taken care of now before the cold weather hits this next week.” Alex looked at Marie in apology. “Be right there.” He hit the end button. “I’m so sorry. I have to go, but call me when you get done with your other date this afternoon. I would enjoy hearing all about it.” Alex smiled at her.

“I think something could be arranged, but I might be running off with some guy in a bow tie named Alexander. Fair warning.”

“No running off with any other guys named Alex, except for me, comprende?”

“Yes, sir.” Marie saluted and climbed inside her car. “I’ll message you when I get done.”

“Be careful,” he called after her as she exited the parking lot.

------------------

Marie had had enough extra time to go home, eat lunch, and change into something a little nicer since Alexander preferred a classy woman.

She knew that parking would be terrible on the campus, even though it was the weekend, so she planned to arrive a little bit early.

The directions to the theater were very easy to identify and follow, so she found herself waiting for the other Alexander.

College students dressed in varying shades of casual to semi-formal bustled around her as she stood next to the statue of someone famous. The art building was on her left, and the theater building was on her right.

As she looked at her watch for the tenth time, Marie was beginning to wonder if she had been stood up, or had simply misunderstood where she was supposed to meet him.

There was a tap on her shoulder. “Have you been waiting very long?” Alexander stood behind her in a sport coat and tie.

“Not too long. You have the tickets already, correct?” Marie asked as she took his offered arm.

“Yes. Our own special seats so that we don’t have to share with others,” he responded as he escorted them inside past the ushers.

“Get ready to be amazed. This is a wonderful play.” Alexander took them to the only private box on the right side of the theater.

“Wow, you were right. I have never had the privilege to be in private seats before.” Marie took one of the two seats available.

There wasn’t time for anything else because the lights flashed and the crowd settled down.

Marie reached into her purse and turned her cell phone to vibrate and the screen’s light down. She saw Alexander frown, but was glad that he refrained from saying anything since she was already silencing her phone.

The curtain opened on a couple arguing.

Two hours later, Marie and Alexander exited the theater.

Marie tried to find something good to say about the play.

“So, what did you think?”

She felt his intense gaze on her as he tried to determine how honest she was being with him.

“Well, it was very different from what I was expecting. I know it was supposed to have a surprise ending, but I was a little surprised at the beginning and the middle, and the end as well.” Marie crinkled her nose in confusion.

“I really thought it was about some murders, but it was mostly a bitter couple who wanted to see if the younger couple could still love each other, even when another couple tried to come between them. That was what we just watched, right?” Marie asked, uncertain, hoping that he would take her question as interest.

“Yes. It’s more of a contemplation on the stages of a couple who used to be great once upon a time. Now, they are testing to see if the younger couple are as solid as they appear to be,” Alexander explained with a flourish. “The debates between Nick and George are rather stimulating, wouldn’t you say?” He turned to her for confirmation.

“I hope I don’t sound uneducated, but I really didn’t understand what they were talking about. It sounded kind of like they were discussing the merits of science vs. history, but they didn’t really explain why one was better than the other. The whole thing seemed to be simple, yet it was two men trying to one-up each other to show who was the better man.” Marie couldn’t keep the derision from her tone.

“That would be one way of looking at it. So, did you like it?” he questioned curiously.

“While it wasn’t what I’d expected, the acting was fabulous, and it really brought the story to life. I would be willing to come to another play in the future, if I was invited of course.” She smiled over at him, then realized they had managed to end up at her car.

“I guess I’ll go home for now and wait for you to call me again.”

“It was an enjoyable afternoon, but I had a change of plans which means, regrettably, I must part ways.” Alexander bowed at the waist.

“Thank you for a lovely time.” Marie spoke graciously as she got into her car.

------------------

That evening, Marie’s phone dinged in response to her first text when she had arrived home.

Marie: Whatcha doing?

Alex: Still with Alexander #3?

Marie: No. Only went to the play with him, and then we parted ways. I doubt he’ll want to go on another date.

Alex: Were you mean?

Marie: No, but I don’t think I impressed him.

Alex: You didn’t like the play?

Marie: It was different from what I’d imagined, although the acting was good. I didn’t really get the point of the entire play. They didn’t tie it all up in a bow at the end, so I was left feeling unsatisfied.

Alex: I could help with that problem. ;)

Marie: We still don’t know each other well enough for that yet. I would like another date first.

Alex: So how do you think today went?

Marie: Well, I don’t think I’m as sophisticated I had assumed I was to begin with.

Alex: Does that mean you won’t go to the movies with me next week?

Marie: What? A movie and a play are totally different things. I would love to, but wait! What movie?

Alex: I was thinking a historical film with a love story, but it has some fighting it in so it’s a win-win for both of us.

Marie: How thoughtful of you. I enjoy war movies, and I heard there was a good one about a horse coming out next week.

Alex: Hmm…I feel a compromise. We go see this war movie next week, and I get to pick the next one, which will be more of a chick flick.

Marie: Compromise accepted. FYI, I picked that movie because I do like a good war movie. Depends on the chick flick you pick out as to whether I will want to see it or make you go by yourself.

Alex: Ha-ha, very funny. Honestly, it’ll be nice to have someone to watch a movie with. I tend to avoid going so I don’t have to go alone.

Marie: If we keep this up, we might not ever have any alone time.

Alex: I could live with that kind of outcome. Even though I have a family, it still gets lonely when you do everything by yourself, except for work.

Marie: Did you get your work situation taken care of?

Alex: Yes, it was just a case of the wrong items being shipped and the company promised to have the correct items to us by Monday, so we can get the job finished by Christmas.

Marie: What do the veterans at the rehabilitation center do for Christmas?

Alex: Some of them have families that come to visit, but most either live too far away or have given up on them getting better.

Marie: Would most of them like the idea of Christmas, or are they just too cynical and depressed?

Alex: Very few would be opposed to Christmas, but the staff is stretched thin, so they don’t have time for more than a nice meal and a few little extras.

Marie: I’ll have to think about ways to make their Christmas brighter. When I come up with something, you might have to help me get it all together.

Alex: No problem. Hey, I have to run to dinner at one of my kid’s houses. I’ll text you again tomorrow.

Marie: All right. I’ll be watching the phone in anticipation.

Alex: Bye.

Marie: ’Night.

“Who knew this modern technology could be so much fun? Dating might not be so bad after all. Now, what could I do for those poor soldiers for Christmas?

Chapter 12

Sunni and Kristi pulled into the driveway of Aunt Marie’s house, only to find it completely dark.

“I don’t like the looks of this. She would never leave without calling me.” Sunni put the car in park and opened the door to check things out.

Kristi joined her, stopping to look into the garage first. “Hey, her car is in the garage.”

“I’m not sure if that’s a good sign or a bad sign.” Sunni used her key to unlock the front door.

The alarm system beeped as she entered. Crossing the room, she keyed in the code and the beeping stopped.

“She set the alarm, her car is here, the door was locked, but I’m thinking she’s gone. The house feels deserted.” Sunni sniffed the air, but didn’t smell anything.

“Cats!” Sunni exclaimed

“What do you mean, cats? I’ve never heard you use that cuss word before.” Kristi flipped on the overhead light.

“Aunt Marie would never leave her cat behind, and if she had been kidnapped, then her cat would have made the litterbox overflow and smell after two days. Take a sniff, no smell.” Sunni gestured happily.

“Okay, so if she wasn’t kidnapped, then where is she?” Kristi hated to burst her bubble.

“Peas and carrots!” Sunni cried in frustration.

“Ah, now that’s the Sunni I know. Let’s look around and see if we can find any clues she might have left.” Kristi went to the kitchen and began opening cabinets, searching for anything out of the ordinary.

Sunni headed back toward her aunt’s office. She flipped the overhead switch, which only turned the fan on, so Sunni made her way over to the desk lamp.

“Kristi, you need to see this!” Sunni yelled.

Breathless, Kristi arrived in the doorway. “Whoa! So this is what your aunt has been up to lately.” Kristi scanned the wall of printed articles and photos of men all named Alexander.

“She’s been dating men named Alexander and trying to do undercover work on her own.”

“It looks like she has two suspects that she’s been dating, two different men.”

“Well, three, but she crossed off the guy who worked at the convenience store.” Kristi read the note beside his name.

“This man isn’t a viable suspect because he was a horrible human being with no regard for others or the health of those who frequent his store. While he could plan out a simple con, there’s no way he could handle running drugs.”

“Look at this one.” Sunni read from the index card pinned to the bulletin board. “Veteran, divorcee, who devotes his time and energy to helping others. He might require several more dates to determine motives and availability.”

“This sounds like she likes this one,” Kristi commented. “Now this other guy looks like the one she was getting library books from.”

“She’s written about ten different index cards about this Alexander. He’s the one that I saw her getting something from at the bingo hall.” Kristi pointed to the shot of the man with a bow tie.

“He’s the librarian,” Sunni explained. “If Aunt Marie was getting a package from this man, then she might have it around here.”

They both started to look through all her papers and drawers.

“Do you know the password to her computer?” Kristi asked, frustrated when they didn’t find anything to help them.

Sunni turned the keyboard over to find the password taped to the bottom.

“Did you know that was there?” Kristi was amazed that Sunni had found it so quickly.

“No, but it’s what I would do to remember it.” Sunni sat down, then realized she had no idea what to look for on Aunt Marie’s computer.

“Why don’t you do this? You’ll find out if there’s something on here to find much faster than I would.” Sunni got back up and turned the chair toward Kristi.

Kristi spent the next few minutes looking through the computer’s history.

“I have the dating site, and she left it where it would automatically sign in, so now we can visit her chats and see what she’s been up to.”

“She’s been chatting with one of the Alexanders, but I can’t tell which one. The chat seems pretty normal and doesn’t look to have any information about drugs.”

M: I really enjoyed our date to the play the other night.

A: It was my pleasure. I hope that we can enjoy many more evenings on our cruise together.

“They’re going on a cruise?” Sunni asked disbelievingly. “What is she thinking?”

A: The cruise will be more of a classic retreat versus the cheesy themed cruises. This will have fine wine, fine music, and no children are allowed.

M: You don’t like children? You work at the high school.

A: I don’t dislike children in general, just not on a boat with me. They tend to do lots of running and screaming, generally managing to be in the way.

M: Ah, just checking. I love my nieces and nephews.

A: I have the details for meeting the ship. We meet tomorrow at noon and drive to the coast. It takes at least a week to arrive in London, then the return trip starts two days later. You’ll be gone for about sixteen to twenty days.

M: So, in other words, lots of outfits and evening wear. ;)

A: The age-old problem with women and clothes. Well, you have about twelve hours to decide which accessories will be the best to take with you.

M: See you soon.

“This is why you haven’t been able to reach her. Once you get on a cruise, the cell phones don’t really have reception when the boat heads out to sea.”

“So my aunt simply decided to go on a cruise with the one man we consider to be a suspect? How do we even know that she actually got on board the ship? Her car is still here, so did he pick her up?” Sunni paced nervously behind the chair while Kristi continued to search.

“It looks like he was supposed to pick her up. Let’s go see if she took any suitcases with her, and that may tell us what we need to know.”

Sunni hurriedly moved toward the closet in the office.

“Two of her suitcases are gone, but if she was going on a cruise, she would’ve taken the bigger ones. She didn’t pack for a cruise.” Sunni almost cried the words out.

“What are we going to do?”

“We’re going to call the cruise line and see if she bought a ticket, or if Alexander did.”

“Hi, yes. I was wanting to make sure that my aunt made it onto your cruise ship that departed.” Kristi glanced at the computer’s timeline on the chat. “Yesterday afternoon or early this morning. We’ve had a family emergency and the only information she gave us was the cruise line.”

Kristi placed her hand over the phone’s receiver. “They’re looking it up to see which ship she’s on and how to contact her.”

“Yes, sir. You don’t have her name listed on any of the tickets? Could you try the boyfriend’s name, Alexander Fine? They were travelling together and he might have purchased her ticket. Kristi grimaced. “I see. So neither one is on the ship because they check everyone’s ID as they board, along with their passports. Okay, thank you, sir. She might have written the wrong cruise line down. We’ll check the others out.”

Releasing a breath of air she hadn’t known she was holding, Sunni started pacing again.

“We’ll have to confront him and see if he gives us a clue as to where he’s keeping her.”

“Oh, great plan. Let’s go tell the suspect we’re onto him, and then he can kill my aunt, who he has tied up in his basement.” Sunni was growing more frustrated by the minute.

“That’s it. We can pick up my girls, who he’s never seen, and then we’ll go and sell our package wrapping service to him. If he’s not home, then we can see about checking out his house. If we think your Marie’s there, we can break in.”

“Kristi, you want to use your children to spy on this guy and then break into his house? Who are you, and what have you done with my best friend?” Shaking her head in disbelief, Sunni turned the computer off and started for the front door.

“If that doesn’t work, we can always let Carolina snoop around,” Kristi offered.

“How about this? We go over to his house and find out if he’s home. Lights on, car parked at his house, and then we can decide if he’s somewhere with my aunt. This guy is too smart to simply kidnap someone and keep them at his own home.” Sunni countered Kristi’s offer.

“Deal, and when we don’t find anything, I suggest that we call in reinforcements. We can cover more ground and follow him if there are more of us taking turns.” Kristi stood on the front porch, waiting for Sunni to rearm and lock up the house.

------------------

“Green beans! What now?” Kristi had taken the keys from her hand. “You don’t think I can drive?” Sunni stamped her foot in the melted snow as Kristi made her way to the driver’s seat.

“Do you know where we’re going?” Kristi waved the index card from Aunt Marie’s board with Alexander Fine’s address.

“Fine.” Sunni gave up and buckled herself in for the ride.

“No, that’s who we’re going to find.” Kristi giggled and slid in behind the wheel.

Thankfully, Sunni’s husband had put the chains on the tires or they wouldn’t have stayed on the road, with Kristi driving as if the weather conditions were perfect.

The ride across town went quickly, considering that most sane people were at home and not in a race against an unknown competition.

When the sirens started behind them, Kristi let out her own brand of a cuss word. “Fried motherboard! I wasn’t speeding, Sunni, I swear.”

Sunni gripped the door handle as Kristi pulled over to the side of the road, only to have the police car race past them with an ambulance and firetruck following closely behind.

Bursting into laughter, Sunni couldn’t contain the relief and humor of their situation.

Kristi eased back onto the road while glancing at Sunni. “Um, are you okay?”

“Yes.” Sunni gasped, out of breath from her fit of laughter. “I have never seen you so scared, and that is such an unusual cuss word. Fried Motherboard? Who says that?” Sunni wiped at the tears running down her face.

“Are you crying? That’s it, we need to stop at the coffee shop and get something warm. We need to take a minute and just chill.”

Sunni tried to keep the giggle inside, but it bubbled out.

“I’m pretty sure if you just step out of the car, you’ll be really chilled since it’s freezing outside.”

“Oh, my goodness. I think you’re breaking through that mommy shell you wear all the time. Your aunt should get kidnapped more often.” Kristi’s hand flew to her mouth as she realized how that sounded.

“No, you’re right. I need to chill out. I always think if I let go of things, I’ll never get my control back. I didn’t used to be like this when Dusty was little, but then the twins came along.”

Sunni simply watched as Kristi pulled into a drive-thru ordering a coffee and hot chocolate.

Leaning across Kristi, Sunni shouted at the speaker, “Make that two coffees, please.”

Sitting back with a satisfied smile, Sunni continued her story.

“The twins arrived and it was two of everything. When one slept the other ate. Then there were the diapers to change and clothes to wash. Thank goodness, Dusty was in school, or we never would have made it.”

“Hold on a second. Did you just order a coffee with caffeine at this time of night? You never drink coffee.” Still incredulous, Kristi handed the lady at the window her card and took the receipt.

“I used to drink coffee, eat meat, and even drink sodas on a regular basis. Then I realized that if we didn’t go more natural and healthy, we might not live long enough to see the twins graduate from high school, much less college.”

Sunni took the cup from Kristi. Lifting the lid, she breathed in the aroma. “I’m sure Daniel cheats frequently, but he does really good when he’s home so what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

Kristi didn’t peel out of the drive-thru, since there was a cup of hot coffee in her hand; it was more of a fast glide.

“If I’d have known making you hold a hot drink would change the way you drive, I’d have done it years ago.” Sunni grinned, feeling free for the first time in years. “Is it much further to Alexander’s house?” Sunni asked, the child in her coming out even more.

“Just around the corner, but I want to know why going all natural, which is more work by the way, was the choice to give you more control?” Kristi took the alley behind Alexander’s house.

“I felt that if we concentrated on being healthier, then the kids might not drive me quite as crazy.” Sunni sighed. “Actually, I have no idea why we really did it. At the time, it seemed like such a good idea, but that was before we found out we were having twins.”

“You know I love your family, I just can’t imagine doing cloth diapers, gardening, plus chasing after two babies. It seems that you just added to your work load when you really didn’t need to.”

Kristi slowed down as they approached the house from the back.

“I think this is it. Do you want me to stop?”

“Absolutely not! Do you want him to know we’re watching him?” Sunni exclaimed in horror. “Drive around the block and we can park down the street from his house.”

“Believe me, there were many days when I simply wanted to give up and take the kids to any fast food restaurant in close proximity, but then I would look around and think I could make it just a few more days. Now it doesn’t really bother me, and I don’t crave the greasy burgers anymore.”

“But you gave the kids marshmallows the other day. Are you mellowing with old age?” Kristi lightly punched her friend in the arm.

“No. I know that as they get older and go to friend’s houses, they’re going to want to try different things, and it’s better to let them experiment when I’m around or I’ll end up with another Dusty situation times two.” Sunni shook her head. “Can you just imagine Flynn at his first overnight camp, trying to cram marshmallows in to make up for all the times he didn’t get them?”

“That would be a complete disaster.” Kristi motioned with her coffee. “Do you think this is far enough back?”

“If we get any closer, we might as well be sitting on his living room couch.”

“I don’t see a car in the driveway, but it looks like he’s home and not on a cruise ship, soaking up the sun.” Kristi could see a small figure sitting in a chair through the frosted glass.

“What if he’s already killed her? How will we know where to look for her body?” Sunni’s voice quivered with the thought of Aunt Marie lying dead somewhere in the cold.

“Let’s not borrow trouble. He could have her in the basement, and trying to lure us into a trap,” Kristi cautioned. “We can swing by Zach’s house and see if there’s any activity, but I think for tonight, since the weather is getting worse, we should call it a night.”

“No,” Sunni protested. “We could rescue her. She needs us. We should call the police again.”

“We can’t do that because of all the stuff at your Aunt’s house will show that we’ve been investigating on our own. Besides, you’ve already informed them she’s missing, correct?” Kristi questioned.

“I’ve been up there every day and called several times a day to see if they have any leads. They can’t look for her or expend the manpower because of the coming storm. The blizzard will make conditions horrible.”

“We can’t just give up on her like the police are,” Sunni almost wailed.

“Don’t worry, we’re not giving up on her. We just don’t want to get in trouble, and there’s nothing two women can do at this time of night. We have to be practical.”

Sunni sat helpless as Kristi finished her drink and put the car back in drive.

“I’ll call the group tomorrow and see if we can meet for coffee or something. All we’re going to do tonight is freeze and draw attention to ourselves with the car running to keep us warm.”

“Olive can help me search for addresses linked to either guy, and we check for anything that seems unusual about them.”

“If we can’t find anything, I’m seriously going to consider going to the police. She’ll be missing for more than forty-eight hours so they’ll have to investigate it.” Sunni gave in because Kristi made sense, and the snow was starting to build up. The roads would be more dangerous as the night wore on, and the temperatures continued to drop.

Thankfully, Kristi had slowed to a safe level and was being more cautious on the way to her house.

“Maybe we can talk Perri into snooping around in the library for some evidence that they’re dealing drugs at the school. It won’t seem as suspicious if she takes a look around.”

“Tomorrow is Saturday, and most schools don’t have people just hanging out, but she might be able to sneak us in and we can comb through the library.”

“Yes! I’ve always wanted to have a Saturday detention like the Breakfast Club movie.” Kristi became gleeful at the idea of reenacting her favorite parts.

“We’ll be looking for evidence and can’t be playing around. Besides, what will you do with the kids?” Sunni knew that Daniel and Dusty would be home to oversee the twins.

While she normally wouldn’t leave her family to run off and play detective, Aunt Marie had to be found before something happened to her.

------------------

“They just left,” he reported to the voice on the other end of the line.

“Which one was it?”

“I believe it was the niece and her friend. They drove through the alley, then circled around to the front.” He peered through the now dark window.

“What do you think they were trying to discover?”

“I’m not sure. There’s nothing here that links me to anything. The Marie woman’s been taken care of, but there’s no way her niece is going to find her here.”

“I’ll consider the situation. It may be time for you to discontinue any and all activities for a while, until they decide that you’re not worth investigating.”

“These ladies have proven to be highly persistent. I’m afraid they won’t be giving up in the near future.” While the street appeared empty, it didn’t mean the ladies wouldn’t return at a later date.

“This has been a serious setback to our operation. If this is not taken care of on a permanently, then we may have to rid ourselves of the problem.”

He tugged at the collar of his shirt. “While I have no personal connection, I don’t think that making these women disappear will really take care of the problem. I think it would make the rest of their group jump in and work harder.”

“Keep an eye on the situation, and if we need to step in, well, it only takes a phone call.”

“Absolutely. It’ll be take care of. Good night.” A dial tone was the only answer he received.

------------------

An early morning text message had the entire group up early and meeting at a coffee shop, per Olive’s request.

Miles was the last one there and as he slid into the booth, Sunni addressed the group.

“My Aunt Marie is missing.” Sunni waited until all of the gasps had died down. “Kristi and I went to her house last night to see if we could find her since she hadn’t been answering her phone.”

“Has she been known to not answer your calls before?” Perri questioned, knowing the older generation wasn’t as skilled with cell phones as the rest of the world.

“She always has her phone. There’s been the rare occasion that she’s forgotten to charge it, but she has a home phone as well. I tried both for two days before I decided to check things out.”

“Sunni called me to check and see if Carolina had heard anything from Aunt Marie, but we hadn’t,” Kristi added.

“I wouldn’t have been as worried, but I knew the storm was coming in and I generally pick her up when I go get groceries to be prepared.” Sunni took a deep breath, trying not to burst into tears at the thought of where Aunt Marie might be.

“She’s a grown woman. Could she have gone to visit someone and not told you?” Olive questioned.

“Her car is sitting in her garage. Her charger was in her room, but when we went in the office to look for the suitcases we found something very disturbing.” Sunni shuddered.

Perri pushed Sunni’s tea toward her. “Drink some, dear. I know you’re worried, but you can’t help her if you don’t take care of yourself.”

“She has an entire wall of information on all the drug connections and who might be a suspect,” Kristi volunteered.

Sunni screeched, unable to hold it in any longer. “She joined a dating site.” She covered her mouth as soon as the words slipped out.

“What’s wrong with her dating? Aunt Marie is still a young woman. I mean, she may still have thirty years left on her.” Miles frowned, as the admission didn’t seem like such a bad thing.

“Aunt Marie has never dated, ever. I’ve never seen her with a man before.” Sunni couldn’t even imagine a situation where that might have been a remote possibility.

“Why? Does she hate men?” Perri asked the question nobody wanted to ask out loud. Times had changed, and Aunt Marie might not be inclined toward men.

“There was a man back when she was in high school, so I don’t think she hates them. He went to war and never came back.”

“That’s terrible. She’s been alone all these years? I can’t imagine going through life with no one by choice.” Kristi bemoaned.

“Wait just a minute. Not to be rude, Kristi, but aren’t you single and alone?” Olive blurted out.

“Yes, I’m single. Alone? Not so much. I do have two daughters, and I didn’t get them by myself. At this moment, am I dating? No. I would if I could find the right guy, though.” Kristi defended herself adamantly.

“I’m more surprised that she would consider it after all these years.” Sunni knew it was normal to date and move on with your life, but most people didn’t wait almost forty years to do so.

“There were cards and lists about each man, and they were all named Alexander Fine. How could there be this many men with the same name in our city?” Kristi questioned, shaking her head.

“Fine is an old family name, and Alexander was one of the founders so many have passed the name on, but the family isn’t really connected to each other anymore. When the family is over 200 years old, there might be ties way back, but it’s doubtful they even know each other,” Sunni explained.

“How on earth do you know that?” Kristi asked incredulously.

Grinning sheepishly, Sunni held up an index card sitting on the desk. “Aunt Marie wrote it all down as research.”

“So an Alexander Fine is our main suspect, besides Zach, but it seemed that she didn’t think he or men in his age group would date her,” Kristi supplied helpfully.

“Devil’s advocate here, but why couldn’t she date younger men? They like older women who know how to take care of them.” Miles raised his hand in the air to make sure they focused on him.

“I think you just like the argument versus backing up the actual thoughts behind it,” Olive commented snidely.

“She just didn’t recover from her first love, I think. Anyway, moving on to the now. There were only two men on the lists that she kept.”

“One was a veteran, and the other was a librarian. I think we can guess which one she suspected of selling drugs. Here’s the kicker. She was messaging him about a cruise they were going on together.”

Kristi piped in. “It said he would pick her up, but that was for yesterday morning, and when we called the cruise company, they had no record of either of them.”

“So Kristi and I drove over to Alexander’s house last night. He was there, we believe, but there was no sign of Aunt Marie,” Sunni supplied. “We have to find Aunt Marie and put these guys in jail.”

“Any suggestions? We were hoping, Olive, you could help us with finding any land Alexander might own.” Kristi took charge. “Perri, is there any way we could get into the library at the school? I know it’s the weekend, but this would be the perfect time to get this done.”

Miles chimed in. “I can run home and pull out a few trackers from my younger days. Don’t ask why I had them, but they’ll let you know where the suspects are located and if they go anywhere out of the ordinary.”

“Aren’t we getting way ahead of ourselves? We should just let the police know what’s going on and let them do the tracking,” Olive protested vigorously.

“I tried that and they wouldn’t even look into it because she’s a grown woman. She hadn’t really been missing for 48 hours, and they were certain that she had simply gone off on a romantic trip without telling me.”

“All right then, but I just want it noted that I don’t think this is a good idea. I’ll still do the deed searches for you. Where do you want me to work from?” Olive gave in because the MOMs group was including her.

“I think if you can work from the office. You’ll have more access and no one will bother you.” Kristi hoped her boss would take her suggestion that would take her off the playing field.

“We can use you as home base, since there are several ways we can conduct this search. Does anyone have to rush home?” Sunni asked, wanting to make sure they knew the time frame they had to work with.

“I’m covered,” Perri offered first.

The others nodded in agreement.

“Miles, how long will it take you to get your trackers and move to the two primary locations?” Kristi continued to give out assignments.

“I can be back in thirty minutes, but it would be better if I had someone helping who knew where these two guys lived.”

“Alexander should be at the library, and Zach seems to stay home unless he’s running errands, according to Carolina from when we did the surveillance.”

“Perfect. I’ll pick up the trackers and swing by Zach’s house since I have a car that blends in and he hasn’t seen me before. Sunni, would you mind going to the library and finding out if Alexander is there?” Miles suggested, hoping that Perri could keep an eye on Kristi since she was the most impulsive one of their group.

“Let’s do this, and we can report back to Olive so that we’re not constantly trying to call everyone for an update. Agreed?” Perri took the lead to get them started.

“Thanks for doing this, everyone. I couldn’t have done it by myself. I know it’s almost Christmas and everyone is really busy.” Sunni spoke quietly.

The group split up and in their hurry to make it to their assignments, they didn’t realize that one of the very men they were trying to find was watching them from his car down the street.

------------------

Dialing the boss, he waited impatiently for the phone to be answered.

“Yes.”

“They’re on the move. The whole group, except the grandmother woman. They all met at the coffee shop. They had a lengthy meeting and now they’re hurrying out. I think they’re on to us. What do you want me to do?”

“Go to work and leave your car, but call in sick and take the spare we keep at the library,” the voice commanded. “If you can get them alone, then take them out one at a time until you feel the threat is contained.”

“I can try, but if the whole group goes missing, their families will raise a stink.”

“You let me worry about that. I have just the thing to keep at least one of them from doing anything rash.”

“Very well. I’ll do as you say and call you back when I need a pick up.”

“See that you do.” The click was audible this time and he shifted the vehicle into drive.

He followed Sunni to the library and parked in the rear.

Maybe he would be able to keep them chasing their tails while he took care of the nosiest snoopers.

Chapter 13

“What do you think we’ll find in the library?” Perri asked as she opened the door, leading into the back of the school.

She keyed in her private number to turn off the alarm and turned the hallway light on.

“We can only hope that there’s something we can turn into the police so that they get these horrible people out of our schools.” Kristi’s voice echoed down the empty hallway, making it eerily silent without the students.

“Will we be able to get into the library? Doesn’t each classroom have different locks?” Kristi whispered as she followed Perri.

“We have a master key that fits most of the common use rooms, and individual classrooms we don’t normally lock. I think the office has a key for those. As the counselor, I have my own locked office.” Perri moved confidently through the maze of look-alike hallways.

“Here we go.” The door leading into the library wasn’t even locked when Perri turned the knob.

“Whoa, hold on a minute. Do you smell a trap?”

“Huh? Why would it be a trap? You’ve been watching too many scary movies.” Perri played into Kristi’s fears by adding, “Text Olive and let her know we’re here, just in case.”

The light made it seem really dark out in the hallway.

“I hope no one drives by and sees the lights on and wonders what’s going on in here.” Kristi shivered as they closed the door behind them.

“This room only looks out on the courtyard, which is enclosed so that kids don’t sneak off the grounds during lunch,” Perri answered as she walked quickly to the checkout counter. “There should be something back here or in the office because they wouldn’t want the kids to have access unless they handed it to them.” She started opening cabinets and drawers loudly.

“This isn’t the feeling I was envisioning last night about doing detention in the library. I feel really self-conscious, like someone’s going to jump out at us any moment.” Kristi continued to watch the door to make sure no one entered after them.

“Here, help me by holding the books I shake out. I don’t want us to really harm the books or trash the library. The last thing we need is to get in trouble with the police.”

Perri startled Kristi by thrusting books into her arms as she sorted through them.

All the books on the return cart were normal, and it wasn’t until Perri turned to survey the room that Kristi spotted a stack of books sitting on the bottom shelf, next to her feet.

Bending closer to examine them, Kristi noticed they were all classics with the covers missing or taped together. She almost dismissed them when she noticed a marker slash on the bindings.

“Hey, Perri, wouldn’t they use the same color on all these books if they were going to discard them or they needed fixing? These all have different markings on them.” Kristi pulled the stack into her arms and carefully lifted them onto the counter, just in case they really were old books in need of help.

“Hmm, you may be onto something, Kristi. They’re books you wouldn’t normally notice because of their age, but they’re just classics, like Romeo and Juliet.” The light dawned as Perri read the first title.

“Don’t they use poison in that book to kill someone?” Kristi asked cautiously. She had finished high school, but she had been more worried about boys and really hadn’t paid much attention to the literature books the teacher had assigned.

“Yes, they did. In fact, all these books are about suicides and deaths, Shakespeare’s Tragedies.” Perri started to flip through the books when she discovered the hollowed-out insides.

“Kristi, take pictures of this. Oh, my God! All these books have baggies of drugs in them.” Perri couldn’t believe this was happening on school property.

Kristi snapped pictures from all angles as Perri held up each book.

“Uh, Perri? They also have our fingerprints on them now.”

“Son of an old man,” Perri exclaimed. “Your knowledge of crime shows might come in handy. How do we clean them off?”

“If we tamper with them, it’ll take the bad guys’ prints off as well.” Kristi frowned in frustration.

“I’ll put them back where they were. We can explain it if they ask us about it. We’ll tell them the truth, we were looking for evidence,” Perri stated firmly.

“Or we were planting it. Hey, it’s not my fault that’s the conclusion they’ll come to and throw out the case. We have to find more evidence then just this.”

“Let’s take a look in the office, because there are only one or two pills in each one of these books. I know they have to have more stashed somewhere.”

Kristi handed her a pair of gloves from her purse to keep them from leaving more prints for the police.

“Why on earth do you have latex gloves in your purse?” Perri took the offered gloves and started to put them on.

“Well, Carolina—” Kristi started, but Perri cut her off.

“Enough said.”

The ringing of Kristi’s phone interrupted their search.

“Go ahead. I’ll take this and join you.” Kristi motioned Perri to continue without her.

“What’s going on, sweetie?” Kristi asked her daughter, Faith.

“I’m not sure exactly. Carolina heard something and walked outside to check it out and well, she hasn’t come back. Mommy, she’s been gone over thirty minutes because the next cartoons started.”

Kristi heard Chloe in the background. “Mommy, come home. I’m scared.”

“Game over!” Kristi threw her hands up. “I’ll be right there, sweetie. Stay inside until I get there, and don’t open the door unless it’s Miss Carolina, okay?”

“Yes, Mommy. Please, hurry,” Faith whispered.

“Just go watch the new cartoon and I’ll be there before it’s over. I’m sure nothing is wrong and Miss Carolina got stuck chasing squirrels or something. You know how she is about losing track of time.” Kristi tried to reassure them.

“We’ll be okay, but we’re getting hungry.” Faith, the older of the two, agreed to keep her sister calm.

“Bye.” Kristi took off running through the shelves of books to the office in the back.

“Perri, I have to go now!” Kristi shouted.

“What happened?” Perri asked, worried as Kristi tried to catch her breath.

“Carolina is missing and my kids are alone. I don’t want to leave you here, but I’ve got to go home.” She drew in a gulp of air.

“Don’t panic. We know how she is, but you do have to go home.” Perri walked back to the office and locked it up.

“I can always come back tomorrow if we need to look around some more.”

They both began to hurry through the halls until they saw the hall where they had left the light on as they came in.

“Son of a serpent. I need to get my laptop from my office. You go ahead and I’ll go check in with Olive and see where we stand.”

“Are you sure?” Kristi asked doubtfully.

“Yeah, I have this. I do work here.” Perri grinned. “It won’t take me long and I’ll be right behind you.”

“All right. If it wasn’t my kids, well…” Kristi blew Perri a kiss as she flew out the door.

Kristi’s taillights hadn’t even hit the exit when a hand clasped over Perri’s mouth.

She smelled something like bleach, but couldn’t place it. As consciousness left her, the person behind her grunted as her body’s full weight landed on them.

Perri was lowered into a trash cart on wheels. The figure picked up her phone and tucked it into their pocket as they made their way toward the exit.

The cart was pushed out into the cold, but Perri was oblivious to everything as the figure punched in a code to arm the alarm.

The cart was taken out by the dumpster, but instead of dumping it into the dumpster, the vehicle parked next to it had the trunk open already to hide the limp body quickly.

A cover was placed over Perri since the temperatures were dropping, as the cold front continued to make its way across the state. They didn’t want her dead, just incapacitated.

The cart was pushed behind the dumpster and the figure got into the vehicle, then drove calmly out of the parking lot.

No one was looking for Perri, and by the time anyone figured out where she was, any evidence she had found would be long gone, and so would she.

------------------

Sunni watched as Alexander walked into the main branch of the library. She sat in her car for about thirty minutes before checking in with Olive.

Sunni: How is everyone doing? Has Miles made it to Zach’s house yet?

Olive: Yes, he is headed your way.

Sunni: Did Perri and Kristi find anything?

Olive: They are looking in the library now. I’ll let you know if they find something.

Sunni: I can’t sit here much longer. I’m going to check out some books and see if he is working.

Olive: Be careful! Don’t blow your cover.

Sunni: Of course.

Sunni opened the car door, letting in the bitter cold wind. She pulled her coat tighter and slung her purse over her shoulder. The short walk to the front doors made the warmth inside a welcome relief.

Sunni went to the desk, craning her head to look at everything, hoping to spot Alexander.

“May I help you?” the attractive young lady behind the counter asked.

“Well, I was hoping to find some books on grief and how to deal with it.” Sunni thought it would be a good idea to get something plausible.

“Oh, sure. Just follow me.”

She looked for a name tag. “Heidi, you seem very young to be working here.” Sunni couldn’t help but question her youthful knowledge.

“I get that all of the time. I’m close to thirty now, but most people don’t even think I’m old enough to drink.”  She smiled, not taking insult to Sunni’s question.

“My goodness. I didn’t mean to be rude. I’m not thinking clearly. My son’s friend died recently and I wanted a way to talk to him about her death.”

“The girl who died of an overdose? That was so sad. I’m very sorry.” Heidi walked toward the back set of shelves in an area that had seen better days.

“Most people just use the internet these days, and most of our patrons are here to read fiction books, use the computers, or bring children to get books so the non-fiction books don’t see much use these days,” Heidi informed her as she looked for the correct section of self-help that would have books on grief.

“We have some here and in the religious section, further down this row. If there’s anything else I can help you with, please let me know.” Heidi began to walk away when Sunni stopped her.

“Actually, do you know if they have books on this in the high school library? I’m hoping my son can look a few up somewhere he would feel more comfortable.” She couldn’t think of a natural way to include Alexander in the conversation.

“All libraries are shelved according to the Dewey Decimal system. So, the numbers on the spines for any books you check out would be in the same section he would look in to find similar books.” Heidi frowned. “One of our librarians works at the high school library, and he might be able to help your son find what he’s looking for.”

“Is he here today? If so, I could ask him to recommend some to my son when he goes in to study,” Sunni asked, trying to sound casual.

“No. He called in to say he wasn’t going to be able to make it.” Heidi shrugged. “He’s never done that before, now that I think about it.”

“I’m sure with this weather, it could cause all sorts of problems,” Sunni suggested helpfully.

Heidi smiled. “I’ll be up front if you need me.”

Sunni glanced quickly at the books on grief and picked out a few that looked like they might be helpful.

She pulled out her phone and quietly texted Olive.

Sunni: Alexander is not here. I followed him and his car turned in here, but he never showed inside.

She quickly turned the sound off so that she wouldn’t get caught using a cell phone in the library.

Olive: Termites! Where do you think he went?

Sunni: I don’t know, but I’m going to check out here and head over to the school. Let Miles know.

Olive: Will do. Be careful.

It took Sunni twenty minutes to get a library card and get checked out. By the time she drove up to the school, it was deserted. As she circled the school building, she didn’t see Kristi or Perri’s cars.

She pulled over and called Olive.

“They’re not here, either one of them. In fact, the school is completely empty,” Sunni yelled, panicking.

“Kristi got a phone call and had to race home. Caroline went to check on something and left the girls alone.”

“Oh, no. What about Perri? She should still be here, right?” Sunni tried to calm down and not assume the worst.

“I haven’t heard from Perri, but Kristi texted to say she made it home and was checking on Carolina to see what was wrong,” Olive responded.

“Hold on, someone’s pulling into the school driveway.” Sunni waited until the car pulled even with her, and she found Miles rolling down the window.

“It’s okay, it’s Miles. We’ll call back in a minute when we know something.”

“All right. I’ll be finishing up my work here and heading home. If you need me in the next thirty minutes, then call.” Olive hung up with a click.

Sunni got out of her car and got into the passenger seat of Mile’s smaller SUV.

“Hey, I made it to Zach’s house just before he left and was able to get the tracker on his vehicle. I came straight over here. What’s going on?”

“We’re not sure. Alexander went to the library, but never made it inside. I saw him enter the building, but they said he called off today. Perri and Kristi left, but I haven’t heard what they found.” Sunni gave him the short version.

“Did Olive say if they found anything?” Miles questioned eagerly.

“She didn’t. Kristi had to leave so quickly, she hasn’t told us what, if anything, they found. I’m going to call Perri.”

She immediately began dialing Perri’s number. “It went straight to voicemail. Why would she turn her phone off?”

Miles saw the panic filling Sunni’s face. “Now, let’s not assume anything. I have her husband, Gerald’s, number, and I’ll just give him a call and see if she made it home. There are all sorts of reasons she might not be answering her phone.”

He hit the send button. “I don’t mean to bother you, but have you heard from Perri in the last little bit?” Miles put the phone on speaker so that Sunni could hear what Gerald had to say as well.

“Sorry, I haven’t. She went to meet your Scooby gang this morning for breakfast, and then she was going to do the grocery shopping before she headed home. She didn’t want to go out again after she got home,” Gerald informed him, unconcerned.

“Her cell phone is going straight to voicemail.”

“That happens more often than you would think, with several teenagers in the house. They’re always unplugging our phones to charge their devices. So, we think ours is charged because it should be, but we leave the house with less than full batteries.” Gerald sounded slightly distracted.

“I can have her call you when she comes home,” Gerald offered.

“Ah, no, I don’t think that’s necessary,” Miles replied.

“Mr. Gerald? I’m really paranoid these days, so I would appreciate it if she could call one of us and let us know what was going on,” Sunni requested.

“Who’s this?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s Sunni from the MOMs group.”

“Yes, she’s mentioned you. I’ll have her get a hold of one you as soon as she gets home,” Gerald promised.

“That’s all we can ask for. Thank you so much,” Sunni gushed gratefully.

Miles looked at Sunni. “Are you still worried about Aunt Marie?”

“Yes, and every little thing just makes me think they took another one of us out.”

“Who?” Miles questioned. “Who is trying to take us out?”

“This group of drug smugglers. We must be getting too close to the truth, so they’re trying to keep us confused and trying to find each other. First Aunt Marie, Carolina, and now Perri. How will making us disappear keep them from getting caught?” Sunni asked as tears ran down her face.

“For starters, only Aunt Marie is missing. Carolina is just pulling one of her stunts and forgot what she was doing with Kristi’s kids. Perri’s just not answering her phone, which according to Gerald is not unusual. Let’s not borrow trouble unless we have to, okay?” Miles pulled his dad bag from the back seat and handed Sunni a tissue.

“I know all this in my head, but I just have this gut feeling it’s all connected. They must know we’ve been trying to find something to take to the police, and so they’re lashing back, like one of those big cartels.” Sunni’s hand flew to her mouth. “What if we’re dealing with a cartel?”

“Sunni, I know you’re really worried, but I think you need to go home and spend some time with your family. They need you too, and can feel the tension coming from you.” She started to protest, but Miles cut her off. “No, go home. Talk to Daniel about this, give him a hug. We can’t do anything right now, so take this opportunity to hold the family you do have close.

“I’ll monitor the tracker and see if there’s a pattern, or if Zach goes anywhere unusual. You saw Alexander drive to the library?”

“Yes, he drove around the back and parked. There’s an exit back there, and I didn’t see him leave in another car while I was out front. I was there for over thirty minutes before I went inside. I drove around the back, just to make sure he hadn’t driven away and his blue Ford Escape was just sitting there,” Sunni answered honestly.

“So I’m going to go over there and put a tracker on his car so that I can monitor it. I can take a look around as well, and see if there’s a way he could have driven another car out of there.” Miles reassured her.

“Okay, I’ll trust you. Please call me when you find something. I don’t care how late or early, we just have to find Aunt Marie.”

Sunni shut the door behind her and climbed back into her now cold vehicle.  She waved to Miles as she started up the engine and turned around to head home.

While Miles had been reassuring, the knot in the pit of Sunni’s stomach wouldn’t go away. There was something terribly wrong, and she felt they were going to miss something important, and it might cost her the aunt she held so dear.

Chapter 14

Perri regained consciousness a few hours later to the sounds of feet walking overhead.

She looked around groggily, trying to make sense of the cot she was lying on.

Her hands were tied together in front of her, but her legs were free and she had been covered with a blanket.

The gray cement walls and carpeted floor indicated a basement or cellar of some sort. There was a wall of random items on shelves, blocking the rest of the basement, but Perri could hear the sounds of a washing machine running.

Why had she been kidnapped? It made no sense. Where was Aunt Marie?

Perri looked around, but only saw the one cot.

“Hello, Aunt Marie?” Perri called out quietly, hoping whoever was upstairs couldn’t hear her.

She threw the blanket off, thankful to find both her shoes still on her feet. As she sat up on the edge of the cot, dizziness the from the chloroform made her pause to regain her bearings

Pushing herself to get up, Perri knew they didn’t want her dead because they would have already killed her.

The other side of the basement was basically empty, except for the hot water heater, and the washer and dryer that were running.

The stairs leading up to the floor above had a door at the top that was closed. Perri surveyed the empty room, only to realize that Aunt Marie wasn’t there, which meant they had either killed her already, or they had never had her to begin with.

Why now? What did they have to gain by taking her instead of Sunni? Who were these people, and what have we gotten ourselves into?

Perri pulled the cot over to the small window on the other side, but all she could see was the snow that had been piling up all weekend.

She pushed the cot back where she’d found it and curled back up on the cot with the blanket covering her as best as she could with tied hands.

The safest thing she could do at the moment was to sit tight and stay warm. Her friends would be looking for her, and if she tried to escape without knowing where she was, it would be more dangerous to try to leave than it would be to stay warm and dry until she could find out what this was all about.

Her body was still reeling from the effects of the drug, and the warmth of the blanket lulled her back to sleep.

------------------

“What are you going to do with her? We can’t just keep her?” Alexander questioned the person in charge. “With Sunni talking her entire gang into being amateur detectives, they’re going to need someone or something to blame, and I’m the only one they seem interested in checking out.” Alexander protested, his voice taking on a whining tone.

“You let me worry about it. Besides, yours is not the only house they have targeted lately. Remember the surveillance disaster? I’ll be working on a plan to throw these ladies off the trail and onto one of our rival gangs.”

Alexander didn’t seem reassured, but agreed. “Do you need anything else before I head back to town?” He asked, his hand on the door, ready to leave.

“No. Resume your normal routine and don’t use the extra vehicle so that we can still use it if we need to have you make a getaway.”

“Absolutely. I’ll do as you’ve requested.” He left without saying anything else and headed out into the snowstorm that was quickly becoming a blizzard.

The leader went over and locked the door behind him, planning a suicide for Mr. Fine in the near future.

The camera in the basement showed Perri sleeping on the cot, and since there was no way to escape, it seemed like the perfect time to get a little sleep before moving to the next phase of the plan, but the phone call had to be made.

“Did you move her vehicle?”

“Yes. I took it out and made it look like it skidded off the road in the snow. It’s hidden by the trees, and it will be spring before someone notices it.”

“Very good. Now, see if you can find a way to take out the single mom. She could be seduced by your charms. She’s the only one who can connect the dots.”

“All right, but I must say, I don’t like the idea of taking her away from her children. She’s all they have, and I don’t want her to end up dead.”

“You don’t really have a choice in the matter, but you can wait until school on Monday so that the children won’t be traumatized or call the police before we have a chance to take care of her.

“Certainly. I’ll bring her to you first thing Monday.”

The call ended and one more was made as the details for ending their problem needed to be taken care of so that all the loose ends were gone.

“You can expect to do a pickup around two on Monday. I should have two packages for you and they need to disappear.”

“Make sure that you administer the correct dosage of drugs to keep them pliable, then I’ll dispose of them for you once the money is deposited into my account.”

“Consider it done. I may have one more job for you on Tuesday if everything is going well.”

“Text the details and I’ll take care of it.”

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

The snow continued to surround the house, insulating it further and hiding it from discovery.

------------------

Around eight p.m., everyone on the Scooby team received a text message.

Gerald: Perri has not returned home. I’ve called the police. They’ll do nothing until tomorrow because of the weather. They think it could be an accident, but I told them where she was going and they’ve searched those areas. They didn’t find her or the car. Sorry for involving everyone, but since you called earlier, I got really worried when she didn’t come home, and she’s still not answering her phone. What could’ve happened?

Sunni: We’re investigating a drug ring and we think they’re using the school to do it.

Kristi: We found some stuff at the school today, and she was getting something from her office and leaving immediately.

Sunni: We checked the parking lot and there was no sign of her car by the time we got there, around ten.

Miles: We put trackers on the cars of both suspects and I’m monitoring them. They’re both in town and haven’t gone anywhere except home, the store, or the library.

Gerald: She didn’t tell me any of this. I know she’s been worried about the kids at school because of the overdose. She never mentioned they were getting the drugs from school.

Olive: If they haven’t found her by Monday, then I suggest we start looking for her by combing the streets.

Miles: They’re expecting blizzard type conditions tonight so the police have their hands full with accidents because of the storm.

Sunni: Gerald, keep us looped in so we can help. I think we should start looking for her tomorrow.

Miles: Agreed. We know more than the police at the moment, and might be able to find her faster.

Olive: Let’s meet at my office tomorrow and we can plan the search from there.

Sunni: Agreed.

Kristi: I can’t come because Carolina is not being reliable due to the weather.

Miles: Why did Carolina leave the girls alone?

Kristi: She literally stepped outside to cover her plants and had no idea she was gone so long. I saw her when I got home and she just waved like there wasn’t anything wrong. I think she forgot that she was watching the girls.

Sunni: At least she and the girls are okay.

Olive: If you promise that your girls will be quiet and not get into things, you can bring them with you.

Kristi: Oh, thank you. I’ll be there then.

Gerald: Thanks, everyone. I appreciate it so much. I’ll go out and look tonight. I can’t imagine her out there all alone.

Sunni: I feel so bad for having gotten her into this situation.

Gerald: It might not even be connected to what your group was doing. I’m having faith that we’ll find her. I’ll let you all know if I find her tonight. I’ll be in touch.

------------------

There was no sign of Perri or Aunt Marie, and the Scooby team was no closer to a solution on Monday morning than they had been after hours of searching on Sunday.

Kristi bundled her two children up against the cold weather and made sure her coat was securely fastened as well.

The blizzard conditions had stopped midafternoon the day before, but the plows had been going nonstop to allow the buses to run.

The girls slipped and slid along the unshoveled sidewalk, down toward the bus stop. The other children in the neighborhood were trudging through the snow as well, and Kristi had to duck a few times to avoid a snowball aimed at other children.

The bus was a little late due to the slick roads. The children and parents gathered, huddled together for warmth against the chilly winds that continued to whip through the air.

As the bus approached, more children gathered, hurrying to make it before they were left behind.

“Have a great day at school.” Kristi kissed the tip of each girl’s nose since it was the only piece of skin available.

Both girls got into the semi-warm bus, and Kristi walked back home.

Ugh! I wish I had a way to get the car out without doing the shoveling. I really need to find a man.

Kristi opened the door to the unattached garage and took out her shovel. Instead of doing the entire driveway, she only did a path wide enough for her car to fit through.

She reached into her coat pocket and hit the button to start her car so that it would warm up.

As she dusted off her feet, she unlocked the front door and went back inside to enjoy the few minutes she had to warm up before heading to work. After pouring her cup of coffee, she took the extra and put it in the thermal cup sitting on the drain board.

Bundling back up, she threw her purse over her shoulder and went out, locking the door behind her.

Just as she walked up to her car, a loud bang startled her. She glanced behind her and spotted Zach’s gold car in front of her house.

“What in the main frame are you doing here?” Kristi stalked out to meet him.

“Hi. Nice to see you too.” Zach grinned as Kristi’s anger grew.

“How dare you show up here when there are two people missing and you have something to do with it,” Kristi accused as she got in Zach’s face with her finger.

“Now, tiger, slow down. I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about. I was hoping that we could go get some breakfast and get acquainted.” Zach placed a hand on her shoulder.

His grin never faded, but he spoke quietly under his breath. “I can help you find Perri, but only if you get in my car and act like you want to go to breakfast with me. There might be eyes on me.”

The thermos slipped from Kristi’s hand and fell into the snow bank.

Loudly, Zach tried to get her attention back on the matter at hand. “Who uses the words main frame as a cuss word?”

“You wouldn’t understand.” Kristi crossed her arms as a means of protecting herself.

“Sure, I would. I only built games for the gaming world. It’s a widely-played game for those who enjoy a little challenge in their console games.”

“Oh, my. That wasn’t in the information we found on you.”

Kristi gasped and covered her mouth. “I can’t believe I told you that.”

“Well, Kristi, if you want to see your friend alive, then I need you to come with me so that I can explain everything to you.” Zach pointed to the still running car.

“Very well.” Kristi’s instinct was to run away, but she didn’t think this man would hurt her. He seemed genuinely interested in her.

Kristi pushed the button to turn the car off and another to close the garage.

“There now, are you happy? If this is what it takes, but I need to text my boss and let her know I’m running late.” Kristi took her phone out and starting to text Olive.

“Hold that thought for just a minute. Let’s get in and out of the cold, and I’ll tell you exactly what you need to let her know and where to find you.” Zach held up his hands in a sign of honesty.

She got into the gold eyesore parked at the street, but could only hope that she was making the right choice.

Zach shut the door after she was in the car and went around to his side.

“Now, what was so important that you couldn’t tell me out there in the great public world?” Kristi again crossed her arms in protest.

“I’m kidnapping you,” Zach responded as he pulled onto the street and headed away from her home.

“Are you out of your mind!” Kristi screamed at him, reaching for the door handle.

“I’m a cop, undercover.” He flashed a badge and put it back under the seat.

The fight went out of Kristi. If a cop was kidnapping her, what chance did she have of getting out of the situation alive?

“Perri was taken to a house in the country Saturday afternoon. She’s alive and fine, but they wanted me to kidnap you.” Zach grinned. “Actually, I volunteered. They have a pickup planned for both of you later today. As soon as they have you in the vehicle, we have several cops on standby to intercept it.”

“Wait, you’re going to let them take us somewhere else?” Kristi buckled herself in since it was second nature.

“The traffickers will try to sell you, and we can catch everyone at the main warehouse. We know they have one in town, but they’ve managed to elude us, which is why they sent me undercover.” Zach glanced sideways at her to see how she was handling the information.

“So you’re using us as bait? Where’s Aunt Marie?” Kristi wasn’t sure how many shocks she could handle in just one day.

“We don’t have your Aunt Marie. Nobody has seen her in three or four days, when she fell off our radar.” Zach looked at Kristi. “You thought we had her?” Kristi nodded. “Well, that explains why your group suddenly started snooping around more in the past few days.”

“So why would these people kidnap us if they’re only selling drugs? Wouldn’t that bring more attention to their operation?” Kristi tried to pay attention to where they were going, but her sense of direction was thrown off by the snow blanketing the streets.

“The department has been putting pressure on their group for a while now, and when that girl died, it sped up our timeline. We’ve only had two days to put our sting operation together, but hope we can follow the leader further up the ladder.”

“So how are we going to get away if you are sending us to the traffickers? What about my kids?” Kristi asked, hoping she would be able to pick them up at school.

“Here.” Zach held out his phone, a knife, and pepper-spray that was concealed as lipstick. “There’s a camera in the basement, but if you text your friends under the blanket, you can get them to come and follow you.”

“Why should they follow me? Shouldn’t you and the police do the following?” Kristi took the offered items and hid them in her knee-high boots.

“We want you guys to force their hand and help your friends escape with the police. I need to maintain my cover so they’ll take me to the next part of the setup.” Zach didn’t tell her there was a hit out on Alexander to put him out of commission.

“It sounds like this could go wrong in so many ways. What’s to prevent us from being killed?” Kristi asked suspiciously.

“They plan to sell you both for about twenty thousand dollars. Perri isn’t worth as much, but there isn’t as much availability for older, mature women, so there are only a few people who will pay to have her, and certainly you as their sex slave.” Zach suppressed his smile at how he expected Kristi to respond.

“What the head shot! You’re going to sell us for twenty thousand dollars? Why on earth would someone pay that much for us?” Kristi caught Zach’s appraisal of her assets. “Never mind. Are you sure we’ll be released today?”

“I can’t guarantee it, but I sent the phone a text that you can forward to your gang. Do it close to one thirty so that your friends have time to get there. Tell them to follow any large cargo van or truck that pulls out from the house.  They might need two cars to make sure they don’t lose you, and so that someone can make sure it’s the correct vehicle.”

“What about the police? How do we let them know we need help?” Kristi started to fidget, realizing what she was walking in to.

“On the phone, hit #1 and it will dial the preset number so that the police can hear everything. I’m hoping that when I chloroform you, it’ll wear off by the time they get there to pick you up.”

“If you’re going to talk to Perri, make sure you’re facing the wall and tell her not to talk back unless she covers her mouth because the camera has no sound. I need you to pretend to be knocked out when they come down so they won’t redose you. Otherwise, you’ll be too out of it to get help.”

“Are you sure this will work? I think the less I tell Perri, the more realistic it will seem when they take us.

Zach pulled into a convenience store, ignoring her question as he got out and came around to her side.

“I hate to do this, but I have to knock you out so they’ll think it’s legit.”

Zach held out a light sprinkled tissue, but instead of putting it under Kristi’s nose, he leaned in and kissed her.

He pulled back with a grin and held the tissue to her nose as she started to protest.

As her body relaxed, he whispered in her ear, “I’m going to be undercover for a long time, but when I get free, I’m coming to find you and take you out on a date.”

Zach knew it might be months, or if things went well, years, while he made his way up into the well-organized group. But Kristi had intrigued him enough to make him hope it was over sooner rather than later.

Chapter 15

Sunni woke up to a face looming over her head, its body curled up in the windowsill directly above her headboard.

“Good Morning. We were wondering when you were going to get out of bed.” A voice spoke from the side of her bed, startling Sunni enough that she sat up, bumping heads with her window crawler.

“Flynn, why are you in the windowsill?” Sunni rubbed her head, hoping this was not an indication of the way her day was going to go.

“We’ve been waiting foreverrr.” Lilly drew out the last word to accentuate how long forever really was.

“Dad made us breakfast, but we’re hungry again,” Flynn whined from his perch just above her head.

“What do you mean, Dad made breakfast?” Sunni glanced frantically at the clock and blinked twice when she saw the that the clock read ten a.m.

“Snapping peas! What have you two been doing since he went to work?” Sunni pulled the covers off and shivered as she left the warmth of the bed.

She dressed quickly while Flynn explained the rules her husband had given them.

“Dad said if we let you sleep and stayed out of trouble, he’d take us out for a pizza tonight for dinner, and give us arcade money.’” Flynn scrunched up his face as he climbed down from his perch.

“We didn’t cause any trouble ’cause Daddy said you needed lots of love and sleep since you was missing Aunt Marie.”

“Thank you, kiddos, but I need just a minute to get dressed and I’ll come out and see if we can have brunch. How does that sound?” Sunni smiled as both children nodded, disappearing as silently as they had entered.

She rubbed her eyes as she tried to wake up fully.

Phone first. Where did Daniel put it? She spotted it on the dresser, but when she hit the button, her phone was dead.

“Green beans! Really?”

Sunni found the charger and plugged it in, hoping that it would charge enough for her to use it after she finished in the bathroom.

The door opened again, just as Sunni placed the toothbrush in her mouth.

“Yes?” she mumbled.

“Mom, will Aunt Marie ever come home?” Lily asked quietly, watching her mom brush her teeth.

“Yhfov…” Sunni spit the toothpaste out. “Let’s try that again. Yes, we’ll find her. She knows where she is, so when she thinks about it, she’ll call and let us know.”

“Okay. As long as she hasn’t lost herself, then we can go find her,” Lily agreed, satisfied.

“Where’s your brother?” Sunni questioned as she finished up in the bathroom.

“Oh, he’s working on his project.”

Sunni went to respond when her phone turned on and started dinging with text messages and voicemails.

Immediately forgetting Flynn’s project, she grabbed her phone and started reading the messages.

Olive: Kristi’s Missing!

Miles: Sunni, please answer. Why is your phone shut off?

Olive: I called your husband and he said you’re alive, but call us as soon as you wake up.

Olive: Asap! How can you still be asleep its nine in the morning?

Miles: Sunni, get some rest because today is going to be a long one. Perri is still missing, and so is Kristi. Call us when you can.

Sunni’s voicemails were all from Olive and Miles, so she deleted them and hurried to send a group text to both of them.

Sunni: I’m up and alive. I’m at home. Why do you think Kristi is missing?

Olive: She was supposed to be at work at eight. She’s over two hours late.

Miles: I went to her house and her car is there because Carolina checked for me. The driveway is shoveled, but it looks like she never left.

Olive: Miles found her thermos in the snow. It had melted the snow and made a strange hole, which is why we think she’s been kidnapped.

Sunni: I don’t see how we can keep the police out of this any longer. Does anyone have a lawyer that could go with us, just in case we need one?

Olive: I can have one meet us, but what are we going to do with the children?

Miles: There’s a babysitter we use sometimes when we can’t take Ivy with us. She could watch the twins as well, if it was only for a few hours.

Sunni: Do you want me to meet you at your house, Miles?

Olive: You can’t bring the kids here because we have a closing today. I’m sorry.

Miles: The sitter replied. She can be here in twenty minutes.

Sunni: I have to get them dressed and grab something for them to snack on. I’ll pick you up in a few minutes.

“Kids, get dressed. We’re going to Miles’ house to play with Ivy.” Sunni didn’t have to wonder if they had heard her because screams erupted.

She threw on some warm pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Boots were a must if they went out looking for the missing women.

As she finished up, Sunni went to check on the children to make sure they had on warm clothes.

Flynn was almost ready and was struggling to get his coat on, while Lily was standing in her closet, eenie meenie miney moing between dresses.

“Lily Bell, it’s too cold for a dress unless you wear pants with it. So let’s pick a dress that isn’t sheer.” Sunni walked over to look at the choices.

Lily tapped her finger on her chin thoughtfully. “I think it comes down to this one. I don’t want to freeze my little legs off.”

Even in such a stressful situation, Sunni couldn’t help but laugh at her daughter.

“That is very wise, young lady.”

Lily was dressed in no time, and they hurried to get bundled up.

Thankfully, Daniel and Dusty had shoveled the driveway when they left that morning. Otherwise, leaving would have been overwhelming.

The drive went quickly with only anticipation at seeing their friend Ivy again. Sunni thought some reminders might be in order.

“Remember that Ivy doesn’t always think like you do, but if you’re patient and nice, then you can work things out.  Her brothers are older, so most of the time she doesn’t have to share. Make sure that you’re giving her a chance to play, because they’re her toys.”

“Yes, ma’am. She’s one of my bestest friends, and we just ignore Flynn.” Lily gave a sideways glance at Flynn.

“It’s okay. I don’t want to play Barbie’s with girls anyway. The boy toys are much cooler.” Flynn tried to top his sister.

“I don’t really care about the toys, but make sure that you’re gentle with Ivy, even if she’s not as nice to you. Got it?”

“K,” Flynn answered, while Lily responded with a “Duh, Mom.”

“Lily!”

“Yes, ma’am?” Lily tried again.

“Better.” Sunni could only hope that they would behave so that Miles’ sitter would continue to babysit for him.

Sunni had only unbuckled when the door was opened by Miles, and the children were headed for the house where Ivy was waiting at the glass door with her sitter.

Miles closed the door and walked around the car, leaving Sunni no choice but to stay in the car.

“Don’t I need to check in with her or something?” Sunni protested at abandoning her children, having never met the woman before.

“I explained we were in a time crunch so she knows to call us if there are any problems,” Miles assured her.

“Where are we going, since Olive’s office is occupied?” Sunni hadn’t moved the vehicle yet.

“We’re still going to Olive’s, but we’re using her back room. She just didn’t want to have all the children there. Even if the deal wasn’t going through until tomorrow, she would have said that the kids couldn’t come.”

“Oh, all right then.” Sunni pulled out, heading toward Olive’s real estate office.

------------------

Dusty hadn’t really been on speaking terms with Charlie over the past few weeks, so he was really surprised when Charlie invited him to come and study for exams in the library.

He was hoping they could reconnect and go back to being friends.

The library had more kids hanging out today than normal because so many classes were gearing up for exams, and the teachers and students were ready for a break from each other.

Dusty and Charlie joined their normal group of friends, but Dusty quickly realized that studying was the last thing on their minds.

“Try on one of these.” Eric opened up a classic and passed it to Dusty. “The best way to cram for an exam is to open up your brain for the possibilities.”

“Um, no thanks.” Dusty didn’t want any part of the drugs these guys used. He picked up his backpack to leave when a large hand grabbed his arm.

“I think you should come with us.” The large bouncer from the barn stood behind him.

“No. I’m not going anywhere with you.” Dusty shook off his hand and took off running out of the library. There was nowhere to hide that this group wouldn’t find him.

He found his way to the nurse’s office.

“Hi. Can I come in?”

“Sure. What seems to be wrong?” the nurse asked, since there were no visible signs of illness that normally accompanied a visit to the nurse’s office.

“My stomach doesn’t feel so good. Is there any way I can go home? I don’t want to upchuck during an exam.” Dusty held a hand over his stomach area, hoping to emphasize his illness.

“How many exams do you have today?” The nurse inquired as she motioned him to a seat and proceeded to take his temperature.

“Just one more, algebra. I’ve studied for it so I’m ready, but I don’t feel so great.” Dusty tried to be a little more convincing by groaning as well.

“What time is your exam?”

“One o’clock.”

The nurse glanced at her watch. “That’s only thirty minutes from now. Go ahead and sit here in the office, and if after your exam you still don’t feel good, then I’ll make the call to your mother and you can sign out. That way, you don’t have to do a makeup test.”

Dusty shook his head in agreement. There was no way he was coming back to this school tomorrow or ever again.

He waited until the last possible second and raced for his test, only making it in the room with seconds to spare before the teacher locked the door to late entrants.

Algebra was one of his best subjects so he filled in the answers and worked the problems quickly, finishing with several of the class’s math whizzes.

The nurse’s face displayed surprised when she saw him back so quickly. “You really want to go home, don’t you?

“Yes, ma’am.” Dusty nodded respectfully.

“Is someone bothering you? You’re not one of my regulars.” The nurse watched Dusty closely to see if there was a sign that something else was going on.

“Well, I don’t really see any point in keeping you, since you seem determined to go home. I want you to make an appointment with the counselor tomorrow if she’s back.” When Dusty didn’t respond, she continued. “I’ll call your mother. You can go wait in the office until she can come and get you.

Dusty went to the office with the note, but his mother never came to pick him up.

Tired of waiting, Dusty called her himself, hoping the nurse had just forgotten.

When he only got her voicemail, Dusty lowered his voice as he left a message.

“Mom, Charlie and his gang have it out for me. I got a note from the nurse so I can go home. Please, come pick me up,” Dusty pleaded.

He resigned himself to waiting under the watchful eye of the school secretary.

------------------

Sunni, Olive, and Miles had met with the lawyer, but by the time they had explained everything to him, they weren’t very happy with the advice he had for them.

“The fact that you’re all in this situation is just an indication of the reason that chasing criminals is left up to the police force. So far, you haven’t done anything terribly criminal, except for stalking these individuals.”

“So there’s no way to help our friends? They’re missing, so how can we find them?” Sunni questioned, frustrated.

“Let me repeat, there’s nothing you can do. We can go to the police station and report your friend, Kristi, who didn’t show up for work. Since this is the third person that you know who has disappeared, we might be able to make a case that there’s something going on in your group.”

“Is there anything special that we need to tell the police so that they’ll believe us?” Miles hated to be the practical one.

“At this point, two of the three people missing have been missing more than forty-eight hours, so that should help your case since they haven’t returned,” the lawyer cautioned, seeing the looks of hope on their faces.

“We need to go to the police now, so they can start looking for Kristi. Her kids! What should we do about her kids?” Sunni exclaimed.

“Does she have anyone on her emergency call list?” Olive questioned.

“I’m her emergency contact, but how am I going to tell her kids?” Sunni put her head in her hands, feeling hopeless.

“Here’s what we’re going to do. Miles and Sunni, you’re going to the police station with the lawyer. Once you’re done, pick up your children and plan on picking up Kristi’s kids. There’s nothing we can do until the police find them.” Olive’s bossy side reared its head again.

“That’s all well and good, but what happens if she doesn’t come home? I mean, Aunt Marie has been missing for six days, and Perri for over two. The police haven’t found them yet.” Sunni felt the world around her unraveling.

“All right, I’ll go with you to make sure that everything goes okay. Should we go ahead and head over there now?” Olive decided to get things started.

“I believe this is the first step to getting your friends back, so shall we?” The lawyer gestured to the door.

Everyone got up and made their way out into the cold and snow, knowing there wasn’t much of a chance that their friends would be found.

Sunni led the procession with her vehicle. “Miles, do you really think this is a good option? I mean, this isn’t getting them back. The police have already shown that they have no idea what to do, and the longer they go missing, well…” Sunni’s voice trailed off, leaving her thoughts unsaid.

Their cell phones both started ringing as they pulled into the parking lot of the police station.

“Holy snowballs!  This is from Kristi.” Miles read from his phone.

Sunni pulled in and parked quickly, taking her phone out of her purse to read the message as well.

Kristi: Come to State Road 57 and turn right. Three miles down, there will be a dirt road. Hide behind the fenced driveway and wait for a van to pull out from the driveway across the road. Perri and I will be in the vehicle. When you see the vehicle, call 9-1-1 and follow us. Give them this number to trace and pray they find us in time.

Sunni and Miles exchanged glances.

“The question now is, do we go try to find them, or turn this over to the police?” Miles wondered.

“Olive and the lawyer can take care of this. We tell them something came up, but to go ahead without us.”

“You text her and I’ll drive.” Sunni put the address into her phone’s GPS and started out of the parking lot, following the voice of Miriam, the GPS locator.

Olive’s face showed her shock as they drove out of the parking lot and away from the police station.

Olive: Where in the world are you going?

Miles: To find Perri and Kristi. Tell the police everything. We will text you when we get to the address. Get the police started so they can help us take these people down.

Olive: Just stay safe.

Miles: Will do.

After twenty minutes of Miriam, Miles cut off the voice directions and took over as navigator. When they reached the State Road, Miles held the phone up.

“Sunni, pull over. The signal just went out on your phone.” Miles took out his phone and tried to find a signal. “Nothing.”

“We can’t just sit here and do nothing. Those were specific instructions, but we can’t take a chance on the police not making it here.” Sunni couldn’t think of a way to insure they wouldn’t get kidnapped as well.

“Wait a minute. The city police have no jurisdiction out here. It would be the sheriff’s office. I’m going to text Olive and let her know where we are and to contact the sheriff’s office.” Miles started to text, but Sunni stopped him.

“No. If we do that, they could show up just as the truck gets here, and then we won’t get Kristi and Perri back.”

“We’re only going to be three miles down this road. We can send the text and call 9-1-1 when we get back to this road. I guess that would work too.”

Sunni inched carefully off the side of the road and toward their designated hiding spot.

“What time did the message say to be in place? Two o’clock? We’re about twenty minutes early.”

“Hey, the message only said Kristi and Perri, right? So where’s Aunt Marie?” Sunni didn’t want to assume the worst, but there hadn’t been any mention of her in several days.

“Maybe they’re holding her somewhere else,” Miles suggested, but he didn’t’ have much to offer in the way of ideas.

“Let’s just hope this works and we can get some answers.” Sunni turned off the car and pulled the hood of her coat up, trying to keep some warmth inside while they waited.

------------------

The door at the top of the stairs slammed open. Zach came down the steps, carrying Kristi.

“Here’s a playmate for you. She’ll help keep you warm until they move you.” Zach dumped Kristi’s body on the bed, almost on top of Perri.

Perri was surprised when he walked around the corner, and instead of leaving, came back with a blanket.

“Can I get something to eat?” Perri asked politely.

“When was the last time you ate something?” Zach couldn’t help but ask.

“Saturday morning.”

Since the cameras couldn’t hear sound, Zach spoke. “She was supposed to feed you. Let me see what I can do.”

“She?” Perri called, but Zach had already rounded the corner and headed back upstairs.

------------------

“Why haven’t you fed her? Two days with no food or water?” Zach asked angrily.

“Because it was none of your business,” Sheila snapped. “You’re not in charge at the moment, and with that kind of attitude, I won’t be recommending you for promotion.”

“Seriously, that’s how you want to play this? She was part of the bigger plan to get more money, so not feeding her kind of defeats the purpose of having them picked up later.” Zach spoke passionately in the women’s defense.

“Since you’re so worked up about this, then you should go and take care of the problem.” Shelia checked out the window to be sure no one was hanging around.

Zach stormed down the stairs with water and several granola bars.

“It’s not much, but it might help keep your body warm until your next meal. I’ll make sure you get something for dinner.” Zach pointed toward the corner where a compost toilet sat. “Use that if you need to, and here’s some antibacterial wash. There aren’t any cameras facing the corner so you’ll have complete privacy there.

“She may be out for a while, but she should be fine.” Zach nodded toward Kristi’s still form under the blanket. “Just continue to check on her.”

Perri waited for him to leave before she jumped on the food he left behind.

Not wanting to make herself sick, she only ate one of the six granola bars Zach had left and drank a small amount of water.

Perri had been able to use the facilities in the past few days, but was glad to know the camera wasn’t watching her do it. Thankful that her hands were tied in front of her, it made the task much easier. While not healthy, it wasn’t unusual to have to wait longer periods of time as a mom, and she had only gone twice, and only when it was absolutely necessary.

She glanced over at Kristi, who didn’t move, even when she returned and snuggled against her.

The snow drifts helped to insulate the basement, but they weren’t known for their extremely warm benefits.

Perri had slept until almost noon, and Kristi started to stir, which made Perri startle awake.

“Hey, are you okay?” Perri asked her, coming awake instantly.

Kristi just nodded her head.

Perri put her tied hands over Kristi’s head so that she could give her a hug.

“We’re going to be fine. Everyone will be looking for you, since I’m sure that you all have been looking for me. Well, here I am!” Perri couldn’t keep the humor out of her voice.

“They’re going to sell us this afternoon to traffickers. We can’t let them know we’re on to them. I have a cell phone to text the gang so they can follow us,” Kristi mumbled against Perri’s coat.

Perri took her arms from around Kristi, incredulous.

“What do you mean? You have a cell phone?” Perri screamed in a whispered voice, blocking the camera’s view of their conversation with her back.

“Zach is undercover, and they’re trying to get the ones who are running this thing so that they can stop the drugs that are flowing through our town.”

She sank back onto the end of the cot, unable to handle the information that help was so close.

“What are we supposed to do in the meantime?” Perri wrung her hands in frustration.

“Do you know what time it is?” Kristi asked drowsily.

Perri twisted her wrist around and pushed her coat out of the way by placing her knee to hold it where she could see the time. It was a practiced move after three days in captivity. “Twelve-twenty. Why?”

“We’re supposed to text them around one o’clock, so make sure I don’t fall back to sleep.”

They were startled to hear banging on the floor, like someone was moving the furniture around.

The sounds continued for about thirty minutes, then there was absolute silence.

“I think we should go ahead and send the text message now. I’m getting a feeling that something isn’t right upstairs.” Perri scooted back, up toward Kristi, trying to block the camera again.

“Text them now. We don’t have much time.”

She watched anxiously as Kristi took the phone out of her pocket and started texting.

“There, it’s sent.”

“Okay. Make sure it’s hidden because I don’t want to die now.”

------------------

Breaking news. We have received word that a respected member of our community was found dead at his home this morning. Details are still coming in at this time, but neighbors reported seeing his car still parked in the drive, which was completely unusual for him. He works at the local high school library and volunteers his time at the senior center. Upon investigation, they found him unresponsive and called 9-1-1. We will continue to bring you updates as information is received.

“What were you thinking?” Zach motioned toward the TV. Jumping out of his chair, he paced the length of the room.

“You had him killed? You don’t think that this will come back and bite us?” Zach continued to stomp back and forth, not really expecting Shelia to answer him.

“Yes. I gave the order to have him disposed of. There will be no one to link back to us. All the evidence these women have been collecting will be traced to him, and will seem like it was his operation.” Sheila raised her eyebrow at Zach’s rage.

“You’re just going to wear yourself out. This was the only way for us to move on and continue our work elsewhere. I have big plans for you, but if you have a problem liquidating an asset…” Sheila left the threat hanging in the air.

“No, you’re the boss. I just wish I’d had a heads-up and hadn’t been caught off guard.” Zach’s pacing slowed, but didn’t stop completely.

“Was there really a pickup planned for the girl’s downstairs? Are you just leading me on about this, making money and being the next step in the process?”  Zach loomed over her, hoping to come off as intimidating.

“Zach, Zach, Zach. This is the plan. We leave after we wipe our prints down and no one ever knows we were here. The girls will be picked up later and the money will be wired to our account.” Sheila tilted her head, giving him an appraising look.

“Are you ready for the next phase? If so, I expect you to go down, drug the girls, get in your car and leave. If you’re serious about moving up, then I’ll see you at the rendezvous point.” Shelia put her coat and hat on. “Oh, and Zach?” She waited until Zach was facing her. “I’ll be watching you.”

Zach had no choice but to do as Shelia had requested. The steps creaked as he walked back down into the basement.

“All right, ladies, I managed to get you a warm cup of coffee since the boss lady left,” Zach spoke loudly, making sure the girls were awake.

Smiles lit their faces as they took in the cups of coffee from one of their favorite places.

They eagerly took the cups and downed the warm, but not too hot coffee.

“Oh, thank you, Zach. That was so sweet of you to bring coffee to the women you kidnapped,” Perri shouted at Zach. She would have thrown the coffee at him, but she was too excited to lose the warm liquid.

“I told you he was hot. I mean, he brought something hot. What’s happening?” Kristi’s words slurred as the drugged coffee hit her already tired system.

“Your hot guy drugged us.” Perri hadn’t drank her coffee as quickly, but the effects were slowing her movements.

Zach pulled the covers from the floor where they had fallen in the girls’ hurry to get the coffee from them. He gently placed the covers over both of them, and with one last glance over his shoulder, he disappeared up the stairs.

The sound of his gold vehicle starting up could have been heard in the basement, but the only one’s listening were hidden from sight and waiting for something drastic to happen.

Chapter 16

Sunni and Miles had been waiting for what seemed like forever, when a car raced out of the driveway across from them.

“Are we supposed to follow the car?” Sunni questioned, unsure of what the text had meant. “I don’t want to follow the wrong person.”

“I think it’s a van we’re watching for. That’s what they said, but the text also said they’d be in a vehicle,” Miles countered.

“We don’t want to miss—” Sunni was interrupted by a loud banging on the window.

“Peas and carrots! What is Carolina doing here?” Sunni screamed at the face pressed against the window.

“Hurry, roll down the window,” Sunni urged Miles.

“Uh, Sunni, you have to turn the car back on for the windows to work.” Miles gestured to the keys hanging from the ignition.

“Right.” She hurried to turn the car back on.

“Have you guys seen Kristi or the vehicle that’s supposed to be transporting her?” Carolina asked loudly.

“We haven’t yet. We’re hiding so they don’t know we’re onto them.” Miles put his finger to his lips to shush Carolina.

“How did you know where we were?” Sunni asked, incredulous that Carolina had found them in the middle of, well, nowhere?

“I just followed the directions that Kristi sent and here I am. I didn’t want to have missed all of the fun.” Carolina leaned into the car.

A loud sound filled the air and a gold car flashed out of the driveway, and took off down the road.

Sunni watched as Carolina backed out of the window so quickly, she landed in the snowbank behind her.

“Hurry, we can’t lose them. I’ll be right behind you,” Carolina yelled as she scrambled to her feet and ran back to her truck parked on the side of the road.

Another bang sounded as her truck backfired and she took off in pursuit of Zach.

“Can I make a recommendation?” Miles raised his hand like a young student, answering without waiting for permission. “I suggest that we roll the window up and stay put until we see the truck pull in across the street.”

“Agreed.” Sunni glanced at her watch. “It should be soon, if Kristi’s text is to be trusted.

“Look, there it is.”

They both watched the gray van enter the driveway across from them.

“You don’t think the person driving the van will kill them, do you?” Sunni asked, worried.

“I swear, you are the most worrisome person I’ve ever met, Sunni. Don’t borrow trouble until you have to.” Miles shook his head. “The world can be a terrible place, but you have to have some hope or there wouldn’t be any point in living.”

“Their leaving.” Sunni threw the car into gear and prepared to chase after them.

“Hold on. We have to let them get a little bit ahead of us,” Miles cautioned.

“I’m not going to lose them,” Sunni declared, determined to get her friends back. “Hang on.”

She peeled out and almost slid into the ditch, but let off the gas just in time. The gray van was quickly disappearing out of sight, but she was afraid to catch up to fast.

When they slowed for the stop sign, the van had just moved across the road when a blue truck appeared and turned, following the van.

“Tell me that Carolina did not just cut us off?”

“Oh, I think she did.” Miles gripped the door handle harder as Sunni sped up until she was even with Carolina’s truck.

Sunni motioned to Carolina while yelling, even though she couldn’t hear through the closed windows. “Pull over!”

Carolina shrugged her shoulders in response and pulled ahead.

“That little green worm.” Determined, Sunni stepped on the gas and continued to look at Carolina as they passed her and pulled in front of her, just a truck whizzed by in the other lane.

“Cutting it a little close, don’t you think?” Miles huffed.

The trip back into town didn’t seem to take nearly as long to Sunni as she stayed on the tail of the gray van.

The van came to an abrupt stop and the back door opened. Two bundles were shoved out and the van took off quickly, but Sunni didn’t have time to stop without hitting them.

She steered the vehicle into the snowbank and came to a stop, inches from the brick wall of the building on the opposite side of the street.

There was a sickening crunch of metal as Carolina, who had been following Sunni closely, had swerved to avoid hitting the bundles in the road, only to hit the row of parked cars on the right side of the street.

Sunni sat stunned. Miles was the first one to recover as he rushed over to the bundles.

“Call 9-1-1,” he yelled as he excited the car.

She looked around the floor, trying to find her cell phone. Finding it, she managed to dial and put the phone on speaker.

“There’s been an accident. We need help. We’re on Fifth Street in the warehouse district.” She hung up, unable to deal with the questions the dispatcher continued to ask her.

The sound of sirens filled the air as Sunni watched the bundles move in the cold snow.

The sight of Carolina approaching the girls with a large knife spurred Sunni into action. She jumped out of the car and ran to the still bundles.

“Carolina, why don’t you let me do that, okay?’ Sunni didn’t trust her not to kill their friends.

“Nope, I don’t let nobody touch my protection.” Carolina bent over the bundle closest to her and cut the ropes around the blanket.

It opened to reveal Perri’s body, with her hands tied in front of her.

Carolina walked toward Kristi, but the sound of a cop shouting stopped her.

“Raise your hands right now. Drop the knife.” An officer from squad #1 stood protectively behind his car door, pointing a gun in their direction.

Sunni and Miles did as he asked, but Carolina waved her hand to gesture toward Kristi’s still bundled body.

“Officer, we’re jusssss—” Carolina was hit with a stun gun from behind as another set of officers from squad #2 approached from the rear.

“Don’t shoot. She was just trying to get our friends untied because they’d been kidnapped!” Miles yelled as the officers approached.

Perri started to come to.

“You, stay back.” He pointed at Sunni and Miles as he approached the bundle with Kristi inside. “Help me get this other bundle undone.” One of the officers from squad #2 motioned the other two officers from squad #1 forward as he took the knife from the ground next to Carolina’s still twitching body.

“They’re right, it’s a body.” The officer felt for a pulse. “She’s alive!”

“Hands behind your backs.” Squad #2’s other officer cuffed Miles and was joined by the squad #1 officers, who placed the cuffs on Sunni and the twitching Carolina.

An ambulance pulled up and paramedics loaded Perri and Kristi onto stretchers. They hadn’t regained consciousness, although the cold air was speeding up the process.

Sunni and Miles were taken to squad #1’s car, while the other officers were trying to lift Carolina to her feet so that they could get her into the vehicle.

“I’d hate to be the person who has to share a cell with Carolina for the night after she’s been tased.” Miles grinned.

“What are you grinning at?” Sunni fumed.

“You remember all those messages on the internet where you put the name of the person on your list that you’d get arrested with? Or spend the night in jail with?” Miles questioned, his smile still in place.

“Yes. It’s always stupid because I’d never be arrested with…” Sunni trailed off as her surroundings dawned on her.

“Yeah, I totally never thought you’d be the one sitting in the seat next to me.” Miles laughed and pointed toward Carolina. “I know neither one of us imagined having her with us either.”

“How do you have all this free time for those kinds of things? My kids keep me so busy that I can only post pictures for family when I actually can find time to take a picture.”

“Sunni, I know that having two children seems harder, but sometimes using technology can actually make your life easier. When we get out of here, I’m going to setup some classes for all age groups so that everyone can learn how to use their technology.” Miles seemed satisfied with his declaration.

“Well, if they ever let us out. I doubt they’ll let us see the light of day again.”

“See, there you go again, always finding the worst in a situation. Don’t say anything unless the lawyer is in there. Once they question Perri and Kristi, they’ll know that we were telling the truth and let us go.” Confidence poured out of Miles at justice being served.

“I only hope you’re right,” Sunni whispered as the officers got back into the vehicle.

------------------

Perri heard whispered voices and struggled to wake up. If the plan hadn’t worked, then she and Kristi were in real danger.

Her eyes felt heavy as she tried to open them, only to find blurry images in the room around her.

“When is mom going to wake up?”

“Can she hear us?”

“Her eyes are open, Dad.”

“Mom, what happened?”

“Hey, everyone back up. Let her get a moment to adjust.” Gerald stood by the bed, holding her hand.

“I’m-I’m fine, I think. How long have I been here?” Perri sat up slowly, remembering how dizzy she’d felt the last time she’d been drugged.

“Kristi? Is she okay?” Perri took the water her daughter handed her.

“She’s fine. They have her resting, and they gave her kids to Olive until she’s able to take care of them.” Gerald answered her unspoken question.

“Where’s Sunni? She should have Kristi’s kids. They didn’t kidnap her, did they?”  Perri struggled to swing her feet to the edge of the bed.

“Lay back. Sunni didn’t get kidnapped. The police have her in custody because they found her and Miles with Carolina, who was standing over your bodies with a huge knife. They took everyone in until they could get it all straightened out.

“The police have been waiting for you to regain consciousness so that they can get your side of the story, and hopefully, release Sunni and Miles.”  Gerald started motioning the kids out of the room. “Kids, let’s go get some dinner while they talk to your mother.”

“I don’t want to leave her,” the youngest whined.

“Don’t worry, baby. I’m going to be right here. Go get some dinner,” Perri said reassuringly.

Once her family had left, the door opened to show two officers. “Ma’am, may we come in?” one asked politely.

“Do I need to have a lawyer present?” Perri leaned back onto the pillows.

“No, ma’am. As long as you haven’t committed a crime, then there shouldn’t be a problem.”

“I honestly have no idea where to start with the information that you need, but here goes.” Perri started at the beginning, when Sunni first mentioned the subject, until the moment when she woke up in the hospital.

“There’s only one conclusion as to why both Sunni and Carolina would crash their vehicles. The people holding us must have thrown us out of the van and into the street. They both would’ve done anything to make sure that they didn’t run over us.”

“So you don’t feel that you were in danger from the lady with the knife?” The male officer tried to make certain that the crazy lady wasn’t a threat.

“Carolina was just trying to help. She has nothing to do with any of the kidnapping or drug dealing.” Perri knew that she wasn’t the most stable person, but that she would never intentionally harm someone.

“We just had to be sure, ma’am. I’ll make the call and have them released since their story seems to check out, based on what we know.” The officer turned back with his hand on the door. “In the future, leave the detective work to the professionals.”

“Yes, sir,” Perri agreed wearily.

------------------

Sunni had been separated from Miles and put into an interrogation room.

After repeatedly stating the need for a lawyer, the officers finally left her alone in the room.

I don’t think I’ve been alone, truly alone, in years. This is so unusual, because there is always noise surrounding me. I’m going to take Miles’ advice and enjoy the silence while I have a chance. It’s not every day I’m held in an interrogation room.

The smile on Sunni’s face baffled the officers watching from the other side of the glass.

“It’s not often that we solve a case and get to see an entertaining show. Let’s go see what the crazy knife lady is up to with the other convicts.”

As she continued to sit in the empty room, Sunni began to miss the constant motion and noise that came from her children and family.

Three hours later, Sunni had been released and was driven home. She welcomed the noise and love of the little bodies, who had finally collapsed around her on the couch.

I wouldn’t trade this for all the quiet in the world.

------------------

Sunni walked in to the coffee shop two days later and surveyed the group of people who had come to mean the world to her over the past few weeks.

“So, did someone forget to invite Carolina?” Sunni joked as she approached their table.

“Nope. She’s still being held at the station.” Kristi hopped up to give Sunni a hug.

“Thanks for coming to find me,” Kristi whispered in Sunni’s ear.

“No problem, and I’d do it again.”

“Why are they holding Carolina when they let Miles and I go free?” Sunni sat down and waited for an explanation.

“Evidently, she had a few unpaid parking tickets, so when they processed her, it popped up in the system and she has to pay the tickets before she can be released.” Kristi shook her head. “She refuses to pay, so they’ll keep her the ten days it takes to work off the amount she owes.”

“She’s willing to sit in jail instead of paying her parking tickets?” Perri asked, confused.

“Well, she’s met a friend inside and thinks they might have something.” Kristi grinned at the thought of a man being able to handle Carolina. “She wants to see where it will lead. I mean, how terribly wrong could it really go?”

“Holy fried food! Are we going to have to rescue her from jail? We could just pay the tickets and they’d release her against her will,” Miles suggested mischievously.

“Oh, no, I’m not going to get on her bad side. She’s warm, fed, and seems happy. Who am I to take away her happiness?”

Everyone exchanged grins.

“Is there any word on the people who kidnapped us?” Kristi looked to Sunni for information, but it was Olive who answered.

“From what I understand from our lawyer, the police raided the school library and found all the drugs in the possession of a few students. Alexander Fine is dead. The police think that he committed suicide, but due to recent events, they’re having an autopsy done to determine cause of death.” Olive stated the facts without emotion.

“But what happened to Zach and the woman?” Perri asked quietly, mindful of the other patrons.

“He said he was undercover and they want to find the big shots who are bringing the drugs in and trafficking women out. He laced our coffee so that we wouldn’t get in trouble by trying to get out.”

“The woman upstairs wasn’t just living there, she was to keep us from leaving and had orders to kill us if we did.” Kristi shivered at the consequences of them escaping.

“I’m just ready to move forward and get into the Christmas spirit. The kids are going to be as spoiled as possible because I know how close we came to never coming home,” Kristi declared, putting on a happy face.

“Oh, my homecoming was quite a surprise after being gone for almost four days. I didn’t even have to go back to school before they let out for the holidays.” Perri grinned. “The kids have brought me breakfast in bed and waited on me hand and foot from the recliner. I didn’t want to tell them I was fine when they released me from the hospital.”

“Miles, how did your wife handle having to bail you out of jail?” Olive’s aloofness came across as snooty.

“It did take a little bit of explaining, but in the end, she agreed that I had made the right choice. I’m not in the dog house, but that’s only because we rescued both of you.” Miles leaned back looking extremely comfortable.

“All of this wrap up is great, but it still doesn’t answer the question about where Aunt Marie is. The police have no clues.” Sunni gestured helplessly to the group.

“I’m out. No more detective work for me. Gerald is a very calm man, so when he puts his foot down, I generally listen.” Perri spoke unapologetically. “These people gave us back and we got rid of the drugs in our school, so I suggest that we let the police do their job.”

“She’s my family. I can’t just move on, not without knowing where she is.” Sunni put her head in her hands.

“Sunni, you might want to look at who just walked in the door.” Olive pointed at the couple standing in the doorway.

Sunni gasped as she took in the unharmed appearance of her aunt standing next to a man. She knocked over the chair in her haste to hug her.

“Where have you been? I’ve tried to call you for the past week.” Sunni’s face was streaked with tears.

“I called, but my calls never went through, and when I started calling the house phone, there wasn’t an answer until this morning when Dusty picked up. I need to talk to you and he sent us here.”

“Aunt Marie, you’ve been missing for over a week now. We have the police looking for you and my cell phone is working perfectly.” Sunni finally let go of her aunt to look her over.

“Alex and I had to leave town in a hurry. My cell phone’s battery ran out, and when we got it charged, it wouldn’t let me call you. I have no idea what your number is because it was on the phone.” Aunt Marie waved to the others at the table.

“Who are you?” Sunni turned to the gray-haired man standing next to her aunt.

“Hi, I’m Alex Fine,” he replied as he disengaged his hand from Aunt Marie’s.

“Say what?” Miles asked, incredulous.

“Um, he’s my boyfriend,” Aunt Marie announced, blushing. “We met while I was trying to find out more about Alexander Fine and we hit it off.”

“So you mean to tell me that you’ve been on a cruise with this man, while Perri and Kristi were kidnapped, and Miles and I were sent to jail?” Sunni held it together as her temper continued to rise.

“Cruise? We’ve been up in Michigan. We came back because there wasn’t anything else for us to do there at the moment, and Alex has to check in with his business and make sure that all the projects are done in time for Christmas.” Aunt Marie walked to the table and sat down in the chair Alex had pulled over to join the group.

“The other Alexander Fine didn’t have you tied up in a basement until he could sell you to traffickers?”

“What? Oh, my gracious, no. I never heard from that man after he took me to that horrible movie and propositioned me about going on a cruise.”

“I though you told him you would see him on the cruise?” Sunni questioned confused.

“Phewy. I wasn’t going to go on the cruise with him. He kept suggesting it, but I had no intention of going with him. I said, ‘See you later,’ which I meant quite literally. As in, have a great life without me,” Aunt Marie explained easily.

Miles picked up Aunt Marie’s phone and started looking at it. “The reason you couldn’t call Sunni and she couldn’t reach you is because you had her blocked on your phone.”

“How is that possible?” Aunt Marie’s hand flew to her mouth as she turned to Alex. “He did that to my phone. On my date, he must have taken it when I went to the restroom at the intermission and blocked Sunni. He played me.”

Alex pulled her into a hug. “Shh. It didn’t hurt anyone and you’re safe. He can’t hurt you anymore.”

“We heard about his death on the news, but it didn’t mention the women who were kidnapped. Otherwise, we might have had to drive all night to get here, and I’m getting too old for that kind of thing,” Alex explained to the eager group.

“I’m just thankful this worked out and we got you back. We’ll have to discuss this new boyfriend over Christmas,” Sunni offered a small smile.

“A Toast! To the first successful mystery solved by a bunch of MOMs.” Miles lifted his coffee cup. “And a dad.”

“Cheers!” Everyone lifted their cups in agreement and laughed.

The End

The Veteran State of Affairs

The Mommy Detectives book #2

Marie walked out to her mailbox to get some exercise in her day. Thumbing through the mail as she walked to the house, she found a hand addressed envelope that looked like a personal letter. Normally, she received bills and advertisements. There wasn’t anyone she knew that would write her a letter from Michigan.

Opening the letter as she closed the door shut behind her. Looking for the author, she let out a small cry as the letter fluttered to the floor, unread.

She left the letter on the floor as she made her way to the kitchen counter where her phone was sitting. She dialed the one person who would understand what the letter meant.

As she waited, Marie gathered the pages and placed them on her table while pacing back and forth, until she heard the truck pull up in front of her house.

Marie threw the door open to let Alex in, only to be swallowed in his embrace.

“Are you okay?” He asked the top of her head.

A muffled sob didn’t really answer his question, so he guided her inside and over to the couch.

He simply held her as she let it all out.

“I’m okay. I mean, sort of. I’m crying and I haven’t even read the letter yet. The name signed John Walker, was like a ghost from the past standing in front of me.” Marie looked up at him with tearstained cheeks.

Alex looked around the room, spotting the box of Kleenex on the end table next to the recliner.

He stood and grabbed the entire box, handing it to her.

Smiling appreciatively, Marie took them. “The letter is on the table,” she informed him before he sat back down.

“Will you read it to me? I don’t think I’ll be able to make it through without balling again.”

He scooped up the pages of the letter and sat next to her again. He pulled her close so that her head was resting on his shoulder, instead of letting her be alone while they read the letter.

Dear Marie,

I realize this letter might take you by surprise. I never expected to find you again one day. As you can see by the date of the letter, I am alive, but I only recently regained parts of my memory.

Let me explain. I left you for the war, but I never told you the complete truth.

I was recruited at basic training for a covert mission. Since I was able to learn languages quickly, they wanted me to spy on the enemy.

They trained me well, and I was returned to my unit, which I worked with for over a year.

There were several battles, with wins and losses on both sides. What they didn’t tell us was that most of the men we started out with wouldn’t return home.

The enemy was very determined, and they seemed to have more passion to win than we did.

I was captured with several other men from my unit, because someone had leaked the information to the enemy. There was a covert operative in our unit.

My name was on their list, but during the gunfight, one of our unit, a John Smith, had been killed. So knowing the torture that was waiting for me, I switched dog tags with the dead soldier. I was hoping since we had the same first name, I would be able to assume his identity.

It made a difference, and the others that were still alive helped me keep my cover.  Especially since whomever had been an informer must have died in the battle.

After years of malnutrition and years of mental torture, I was John Smith. I no longer even thought about John Walker. Not only did my life depend on it, but I was unable to even consider a future as John Walker after being captured.

They finally sent us home, but after everything, I didn’t even remember who I was.

I came home to John Smith’s family. But because I was so malnourished, they didn’t recognize me. We both left our families when we were so young, and the years had changed me, as well as him.

I started having flashbacks and could barely hold down a job. The VA has had me in therapy for years. But now a new therapist has been working with me, and I have been remembering your face and name.

We looked you up. I thought I could see if you knew who my family was, and if you knew what had happened to them. The Army’s information was a dead end, and I’m not sure I could handle being rejected in person.

If you remember me and have any information that you wouldn’t mind sharing, I can be contacted through my therapist.

Respectfully,

John

“Wow.” Alex sat back as the pages of the letter fell to his lap. “That poor man. The war took everything from him.”

Marie wiped the last few tears from her eyes.

“I have to go see him. I can’t just write him a letter. He needs to know I’m okay. I’m not in love with him anymore, but we thought he was dead.” Marie glanced at Alex. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking I should go with you. This is something you need to do, and I already work with veterans, so this is not that far out of the realm of what I already do.” Alex placed a kiss on her forehead. “Besides, I need to keep an eye on this guy, and make sure he doesn’t try to steal my girl.”

“Your girl?” Marie wiggled out of his embrace. “Are we going steady?”

“You bet.” Alex grinned. “Go pack your bags, and let’s get this road trip started.”

Marie didn’t even have to think twice. She jumped up and headed to the bedroom for her things.

Within thirty minutes, they were on the way to Alex’s house to collect his stuff, and head to Michigan for Marie’s lost love.

Infected Waters: A Titanic Disaster

Turning a corner on the main deck, Jonathan ran straight into Nora as she raced around a corner, heading for the captain’s quarters.

“What happened?” Jonathan pulled her closer to help keep them both on their feet.

“Our patient died. I need to let the captain know so he can decide what to do about the body.” Nora took a deep breath to steady herself and instead inhaled Jonathan’s cologne.

“I’ll get him for you. Go back and stay with the body until we can get there.”

Relief flooded Nora as he took charge and went to inform the captain. Being the bearer of bad news was never something a nurse wanted to do.

“All right, but please, hurry.”

Nora turned and retraced her hurried steps.

The wait seemed to take forever before Captain Smith and Jonathan burst through the door of the infirmary.

Standing over the dead man’s body, no one spoke as the significance of what he might have been carrying aboard sank in.

“What do you suggest we do with his body?” Nora asked Captain Smith, hoping he had an idea.

Exchanging glances with Jonathan, he informed them, “I believe we should burn his body. There is no one to identify it, and if we wait until we land, the infection from him might move to some of the passengers. It’s a chance I’m not willing to take. Has anyone else been stricken?”

“Just one crewman, sir. He isn’t doing so well.” Jonathan affirmed.

“He was bitten when he and Jonathan tried to hold him down so I could disinfect his wounds. It was a fairly normal reaction from someone who was unconscious at the time.” Nora tried to explain in more detail.

“It doesn’t seem to be an airborne illness. Only through the exchange of blood or saliva,” Nora added, hoping to be helpful.

“Hmm. What does our doctor say about this?” Captain Smith questioned.

“Honestly, sir, he hasn’t been here very much. Other than to agree this patient wasn’t going to make it, he hasn’t really commented or examined him.” Unhappy to have to give the report about the ship’s one doctor, Nora grimaced guiltily.

“Where is the good doctor now?” Captain Smith spit out angrily.

“At the moment, he is delivering a baby with one of the nurses.” Nora rushed to assure him that the doctor was indeed working.

Pointing to Jonathan, the captain demanded, “When the baby is born, bring him to me immediately. Now, I’m going to send a few crew members in to take our friend to the incinerator as quickly as possible. Most of our passengers are at lunch at the moment, and this will be the best time to take care of a situation that is this delicate. While you seem certain this is isolated, nurse, I want to make sure we don’t have it spreading to others.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll handle it immediately.” Jonathan hurried to find a few suitable men for the task.

“Nurse, I want you to keep me informed about our crewman or any other things that seem suspicious to you. If this is what I’m afraid it is, it will still manage to affect everyone, no matter how cautious we are in preventing it.”

“I understand, and will let you know of the slightest change in our passengers.”

“That is all I ask. Thank you so much for your service.” Tipping his hat, the captain left to return to his duties.

Jonathan passed the captain as he returned with his two roommates, Timothy and Brad.

“Okay, boys. We are going to wrap the body up tightly in the sheet so people don’t know what’s going on.”

“Here’s the stretcher. He’s all ready for you.” Nora stood back as the three men transferred the body over.

“When you get downstairs, make sure you throw him into the fire, along with the wrappings. We don’t want anything to spread.” Jonathan instructed the men.

Hurrying to open the door for them, Nora stood to the side. “Do you need me to come with you for anything?”

“Nah. We got it, pretty nurse.”

“Nothing we can’t handle.” Brad grinned at her, almost dropping his end of the stretcher.

Jonathan led the way through the corridors and over to the crew staircase, staying ahead to redirect anyone in their path.

“Even dead, this guy is super heavy. Wonder what he ate for dinner?” Brad asked.

“A fat man from the feel of it,” Timothy answered, laughing.

“Shh. We are supposed to keep this quiet, gentlemen.”

“Sorry, boss,” they whispered apologetically.

The door to the engine rooms kept the amount of noise contained and partitioned away from the passengers.

Concerned with how heavy it was and where they should set it down, Brad and Timothy never saw the body sit straight up until a hand landed on Timothy’s thigh.

“Bloody hell.” Timothy screamed as the infected man’s mouth latched onto his leg, its teeth tearing out a chunk of flesh.

Brad tried grabbing it by the arms to pull him away from Timothy, but the infected turned his attention to him and bit into his neck, causing blood to squirt rapidly out of his body.

Ding Dong Is She Dead?

By Alathia Paris Morgan

“What the hell is going on?” Allie muttered as she approached.

Pushing the door back into place so she could enter, she called out, “Hello? Megan, are you here?”

Allie gingerly stepped inside and her heart broke. Everywhere she looked, there were signs of a violent struggle.

Cushions were thrown off the couch. The coffee table was bashed in, and there were blood stains on the carpet.

Torn between trying to find Megan alive and needing to call 9-1-1, Allie’s decision was made for her as a whimper sounded from down the hall.

Stepping carefully around the broken glass and the blood trail leading her down the hallway, she followed the sound, only to discover Megan in the bathroom, sitting on the floor. She was curled up next to the bathtub, holding a towel to what looked to be a nasty wound on her head.

“Oh, Megan. What happened?” Allie crouched down and leaned forward to touch her arm in sympathy, but Megan flinched back, moaning in pain.

“I’m here, Megan,” she said quietly. “No one can hurt you now. I’m going to call the police and figure out how to keep you safe.”

Megan looked up at Allie and burst into tears.

“Shh. Everything will be okay. We’ll find the person who did this to you.” Allie tried to look over Megan’s body to assess her injuries, needing to know if there were others she had to worry about.

A smile flitted across Megan’s face. “You won’t have to look far for the person who hurt me. It was Mike. He does this occasionally when I don’t do what I’m supposed to.”

Allie suddenly realized that her favorite little person was missing. “Megan, is Sally okay?”

“She was already on the bus, heading to school when it started this time.” Megan groaned as she tried to sit up.

“Don’t move. Have you been in here since then?” She looks down at her watch. “You’ve been in here for four and a half hours? Jesus. We need to get you to the hospital and call the police.” Allie was worried Mike would make another appearance before she could get Megan to a safe place.

Megan’s already pale face grew ashen when Allie’s words sank in. “No! If Mike comes home and finds me gone, I’ll get a lot worse next time for taking this out into the public. It’ll reflect badly on his image with his co-workers.”

“Megan, honey, we can’t worry about his “image.” You’re hurt, and I’m pretty sure you need stitches on your forehead. You could have a concussion. From the looks of the living room, you may even have internal injuries that we can’t see.” Allie didn’t want to pressure her, but there was no way Megan could stay home and just recover.

“It was my fault this happened,” Megan tried to explain. “Mike got drunk last night and fell asleep in his truck. Because I didn’t try to find him, he felt humiliated when the neighbors saw him this morning. He was pretty pissed when he woke up and came inside.”

“Megan, this is not your fault. Listen, you have to leave now, go to the hospital and get help. If you stay here, the next time I come to see you, you could be lying dead on the floor. What if he hurts Sally?” Allie held her breath, waiting for Megan’s answer.

“I don’t know where we would go, and Mike works for the County Sheriff’s Office. He can find us wherever we go, and it won’t be good when he catches up to us.” Megan closed her eyes against the pain.

“So, if you stay here and take everything he dishes out to you, what happens when he starts taking it out on Sally because she spills her juice? Even if he never lays a hand on her, it still gives her the idea that it’s okay to get bullied and beaten up. Is that what you want her to feel?” Allie sighed, overwhelmed by the idea that anyone could do this much harm to someone they claimed to love.

Sensing Allie’s concern, Megan nodded in agreement. Things were only going to get worse if they didn’t leave now.

With the small gesture, Megan’s head began to pound in pain, increasing from a quiet drum beat to a loud jackhammer, causing her to feel nauseous. Megan’s physical condition was the deciding factor she needed to get help.

“We can leave today. I have some suitcases in the front closet that are packed. This has been going on for years now, and I thought this was the end for me this morning. I’m pretty lucky it wasn’t.”

Moving slowly as she tried to get up, Megan spoke softly. “We just need to get my purse and add a few things from Sally’s room she might miss when we’re gone.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll gather everything and put it in the car, then I’ll come back for you.” Allie went to the living room and surveyed the damage Mike had done to his own home.

Because Mike was a sheriff’s deputy, it would be much worse for Megan than if he were just an ordinary guy when it came to evidence being misplaced, or simply disappearing.

“I need to document this in case the evidence against him is suddenly lost.”  Allie pulled out her phone and stepping outside to take pictures of the front door. She worked her way through the room, then followed the trail of blood until she stood in the bathroom doorway, where Megan still sat with her eyes closed.

She wanted to make sure there was no doubt about what had happened.

Allie placed the packed suitcases by the front door, and tried to remember what all she’d needed when she was forced to leave her home as she walked through the house.

Noticing the boxes stacked in the laundry room, Allie grabbed two and began to pack everything she could fit from Sally’s and Megan’s closets. Four boxes of clothes and shoes later, she went back to check on Megan to make sure she was still conscious.

“What else do you want so you don’t have to worry about coming back? Or is there anything you don’t want him to destroy that you really love and want to keep?” Allie asked as she paused in the doorway.

“Did you get Sally’s baby doll and her blanket? Also, the photo albums in the living room…and my laptop computer on the bedside table would be great. I should really help you with all this.” Making a move to rise, Allie caught her and helped her back to the floor.

“Absolutely not. I have it under control. When I get the boxes in the car, we can go. I can handle it. I’m not the one who has a bloody head and a possible concussion.”

Heading toward Megan’s room for the computer, she looked around to make sure she hadn’t missed anything else they might need. As she was grabbing the photo albums and the address books from the desk, Allie remembered Megan might need birth certificates, and a few other important documents in the days ahead.

Sticking her head back into the bathroom, she asked, “Where do you keep yours and Sally’s birth certificates and other stuff?”

Megan was caught off guard because she hadn’t thought about needing things like that.

“They’re in the filing cabinet; the first three files in the drawer should have all the stuff we need in them.” She breathed a sigh of relief that it was all together. Megan felt better knowing that her friend could take care of these things for her right now.

“When will Mike be back to check on you? Will he be home for lunch, or after his shift?” Allie was concerned he might return soon.

“It looks like he showered after I passed out in the living room, because the towel was wet when I crawled in here. He must have gone to work after, and he shouldn’t be back until his shift is over,” Megan answered.

“Okay, I think I have everything. I just need to carry these last few things to the car. I’ll make a final sweep, then we can get you out of here.”

Allie carried the boxes to the car and took one last look around, and thankfully spotted the DVDs Sally would enjoy to pass the time and keep her occupied while they sorted things out.

Returning for Megan, she realized she’d forgotten the bathroom toiletries. Grabbing a sheet from the cabinet, Allie filled it with all of Megan’s personal hygiene products.

She had left the passenger door open for Megan, as she placed the final things in the backseat.

Allie wrapped an arm around Megan’s waist to help her off the floor. They stood still for a second so that Megan could gain her balance. After a few minutes, it was obvious to Allie that her friend wasn’t going to get better, no matter how long they waited.

Balancing Megan’s body weight carefully, Allie practically carried her to the car, hoping she hadn’t hurt her worse.

“Are you okay? Am I hurting you?” Allie paused as Megan moaned.

“No. Seeing the door hanging off the hinges, I’m realizing how angry he truly was. I think this is the right choice. It’s a good thing Sally was already at school. Who knows how it might have turned out otherwise.” Gently helping Megan down the steps to the car, Allie had a revelation.

“Megan, you need to call the school and let them know that I’ll be picking Sally up today.” Putting Megan’s feet in the car, she shut the door as she walked over to the driver’s side.

“Where’s my phone?” Megan asked, but didn’t have the energy left to look for it.

“It was sitting on the table. The screen was shattered, and a hammer was lying right next to it. I took pictures of it and put it in a baggie, just in case we can save the sim card for another phone.”

Allie looked up the number for the school and handed her the phone as she started the car.

“Hi, Ms. Judy? This is Megan Butts, and I needed to let you know that Sally will be picked up today by my friend, Allie Foster.”

“Is everything okay, dear? You’ve never had someone pick Sally up before,” Ms. Judy asked with concern in her voice.

“Well, I had an accident. I fell and hit my head. I’m okay, but I’ll have to get some stitches. I’m sure they’ll give me pain killers, and I won’t be able to drive.” Megan’s first impulse was to make up a plausible story so that Mike wouldn’t get mad. She needed to make sure others didn’t find out that he beat her.

“You just take care of yourself, and I’ll send the papers home with Sally so you can add Allie Foster to the list, just in case you don’t feel well enough tomorrow as well.” Ms. Judy knew more than she let on about the home life of her students’ families, but wisely refrained from saying anything.

“Thank you, Ms. Judy. You’re so thoughtful, and I really hope to be better tomorrow. But better safe than sorry, right?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll have Sally ready for her when she gets here. Get some rest. Bye now.” Ms. Judy shook her head at the excuses she heard from the victims of abuse. At least Megan had a friend to help her out. Maybe she would survive and not become a statistic.

Relieved that Sally would be taken care of, Megan tried to ignore the situation by closing her eyes, hoping it would all disappear.

Allie pulled away, leaving the front door hanging wide open.