Midnight Walk

Everyone at the Wellness Center goes to sleep around the same time. I don't know if it's a rule, or they all follow a similar circadian rhythm. All I know is it soon becomes quiet everywhere. It's peaceful. So peaceful that we're able to fall asleep with them. Syncing up to their patterns is a good sign. It means we're fitting in. Before we know it know it we'll be one of them. Not honorary members, bur real members. Well, maybe Olivia will. I'm not too sure about myself. I toss and turn. I can't seem to sleep. I don't know if it's the first night in a new place or what. All I know is from experience the more I try, the less likely I'll be able to doze. Plus, it wouldn't be fair to keep Olivia up. So I stumble out of bed and walk the lonely corridors of the Wellness Center. I find my self outside the entrance to the Library. It's locked. It shouldn't be a surprise to me, but it is. I could see if the cafeteria is open, or I could head back to the stable. Neither one feels like an option at this point. My legs are weak , so very weak. I slink down on the floor, and and lean my back against the wall. That's when it hits me. That's when I nod off . That's when I sleep.

Our Place

We didn't end up leaving the stable yesterday. We talked about flying away extensively and where we would go. We never went anywhere, but in the end I think that is what we needed. Sometimes talk is just as important as action. Of course action is needed to fulfill one's wishes. It isn't always to necessary to act though. At least not in the body. Ignite the desires of the mind, and the rest will follow. Ideas are wonderful. Ideas are beautiful. It lifts our spirits to talk greatly. Peter sporadically visited us throughout the day bringing us various items. First he brought a lamp, then furniture, after that toiletries. Before we knew it he brought everything but the sink, and would you believe he brought that too? At the end of the day, I could hardly recognize it as the loft we once knew. We had a carpet, a bed, electricity, and running water. Most importantly, we had a place to call our own. It was amazing. Peter apologized many times about the appearance of our room. Even after the final touches were put in place. He said he would still try his best to get us out of there. I hope he doesn't. I can't imagine anything better than this now.

In the Stable

Fight to be heard, fight for normalcy, fight for a place to rest your head. Fight for all the above and more. Nothing comes easy. A sparkling personality will only get you so far. The rest is gumption, or moxie , or whatever you want to call it. One could say I am taking the cynical approach. Perhaps I am, though there must be some truth to my statements. Also, mistake not what I say for whining. Whining is complaining without the foresight or ambition to change anything. It's not the best feeling being shuffled around and going through hoops,but we have a friend in Peter. Currently he is showing us a half loft in the falcon stables. It is neat in a way. You get to climb up a ladder to the loft, but I think that is where my excitement ends. There is no furniture, and I don't feel safe up there. What's to stop a falcon or anything else from coming in? "What do you think?" Peter asks. We are both speechless. "I know it's missing a few obvious touches. I'll see what I can do to deliver them." He continues. He pulls out his pocket watch. "I should be heading back. Anything you need right now?" "Are we ok?" I ask. "I don't see why not. It shouldn't get that cold, but I'll get a space heater just in case." "No, I mean from intruders." I say. "Absolutely, you have an army of birds. This is practically a sanctuary." He assures. "But, is there a possibility they could turn on us?" I ask. Peter's smile fades. "I know you both have had a long day, but that would never happen. The birds are loyal through and through." "I'm sorry." "Don't apologize to me. Apologize to them." I nervously laugh. "I'm serious." He insists. I walk over to the edge of the loft and shout sorry. "Better. Now, is there anything I can get you?" We both say no. "Then I must be off." We wave goodbye to Peter as he heads down the wooden ladder. I take a seat in the hay filled loft. Olivia plops down next to me. "Cheer up." She says to me. "You think he'll find us a place?" I ask. "Maybe. In the mean time we could always go for a ride on a falcon." "You think they'll let us do that?" "They won't have to know." I reluctantly nod. "Besides.." She continues , with a grin. "Worst case scenario, they kick us out and we can never come back."

Trouble at the Front Desk

There may be a hint of irony naming it the Wellness Center. When one has to travel through various levels of bureaucracy to do anything it doesn't exactly put on at ease. I know it's all so that they can better serve us. Most likely I'm finding any little thing to complain about. However, I would be content riding a falcon to work everyday. Peter doesn't see it that way. He views this as an injustice that must be corrected. I don't know why he's sticking his neck out for us. He barely knows us. He argues back and forth with a man at the front desk. The man appears agitated at having to arrange a room for us. We hear snippets of their conversation. The brunt of it revolves around us being outsiders. "Nothing like making you feel welcome." I say under my breath. "We had a deal. We must honor that!" Peter shouts. The man leans back in his seat. "What was the deal?" He asks, though one could tell from his tone that he doesn't care. "The deal was that if they were to find an artifact and bring it back to the Wellness Center then the library would be theirs, and they would be honorary members. You can look them up." The man begrudgingly types away on his computer. After a moment he nods. "Yep, they're here. Looks like the paperwork went through yesterday." Peter claps excitedly."Hold on. That doesn't mean anything." The man interrupts. "What are you saying?" Peter asks. "They're honorary members. They're not real members, so I don't have to treat them as such." The man says, dryly. Peter glares at him, and without saying a word he turns his back. Peter starts to walk out of the lobby. We catch up to him. "Is that it?" Olivia asks. Peter shakes his head. "No, I'll find you a place."

Cafeteria Food

I poke and prod at my lunch. In case you're wondering, it is edible. It is food. It's just...health food. Mostly grains and rice. Don't get me wrong I don't mind health food, but when you are set on a greasy burger nothing else will do. To paraphrase Metallica: "Give me burgers . Give me fries . Give me that which I desire." "You don't like it?" Peter asks. "It's not that it's just-" "You're disappointed?" He interrupts. I slowly nod with a mouth full of flavor less rice. "It does take some getting used to." He continues. "It's healthy, but it doesn't have to be bland." Olivia adds. Peter smiles. "It's a shame you didn't buy the cafeteria instead." "Can we buy it?" I ask. "I think we have our hands full as it is." Olivia informs me. "How are things at the library?" Peter asks. "Well, they are really lacking when it comes to literature." Olivia says . "I suppose we could stand to brush up on the classics." He replies. "Brush up? We don't have any classics." Olivia exclaims. "Alright, I hear you. Just don't rock the boat." "We'll rock the boat just enough." I say. Peter chuckles. "Besides the food, and lack of good books , how are you enjoying everything?" "I like it, but it's gonna be a hell of a commute." I reply. Peter stops eating. "I don't understand." "We like it here, but it's not like we live near by." Olivia explains. Peter has the blankest expression. "What's not to understand?" I ask. "Didn't someone give you two lodging?" "No." Peter pushes his tray away. He takes a deep breath. "Let's clear this up."

The Most Patient Man

Peter must have the most boring job in the universe. Half the time he stares out into the infinite white abyss. Occasionally he'll have an almanac or a big book of names by his side. He usually chooses not to read. He simply folds his hands and stares out into the puffy sky. I know he is anticipating new arrivals, but hardly anyone ever shows up. There is nothing on the horizon. It is beyond me how he can be so patient. I don't get it. I do know one thing though. As patient as he is, he is bound to get lonely. That's why we're paying him a visit. We tip toe, trying our best to creep up on him. Literally seconds before I'm about to shout "boo!" and scare him senseless, he turns around."where you expecting us?" I ask. Peter turns his eyes forward. "I should have. It would be in your character to stop by." He replies. I take a seat on the side of the desk. Peter shoos me off. "Is there anything I can help you with?" He asks. "We wanted to keep you company." Olivia says. "Lucky me." He says, sarcastically. I pat him on the back. "That's right. Anyone would kill for our company, but you get to hang with us for free." "Shouldn't you two be at the library?" "We own it. It doesn't mean we have to be there all the time." Olivia responds. Peter rolls his eyes. "You may join me if you wish, but please be silent." "You won't hear a peep from us." Olivia assures. The three of us stare out into the blank canvas for what feels like eons. "How long has it been?" I ask. Peter pulls out a pocket watch. "Thirty seconds." "You do this all day?" I gasp. "That I do." "What about the Falcons? Don't you tend to them?" Olivia wonders. "They are self sufficient, so I don't need to journey to the stables often." "This is what you'll be doing all day then?" Olivia asks. Peter nods. Olivia and I start to walk away. Perhaps pestering a quiet, old man was not in our cards . Peter glances at his pocket watch again. "Normally I wait another half hour for lunch, but we can go to the cafeteria."

Book Order

The librarian sitting behind the front desk is a meek woman. She wears a faded blue dress. Her light brown hair is parted down the middle, and on her face is a pair of crooked glasses. "May I help you?" She asks as we approach. We don't say a word. We just place the document in front of her. She goes over it briefly. "What does this mean?" She asks. "It means we own the library." Olivia says. The librarian turns white. "But what does this mean for me?" "We're not getting rid of anyone. In fact we probably could use you." I assure her. "There will be some changes though." Olivia adds. The librarian nods, nervously. "Of course... such as?" "First of all, you only have three sections." Olivia informs. "Yes, that's all we need." She says. "No, you at least need subsections. For example what if someone wanted to check out Tom Sawyer? Where would that be?" Olivia asks. "Is that literature?" She asks. Olivia squints. "Are you kidding me? Of course it's literature." Olivia replies. The librarian shakes her head. "We don't carry literature." "Why not?" I ask. "Because we like to keep everyone grounded in reality." "That is the stupidest thing I ever heard. You're a library." Olivia exclaims. The librarian slides a notepad to Olivia. "We can order it, just write it down." Olivia writes down Tom Sawyer on the notepad. "While we're at it, do you have any of the Calvin and Hobbes books?" She asks. "Who?" Olivia buries her face in her hands. "It's the adventures of a six year old boy with an unusually large vocabulary and his best friend who is a tiger." I explain. The librarian nervously laughs. "Is that also literature?" "No, it's a comic strip." Olivia jumps in. "Oh dear, we definitely don't have something like that." "I'm gonna write a list of books you should have. Is there any way you could rush deliver Calvin and Hobbes because we were specifically looking for that?" Olivia asks. The librarian sighs. "Ok." She types away on her computer. "I'm seeing a list of Calvin and Hobbes books. Any in particular I should get?" "There's Treasure Everywhere is good... I don't know, maybe start with the anthology?" I say. The librarian continues typing. "I just point in the order. So you know, even with rush delivery it may still take a week." Olivia slides the the notepad with books suggestions to her. "We're patient. " We start to walk away. "You want to look around more?" Olivia asks me. "No, not right now." "Me either. What do you want to do?" I shrug. "Wanna bother Peter for a while?"

Checking Out the Library

I am unsure if I explained this properly when I first talked about the Wellness Center library. While it's true the library is only divided into three sections (Mind, Body, and Spirit) and that the library is only on the first floor. That explanation does not do justice when describing the volume of this place. Each shelf is at least ten feet tall. Every shelf covers the width of the floor. The floor is about the length of two football fields, and there are countless rows. We look on in awe, and feel dwarfed. "Right off the bat, what's the first thing you notice?" Olivia asks. "It's big." "Yes, but what else?" "I don't know." "It's only divided into three sections." She replies. I nod. "Right, but we knew that." "Yes, and now that we're in charge we can make it easier for people to find what they are looking for." I stare down our aisle. "I don't know. I don't want to disrupt the natural order." I say, while turning down the next row. Olivia follows closely behind me. "We own this. We can do what ever we want." She explains. "I guess you're right. We'll put that on the list of things we want to change. I'd like to find something in the mean time." I glace at the various titles. Many of the books seem to be covered in dust. "What are you looking for?" Olivia asks. " I don't know yet." "What?" She says, confused. "Sometimes I like to wander around till I see a book that pops out at me." I tell her. "I could see that. Any ideas yet?" "Maybe. I'd like to read Calvin and Hobbes, you think they'd have it?" I ask. " I doubt it. Then again, it could be anywhere." I tap my foot. Olivia interrupts my thinking. "How about we go to the front desk, and we show them our papers?" She suggests. "Good idea. They'll be able to look up Calvin and Hobbes in their data base." Olivia half smiles. "Sure, we can do that."

Elevator to Library

The library is ours all ours. Granted we still have to present the papers to the current librarian,but no one can take it away from us now. It's time for us to seek our reward. All we have to do is take a short ride in the elevator. One thought crosses my mind though. "Why do you think he didn't ask any further questions about Russell?" "What do you mean?" Olivia asks. "He was so concerned about us finding him and ensuring his safety. Yet, when we explained that we didn't know where he was nor did anyone else, he left it at that." "Maybe he didn't care if we actually found him." Olivia replies. I shoot her a puzzled look. "Look, you have to think that Todd also works for someone. Us going down there was a formality. He was covering his ass." "I guess you're right, but what do you think happened to him?" I ask. "He probably changed his name and left the state." I nod in agreement. "Should we be concerned if they ever do find him?" "No, he brought it upon himself." She says simply. The elevator stops. Any second the doors will open. "I have an idea." I say. Olivia turns her head to me. "The library is already ours. What if we check it out first? That way we'll know what kind of changes we would like to make."

Our Story

We go over our story with Todd in his office. We tell him every last detail from playing Monopoly to being saved last minute. By the time we are done Todd looks as though he may implode from all the information. He leans back in his chair, thinking carefully what to say. "The bartender bludgeoned the lawyer?" He asks. "We think so. We didn't get a good look. We just heard something hit the ground, and then Jimmy untied us." Olivia says. "So, you don't know if he's ok?" Todd wonders. "No, and we're not going back there." I say, firmly. Todd shakes his head. "I couldn't ask you to." Todd exhales , and taps his fingers on his desk. There is clearly something on his mind. "Just a few more things I want to go over. Going back to the bar, how did you say he got you?" I look down. "We had a few drinks." "A few drinks? How many is that?" He asks. "They were free." Olivia says, defensively. "Because they were free that gave you the right to become inebriated?" He questions. "How were we to know that would happen?" I ask. Todd slams his hands on his desk. "It was a trap. How could you not see that?" "In retrospect that was a bad idea, but you don't blame the victim." Olivia says. Todd wants to say more, but he chooses not to. Instead he collects himself and continues. "In the future don't do anything like that again." "He offered. It would look more suspicious to turn him down." Olivia informs. Todd's eyes widen. "One drink I can understand, but it wasn't just one drink." "If you did what we did instead of hanging out in the sky all day you might understand." Olivia quips. I decide to jump in . "I have a question." Todd tiredly turns his attention to me. "Why give us your number if you weren't gonna help?" "I was helping. I was figuring a safe way to get you two out of there." "You really helped us out." Olivia responds, sarcastically. "I realize I could have done more. Part of the problem was we don't have a department for what you do. Maybe you would like to head it." "No." Olivia replies. Todd appears befuddled that we rejected his suggestion. "We're tired. We need a vacation. Maybe ask us again in a month or so." I say. Todd shrugs. He opens a drawer and takes out a document. "What's that?" Olivia asks. "Papers for the library. It's yours." We look at each other in glee. "I don't agree with your methods. However, a deal's a deal. Sign and it's yours."

Last Words

Chad leads us behind the bar. In front of the bar is a street. Hardly anyone ever drives down it. In theory, Chad could dispose of us there, but he wants to maintain an air of professionalism. Hence why we are tied with our hands behind our backs and our eyes facing the brick wall. It appears as though he wants to do away with us execution style. It's cowardice if you ask me, but no one has. I doubt anyone will. "Any last words?" He asks. "You don't have to do this." Olivia says. "I think I do." He replies. Chad pokes my back with his shoe. "How about you? Any last words?" I take a deep breath. Before I can say anything, Chad cuts me off. "On second thought, I don't care. Here we go, I'll count to three." This is it. I can't believe it has come to this. "One..." My heart rate picks up. Sweat is pouring down my face. "Two..." Olivia rests her head on my shoulder. I can't believe we're in this predicament. I wish I could have done more for her. "Three." That's it. There is nothing more I can do other than to make my peace, and take solace in knowing that I'll understand the great beyond. I gulp, thinking to myself "I'm ready." I hear a loud noise. It doesn't sound like a gunshot. It's more like something hit the ground, hard. Was the bar door slammed shut? Was back up called? Jimmy rushes up to us. He quickly unties us. Once we are free, I stare at him blankly. "Did you rescue us?" I ask. "Yes. Go, run!" He urges. "But why would you save us?" "Word of advice, when someone saves your life, you don't question it. Now get out of here." He insists. "What about you? Are you gonna be ok?" Olivia asks. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me." We heed his advice. We run deep into the marsh. When we feel as though we are far enough away, we call out to our majestic falcon. Wellness Center here we come.

Short 15

"I won't wait any longer!" Chad announces. "It's only been fifteen minutes." Olivia says. "Fifteen minutes too long." Chad raises his gun. "You're gonna kill us?" Olivia asks. "That's what it looks like." He says while preparing to fire. "Wait!" Jimmy shouts. It's the first thing he says in a while. As a result, all heads are turned to him. "You can't kill them here. Not on my floor." "Are you kidding me? You're concerned about me making a mess in your shit hole of a bar?" Chad mocks. "Yeah, some of us take pride in what we do." Jimmy says. Chad points to me with his gun. "He spit blood on your floor earlier." Jimmy eyes me. "I know. I was pissed about that, but you kill them here and I'll be even more upset." "Technically, I am your boss." Chad reminds him. " I know. I don't care." Chad rolls his eyes. "Alright, we'll do this outside."

Heaviness

"Who was it?" Chad demands while pointing the gun at Olivia's face. "His name is Todd." She says. "Todd who?" He asks. "I don't know." Chad points his gun down. "I'll buy that, but I don't think he understands the severity of this." "So, what do you want me to do about it?" She asks. Chad removes the phone from his pocket. "Call him, make him understand the severity." He insists. Chad hits redial and puts the phone on speaker. "Hello?" Todd answers, exasperated. "Hi, this is Olivia, we spoke briefly." "Yeah, I also spoke to Cad Billington." Olivia tries her best to put on a good face. "I don't know if you understand, but we're in danger. This is very serious." She says. "I know. There wasn't any doubt in my mind about that." He replies. Chad jumps in. "That's right we're serious. If you care about these two you'll bring me Russell Myers." "I don't know where Russell Myers is!" Todd shouts. "What do you mean you don't know where he is?" Chad questions. " I sent those two specifically to find him. How the hell should I know where he is?" Chad scowls. "You better find him, or else." Chad hangs up the phone . He stares at us menacingly. "Now he knows without a doubt I am serious."

Waiting Time

We spend over a half hour in complete and utter silence. Chad does not say one single word. All he does is pier into our pupils. I wonder if he is trying to gaze into our souls, or merely figuring out his next step. "I grow tired of this." He says, breaking the silence. "Me too, you should let us go." Olivia replies. Chad shakes his head. "Nice try." He takes the phone out of his breast pocket. "How about I call him myself? See what the hold up is." "I don't think you want to do that." Olivia blurts. Chad hits the redial button. "I think I do." Chad paces back and forth waiting for someone to pick up. Eventually, Chad stops his pacing. "Hello, Russell you sure sound different." Chad says, eyeing us. Olivia and I know we've been caught, but still we don't want to admit anything yet. Chad continues his conversation. "This is Chad Billington. That's a shame, I'm really a big deal. No, I am. Listen, I'm going to cut the formalities because I need to know something. Where is Russell Myers?" Chad picks at his teeth while he waits for a response. "What do you mean you don't know. I have two of your cohorts here who say other wise." Chad stops his speech to examine us. "Well one of them is wearing a red cape. The other one has a blue and black dress, and she has a Mexican Sugar skull mask." Chad waits again for a reply. "Yes, now they ring a bell? So give me what I want or else you won't ever get what you want." Chad hangs up the phone. He places it casually back in his breast pocket and adjust his jacket. "That's how you do it."

Phone Call

I hear Todd pick up the phone on the other end. "Oh hey, are you guys in trouble?" He asks. "No, no trouble. We were just calling to see where you are." Olivia says as calmly as she can. There is a brief pause. "You know where I am." "Ok, so you're in the same place?" So far Todd has not caught on to our game. I hear the confusion in his voice. " I don't know where else I would be." He says. "Here, you should be here." Olivia replies. "You know I can't leave. How is your mission going?" Olivia examines our menacing captures. "Everything is coming to a head." She says. "That's good. When can I expect you?" "I think a better question is, when can I expect you? You should really come down here." I hear Todd let out a frustrated sigh on the other end. "I can't do that. I have work to do. Just do what you have to do, then leave." "Ok, so I'll see you in an hour?" Olivia asks. Todd hangs up the phone. I remove Chad's phone from Olivia's ear. Chad snatches his phone from my hand. "What did he say?" Chad asks. "That he'd be here soon." Olivia says. "What's soon?" He questions. " I don't know, soon." Chad eyes his wrist watch. "That's fine. We'll wait."

Bound

Our hands are tied behind our backs. The rope is so tight that it feels as if the circulation is being cut off. Chad Billington stands before us. He brandishes a gun, trying his best to intimidate us. Jimmy stands behind him with his arms crossed. If he wasn't the man who sold us out, I'd say he looks cool in that pose. Barely lit, and he doesn't say a word, but he doesn't have to. "You thought you could outsmart me?" Chad asks. "It would be stupid to say yes now." Olivia responds. Chad grits his teeth at the remark. "Where is he?" He demands. "How the hell should we know?" I reply. "You have to know where he is. I sent some of my best men to track him down. They haven't come across anything yet." Olivia laughs. "Your guys sound pretty shitty." "I think you two know more then you are letting on." "Oh yeah?" I say. "Yes, when I return to my home to find an empty basement it raises suspicion. It tells me that you are guilty." "We thought you wanted to kill us." I respond. Chad half smiles. "Now you'll never know." Chad punches me in the mouth. I feel my lip split open, and I spit blood onto the floor. "Where is he?" He cries. "What are you doing? We don't know where he is, and even if we did you're not going to understand a word he's saying now." Olivia says, nervously. "It doesn't matter. I only need one of you to talk." Chad aims his gun at me. "I know where he is!" Olivia shouts. Chad lowers his gun. "Where?" "let me call him, I can get a hold of him." She says. Chad slowly nods. He takes a cell phone out of his breast pocket. "What's the number?" He asks. "Untie my hand and I can dial." "No, what's the number?" He asks again. Olivia points to me with her head. "It's in his pocket. So, unless you want to reach in there and get it." She says. "He can get it himself. Jimmy, untie his right hand." Jimmy rushes behind him. He looses the rope just enough so I can free my right hand. I carefully grab the paper with Todd's number out of my pocket. I'm not sure exactly what Olivia is planing, but I have full faith in her. "You want me to call?" I ask, my voice sounding more garbled then ever. Chad grimaces at my inability to speak at the moment. "Please, don't talk. Just dial, and hand her the phone. " He insists. I do exactly as I'm told. I dial the number and hold it up to Olivia's ear.

Free Rounds!

One free round followed by another free round. Admittedly , drinking on the job was not one of my brighter ideas, and if we were employed by anyone other than the Wellness Center, we more than likely would have been fired. But we're not, and it's very easy to mistake generosity for friendship. It started off fine. Whenever Jimmy wasn't looking we'd slip notes to each other on bar napkins. We asked each other if we could trust Jimmy. Would it look suspicious if we were to leave? We believed it would be better to stay. That way we'd stick to his good side, and we might be able to wrestle some information out of him. He didn't talk much. At least not about anything important. He'd ask what we thought about "Escape From L. A." Then he would walk off. He did that for a while, asking us about a random sports team or some obscure movie. It was like he was trying to make small talk, but you could tell it was uncomfortable for him. That or we never gave him the response he was searching for. Eventually, after asking us what we thought of "Mad Max" he left completely. I thought maybe I had offended him when I said "which one?" We listened intently, waiting for his footsteps. We spent a half hour waiting. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but we became overconfident at that point. We were loud and boisterous. We shouted our plans loudly and boldly. We didn't care. These people didn't have a clue where Russell was. But we did, sure as hell we did. We were so overjoyed in our celebration that we did not hear the footsteps approaching us followed by the clocking of a gun. "Don't you move." A cold, familiar voice insisted.

Jimmy's Bar

Journeying to the bar may not appear to be the smartest thing, but we have to find that man. Even if it means venturing into a dangerous area. This is our duty. We throw open the door expecting the worst. Instead we see a vacant, lonely bar. There is only one man in sight. He is mopping the floor. His head is down and he wears a greasy apron. "Where is everybody?" I ask out loud. The man lifts his head. "It's you. I heard you didn't like my food." "You're Jimmy?" Olivia asks. "The one and only. Some consider it a crime to insult the cook's food. I really shouldn't let you in." "But.." I say, trying to pull words out of his mouth. "But I don't have the energy." "We're not going to stay long. We just wanted to find Russell." Olivia informs. "You haven't heard? He went missing." Jimmy says. "Any idea where he might be?" I ask. "Not sure. We sent a search party. All the guys are on it. He'll show up sooner or later." "And then what?" I ask. Jimmy stares at me, bewildered. "And then we bring him home. Are you implying we'd hurt him?" Neither Olivia nor I respond. "He's family. Nothing bad's gonna happen. Why don't you have a seat?" He suggests. We don't budge. "Go on, sit. It's ok." He says, as nicely as he can. Olivia and I pull out two stools and sit at the bar. Jimmy walks behind the bar. " let me get you a couple of drinks on the house." I turn to Olivia. "Well, we never got to have our beer earlier.

Like Gym Class

Even with the rubber fence folded over it's very long. It reaches the bottom of the basement and juts out the window well on the other side. "What do I do?" Olivia shouts from the basement. "Pretend it's like gym class when you had to climb the rope." "I always hated that." "I did too, but as soon as I can reach you I'll pull you in." Olivia gleefully accepts my offer. She has a little trouble climbing at first. I'm sure if the roles were reversed I would as well. But after some encouragement , she proceeds. When she is at arms length I am able to grab a hold of her and pull her through. I lay down so as to keep myself level. She crawls through the tiny window into the well. "And now we find that biker." She says, her voice bouncing off the metallic walls. "Before we venture further.." I reply while untying my cape from around the fence. The fence unravels slightly, but there is still enough room for me to put on my cape. Olivia smiles. "That's better."

Using My Wits

With my naked eyes I see nothing. Let me rephrase that, I see nothing that Olivia could grab hold of. I could walk around to the front and see if the garage door was left open. There may be a ladder or a two by four. I don't want to do that though. It's too risky. I'll have to use my wits. Figure out something clever. Right away I spot a rubber fence that guards the bushes. That might do the trick. The rubber fence was buried pretty good, but I'm able to unearth it. The only bad part is I end up digging up the entire fence which is the length of the side yard. It's definitely long enough to reach Olivia. However, I know that rubber can break. I am put off by this discovery until I decide to bunch up the fence, making it stronger. I then take off my cape and tie it around the fence to bind it. It was much work, but I think I'm ready.

Window Well

The wall to the window well is roughly about four feet tall. Mind you, I have scaled larger walls, but my muscles are a bit sore at this point. Needless to say, it was a bit of a struggle. I made it to the other side and landed in a thorny bush. The thorns didn't hurt, but they slowed me down quite a bit. Eventually I broke free to find myself in a vibrant green valley. Chad's estate is massive. It seems to stretch on for miles. I see creaks and trees of all sizes and shapes. I want to stop and take it all in. I can't do that though. I have work to do. I need to find something for Olivia to grab a hold of. Where to look?

Where There's a Window There's a Way

Some time had passed before we realized Chad would not be coming back, and that an escape was in order. We searched the basement for a window, or a trap door, or something. There were windows, but they were very high up. We couldn't reach them on our own. We needed something to stand on. The first thing that came to mind was the pool table. Try as we may, we could not get the table to budge. The only other thing we could find were two paint cans. I stacked them, one on top of the other. It was nerve racking , climbing on top of those paint cans. I thought for sure they would slide out from under me and I would fall on to the hard concrete floor, but I was able to unhook the latch to the window. Right as I'm pulling my self through the window, both the paint cans crash, making a loud boom. I dangle for a moment from the window sill, wondering if the crash was loud enough to catch the attention of Chad, or any one else for that matter. Olivia keeps an ear out. When she felt it was ready, she gave me the go ahead. I pulled myself through the window. It was a narrow opening, but my need for survival outweighed any fears of tight spaces. I arrived in a deep window well filled will rocks. "Don't worry about me. I can fend anyone off." Olivia shouts from the basement. I know she is right, but I still can't leave her high and dry.

Trapped in the Basement

Olivia jingles the doorknob while I pound my fists against the door. I am pounding so hard that my hands are swelling. Olivia grabs my arm, stomping me from pounding any further. "Save your strength." She says. "Do you think he'll come back?" I ask. "Eventually." I shake my head. "If you didn't suggest Russell targeted his daughter." Olivia squints her eyes. "You're the one who said took up his offer on beer." She replies. "So did you." Olivia walks down the steps. "It's no use arguing. We're here now." She says, forlorn. I follow her down the stairs. "What do you think we should do?" I ask. "We could try to escape. It's a basement, so there is probably a window well around here." I nod. "That is our best bet. I wouldn't want to stick around here." Olivia thinks for a moment. "What?" I ask. "If he's that distrustful of Russell I don't know if he would come back." She says. "Are you saying that he would be equally distrustful of the gang?" Olivia shrugs. "I would be." "So that means, he's going after Russel right now?" I suggest. "Maybe, I don't know if he knows what his next move should be." She tells me. "What is our next move?" Olivia sighs. "Let's wait a while."

The Pool Table

Chad leads us down creaky wooden steps to his basement. It's isn't bigger than life, as one might expect. Instead I see cinder walls and a hard cement floor, but he did deliver on the pool table. It's a beautiful one at that. It has four baskets for the billiards to land in, the legs are thick and made of oak, and the cloth is blue, not green. Better yet, it seems as though the table has not been used. There's not a scratch on it. Chad watches us admire the pool table. "You like it?" He asks. "It's gorgeous." I say. Chad grabs three cues that rest against the nearest wall. "As you may know they have pool tables at the bar, but why would I waste my time there when I have quality here?" Chad hands us our cues. "I can't argue with that." I say. "So, is this your man cave?" Olivia jokes. "A what?" He asks. "You know, a man cave. Where you can be a man." she adds. "No, it's my basement." Chad grabs the chalk and sharpens his cue. "Do people actually call it that?" He asks. "Some do." I tell him. Chad finishes his sharpening. "How very odd." He hands me the chalk. "You know why I went with the blue on the table?" Olivia and I shake our heads no. "Because blue means trust. It's important that I have trust." "Trust is hard." Olivia points out. "That it is, but I figure a friendly game will help ease tensions." "I'm game!" I declare. "Good, I'll let you break." I grab the triangle that hangs from the table. "Wait." He shouts. "What's the matter?" Olivia asks. "If we're going to do this right I think we should all have a nice beer." He explains. "I wouldn't object." I say. "Any preference?" "Hey, as long as it's cold I don't care." He points to Olivia. "Same." She replies. Chad claps his hands. "I'll be right back with the cold beer. Then we can begin." He rushes up the stairs. We hear the door slam followed by him fumbling with the locks.

After Dinner

Chad waits until he hears Marcy pull out of the driveway with Stacy an Ben before continuing. "Now, where was I?" "You were saying how you're not gonna press charges." I remind him. Chad smiles. "Right." There is a brief silence. "Let's cut the shit." He says. "What do you want to know?" I ask. " I know you were talking about Russell Myers." He replies. Chad leans back. "We go way back, but Russell is stupid." He continues. Olivia and I relax our posture. "He has seen my family before. I don't know how he could be so forgetful." "Maybe he did it on purpose?" Olivia suggests. "Why would he do that?" Chad asks. Olivia and I shrug. "I prefer to think he's an imbecile." Chad says. "He might have holes in his brains." I offer. "That is possible. He does do copious amounts of drugs. Still, why would you suggest he targeted me?" "We never said that." Olivia says. "You strongly implied that he purposely came after my daughter." "It's late, we don't know what we're saying." I explain. Chad glances at his watch. "It's 7:30." "That's very late for us." I tell him. We attempt to stand. "He was the muscle, and I was finances. Do you think he would be weaseling on my territory?" "No, I don't think so." Olivia replies. "Why would he want to take me down?" He asks. "I don't think that's what he was doing." Olivia says. "After all I've done for him. " He clenches his fists. "It was probably a misunderstanding." Olivia shouts. Chad snaps out of it. "A misunderstanding?" He repeats. "Yeah, just a misunderstanding." She assures him. Chad takes a deep breath. His posture is less tense now. "You're right." He responds. Chad picks up his empty wine glass. "I think I've had too much to drink." Olivia and I breath a sigh of relief. "I apologize for giving you the third degree tonight. To show no hard feelings, I ask that you stay for a game of pool."

Dinner Questions

Between the mouthfuls of duck and wine we are asked a series of questions. All of which we try to respond as short as possible. Much like a high schooler who says "ok" to the question "How was your day?" Ok usually translates to "I'm fine, go away." So, that's what we're doing. They ask where we are from, we say "far." They wonder how long we've been in town, we say "not long." It is a bit immature, and most likely counter productive, but it is my stand by. Plus it's also their fault. They really should ask better questions. They do this for a while though. They dance around the bush and ask questions like "where did you go to school?" Questions that are not relevant. Marcy pounds her fist on the table. "Enough." Everyone is surprised by her outrage, including Chad. "Why did you do it?" She continues. Chad pushes his plate to the side. "I was going to get to that, but why did you?" He asks. "Yes, why did you try to sell drugs to kids." She jumps in. "We didn't actually sell anything." I say. Chad folds his hands. "Maybe not, but you were harassing minors. That is something." "It wasn't like that." Olivia says. "Then what was it like?" Chad asks. "They were being annoying. I think that counts for harassing." Ben blurts. "Quiet, Ben." Chad says while staring us down. "Now, what was it like?" He asks again. Olivia and I stumble for words. "Did someone put you up to this?" He continues. "Yes." Olivia says, relieved. "And what did the individual look like?" "You really want to know?" I ask. Chad smiles. "Yes." "He had a grey beard, kinda chubby, and probably in his fifties." I explain. Chad leans back in his chair. "Interesting." "That sounds like a client you represent." Marcy says. "You think?" Chad asks, playing coy. "Oh yeah. Did it look like he was affiliated with a biker gang?" Marcy asks. "I wouldn't know how to tell." I say. "Sure you would. Did you see a leather vest, or patches of any kind?" Chads asks, digging deeper. I scratch my head. "There may have been a few patches." "That sounds like him." Marcy replies. "Indeed. Ben, you can go home now." Chad firmly suggests. "What? Dad, we haven't finished eating ." Stacy shouts. "Your mother can pick up something for the three of you on the way to Ben's." "Why are you kicking us out?" She cries. "Because we have business to discuss." He says. "Are you pressing charges?" I ask. "No." "Why not?" Stacy demands. Chad adjusts his sleeves. "Because, my fight is not with them."

Games

Monopoly is perhaps the most soul crushing game ever invented. It's the only game where it's normal to utter "Take my money, please. Put me out of my misery." Ben is winning. If I didn't like him before, I despise him now. Chad and Marcy are geniuses though. I can't speak for Olivia, but I've been so disheartened and wrapped up in losing that I thought little about anything else. Right as I'm about to roll, Chad announces dinner is ready. "One minute." Ben shouts to Chad. "No, we eat now. I've been cooking for an hour and a half." Chad shouts back. Ben mumbles to himself. "Come on Ben, you know you won." Says Stacy. We leave the board game as it is with the hotels and money scattered across the carpet. Seeing as how everything else in their home is immaculate , it comes as a surprise to me. I guess dinner takes precedence over everything else. French doors open into the kitchen. Chad greets us warmly. He no longer wears his lime green coat, but still wears his business shirt with the sleeves rolled up. "Come in." He urges. I pick up an aroma that I have never smelled before. "What is that?" I ask. "Duck." He responds. I have never smelled, let alone tasted a cooked duck, so I was caught off guard. Who cooks duck? Can you find it at the store, or do you have to hunt it? Such an odd choice. "You may sit." Chad tells me, pointing to a black table with fancy China.

Father's Here

The mother greets her husband at the front door, leaving us alone with Ben and Stacy. They don't speak a word, but their eyes say everything. They say "I got you." Their smiles shout "I'll take pleasure in this." Admittedly it is uncomfortable. I will not be broken so easily though. The mother enters the living room with her husband, Chad Billington. He wears the same tacky green suit from before. "This is my husband, Chad." She announces. "Nice to meet you." He says, pretending he's never seen us before. "Chad, these people in the colorful outfits tried to sell illegal substances to Stacy and Ben." "You don't say?" He responds. "Yes, now what should we do to them?" She asks. "Invite them to dinner." He replies. The mother is aghast. "They are horrible people who should be punished." Chad nods slowly. "Agreed, but I'd like to pick their brains first." "But I don't have anything made." Chad rests his hand on her shoulder. "Marcy, I will prepare a meal. I won't be long , but entertain our guests in the mean time." "What do you suggest?" Marcy asks. "Anything to take their mind off of things."

Explain, Please

Part of me wonders if I'm lowering the property value just by being here. There are antiques galore and the carpet is a snow white. It takes a lot of confidence to have a white, either that or it belongs to boring people who don't do much. At any rate I should probably take off my sneakers. They are caked in mud. I don't usually tie and untie my shoes. Nine times out of ten, I simply slip them on and off. Since I already tracked mud in the house, I thought I'd go the extra mile and untie them. The problem was that my laces were horribly knotted. Try as I may, I could not untangle them. The mother witnessed the whole thing. "Don't move. I'll be right back." The mother walks off. She comes back a moment later with a towel and throws it by my feet. "Put your feet on that." She tells me. I comply and she sits down on a fluffy white couch beside Stacy and Ben. The mother crosser her legs, and folds her hands. "Begin." She says to us. Olivia and I look at each other. "Well." The mother says, impatiently. "What's there to say. They're freaks." Ben blurts. The mother turns her head to Ben. "What makes them freaks?" The mother asks. "Look at them. Look at how they dress." Ben says. The mother examines our costumes closely. " It is a bit strange." She replies. "And did Stacy tell you what they tried to do?" The mother's head jerks to Ben. "What did they try to do?" She asks. Ben smiles smugly. "They tried to sell us drugs." The mother clenches her fist. "Stacy, is this true?" "It's a bit more complicated than that." I try to explain. "I'll tell you when you can talk." The mother snaps. "Now, Stacy, is this true?" She asks in a calmer tone. Stacy takes a deep breath. "There is some truth to that." She replies. "Some truth? What does that mean?" The mother asks. "I don't think they had anything, or even if they wanted to sell anything." Stacy says. The mother shakes her head. "No, I still don't like this." The mother gives us the evil eye. "You two are in very big trouble." "But-" Before I have the chance to explain myself we hear the front door swing open. The mother's eyes light up. "Oh good. My husband, the lawyer is here."

Pleasant Kid

"I don't want to talk to anybody!" "I know, I don't either." "Then why? Why do I have to talk to them?" Those were snippets of the conversation I could hear between Stacy and her mother. I'd share more, but frankly it's quite repetitive, and I think one could get the gist from this. Olivia leans her ear in. "Does it sound like the fight is ending?" I ask. "I don't know. I can't tell." Stacy lets out a loud squeal. "Maybe." Olivia says, rubbing her ear. We go back to our casual stances as we hear stomping. Stacy walks up to the front door with eyes fixed at her feet. The mother is right behind her. "Stacy, look up at them." Stacy begrudgingly lifts her head. As soon as she does she lets out a gasp. This does not go unnoticed by her mother. "So, you do know them?" She says to Stacy. "I saw them once." "You're not in trouble. We just needed to check up on you." Olivia explains. "I'm ok. Thank you." She says, with a stone face. "What about Ben?" I ask. "Her boyfriend?" The mother jumps in. "Yes." I respond. "Well, he's here too. Shall I go get him?" The mother asks. "Mom!" Stacy, replies half yelling. "Honey, if there is anything going on I'd like to get to the bottom of it. Why don't you two come inside?"

Wasp Home

Ever hear the term Mcmansion? If you haven't, it clearly describes this eyesore of a building I am staring at now. A colossal home with virtually no land. Statistically these mansions would belong to a family of four. I understand the need for everyone to have space, but that much? Plus, as soon as you buy one of these you have to fill it with stuff. A lot of stuff. Olivia whistles loudly. "That's something, isn't it?" I lean against a large, white pillar. "You think it's the right house?" I ask. "That girl gave us directions." "Yeah, but who knows how well she knows her. She could have gotten the wrong house." I say. "Only one way to find out." Olivia rings the doorbell. It's loud and it echoes. The door swings open. We are greeted by what looks like an older version of Stacy. I take a quick peek inside. I am distracted by a gigantic chandelier and a majestic marble staircase. "May I help you?" She asks. I know I should say something, but I am in awe at the moment. "Hello." She says, impatiently. "Hi, we're here about daughter." Olivia replies. "What about her?" She asks, defensively. "We're here on behalf of her well being." Olivia says. "I just took her in for a check up. She's fine." The woman starts to shut the door. I put my foot in the way. "Is she staying out of trouble?" I ask. The woman grits her teeth. "Stacy does not get into trouble." "Is she staying out of trouble?" I repeat. "She is! But if you are so inclined to find the negatives in my daughter I will bring her, and she can tell you herself." "I think you should." I say, calmly. The woman shakes her fist. "I will get her. You stay right there." She walks off. "You think Stacy will tell us anything different?" Olivia asks. "Who knows anymore."

Vacant Park

We're at the park from the other day. This time it is virtually deserted. No one is in sight. We stare at the vacant bench. Deep down we know our pensive looking won't do much good. At the moment it is the only thing we can think of. It is as if we stay here long enough they will come by. "Why did we think they'd be here?" Olivia asks. "Because it made sense at the time." Olivia plops down on the bench. "What do you suggest." "I don't know." I say. "We have to do something." I sit down beside her. "That we do." Olivia looks down the way to the high school. "There aren't any kids around. Do you think they are out for summer?" She asks. I shrug. "It's possible." Olivia taps her foot. " I don't like this." She says. "We'll figure it out." I insist. Olivia glances down the way again. Her eyes light up this time. "Silver lining!" she shouts. "What?" "There is a girl coming this way." Olivia leaps up. We stand attentively for a moment, waiting for the girl to come this way. The girl notices us right away. She stops feet before reaching us. She stands there, meek and timid. She is unsure whether to turn around or run past us. As a result her fear traps her in place. She appears to be about a year younger than the teenage couple. She has red pigtails , and holds her binder tightly. So tight that her knuckles are white. "We mean no harm." Olivia assures her. "We just need your help." I jump in. "I don't know anything." She says, shakily. "There was a couple that was here recently." Olivia says. The girl eases her grip on her binder. "You mean Stacy and Ben?" She asks. "You know them?" Olivia asks. The girl half nods. "I know of them. They are always around, together." "Do they come here often?" Olivia asks. The girl starts to back up. "Why do you want to know?" "We're probation officers." I tell her. "You're probation officers? Dressed like that?" "It's a new thing we're trying out. Helps gain trust." I say. "This doesn't feel right." She says. "Of course it doesn't. We're authority figures." I quip. "We don't mean them harm either." Olivia insists. "How can I trust you?" The girl asks. "You can come with us." Olivia says. The girl shakes her head. "Oh no, I'm not coming with you." "Look, there are some bad people that could be after them. We want to make sure they are safe." I explain. "How do I know you're not the bad people?" She asks. "If we were, do you think we'd be trying to peacefully get information out of you?" I ask. The girl completely relaxes her grip on the binder. "You have a point." She says. "So, where can we find them?" I ask. The girl points to the East. "Follow the bike path all the way down. There will be a little street at the end. Her house is the first one on the right." "What about him?" Olivia asks. " I don't know, but my guess is they'll be together."