CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE
(part six)
Tuesday – 3:45 P.M.
The Castle

“The money was stolen through some accounts that were in my name. Of course, it looked like I had stolen it. At that time, I knew nothing about money. Not one thing. To get away with his crime, he became an informant for the CIA in exchange for asylum [...]

[Read more →]

CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE
(part five)
Tuesday – 3:45 P.M.
Smiley Junior High School

“What’s going on, Sandy?” the patrol officer asked.
“Hi Arterio,” Sandy said. “Nash came to pick up his homework and was attacked by these bullies. I came to help. Teddy got there first.”
“THAT’S what we saw too!” Melinda said. Her friends nodded their heads.
“Of course, the [...]

[Read more →]

CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE
(part four)
Tuesday – 3:35 P.M.
The Castle

“About two years after Perses left, my mother started to fatigue easily. I didn’t think anything of it. She was always so healthy. Just a rock. My rock. One morning, she came over as usual. I left the room to get more coffee and… When I came [...]

[Read more →]

CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE
(part three)
Tuesday – 3:11 P.M.
Smiley Junior High School

Sandy woke when she hit the ground. Opening her eyes, she saw a bevy of pink and purple backpacks flying above her. Teenage girls were yelling and hitting her attacker with their backpacks. A girl kneeled down to her.
“Are you all right, Sandy?” the girl asked.
“Melinda. [...]

[Read more →]

CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE
(part two)
Tuesday – 3:10 P.M.
The Castle

After a few minutes of uncomfortable chit chat, Megan and Mike settled into armchairs. Candy and Steve sat next to each other on the couch between the armchairs. Angelika and Perses sat on the opposite couch. Jill wasn’t sure which side of the room to sit on – [...]

[Read more →]

CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE
(part one)
Tuesday afternoon – 3 P.M.
The Castle
Jill opened the Castle side door to let Anjelika and Perses in. Her siblings had been there for a half hour. Each person seemed more nervous than the last. Gratefully, Candy brought a variety of cookies from the bakery. Megan had made a pot of coffee. Focused on [...]

[Read more →]