Lost Fan Fiction

What about the people in the tail section?

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Location: Lawrenceville, Georgia, United States

Friday, June 30, 2006

Part 388: Working the Scene

The docks were quiet for the most part. Fish mongers and Japanese retailers were gathering supplies that would come in on the boats. Immigrants from China and Japan would come in through there as well but it really wasn’t a problem that could be easily controlled. Jenny parked the truck at the corner of a dock-side restaurant. The two friends got out and Kellye brought the files with her. A few seagulls flew over, making the young woman cover her head. Kellye laughed about Jenny worrying if a bird was going to poop on her. The crime scene was a few feet away from them. Jenny stopped and looked at the docks area. “Where was she killed?” she asked her fellow detective.

“Just over there, “ Kellye pointed to a corner of a nearby warehouse, “She was found swaying over there by the large pipe sticking out of the corner of the building. The forensics team said, the scrapings on the back of her heel suggested she was knocked out over there.”

“Over where?” asked Jenny.

“Over there. On the edge of the peer.”

Jenny then walked over toward the peer. She looked at the angle of it as Kellye walked over to join her. The young blonde then reached over to take a look at the photo. The photo was over the chalk outline of her body, based upon the blood that leaked from her mouth. The young martial artist looked at the photo and compared it to where the forensic thing her body was before the killer dragged her back toward the building with the pipe. Jenny looked at the photo, then the dock, then at the photo. “This is wrong.” She whispered.

“How you mean?” Kellye looked again.

“If the forensic team thinks she was laying like that, then where did the killer come from to attack her?”

Kellye looked at the photo again and then toward the dock. “Dang, you are right,” she whispered, “If the killer attacked her and knocked her out here, then . . .he would have had to come from . ..the water?”

“Great,” Jenny sighed, “We’ll put out an APB on Aqua-man.”

Jenny turned and looked around. She noticed across the way on the short peer was the parking lot next to the restaurant. The blonde stared at the area for the longest time and then rubbed her chin. Kellye looked around and then back to the building. “I am going to go check out the pipe area.” She mentioned.

“Kellye, wait,” Jenny said, taking her arm,” The woman who was murdered here . . .who was she again?”

“Marilyn Kennedy. High priced lawyer from down town.”

“What . . .would a lawyer be doing here?” the blonde question.

“Maybe she was lost?” the female detective pointed over toward the restaurant, “ Forensics did say her car was over there.”

“But how did she . . . .get attacked here?” Jenny pointed to the dock.

The brunette looked back toward the restaurant and then the docks. “You’re right,” Kellye said, “Why would a lawyer be out here on this dock? I doubt she was feeding the fish.”

Jenny began to walk back toward the parking lot. She walked around her truck and then stood at the edge of gravel that faced the dock area. She stared and stared at the area from across the ways. She then backed up and thrust her foot into the air. Her imagination was taking over and for any other cop it wouldn’t have been a possibility. Expect Jenny has experienced such extraordinary things first hand and therefore, to her it was a possibly. “Kel, I just had a terrible thought.” Jenny whispered.

“What’s up?” her friend asked her.

“What if the killer kicked her from here? And she landed on the dock?”

“Huh?” Kellye raised an eyebrow, “Uh, Jenny . .I hate to break your theory but we’re talking a good forty feet. There is no one in the world besides maybe Superman who would have such a strength and last I checked, he’s just a comic book character.”

“Texas could have done it.” The blonde woman whispered.

“Tex . . . Jenny? Are you saying . . . .this killer might be someone from the Island?”

“I hope not. But like you saw, it doesn’t make sense that the killer would attack the victim OUT there. He would have had to been submerged in water, leap up and slam his foot into her ribs, without her being able to scream for help?”

“Granted that does sound far fetched but someone like Texas . . .Jenny, you were able to stop that freak but . . .it was quite an effort, wasn’t it?”

“It was but I was not that skilled as I am now.”

Kellye then slapped her forehead and grunted. “Why are we discussing this?” she replied, “There is no way that the Liberation is here and killing amber haired girls.”

“I know that, Kellye but right now, although very crazy, is the only theory that fits the facts.” Jenny pointed.

“We take this to Ana-Lucia and she’ll freak.”

“So, we don’t take it. We keep exploring the options.”

Jenny then paused when she saw movement in the great distance of the city. She thought for a second that she saw a lone figure on a building watching her. The way the person moved and the way he was dressed in a long black overcoat, reminded her of Raven. She rubbed her eyes and looked again. The person was gone. “You all right?” Kellye turned and looked around toward what she was staring at, “What is it?”

Jenny took a deep sigh. There was no way the figure could have been Raven. It was just her overwhelming desire to see him forced her brain to produce an image she wanted to see. “Nothing,” she mumbled, “Just my eyes playing tricks on me.”

Kellye smiled. She could tell her friend was trying her best to figure out a way the killer could have attacked the victim and since there was no logical explanation; she wound up looking for an illogical one. She could tell her eyes were playing tricks on her. “I know what can help us think of another logical reason for this?” Kellye asked.

“What’s that?” Jenny replied.

“Dippin Dots.” She smirked.

“Dippin Dots?” the blonde giggled.

“Yep! Works every time.”

“I thought cops were supposed to doughnuts?” Jenny said as she started to walk back toward the truck.

“We are the modern cops.” Kellye said, proudly.

As they stepped into the vehicle, the radio burst to life. “Suspect wanted for rape and assault is hold up in a house at 137 Langley Road,” the operator said, “ Officers on the scene are under attack by suspect, as claimed suspect is on LSD. All units respond, please, all units.”

“All units means us,” Kellye said laughed, picking up the radio, “Gotcha! Uh .uh . .hey, what is the number of your car, Jenny?”

“Three-Wheeling-Fifty Six,” she looked at the car.

“Three-Wheeling-Fifty Six, on route!” the brunette replied, with a laugh, “God, I love this job!”

The radio then sparked off again and they heard a familiar voice. “Dispatch, this is Nine-Lincoln-Four,” in a voice they immediately recognized that it was Ford, “ We’ll take the suspect at 137 Langley. We don’t want the new detectives to break a nail.”

Jenny squinted her eyes and Kellye’s mouth gapped open. “Did . . .did he just . .” the brunette tried to say.

Jenny then started the truck and slammed it into reverse. Once she got out of the parking lot, she quickly put her light up on the dashboard and activated the siren. Kellye looked at her friend; not remembering when she looked so mad. The truck zoomed in and out of traffic, as they were on their way to the suburbs.


The truck finally arrived at the location of the problem. Two uniformed corps were positioned behind their vehicle; with their guns drawn toward the house. Stark and Ford were by their vehicle. Stark was holding his hand; the suspect may have attacked him. Ford looked toward their truck, wondering why they were here. Jenny stepped out of the truck and began to stomp over toward the house. Kellye sat in the passenger seat; wild eyed at the display before her. Ford then ran over to the small officer. “Where do you think you are going?” asked the arrogant officer.

Jenny didn’t reply; just shoved him out of the way. She then started to run toward the entrance door. The suspect inside was howling like a wild animal. The blonde woman paused at the door and kicked it in. She then dove out of the way as the crazed man hurled a glass lamp at her. Ford looked on, not being able to see anything. All he could hear was the howl of the wild man, several crashes and what sounded like someone’s head getting hit. “He’ll kill her,” Stark whispered in concern.

“Serves her right,” Ford grunted, “What the hell is she trying to prove?”

Then a loud crash of a TV rang out from within the house. “Oh, God, my leg!” the suspect screamed.

“SHUT UP!!!” Jenny screamed back.

Then a loud thud echoed enough that they even heard it outside. Ford paused for a second and then to his amazement he saw Jenny emerge from the building; dragging the suspect out by his arm and unconscious. The two uniformed cops were amazed at what they were seeing; even Ford was speechless. Jenny dragged the man who was twice her size over to the uniformed police. “You think you can cuff him?” she asked.

The cops rushed over and cuffed the unconscious man. Jenny scuffed her hands of her thighs on her jeans as she walked over to Ford. The police detective was still staring at the man, then finally looked to her with a shocked expression. “How . .how did you . .”he gagged.

“The suspect is down, Ford,” the blonde said smugly, “If you think you can handle this, go right ahead. I got REAL cases to solve.”

Stark smirked at Jenny as she walked past him. The blonde detective saw her friend Kellye in the truck, laughing up a storm. They both felt justified in putting Ford in his place. As Jenny stepped into the vehicle, she calmly looked over to Kellye who was still laughing. “We’ll get those Dippin Dots.” She smiled.

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Part 387: The Case

The case was known as The Amber Angels.

Three women had been murdered in the past month and a half. Judging from the evidence, the killer was a tall male; about six food, five inches. His main method of execution was strangulation by hanging. The women were hung by orange extension cords, capable of being bought at any hardware store. The three women were found hanging in various locales. One by the docks, one by a junk yard and the other by an apartment complex; hung on the outside metal stairway railings. The women were various professions; one was a lawyer, one was a cashier at a shopping plaza and the other was a hooker. There was only one thing that they all had in common.

They all had soft amber colored hair.

“A killer that kills women based on hair color?” Ana-Lucia said, looking at the photos, “That’s so old.”

“True, this murderer harkens back to the Son of Sam in New York,” Detective Day replied, sipping on his coke, “ But however his motive, he’ll be near impossible to track.”

Maxine placed the photos of the women on a board on the far wall. She slowly backed away to get a fresh perspective on them. She reached behind her and took a bite out of her taco. “Do we know if the women knew each other?” she said, with a mouth half full of food.

“Not only did they not know each other, they lived in different parts of the city,” the black man said, sifting through a folder, “Police reports from families and friends who knew the women and saw the other pictures, said they didn’t recognize any of the other women who were victims.”

“You’re right.” Max sighed, “This guy will be hard to track.”

“Anything else about the victims?” Jenny asked.

“Only the killer’s calling card.” Day said as he started to pull out the photos, “Each victim had a small incision carved in her back.”

Kellye got up from her desk and walked over to look at the photos. The lawyer had a cut just below her neck line; the cashier had a cut on her left shoulder blade and the hooker had an incision just to the base of the spine. “Why are they all in different places?” she asked.

“Who knows?” Day said, eating his burrito, “It’s possible the cut itself has meaning but right now it’s just his calling card. Each cut is three inches; no more, no less.”

“That is weird,” the female cop whispered.

“I’ve seen weirder,” Ana-Lucia commented.

“I’m sure,” the black man smirked.

“It is possible the women may have known each other?” Meg said, eating a nacho.

“I suppose it’s possible but what are the odds?”

“He’s got a point, Meg,” Kellye said, sipping on her Sprite, “Three women all with the same hair color. You suggest they all met at the same hair dresser?”

“These women weighed a combined total of 376 pounds,” Maxine said, reading the report, “ The woman, Jackie Carson, was overweight at a weight of 158 pounds. Now, most men I know are strong but would a man who happens to be a hair dresser be able to lift up a woman to hang her?”

“Are you implying male hair dressers are gay?” Meg said, raising an eyebrow.

“No, I am implying they don’t work out . . . .and they’re gay.”

Ana-Lucia smirked and the joke caused Jenny to laugh. Day finally just shook his head and laughed. After the brief laughter, he finally stood up. “Regardless of the fact that they may or may not have met at a hair dresser’s, “ he said, stretching, “It’s still a good lead. We may have to check it out eventually.”

“Day, did any of the women show signs of fighting with their attacker before they where hung?” Jenny asked.

“No, no sigh of resistance,” he said, pulling out another report, “Probably due to the broken chest bones.”

“Broken bones in the chest?” Jenny said, taking the report.

“Yes. Autopsy shows signs of broken ribs on each victim. The coroner said that by judging the force needed to break all three ribs in one forceable blow would have required that the man kick them sharply. Possibly suggests a martial artist.”

“Is that true, Jenny?” Ana-Lucia asked.

“Not from any school I am familiar with.” She said, reading the reports.

Day then blinked and rubbed his neck. “Wait, did I miss something?” he coughed, “How would Ms. Baker know how to judge a martial artist attack?”

“Because if you had time to read her file, you would know she’s one of the best martial artists I’ve ever seen.” The Latina cop smirked.

“She holds black belts in three disciplines.” Kellye said, proudly to stroke the ego of her best friend.

“Oh? Which three?” Detective Day asked.

“Jeet Kune Do, Tai Kwan Do, and Ninjitsu,” she said, handing him back to the file.

“Ninjitsu?” Day laughed, “Jenny . . ..why would a young woman want to study to be a ninja?”

She looked to Kellye and winked. “I needed to learn how to use nunchucks,” she smirked.

Jenny then took off her baseball cap and set it down on the desk. She then motioned for Kellye to stand up and stand in front of her. The young blonde then looked at the photos of x-rays showing the broken rib cages. The break was slowly the main center, vertical snaps. “These breaks are all vertical,” Jenny pointed out.

“And?” Ana-Lucia said.

“In order for that break to happen, the killer would have had to kick them like this.”

Jenny then shoved her foot toward Kellye’s chest but stopped five inches from her. The young cop gasped and then smirked; always amazed at her friends skill. “There is no discipline I am aware of that teaches a forward thrust to the chest,” she pointed out.

Day was intriqued by her style. He then stood up and pointed toward Kellye. “Ms. Baker, imagine yourself as the killer. You want to knock Ms. Schroeder out. How would you do it?” he asked.

Jenny paused and then twirled, brining her foot toward Kellye’s face; again, stopping it five inches from her jaw. The brown haired girl closed her eyes and winced. She slowly opened them to see Jenny balancing her foot just shy of her face. “Round house kick gets them every time,” she said, then standing normal, “Easiest way to knock somebody out is a blow to the side of the head.”

“Reports show no other trauma beside the neck and rib cage,” Ana-Lucia said, double checking the reports.

“Trauma to the neck?” Day whispered, then tapped Jenny on the shoulder, “ are their any martial arts moves with strikes to the neck?”

“Plenty,” Jenny moved back toward Kelley and then crossed her wrists over; placing both hands by each opposite side of her neck, “ This is a Jeet Kune Do move called the Iron Breaker.”

“Suppose for an instance . . . .that this killer used a neck strike to the women, making them fall down and slam his foot into their chest. Breaking their ribs, making it difficult to breath and unable to fight them.”

“Yeah,” Jenny said, putting on her baseball cap, “That might be possible, because the hanging of the neck would hide any signs of attack to the throat.”

“Excellent theory,” Day replied, as he walked over to the board, “It’s a thin theory but it’s good to have one.”

A knocking on their wide office door got their attention. Ana-Lucia motioned for the young redheaded cop to come in. “Hello,” he smiled, “Jones from the motor pool. I got keys for Cortez, Baker and Boyd.”

“Our police radios are installed?” Ana-Lucia said, taking her car keys.

“You betcha. All set to go.” The young cop said, giving them a thumbs up and leaving the room.

“Okay, now that we got our radios to communicate with the stations; lets go ahead and proceed to check some places out.” Ana-Lucia said, “ Maxine, you take Meg and go investigate the junkyard. Jenny, you take Kellye and check out the docks. Look for anything out of place.”

“Is that really such a good idea, Ana?” Day said, behind her.

“It’s a great idea. A fresh set of eyes on the scene is always-“

“No, I understand why that would be a good idea but Ford processed those crimes scenes. If you send the ladies back, you’ll send a message that he missed something.”

Ana-Lucia looked out the glass windows of their office and already saw Ford staring back at them from the water cooler. The Latina then stared back Day with a bright grin on her face. “Maybe he did,” she smiled.

The black cop smirked and just shook his head. Ana-Lucia motioned of to her fellow cops to take off on their duties. Kellye followed Jenny out the officer and Meg quickly followed Maxine after she grabbed what was left of her burrito. The ladies walked past Ford and he couldn’t help but give them a bad look. Ana-Lucia watched him and leaned back on her desk. “Day, what is Ford’s problem?” she whispered.

“He’s suffering from a personal problem.” The black detective said, studying the photos, “He’s got nothing against your fellow officers. He’s just got a beef with being taken off the case.”

“I already heard a rumor that he screwed up on the Lesbian Jogger case.”

“True. He let his personal feelings cloud his judgment and as a result, the killer walked.”

“Does he have a problem with lesbians?” the Latina asked.

“Considering his wife left him for one . . .I’d said, YEAH, he’s got a problem.”

“Oh, my God,” Ana-Lucia covered her mouth, “I thought that was a tabloid hoax.”

“No, I assure you it’s real,” Day sat next to her on the desk, “As is his anger. So stay away from him.”

“As long as he doesn’t interfere with our cases, then I won’t need to be anywhere near him.”

“Might I ask something, Ana?” the black detective looked at her, “You told those women to go out and look at those scenes. I noticed the pairings you gave them. Two senior police officers and two rookies. Might I ask why?”

“No problem,” she said, grinning, “Maxine has the knowledge and Meg has the drive. They will make a great team. I already know Kellye and Jenny will be great cause they are already best friends.”

“Some cops would consider that risky?” he smirked.

“Not these two. Trust me on this, Day. These two girls? I know for a fact that they have been in dire situations before . . .and came out smiling.”

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Part 386: The New Task Force

The police precinct was busting with activity. Reporters from all over the state and a few out of state were there. The uniformed cops were keeping them off of the stairs so the other police could arrive and do their job. Inside was a different story. The world that could easily describe the feelings in the Captain’s office was “conflict”. Lt. Detective Austin Ford was pacing around with his arms crossed. Captain John Page was getting more and more upset by the minute. “Let me get one thing straight with you, Ford,” the captain pointed, “If you want to pace somewhere, then I suggest you do it in your own office.”

“Captain, I can understand why the Mayor would create an all woman task force,” The detective leaned on his desk, “But why take the DAMN case away from us?”

His partner, Lt. Detective Riley Stark was sitting on a nearby chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I would have thought it obvious, Austin,” he sighed, “She took the case away from us because she is afraid we’ll mess it up.”

“Your work has always been exceptional, Stark,” the captain pointed, “She took the case away from you because she is worried Ford will mess it up. You’re just guilty by association.”

“Lovely,” the detective replied, rubbing his hands through his hair.

“Captain, with all due respect, It was one simple mistake-“ Ford tried to reply.

“Do NOT . . .start that crap with me.” Page said, standing up, “It wasn’t a simple mistake. It was a MAJOR one. And as a result of that, a killer walked. A killer of three women joggers.”

“Three lesbian joggers, Captain. The jury never would have convicted him on that basis anyway.”

“DO NOT BRING YOUR PERSONAL LIFE INTO THIS!!!” the captain screamed at him.

“Sir, let me point out, that lesbians-“

“AUSTIN!” Stark finally snapped in, “I’m with the captain on this . . .you REALLY don’t want to finish that sentence.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” The mayor said behind them.

All the detectives stood to attention as she entered. The captain politely came from behind his desk and greeted her. Mayor Sasha Doyle looked at all the men. Most of them were showing her the proper respect with the exception of Detective Ford who was simply staring at the floor. “Captain Page, “she smiled, “The ladies will be showing up shortly. I will address the press and welcome them to the precinct. I would appreciate it if you were out there with me.”

“Of course, your honor,” Page agreed.

“Also, I would like one of your detectives to volunteer to help oversee the duties for the women as well.”

The detectives all looked at each other and made mumbles and whispers. The Mayor took a deep sigh and glared at them all like a disapproving mother. “Gentlemen, I would prefer volunteers,” she grunted, “But I will have your captain PICK someone if necessary.”

The detectives didn’t say a word at that point. In the far corner, the oldest homicide cop among them; Lt. Detective Edwin Day, looked at his fellow officer and was a little disgusted. Not a single one of them wanted to admit they didn’t want to work with a bunch of women. The older detective thought it that equal rights was a dead issue but clearly it wasn’t. He looked up at the mirror and stared at his black skin. Their reluctance reminded him of another issue that he had to deal with a long time ago: racism. “Madame Mayor?” the black cop whispered.

Mayor Doyle looked at the veteran police officer and smiled brightly. “Yes, Edwin?” she grinned.

“I will volunteer to help the new task force in their integration in the two-eight.”

“Thank you,” she politely bowed.

The Mayor and the captain then left the office. Detective Day then proceeded to follow them. As he got past the captain’s desk, Ford immediately stopped him. Day looked at his hand and then at him. “What the hell are you doing, Day?” he asked the older detective.

“I volunteered to oversee the new task force, what do you think I was doing?” the older detective replied.

“Is it because you are retiring in three months, so you don’t mind being the laughing stock of the department while you baby sit the Cagney and Lacey squad?” Ford scoffed.

“Let me tell you something, Austin,” Day leaned in closely, “I got bad news for you. These ladies are nothing special. They are regular cops like anybody else. I am sure they put on their panties one leg at a time . . . just like you.”

Ford became embarrassed as the older black cop implied he wore female underwear. The fellow detectives couldn’t help but laugh. The younger detective waved them off and walked out of the office on the way to his desk. The rest went about their case files and then Day walked out to join the Mayor and The captain. It would probably help the public if ONE of their detectives welcomed the all female task force.


After Jenny parked her vehicle, she got her supplies and walked out into the parking lot. She proceeded to walk toward the front but then slowed down when she saw the large crowd of reporters at the front steps. She winced; wondering what she should do. “Hey, Jenny!” she heard behind her.

Jenny turned and saw that her friend Kellye was coming up the sideway, followed by the rest of them. Ana-Lucia had a duffle bag with her stuff and they were followed by the two fellow female cops that also got promoted. Maxine Boyd was a former forensic cop who got promoted after she was instrumental in breaking a federal case that went cold. Meghan Winslow or “Meg” as she preferred to be called was a beat cop like Jenny and Kellye. Jenny didn’t know much about her, only that she had a dog named Nugent which she seemed to love dearly because she talked him all the time. “Glad to see you made it, Jen,” Kellye said as they finally caught up to her.

“You were under the impression I wasn’t?” the young officer smirked.

“Considering you are about to be a celebrity because you are California’s youngest homicide detective, YES, it did cross my mind.” Her friend playfully pushed her.

“Say . . . is there a back way into this place?” Jenny asked.

“That’s where we just came from,” Ana-Lucia took her by the arm, pulling her, “Come on. Let’s get this over with.”

“Yeah, thanks for taking the attention off of us, Jenny,” Meg laughed.

“You’re welcome,” the young officer replied sarcastically.

The female group of homicide cops finally made their way to the bottom of the stairs. The reporters then immediately started to shout out various questions. The uniformed cops held them back allowing the group to make it up the stairs. At the top waiting for them behind the podium was Mayor Doyle, Captain Page and Lt. Detective Day. They didn’t know the black man but in a few days they would be. Ana-Lucia shook hands with the mayor and the captain. After everybody else shook hands with the two, the captain motioned for them to stand together on the sidelines. They put down their boxes, purses and bags then stood to attention. Mayor Doyle got behind the podium and motioned for all the reporters to quiet down. “Thank you all for coming today,” she said, over by the mic, “Today marks a landmark in police history. An female task force has been created to handle female related crime. No more will such hideous acts go unpunished, nor placed on the back burner. These officers will be the forerunners to take care of these crimes and punish those involve.”

The growing crowd of men and women then applauded the mayor. She waved to them and smiled allowing her to continue. “Lt. Detective Edwin Day had graciously volunteered to oversee the transition of the new task force into an effective homicide division of the Two-Eight. However, Detective Day has served this city well and will be retiring in three months. The task force will need a person in authority to oversee their cases on a daily basis. Since she holds the most experience as a police officer, I can think of no better person than Ana-Lucia Cortez. Under the authority granted to me by the power of the state, I hereby promote her to Lieutenant Detective and the benefits that apply.”

The crowd went into an uproar of the news and applauded the mayor’s decision. Ana-Lucia was confused and wild eyed. After the captain motioned for her to come over, she finally did and shook her hand. Ana-Lucia put on her best fake smile amid the flashing lights of all the photographers. Maxine slowly leaned over to Kellye and whispered, “Did you know about this?”

“Nope, “ the young woman smirked as she applauded, “And judging by her look, I don’t think she did either.”


After the ceremony was over and the mayor had a few more photos taken, the female officers were allowed at their desks. Jenny picked the one closest to the window and Kellye sat behind her. Meg chose the one next to the book shelf and Maxine went for the one nearest the door. That left Ana-Lucia the one at the far back in the middle, closest to Jenny’s. The Latina detective didn’t get the change to pick; she simply got the desk by default because she was in the captain’s office having a heated discussion. Day then walked into the special room, knocking on the door. “Morning, Ladies.” He smiled.

“Morning, Detective Day or do you prefer Edwin?” Maxine asked.

“Day is fine. We’re all detectives here.”

“Thank for agreeing to work with us.” Kellye pointed out.

“I only wish . . .more of my fellow detectives thought the same way but I have my reasons.”

“Whatever, it’s nice to meet you,” Meg shook his hand.

“Likewise,” he said, taking the folder from under his arm, “I’ll way till Detective Cortez comes in so we can discuss our case together.”

“Why is she in with the captain?” Jenny asked.

“I suspect it’s a result of her promotion,” the black man smiled, “You may be the youngest detective we have, Ms. Baker but I suspect Ms. Cortez is probably the one who’s been the most promoted in the shortest amount of time. Many men have waited years for promotion for Lieutenant.”

Ana-Lucia finally came into the room and had a very steamed look on her face. The Latina took a deep and then walked past all of her fellow officers. “Is this my desk?” she pointed.

“Uh . .yeah,” Meg replied.

Ana-Lucia slumped down and put her feet up. She crossed her arms, closed her eyes and took a few deep breathes. The black detective looked at her concerned. “Detective Cortez?” he whispered.

She held up her index finger stopping him from saying anything else. “If you are here to review the case with us, then do so,” she grunted, “I need to sit here for a few seconds and steam.”

“Uh . .very well,” Detective Day coughed, “Ladies, if I can have you attention then.”

The women sat up in there chairs and turned their attention toward their senior detective as he stared to tell them about their first major case.

Monday, June 26, 2006

Part 385: Siblings

Kellye slowly stirred awake. The CD player/alarm clock on her dresser went off, playing Collected Soul’s Shine. The young woman stood up, and crossed the room to turn it off. She laughed as she did so. It was an old trick taught to her by Brian in their youth. He told her in order for to prepare for military life; she should place the alarm clock on the other end of the room. That way by the time she got up to turn it off; she was fully awake. Kellye calmly yawned and began to disrobe as she walked into the bathroom to take a shower. Today was her big day when she became a homicide cop. She had only been in Vice for three months with Ana-Lucia before the mayor promoted her. The young woman vowed not to let her down.

After the took her bath and got dressed, she stared in the mirror while she applied her makeup. When was finished, she looked at the two items attached in the mirror’s seam. One was a photo of her, Brian and Jesse. They were just finished playing kick ball with the team of kids next door and they had won. Brian and Jesse were both soaked in sweat as was Kellye. She didn’t mind. It felt so good to be united. The other item in the seam was Brian’s letter he had given her before he died. The common term for it was a Death Letter. Soldiers would often give out special letters to their family members before they died. It was a common practice, slightly often filled with supersticious results. Kellye had even wrote her own Death Letter but she burned it when she left the service.

It had been some years and Kellye had never opened it. She often wondered why she was waiting. She felt she would open it when she needed to hear what he had say. Perhaps she felt at her lowest or when she needed to hear his “words” again. When she lost her father, Brian was there for her. He practically helped mom raise her and Jesse. Now she hoped that he was proud of her. “Brooding again?” Jesse smirked, as he was leaning against the doorway.

“I’m the older sister. I am allowed to brood,” she shot back at him.

“Funny, Kell. Better hurry downstairs or I’ll eat the muffins mom made for us.”

“Mom made us breakfast?” the young woman asked, since she normally just ate cereal while her mom enjoyed coffee.

“I guess today is a special day for both of us.”

“I am so proud of you for getting a job, Jesse,” Kellye said, as she followed him down the stairs.

“It’s no big deal, sis. I just . . .wanted to help out you and mom.”

“The fact that you did think about that shows me you have grown up. I am proud of you. And I know Brian would be too.”

Jesse stopped at the bottom of the stairs. Kellye stopped with him, wondering why he was pausing. He looked at her and his eyes were slowly filling up tears. The police officer gently rubbed his arm. “Don’t cry, Jesse,” she hugged him.

“I can’t help it,” he wept, “I miss him so much.”

“I miss him too but Brian wouldn’t have wanted us to mourn him. He would have wanted us to get on with our lives and make every second worth it.”

Jesse shook his head and composed himself. He wiped his eyes and smiled; letting his sister understand that he understood what she said. The two siblings then walked through the hallway and into the kitchen where their mother had prepared blueberry muffins with eggs and bacon. May smiled at her two children as they came into the room. “Eat hardy, you two,” she smiled, “You need your strength for the day ahead.”

“Mom, you didn’t have to go through all this.” Kellye said, sitting down.

“The breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I know that may seem old fashioned to you two but it’s not to me. Now eat up.”

“I won’t argue, mom,” Jesse said, eating his blueberry muffin, “I could eat my weight in this things.”

“I am so proud of you for getting a job, Jesse. Your father and Brian would be proud of you too.” His mother patted him on the arm.

“I’m just sorry . . .I didn’t get off my butt and get a job until now, mom.”

“Better late than never.” Kellye giggled, sipping her juice.

“Hey, hey, hey,” Jesse said, menacingly waving his fork at her.

“I know it’s short order cook job but look on the bright side, Jesse.” His mom sipped her coffee, “If you work hard, you can advance.”

“I actually don’t want to advance, mom. Simple is good for me. Besides, I really don’t want to be one of those poor cashiers who have to say Have a Cluck, Cluck, Cluckity Day.”

“It does sound rather lame.” His sister agreed.

“Is . . Cluckity even a word?” their mother said, confused.

“No, mom, I am pretty sure it isn’t.” Jesse smirked, finishing his bacon.


Kellye put on her coat and got her car keys to her Ford Explorer. It was Brian’s but it was now hers. She gave her Avalanche Truck to Jesse to make sure he had a way to go every where. The young woman picked up her badge and got ready to leave. Her mother came up to her and gave her a brown bag for her lunch. Kellye laughed, not remembering her mother giving her a bagged lunch since school. As they were walking out, Jesse pointed toward the TV. The local reporter David Nevermind was at the station that will be Kellye’s new work place. “We are here at Precinct 28 where the mayor will be welcoming the first ever all female homicide division that she promoted from various female police officers all over the city,” he continued, “This comes short of the famous Goddess Slayings that rocked Lost Angeles four months ago. Detective Edmin Wallace was unavailable for comment. We’ll be here in the two hours where the mayor is expected to show up along with the six police officers she chose to fulfill these positions. Among them are famous Flight 815 survivors Kellye Schroeder, Jenny Baker and Ana-Lucia Cortez and as Ms Baker makes history as the youngest detective in Los Angeles.”

“Look at it this way, Kel.” Jesse chuckled, “All the focus will be on Jenny and not you.”

“God, I hope not, “Kellye mentioned, “They don’t know her the way I do. If she gets really pissed, they better get out of her way.”

“Don’t listen to that stupid reporter, Kellye,” her mother hugged her again, “You go out there and you make a difference.”

“Thanks, mom,” she smiled, “I’ll see you tonight.”

Kellye waited till Jesse left the drive way and made her way into her vehicle. She calmly put on her seat beat and then reached into her shirt. She gently pulled out her dog-tags; mixed with Brian’s. She kissed them and then placed them back in her shirt; her daily ritual of good luck. She then took the car out of park and backed out of the drive way. She hoped that traffic wouldn’t be bad and she’ll get their on time.

Part 384: Break Away

January 8th, 2009

The alarm clock began it’s buzzing at 4:45 am. The young blonde in the bed next to it reached over with a strained hand to silence it. She twisted around and yawned. It was her first day on her new job and she was worried. As a result of the new administration from the Mayor, she was promoted from being a beat cop to a homicide detective. She already knew that she would have to gain the respect of her fellow police officer. Not only was she a female but she had the unique distinction of being the youngest homicide detective in history.

Jenny could only legally drink last month.

The young woman stood up and walked into the kitchen of her two story home. She still had a few boxes left to unpack. She gently splashed water on her face to wake herself up. She had to get ready for her morning workout. She was doing it every morning since she was 17. It kept her skills up and helped her master her Jeet Kune Do abilites.

Jenny walked down the stairs of her brand new home. The blonde woman was smirking about how she got it. The two story home was a Christmas present from Hurley. More normal people got IPODS but Jenny got a house. She didn’t refuse the gift; even thought her mother begged her too. Jenny just told her it was a side benefit of having rich friends. Out of the side door to the basement came the little pug that was Jenny’s pet. He was a gift from Sarah on Christmas too. Nobody liked the name the young cop gave her dog but she liked it cause of his funny demeanor. “Morning, Squishface.” She said, picking him up and hugging him, “You been guarding the basement for me?”

The pug licked her on the chin as a sign of the love he gave her. Jenny put the little dog down as it scurried across the tiled kitchen floor. She then walked over to the canister of dog food and poured Squishface his morning breakfast, lunch and dinner. He was kind enough not to beg for food when the time came but she still made sure he was fed. Jenny then stretched out her neck and then walked into the foyer to begin her workout.

She calmly tied her hair back and walked into the large room, clicking on the lights. To each side of the empty room was four tennis ball launchers. On the far side of the room resting on the shelf was a simple CD player with speakers. Jenny picked up the nearby remote to the player and pressed PLAY. She then ran toward the back and flicked the ON switch to the surge protector that was plugged into the drop cord that led to all the tennis ball cannons. She then ran toward the other wall and as she did, the tennis balls began to fly into the air. Jenny the flipped and dodged all of them. The music then began to fill the foyer as she continued flipping and dodging the tennis balls. It was Big Pig’s song, Can’t Break Away.

all my life i wanted to fly
like the birds that you see way up in the sky
making circles in the morning sun
flying high in the sky 'till the day is done
i can't break away


A tennis ball flew toward Jenny’s face and she slammed her fist into it, knocking it away. Another one flew at her from behind and she dodged it as easily as if she was standing still. Two more came at her and she jumped up, dodging one and drop kicking the other away. The music still flooded her ears.

like a child in his fantasy
punching holes in the wall of reality
all my life i wanted to fly
but i don't have the wings and i wonder why
i can't break away

Jenny quickly bent down, allowing two tennis balls to fly over her head by inches. She then tucked in her knees and then did a back flip. As she did, she slammed her fists outward; striking two more green balls that were about to hit her.

woah well my momma told me when i was young
stand tall birdie your number one
she said but you can be what you want to be
but you can't change the course of your destiny
i can't break away


The words rang true in her head. Jenny would often wonder what her destiny was. She thought it was to be a world renowned soccer champion. However, several years ago she crash landed on a mysterious Island and her world was changed. She had to kill to stay alive and protect the ones she loved. She lost some good friends over there. One to death and one due to his mysterious origins. Jack told her of the story that Raven and he had a conversation by the fire. She wished she could have been there with him. However, Raven was different; reborn by a machine with sentience. She didn’t know how he would react to the normal world but she missed him none the less. Jenny then slammed her fist into one tennis ball coming toward her and then slammed her fist into a second one. She stopped and took a deep breath as the cannons were left spitting out nothing but air. The song then yelled it’s final lyric.

I CAN’T BREAK AWAY!

Jenny took a deep breath, as the sweat rolled off her back. The lyric rang in her head over and over. Thanks to Jack, she was able to break away from her past. She left the trials and danger of the Island behind her. She missed Martin and she missed Raven but she was able to move forward with her life. Jenny opened her eyes and giggled when she saw Squishface gnawing on a tennis ball and rolling around. “Yeah, I don’t think that tennis ball would stand a chance against you, Squishy.” She smiled.


Jenny had gotten her shower and got dressed. It was going to be a cold day, even for California. She sat down and made herself a cheese bagel with a diet coke. After she finished it, she placed on her side arm and picked up her new detective’s badge. She then put on her jacket and got her car keys. She walked over toward the living room. Squishface was sitting in her recliner. The TV was playing the local news. There was a slew of reporters standing outside the downtown police station where Jenny was headed. The local news reports, David Nevermind, was already there. “We are here at Precinct 28 where the mayor will be welcoming the first ever all female homicide division that she promoted from various female police officers all over the city,” he continued, “This comes short of the famous Goddess Slayings that rocked Lost Angeles four months ago. Detective Edmin Wallace was unavailable for comment. We’ll be here in the two hours where the mayor is expected to show up along with the six police officers she chose to fulfill these positions. Among them are famous Flight 815 survivors Kellye Schroeder, Jenny Baker and Ana-Lucia Cortez and as Ms Baker makes history as the youngest detective in Los Angeles.”

“And I’ll be the best I can be, moron,” Jenny motioned, picking up her baseball cap.

Squishface looked up to his owner, flapping his tongue out. The young woman bent down and kissed him on the top of the head. “Keep an eye out for me, Squishy,” she laughed, “I’ll probably be on TV. But don’t watch it all day. It’ll rot your brain.”

The pug ignored her as she walked toward the door. As she did, she passed the wall of pictures and other stuff that gave her meaning every morning. The picture of her and Sarah; then the picture of her, Sarah and Jack. The christmas photo of her and Kellye poseing with three year old Aaron. The portrait of Martin that his family allowed her to have. The photo of her and Kristy on the beach with Sawyer. Last but not least, the mounted knunchucks given to her by Raven. She gently rubbed her hand over them like she had done every morning for the past two years. Jenny took a deep breath, opening the door and locking it behind her . She flipped up her car keys and walked to her Avalanche truck. She had to leave soon if she was going to beat the Los Angeles traffic.

Friday, June 23, 2006

Part 383: The Visitor

November 11, 2008

Dupree drove out to the long access of the land. It had been a while since he had to visit the Lighthouse but he was under contract from the town to issue maintenance and repairs. He signed on to be a fireman, not a lighthouse keeper. All he knew about the Tatoosh Island Lighthouse was that it was a historical landmark. As a result, they had to keep it up and running; despite the fact that the lighthouse when automated in 1994.

The young man parked his car outside the lighthouse. It was the colder seasons, so no tourists were here. The museum was still locked as he jolted the door to be sure. He looked up to the lighthouse. Reports from local fishermen was that there was a “blot” on the giant light. By blot, Dupree could only assume something was blocking it. How they could tell from that distance at night or in the fog was beyond him.

The fireman made his way up the stairs inside the lighthouse. He was trained to climb stairs to fight fires. Climbing up 99 stairs was no problem for him. He calmly reached the top and looked toward the light. It was turned off as it’s automated system went but then he looked toward his left and saw the problem. Their were clothes hanging off the railings. Old black and green clothes were flowing the morning wind. He gently touched the pants and saw that they had tried salt residue on them. Dupree was confused; someone was swimming in the cold water in all this clothing and came up here to dry them off? “Excuse me?” someone said behind him.

Dupree turned and expected to find a bum or a lost camper. He never expected to see a well built man in his underwear and several wires sticking out of his body. The mysterious man’s eyes were glowing a soft blue. “Please don’t throw my clothes away,” the man said, “They should be dry by now.”

Dupree was panicking at the sight before him. Like something out of a horror movie. He started to back up. “HEY!” the man called, “WATCH THE-“

The young fireman screamed as he collapsed against the railing and fell over. Dupree screamed as he plummeted toward the ground. He stared to wail at the thought of dieing from a broken back. Then he grunted as someone caught him. He then squeaked and gasped as the man he saw above managed to catch him on the ground below. The mysterious man’s eyes flashed blue again as he looked at Dupree, like a father scolding a child. “I SAID . . . .watch the railing,” the man sighed.

“How . . .how did you . . .you were up there and now . . .How did you catch me?” the fireman squeaked.

“I ran down the stairs,” he answered honestly.

Dupree’s mind felt like exploding. The man just told him he had ran down the stairs to catch him but in the middle of that fall, he was saying it only two him four seconds to run down the stairs. The stranger then set down the fireman on his feet, holding him as easily as a puppy. “I didn’t mean to frighten you,” the wired man said, “I just wanted to dry off my clothes. Once that is done, I’ll be on my way. In the meantime, can you tell me where I am?”

“Uh . . .planet Earth?” Dupree whispered.

The man took a deep sigh, and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I know what planet I am on, thank you,” he coughed, “What I meant was, what state is this? Is this California?”

“Cali . . .No, no . . .this is Washington. Cape Flattery.”

“Washington . . .STATE?” the man rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, “Man, I am way off course. I can’t believe I managed to skip Hawaii all together.”

“Off course?” Dupree raised an eyebrow.

“It’s not my fault. I’ve been swimming for months. I thought I had a decent sense of direction but I can only do so much.”

“Swimming . . .for MONTHS?” the fireman was on the verse of a nervous breakdown, “Wait, where did you come from? WHO ARE YOU?”

The man looked at him and sighed. He started to turn around toward the lighthouse. He paused and looked back to him. “I come from an Island in the South Pacific,” he smirked, “And you can call me Raven.”

Dupree watched as the man called Raven faded into the doorway of the lighthouse and then immediately after that; a flash of blue echoed above. The stranger was already up at the top picking his clothes off the railing. The fireman didn’t know what to make of everything that he was seeing.

Nor why he hadn’t fainted yet.


Inside the museum, Raven rustled through the T-Shirts for Cape Flattery. He finally found one in his size and put it on. He hoped it wouldn’t make him stand out but it was great to feel the touch of fresh clothes; one thing he truly missed. He then walked back as Dupree was setting some things out on the counter for the souvenir shop. “I don’t have much, Raven,” he said, as he placed the items on the counter, “Here is some energy bars from the back, and two bottles of water. Here is a Zippo, incase you need it. Plus, here is a fresh overcoat. No offense but your old one stinks.”

“Four months out at sea, it should.” Raven chuckled.

“I can’t believe half of what you are telling me. I mean, all those wires and stuff, Raven. Why . . .did these Dharma people make you into this . . .Jaeger Unit, you said?”

“Yes, Jaeger Unit, yes,” Raven said, putting the overcoat on, “ They did it because they were ordered to.”

“But, why did you let them do that to you?” Dupree asked.

Raven put the Zippo in his pocket and then the energy bars. He calmly took a deep breath. “I let them do it . . . .because I volunteered for the procedure.” He whispered.

Dupree stared at them. “Oh, wait, I get it now,” he coughed, “This is like one of those government conspiracy things. You were a soldier once?”

Raven tied the over coat together and flipped up the collar. He sighed as he reached for his mask. “I don’t remember what I was.” He whispered.

Dupree could see the sadness in his face. He knew that Raven’s abilities and unique features were not of his own doing. The fireman then gently stopped him from putting on the mask. “I know you want to hide your features, Raven,” he told him, “But a mask would draw too much attention from the cops. I got a better idea.”

He handed him a roll of gauge bandages. Raven took them and stared at them briefly. “You can tell people you were the victim of a fire or something.” Dupree smiled, “It might even work.”

“Thank you, my friend,” he proceeded to wrap his face in the bandages.

Raven admitted that this would indeed draw attention to himself, if he did wear a mask. This way, they could think he was a vagrant or something. After Raven was done, he put on the black baseball cap and secured his disguise. Dupree chuckled slightly. “Man, you look like a poor man’s Darkman.” He laughed.

“Who?” he inquired.

“Never mind,” the fireman wiped his mouth, “Can I give you a life to the edge of town, Raven?”

“I would very much appreciate that.” He smiled, under the bandages.


The two men drove through the foggy, rain soaked town. Raven looked at the people he saw in the streets and how strangely they dressed. He looked at the McDonalds, noticing the change in it’s sign. But he had to admit, he had never heard of a Jack In The Box, though. The vehicles all looked fantastic; like space age. “What vehicle is this?” he asked.

“Pontiac Aztec,” Dupree smiled, “Compact SUV.”

“Fascinating.” He whispered, “There is so much that has changed.”

“You left America in the 50’s, right?”

“Yes, and I beginning to wonder if I should have come back. I don’t know . . .if I belong in this New World.”

“Well, if you are having second thoughts, why come back at all, Raven?” Dupree asked him.

“A young girl,” he smiled under his bandages, “She touched my life in a way I can’t describe. As the years have gone by, I began to miss her. Some . . .friends of mine convinced me to go and see her again. I only hope . . .she remembers me.”

“Hey, if she touched your life, the way you said she did, I am sure she remembers you too.”

“I can only hope, Dupree,” Raven confessed.

They finally reached the bridge that led off the peninsula and back onto the main land. The vehicle calmly pulled the side and stopped. Raven removed his seat beat and got ready to leave. Then he noticed Dupree’s hand near him, holding a wad of a money. “It’s not much,” he smiled, “But it’ll get you some food and maybe a road map so you know where you are going.”

Raven sighed and looked at the money. He then gently took it and placed it in his overcoat. “I only hope everybody I meet is as nice as you, Dupree.” He grinned.

“Thanks for coming into my life, Raven. And reminding me that the world still offers some wonder.”

The two friends shook hands and then Raven left the vehicle. Dupree watched the mysterious stranger proceeded over toward the bridge and disappeared in the morning fog. The fireman would never know any more about Raven other than what he told him. However, he was honest about what he told Raven. He was glad that he came into his life. After living for 27 years in this backwater town, he was so happy that at last; something exciting had happened.



Raven continued to walk along the highway. He wasn’t sure how far he had been walking but he did know it had been all day. The sun had set three, maybe four hours ago. Car after car had past him. He thought about hitch-hiking but realized it might be better to stay on his own for the moment. He wasn’t tired; nor did he require much sleep. However, his human half still needed rest and food; even though his mechanical half got all the energy it needed from the solar panel built in what was left of his shoulder blades.

Raven then saw a group of lights up ahead. On the other side of the road, he could see the remnants of a large truck stop and diner. Several semi-trucks were stopped for the evening. The Jaeger Unit tucked his hands in his overcoat and scooted across the street. Several cars drove past as he jogged into the parking lot. The new vehicles still fascinated him. He calmly walked past two Hispanics who gazed at him with a curious glance but then dismissed him as an afterthought; as Raven hoped.

The tall man walked into the shop that was connected to the diner. Inside was various items; oil canisters, cheap souvenirs, floor mats, DVDs, CD and various other junk they sold to justify being open. Raven walked toward the area where the road maps where. He picked up one for Washington, then Oregon and then finally California. He calmly walked up the counter to pay for them. After that, he tucked them in his overcoat and then walked into the diner area.

There wasn’t that many in the area late at a night. There was three truck drivers in various booths around the diner. There was a cook in the back and a waitress working the front counter. Raven slowly sat down at a stool and took a look at the menu/placemat. The food looked so inviting; food he had not had in fifty years. “Can I help you, suga?” the waitress said, politely.

“Uh . . yes, may I please have a . . . hamburger steak with hash browns and . . .oh, my god . . .a Vanilla Coke, please.” Raven asked.

“Coming right up.”

The truck drivers stared at Raven; not sure what to make of him. Most of them continued eating their late night meals. The bandaged man calmly took off his baseball cap and rubbed his hair that did come through the stop. He smirked as he realized he’ll need a haircut soon. The waitress, who’s name tag read Carrie, dropped off the Vanilla Coke. Raven reached for it with trembling hands and picked it up to his lips; sipping the sweet taste. He remembered drinking a vanilla coke when he was younger but he didn’t remember how or why or where. All he could remember was that it was a treat in his younger years.

Within minutes, Carrie brought the food to him, and the check. He proceeded to use the utensils and stared to eat. Meat and Potatoes were almost a memory to him; now he was remembering the splendor of their taste. Perhaps coming back to the real world was worth it after all. After he ate his dinner, he enjoyed sipping on the vanilla coke which Carrie didn’t seem to mind refilling it for him. Then the changing of the bell above the door rang out and a large trucker came in. The moment he entered the diner, Raven could smell how fell how fowl he was. “Hey, Carrie,” the large man laughed.

“Hey, Hoss,” she sighed, “The usual?”

“You bet, sweet pie. Don’t forget to give me some fries with that shake.” He cackled.

“Never get tired of that one.” She groaned to herself as she placed the order.

Hoss sat down at the part, two seats down from Raven. The large man removed his white cowboy hat and then did a double take when he saw the stranger down at the other end wearing an overcoat and white bandages across his face. “Land O’Goshen, boy, what is wrong with you?” he asked.

“Hoss,” Carrie mentioned.

“Why does that boy have bandages on his face? We already past Halloween.”

“Hoss, do you mind?” the waitress grunted, “Can you see the poor boy is a burn victim?”

Raven sipped on his vanilla coke; amused by what the woman said. He didn’t know what he liked better; the fact that the woman was defending him or the fact that his burn victim disguise worked. “He looks like a Mummy,” Hoss glared at him, “You a mummy, boy?”

“No,” Raven whispered.

“Of course you ain’t a mummy. You ain’t walking around with a limp.”

“Here is your beer, Hoss, now shut the hell up.” Carrie said.

Hoss took his beer and chugged it. He then looked back toward Raven and then laughed. ”Wait, wait, wait,” he chuckled, “ The golden mask! Ain’t you supposed to have a golden mask?”

Raven slowly sipped his coke. “Shouldn’t you have a hand up your ass?” the man whispered.

Hoss stopped drinking after he heard the question. Carrie tried to stifle her laugh but she couldn’t help it. All the other nearby truckers who knew Hoss’s bad attitude laughed as well. The fat man turned and looked at Raven. “What did you just say?” he asked.

“I asked if you had a hand up your ass.” The Jaeger Unit stated.

“Da hell does that mean?” the fat trucker demanded.

Raven shrugged his shoulders. “I was under the impression Miss Piggy had a hand up her ass.” He admitted.

Carrie and the two truckers behind Hoss then laughed out loud. For the first time in a long time, someone had told off Hoss and the fat man wasn’t use to it. He then grabbed his beer bottle and scooted off his stool. He had to save face and then only way he could think of to do it was to slam the bottle over Raven’s head. Carrie then screamed at the trucker, wondering what he was doing. By the time he tried to bring the bottle down on Raven, the stranger caught him at the wrist. Hoss then gulped at the incredible strength that he displayed. Raven slowly stood up, forcing the man’s arm down. “Listen, you inbred lunatic, “ the masked man grunted, “You . . .don’t want TO DANCE . . .with me.”

Raven then shoved him back, making him fall on his butt. Hoss looked up at him; wondering how a man not even near his size could throw him like he was nothing. Raven straightened his coat and put on his cap. He calmly pulled out enough money for the food, tipped his hat to Carrie and calmly left. The waitress watched him leave; hoping she might see him again. Hoss slowly climbed up to the stool and tried to regain himself. However, it was too late. The truckers were mocking him by dancing behind him.


Raven checked the map one more time and continued on. He was concerned that he had only cross two towns in the span of a day. If he was going to get to California and Los Angeles within any decent time, he may have to start hitch-hiking. He calmly placed the map back in his overcoat and continued walking. Cars would still pass him but on the desolate highway, it was one maybe ever hour. He didn’t might; he enjoyed the peace. A wild rabbit scurried near him and dove away. An owl could be heard in the great expanse to his left. Raven smiled at the sounds; sound he new had existed but hadn’t heard in fifty years.

Then the sound of a screeching 18-wheeler caught his attention. He turned around and saw the lights of a big rig truck swerving on the road and heading straight toward him. Raven then used his special focus on his bionic eyes to see the driver.

It was the mad face of Hoss.

“You got to be kidding me.” The Jaeger Unit whispered in amazement.

Hoss swerved his rig onto the side of the road and barreled toward Raven. He wanted revenge for making him look like a fool. The big truck got on the side of the dirt road, kicking up the debris. Raven then ran toward the giant vehicle. When the truck got toward him, he quickly jumped on the bumper and then flew up onto the hood with the grace of the bird of his nickname. Hoss’s eyes jumped open; not expecting to see his target on the hood. “You miss me, Hoss?” Raven laughed with a superior glee.

Hoss then tried to swerve back and forth to shake him off. Raven then jolted to the side of the driver’s side door and smashed in the window. He then grabbed the steering wheel and pulled it toward him. He did it with such abruption; the truck began to jackknife. The tires screeched incredibly and the weight of the vehicle began to bulk. Raven then ribbed the door off the hinges like paper. He then grabbed Hoss by the shirt and pulled him out of the truck. Raven then made the impossible jump from the truck and flew through the air, carrying a screaming Hoss with him.

By the time they landed on the ground across the road, the truck had blown up. Raven looked at the mixture of fire and metal as it engulfed the highway. Hoss wasn’t looking over the fact that his livelihood was destroyed. He was still staring at Raven. “WHAT ARE YOU?” he screamed.

Raven turned and gazed at the trembling trucker. “I would have thought that obvious by now, Hoss,” he sneered like a mad man, “I am an advance scout.”

“Scout?” he gasped.

“For my alien race. I was sent to remove the hostile element from Earth so we can easily take over and make this the peaceful planet it once was. As per my mission, you . .MUST NOW DIE!”

Raven then flashed his blue light from his eyes, making Hoss faint. The fat trucker slumped back, letting his cowboy hat bend outward. The moment the bandaged man realized that he was past out, he proceeded to laugh. He admitted he had fun scaring the man and wondered what he would tell the cops. Raven caught his breath and wiped his tears from his laughter. He then looked at the unconscious form of Hoss and then leaned down. He reached toward his back pocket and began to pat him down. “You tried to kill me, Hoss,” Raven smirked, “The price for your transgression is . . ..600 hundred dollars.”

Raven took the wad of money from the trucker’s wallet and dropped the leather garment on his giant belly. The masked man then tucked the money in his side pocket and then proceeded to walk away. Then he picked up his feet, jogging toward the large fire. When he got up toward the right moment, he took a flying leaped and flipped over the 12 foot tall blaze. He landed perfectly on the ground; causing minor dents in the asphalt. Raven tucked his overcoat; looking at the fire. Whatever Hoss tells the cops, they won’t believe him. As most, Raven will become a myth; a boogey man. He tilted his hat up and proceeded to walk down the long stretch of highway.

“I think I am going to like it here.” He smiled.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Part 382: A Reverse Kidnapping???

If there was any time when Seth might accidentally crap his pants, it would be at the moment where he realized he was staring at his good friend’s kidnapped daughter.

The baby girl was giggling at the sight of the man she had played with so many times. She even held her up hands and squeezed them rapidly into fists; her personal way of telling Seth she wanted him to pick her up. The young man slowly turned and looked toward Sayid for some instruction on what to do. The Iraqi was too busy keeping his eyes on the where the Latina woman walked off too. “Sayid,” Seth hissed quietly, “What . . do we do?”

“Very calmly, I want you to pick up the child,” he replied, slowly putting down the two cases of beer.

“Oh, God, Sayid, they will think I am kidnapping her baby,” Seth said with clenched teeth, “ They won’t know Bridgett doesn’t belong to her!”

“No, they would think I was kidnapping the baby because I am from Iraq,” he said, with his best fake smile, “If you are holding her, you are just being polite.”

Seth took a deep breath as sweat started to roll down his back. He calmly leaned down, sitting the bag of jelly beans and the Hard Lemonade on the floor. “Snuggle-puss!” Bridgett repeated, kicking her feet and making the shopping cart rock.

“Hold on, BreeBree,” Seth leaned up, “I’m trying to keep from having a heart attack.”

Seth gently picked her up, under her arms and brought her closer. The baby girl then put her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. She then leaned back, giggling at him. “Eckimo and budderfly?” she smiled.

“Okay,” he said, nervously.

Seth and Bridgett rubbed their noses together and then flickered their eyebrows together; in their usual fun time “Eskimo and Butterfly” routine. She laughed and laid her head down on his shoulder. The singer looked toward his Iraqi friend; silently telling him he needed no further proof. Despite her jet black hair, this was indeed the lost Bridgett Carlyle. Sayid then gently tugged his sleeve, making him follow his friend as he quietly left the line. Seth gently put his hand on the back of her head because his brain was on fire and it was telling him he’ll have to make a run toward the jeep.

Sayid calmly led the way through the main aisle exit to the door. As they got farther away from the line and closer to the door; the words they were fully expecting to hear finally rang out in the line.

“OH, MY GOD!!! THEY ARE STEALING THAT WOMAN’S BABY!!!” a cashier screamed.

One of the bag boys immediately rushed Sayid but the Iraqi countered with a punch toward his jaw; sending him spinning. Another grabbed him by the arm but he brought him down with a swift kick to his groin. “SETH! RUN!” Sayid ordered.

More and more citizens tried to help out the “kidnapper” from having Seth rescue Bridgett. The young man grunted as he slammed his elbow into the manager of the store and ran for the door. The moment it slid open, the boy-scout master saw what was happening and tried to get near him. Seth immediately grabbed a nearby shopping basket by the handle and swiped it upside his head. The moment the poor man fell onto a nearby recycling basket, the other boy scouts then started to throw things at Seth. “WATCH IT, YOU LITTLE TURDS!” he screamed, protecting Bridgett from the debris.

The singer then ran into the parking lot. The baby girl in his arms was laughing the whole time. He quickly ran toward the Jeep then heard Sayid’s footsteps right behind him; not to mention the loud footsteps of many citizens trying to help out. “MCKAY!!!” Seth screamed.

McKay leaned up from his slumber and looked out his drivers side window. He blinked three times when he saw something that didn’t make sense. Seth and Sayid were running toward them with a child in their arms and a mob of people right behind them. “MCKAY!!!” Sayid screamed, waving his arms, “WE GOT BRIDGETT!!! START THE ENGINE!!! LETS GET OUTTA HERE!!!”

McKay didn’t understand what was happening but he heard Bridgett’s name being called. He immediately turned on the engine for his Jeep, and backed up. He quickly unlocked the doors as Sayid jumped into the passengers side and Seth scrambled into the back with the baby girl in his arms. The Australian turned around looked at the girl who Seth quickly placed to the side. “Bridgett?” McKay gasped.

“MAC KAY!” the little girl laughed, recognizing her adoptive father.

“Where did you . . .how did she . . .she was in the damn . . .WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH HER HAIR???” the Australian screamed in shock.

“Questions later!” Seth screamed, as he quickly grabbed the child’s seat in the back trunk of the jeep, “I was wondering why you kept this damn thing. Must be fate, huh?”

Before McKay could answer, someone slammed their hand on his driver’s side window, cracking it. People started to grab the jeep and rock it back and fourth. Seth quickly jolted from left to right, locking both doors. Sayid locked his hand then tried to roll up his window. It wasn’t fast enough because it allowed an old woman to shove her cane at the Iraqi’s face, nearly hitting his eye. “OW!” he screamed, “MADAME, PLEASE!”

He quickly shoved the cane back and got the window all the way up. Despite the rocking back and forth, Seth managed to get the child’s seat in place and secure Bridgett with the seat belts. “WE’RE GOOD!” he screamed, “LET’S GET OUT OF HERE!”

McKay floored the accelerator and the Jeep zoomed out of the mob of people. The boy scouts were still throwing stuff at them when they sped away in the parking lot. Sayid looked into the side mirror and must to his dismay; he could see the old woman flagging down a police man. McKay twisted the steering wheel and then got into the highway, turning right and heading down the road. The cop then quickly started to follow them, turning on his lights. The Australian seemed almost oblivious to all of it; he couldn’t help but stare into the rear view mirror and see the bright smile of hid god-daughter staring back at him. “I can’t . . .I can’t believe we got her back,” he laughed with tears in his eyes.

“Can we celebrate later?” Seth said, looking back, “I don’t think that cop likes us.”

“We’ll get to Hal’s. He’ll verify that it wasn’t a kidnapping; it was a rescue.” Sayid said.

“Just hang on, guys. We should be there within a few minutes.” The Australian assured them.

McKay weaved in and out of traffic; dodging car after car. When they heard the sound of the siren, they quickly came to a stop to let the police pass. Luckily, it allowed the jeep to pass. Seth turned back and looked again. At that moment, there were three police cars. He took a deep breath, wondering how the man could have called for backup so soon. Sayid looked around and started to worry. None of the sights he saw looked familiar but then again, he wasn’t paying attention. McKay then noticed it too. He didn’t recognize the Red Cloud gas station, nor the Royal Package liquor store. His eyes jumped open with he saw a sign for the major freeway.

The freeway where he came FROM to get to Hal’s.

“SON OF A . . .” He screamed, twisting the steering wheel abruptly, “We’re going the wrong way!”

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN, WE’RE GOING THE WRONG WAY?” Seth screamed in disbelief.

“Gimme a break!” the Australian apologized, “I don’t live around here!”

“Wheeeeeeeeee!!!” Bridget laughed as she held her arms up during the u-turn.

McKay got the jeep straight and then headed back down the road toward the right direction. In front of them were now five police cars. The Australian gritted his teeth as he headed straight for them. Sayid quickly put on his seat belt, wondering how they planned on beating a game of Chicken with five police cars. The Australian took a gamble that they wouldn’t try to swipe a car with a child in it. The five police cars then dove to the right and left side of the jeep. Seth covered his eyes, unable to look at the chaos in front of him. What he didn’t know was that Bridgett was copying him; covering her eyes as well.

McKay then grabbed his cell phone and shoved it toward Sayid. “Call Hal,” he told him, “Tell him what is happening. I know he’s got a police band radio in his living room. He’s going to have to call these bastards off, otherwise we ain’t gonna make it.”

Sayid quickly dialed the number and put it toward his ear.



Hal flipped the burger and then placed it on the plate that Libby held out. She kissed him on the cheek and then walked over to serve it to the others. The cop laughed as she joked she was going to get him an apron that read, “Kiss the Cook,”. Hal placed some more hot dogs on the grill and then heard his cell phone ringing. He calmly picked it up and flipped it open. “Mancuso.” He answered.

“Hal! It’s Sayid. We’re in big trouble, my friend,” he spoke with haste.

“Yeah, tell me about it. You guys better get those beers over here soon, cause you are never going to believe who showed up here.” The cop joked.

“No, Hal, listen to me! We have Bridgett!” Sayid replied.

The homicide detective nearly dropped his spatula. “Wha . ..what did you say?” he coughed.

“We have Bridgett,” he screamed as Hal could hear he was being jolted from side to side, “ We . . .kidnapped her from the kidnappers! Now . . .we’re being pursued by your fellow officers!”

“OH, my God, “ he whispered, as he turned around and ran toward his house.

“HAL! GET ON YOUR POLICE RADIO!” McKay screamed over the phone, “You need to tell these guys to leave us alone! Tell them we didn’t kidnap her!”

“Way ahead of you, McKay!” Hal said, as he stormed through his porch door and ran into his bedroom.

He quickly flipped off the phone and tossed it on a nearby recliner. He didn’t say a word to Alexander and Mandy who were resting on a nearby couch. The young blonde then forgot about her worries, curious why Hal was so abrupt by entering the room. The cop collapsed on his knees next to the bookcase that contained the police band radio. He quickly clicked it on and jacked the volume up to hear what was happening. “All units, all units,” the radio hissed, “We are in pursuit of red jeep, west bound on Olympic, approaching Overland. Suspects have kidnapped a child; proceed with caution.”

“Units in pursuit of red jeep,” Hal spoke over the radio, “This is Hal Mancuso, Detective Sergeant, badge number 10854. Break off your pursuit of the vehicle; I repeat, break off your pursuit of the vehicle!”

Get off the line, un-identifed caller,” the emergency operator spoke, “You are in violation of FCC regulations-“

“FORGET REGULATIONS!” Hal screamed, “Run my damn badge number! You need to break off that pursuit NOW! It’s not a kidnapping; it’s a rescue, you idiots!”

“Red jeep?” Alexander’s eyes flashed, “Uncle McKay?”

“Hal, what is going on?” Mandy asked.

Hal rubbed his hair as he stood up. He stared at her with a wild disbelief of his own. “McKay, Seth and Sayid are being chased by police cars, “ he coughed, “Cause they got Bridgett back and they believe they kidnapped her.”

“WHAT?” Mandy screamed.

“But . . .how . . .how did they . .” the young man by her side tried to ask.

“I don’t know, Alexander but that’s not important right now.” The cop whispered, “I have a bad feeling . . .they aren’t going to make it.”



McKay grunted as one of the police cars rammed him from the side. He tried his best to keep the vehicle on the road but it was difficult. Seth squeaked as the car hit them again. Sayid then grunted as the police car rammed them from his side. “They are trying to box us in!” he said.

“If they slow us down, we’ll be arrested and Lord knows what will happen to Bridgett,” McKay hissed, “Our only chance is to get to Hal and let him vouch for us.”

“If we make it,” the Iraqi pointed out.

“Seth, how is she?” the Australian asked.

Seth was gripping on his seat and he slowly turned to his side to look at the baby girl. She was swinging her hands from side to side laughing. “Bang, bang! Bang, bang!” she repeated.

“She’s having the time of her life,” the singer replied with hysteria, “I wish I could say the same for me.”

Two of the police cars then rammed them from the sides at the same time. McKay grunted as he could feel them both slowly down and as a result, slowing him down with it. “That’s it! They got us!” Sayid screamed.

“HANG ON!” McKay grunted.

The Australian then stomped his breaks, letting the police cars go forward. He then floored his accelerator and rammed the middle section of them, sending them both to the side. He continued onward but more cop cars were approaching them. Sayid gazed into the side mirror and much to his horror, he saw them pulling out shotguns. “They arming themselves,” he whispered, “I fear they are now about to shoot out our tires.”

“We ain’t gonna make it.” Seth replied.

McKay then blinked when he heard the screeching of tires from up ahead. A white SUV was barreling toward them, then twisted around and then started to come toward them in reverse at full speed. The white car then swerved and within seconds, rammed a telephone pole; cracking it at it’s base. The long shape then began to fall on the street. “MCKAY!!!” Seth screamed in distress.

“MAC KAY!!” Bridgett laughed, imitating her favorite playmate.

The Australian floored it and did his best to keep ahead of the cops. The moment the pole fell down, they managed to get ahead of it. The transformer exploded in an array of sparks and electricity. McKay hit his brakes and stopped. Sayid and Seth turned around; looking at chaos. The cop had stopped; fearing what would happen if they rammed the pole and got amid the electric wires. Seth then looked over toward the wrecked SUV, wondering who their savior was. The occupant then got out of the vehicle and quickly began to limp toward them. “Oh, my God, Sawyer!” Seth gasped in amazement.

Sayid and McKay both looked at the redneck as he limped toward them. Seth quickly reached back and un-hooked the hinges for the plastic trunk cover. Sawyer got to it and jumped in. The moment he did, McKay floored the gas pedal and they were off again, leaving the cops in the dust. Sawyer grunted as he leaned up toward the guys by the back seat. “Well, now,” he laughed, “I was gonna apologize for being late to the shin-dig but it would seem I was right on time!”

“God bless your redneck ass, Sawyer,” McKay laughed.

“You, my friend, are out of your mind.” Sayid smirked.

“What can I say? I get crazy when my friends are threatened,” the redneck then looked down toward the baby girl, “Well, hey there, Iddy Bitty.”

“Sawjer!” Bridgett laughed, grabbing his nose.

“Are we there yet?” Seth screamed, nearly having a nervous breakdown.

McKay twisted the car around and finally managed to get to the suburbs where Hal’s house was. They zoomed through the streets and got down to the cul-de sac where his house was. They came to a screeching halt at the entrance to the drive way, where the majority of their friends were waiting in the front lawn. The moment they came to a stop, Mandy ran toward the vehicle and then saw her daughter in the back seat with Seth. “BABY!!” she screamed.

“Mommy!” Bridget screamed back.

Mandy unclasped her seat belts and pulled her out of the child seat. She cried heavily as she held onto her baby. McKay got out as Taylor ran to him, worried sick from the look of his severely dented Jeep. Everybody then paused from their celebration when they heard cop car sirens in the distance and getting closer. “Get inside!” Hal said, “I’ll hold them off.”

McKay and Seth escorted Mandy, Bridgett and the rest into the house. Sayid rushed to the back to help Sawyer with his busted knee. Hurley then came over to help them as well. The redneck put his arm around both men as they got him up the stair way. The large man looked back and then back to Sawyer. “Dude, where is my car?” he asked.

“I put it to good use,” Sawyer laughed.

“Dude, did you wreck my car?” Hurley demanded.

“What the hell do you care about it?” the redneck countered, “You can afford a thousand of them!”

The group made it safely inside. Mandy was on the recliner, hugging her baby girl and weeping from the joy of having her in her arms again. Alexander and Taylor were right by her side. The two men sat down Sawyer as he grunted, massaging his knee. Tony walked over to the window, pulling Marita back with him. “Talk to me, baby,” he whispered.

Marita knew what he needed to hear. She looked at the window at Hal who was arguing with six uniformed cops. They were screaming and yelling at him; saying they were going to storm the house any minute. “I think they are going to come in here and take the baby.” Marita whispered.

“NO!” Mandy screamed, standing up and holding onto her child, “They aren’t getting her! Now that I’ve got her back! They got to understand she’s mine!”

“They don’t have time to understand, Mandy,” the blind man pointed out, “All they care about right now is three men took a baby from a grocery store and probably wrecked seven cars in the process.”

“Five,” Seth corrected him.

“Then if they storm the house, then . . we’ll all be arrested.” Dutch whispered.

“And Bridgett will be taken away and placed in social services until we get this mess cleared up. Lord knows how long that will be,” Tony pointed out.

McKay took a deep breath. “I ain’t gonna let that happen,” he said, getting up and walking toward the door.

Sawyer smirked, then grunted and followed him. Dutch quickly followed as did Sayid. Tony smiled as he motioned for Seth to follow him. The singer rolled his eyes as he got up to follow the men toward the door. Alexander smiled, kissed Mandy and Bridgett on the cheeks; then followed his friends toward the door. McKay opened it first and stepped outside. He could immediately hear the cops arguing with Hal. “I am the senior officer on the scene!” the detective coughed, “You will stand down, mister!”

“Those men are under arrest for endangering a minor and-“

The cops stopped when they saw the gathering of men outside the door. Hal then turned around and saw his friends up at the top of the stairs that led to his porch. McKay looked at the police officers with a slight bit of distain and sweat rolling off his forehead. “I am sorry for all the trouble I put you through,” he whispered, “However . . .that girl is there belongs to us. She was kidnapped four months ago and now we have her back. I am afraid you will have to go through us if you think you are taking her away now.”

“You’re going to burn for this,” one officer threatened.

“Did you not hear him, Slim?” Sawyer said, leaning his arms on Tony and McKay, “ He just got his god-daughter back from a bitch who kidnapped her. You really think he gives a damn about what you are going to do to him NOW?”

The cops are stared at them. Sawyer had his smug grin all over his face as he leaned back up. “I’ve been to Hell and back with these boys,” he said proudly, “I know what they are capable of. You want Bridgett? Go ahead and try . . . . .cause we’ll die before we give her up.”

Alexander patted him on the back, approving what he said. From the window, Mandy stared at the men in her life; proud of every single one of them. Libby smiled with Marita as they all watched from the window. Hal smiled back at his friends and then looked toward the officers. “Call Detective Ficco and Doster like I told you and let’s clear this up.” He grunted.

One of the younger officers finally did as Hal suggested. The older ones glared at the men for the wrecks they caused. They didn’t care about the circumstances of why but only because they did it. However, McKay, Alexander, Tony, Seth and everybody else stood firm. They spoke the truth that if the cops truly wanted to “get” Bridgett, there would be one hell of a fight for her.


Later that evening, the news crews had gotten involved for the celebrity status of the survivors. The fact that Bridgett’s disappearance had made National news brought the attention as well. Detective Ficco and Detective Doster had arrived and taken command of the situation. They discussed the situation with Hal and after having a female forensic cop check Bridgett out, it was confirmed she was indeed the same girl. Mandy was worried that her jet black hair would damage the hair that she actually had but she put in a call to Jack to ask. Turns out, it would have been damaging to wash it out. It was safer to just let it go ahead and grow out.

Hal had more paper work to fill out; to prove he wasn’t aiding and abetting. The young Mexican girl was taken into custody. She would be interrogated soon. Hal promised Mandy since she was arrested in his jurisdiction, he’d keep her up to date on whatever she was going to say. With any luck, she would lead them to Sabrina.

It was around ten o’clock, when the ruckus had died down. Mandy was on the couch, holding the sleeping Bridgett in her arms. Seth was nearby on the couch with her, his head back and eyes closed. She gently reached over and stroked his arms. “Thanks, snuggle-puss,” she giggled.

“You’re welcome.” He smirked.

“Snuggle-puss . . .dan-dan?” Bridget asked with a sleepy tone.

Seth smirked as he knew “dan-dan” was her baby talk for dancing. “Tomorrow, BreeBree,” he chuckled with closed eyes, “I don’t think I could handle it in my present condition.”

Hal came into the room and everybody leaned up. He yawned and then thanked Libby who immediately brought him a cup of coffee. Sawyer rubbed his eyes and then looked to his cop friend. “Well?” he waved his arms.

“The good news is you guys are not going to be arrested,” he sighed, “The bad news is you will have to pay one hell of a fine.”

“Why is that the bad news?” Hurley smirked.

“Thank you, Hurley,” McKay immediately chuckled.

“Will they find Sabrina?” Shannon asked.

“We don’t know. But they are going to interrogate the Mexican girl and I promised Mandy I would keep her updated on whatever they find.”

“All and all, nice days’ work,” Seth laughed.

“Thank you . . everybody,” Mandy said, sniffing, “Sayid . .Seth . .Sawyer . .McKay . .Hall . .everybody, thank you.”

“No thanks are needed, Mandy,” McKay gently stroked Bridgett’s hair, “Sawyer was right. We would have died before we gave her up.”

Bridgett leaned up under his gentle touch. She rubbed her eyes and smiled at her godfather. Her mother kissed her on her soft cheek and sniffed. “BreeBree?” she whispered, “Who do you love?”

The child pointed toward her mother. Then she pointed toward McKay. Then Taylor, then Alexander, and then Seth. Slowly, one by one, she pointed around the room. It wasn’t so much that the child was bright but that she remembered everybody that ever cared for her. It was what made fighting for her safety so much more worth it.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Part 381: Return to Sender

August 26th, 2006

Dutch turned down the long stretch of road and made it to the suburb entrance. It had been a month since he seen Hal for a long time so he was glad to hear he was throwing a cook out to celebrate the ending of the summer. He also knew a lot of the other survivors would be there. The surfer missed them too but not as much as he missed Karleigh. He often wondered if she thought about him.

Dutch pulled his Beemer into the corner of the driveway, where a ton of other cars were there already. The surfer stepped out and pulled out the bag of stuff, he was asked to bring. He slung the white plastic bag over his shoulder as he walked to the side of the two story house. Libby had been living with Hal ever since they came back from the Island. Dutch smiled as he could smell hamburgers and hot-dogs. He was hungry since he skipped breakfast so he hoped that everybody would get out of his way when it came time to eat. Hal was by the grill making sure the food was cooking to perfect. “You know,” the surfer laughed, “For a cop, you make one hell of a cook.”

“HEY, DUTCH!” Hal laughed, hugging his friend, “How you been, boy?”

“Just fine, Hal. It’s good to see you.” The surfer grinned, then sighed, “I should visit more often.”

“Oh, forget it, kid. You got those beautiful waves to look forward to every day. How is the fishing business by the way?”

“Not bad. Me and dad are helping out the China Town market especially. Even Jin comes by on Fridays to pick up fresh fish for the restaurant.”

“Excellent. I’m glad it’s all working out.” The cop then motioned to the other people, “Go say Hi to everybody and get yourself a beer.”

The surfer patted his friend on the back and proceeded to walk toward the backyard, overlooking the community lake. Amid the lawn chairs and patio furniture, sat a few of Dutch’s friends from the Island. Tony was sitting with his wife Marita and McKay was standing near them, sipping on a beer. Seth was talking with Flower and Andra, while Shannon and Sayid were laughing; placing old fashioned Horse Shoes. Taylor was sitting with Mandy and Alexander on a patio couch. Mandy was just leaning her head on the blonde young man by her side, wearing sunglasses. Before Dutch could say anything, he was greeted by a hug from behind. “Hey, Dutch,” Libby laughed.

“Libby,” he replied to the abrupt embrace, “How you been?”

“I am so glad you have come. Hal has missed you.”

“Seriously?” the surfer laughed, “I don’t think he would admit such a thing.”

“And lose his tough guy image? Of course, not,” Libby said, taking the cookies that he had brought.

“Hey, Libby . . .how . .how is Mandy?”

“Recovering.” The therapist smiled, “I’ve been seeing her on weekends. We’ve been talking and using hypnosis therapy. Its been difficult for her to come to grips with the loss of her daughter. But then again, any mother would be. I am just so glad she is no longer mad at Alexander.”

“Mad at . . .why would she be mad at him?”

“The kidnapping happened on a night when she and him finally declared their love for each other. She felt it was some sort of Karma punishing her for no longer mourning Boone. It took her a week to see how silly that was and they are back to loving each other again.”

“That’s good,” Dutch sighed.

“Speaking of loving each other, have you heard from Karliegh?” the therapist grinned.

“I was wondering when you were going to mention her,” the surfer smirked, “We talk on the phone once every two weeks. She sends post cards every few weeks like clock work. The pictures of New York are amazing.”

“Ever thought of going over there?”

“Yeah, I have. It would be cool to the see Central Park and maybe even check out the waves at Cape Cod and-“

“No, Dutch,” Libby said, crossing her arms, “have you ever thought of going over THERE?”

Dutch paused when he understood what she was getting at. He rubbed his cheek and scooted his left room back in the soft grass. “Libby, we’ve talked about this,” he sighed, “Her world is made of concrete, sky scrappers and cars. I got the ocean and fresh air. I don’t belong her world.”

“That’s funny. She said the exact same thing about you and California.”

“Huh?” he gasped, “Wha . ..WHEN did you talk to Karleigh?”

“I can still be a therapist over a phone, Dutch,” she said, handing him a beer,” She misses you. And I’ve never seen two more people in love. When will one of you make the sacrifice that could strength you both?”

“I ain’t ready to complicate my life, Libby,” he said, gulping the beer.

“What would be more simple than true love, Ian?” she smiled.

Dutch sighed; rarely did anybody call him by his birth name. He smiled at Libby, toasting her with the beer. He then proceeded to walk over to join the rest of the group. He smiled at Seth, making a silly face and making Flower and Andra laugh uncontrollably. The surfer smiled as he always did seem to have a way with the ladies. He waved to McKay as the Australian greeted him in passing. “What the hell made you trade in your truck, McKay?” Tony asked.

“Actually, it was Taylor,” he smiled, toasting his wife, “I was getting little bit homesick for the outback. Crazy as that sounds, so she convinced me to trade in the truck for a jeep.”

“And that helped?” Sayid laughed.

“Actually it did. I just have to keep the windows down.”

“Except when I am writing with him.” Taylor pointed, “You are not going to be stinky around me, mister.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He said, pretending to be meek.

The group got a good laugh out of the joke. The wind blew from the nearby small lake, caressing the group. A grouping of ducks could be heard in the distance. “Tony?” Mandy whispered.

The blind man tilted his head up, surprised to hear the young woman speak. In fact, it surprised most of them. “Yes, Mandy?” he inquired.

“How is your book coming?” she asked.

“Not too bad. I still have to talk to my agent to get to the thing edited.”

“You and Jilly should go on a book tour together.”

“That’s funny. She and I have actually talked about it.”

Mandy took a deep breath and then leaned her head toward Alexander. The young man could tell she was upset but he had not idea what brought it on. Tony was about to say something but Marita squeezed his arm. “Mandy, what’s wrong?” Taylor immediately asked.

“Those ducks,” she started to cry, “Bridgett . . .would always . .laugh at ducks.”

McKay took a deep breath. There was no way for it to be easy for Mandy to not see anything in her daily life that didn’t remind her of her lost daughter. Libby overhead what she said and immediately walked over. Alexander slowly helped the crying woman stand up. Libby suggested they take her inside so she didn’t have to hear the ducks. Hal walked over toward McKay looking at them as they led her up to his side entrance of his house. “Mandy okay?” he whispered.

“Sadly, Hal,” McKay finished his beer, “I honestly don’t think she’ll ever be okay.”

“Yes, she will,” the cop replied, “It’s going to take a long time but she will be okay.”

The Australian then caught himself; realizing that Hal was talking about his deceased son. He winced and rubbed his head. “Hal, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-“ he tried to say.

“Forget it. I know, man,” Hal said, not being insulted, “Listen, we’re running out of beers. There is a grocery store about 20 minutes up the road. You wanna go get us a reload?”

“Yeah, sure,” he said, putting the bottle down.

“I will accompany you.” Sayid said, standing up.

As the two friends started to walk away, Seth quickly jogged up to them. “Hey, guys,” he puffed, “You guys heading somewhere?”

“Yeah, we are heading to the grocery store to pickup some extra beverage,” the middle easterner replied.

“Perfect! Let me go with you. Andra, Flower and me were talking about Jelly Belly jelly beans and they never had any. So let me go with you to pick some up.”

“Okay. Sure, why not?” McKay agreed.


The ride to the grocery store was short. None of the men said anything to each other. McKay pulled his jeep into the parking lot and drove up to one of the empty slots in the middle. Seth kept his eyes on him the whole time. The Australian looked like he was sinking into a deep depression. Sayid stepped out of the passenger side door and then looked at McKay who wasn’t moving. “Are you not coming in?” he inquired.

“Naw, you . . .you get the beers. I’ll just wait out here.” He replied.

Seth patted him on the shoulder. The Australian looked at him and the young man smiled. “It will pass, McKay,” he assured him, “Hal is right. This pain will fade in time.”

“I know, Seth,” he whispered with a smile, “But I am still hoping for a miracle.”

Seth patted him on the shoulder again and jumped out with Sayid. They closed the passenger side door on the jeep and proceeded toward the entrance to the massive Food Lion grocery store. The establishment was busting with activity; typical for an earlier Saturday afternoon. A local boy scout trouble was trying to sell raffle tickets, while another group of people were giving away free puppies. Sayid walked in first as the sliding door gave with Seth in tow. The young man politely took the coupons from the old woman passing them out at the door.

Sayid proceeded to walk toward the alcohol isle. Seth eyed some Mikes Hard Lemonade and helped himself to some. “Hey, Sayid,” he got his friends attention, “How are things between you and Shannon?”

“They are wonderful,” he said, picking up a case in one hand and a case in the other, “She took was distraught by the loss of Bridgett but she was able to accept it and move on.”

“Unlike Mandy.” Seth sniffed, “I don’t see how . . .she’s been able . . .”.

“Bridgett was her daughter, Seth. What would you expect?”

“I wasn’t expecting her to accept it. I was just . . .pointing it out.”

“Now that you have pointed it out, lets go get these jelly beans you mentioned.”

The Middle Easterner turned abruptly and started to walk down the aisle. Seth took a deep breath and followed him. The two friends walked through the crowd of various housewives, frat boys and screaming kids. They made it toward the candy aisle and as Seth hoped, there was Jelly Belly dispensers of various flavors. Sayid paused as Seth put down the alcohol that he was carrying and grabbed a small plastic bag toward the right hand side. He opened up to one of the dispensers, allowing the candy to flow into it. The Iraqi looked at the selection and blinked with a slight confusion. “Popcorn jelly beans?” he whispered, “How insane.”

“I hear ya,” Seth chuckled, “I’ve only been able to tolerate the kiwi beans recently.”

“Indeed,” Sayid said, hoisting up the beer slightly, “Seth . .you have not mentioned Tanya your whole visit here, no why she did not join you. Is everything okay with her?”

Seth put more jelly beans in the bag and proceeded to get a twist tie to tie it up. Sayid was waiting for a reply but the young singer was not giving it to him. “Seth?” he pondered, “Tanya is okay, isn’t she?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. In fact . . .she’s pregnant.”

Sayid then coughed and nearly dropped one of the beer cases. He then started to laugh. “Seth, that is wonderful!” the Iraqi chuckled, “Congratulations.”

“Thanks, man,” Seth said, picking up the liquored lemonade.

Sayid immediately noticed that his younger friend did not seem happy about it. “Normal men would be happy about such a thing, my friend.” He mentioned.

“Oh, I am happy. In fact, I am beaming. It’s just . . .I wish I could tell everybody.”

“What? Why haven’t you?”

“Cause of Mandy, Sayid.”

Sayid closed his eyes and shook his head. “Ah.” He whispered, “You don’t want to share your happiness with Mandy because it will only remind her of her happiness that she lost.”

“You couldn’t have said it better.” Seth started to walk past him.

“I respect your decision, Seth. But this is not just about Mandy; it is about you and your wife. You deserve to have people fawn over your expecting child.”

“Maybe.” He said, trying to find a line that didn’t have many people in it.

“When we get back, you should tell her. Tell her that you want her to be happy for her. And that we’ll never give up hope that Bridgett will be found one day.”

“I guess you might be right,” Seth said, standing behind a brunette woman.

“I am right. Mandy needs happiness. And this will help her.”

“I hear what you are saying, dude but I can’t help but hope she gets her miracle one day.”

The young woman turned around and looked at both of them. She was a cute, Latina woman probably no older than 23. Seth smiled at her, still being a helpless flirt. All it did was make Sayid roll his eyes. “Excuse me, “ she smiled, “I have to run and get some toilet paper. Can you hold my spot for me?”

“Of course,” Sayid politely bowed.

“Don’t forget the peanut butter.” Seth chuckled.

The Latina girl giggled and then turned right around. “Stay put, little nina. I’ll be right back.” She said.

The girl then left, toward the far corner of the grocery store. Seth’s eyes followed the contours of her body as she left their side. Sayid couldn’t help but look as well. “You are married,” he pointed out, “You are no longer allowed to flirt.”

“Oh, come on, man,” he smirked, “I can look, I just can’t touc-“

Seth froze as he turned his gaze back on front of him, which held the woman’s baby in his gaze. What made him do a double take was that the child looked exactly like Bridgett. The only difference was that her hair was jet black. Sayid then froze as well. He too had known the child’s face and the similarity was remarkable; if not dead on. The girl looked at both of them and smiled. It wasn’t just any smile; it was her smile. Bridgett’s smile would allow her dimples to come out and her eyes to squint. Seth’s heart raced; he had no idea what this meant. However, he had to make sure his brain could comprehend what he was seeing. He slowly leaned forward. “BreeBree?” he whispered.

“Snuggle-puss!” she pointed.