Part 6

A/N Last chapter guys! I'm going to start working on the next story, Cahills Reading Ignition, soon.

Sorry for the long wait. Things got pretty busy for me. The good news is, all my stories are not on Hiatus anymore. I just have to find my inspiration to update my other stories. :)

I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed/followed/favourited this story! Your reviews were very helpful and nice and motivated me to continue this story! I appreciate that you guys were patient with my lack of fast updates.

On a different note, anyone excited for Nowhere to Run? It comes out on October 1st for those of you who don't know. The preview was awesome and it actually made me hopeful for the new series.

Disclaimer: I, THGFAN101, is not responsible for any injury or embarrassment that happens to any of the 39 Clues characters. I hope you enjoy the final installment. Warning: There will be an interesting (I hope) cliff-hanger at the end. :D

Jonah Wizard couldn't wait to leave this room. How many more stories do they have to read until they could be free? He couldn't spend the rest of his summer reading. Sure, it was nice seeing his cousins again and the stories were -in a way- hilarious, but the constant bickering was giving this world-wide rap star a headache.

Although most people wouldn't believe him if he voiced this out loud, Jonah had a natural talent for reading other people's emotions. He has the same skills as a Lucian when it came to understanding people. After all, he wasn't a Janus for nothing. By starring in his own TV show, Who Wants to Be a Gangsta, he not only learned how to act professionally, but to tell when people were masking their emotions.

So it was only natural that Jonah could tell how everyone was feeling at the moment. Danny boy seemed irritated with the lack of "fun" that was going on. Amy seemed tired of scolding Dan and was trying hard to not look at Ian that often. Ian was sitting with his arms crossed and his eyes closed, formulating a plan. Natalie is staring at her manicured nails with a grim expression. And last but not least, Hamilton was snoring in his sleep.

Throughout the past reading sessions, Jonah would examine Arianna's expressions. He wasn't watching her because of her looks. He was watching her because she seemed familiar. He couldn't remember where he saw her before.

Jonah doubted that she was a fan of him. Even if she was, he wouldn't even remember her face much less her name.

What branch was she again? Jonah thought to himself. Oh, right, she's a Lucian...

Jonah doesn't normally get a bad feeling when he sees a Lucian. Sure, they're cunning and can't be trusted but they aren't as bad as the Vespers. But for some reason, he has a really bad feeling about her. The fact that she's so eager to have them read these stories isn't making any sense. Jonah's starting to doubt that Fiske is really part of this situation.

"Jonah, don't start reading until I get back," Arianna said, interrupting his thoughts. "I need to go do something. Everyone, behave while I'm gone."

"Sure thing," Jonah said, flashing a smile. Just like he expected, she gave him the same smile he has seen before. Who is she really? Her name can't be Arianna and she can't be a Lucian. She must be a Janus if I remember a stranger so well.

He snapped out of his thoughts when he noticed Ian pacing the room.

"Yo, Ian, what are you doing?" Jonah asked.

Ian stopped pacing and gave him a glare before responding, "I, unlike everyone else, is trying to come up with a way to get out of here. I don't find these stories amusing anymore."

"Are you sure you aren't just embarrassed of what happened in the first story?" Dan asked, smirking. "I understand that if must be sad to have your deepest and darkest secrets revealed. Don't worry, we won't treat you any different now that we know you-"

"That's enough Dan," Amy said. "Don't you want to get out of here?"

"Nah, I'm fine here," Dan said.

"Everyone, listen up," Jonah started. "I have feeling that Arianna isn't who she said she is."

"No, really?" Ian snapped. "I've noticed something was wrong with her from the moment we stepped into this room."

Jonah ignored his British cousin. "What I'm trying to say is that I've seen her before."

"Where?" Natalie asked, looking up from examining her nails and suddenly interested to hear whats going on.

"I...can't remember," Jonah admitted.

"Well, that's helpful!" Ian exclaimed.

"I'm back!" Arianna announced. Her eyes grew wide when she noticed how almost everyone was standing up. "Where you planning on going somewhere?"

"No, I was just walking. I can't stay sitting for many hours," Ian lied, smoothly. "I would appreciate it if you let us have some fresh air for a while, you know, since we've been cooped up in this room for so long."

"I'm sorry Ian," she said, "I can't let that happen. Fiske wouldn't approve of that. Jonah, can you please start reading? We're almost done with this story guys. Afterward, you'll get your next meal."

Jonah cleared his throat and began to read.

"This can't possibly all be for us," Dan said, his mouth hanging open long after he'd finished speaking. The parlor of Grace's mansion was filled wall to wall with Christmas decorations. Enormous, ornate wreaths hung on the walls, dressed in shimmering white ribbons, and almost every surface in the room was covered in flickering red and gold candles. A warm fire crackled conversationally from the fireplace in the back of the room, where two beautiful stockings were hanging, full to bursting.

At the center of the parlor, a giant tree towered over piles and piles of gifts in shining red and green wrapping paper, all of which was encircled by what looked like a functioning toy train set. It was as if a city of presents had been built into the side of a jolly green mountain.

Mugs of steaming chocolate, eggnog, and cider were laid out on a table, as well as a feast of meats, cheeses, and candy. Dan noted with approval that there were plenty of red gummies.

"You guys rarely experienced a Christmas like this," Natalie commented. Before Dan could reply, she said, "I'm not insulting you, I just feel bad for you guys. You never experienced luxury like us."

"I don't want your pity, Princess Cobra," Dan replied.

Jonah saw Natalie roll her eyes. He was surprised that Dan couldn't accept the fact that Natalie was being nice for once. This prison is starting to make her seem more human.

Jonah sighed. He remembered the good times he had with his family as a child. He remembered how the holidays was before his mother started bothering him with the need to find all 39 Clues. He secretly hoped that after the clue hunt was over, his mother would be the caring and loving mother he knew as a kid. Naturally, being a Cahill doesn't allow your dreams to come true. Instead of having a mother who was pressuring him, he know has a mother who refused to stay in contact with him.

I miss the good old days...

Jonah continued to read.

"Well, it isn't for Beatrice," said Grace, crossing her arms and smiling. Christmases at her mansion had always been elaborate. After everything Amy and Dan had been through, all the loss, she felt they deserved it. But this year Grace had gone all out.

"This is incredible," Amy said, shaking her head. "It must have taken weeks to put all this together."

Grace gave her an odd smile. "I had a feeling we'd want a big Christmas this year. A day to remember."

When Amy and Dan had arrived at her house in a police car, Grace had ushered them inside quickly. The police said they wanted statements from the two, but Grace insisted they leave her grandchildren to enjoy what was left of their Christmas. In the end, the officers relented, so long as Grace promised to bring them to the station the next day. No one could stand up to Grace when she'd made up her mind.

Dan rushed over to the tree and lifted a box with his name on it, tearing into the wrapping paper.

Amy grabbed a cup of cider and sat down in one of the parlor's plush leather chairs with a sigh of pleasure.

"My legs are killing me," she said. "I'm never exercising again."

"Baseball cards!" Dan shouted. His eyes widened as he pulled one out. "Do you know how much this one is worth?!"

Amy plugged her ears. "If you don't be quiet, I'm going to tell Grace to take it back."

Dan answered by turning the train set on. It rattled to life and chugged forward with a pleasant whistle.

"That's your idea of the perfect gift?" Natalie asked Dan, no longer caring to be nice. "Toys? Honestly, how old were you at that time, four?"

"Normally eleven year old would enjoy toys and collectables. Only spoiled rich kids would want a yacht and tickets to a boring opera for Christmas." Dan snapped back.

"Sorry Nat, I have to agree with Danny on this one. I'll continue reading before you to start throwing things at each other," Jonah said.

"I have my own questions for the two of you about what happened," said Grace. "You must be exhausted and half-starved, though. Get to work on the chocolate and cider. I have a few calls to make, but when I get back you can unwrap the rest of your presents and tell me everything."

"Okay," said Dan, not even looking up from the cards fanned out in his hand.

"Thanks, Grace," said Amy, sinking even deeper into the chair. "But can I take a shower first? We kind of had to spend a little time in a dumpster today."

Grace smiled. "I've hidden in my fair share of trash cans before. Nothing to be embarrassed about. I'll bring back some towels."

"I still can't believe you hid inside a dumpster," Natalie commented. "I can't believe that Dan seems to care more about his presents rather than personal hygiene."

"Natalie, please stop," Ian responded. "I don't want to hear the barbarian speak again."

"Hey! I heard that!" Dan exclaimed.

"You were supposed to hear that."

Grace stepped from the parlor into a long, dark hallway and closed the door. The warm light of the fire and candles cut off abruptly, leaving only the light of the darkening twilight to guide her. Still, she moved surely down the hallway, stopping in front of a door and turning on a light in the room inside, where a phone was set out on a small side table. Grace picked it up, and dialed a number from memory.

"Good afternoon. Yes, I know what day it is, so spare me the dramatics. I need you to begin preparations to hire Nellie Gomez right away. Beatrice won't be a problem. I will insist. Thank you."

"So that explains why we got Nellie! I'm actually glad that we were chased by Vespers on Christmas!" Dan said.

Grace hung up, staring out at nothing for a moment. When she broke into a small coughing fit, Saladin entered the room, watching her from afar.

"So," Grace said softly, after the coughs subsided. "The Vespers are back."

Her fingers clenched into tight fists. The pain of her regret was almost physical. Though it agonized her more than they would ever know, there was no choice. The Clue hunt would go on, and Dan and Amy would be right in the middle of it. If they only understood what they'd actually accomplished today, escaping the clutches of perhaps the most terrifying organization the world had ever seen. If they only . . .

They're only children! Grace lifted her fists and pounded them into the side table. Saladin ran from the room in terror.

"Finally, Saladin got what he deserved," Natalie mumbled.

"What do you have against Saladin? He's awesome!" Dan exclaimed.

"I'm allergic to cat," she replied. "Besides, French poodles that serve you are the best pets available."

She exhaled softly. This was their last Christmas together. The last simple, uncomplicated one the two might ever have. She wouldn't spoil it.

"Just one more call to make," Grace said. She picked up the receiver, and her hand lingered over the buttons.

Then, slowly and deliberately, she dialed a number she thought she would never have to call. After three rings, a voice answered.

"Hello, Professor Astrid Rosenbloom? My name is Grace Cahill. Professor, it's imperative that you listen to me with an open mind. The fate of the world may well be at stake."

"La Fin," Jonah announced.

"Finally, can we eat?" Dan said, getting up from his seat.

"Sure, let me get-" Arianna started.

Everyone froze. They could all hear the alarms blaring and lights flickering.

"What's going on?" Hamilton shouted. The alarms interrupted his peaceful sleep.

"I don't know!" Arianna replied.

All of a sudden, the lights went out and the room with pitch-black.

The last thing the Cahills heard was a blood curdling scream.

I hope you guys don't hate me for how I ended this. :)

I'll try to update my other stories soon. I seriously need to start writing fanfics again.

In the mean time, you guys can read my one-shots I have while waiting for updates on Happily Never After, Wonderstruck, and Reality.

Random Question:

If I made a contest, would you guys enter it?