Authors Note

LOL! I got so much more done in the last few days than I did in the last year XD I've got a couple chapters planned, so I'll try my best to get them all written and to you as soon as possible! :) There will be little bonding between Vaughn and Chelsea, though some is planned. I want to get this whole investigation thing over and done with :P By the way; I'm thinking of holding a contest eventually :) So please look forward to that! ALSO for anyone interested I'm re-opening my oneshots; you pretty much fill out a form i provide and i write a oneshot for you! Anyone interested should PM me :) Anyway; here's the next chapter! :D

Caught Red-Handed

The winter wind picked up as we crossed the bridge to Sprout island. Tree's were fewer; but each carried heavier bags of snow and glittered like crystals in the sunlight. Slush splashed every time we planted a foot firmly on the ground, soaking our boots and pants all the way to the knee. I surveyed the entire area; huddling in my jacket. If old age was late in taking me into the big house in the sky, then winter would surely be the death of me. There were many different ways of dying in the cold, one specific one is Pneumonia. A lot of people had died from it in the past, so it was very likely that more would die of it in the future.

We stopped in the middle of the bridge, and I scanned over the contents of the island. Sabrina's large and exquisite house stood tall above everything else. The roof was plastered with white snow; the ground shiny and reflecting the sun. It brought out the blue walls and complimented then red door. Next to it, just beside the bridge leading to Verdure island, was a large wood structure with a blue roof and several windows. A thick, white path was connected to the road and led to a large red door.

There were other buildings scattered around the island of all shapes and sizes. Denny lived in a shack down on the beach; and it was easy to distinguish with its purple roof and rotting wood. Lanna lived just south of Sabrina in a smaller log house with a light blue roof. Other than some additional housings, though few, around the island, there was almost no change in the structure. The roads, however, were now extremely uneven. Several massive holes were in the middle of the bumpy path, each was inches from the last.

For the rest of the afternoon, we walked all around the island introducing ourselves to the rest of its residence. Denny wasn't hesitant in sending his greetings and extending a warm welcome on to the island. His hair was still a curly brown, matching his pleasant personality and his purple clothes. The parrot flapped and squawked, but it never said anything worth listening to. Continuing on, Alisa and I introduced ourselves to everyone on that island, and even made a trip to Sabrina's house to say "hello" to Sabrina, and Regis.

When finished, I stretched, "What a day this has been!"

"Your telling me!" Alisa nodded, following me back towards Verdure island, "introducing ourselves to those people."

I nodded my head, "There aren't many on this island, but enough to make you wonder if it could grow anymore!" There were a lot of people on the island, not enough for this place to be considered an urban city, but the numbers were big enough for someone to confirm that this island had been growing...once. The number hadn't gotten any bigger since I left, I'd counted all the people seen, or talked to, and the number seemed to be the exact same in comparison to when I left. "But Alisa, do you get the hint that something...is kinda off here?"

Alisa thought for a moment, taking a look at the island ahead, "Just a little. I didn't sense much welcoming warmth. Especially from the Vaughn fellow..."

A snicker escaped my lips. He had always been like that, hostile and not welcoming of anyone into his personal life...or personal space. I laughed, "Yeah...it's true. I think he has his own rule that explains that you can't come within three hundred feet of him."

The two of us laughed loudly as we came to the end of the bridge and to Verdure island. "It might be better if I god by myself," I noted as we stepped foot onto solid ground. People would get suspicious of two figures were seen looking around the farm and investigating the area. But Alisa shook her head in protest.

Minutes later, we were standing on the island that was once my home. I had such plans for my ranch, cows, sheep and a horse grazing on the grass. Chickens in a pen, pecking at the ground and looking for worms to eat. My dog sleeping on the porch while my children sat on the swing reading a book, or talking with their daddy. The crops growing in the fields, and when I came home at night my children would run and give me lots of hugs. Dinner would be ready. Then I'd tuck them.

I let out a long, quiet sigh. The sadness that took place within the pasture, within these buildings...I didn't want to remember any of it. It had been left just the way I had last seen it, so finding the barn wasn't that difficult. "I'll take the inside," I called. It was actually an excuse to get out of the cold. I went inside, shutting the barn doors behind me. But when I turned around, I saw red stains on the ground...familiar red stains. Suddenly I felt hot and nauseated. Everything that happened begin to swoop back into my memory, even the tiniest detail. The animals. Taro. The blood. The blame. I shook my head, No! I have to find proof if I am to prove I'm innocent! The rafters seemed like a good place to start.

The ladder was short, so reaching the top took only seconds. But once at the top, I didn't waste anytime searching for some sort of evidence. I didn't know what I was looking for. A hair. Blood. A phone...anything that wasn't mine! All that was up there was a couple piles of hay, and a pitchfork...until my eye caught something red. I went to grab it, but the barn door opened a harsh voice bellowed, "WHOSE HERE!?"

Quickly I snatched the red item and hit it my deep pocket on the lower part of my jacket. "Ummm..." I lowered myself down the ladder, "it's me."

"What are you doing here?" The voice barked. Now that I was closer, I recognized the figure...Taro. He face was as red as a tomatoe, his hand was gripped tightly around the stick he always carried.

I scratched the back of my neck, trying to find some sort of excuse. "I..uh...I..." I looked at him, "...was exploring the island and found my way here. I figured since no one lived here...you wouldn't mind me looking around?"

He glared, "Someone does live here!" Taro barked, "Our farmer!"

That was an answer I was not expecting! Never in my life did I think Taro would say that...but rather than just get all crazy and admit to him who I really was I tilted my head, "Your farmer? I've heard rumors that-"

"Well those rumors are right, but that doesn't mean she'll never come back!" His glared tightened.

I shook my head, "In all respect sir, my best friends her cousin and heard the story in detail. She was pretty...shaken up. Hearing that from you comes as quite a surprise."

Taro's facial expression softened, "Because she was unfit! She let wild dogs get into her barn and destroy most of 'er animals."

"If she did that sir, then you must never want her back."

He frowned, "True...but look at this place." Taro led me outside, and gestured down the deserted path. It was gloomy and unpleasant. "This place is a ghost town. Brother against brother. My own daughter hates me fer what happened." The road was long...gloomy...depressing.

I was unsure as to what he was saying...that I was unfit, but he wanted me back? "I don't understand sir."

"What I'm sayin' is that..." He looked at me, "we all make mistakes. Mine was lettin' my temper get the best. That poor girl had a shock, and she might be right...she may be innocent."

Hope starting to rise, I started to breath heavily. "If I were to...find evidence of her innocence, would you reconsider bringing her back?"

Taro smiled, "and more. If we could only find her."

There was hope. Taro always seemed like the type who didn't care, or was a rough on the outside but on the inside...I knew things would work out. What I didn't count on was seeing a dark figure out of the corner of my eye watching us from behind a tree...and he was wearing a stetson.