Notes: It was Azalea542's idea to have a couple of the Bunch be related. This is the first time I've really been able to start expanding on that concept.

Chapter Five

Both Biff and Scotch were screaming again, this time clasping hands as they cowered away from the scene. Radley knelt down beside Jarvis, reaching to feel for a pulse on someone for the second time in the last ten minutes.

"He's alive," he announced. "The question is, did someone want us to think he's the one who hurt Kalin? . . . Could he be?" He eyed the mask with a frown.

"Unless he's completely the opposite of how he acts, I don't think he could be," Marty said. "And I really got a vibe of sincerity from him. Not that people can't change for the worse even if they really are sincere, but . . ." He trailed off.

Billy flinched.

"At this point, we'll have to stay suspicious of him, but at the same time consider that he might be innocent," Radley said. "Someone help me get him up."

Marty went over to assist, and together he and Radley got Jarvis onto a couch. He was moaning and coming around before they had finished.

"Hey, you said you'd wait for me," Marty greeted him. "What happened?"

"And are you okay?" Radley added.

Jarvis grimaced. "I could be better, Sir," he said, holding a hand to his head. "Master Marty, I was waiting for you, but someone attacked me from behind. Are you alright?!"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Marty said. "Someone tried to come out of a coffin and scare me or something and they got Kalin hurt."

"I'm fine," Kalin grunted.

"This is truly outrageous!" Jarvis moaned.

"Do you have any idea who could be doing this?" Radley asked.

"No, Sir," Jarvis said.

"You were already gone when we went into the crypt. The mask this creep was wearing—or one just like it—was put with you when we found you," Radley said. "If you're not the one who was wearing it, they were trying to make it look like you are. But you were found in the opposite direction from that coffin. I don't see how they'd escape through the trapdoor and come all the way around in time to put the mask with you. I don't see how you would either, for that matter, if it was you. So maybe there are two masks."

"That looks like the only real possibility," Kalin agreed. "Unless the trapdoor comes up through here. We're only guessing it might come out on the grounds."

"Virgil and Jimmy haven't seen anything yet," Scotch reported as he checked his texts.

"We should call a doctor to check you guys out," Radley said, looking from Jarvis to Kalin.

"Master John had his own private physician right here on the grounds," Jarvis said.

"Well, good," Marty said. "Give me his number and I'll call him."

Soon he was calling, in spite of Kalin's continued insistence that he was fine. Radley shook his head. "You're worse than me when I'm the one hurt," he said.

Kalin grunted. "I was out a lot less than you were," he said.

"Maybe so, but you should still let the doc examine you when he comes up," Radley said.

"I will," Kalin said.

xxxx

Virgil scowled as he looked at the latest texts from Scotch. "So now the butler's hurt too," he said.

"So I guess that means the butler didn't do it this time?" Jimmy said.

"Probably," Virgil snorted. He looked around at the fog-laden, stone courtyard. "And even if the creep comes up around here, I don't know how we'll spot him."

Jimmy sighed. "This place really is spooky," he said. "Scotch would love it."

Virgil snorted. "Scotch likes creepy stuff way too much."

"It's okay," Jimmy said. "But it seems like it gets him in a lot of trouble and . . . hey! Is that the guy?!"

Virgil snapped to attention as his cousin pointed out a figure running through the fog. "Let's find out," he growled, and took off running too.

"Hey, wait up!" Jimmy called.

It wasn't long and the fog was overwhelming them both. They stumbled to a halt, grabbing for each other in the mist. But footsteps were still echoing in the distance.

"That jerk," Virgil growled.

"Either he's running blind or he really knows his way around out here," Jimmy said. "Maybe there's another secret passage!"

"Not like we'll find it any time soon," Virgil scowled. He took out his phone and shined its flashlight around the area. They were over by the hedges and what looked like a small forest, and a little and apparently abandoned church soon became outlined among the low-hanging clouds.

". . . Something feels wrong about those trees," Jimmy said. "It feels like eyes watching us."

"That's looney talk," Virgil snorted. "Unless it's the guy we're chasing." He eyed the church. "And what's this doing here?"

"Jarvis told us about that on the tour, didn't he?" Jimmy said. "The castles would have their own private churches, and this one's still standing and sometimes still used!"

"Maybe that creep ran in there," Virgil said. "Let's find out."

He ran past an eerie churchyard as he headed for the doors. Swallowing hard, Jimmy hurried after him. He wasn't scared like Biff, but going past tilted and mossy headstones, many of which had Death's Heads on them, was not Jimmy's idea of fun.

Nor was it Virgil's. "Like it's not enough to have a crypt in the basement?" he jeered as he ran up to the doors.

"I guess back then, they really wanted to drill death into people," Jimmy shuddered. "And they didn't care if they were surrounded by it!"

"That's lame," Virgil said. "How did anyone even enjoy life? Or was that the whole point, that they weren't 'supposed' to because it ends?!" He pushed open one of the heavy doors. When it gave a loud creak of protest, both boys jumped.

"There's no way we wouldn't have heard that," Jimmy said. "He must have not come in here."

"Unless he figured out a way to be quiet about it," Virgil said. He shined his flashlight into the old building. It was definitely still used; there were no cobwebs and the pews weren't even covered in dust. At the front, several lit candles flickered around the altar.

"I wonder who keeps this place up," Jimmy said. "Someone had to come in and light the candles today."

"One of the servants, obviously," Virgil shrugged. He walked inside, looking in each row to make sure the mysterious person wasn't hiding there.

Jimmy followed. "It's nice in here," he said. "It feels peaceful."

"I guess," Virgil grunted. "If you're into that kind of thing."

"I think we can all use some peace," Jimmy said.

Virgil rolled his eyes a bit. "You know that's not what I mean."

"I really think Pastor Green is right, Virg," Jimmy said. "God wouldn't reject us just because of how we dress or because we like motorcycles."

"We hope," Virgil said. "We don't really know."

"No . . . but I know it just doesn't sound right," Jimmy said. "I mean, even the pastor likes motorcycles!"

Virgil snorted. "Some people would say he's a disgrace to the cloth." He finally smiled a bit. "But he's the nicest I've ever met."

"So why not consider what he says?" Jimmy asked.

"I do consider it," Virgil said. "I just don't know if I can believe it. You know how bad we were treated back in our hometown."

"At least our family was nice, unlike a lot of the guys'," Jimmy said softly. "They heard about Radley and actually encouraged us to find him and join up with him."

"Yeah." Virgil had to smile more. "Our families are tops. Both of them."

"You said it," Jimmy grinned.

By now they had combed the entire church. There was definitely no one else present, but near the altar Virgil spotted a hardback book on the floor. "What the . . ." He picked it up.

"What's that?" Jimmy blinked.

Virgil leafed through it. "It looks like Marty's great-uncle's diary," he frowned. "What's it doing here?!"

"Oh wow." Jimmy stared at it. "We'd better get it back inside, to Marty."

Virgil gave a quick nod. "Let's do it. We're never going to catch that creep." He led Jimmy outside and back over the grounds to the castle.

xxxx

By the time they got back inside, the doctor had arrived and was examining the injured. He had seen to Jarvis first and now was looking at Kalin in his room, who was less than thrilled about it. Radley was standing by with folded arms and a slightly amused expression. Kalin seemed to be alright, so Radley was allowing himself some mirth that Kalin was being so resistant about being looked at. It was ironic, given Kalin's insistence that Radley be looked at when the situation was reversed. Kalin seemed more annoyed than Radley had been.

Finally the doctor leaned back. "Well, you could certainly be worse than you are," he grunted. "It helps that you weren't out for very long. Take it easy and you should be fine." He started to gather up his instruments.

Kalin grunted too. "'Taking it easy' will depend on what happens here. A lot could still go wrong."

"With you right in the thick of it." The doctor shook his head. "Stubborn, you are, just like Master John."

". . . What was he like?" Marty asked.

"A headache to look after, I be telling you," the doctor said. "He was always insisting he was fine, right up to the end."

". . . How did he die, anyway?" Marty frowned. The letters he had received had been very vague. He had wondered, but hadn't been sure he wanted to ask. After all this, however, he felt he needed to know.

The doctor paused. "You know, that was a funny thing," he mused. "He'd been ill for a while, but it hadn't seemed serious. Then, suddenly, he was gone. But it happens like that sometimes."

". . . Could it have been murder?" Kalin wondered. He could see from Radley's and Marty's eyes that they were wondering the same thing.

"Aye, it could have been," the doctor said. "But we had no reason to think it was."

Marty stepped forward. "Was there an autopsy run?"

"No, nothin' like that," was the reply. "And it would dredge up a lot of pain to drag everyone through somethin' like that now, after he's all dead and buried."

"It would be better to know," Marty said. "I want one done."

"Your aunt and uncle could block you," the doctor warned. "You'll need to get them onboard."

Marty sighed in frustration. "Then I'll talk to them tonight."

Radley laid a hand on his shoulder.

Virgil stepped forward. "Maybe this will tell something about what was going on?" He held out the book.

"What's this?" Marty blinked.

"Your great-uncle's diary, I think," Jimmy said. "We found it dropped in the old church!"

"What . . ." Marty opened it and flipped through the pages. "How did it get there?!"

"The guy we were chasing must have dropped it," Virgil said.

"Well, that only makes things even weirder," Billy frowned. "How did he even have it?!"

Marty's eyes flickered. "Jarvis was going to get all the diaries for me, but he hadn't yet." He sighed. "I'm going to take this to my room and read it. Thanks for finding it." He looked to Virgil and Jimmy.

"Glad to help," Jimmy said.

xxxx

By this point the afternoon was almost gone and dinner was being cooked. Marty hadn't got very far in the diary when a limousine drove up below the windowseat in his room and his aunt and uncle got out. He sighed to himself. "Well, here we go." Steeling himself for trouble, he headed out and down the stairs, slipping the diary into his jacket as he went. In case there was some strange thief at work, he didn't want to let the diary out of his possession for a moment.

Billy met him along the way. "Do you want some support?" he asked.

Marty smiled a bit. "That would be nice. Sure."

When they got to the bottom, Scotch and Biff were also present. Marty frowned a bit to not see Radley and Kalin. Most likely, Radley had insisted Kalin rest and was staying with him. Hopefully that didn't mean Kalin was hurt worse than they'd thought after all.

"Hi guys," Scotch chirped from where he was perched in the windowsill. "Is it time?"

Marty sighed. "Oh yeah."

Since Jarvis was also being made to rest, Aggie shuffled to the door and opened it. "Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Keith. I'm afraid we've had a bit of trouble around here today. . . ."

Mrs. Keith frowned. "What's gone wrong now? It's not Marty's friends, is it?"

All the Satisfaction Town residents scowled.

"No," Aggie said. "They're the ones bein' hurt. And Jarvis too. Seems there's some naughty prankster afoot."

"Marty's alright, isn't he?!" Mr. Keith exclaimed.

"Yeah, Uncle Jonathan, I'm fine," Marty said, stepping forward.

Both of them started and turned.

"Marty!" Mrs. Keith ran over and embraced him. "It's been so long since we've seen you."

A bit wary, yet also touched, Marty slowly hugged back. They both sounded sincere. He did know they cared about him, even if they objected to him being the one to get the castle.

"It has been a long time, Aunt Martha," he said at last. "I'd like you to meet some of my friends. This is Billy, Scotch, and Biff." He gestured to each in turn.

Billy gave a slow nod. Scotch waved. Biff also looked visibly wary. "Hey. . . ."

"Scotch, hmm?" Mr. Keith eyed him up and down. "Are you one of us then?"

"One of . . . oh, you mean Scottish?" Scotch said. "Uh . . . honestly, I have no idea. I'm called Scotch because of my hair color."

"You ought to research your family history sometime," Mr. Keith said. "One's ancestry is a very interesting and valuable thing. You never know when that information might come in handy."

"Yeah, I guess so," Scotch said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Unfortunately, it's pretty hard for most of us to find out where we come from," Billy said. "Most of us are from messed-up families or the foster care system."

"Yes, we know about that," Mr. Keith said. "But there are still ways to find out your ancestry in this modern age. Perhaps we can discuss it over dinner."

"Sure!" Scotch chirped. "It sounds cool."

"Well, for now I'll take you so you can wash up for dinner," Aggie said to the Keiths. "It will be ready soon."

"Wonderful," Mrs. Keith said. "Marty, I'm looking forward to seeing your other friends at the table. We know they all mean so much to you."

"Yeah, they do," Marty said. He finally smiled a bit.

Scotch walked up to him as Aggie led them off. "They don't seem bad at all," he commented.

"No, they don't," Marty said. "They're not. But we still don't agree on things, and I'm sure they won't want an autopsy done on Uncle John."

"Maybe it'll work out," Scotch said. "I'll go find the others for dinner! . . . Unless you want to?"

"Maybe you guys can get Clint, Virgil, and Jimmy," Marty said. "I'd like to talk to Radley and Kalin for a few minutes."

"Oh sure!" Scotch said. He bounded off up the stairs.

Biff shook his head. "Scotch . . ." He headed up after his enthusiastic friend.

Billy looked to Marty. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Marty said. "Just wondering how dinner will go. I hope it'll be as nice as this meeting was, but I know we'll end up discussing the awkward subjects sooner or later."

Billy sighed. "Yeah. . . ." Not sure what else to say, he headed up after Scotch and Biff.

Marty followed, heading for Kalin's room. As he had thought, Kalin was laying on the king-size bed. Radley was sitting up beside him on the mattress, watching him.

"Is he asleep?" Marty whispered.

"No," Kalin grunted. "I'm just resting."

"You're really okay, right?" Marty frowned.

"Yes," Kalin said.

"I just thought he should take it easy until dinner," Radley said. "Are your aunt and uncle here?"

"Yeah, they just got here." Marty shut the door and leaned against it, his hands behind his back. "They're being nice right now, but I don't know if it will continue. They might turn nasty at dinner, especially if I bring up trying to do an autopsy."

". . . Maybe that subject would be better for after dinner anyway," Radley said. "It's not too appetizing."

"Yeah, I guess." Marty sighed. "I'd like to believe they'll stay supportive, though. Is it really possible for them to be so caring and yet not want me to have this place because they want it for the dyne?"

Radley winced. "That's a loaded question. Honestly, people are pretty complicated. I'd have to meet them myself, but if they're really after the dyne and are willing to push you out to get it, then it sounds like their greed is competing with their love for you and the greed's winning. Or maybe they long to have it and maybe they'll even try to convince you to let them have it and why they want it, so they'll be upfront with you and even want you in on the deal. But that still wouldn't be quite right either. The best case scenario is that they'll acknowledge this place is yours and you've got the right to the lion's share, but they'll ask if you'd consider sharing with them."

"And yeah, I might do that, only I don't want this place torn down to get at the dyne," Marty said.

"Then stick to that, and whether they respect that or not should be a pretty good indication of if you can trust them," Radley said with a bit of a sad smile. "And of course, right now we only have the servants' words that's what your aunt and uncle are after. It might not even be true. So also remember they're innocent until proven guilty."

". . . That's a good point," Marty realized. "It was Jarvis who said most of the nasty stuff about them, and so far what he said isn't even panning out."

Radley nodded. "When he's feeling better, we'll have to ask him about that, especially if your aunt and uncle don't act any different at dinner."

"I'd like to know now," Marty said in frustration. "But you're right, we should wait."

"The other servants said things too," Kalin said. "So did the doctor. Maybe that means they're right or maybe they're all biased against your relatives."

"Ugh." Marty shook his head. "This is all just too much of a mess right now. I don't get any of it."

Radley smiled ruefully at him and got off the bed. "With all the commotion going on, we haven't even got to talk to the staff about the dyne yet," he lamented. "Who knows when we'll get to that now."

"Let's try to do it after dinner," Kalin said. "We shouldn't let it drag on."

"Good idea," Radley said. "Are you ready to eat, Kalin?"

"Yeah." Kalin got up too.

On their way into the hall, they bumped into Scotch and the others coming from the opposite direction. Scotch especially looked terrified.

"What happened?!" Radley exclaimed.

Scotch shook his head and pointed to the window. "The fog lifted a little bit, and I know I just saw some of the trees in the forest move!"

Kalin quirked an eyebrow. "In the wind?"

"No!" Scotch retorted. "Like, move!" He extended his right foot to the side and moved his body sideways to catch up to it. "Like the roots are feet!"

Even Radley looked appalled and skeptical at that. "Come on, Scotch, really?" He looked questioningly to the rest of the Bunch.

"We all saw it, Radley!" Clint insisted. "Scotch wasn't hallucinating! The trees were walking!"

Radley frowned and looked to the window. "What the . . . how could that even be possible?!"

"It's all too possible."

Everyone jumped and turned. Mrs. Keith was coming up the stairs, her eyes filled with concern.

"What do you mean, Aunt Martha?" Marty frowned.

"That's the main reason why we've been so worried for you to come here, Marty," she told him. "Ask anyone around here and they'll tell you. The woods are cursed!"