A/N: As we roll into chapter 10, I must address one of the PMs I received. I tend to get more PMs than reviews. Perhaps because the content of my stories can be out there or otherwise touch on sensitive topics. In any event, I am always grateful to hear from most of you no matter which form of communication. So, I received a PM from a reader who asks why are Callie and Iola bi? Especially from a writer who has admitted that she has only really read and focused on the original blue/brown spine classic stories. I think there are probably no answers that will appease you since the topic appears to offend you. My simple answer is they are bi because that is how I wrote them. I assure you I did not do so out of some misguided need to appear PC or address diversity. I actually detest that many aspects of society and progressiveness have bombarded us with ultra-diverse advertisements and the media shaming anyone who doesn't fully embrace a broad spectrum of acceptance of every imaginable culture, belief, orientation, etc. Not that I personally oppose such acceptance. All of my life I have been raised and lived to accept all others equally and not be afflicted by the silly prejudices that many have. But one thing I dislike is that the current societal climate suggests we must be beat over the head with it. So, for what it's worth to the party who messaged me, I did not simply make some characters bi because the pressures which exist that suggest we must include representation from all groups to be deemed non prejudice. I am honestly very much a live and let live kind of person. If the way I write some characters bothers you, then I would simply suggest passing my stories up.

I am truly a very accepting person. I love when a few of you regulars PM me either to talk about a story or just to make sure I am still kicking. It's nice to have someone check in on you when you are going through a long rough spot when it comes to health issues. I keep the faith that one day I will feel a lot better than I do now! As to viewpoints on stories, I am always happy to hear from anyone. Candylou, thank you as well for making reviews. And yes, this story (and the last one for that matter) do portray the characters at times in a sad way. I truly feel that when we have controversy, or events that are unpleasant, it helps give the character a more human depth. I think I would personally grow bored if I wrote carbon copies of blue spines where they seldom touched on truly negative issues. I guess that when you give your character a human flaw, it serves to flesh them out and for some may even create something which can be related to on some level. I can see where my forays into dark waters can sometimes turn off the average reader. I mean the problems that some of my characters have are so canon defiant that some people cannot relate because they expect their heroes to be flawless. Or perhaps simply not so traumatically handicapped as some may view it. But, I also feel that when writers introduce elements to a character which make them flawed in some way, it paves the way for some kind of redemption. So, perhaps this story, and Atlantic City, are merely serving to create some form of redemption for its characters at some point? You never know...

So, here is chapter 10. It's a long one. But well worth the read and has some very pivotal content for the story. But, I will do my best not to write future chapters that push 12,000 words as this one did!

-Carly

-Chapter 10-

"What are you thinking about?" Iola lay next to Aimee, noting that she did not share the same post coital glow as she did. Aimee seemed preoccupied. She looked up towards the ceiling, then finally gave a slight shrug. Turning towards Iola she managed a sad smile.

"I can't be sure, really. It's just that while I do like sex, I wonder if I am being disloyal to Cal. I mean I know that she and you have had this arrangement for a long time. And it was reasonably accepted by your husbands." Iola snorted.

"Well, girl. I am not entirely sure about that!"

"Well, I know Joe is not exactly on board with it. Not the way Callie's husband is. But you have to admit that your man seems to have accepted it when it did happen. He may not be excited over it like apparently Chet could be." Iola stretched her arms out and yawned.

"Again, a bit of an understatement. I assure you if Joe knew what we had just done he would have threatened to leave me. It is tough enough when he is aware I have been with Cal. But you? It would be taken a lot harder." She ran her fingers through Aimee's hair and smiled. "But all that aside, I can't really tell you how to feel about it. I can only say how I feel."

"How do you feel?" Aimee asked tilting her head.

"About you and what we just did?" Aimee nodded. Iola gave a brief nervous chuckle.

"I think my life is complicated enough."

"So...this is not just a mere distraction?" Iola looked thoughtful, then looked at Aimee and shook her head.

"No, I don't think it's just that. I think that we are good friends. And I like being around you. If you or I have used the term distraction, I suspect it is because we want to stay grounded. Have a comfort zone established." She paused thoughtfully. "But...I do not think the term distraction is a fair one to use. I mean that's the term you might use if you solicited sex from a stranger to have a one nighter. Or, God forbid, a prostitute."

"So, we are using the term distraction as a rationale for our actions so we don't have to complicate things?" Iola bit her lip slightly, then nodded.

"Yes, I suppose that is accurate." She admitted. "But weren't you just saying you felt disloyal to Callie?" Aimee nodded.

"And, under certain circumstances I believe I do. Meaning that if I were just having cheap sex with a stranger it would be something that would weigh on my conscience." Aimee tossed her hands up. "Hell, I don't know. I guess you are right about not complicating life." Iola knew that Aimee felt insecure. Which was natural given the fact that she dated a married woman. She gave her a sideways glance and grinned.

"Well, girl. I don't recommend you try to have deep feelings for two married women. Just one seems to be pretty much enough." Aimee nodded knowingly.

"You're telling me!" Then turned back towards her. "But I could see it happening. For the record, I don't see what we just did as some simple distraction. But Cal and I have something special. Or I'd like to tell myself anyway. I guess as long as we keep this intimate element out in the open and with mutual understanding, it isn't really something that should bother me. All three of us are grown up and we are being transparent. Hell, if neither of you had husbands, we could all three just move to Utah and live happily ever after!" At this Iola let out a giggle.

"Girl, I don't think it works that way if you are of the same sex. Only seems to work if you're a guy and want six wives." Aimee nodded with mock disappointment.

"Well, guess it don't matter much since you have a husband you are crazy about." Iola glanced over.

"Well, I have a husband anyway." She reached over and grabbed her phone. "Hmm, surprised he hasn't called or texted again. Had the phone on silent and was half expecting it. Guess I will check the cameras." She flipped through her phone until she found her home security app. She looked over the history log, then nodded, and turned the phone to show Aimee. "There he is. Sawing logs in bed. Must have tied on a good one. He looks beat." Aimee raised an eyebrow.

"You have a camera in your bedroom?" She questioned. Iola rolled her eyes.

"Not what ya think. We used to keep Joey in our bedroom when he was younger. It was just there to keep an eye on him if I was somewhere else in the house. We just never got around to taking it down." Aimee nodded.

"Oh, that makes sense...Well, at least you didn't turn on the camera to see him entertaining anyone." Iola shook his head.

"Well, Joe isn't stupid enough to do that in any location."

"That's good. But it certainly seemed like you were thinking that just the same." Iola took a glass of wine off the nightstand and took a sip. She looked down at the glass thoughtfully while, swirlig the rose colored liquid. She remained silent for several moments then looked back over to her companion.

"I think my biggest fear is that he simply chooses to be dismissive about a woman who often flirts with him. One who flirts with him in front of his wife. I suspect they may have gone out to lunch a few times and he may have even told her tales to gain sympathy. But I really can't believe in my heart that he would go beyond that!"

"Well, where do you suspect he was all night?" Iola had wished she had a good answer for Aimee. Hell, she wished she had a good for herself. She sighed deeply.

"Well, if you want me to give you my opinion on worst case scenario, I would imagine it would be something like this." She paused, her eyes closed. "As you can probably remember from when we first met, my husband is a bit of a gambler. He has a history of it. Once upon a time we almost lost our house because of it." Aimee nodded.

"Yes, I recall Cal mentioning it."

"Well, he has been mostly good for a couple years now. But I suspect he has been occasionally deviating from the straight and narrow. Probably finding some local poker games with friends or associates. Dropping a few hundred here and there. It's not even so much he might do that now and then. It's just the fact that he lies about it ever happening. I have had reason to believe this has happened in the past. But he denies it entirely..."

"So, he has been out all night before without explanation?" Iola nodded.

"A few times in the last couple months. He claimed it was related to a case. But, he has no cases I know of that would require being out all night. I mean he is consultant on an ongoing security detail with local mall security, as well as other retail loss prevention related clients. He doesn't really have any open domestic or criminal cases going on for the last few months." Aimee smirked.

"Yeah, I guess there wouldn't be too many shoplifters at night." Iola nodded.

"Yep, loss prevention clients are the only ones he has contracts with right now. No stakeout necessary." Aimee shook her head.

"I guess I just don't get it. If he is having a boy's night out playing cards, why dig a deep hole with you? Why not just say so? How much damage can he do playing cards with the guys once a month?"

"I know, right? I guess he just fears that when the bad stuff happened before, I made it pretty clear I didn't want him gambling at all! So, my no tolerance policy may well have caused him to take any deviations and keep them on the down low. But, yes, I'd rather he just be open about it! I can live with him playing low stakes cards with the guys now and then. No real harm in that."

"So, how did he manage to get you to agree to let him go to Atlantic City last year? He could have dumped a lot of money." Iola held up a finger.

"True, but if you remember, I was there. And perhaps more importantly, his brother Frank, who is absolutely not a gambler was his full-time escort. I felt comfortable letting him play with some vacation money. I knew Frank would keep him on a leash. And well, I suppose one could consider that we traded off him gambling in a real casino for a weekend for me playing other games with Callie. Maybe we just exchanged our vises for the weekend."

"I guess when I walked into the picture that weekend he got more than he bargained for." Iola perked an eyebrow and gave Aimee a seductive look.

"I don't know about him, but I enjoyed the bonus." Aimee smiled and snuggled up next to her and laid her head on Iola's chest.

"Thanks for being here. I hope everything will be ok with you and Joe." Iola took a deep breath and ran her fingers through Aimee's hair and looked up at the ceiling.

"Well, I will give him another day to stew. Then I will go have it out with him. I'll tell him I'd rather he just be open with me about things like needing to go hang out with his buddies at a card game. And that I will promise I won't yell at him if he is just straight up with me. It's kind of a dumb thing to get all bent out of shape over when you think about it. We will also have to talk about his assistant and her in-office work ethic. He needs to understand that it hurts my feelings when she gets flirty with him." She sighed. "I'm not sure why he keeps her around anyway. Not like he has a heavy work schedule. And she should even know by this point that while he may like her flirtations, that when it comes to a woman in a formal relationship context, she is not at all his type! If she has ever pushed him in that direction, she had to have found out that he doesn't like women who act like that."

"I don't think I ever want to get married. Seems way too complicated." Aimee mused. She knew that maybe Iola was choosing a more palatable scenario for why Joe was absent. But it made little sense for her to bring up other potential causes. Iola, no doubt, preferred those to be the unthinkable. Aimee herself was not feeling wonderful about Callie being out with Chet. But she knew she couldn't really do anything about it. And thinking the worst would do her little good. "I wonder how Cal is doing with her estranged other half..." She wondered aloud.


Maddie looked across the small table at Jaime. The pair had been sitting there getting to know each other.

"So, you said you were here with your parents, Maddie?" Jaime asked casually as she took another sip of Coke. Maddie glanced over her shoulder, then pointed vaguely towards the other side of the rink.

"Yeah. They are hanging out over there. They were too afraid to skate." Maddie paused and looked around, then back at Jaime. "How about you? Are your parents somewhere around here, too?" she asked curiously. Jaime shook her head quickly.

"Oh, no. They are staying over at the motel across the way. We were just passing through and they were getting tired and wanted to stop for the night. So, they said I could come over here and hang out a while since I wasn't really tired." Maddie nodded.

"Well, that's cool."

"Were you guys staying over there, too?" Maddie shook her head.

"Nah. We live here in Bayport. We were just kind of having a family night out. It has been a while since I was out with both my mom and dad at once. They don't live together. So, we came here tonight." She took a long draw from the straw of her drink. "We were bowling earlier. The decided to get some dinner and I wanted to skate." Jaime smiled.

"Well, that's really good they took you out tonight."

"Yeah. I don't think they'd let me come here by myself though." Jaime grinned and nodded.

"Oh, overprotective parents?" Maddie shrugged a bit.

"Not obsessively so."

"Oh, sorry. I guess I was a little confused since you seemed plenty old enough." Maddie gave an awkward look down at herself.

"Oh, well. I am only 14." This seemed to surprise Jaime.

"Wow! Really? If you asked me, I'd have sworn you were probably 17, or even 18." Maddie turned slightly red.

"Oh, yeah. That happens a lot this last year. My parents say I have definitely had a growth spurt this last year. How old are you?"

"16. But dang, I am so surprised you are only 14. You look way older."

"Yeah...well..." Maddie mumbled self consciously. Jaime reached over and patted her on the shoulder.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you." She paused, looking her over. "You just definitely have it going on and the crop and all." Maddie smiled slightly, but again turned a shade of red.

"Oh. Yeah, I am surprised my mom hasn't come over here asking where my other shirt is. She made me wear this big button-down shirt over this. And, well, it was getting a bit warm in here."

Jaime took a deep breath. She so very much wanted to tell Maddie to go back and sit with her parents. To forget she ever saw her. Her stomach was beyond nervous. She felt sick inside.

"Are you ok?" Maddie asked, noting the troubled expression on Jaime's face. The girl did her best to push a forced smile on her face. She nodded.

"Uhm, yeah. Guess I haven't eaten in a while. My stomach was reminding me." Maddie nodded understandingly.

"Oh, you get that too? When I don't eat I get a really upset stomach and feel weak." She looked back over her shoulder. "Surprised my mom hasn't come over yet. We are going to eat soon. Would you like to join us?" Jaime bit her lip. She had pretty strict instructions not to hang out with any adults. But she also had another task to accomplish, as disturbing as it was. She slowly nodded.

"Well, sure. I mean if I am not intruding or anything." Maddie waved her concern off.

"Oh, don't worry about that. They are pretty laid back. Probably happy I actually met someone." Jaime raised an eyebrow.

"You don't have friends who come here, too?" Maddie looked down.

"Well, I guess I am a bit awkward to some kids at school. A lot of them don't want to hang out."

"Serious? Damn, girl. I'd want to hang out with you if we went to the same school. What is their problem?" Maddie gave a deep sigh. She seemed hesitant. She looked at Jaime, who seemed to give her a look, visually prompting her to continue.

"Well, my parents have a bit of money I guess you could say. And it got around school. So, a lot of kids just come off kind of cold. They think if you have a trust fund that you are unable to relate to them. I guess with that, and maybe another reason, they just don't feel like associating with me."

"Another reason?" Jaime asked with curiosity. Maddie shook her head.

"It's not really important." She said. The last thing she wanted to do is tell her new friend that though her mom is still married, she prefers the company of her younger girlfriend as opposed to her dad. Maddie definitely was made aware at school that a few less tolerant kids didn't like that her mother was in a same sex relationship. While Maddie did not care what they thought, there was no disputing that this had been a problem with some kids at school. She didn't really want to give this girl any reason to join with the others who had ostracized her.

"Fair enough." Jaime said with a casual shrug. Maddie was glad that she didn't get pressed on the issue.

"So, do you want to skate a few more times first?" Jaime smiled.

"You up for it? I hit you kind of hard and don't want you going back out there unless you feel up for it." Maddie nodded affirmatively.

"Yeah, I think I'm good." Jaime nodded.

"Let's go then!" She said. The pair got off their stools and made their way back into the rink.


"Do you see her?" Callie asked her husband as they looked towards the rink in hopes to get a glimpse of their daughter.

"Uh,no...wait a sec. Yeah, coming up on the left." He said pointing. Callie followed his direction and noticed Maddie was coming up. They watched as she and a girl they were not familiar with passed their end of the rink. Callie and Chet both noticed that the unknown girl was holding hands with Maddie. While this is a relatively common thing to see with friends skating, they were both taken a little bit aback.

"Wonder who she is?" Callie mused. Chet gave a shrug.

"Never saw her before. But at least she's a girl." Callie shot him a sideways glance.

"True. But still surprising to me. Maddie is not exactly a social butterfly. She is a bit too shy to be approaching other kids in a setting like this." She paused and looked down. "Or any setting for that matter." Chet nodded.

"Should we, uhm, go ask...?" Callie thought a moment and shook her head.

"Not right off. Let's give it a few and then go get her. It will be time to eat soon anyway." She looked towards the food counter. "Hopefully."

The two sat and watched for the next ten minutes as they watched Maddie and the unknown girl skate. The two appeared to get along well and they noticed more than once that their daughter was laughing.

"Seem to get along. Always a good thing." Chet noted of the pair. Callie nodded then stood up.

"Yeah. Let's go get her. She is going to need to eat anyway. She will start getting sinking spells if she doesn't get some food in her." The two started towards the other side of the rink, but didn't reach very far when they saw Maddie and her new companion were heading in their direction. Callie waved to them as they approached. Maddie smiled as they walked up.

"Hey, mom. Dad." She said with a casual wave. Callie smiled back.

"Hey, girl. Your dad and I saw you out on the rink. Looked like you were having fun." Chet nodded.

"Definitely. Say, Maddie...who is your friend?" Their daughter grinned and looked over at the brunette girl who had managed to smile at the couple.

"Oh, right. Mom and dad, this is Jaime. She picked me up off the floor earlier." The girl giggled at her.

"Only after I knocked you over!" She said, a bit embarrassed. Jaime looked briefly towards them with a shy grin. "Hi. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, Jaime." Callie said. Chet smiled.

"Do you guys know each other from school or something?" Maddie shook her head.

"Nah. We just met out on the rink. After we had our crash, we had a soda and talked. Say, would it be ok if Jaime had dinner with us?"

"Sure, baby!" Chet said gesturing to the pair. "Why don't you guys come over to the table." The pair raced on ahead. Chet gave Callie a sideways glance. "I'm guessing they are hungry. Say, I am going to get her chocolate shake."

"Better make that two." Callie said as she walked back towards the table.

"Right!"

Callie made her way back to their table where Maddie and Jaime were sitting. She took a seat across from them.

"Your dad is getting you that chocolate shake, baby. Oh, and you as well, Jaime. I hope that is ok?" Jaime smiled and nodded.

"Sure is. Thank you!" Jaime appeared well mannered to Callie. Though she did seem to avoid eye contact. Chet walked back and took a seat next to Callie.

"Drinks are on the way. And they said our food would be up shortly."

"Great." Callie said in a slightly exaggerated tone of parental exuberance. She wanted to make sure Jaime felt welcome. She had always been concerned about Maddie's lack of social life and was encouraged to see her daughter make a friend.

"So, Jaime..." Chet said with a gesture. "Are your parents around here, too?" Jaime glanced up at Chet briefly then looked back down.

"Oh. No. They are over at the motel across the road getting some rest. We just stopped over for the night. They drove quite a bit today."

"Oh?" Callie asked. "Where are you from, Jaime?" Jaime thought quickly in an effort to add to her already false tale.

"We started out in Boston. Well, outside of Boston, really."

"Where are you heading?" Chet asked.

"Uhm, we have a place we are staying near Marlboro Virginia." Jaime bit her lip briefly, realizing she had mentioned the general area where she really had been staying. She honestly wasn't totally sure where she had been staying. But knew Marlboro was relatively close based on the fact she had been driven through it on a few occasions.

"Well, it's lucky you found a place to stay that was just a two-minute walk from here." Jaime nodded.

"Yeah. Mom and dad were totally tired by the time we got this far south. They just said to not stay out too late and not disturb them when I came back."

"Pretty trusting." Callie observed. "How old are you, Jaime?"

"16."

"Well, it's very nice that you and Maddie ran into each other tonight." Jaime nodded.

"For sure." She said. She wasn't really sure how she was going to get Maddie over to the motel area. This was the prearranged area that Jaime needed to bring the selected girl to. If she didn't, there would be dire consequences.

Her thought was interrupted by a server coming up to their table with a tray of food and drinks. A few moments later he placed a large pizza in the middle of the table. Then placed shakes front of the girls and placed a short glass of Bushmills in front of Callie. She looked over to Chet.

"Well, thank you, babe. I was going to ask for one more, but didn't want to push my luck." Chet knew that his sister would have put Cal on a short leash if she were drinking in front of Maddie. And while Chet felt similarly, he didn't think that three drinks was going to push his wife into acting silly in front of their child.

"You are a big girl." Chet said simply. He wasn't going to regulate her drinking unless it became necessary.

"It is very nice of you to let me eat with you all." Jaime said.

"The least we can do for a friend of Maddie." Callie smiled to her. She was sorry that Jamie was not a local girl. Meeting someone from Bayport would be very beneficial for her daughter. She knew that Maddie had a limited social life at school. Perhaps, she thought, if she brought her to places like this more often, the situation could work itself out.

The next half hour passed with all four eating and having light conversation. Chet and Callie were both happy that their daughter had managed to find someone to socialize with. If only for the evening. Shortly after finishing, Maddie looked over to her new friend.

"Would you like to go to the arcade area?" Jaime paused, thinking about how much time had passed. But nodded then smiled back.

"Sure. Though I might have to go borrow some money from my dad's wallet since I am pretty tapped. Maybe you can run across the street with me?" Before Maddie could contemplate the request, Chet gave them both a smile as he reached into his pocket.

"No need for that." He said casually as he handed his daughter a $50 bill. "It's on me, girls." Jamie sighed internally at the gesture.

"That's nice of you, sir. But I'd hate to impose when it would be really easy just to run across the street..." Callie waved her hand dismissively.

"Don't you sweat it, Jaime. Besides, you probably don't want to wake your dad up after he drove all that way." Jaime pushed a smile.

"Yeah. I guess that is true." She said without much enthusiasm. "But thank you." She turned to Maddie. "Shall we go hit the arcade?"

"Yeah. Let's go." The two got up. Jaime looked at them briefly.

"Oh, and thank you for the meal. It was very nice of you." Callie smiled at her and held up a hand.

"Oh, wait up!" She said, searching through her purse. She took out her phone and opened the camera. She looked at them suggesting it would be cool if she could take their picture together. Maddie made a face at first, but then relented.

"Ok, mom." She said humoring her. Maddie put her arm around Jaime, who looked a little troubled by what was transpiring. She forced a smile. Callie snapped off a few quick shots and flashed a smile.

"Thanks for humoring your mom!"

"No problem." Maddie said casually as she and Jaime turned to leave.

"You two have fun!" Chet called to them. He and Callie watched the pair take their leave and head in the direction of the arcade area.

"Nice kid." Chet commented. Callie nodded, though there was something about Jaime that was a little disconcerting to her.

"Yeah, a little on the quiet side. At least in front of adults. Seemed a bit nervous." Callie shook her head a little and picked up her drink and took a long sip. "Or maybe I am just out of practice with teens and how they relate to adults these days. Chet sat back and nodded a bit, then shrugged.

"Maybe you and I are out of touch." he said with a slight chuckle. "But she did seem a little tense. The kid almost jumped out of her seat when her phone buzzed, but then didn't even take it out of her pocket to see who was messaging her."

"Yeah, that was a bit odd." Callie mused. She took another sip. "But hey, we have socialization going on with our kid. That can't be a bad thing." Chet shook his head.

"Nope."

"It's a shame she doesn't live in the area." Callie said as she nibbled on her leftover pizza crust.

"True. Brave kid wanting to go wake her old man up and borrow money." Callie nodded.

"Yeah. Pretty trusting parents. Well, maybe trusting isn't the right term. Just to let your kid go off across the street and spend hours at a bowling alley. Guess I am maybe a bit of a helicopter parent that way."

"Well, baby. Remember that she is 16, so maybe not that much out of the realm of possibility. The kid probably has a license. She may do such things regularly." Callie tilted her head, conceding the likelihood. She looked up for a moment and the picked up her phone off the table. She pulled up the pictures she just took of the pair and studied them. Chet looked at her curiously. "What's up?" Callie studied the picture for a moment then turned it to Chet.

"Does she look at all familiar to you? I swear I may have seen her before. Just not sure where." Chet sat up with an amused look then studied the picture. After a moment's thought he nodded.

"Yeah. Maybe so. Uhm, trying to remember her name." He said thoughtfully. Then snapped his fingers. "Yeah, Abigail Breslin. You know, the actress? Been doing movies since she was probably 5. That looks a lot like her when she was in that age range. Don't ask me to name the movies though." Callie blinked at him a few times and gave a slight laugh.

"Not what I was thinking." She said looking back down at her phone. "But I do have to admit you are right about that, too. I've seen a few of her movies." She set the phone down. "I just thought I saw that face before. But maybe just imagining it or confusing it with someone else." Chet reached over and placed his hand on hers.

"Keeping your detective skills honed. Nothing wrong with that." Callie tossed back the remainder of her drink and smiled to herself.

"Yeah. If I keep it up this way, our poor kid won't have any friends. You know that kid has spent most every night of the last year with me." Chet looked down sheepishly.

"Yeah, I know. I am really sorry about..." Callie held up her hand.

"Oh, I didn't mean that, baby. I just mean that aside from a few overnights with grandparents and Aunt Iola, Maddie has spent every night with me. I am just sorry that she hasn't adapted well in school. At that age she should be asking to go to sleepovers a couple times a month. Hell, I spent probably 5 nights a month spending the night with Iola. Well, you know that." Chet grinned to her.

"Yeah, but Iola would always stuff a wad of paper in the keyhole of her bedroom door so I couldn't see." He lamented in an exaggerated tone. Callie winked at him.

"You should have tried harder, hun." Chet looked up towards the ceiling.

"Well, you know... I regarded that as Frank's turf. So didn't want to seem to disrespectful or creepy." He thought for a moment and held up his finger. "However, there was that one time. Quite accidental as you may recall. I guess you were about 16. I was innocently knocking on the upstairs bathroom door thinking Iola was hogging it. And instead you swung the door wide open, obviously assuming it was only Iola based on the state of your attire...or lack thereof." A silly grin crossed Chet's lips as he recollected the event. Callie covered her face for a moment as she also remembered.

"Oh, God! I remember that!" She looked over to him and perked her eyebrows. "You got yourself a show that day, didn't ya?" Chet sighed then nodded slowly.

"Oh yeah. That was a wonderful day in my book. Definitely good for 3 long days of pent up frustration." Callie's eyes broadened and a smile creased her lips.

"You didn't, uhm, take care of matters, hun?" Chet turned slightly red and nodded.

"Yeah, several times actually. But after that image was seared into my mind..." He turned quiet for a moment with a grin on his face. "Well, like I said, Frank's turf. What could I do?" Callie gave a slight grunt.

"Oh, baby. I was only 15 or 16 at the most then. I quite assure you that it was not Frank's turf. In fact, this definitely establishes that you were the first guy to see me nude. At that time, Frank was only still dreaming about any visual gratification. By that point, the only thing that may have happened is that he got some through the clothes side breast groping." Chet nodded.

"Well, that of course doesn't surprise me now. But back then, a teenager could let their imagination wonder about such things." Chet sat back and smiled thoughtfully as he looked into space.

"Something else you are recollecting, sweetie?" Callie asked her husband. Chet gave an inward chuckle and gestured to her.

"Well, I did remember when that happened. And recall after you opened the door that you didn't immediately slam it. You got this look on your face. I really can't define what it meant. Though I suspect my eyes were focusing in on other things. But you looked at me and said 'Oh, hi there.' and then eventually shut the door. I assumed you were just super embarrassed and it took you a minute to react."

"Well, maybe I didn't close the door right away for another reason." Callie gave him a seductive look. "Maybe I just wanted you to take me then and there." Chet shot her a look.

"Thanks for the ego boost, baby. But I am pretty sure you just had a delayed reaction as you were probably shocked and embarrassed." Callie giggled.

"I'm sure you're right. But it might surprise you to know, now that you brought it up and I had a chance to remember. There was also a bit of a thrill in it for me."

"Serious?" Chet looked genuinely surprised.

"Yes. I remember seeing you standing there and you didn't blink once. It really served to help me figure out that I must be kind of pretty to have evoked that kind of stunned look. And yes, I remember you had a pretty stunned look on your face. You didn't laugh. You didn't run away. You just stood there taking it in." Chet reddened.

"Sorry, when I think about it, that wasn't exactly the honorable thing to have done." Callie smiled slightly as she held up her empty glass and looked down inside it, hoping to find a few remaining drops.

"Honorable or not. It served to help me overcome self-doubt." She paused, then looked over at him. "You remember, our friend Frank was not the type to freely express his admirations. I mean at the time I could probably count on one hand how many times he called me pretty."

"It didn't mean he didn't think you weren't attractive. But I get what you're saying. Everyone needs that affirmation from time to time."

"Yeah." Callie said quietly as she set the glass down. She looked up. "I'd ask for another drink, but it's not exactly fair for me to get to drink and you don't." Chet cleared his throat.

"Well, Cal. It's not my place to really regulate your drinking. I'd say three drinks in as many hours is not exactly representing a problem." Callie's eyes shifted down.

"Well, I know. I am just sure my best friend and your sister probably told you to keep an eye on my intake." Chet nodded.

"She did mention it, yes. But not in an overly concerning way. She even told me that you don't drink nearly as much as you used to." Callie shrugged.

"But it was concerning enough that she mentioned it. Kind of a hypocrite when you think about how much she can toss back when she is so inclined."

"I don't think she is concerned about how much you drink as much as just not doing it to excess in front of Maddie." Callie nodded slowly.

"Yeah, I know. And I am pretty good about avoiding that particular scenario. But I tell you what. Since I am pacing myself pretty well and well within my limits, I think I will have another. Why don't you have a beer?" Chet gave reluctant gesture.

"Well, baby, I would love one. But as I am driving I don't think it would be appropriate." Callie smiled at him.

"Well, you don't have to drive." Chet nodded.

"Well, that is true. We could call a cab."

"Or..." Callie gestured towards the door. "There is that nice little place across the way." Chet's eyebrows raised noticeably.

"The motel? You want to stay there? Uhm, I don't know..."

"Ah!" Callie began. "The snob come out." Chet looked a bit confused.

"Snob? What do you mean, sweetie?" Callie looked over at her husband with a knowing look.

"Yeah. I mean the place is just some unfranchised hole in the wall place. Probably not worthy for folks who live in the Hamptons." Chet finally caught on to what she was inferring. He shook his head.

"Oh, I see what you are saying. And I suppose I am fair game for such an accusation. But I assure you I'd have no problem staying there at all. It's just that I don't know how cozy Maddie would be in a one room unit watching an even lightly tipsy mom and dad." Callie smiled with relief. At least he wasn't being a snob.

"Well, I dare say we could afford two rooms next to each other." Chet raised an eyebrow in question.

"All this, so we can increase our blood alcohol level without fear of having to drive." Callie rolled her eyes.

"Well, I wouldn't have put it so clinically. I just mean it might be fun to hang out in kind of a neutral environment. And maybe Maddie and her friend can hang out for a bit before she has to go back to her parent's room." Chet sat in thought for a moment.

"Well, I mean, as long as you don't think that by me agreeing that you think I have...any..uhm, expectations." Callie looked at Chet with an expression of complete respect.

"I didn't think you did. You have been a complete gentleman." Chet reddened at the words.

"Well, I just figured I'd mention it." He stood up. "I will get us a libation." Callie nodded with a smile.

"Thank you."


Jamie and Maddie had just completed a rather spirited game of air hockey and stopped to take a break.

"Another Coke?" Maddie asked as they stood before a large vending machine. Jaime nodded.

"Yeah, thanks!" Maddie proceeded to purchase a couple bottles and they walked to a nearby table.

"I didn't think I could get out of breath just playing air hockey!" Maddie confessed as she took a long drink.

"Know what you mean." Jaime said a bit passively. A moment later her phone sounded an alert tone. Jaime jumped slightly and took a breath. She reached to her back pocket to retrieve her phone. After fiddling with it nervously she looked down at the screen. A single emoji. A clock. Jaime bit her lip.

"Everything alright?" Maddie asked. Jaime nodded and swallowed hard.

"Uhm, yeah."

"Your mom and dad asking where you are?" Jaime shook her head.

"Oh, no. Just a friend of mine. Just didn't really want to talk to them. But I guess I should."

"Oh? Like a guy kind of friend." Jaime squirmed in her seat a bit uncomfortably.

"I guess you could say that." She looked at the time. 8:57PM. She knew that she needed to text back. Specifically, she knew that the emoji meant that she needed to text back a time when she would be over at the motel with his selection. Jaime was not at all sure how she was going to accomplish it. But she had to buy time. Another deep breath and she typed 11:30 into the text message and hit send. She let the phone drop to the table. Maddie looked over at her empathetically

"Sorry. Seems like you are having trouble with this guy?" Jaime looked back over with a sad expression. She so very much wanted to tell Maddie to run back to her mom and dad. To get in their car and get out of this place. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. She opened them and looked back at Maddie.

"Yeah, I guess you could say I am." She pushed a casual smile. "So, are you all staying till close?"

"When does it close?"

"I think 4:00AM. Pretty late." Maddie shook her head.

"No, I don't see that happening. My parents are kind of just getting used to each other again. I don't think they can sit around at a table that much longer."

"Yeah, I guess that's probably true. Maybe you should check on them." Maddie shrugged, then nodded.

"Guess you are probably right. I might have been assuming they would be nice to each other all night. And they have been, so far. But I know that might change."

Perhaps Jaime had hoped that Maddie would leave before 11:30 and she wouldn't have to carry out any plan. As problematic as that could be for her. The two walked from the arcade area and soon were standing back at the table with Callie and Chet.

"Have a seat, guys." Callie invited. Chet nodded.

"Definitely. Run out of money yet?" Maddie giggled and shook her head.

"Dad, you gave me $50 and we have only been gone about an hour." Chet shrugged.

"Well, just checking. Wasn't sure what those games charge."

"So, you two bored?" Callie asked. They shook their heads.

"No." Maddie said. "I was wondering how long we were staying." Chet took a deep breath and sat back.

"Well, baby, your mom and I were just talking about that." Maddie looked down a bit sad.

"Yeah, was kind of thinking you guys were getting tired of just sitting here. All the noise and stuff." Callie saw the dejected look on her daughter's face. She knew Maddie was having a good time there and in the company of a girl pretty much her own age.

"Well, girl. Your dad and I had an idea."

"Oh?" Callie nodded.

"Yeah. He has had a couple beers and I have had a few drinks. So, we were thinking the responsible thing to do would maybe go spend the night at that motel across the road. We thought we could get two connecting rooms. Maybe Jaime could hang out with you and watch movies or something till she had to go back to her room."

Jaime looked at them. Both happy that the opportunity to finish her job had presented itself. But also had a very sinking feeling in her stomach for the same reason. Maddie nodded and then looked at Jaime.

"Yeah, that could be fun. I mean if you are able to do that. If you think it would be ok with your parents." Jaime nodded a bit absently. She smiled at Maddie.

"Yeah, as long as I am ready to go by 8 in the morning. That is when they said they would be leaving."

The idea that Jaime's parents apparently didn't care what their daughter did, provided she was ready to go by eight the next morning seemed to concern Callie. Even at age 16 she would think it reasonable to expect your child to check in with you with some regularity. In a way, it would be of some benefit if she could help ensure the youth was not hanging out in the bowling alley during the later hours. No doubt that a more colorful clientele would be present after midnight. And a young woman like Jaime could get herself into trouble if she ran into the wrong people. Callie smiled to them both.

"Well, super! You two can hang out and watch TV, talk and whatever else in the comfort of a nice hotel room." She looked at Jaime "Maybe you should just let your parents know, so they don't worry if they get up and don't see you." Jaime nodded.

"Yes, I will text my mom so she will know."

"Thank you, Jaime. When we know the room number you can let her know. Thanks for humoring me." Jaime smiled back.

"It's ok. I know it's a mom thing."

"Well, if you ladies are ready to go?" Chet said rising up. "Got to admit, the noise of the place gets to you after a while."

"Gotta admit, the echo of the bowling and music was getting to me." Callie said. Jaime looked at her phone. 9:23PM.

"Yeah, guess it's time." She said half-heartedly. Maddie noted her lack of enthusiasm.

"If you are tired, or just don't want to hang out, I totally understand." Again, Jaime felt enormous internal stress. Clearly, she did not want to see anything bad happen. She really came to like Maddie over the course of the evening. But she knew if she did not do as she was told, there would be Hell to pay.

"Oh, I want to. Guess I was just a bit overwhelmed with so much today. I mean long road trip and then being here for so long. But yes, let's go hang out. We will have fun!"

The group finally left the building at 9:31PM.

The Gardenway Motel had been there since the early 1950s. It was an old two-story brick front building that housed 60 rooms. It had seen little renovation over the years. It was designed to serve road weary travelers with an economical lodging choice, and little more. Entry to all rooms was from the outside.

Callie, Maddie and Jaime waited outside with the cool evening breeze blowing softly against their faces. The constant sound from the interstate was fairly overwhelming.

"I'm surprised your parents can sleep here with sound of all these cars, Jaime." Callie said. The youth gave a slight laugh.

"Well, they were pretty tired. So, doubt it stopped them."

A moment later Chet emerged from the office. He smiled as he approached.

"Two rooms right next to each other." he said holding up two keys.

"Wow, they still use real keys?" Chet chuckled and nodded.

"Yeah, I was surprised too. But the office didn't look like it has had a remodel since the 70s. So, no real shock I guess."

"Are the rooms connected?" Chet shook his head.

"Nope. Bare bones economy living here, baby. I doubt too many people who come here are looking for connecting rooms. But they are right next to each other. First floor. Rooms 121 and 122." Callie shrugged.

"Fair enough. Let's find them." The group walked along the concrete walkway which had numerous cracks. They had gone about three quarters of the way down when Chet pointed up at the door.

"Here we are." He took the key and inserted it. Upon swinging the door open a musty smell greeted them. Chet flipped the light on to reveal a dingy looking room. It had two twin size beds on the left side of the room. An open door which presumably led to a bathroom. A table and two chairs which were clearly remnants from the late 60s or early 70s. A small TV sat on a metal stand across from the beds. Chet and Callie looked at each other.

"Tell me you didn't drop more than $50 on this room." Chet shook his head.

"$29.99 plus tax, baby."

"I can see why." Callie gave a brief shutter.

"Now who's the snob?" Chet teased. Callie smirked.

"Me, I guess." Maddie and Jaime walked in. Maddie shrugged and smiled.

"Suits me." she said simply. Jaime smiled and nodded.

"Yeah. I actually think this room is a little nicer than my parent's room upstairs." Callie, who seemed a little apprehensive at the state of the rooms glanced over to Chet, who gave a casual shrug.

"Well, if you ladies aren't going to complain, I guess we won't." He took a six pack of Coke from the bag he was carrying and placed it on the table. "Some drinks for you gals." Callie looked over the room apprehensively.

"Ok, you two. We will just be in the next room over. If you need anything at all!" Maddie gave her mom a dismissive wave and nodded.

"We're good, mom. It's ok to go to your room. Have a drink and the room may look better." Callie looked around.

"I think you may be right. Ok, baby. Just knock if you need, or text." Maddie nodded. Chet gestured towards the door.

"Come on, Cal. There is a whole other room you can get scared by." Callie laughed.

"Sounds good." She said waving at the two. "See you guys later."

Chet and Callie closed the door and walked a couple steps to their room. Chet offered Callie the key.

"You want to do the honors?" Callie smirked.

"Nah, if there are wild animals or transients in there, I want them to deal with you first." Chet nodded.

"As you wish, ma'am." He said and slid the key into the doorknob.

Upon entering they were not really surprised to see a room with a similar layout to the one next door. In this case the room had the same two twin beds, but also had a chair in the corner. There was also a small table and two chairs. A television sat on a dresser. The room was adorned with a rather disturbing layer of shag carpet.

"I think we had this same carpet in our living room when I was young." Chet commented. Callie stepped on it and made a face.

"Yeah, but I'm pretty sure your mom probably shampooed theirs, unlike this one." Chet smiled and nodded.

"Probably." he said and sat down at the table. He placed his bag on the table and pulled out a bottle of Bushmills. "But I did bring a little treat from the bar at the bowling alley." Callie smiled.

"You came prepared. Knowing we would be traveling into dangerous territory you made sure to bring provisions."

"True enough." Chet acknowledged. "But if you want it cold, you need to hit the ice machine." Callie smiled.

"I think I can handle that." She said grabbing a nearby ice bucket. "Be right back."

Ten minutes later.

10:41PM

Chet poured the Buchmills into the ice filled glasses. Callie smiled and picked one up. She sat in one of the chairs across from Chet. She took a generous sip, then looked up.

"Thanks again." Chet shrugged.

"I didn't do anything." Callie nodded.

"Oh, but you did. You have been defying your well-established norm ever since you came back. A definite positive change." She took a sip. "I am pretty sure if ten days ago anyone would have told me that my estranged husband and I would be talking in a civil tone to each other while sitting in a dive of a motel so our daughter could socialize...well, let's just say I wouldn't have taken that bet."

"I suppose it just means that none of us are beyond help if we choose to reach for it." He sat quietly. Callie took a deep breath, then finished her drink.

"For what it's worth, I am sorry I misjudged you. I haven't been exactly been doing much to get you and Maddie back on track. I mean I haven't been sitting around dissing on you or anything. But I also haven't exactly pushed for Maddie to take some of those weekends that she skipped out on because she didn't think you would be around for any quality time. So, I guess it still puts some of the blame on me. I should have been a better parent." Chet looked up at her. The same easy going expression on his face.

"We both fucked up, Cal. But I think we both want what's best for the kids and we know that now. We are more conscious of it. So, don't expect me to be as perfect as you think I have become from here on out. Because, honestly I am not." Callie sniffled a bit.

"Well, just don't put me on any pedestal either." Chet nodded.

"Fair enough. We can just do our best from here on out. Mistakes and all." Callie nodded. She took the bottle and poured another drink. She looked over at Chet.

"You hardly touched yours." Chet picked up his glass and took a sip. He coughed and cleared his throat.

"Smooth." He smiled. Callie let out a flurry of giggles.

"Ah, you never were big on the hard stuff. Give you a Corona and you were generally good to go when it came to drinking." Chet smiled, then reached into the bag. He pulled out a large bottle of Corona Extra.

"Guess I was prepared for this little eventuality."

"Hope it's cold. You never liked your beer warm."

"Who does?" Chet said as he took out the bottle opener attachment arm from his pocket knife. He popped the cap off and it flew across the room. Callie looked at him with mock disapproval.

"Now you have to find that before someone steps on it."

"Not sure that will happen." he grunted as he looked down at the deep shag carpet. "Probably lost forever down there with 28 other bottle caps and God knows what else." He took a long swig. Callie smiled to him. Was this really the same guy she came to be so distant from? It's as if he somehow managed to rewind his life a good five years. There was no disputing it for Callie. She saw certain things in Chet that she had assumed were long gone. She picked up her glass and attempted to slam back the rest of her drink. Unfortunately, her arm had over tilted the glass to far up and much of the drink and all the ice cubes poured all over her.

"Aww, shit!" She exclaimed looking down at her clothes. "That was pretty clumsy, Cal." She rolled her eyes and stood up. "Excuse me, guess I will check out the restroom. This stuff gets sticky on the skin. I'd better wash my face." Chet smiled and nodded.

"Be careful in there." He said with a gesture and picked up his beer and took another drink. Callie rushed into the bathroom.

"Ewww!" Callie could be heard. Chet gave a chuckle.

"That bad?" He called over.

"You could say that. Send out a search party if I don't come back." She said and closed the door.

Chet smiled with an amused expression and took out his phone. He figured he would have a few minutes to check his emails. He spent the next few minutes returning email messages. He closed his email app and placed the phone on the table. He looked over to the bathroom door which was still closed. After another drink of beer Chet picked his phone back up and opened up his texts. He figured it would be less intrusive if he sent a quick text to Maddie to make sure she was ok. He thought she might be getting freaked out with the room or need something. He tapped a quick note out to her and sent it. Within two minutes a reply came as the phone buzzed. He looked down at the screen.

"YES, DAD. EVERYTHING IS FINE. WE ARE JUST WATCHING TV. GET SOME REST. I LOVE YOU!"

Chet smiled. It made him feel good to hear her say that. With All the shortsightedness he had displayed in recent times. He didn't really feel worthy of the statement. But he was very happy he had such a forgiving daughter. He typed back. "I Love You Too!" He put his phone down, his face still painted with a goofy smile.

Chet sighed deeply and took another drink. He looked at the time 10:56. Callie had been in the bathroom well over ten minutes. Chet stood up figuring he might as well checkout the vintage bathroom which had made Callie shutter when she had previously entered. He had also drunk a sufficient quantity and needed to relieve himself. He walked up to the door and paused. He knocked lightly.

"Hey Cal. You said I should send a search party if you didn't co..." His words ceased as the door opened. Chet looked wide eyed when he saw Callie, standing in the doorway without a stitch of clothing on. He took in her form with a deep felt appreciation and desire. His eyes shifted to her face. he offered her a kind smile.

Callie looked genuinely vulnerable. A look of uncertainty on her face. She wasn't sure if she was being overly forward with her husband. It had been so very long.

"Oh. Hi there." She said softly.


10:59PM

Maddie and Jaime sat on one of the beds. Not paying particular attention to the TV show that was on. A moment later Jaime's phone buzzed. Maddie looked at the stressed expression that immediately crossed her friend's face.

Jaime retrieved the phone and looked down guardedly at the screen. This time a brief message: ETA1130? then two emojis: Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down. Followed by a "?". Jaime exhaled slowly.

"You ok?" Maddie asked. "You really look stressed out. No guy is worth it if he does this to you." Jaime looked forward into space.

"Well, sometimes you don't have any choice." She said with a tear forming in the corner of her eye. She looked back down at the screen and selected one emoji for the reply text: Thumbs Up. She closed her eyes and hit the send button.

"Not sure I understand." Maddie said, quite oblivious to what Jaime had said. Jaime shook her head slightly.

"It's not important." She looked over to her friend. "Another drink? I'm thirsty again. Maddie nodded, still a little frustrated over Jamie's dismissiveness. She was hoping she would get to hear more about this possibly boyfriend that was sending her disturbing messages.

Jaime got up from the bed and took their glasses off the side table and took them over to the small round table where the soda and ice were. She looked over her shoulder to make sure she wasn't being too closely observed. She fished around in her small handbag. A moment later she pulled out a small vial that contained a dark liquid. Jaime closed her eyes briefly and said a silent prayer. "Please forgive me for what I have to do." Jaime quickly opened the small vial and poured its contents into one of the glasses.

"Everything ok?" Maddie asked, observing Jaime's tenseness. Jaime reacted to her words by accidentally tossing the small vial onto the carpet. She bit her lip as she quickly poured the drinks. She halfway turned.

"Oh, yeah. Sure. I just was looking through my purse for something." Maddie got up and walked over.

"Oh, did you lose something? Can I help?" She started looking about. Jaime shook her head and reached into her purse and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. Maddie looked a bit surprised. "You smoke?" She asked. Jaime gave a shrug.

"I guess. A little. Just when I'm nervous." This wasn't really true at all. Jaime had accidentally stumbled upon the pack of Marlboro Red cigarettes. For some reason she chose to keep them. Maddie sat down at the table.

"Oh, I don't smoke." She said quietly. Jaime offered a nervous grin and tossed the pack down on the table.

"Well, like I said, I really don't much either. In fact, I won't even open that pack. You know, once you open a pack you tend to smoke them faster. Like opening up a box of M&Ms. Can't have just one." She pointed down at the drink. "Better drink your Coke, girl. Will get watery with the melting ice." Maddie nodded and took the glass.

"Yeah, that does tend to take the kick out of it." She started drinking. Jaime took her own glass and drank. She looked nervously down at Maddie as she watched her consume the whole glass.

Time: 11:08PM

Maddie was feeling very comfortable as she sat in the chair. She developed a glowing look on her face and she smiled up at Jaime.

"Wow. This bottle had some good stuff in it!" He speech was slightly slurred. Jaime looked down and nodded tensely. She took her phone out to make sure no other messages had been sent. There were none. Maddie looked up. "Dang, that was good. Hey, you got your phone out? Cool. Take my picture." Jaime nodded. She knew the drug was taking a strong effect on her.

"Sure, girl." She opened her camera and took several pictures of Maddie sitting there in various states of facial expression. Maddie stood up and walked over to Jaime.

"Now, let's take one together." She put her arm around Jaime, who reversed the camera and took a few selfies of the two. Maddie mistepped to the side and almost fell to the floor. "Wow. I don't know what's going on." She said, becoming self-aware of her condition. And that it likely hadn't been caused by Coca-Cola. "I think I better lay down." Jaime helped her to the bed.

"You'll be ok, Maddie." Maddie rubbed her head.

"I just feel very woozy." The effects from the drug were causing her to quickly lose consciousness. Maddie pulled Jaime towards her and held on to her. "Don't leave me alone. Promise...me." Her eyes closed and she fell limp.

"I promise." Jaime said softly as tears fell along her cheek. She laid next to Maddie for several moments. Thinking about the whole nasty mess she was in. And now was causing for others. She had done this once before and was disgusted in having any part in it. But she knew she had little choice in the matter.

She looked down at her phone. 11:23PM.

It wouldn't be long now.

She got up off the bed and stood there, looking around in a confused state. She quickly walked back over to the table and picked up the pack of cigarettes and shoved them into her small purse. She walked over to the window and peered out.

Time: 11:27PM. A moment later her phone buzzed. She looked down. The text message read: AC? Jaime knew that was the final check before he came. He was checking to ensure everything was All Clear for him to come. Jaime tapped 122, then the 'thumbs up' emoji and hit send.

Two minutes later an older van with just its running light on slowly drove into sight. It eventually slid into a parking spot in front of the room. Jaime's pulse rate increased significantly. Her heart pounding. She heard a light tap on the door. Swallowing hard she reached over and unlocked the door and opened it.

A figure wearing a ski mask quickly walked in and closed the door. The man had a medium build and wore jeans, work boots and a black hoodie. He gruffly walked past Jaime and stopped at the foot of the bed. He looked at the figure of the blonde girl laying on the bed. His eyes widened beyond the slits of his mask.

"Yeah, you did good this time." He rasped towards Jaime. Lucky for you! Come on, now! Help me get her to the van." Jaime closed her eyes a moment.

"Do we have to ta...take her? She was so scared." The figure turned towards her suddenly.

"Got no time for your soft-hearted shit, girl. Help me if you know what's good for you!" Jaime paused. This action alone seemed to send him into a rage. He reached out and grabbed Jaime by the throat and slammed her into the wall with a resounding thud. His breath upon her as he got up into her face. "Look, bitch. You know who I have in one of my little rooms, don't you? You obviously remember?!" Jaime nodded fearfully.

"Yea...Yeah."

"Well, one misstep from you and she will be the next one tied to a tree!" He paused to let that sink in. "I'm sure I don't have to have this conversation with you twice?" Jaime shook her head quickly.

"N..no! You don't." she gasped in fear. He took his hand away from her throat and pushed her violently into a bed. She fell backwards and over it. In the process, her phone slid out of her back pocket.

"Get up!" He rasped. "Help me!" Jaime wasted no time. She helped her captor take hold of Maddie's limp form. They placed her arms around each of their necks and proceeded towards the door. He pointed down at her purse. "Grab your bag. Come on!" he urged.

Jaime bent down quickly and took her bag. Her captor paused at the window and peered around the heavy curtain to look outside. When he was satisfied there was no one out there he grabbed the door knob with his gloved hand and swung it open. They quickly went through the door. He paused just long enough to set the lock and shut the door behind them.

They quickly got Maddie to the van, where he slid open a side door. they laid her down gently on the floor. He turned to Jaime.

"Stay back there with her. If she by chance wakes up, keep her quiet." Jaime nodded fearfully and jumped into the back.

The figure deftly crept back around the rear of the van and slid into the driver's seat.

Three minutes later, the van took the southbound exit ramp onto the interstate and disappeared into the night.