~Chapter 5:

That Sense of Nostalgia~

Inside the living room of the Steele Residence, Rebecca spent a majority of the afternoon arranging a stockpile of boxes filled with unnecessary junk. She stood around in her grey sweater sporting black sweat pants as if she was in the midst of a training exercise. Rebecca blew the front strands of her blonde hair exhausted from all the heavy lifting conducted. With her hands on her hips, she paused momentarily to relieve her body from performing any more physical activity.

This intermission would be short lived when she overheard the sound of a doorbell that echoed throughout the house. Rebecca opened the door to spot Kaitlin standing by the front of her porch.

"Hey Kaitlin, how have you been?" Rebecca wondered.

"Ryan told me he was finishing up repairs for my car today. So he texted me to stop by your place and I can pick up my car from there," Kaitlin explained.

"Sure thing, come in," said Rebecca directing the reporter and close friend inside of her house.

"It's so good to see you," she welcomed with a formal greeting. "Did J.B drop you off just now?"

"J.B is still teaching at the dojo. I called a cab to bring me here," Kaitlin told her as Rebecca guided the reporter into the main floor of the house.

"Gosh it's been so long since I've stepped foot here." Kaitlin said. She removed her brown fur coat looking to hang it by the coating rack. She began to smell paint odor coming from the living room.

"It looks like you've been doing some remodeling," she added. They stepped inside to find the room spacious and nearly hollow. Much of the furniture was pushed further away from the grey walls that cornered the area. Pieces of blue scotch tape extended the entire perimeter of the room.

"It looks like you're getting around in remodeling the house?" Kaitlin assumed judging from her observation.

"Ryan and my husband were in the middle of painting the walls before the incident," said Rebecca. "Between my husband's work at the lab and the yard sale we've been planning, remodeling was at the bottom of our to-do list."

Kaitlin and Rebecca paused to reflect on the somber note they've been reminded of.

"How are you guys holding up?" Kaitlin asked curiously.

"It's been difficult but we're hanging in there," she answered. "Quite honestly, this place has been quiet and it just doesn't feel right."

"I can imagine knowing how that feels like," Kaitlin said with empathy. "Is Ryan around by any chance?"

"He had to run off to grab something from the auto shop," she answered. "Would you like to have something to drink? I could bring out some coffee or soda if you like?" Rebecca provided with an offer.

Kaitlin smiled admiring her support with gratitude.

"Thanks but I can do without. Besides I already had enough coffee for this week," she politely declined. While navigating the house, Kaitlin would approach a wide range of photo stills placed above the white beam of the brick fireplace.

"Wow, look at all of this," she mumbled. As her eyes drew vividly in fascination, Kaitlin took a glance to reflect a set of picture frames that harkens back to days gone by. On the left hand, some group of photos display individual members of the Steele Family during their childhood. Over on the right contain images of the threesome taken from infamous global attractions; one includes them standing beside the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Next to it was a photo taken during a trip in Japan standing in front of the Tokyo Dome. Another image also includes their visit in Thailand in which they were shown standing next to the statue of Buddha.

"You guys must have had quite the adventure," said Kaitlin continuing to observe the photo stills.

"We've saved so much money to afford these expensive trips. It was a life time I wish I could go back and relive those days," Rebecca confessed.

"Hey do you remember that photo you took with all of us when Ryan and I were playing Little League? I was looking over at his Facebook page and I couldn't spot it in his album. Did you still happen to include that in a memorabilia by any chance?" Kaitlin wondered.

"I think I might have it. It should be somewhere in the basement," said Rebecca. She opened the door that led to a stairwell to the bottom floor of her home. As Kaitlin waited patiently, she continued to examine the photo stills of her best friend along with the parents they helped grow to raise. A sparkle of amazement lit up from her face. Feeling overjoyed by nostalgia, she began to recollect some of these moments in her head, ones that she had almost since forgotten. Each time she visited the house, she would come across still photos of the Steele Family inside their living room. The influence she had with the people around her would be a contributing factor in her transition from childhood into adulthood.

As Rebecca returned to the living room, she opened the memorabilia book to showcase more snapshots. However, not only did it contain a plethora of family stills of the Steele Family. Flipping from page to page, each contains photos that include their friends and close neighbors. In Kaitlin's case, one notable image that captured her attention includes a still frame shot of her standing alongside Ryan, Tyler, and the rest of their local baseball team standing behind the bleachers. At a time before the overwhelming load of work at the newspaper began to take its toll, Kaitlin would be reminded of the positive times in her life that made her into the person she became.

"This was when we won our first regional playoff game. Our team almost choked at the beginning. Next thing you know, we managed to bounce back and scored the lead," Kaitlin said shedding a tear drop that dampened from her eye.

Rebecca flipped to another page to find a photo they shot with the Steele Family along with J.B, Kaitlin, and their respective families congregating on a beach boardwalk.

"I remember we took this photo at Santa Monica during spring break. It was a few months before your high school graduation so we agreed we have our last family vacation there," Rebecca reminisced.

"I was such a snob wanting in on the attention," Kaitlin snickered before taking a glimpse at another photo. "Is there another memorabilia that's in one of those boxes you have out here?"

"For all I know, these are the only ones I've managed to find," Rebecca informed.

"One thing my parents told me is that even if you weren't able to get a photo shoot, you can still cherish the memories as long as they remain in your heart," Kaitlin spoke with wisdom.

"Now that's a very valid point." Rebecca nodded in agreement. As Kaitlin got up from the ground, she flexed out her arms for a bit from the numbness of sitting on the wooden floor.

"All these photos are reminding me of some good times we had," Kaitlin mumbled absorbing the flowing tears of memories that have clouded her emotionally.

Rebecca closed the memorabilia before placing it on the shelf. As she approached the kitchen hall, she grabbed a cold beverage of root beer from the refrigerator before taking a sip of the liquid.

Kaitlin soon followed looking to continue to engage in their conversation.

"It's okay Rebecca. You'll pull through," she assured. Subsequently, Rebecca left the bottle on the table after managing to consume the fluid.

"Every day I still think of him. Even when I'm at work, I can't go on for one second without being reminded of the fact he was taken away from me." The police commissioner let out a confession that has left her questioning the circumstance in play. Could she have known about the incident at her husband's worksite coming from a mile away? Would it have made any difference if she had been there to stop the intruder that instigated the breach that fateful night? All these insecurities Rebecca had to ask boils down to a matter of internal conflict.

"I can't say I have experience working under law enforcement. But you can't blame yourself for what happened. There's no way of guaranteeing how you could have changed the scenario if Tyler had gotten out alive," Kaitlin elaborated in her attempt to ease the anxiety that enveloped from the chief.

"I was there. I barged into the lab when there was a fire hazard that could have killed me. I didn't want to hold back and let someone take my husband's life," Rebecca counter argued. "Every time I look at that bottle, I just want the torment to go away. It makes me feel in a way that allows me to take matters in my own hands. For someone who's been climbing up the police ranks to get to where I am, I'm not afraid to sacrifice myself to save victims' lives, my husband included."

As their meeting molded into a personal pep talk, Kaitlin looked to inquire about the dubious circumstance surrounding Tyler's tragedy.

"I honestly don't mean to interrogate with everything that has happened. Did you and your team happen to track down the suspect responsible for the fire at the lab?" She asked much to Rebecca's wavering.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to get too involved with my feelings," said Rebecca. Despite the chief's emotional roller coaster, Kaitlin offered her moral support by encouraging the chief to vent out an anecdote. "Hardly anyone would believe me if I say this."

"It's okay. Even if it means losing my job over this, I'm not going to leak this information out to the public," Kaitlin assured. "It's just you and me face to face."

Rebecca took a breather momentarily gathering all the words in her head before coming up with a response.

"I didn't get a proper glimpse at the intruder. With all the smoke coming out of the flames, it's hard to describe exactly how he looked," she said. "His face looked distorted like he underwent some cosmetic surgery of some kind. All I could tell is that when I encountered him, something about his appearance seemed off. No remorse let alone empathy whatsoever. He wasn't human at the slightest."

"Did you manage to find Tyler just moments before you escaped that night? Did he say something to you just before he passed?" Kaitlin questioned further.

"No, I wasn't able to locate him." The police commissioner shook her head.

"Rebecca, you're stronger than this. I would hate to see you in a position that's going to affect you in the long haul," Kaitlin said. "I'm not saying this only because I'm a reporter. You're like an extended family member to me even if we aren't linked in blood. I just want you to know that whatever personal demons you're going through, keep fighting the good fight. If there is anything, and I mean anything that you need, my office is open when you need me." Offering a moment of comfort, Kaitlin wrapped her hands over Rebecca's lending out her support in her time of grieving.

"Being the wife of a brilliant scientist, it's not easy to get over the loss of someone you've loved for so long," Rebecca continued with her confession. "I just can't stand the silence in the house. Tyler would be sitting by the sofa watching our favorite shows, and I would be sitting beside him with his arm tucked around me. It's not the same without my husband around."

Kaitlin motioned back and forth taking this moment to reflect on Rebecca's comments. Sympathizing with the difficulty the police chief has been put through, never before has she experienced a loss so tragic. Kaitlin wrapped her hands around the chief once more to further comment on her situation.

"Don't push this any harder than it has to be. I'm sure Ryan and Tyler would encourage you to be strong for them too," Kaitlin offered Rebecca with some uplifting advice. Rebecca wiped the tear drop from her eye resisting the temptation of continuing sorrow clouding her mental state.

"Gosh I hate watching soap operas sometimes. They make you feel so teary eyed," Rebecca joked. "In all seriousness, I really appreciate your support Kaitlin. I need a good pep talk every once in awhile."

Kaitlin laughed in a polite manner. "If Tyler can be just as good of a baseball coach as he is being a scientist, maybe you should try out acting."

Rebecca snickered. The two parties exchanged a mutual hug embracing a moment of comfort that binds the two women wholeheartedly.

"Are you sure you don't want a drink?" She asked when releasing herself from Kaitlin's embrace.

"That's okay I'm fine really," Kaitlin said contently. "Where is the nearest restroom?"

"There's one close by on the second floor. It's on the first door to your right," Rebecca answered.

"Thanks," Kaitlin headed up the staircase navigating her way to the second floor hallway leading into the restroom. Before she entered, she noticed a staircase that segues way to the house's top story floor. Working her way through a small flight of stairs, she arrived at the attic in which sparked flashbacks wavering from her eyes.

Cobwebs extended from the corner of the ceiling. Piles of dust scattered around the creaking sound of the wooden floor. As the attic remained mostly abandoned for the longest time, she couldn't deny such joyful memories that she spent in the room hanging out with her friends.

The attic had been a room that she along with J.B and Ryan had spent playing as children. Some box crates scattered around that are filled with action figures and electronic toys from years' past. An SD television set remained unplugged by the wall. On the opposite end lurked an open shelf closet contained a set of sports equipment stored within each shelf; notable equipment that ranges from a soccer ball, a baseball glove, and a hockey mask to sports jerseys comprising logos from established teams were all displayed and secured inside.

Kaitlin continued to explore the attic. Whenever the forecast would be at its ugliest, the attic would be their go to hang out spot in their time of leisure.

She dug inside one of the boxes that notably include some action figures, building blocks of Lego toys, the original Nintendo WII gaming console, and a slinky toy. But one item that struck her attention involves a Nerf Super Soaker buried underneath from the toys she brought out. Kaitlin grabbed the soaker out from the storage box taking a glimpse at the object.

In the midst of all the digging, she overheard the rum of an automobile engine outside the house. From the window, Kaitlin finds Ryan exiting out of his truck parked along the side of the road. She observed the Super Soaker in her grasp leaving a grin that lit up across from her face.

Ryan entered through the main door of the house. He approached the kitchen while engaging in a confrontation with his mother.

"Hey Mom," While carrying a plastic bag of cleaning products, Ryan kissing his mother on the cheek.

"I bought some cleaners to wipe off the stains from Kaitlin's car," he said unloading the items inside the plastic bag. "How are you holding up?"

Rebecca smiled having ridden the sorrow she endured earlier ago.

"Fine, it's just going to take some time getting used to the environment here," she said.

"I understand," Ryan expressed sympathy towards his mother. "I didn't have enough tools over at my place so that's why I brought her car over. Dad's tools should be enough to get that baby rolling again."

As their conversation ensued, Ryan began to hear a flush of water draining from the pipelines.

"Is it me or is somebody using the toilet upstairs?" Ryan asked.

"I was going to inform you that a cab dropped off Kaitlin not long ago," Rebecca told him.

"Oh-uh right," Ryan blemished. Placing his bag aside on the counter top, he stormed upstairs to meet with Kaitlin. Navigating through the hall, there was no trace of her presence. Each room with an open door remained empty. Ryan soon finds the staircase that would lead him inside the attic on the next floor above. As he entered, he would soon be drenched in water as Kaitlin's use of the Super Soaker caught Ryan off guard.

"Hey what the hell was that?" He cursed after from a seemingly practical joke.

"I guess some things never change," Kaitlin laughed.

"You could say that again," Ryan replied much to the saltiness of his reaction. He shook off the dampness from his hands looking for a nearby cloth to dry.

"Here I brought you a clean towel," From the wardrobe closet, Kaitlin tossed her friend a spare towel for him that was available at his disposal.

"I swear that was some juvenile humor you pulled off right there," Ryan said taking a moment to wipe him off from all the wetness.

"Since today is the day, I was wondering how far you've gotten in the repairs," said Kaitlin.

"Yep, I just received a new carburetor for the front hood of your car. That along with our handy dandy spray bottle, it should look good as new," Ryan informed her. "What have you been doing up in the attic?"

Kaitlin provided with a response. "I just noticed the hatch was open so I climbed up and I discovered you had some boxes of junk up here. I have to admit this room brings back a lot of memories."

Ryan spoke up. "Now that you've mentioned it, depending on how ugly the weather was, this was kind of like our go-to playground. We would be playing around with our action figures, had some late night snacks, even getting away with watching those horror movies my parents didn't want us seeing. Those were some good times."

"Hey don't forget. You and J.B would always play Good versus Evil. Every time you were playing the heroes and I had to play the villain. Talk about an unfair advantage," Kaitlin reflected a moment from their childhood experience.

"Come on Kaitlin. It's not because you're well..." Ryan said but was cut off mid sentence.

"I know what you're going to say, and you don't have to remind me," she replied. "I may have been the odd woman out of the group but don't forget who kept the glue together."

"Fair enough," Ryan concurred.

"What were you planning on selling for the yard sale?" Kaitlin wondered curiously.

"From what I was digging up, I thought about selling some old sports jerseys and action figure toys," he said. Ryan took notice of some familiar action figures lying on the ground.

"Speaking of action figures, how about good old G.I Joe? Even though I didn't grow up with the original series, the fact my dad lent these toys to me was noble of him," said Ryan holding onto a figure of General Hawk. As he placed the toy aside, he took a look at another G.I Joe toy in the Baroness. "As egotistical as she was, I have to admit she was kind of feisty."

"You mean to tell me you had a crush on a cartoon character?" She laughed upon hearing that thought.

"Kaitlin I was little. Besides I realize you can't date someone that doesn't exist," Ryan argued.

"I'm just kidding," said Kaitlin punching him lightly by the arm. As they looked into each box, they began to dig out some abandon merchandise they collectively owned throughout their early youth.

"Check out our high school yearbook," Kaitlin said. She wiped the dust off after lying dormant for a long period of time. By flipping through the pages, she and Ryan took a peak at all of their classmates and teachers that shaped their teenage years. As they approached the photos from their senior year, their eyes sparkled with fascination.

"I forgot there's one point in time when you had bangs in your hair," Ryan said continuing to observe the yearbook.

"Get out of here," Kaitlin joked. "By the way that shaggy brown hair of yours makes me think about Zac Efron from his High School Musical days," Kaitlin remarked on behalf of her friend's comment. Ryan shrugged it off like nothing while flipping to yet another page.

"Speaking of hairstyles, J.B used to rock that crew cut back in the day. The more I realize how far we've come from fashion since then," said Ryan. Upon reflecting on past memories, Rebecca approached from below to spot the two friends hanging around in the attic.

"Is everything okay? I heard some yelling up here," she chimed in standing beside the staircase from the lower floor.

"We're fine. Kaitlin decided to throw me a surprise she hadn't done since grade school," Ryan answered.

"Whenever you have a chance, bring the boxes down to the garage so I can determine which items we'll plan on selling," Rebecca reminded him.

"Right Mom," he replied.

"No worries," said Kaitlin placing his hands on her friend's shoulders. "Ryan could use a lending hand from yours truly."

Rebecca responded nurturing with a warm smile that enlightened the mood of her son.

"Any help will be appreciated," she concluded. Reaching a compromise, Rebecca's interaction concluded with a firm nod. Looking at the clock on the menu of her phone, dinner was just around the corner.

"It's almost five," she said. "I'm going to head over the showers and get myself cleaned up. Feel free to order some takeout food while you're at it."

"Will do," Ryan complied.

"I don't mind having some of whatever you two are eating," Kaitlin said. "I'll let J.B know when he gets out of work."

"We could all use a gathering once in awhile," Rebecca assured. As she left the site, Ryan and Kaitlin assisted one other with the amount of heavy lifting from the boxes they carried.

The duo bent over with their knees tucked between their legs. Carefully, they lifted one of the many boxes piled with unused junk.

At Crossworld University, Professor Hart continued his lecture inside of a classroom filled with students eager to learn. Much of his teachings consist of social behavior that studies the way that humans react and the mental functioning that occurs within the brain. Glancing at the time on his watch, he prepared to conclude tonight's lecture with an announcement for their next class meeting.

It appears we're just about out of time. We will continue to finish the remaining pages of chapter four for tomorrow's lecture. I have also posted up some power point slides online so be prepared for next week's quiz. Have a great day everyone.

The students gathered their respective belongings upon exiting out of the class. Professor Hart took a moment to look over his course objectives for tomorrow's session. Afterward, he compiled the rest of his lecture notes as he stored them in his briefcase. The professor switched out the lights in the classroom before shutting the door behind him.

Lurking outside the window, a red droning device monitored Horatio's activity tracing every step he took on his way out of the building.

"Grimlord, he's headed outside. I'll wait by the entrance he plans on coming out from," said Strickland communicating with the villain through his earphone.

"Keep a look out on him Strickland. When you're ready, alert the taxi cab and make sure the professor goes along with you," Grimlord instructed.

"Roger that," Strickland agreed.

Professor Hart worked his way through the narrow corridor, taking a stairwell down a flight of steps to the first floor building. As he arrived outside, Strickland arrived on the courtyard of campus. Engaged with eye contact, the two men stepped toe to toe in a conversation that ensues.

"Had a long night Horatio?" Strickland wondered.

"What are you doing here Strickland? For the last time I don't want to have anything to do with you," the professor scolded much to his dismay.

"Now that's not how you greet a fellow acquaintance," said Strickland taking offense to his comment.

"You've been spamming my inboxes for the longest time. Not only that but one of your emails had a malicious software that you destroyed my previous computer," Horatio explained. "A colleague of mine managed to transfer all of my files into my new laptop, and unfortunately is no longer with us."

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that," Strickland apologized. "I thought I just drop by and do some catching up. My flight is booked for tomorrow morning and I was looking to have a word with you before I head out of the city soon."

"You've come to the right place but at the wrong time," the professor made note of.

"Yeah well, this is what happens when you're constantly doing PR interviews on some long awaited project," said Strickland. Horatio didn't seem remotely pleased with the visitor's presence.

"I've been trying to get in touch with you since I arrived in Crossworld City. I was disappointed when I found out you weren't in attendance that day of the Expo," Strickland continued.

"I was out of state taking care of family business," Horatio clarified on his behalf. "You nearly could have killed those beta testers that day. Did you even think twice troubleshooting the VR machine beforehand?"

Strickland responded. "We've conducted a few test runs back at our site. We wouldn't have imported the machine here if we felt it wouldn't have worked efficiently."

"You could've put those people at risk. They could have had potential brain damage had you and your crew not been there to stop it," Professor Hart told him.

"How would you know if you weren't a witness in the scene?" Strickland argued. "I never would have wished harm on anyone. Even though you and I haven't seen eye to eye, I would not stoop as low than to attempt to pull something so heinous. If you're going to make accusations, then maybe it was a mistake of me to drop by."

"My wife and children were watching the live feed on YouTube. They were terrified to witness all of this happening. Even the static on the screen got us concerned," Professor Hart said.

"I was just as concerned as much as the next person. The game release for Metal Fighters won't be released until the tail end of next year. We should have plenty of time to head back to the drawing board and reconfigure development," Strickland assured. "For the longest time, the development team and I have worked off our tails to craft a video game that will leave folks fascinated beyond their imagination. Think about it. You're talking about open world possibilities given freedom to decide on what actions they choose to take, the fluid cinematography with effective dialogue between characters that drive the narrative of the game. A modernized take of an established franchise that is contributed to the success of 3D action and adventure is now presented using CGI and motion capture technology. Take a moment to ponder just for a second and visualize the unique aesthetic this game will be come launch day."

"You're out of your mind." As the professor leaves campus, Strickland approached him once more even going as far as being a road block to Horatio.

"You've never took a moment to escape reality by picking up a controller and savor every enjoyment out of a game in your life, have you?" Strickland's never ending chatter brought some blood pressure boiling underneath the professor's skin.

"Last I checked Tyler and I issued a case over the resemblance of the armor suits we created compared to the designs from your gaming series. We fought to get the case appealed to Court District. But any evidence we had were left burning to shreds. Not even the judge thought of carrying the case over to trial," said Horatio in a disgruntled voice.

"The suit designing for the Metal Fighters were not even close," Strickland rebutted. "We've spent countless amount of time in the testing room to differentiate the armor equipment and their color schemes to avoid infringement. You've wasted your time venting your frustration out on me so you could file a silly trademark for your project. Bottom line is our suits did not resemble the kind of armor you and your colleague built."

"It doesn't help the fact you and Ziktor have been in cahoots since you two met on this campus. I can see how you two influenced each other to share ideas and taking credit for every groundbreaking feat no company has achieved," the professor told him. "Let this be a reminder. Next time you like to step foot and dare start a conversation, be sure you have a valid reason to. In this day and age of Social Media, you will never know what kind of information may leak online - Even if it turns out to be a rumor."

Strickland laughed. "You sound like a bitter old man quite jealous to say the least. I was hoping you get a much better perspective over our way of dealing with this lawsuit. I guess that was too much to ask for." Concluding their meeting, Strickland brought out his phone dialing the contact number for a cab. Folding his arms, Horatio remained agitated from the discussion that went down.

"Damn it. My phone signal isn't responding," Strickland cursed. As he struggled to make a call, the professor took the liberty to use his phone in making such a request.

"Hi could you send a cab down for the two of us? Please excuse my tone of voice it's been a long night. Thank you much," said Horatio shortly before he hung up. "A nearby cab should be arriving pretty soon. I gave you the benefit of the doubt on my part. If there is a chance that your property gets exposed for plagiarism, don't come to me for comfort. You knew what you were getting yourself into."

Horatio prepared to walk off campus as he approached his way towards the parking lot. Strickland couldn't stress to prolong the ensuing argument that demonstrated their grudge against one another. Regardless of the matter, he managed to keep a straight face given his intention with a game plan in progress.

Inside the garage that afternoon, Ryan resumed work on putting the final touches to Kaitlin's red Mazda. From the hood of his friend's car, he adjusted the wires linked to the carburetor. Kaitlin observed the procedure carefully as it unfolds.

Meanwhile, J.B arrived by the driveway of the house. He parked his moped scooter inside the garage while checking up on the two.

"Well if it isn't my favorite people in the world. How is everyone doing?" J.B asked taking a moment to remove the helmet from his head.

"Working hard on rebuilding this baby to the way it was," Ryan said using the proper set of tools from his kit to repair the car engine.

"My car is going to be new and improved right before you know it," Kaitlin spoke with excitement. As the juiciness of their lips collided, Ryan stood there watching the couple embrace their affection for one another.

"Hey I saw that," Kaitlin acknowledged based on her friend's reaction.

"So uh, did you want to stop by the Crossworld Café and pick up something for dinner?" J.B took into suggestion.

"It's kind of funny now you mention it. Rebecca and I agreed we all have dinner here for tonight so carry out it is," said Kaitlin.

"I'm down with that. As much as I enjoy making Ramen Noodles, I could definitely use a break from cooking," J.B said.

As the three continued to socialize, Rebecca arrived from the stairwell to find the three friends socializing in the garage.

"J.B, it's good to have you here," she said greeting each other with a hug. "It's been a long time since you stepped foot in this house."

"Unless you count our visit during Tyler's funeral, I can find that hard to imagine," J.B replied on the matter.

"How has the dojo been over there?" Rebecca wondered.

"So far it's been great. The students are really learning to engage and I couldn't be any happier than to be their instructor," said J.B.

Ryan took a little breather putting aside his tool to be engaged in a chat with his local peers. He grabbed a small white towel from the top of the tool cabinet, wiping off the grease oil from his hands.

"I barely got that little engine hooked up. It should be good as new," he informed to J.B and Kaitlin.

"Hey Ryan, I was wondering if you could stop by the hardware store before the traffic gets worse to grab us some duct tape," Rebecca insisted her son a favor.

"I could have sworn Dad and I bought one awhile back." Ryan pulled out the drawers from the tool cabinet in search for the tape. "It's okay Mom. I'll see what I can do."

"Aw crud, I'm almost forgetting a couple of other things. Is there a chance you also stop by the grocery store? I have a shopping list of items just to make sure we have what we need." Rebecca handed him a sheet of paper indicating the listed products jotted down in black inked pen.

"I'm about to have a field day with everything that's on here," Ryan continued to observe the list as shown.

"No worries. J.B and I don't mind lending a helping hand," Kaitlin volunteered on behalf of the chief's favor.

"Thanks guys but you don't have to do all of this," Ryan said.

"Come to think of it that's not a bad idea," Rebecca agreed with Kaitlin. As the rest of the bunch voted by a landslide, it was clear Ryan was the odd one out in the vote.

"So I guess it's settled then. As soon as we get you your groceries, we'll stop by the Café and bring our dinner here," Ryan said.

"We'll order some dinner for all of us as soon as we finish," J.B assured.

"Better head out before everyone gets out of work. You know how it is when it comes to evening rush hour," Rebecca insisted the three. When a negotiation was made, Rebecca rubbed the redness coming out of her forehead. It was this instant the police chief began to feel somewhat fatigued. Witnessing flashbacks from the fire in Steele Labs clouded the mind of Rebecca Steele; this includes the mere presence of Grimlord that has enveloped within the stimuli of her brain.

"Mom, are you feeling okay?" Ryan asked.

"It's nothing. I've just been out of it lately," Rebecca came up with an excuse.

"Take as much needed rest that you need. I know the yard sale is approaching but it doesn't hurt to relax even for a little bit," Ryan encouraged her.

"I know," Rebecca understood. "You can call or leave me a text if something comes up, and I will get back to you ASAP. I'll get myself cleaned up when you return."

The trio smiled as they nodded in agreement. Upon conclusion of the speech, Rebecca headed back up the stairwell of her house.

Ryan inspected the front hood of the Mazda to ensure of its good condition. He closed the hood of the car shortly before coming up with a verdict.

"Well I already have the carburetor hooked up and I've managed to fill up your hydraulics. Your car should be rocking and rolling," he concluded. From the tool cabinet, he tossed the ignition keys over for Kaitlin to retrieve.

"Let's hit the road partner," Ryan instructed channeling his poor attempt at a southern accent. Kaitlin responded by rolling her eyes in absurdity. By entering the driver's seat, she turned on the engine to overhear the loud volume of music blasting from the speakers of her car.

"What the hell?" Kaitlin cursed. Shaken up by the broadband sound, she lowered the volume of the music heard from the car stereo. "That is so not funny."

"Well coming from someone who squirted me with a water gun a few hours ago," Ryan spoke in defense of his prank.

"You squirt him with a water gun?" J.B wondered much to his surprise.

"Okay I admit that was idiotic. I stumbled into some junk from his attic. Next thing you know I found one of the Super Soakers we used to have when we were kids," Kaitlin explained.

Ryan laughed much to Kaitlin's chagrin. Clenching her fist, she punched him in the arm in response to the absurdity that unfolded.

"Guys stop. You're acting like children," J.B insisted as he entered through the front passenger's seat. "Let's do what we need to do and we could settle this another time."

"Likewise, wouldn't you say Kaitlin?" Ryan winked. Despite acknowledging the facial gesture, Kaitlin sighed refusing to comment.

"Buckle up guys," she instructed. With the trio seated, they strapped onto their safety seats before driving her car out of the garage.

A taxi cab parked alongside the drop off area of the college parking lot. A disgruntled Strickland along with Horatio entered the vehicle shortly as the driver took off. Neither party had uttered a verbal response since their conversation ended on a sour note. The same could be said while they remain isolated from the back and front seats respectively.

Minutes elapsed. The cab would make its path into the forest filled with the many tree branches that passed on by. The same drone that had eavesdropped on the professor earlier continued to monitor the vehicle including its intended target.

"Up ahead are two Skug soldiers disguised as college students will be approaching outside from their car. When the professor goes to assist them, you and the driver will make the cue to ambush him and retrieve any information you can find about Project Psycon. I'll be lurking in a secluded sector of the forest to make sure our plan goes through," Grimlord spoke through Strickland's ear phone.

Shortly after, they would encounter a pair of college students standing outside of their white Chevy Impala.

"It looks like those two could use some help," said Horatio.

"Pull over," Strickland instructed in response to the professor's concern. The cab driver parked alongside the edge of the road, buying enough time for Horatio and Strickland to leave the vehicle.

"I wonder what in the world is going on out there," he wondered curiously.

"Whatever it is, they could sure use some help from us," Strickland insisted.

Abiding by his orders, Horatio pulled over by the edge of the roadway. Along with Strickland, he exited out of the car investigating on the situation in progress.

"Did you guys need any help with the car?" Professor Hart asked.

"I think our driver here ran over some spikes along the roadway. It ended up flattening our tires," the passenger explained.

"Let me take a look." While Horatio took a moment to observe the problem, Strickland gave the Skugs their cue to approach the cab using a cane to yank out one of its tires.

"Hmm your wheels appear to be looking fine. They're not loose and no spikes sticking out from them whatsoever." As the professor noticed nothing of the ordinary, the civilians involved unveiled their strategy instantaneously transforming into another set of Skugs. Horatio turned around to find that the cab driver now turned Skug soldier was in on the plot also. He looked at his surroundings overwhelmed by a horde of foot soldiers that cornered him. Before making a move, Strickland clubbed the professor with his briefcase used against him.

"It's what you least expected Horatio," said Strickland showcasing his true colors in which the professor did not see coming.

With his glasses nowhere to be seen, Horatio panicked crouching on the ground to find them. Struggling to regain to his feet, a familiar figure unveiled in front of his eyes.

"Looks like you have something I need," said Grimlord standing tall from the ground that the professor laid on.