Puzzle Pieces

Special thanks go to Caedrana and nyghtangel. Thanks for the help!

The day went as normal as one could have. Madelyn received word from her house that two of her graduation guests had arrived. Damon disappeared to show off his "love bite" to a drinking partner, against my expressed orders.

Joan got a call from her family but I didn't hear what all they had to say to her. Whatever it was made her look very sad and lonely.

I wandered off as Elena and Stefan snuggled up together on the couch with Madelyn and Julian on the floor.

I found myself in a study full of the scent of leather and parchment. I walked over and sat in a comfortable leather chair, examining the desk before me.

The hickory wood was varnished to a glossy shine. Business papers and folders sat neatly stacked in one corner while clean notebook paper sat in the middle. On the right side was a cup that said World's Greatest Dad full of black ink pens.

I picked one out along with a sheet of notebook paper and began to write.

CLUES

I spy something dead: Momma's grave

I spy something popular: pub

I spy something dead: Momma's grave

Someone wants to talk to us: Shadow men knew Momma, bartender knew Momma

I spy something dead: Daddy

I spy something old: Momma's ring and locket

I spy a keeper: ???

I looked over my list and thought over each and every clue. We knew that what Keegan was trying to tell us had to do with my mother. We know the Shadow men played a Game with her and she lost, receiving some honor. Mom was given a ring like Julian's ex girlfriend was given.

A thought slithered into my mind. One that was so evil, it couldn't be true.

Did Momma have a relationship with a Shadow Man?

I looked over my list with new insight. It started with the Game in which my mother lost. There she had a relationship with one of the Shadow men and received the ring. Next she escaped…

There I frowned, puzzled over what Daddy had to do with Momma and the Shadow men. He always spoke kindly about Momma, so he couldn't have rejected her concerning the relationship.

Then there was what Trinidad said, if I could trust that flop. Momma was running from something that night long ago. Added to what Daddy always told me, all evidence pointed to Momma running from him.

But why?

I stood up, deciding my plan of action. There was only one person who might be able to help me. The Bartender from the Pub!

In an instant, a pure white vixen was where I once stood, dashing quietly passed everyone and out into the night.

I was outside the pub when I spotted a wolf trotting up to me. I growled at the animal thinking it would get the idea and leave.

Where are you going, Damon's voice said as the wolf cocked its head at me.

Oh no.

I'm getting take-out, I lied easily.

The wolf seem to look puzzled then replied sarcastically, I believe that one.

Fine, I said sticking up my nose like I've seen Morigan do countlessly. See if I bring you a bone, dog breath.

I began walking toward the pub when Damon replied.

"The view alone is enough, Foxy "

I spun around to face him but he had already loped away into the night, laughing his doggy head off.