Chapter 13

Jumping to conclusions, as many people know, is a dangerous pastime. The reason that it is so dangerous is that it is often the wrong conclusions hat people jump to. Sometimes it is also dangerous when people who are often believed jump to conclusions, since many people will end up believing the information even if it is false.

The newspaper, the Daily Punctilio, often jumped to conclusions since they were known for writing articles about anything people would tell them, even if it wasn't true. And, unfortunately, people often believe that everything in the newspapers is true.

"People think you set the fire, Lemony," Daniel said. "We don't, but we just want to know what happened."

After Lemony told them of the events from the previous night, he told them who he thought was responsible. "I bet it was Olaf," Lemony explained.

"Are you sure it was him?" Dorian asked. "How could you tell, if it was so dark?"

"I'm sure it was his voice," Lemony said defensively.

"Our point is," Beatrice said. "Is that many people will not believe you. We already know that the volunteers have plans to investigate this issue. Since there are so many people joining Olaf and leaving V.F.D., the volunteers are suspicious. Several think that you are joining Olaf."

"I am not!" Lemony cried indignantly. "I didn't start that fire! Don't you believe me?"

"We believe you, Lemony," Kit said gently, putting her hand on his shoulder. "But the organization doesn't feel safe like it used to. They can't trust one person's word against all this evidence."

Sarah stepped forward. "We just think that you should maybe stay someplace safer until this blows over. We can leave tomorrow; that's when the rest of the volunteers are going to come back."

"You're siding with them, aren't you?" Lemony cried, tears forming in his eyes. "I won't go!" He ran to his room, not wanting to face his friends. He stayed there for a while until Beatrice came in quietly.

"I know you're upset, but we only want you to be safe. We have a place for you to work while you're gone. You can do what you like to do and you will be safe. People will not recognize you."

Lemony stayed silent.

"Please, Lemony," she continued. "Will you do this for me? We will still be able to communicate."

Lemony sighed. "Does this mean I've been fired?"

"No," Beatrice replied. "I don't think they'll fire you. You'll just be out of trouble there."

"What's the job?"

"You've been signed up as the new dramatic critic at the Daily Punctilio. It'll be safe since theaters are always dark. Nobody will recognize you from the picture. We've already given you a place to stay and you will be able to communicate with me. You'll even help us investigate Olaf by giving us information from the Daily Punctilio. Will you do this for me, please? It'll only be for a week or two."

Lemony looked up at Beatrice and saw that her eyes were filled with tears. "Please," she said. "I just want you to be safe."

Lemony kissed Beatrice gently and said, "I'll do it for you."

In the morning, Lemony packed a few changes of clothes along with his green notebook and his typewriter. He left most of his belongings there to show the other volunteers that he wasn't leaving forever to join Olaf. He gathered everything into his carpetbag and journeyed to the taxi that Kit was going to use to take him to the first theater he was assigned to visit. He threw his bag into the trunk and walked back to the entrance where Beatrice was waiting.

"I was afraid you'd leave without saying goodbye," Beatrice said.

"I wouldn't do that," Lemony replied, giving Beatrice a quick hug.

"Before you leave," Beatrice said. "I have a present for you." She handed him an oddly shaped package wrapped with brown paper, which was tied with a lavender ribbon. He untied it and found a handsome bowler hat.

"It's wonderful! I love it," Lemony exclaimed, trying it on.

"Think of it as an early birthday present, Lemony," Beatrice whispered. "If all goes well, you will be back by your birthday."

Beatrice hugged the surprised Lemony. Amidst the occurrences of the past few weeks, Lemony completely forgot that his birthday was coming in a little more than two weeks.

Kit honked the horn, telling Lemony to hurry up. Lemony said goodbye to his brother and to the Baudelaires and Quagmires. He wandered through the morning mist towards the taxi, where Kit was already waiting with her gloved hands on the steering wheel. As he opened the door, he glanced back to look at Beatrice, but she wasn't visible through the fog. Sighing, Lemony Snicket sat in the passenger's seat next to his sister, who gave him a small smile before driving away from the V.F.D. headquarters.

Yo, yo, yo! Another author's note:

Once again, I'm sorry for the little things that were found wrong, such as the age difference between the siblings. I'm glad that you guys pointed it out. Now I will be able to fix it in other fanfics that I might write. I want to point out that I am not twisting the facts to fit my story. I want to write the tale of Lemony as accurate as possible. There are just so many things to keep up with! It's really hard to write a prequel! Don't worry, though, the ages aren't as prominent as the ages in the original ASOUE books, so I don't think it'll be much of a problem.

A response, if I may, to a particular review about my writing style. At first, I did want to imitate Lemony Snicket's writing style. I don't know why; I guess it just seemed like a good place to start. I just liked it, I guess. I also had little experience writing fiction, so I just wanted to have something to help me out, since I was used to writing free-form essays. I'm currently weaning myself off it, though (I'm using those patches and gum... Just kidding!) . I go off on tangents all the time, even on my other writing, so I'm sure that you haven't seen the last of the paragraphs like the first one on this chapter. I'm just going to use it as much. I have not as much need to use it now, since the plot is becoming a bit less childish. But in summary, dear readers, I did start by coping Mr. Snicket, but it is now, in my opinion, my work and my style. It just happens to look a little bit like Lemony Snicket's. I promise, no more "defining words and phrases", a phrase which here means... Just kidding!

Continue to send in the reviews! I really appreciate them! More chapters to come!Thank you very much!

PS: I have a question for y'all! Do you want me to start naming the chapters? That way it might be easier for you to be able to keep track... Just tell me when you send in reviews, please.