Chapter 3: Unexpected Returns

"Did we solve it?" Kevin asked, "Is the Blackhood really behind all of this?"

"I don't think so. That's impossible," Betty said as they gathered outside of Pops while the police were busy taking care of the crime scene.

"Yeah," Veronica supported her friend, "Blackhood was shot dead right in front of us."

"I'm not convinced it's the Blackhood," Jughead added, "It's too easy."

"It might be someone connected to the Blackhood," FP suggested.

"But who?" Archie asked.

Cheryl's eyes widened with a realization, "Could it be my mom Penelope?"

"Or probably Chic?" Betty added.

FP sighed at the possibilities as he believed they were still nowhere near solving the mystery. "I'll make an investigation on Penelope and Chic," he said, "In the meantime, go back home. We'll meet again if we find answers."

….

That night, Archie and Mad Dog did not go home but directly went to their local shelter. They were greeted by Mr. Bill who was waiting for them.

"What brings you here? It's getting cold," Mr. Bill said as he opened the door for the two men, "Come, I made you two some coffee."

"Me and Mad Dog just missed this place. We want to visit as often as possible," Archie explained.

"Yes, the kids would love that," Mr. Bill replied.

Archie was busy sipping his coffee, while Mad Dog was busy walking around the place with his coffee in hand. "How about you, Mr. Bill? Are you doing alright here? Do you have any concerns?" Archie asked.

Mr. Bill put down his coffee while he stared at it. Archie, noticing Mr. Bill's unusual behavior, asked, "Is there something wrong?"

"Someone came this morning and reported something strange," Mr. Bill replied, as he looked at Archie who was confused. He continued, "He saw an unkempt and dirty kid at the Arcade center. Eventually, he caught him stealing money. He chased the kid but stopped when he saw a group of men surrounded the child. They kicked and punched him as the kid gave them the money he stole. Then the kid willingly rode on their motorcycles and left. He came here wondering if the kid lives here. I showed him all the kids, but he claimed no one looked like the kid he saw."

"Sounds like a mission to me," Mad Dog commented.

"Mad Dog's right," Archie agreed, "We need to find the kid before he gets hurt."

"Probably at the West Valley Street," Mr. Bill suggested.

"Why there?" Mad Dog asked.

"It's a talk here in town," Mr. Bill answered, "A group of men in motorcycles came to Riverdale a few weeks ago and was seen going in and out of the place."

"That's it," Archie said as he looked at Mad Dog, "We're going there!"

…

Veronica Lodge stood in front of the hospital room where her dad is currently confined. She took a sigh, then entered the room. "Good morning, Daddy-kins! I hope I'm not disturbing you right now," she greeted with her head up high.

"Veronica, we didn't know you're going to visit," Hermione said surprised.

Hiram smiled and told her, "It's nice to see you, Mija!"

"Are you really happy to see me?" Veronica asked, unconvinced by her father's statement.

"Well, of course! It's been a long time," he said, though unsure what Veronica is getting at.

"Oh!" she said sarcastically, "Because I thought your favorite daughter is Hermosa and I am nothing to you."

Hermione scolded her, "Veronica, stop this! You should let your father rest."

"Can you elaborate further?" he calmly asked.

"Hermosa told me everything," she answered, "You wrote your will and did not include me to any of your inheritance. What does that make me feel, Daddy? All this time, you're only treating Hermosa as your only daughter. I know I may not be the best daughter out there, but this shows that you despise me!"

"Yes, it's true," Hiram acknowledged, "You see, Hermosa—"

"Stop with that name!" Veronica cut him off, "Guess what? I don't need your money. I only wanted to be acknowledged as your daughter, but I guess the wind in New York is better compared here in Riverdale." As soon as she finished talking, she walked out then slammed the door.

…..

Betty Cooper finally came home after a long day with Jughead. She opened the door to her house, only to be greeted with an unexpected guest. A blonde girl was sitting on their couch. She smiled at Betty and said, "Hi, Betty! It's been a long time."

Betty was about to answer when Alice excitingly said, "Betty! You're finally home! I didn't want to text you. I want to make this a surprise. It's been a long time since we saw each other. Aren't you happy?"

"I am," Betty said, though her face says otherwise. She looked at the girl in front of her and asked, "What are you doing here, Polly?"

Polly smiled and said, "I miss you and mom."

"Oh, I'm so happy!" Alice said with excitement, "Why don't we all sit down while Polly tells us her story."

The three of them sat down in the living room. Alice sat beside Polly as she held her hand. Meanwhile, Betty sat in the couch in front of them.

"Where were you all this time?" Alice asked, "We couldn't contact you."

"I'm sorry if I was unable to come here right away," Polly answered, "The thing is I met a man from Tennessee. To make the long story short, we married and I gave birth to a son, as well. We named him Jason"

"That's wonderful!" Alice commented, "I hope to see Jason soon. How about the twins?"

"He's also taking care of them right now, and they're growing quite well. I asked him to hire a nanny while I'm away. I told him I'm going home because its been years since I last saw both of you."

"This is amazing!" Alice said happily, "Don't you think so, Betty?"

"Yeah," Betty said as she stared at Polly's eyes, quite unsure of the situation, "It's nice to have you back, Polly."

….

"Heard you went to the hospital?" Hermosa asked Veronica who was eating her dinner alone.

"So? What about it?" Veronica asked, refusing to make eye contact with Hermosa.

"At least you know now that I'm not making stories," Hermosa proudly told her.

"At least I know how fucked up this family is." Veronica said as she took a bite of her salad. "But don't worry about me," she continued, "I can live my life without Daddy's cash. So, go ahead and enjoy his wealth. It's bound to dry up anyway if not replenished."

Hermosa smirked as she said, "You think I'm stopping here?"

"What do you mean?"

"I still have plans for you. I want to prove Daddy that I'm also a capable Lodge." With that, Hermosa left, leaving Veronica confused.

…

"Maybe we're in the wrong place," Mad Dog suggested. It's been two hours since they waited at the place Mr. Bill suggested them. Although Mad Dog's getting impatient, Archie was determined to stay.

A few minutes later, they heard motorcycles approaching them. The two looked at their left and saw lights from at least five motorcycles. Archie and Mad Dog went to the middle of the road to stop the incoming group.

The men stopped their motorcycles, unable to pass the road due to Archie and Mad Dog.

"What ya doin' boys? Get out of the way!" a familiar voice ordered them.

"Look," Archie explained, "We know you have a kid with you, and you are not taking care him properly. Let's do this peacefully, shall we? Give us the kid and we'll let you go quietly."

The voice laughed and told Archie, "Do I look like a guy who you can order around?" The man stepped out of his motorcycle and was slowly approaching Archie and Mad Dog.

"Aaahhh I know you!" the man said as he took a closer look at the men in front of him. Archie and Mad Dog tried to figure out his identity; however the helmet was making it hard for them.

"Isn't this Archie? The guy who saves kids?" the man said as he laughed, "It's been a long time. I hope you're happy to see me." He then removed his helmet which surprised Archie and Mad Dog. No wonder the voice sounded familiar.

Archie took a step forward as he said to the man in front of him, "It's been a while, but I see you're still using kids for your own good, Dodger."

Been quite busy lately so I apologize for posting only now. Thank you for Boris who gave some ideas for this story.