Note: This is a pretty short chapter! The conclusion is next. Thank you to those of you who were so kind to have left reviews on Chapter 7: Frankenstein's Bride, hbndgirl, ErinJordan, EvergreenDreamweaver, and max2013. I appreciate it!

Fly Away

Chapter 8

"Are you out of your mind?!" Joe asked. "How on Earth do you get that?"

"Wait, Joe. Maybe she's onto something," Frank cut in, ignoring the shared look between Joe and Vanessa. Turning to Callie, he asked her, "How did you get that, hon?"

Ignoring the teasing from Joe and Vanessa, Callie said, loudly, "Why don't you all stop making fun of me and listen for a second?" With those words, Joe and Vanessa quieted down.

"Look," Callie said, and pointed to the note-pad.

Two hands clasping or gripped together. Says "Two hands."

Callie began speaking. "The first clue could signify how people are afraid."

"Go on," Joe said, looking at her.

A picture of a helicopter- says "over air."

"Okay," Callie continued. "The fireworks are happening over the air. Maybe the explosion will happen in a helicopter."

"Oh, now's there's an explosion," Joe cut in, but stopped when he saw the determined look on Callie's face. He admired people who took their ideas seriously.

Magazine cutout- a lot of people. Words- "Many possibilities."

"Anyway, Callie interjected, referring to the third clue. "There will be a lot of people at the party and therefore, the possibilities for harm are endless."

"That's true," Frank agreed.

Pictures of dollar bills- ominous warning—"You'll pay."

"The next clue suggests revenge of some sort, perhaps based on blackmail, as signified by the dollar bills."

By now, even Vanessa was becoming excited. "Okay!" she chimed in.

"Several stones. Rocks. Says "Over Years."

"Well, this next clue could mean that the revenge has been building, over the years, and you also could apply it to New Year's, right?"

Frank suppressed a smile, impressed, though, at Callie's reasoning. "Mmm Hmmm…" he intoned.

"Pictures of stars together with odd message: "Next nights."

"The next clue, it could mean that in the next nights- like by tomorrow-there would be trouble!"

Joe nodded, not fully believing it, but following the train of thought.

"Enthralling events." Some picture of a brochure… name undisclosed.

"The next clue is obvious," Callie went on. "What's a more enthralling event than New Years at this hot party in town? All the bigwigs will be there—politicians, musicians, you name it…"

Frank nodded as well. Callie was pretty amazing.

"Picture. Girl terrified? Message states "Anxiously waiting." Ominous.

Callie again pointed before speaking. "Again, guys-look! People are terrified. They're awaiting their doom!"

She continued before anyone could say anything to oppose her theory.

"New yelling." Picture of a microphone."See? The next one shows people screaming!" Callie gestured at the notepad eagerly.

"A picture of a novel. Says "Great Expectations."

"And the expectation that this will go through is great!"

A picture of a fire. Says "Explosions- air." Finally, a path of some sort. Says, "Long runway."

"Come on, you guys!" Callie finally said, as she pointed to the last two clues. "Explosions in the air? A runway? I mean, the planes take off from there, and there is plenty of opportunity for a breach of security over the water and in the air. Don't you all see it?!"

"It DOES make sense, in a way," Frank said slowly, not sure of how much to say.

"Of course it does!" Callie agreed.

"But who'd want to tell us about it, and why through you?! And what does the word "ring" have to do with it? And why is there a bird? And who would want to announce that they're going to do this?" Joe asked.

Callie blushed. "I haven't figured it all out yet," she conceded.

Frank spoke up at once. "Well, I for one think it's a great theory," he said encouragingly. Turning to Joe, he said, "I think dad can pull a few strings and get us into that party after all, don't you?"

Joe nodded. "I think he might be able to do that," he agreed.

Vanessa clapped her hands in excitement. "You mean we can all go to the party?!" she asked.

"Whoa!" Frank said seriously. "If Callie is right, then this is a job for just Joe and me."

"No way, Jose," Callie cut in. "I've been worried about these threats directed at me, so if you all are going, I will, too."

"And there's no way I'm missing out on my New Year's celebration with my man," Vanessa chimed in.

"Well," Joe said, unable to suppress a smile, "I guess it's the Bayport Air Force Base Gala that we're going to after all!"

"Yay!" Vanessa said with a twirl.

"This is serious!" Callie said. "We have to prevent something bad from happening. This case has to come to an end!"

"It will," Frank promised. "Somehow I knew I could count on you to solve this case!"

Looking over her shoulder, Frank caught Joe's eye and smiled.