Thursday

Chapter 9

Early in the morning, just a little after midnight, Chioke is sleeping in his bed. He's having his recurring nightmare once again. He's tossing and turning. His heart-rate increases as his breathing becomes heavier.

In Chioke's mind, he hears the sound of gun-fire. He watches as his family gets picked off, one by one, until it's only him and his mother left alive. As he's safely inside the rubble of a collapsed building, he watches as his mother turns to face his direction. She yells; 'Run Chioke! Run!' Chioke yells; 'Mommy!' as he watches his mother finally hit the ground and her dead body lies in a pool of her own blood. The dream continues until it reaches the point where he hears the sound of one last gun-shot, then a splash of water. Then the dream morphs to where Jamie yells; 'If you laid on the floor like you were told, then I would still be pregnant! I lost my baby cuz of you!'

Finally, Chioke wakes up crying. After wiping the tears from his eyes, he grabs his Curious George stuffed animal. He walks to the bedroom and pushes the door open. Because of the nightlight, Chioke is able to see Tony and Jamie lying on the bed. His eyes are drawn to Jamie. He suddenly becomes sad as he just looks downward. Chioke sits on the floor outside of the bedroom and leans his back against the wall. He sits there crying. Eventually, Chioke lies on the floor, just outside of the bedroom, and falls asleep.

About two hours later, Jamie wakes up to use the bathroom and get a drink of water. She leaves the room by immediately turning to her right. She walks into the bathroom and closes the door.

Once Jamie's done in the bathroom, she opens the door and as she's about to turn the light off, she notices Chioke is lying on the floor next to the bedroom door. He's lying on the opposite side, furthest from the bathroom. Jamie turns the bathroom light off. She walks over to where Chioke is lying on the floor. She gently lifts Chioke into her arms. Jamie carries Chioke into the bedroom and places him on the bed. Jamie finally lies on the bed and wraps her arm around Chioke. Eventually, Jamie goes back to sleep with Chioke in her arms.

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Just after sun rise, Gibbs is in West Virginia, at Mrs. Hendricks' diner eating breakfast. The large window that was broken last night due to the Wilkinson and McCloud boys fighting, is being replaced by three friends of Mrs. Hendricks.

The Sheriff enters into the diner. He approaches the counter stools where Gibbs is sitting.

"Good morning, Sally." The Sheriff greeted Mrs. Hendricks.

"Good morning, Vince." Mrs. Hendricks greeted him back. "What can I get for you this morning?"

"Two pancakes, eggs, bacon and a coffee."

"Coming right up."

"Sally…" The Sheriff tries to get her attention.

"Yes?"

"I talked to the parents of Lance and Kenneth… Just give me a copy of the receipt for replacing the window. The boys will split the total cost."

"Thank you, Vince. That really helps."

"It's my pleasure."

Sally walks into the back in order to make the Sheriff's food. The Sheriff finally sits down on the stool next to Gibbs.

"You've been in town all night, Agent Gibbs." The Sheriff said. "You must like it here."

"The investigation isn't over." Gibbs stated.

"It's obvious Kenneth did it. Why you released him, is beyond me."

"It's quite simple, Sheriff. He didn't do it."

"Care to elaborate on how you know this, Agent Gibbs?"

"No."

"I had a feeling you'd say that."

The Sheriff continues talking to Gibbs until Mrs. Hendricks brings his food.

"You really don't like discussing your investigations." Sheriff stated. "I know I get chatty and you might not wanna be bothered, but if you want me to sit somewhere else, I'd understand."

"It's alright, Sheriff. I'm actually just waiting." Gibbs said.

"Waiting for what, Agent Gibbs?"

Suddenly, the town's Deputy bursts into the diner. He runs to the Sheriff and whispers into his ear. The Sheriff looks to Mrs. Hendricks.

"Can I have something to put my food in?" The Sheriff asked.

"Sure." Mrs. Hendricks said. She hurries to find a container for the food.

"So what exactly are you waiting for, Agent Gibbs?" The Sheriff wondered as he stands up and puts his jacket on.

"I'm not waiting anymore." Gibbs stated as he gets up and grabs his coffee. "Someone broke into the factory. So let's go."

Gibbs walks away. The Sheriff and the Deputy are still standing at the counter, waiting for the Sheriff's food to be put into a container so he can take it to go. The two of them are perplexed as to how Gibbs even knew that someone broke into the factory and the tone of his voice sounded as if he was expecting it.