AN: A small filler chapter, there will be more action and drama in later chapters. Thanks for all those who've read the story and have reviewed. If you enjoy my writing, don't hesitate to check out my other stories. Also, if you have any suggestions to make this story better, comment!

Have a great night, and enjoy the chapter!

Family Gathering:

Two days later, both Paul and Brutal were patiently sitting inside Harry's living room; they made room on the couch. Paul sat poised as usual, whilst Brutal slouched forward, with his tie undone. Brutal hadn't worn a suit in years. The only time he wore a tie was during work hours, or during a celebration, such as a wedding.

Unfortunately, the time of celebration wasn't in working order. Approximately an hour ago, the two returned from a funeral; Harry's youngest daughter's funeral; Cassandra Casselii's for short. Supporting their close friend and co-worker was the least that both Paul and Brutus could do. Harry and his loving wife invited their friends and family over for a nice brunch. Paul and Brutal were joined by Harry's other girls; one with a husband and child herself, and the other alone with a cup of coffee in hand. Like their mother and father, the death of their sister was shocking; and they could hardly believe that she was gone from this world. Another body was inside the house; the late Cassandra's husband, who most likely took the news the hardest. Several questions entered his mind every day; sometimes blaming himself for not protecting his wife's precious life harder. If he would have gone with her that morning, maybe she would still be alive.

But she was gone now; and all that they could do was pray to God; hoping that Cassandra's soul would enter the afterlife safe and sound.

Brutal unbuttoned his top collar. He felt as if he was choking. Was it the air that day?

Harry entered the room with two cups of coffee in both hands; Mary trailed behind with other drinks; maybe stronger ones. Harry smiled gleefully as he handed each of his guests their beverages; making each and every one feel as if they were at home. Brutus wondered how on Earth his friend could be so happy during a time of grieving. According to Mary, Harry seemed to be doing a lot better after his week's leave from the mile. Paul and Brutus never told Mary about Harry's potential suicide at the Green Mile. If she would have caught wind about that information, she would probably drop from a heart attack. But like any promise, what happened at the mile, stayed there, and always will.

Paul grasped his drink from Harry, and smiled. "Thanks Harry."

"No, thank you Paul and Brutal for taking the time out of your busy lives, to come to the funeral," said Harry, as he and Mary finished serving their guests. "It was a nice ceremony, was it not?"

Brutus agreed, "It sure was."

One of Harry's other daughters, Alana, tapped on the side of her glass. "The priest was humble, and Kevin's Eulogy of Cassandra was, how do I say this, modest?"

Cassandra's husband glared at both Paul and Brutus as he spoke, "It was a perfect tribute," he raised a finger into the air, "Kevin is a family friend of the Terwilliger residence. I'm sure that Harrys' spoken of him every now and then."

Paul nodded, "Yes, maybe once or twice." There was a pause amongst the group. Paul added, "Well, it is a time of acceptance more than grief."

Mary shook her head, "Yet there is still a lot of grief amongst us at this very moment." She said while looking at her other daughter, Taylor, with a baby caressed in her arms. Taylor Terwilliger also acquired a four year old, but he was at the neighbors for the time being.

The baby started to squirm, let alone cry in her arms, "Poor Cassandra, it's such a shame. She was young, beautiful, and never had any children to call her own."

Harry bit his lip, "Yeah, I was the one who was supposed to die before any of you." Harry took a large gulp of his drink; it was a scotch, something strong for the still weak soul.

Paul chuckled, "That's what any father wishes for, Harry. Every single one hopes that they would be the first to kick the bucket; but unfortunately, life throws curveballs, and will not hesitate to change the rules." From this day forward, the Terwilliger family will never be the same, but Paul, Brutus and the others at the Green Mile, would make sure that the family ended up okay.

Harry spoke again while looking at his friends, "The burial is later this evening. You don't have to join us if you don't want to. I'm sure the both of you have other commitments to attend to."

Paul waved his hands in front of his body, "Harry, I'm in no rush what-so-ever."

Brutus coughed, "I'm not feeling quite myself. I'm afraid I won't be able to make it."

Paul raised a finger, "Oh, Dean sends his condolences. He wishes that he was here, but there was nobody available to take his shift."

Harry acknowledged Paul's statement, "Thanks a lot guys. Oh by the way, there are finger sandwiches inside the kitchen. Not everybody is hungry right now, so help yourself whenever you are ready. Mary sure knows how to toss salads." After stating the fact, he winked towards his wife.

Mary was pleased, but everybody else in the room seemed to have rolled their eyes in disbelief. It wasn't long before Paul and Brutal rose to their feet, entering the kitchen with great stealth. They were the only ones inside the kitchen, for now. According to Paul, privacy was in order.

As they snatched a glass plate, and the various foods on top of the counter, Paul whispered towards Brutal. "I know that this isn't the right place to talk about this subject, but have you found anything strange happening lately around the house or amongst the city in any way possible?"

"Oh, you are talking about our escapee," Brutus continued to pile the finger sandwiches on top of his plate. "No, the search party is out and about as usual, and we all have our guns attached to our pockets. You know, he may have taken a bus. He's probably out of the state of Louisiana by now; it has been more than a week since his break-out."

"But it doesn'tfeel like it." Paul didn't hesitate to emphasize his statement. "I can feelit in my bones. I feel as if he is watching me every night; staring at me through my bedroom window. Brutus, he was behind bars, and now that he's loose, I'm not sure what he is capable of. In truth, I'm afraid."

Brutus glanced over his shoulder. "Well, we'll take it one day at a time; and be cautious like we are now. I'm sure in the next week the local police will have caught the man. He can't hide forever."

Paul took a deep breath, "Maybe he can."

Brutus smirked, "Only a magician can make himself disappear. And we know for a fact that Freddie isn't a magician in the slightest."

Chapter sixteen is next...