The following morning, Dot staggered out of bed. The last night had been long, but she still had enough time to shower and eat breakfast at home. She jumped into the shower, allowing last night's revelations to wash over her. She had no trust in Hiram Lodge, but Pop's was fine for the time being.
She changed into a flowing dress and white cardigan once she was finished. There was still time for breakfast, so she headed downstairs.
She had already heard chatter in the kitchen and wondered who was with her mother. When Dot walked in, she was surprised to see her father sitting at the table with her mom.
"Good morning," Dot greeted.
"Good morning, Dottie," Andy stated.
"You are up early," Octavia observed. "Come on. "Sit down, school does not start for another hour," she said, nodding to an empty chair.
"Sure," Dot replied as she sat down.
Her parents resumed their conversation as Dot bit into a piece of toast. After a few minutes of sitting quietly at the table, she could not help but smile at them.
Octavia eventually noticed and raised an eyebrow at her. "What is it?"
Dot concealed her smile behind her cup of coffee. "Nothing. It is just that this is a little strange. You know, having you two back at the table and just talking without a care."
"So, is this bad? We can just do this without you in the future," Andy stated.
Dot shook her head abruptly. "No, I am glad you two are speaking and meeting. What child would not be happy to see their parents get along? I have no idea why, but this seems so strange."
"Dottie, I realize this is unusual. We both find it odd as well. We are just chatting, though. Octavia reassured her, "We do not want to get back together or anything like that.
Dot said, "I just want you two to know that I will not stop you two if you two do want to get back together."
It was not like she could. Despite a gut feeling that told her that might not be such a great idea. She hoped they would continue to talk and perhaps have breakfast together.
Dot's eyes shifted to her cell. She still had a half-hour, but she could use picking up Kippi as an excuse. She picked up her plate and walked over to the sink, saying, "Well." As she hurried back to kiss her mother on the cheek, she continued, "I have to get going." She reached for her keys and said, "I promised Kip to pick her up." Looking back, she waved to her parents, knowing they were aware of her deception.
Prior to the first period, Dot and Kippi were strolling to the lounge to catch up with the group when Kevin suddenly charged towards them.
"What is wrong, Kev? Jeez," Dot arched an eyebrow in question.
Kevin stared at them in disbelief. "Did not you hear?"
Dot heaved a breath. There could be nothing good in what he was going to say next. "What is it?"
He exclaimed, "Moose and Midge were shot last night."
Dot's mouth fell open. "What?"
"Holy crap! What happened?" Furthermore, Kippi said.
"Come on. Kevin pulled them along, saying, "The others are already waiting."
The rest of the gang awaited Kevin's return. They all appeared too shocked to speak.
"Hi," Dot greeted them as they entered the lounge. After kissing Jug, she took a seat beside him.
Everyone could see the fear in their eyes. Teddy and Betty were huddled together.
"Alright, explain. Now!" Kippi insisted.
"It was full-on Carrie. Midge covered in Moose's blood, screaming like a banshee. As Archie entered, Kevin explained, "It was crazy."
"Kev, what were you even doing there?" Archie inquired, "You could have been shot too."
Kevin retorted, "I was just night jogging, you know, as one does, and I hear gunshots, suddenly."
Dot drew together her eyebrows. It seemed crazy to be running at night while a murderer was at large.
"Can we agree there's a killer on the loose?" Archie inquired.
"With terrible aim," Jug quipped.
"Jughead murdered Ms. Grundy," Archie stated.
Dot rolled her eyes internally. Of course, Ms. Grundy was a human being, and her murder was a crime, but she was also a pedophile, and Dot could not believe Archie still cared about her after everything she would done.
With evident discomfort, Betty added, "We don't know these three crimes are related."
"Guys, can we focus on what matters here? Midge and Moose are alive. Archie's dad survived. The Matchlerette starts tonight. You're coming over to watch," Veronica interjected.
Dot let out a quiet sigh. She did not need a corny reality show after what had transpired.
"There's a shooter terrorizing the town. You really want us to watch a gross dating show?" Jug questioned, as if he could read Dot's thoughts.
"What I want is for you to meet my dad officially. Back in New York, my dad was always in his study, doing bad things, as it turns out. I'm tired of closed doors," Veronica said, "My dad needs to know about my life, and I need him to know mine.
"Well, we'll be there, V. I can't wait," Betty remarked.
Veronica responded, "Thank you," as Reggie and a few other football players came into the lounge.
"Hey, Andrews, we're going to the hospital to see Moose. You coming?" Reggie inquired.
"Yeah, for sure. "I'll see you tonight, Ronnie," Archie said, heading out after them.
Beside Dot, Jug stood up. "I better go. He remarked, reaching for his backpack, "I was supposed to meet with my peer mentor at Southside High half an hour ago."
Dot came up behind him. "Do you really need to go?" she questioned. Despite the fact that she knew he had to. His enrollment at Southside High prevented him from attending this school.
Jug kissed her and whispered, "I will survive."
Dot waved and said, "See you later."
"Certainly," Jug replied.
"Mom?" Dot inquired that afternoon, while she and Octavia sat in the living room.
Octavia said, "Yes?"
"Do you believe it was a smart decision to return here?" Dot questioned.
Octavia furled her brows together. She questioned, "What do you mean?"
"We return here and are immediately drawn into Jason Blossom's murder case. The person who shot Midge and Moose is now roaming the area. You know, like, who is next? What is he going to do next if he won't even hesitate to shoot children? I am really grateful to have met Jug again; do not get me wrong. As well as Kippi, Kevin, Betty, and Archie. In addition to meeting Veronica. However, it could have been a mistake for her to come here," Dot said.
Octavia let out a sigh. "We want a new start."
"I know we did, and we certainly got it. But we are right back in the middle of the action. I am just worried, that is all," she said.
Octavia drew Dot into an embrace. "I understand. I am worried as well. But we do not even know if the three crimes are linked."
"It doesn't look like they are not. Just because Ms. Grundy was murdered with a violin bow does not indicate it was not the same person. "It might have been overkill or a team," Dot explained.
"Look, I will not let anything happen to you. Never,"exclaimed Octavia.
With a nod, Dot heard the doorbell. "I'll get it," she said. She made her way to the door, trying not to seem like she was about to cry. Jug was there waiting for her with a smile on his face. "Hey."
"Are you okay?" questioned Jug right away.
She enquired, "Can we go for a stroll?"
Jug gave a nod. "Let's go."
Dot talked about her anxieties to him as they strolled along the sidewalk. "I am worried one of us may be next. It no longer seemed improbable."
"Looks like Archie has a plan for that. He made a comment regarding a Riverdale safety system last night when we were at Veronica's," stated Jug.
"A protective system? What is it meant to be?" With a little tone of mocking, Dot questioned in a kind manner. Dot could not fathom Archie being able to defend an entire town on his own, even though she loved him and knew that he was only attempting to protect the people he loved.
Jug just shrugged. "I have not asked anymore inquiries. I was already kind of busy."
Dot said, "Oh yes. How was your first day of classes at Southside High?"
Jug let out a sigh. "As one could anticipate. Nobody is interested in studying, and everyone is taking this new jingle-jangle drug."
"Wasn't that what Moose and Midge were taking last night?" Dot asked.
Jug gave a nod. "I now know it came from Southside High. I just don't know who's dealing with it. But I will definitely write an article about it in the Red and Black."
Dot drew together her eyebrows. "The Red and Black? She smirked at him and remarked, "I see you are still the same old Jug after all."
"Were you ever unsure of that?" Grinning in response, Jug inquired.
"Not at all. I understood that no new school or living circumstance would ever change who you were. She replied, "You are still the same old moody writer that I adore," Jug planted a kiss on her, grinning.
The following day, Dot and Kippi walked to their next lesson. Dot's thoughts remained focused on all the events involving the murderer and Jug at Southside High. She asked Kippi, "How are things at the house?"
With a sigh, the blonde said. "Edy is cleaning like crazy, despite the fact that she's been doing so for the past three days and the house was not that dirty to begin with. I think she's trying to distract herself. The funeral is next week. Her custody hearing is in two weeks. It is a lot to deal with.
"Undoubtedly. But you will make it through. You will move in with us next week, and Edy is welcome to come visit anytime she likes. No worries. And we will be there for you both at the service and the funeral. We're not leaving you alone," Dot responded. "Not the gang, not me and my mother, and Edy will not leave you alone with it."
Kippi gave a nod. "I know. Saying farewell to the house is going to be difficult."
Dot grabbed her hand. "I can imagine. But if you ever need to leave, just stop by my house. The guest room still has to be decorated and made into yours."
"We do not need to do that. What if I actually get to live with Edy? We would have to change it back," Kippi commented.
"However, we want you to feel comfortable until the hearing. So feel free to drop over whenever you would like, and we can work together on it," Dot reassured her.
"All right," As Archie and Reggie walked past, Kippi gave a nod. They each gave them a flyer. "The red circle?" Furrowing her brows, Kippi questioned.
Dot questioned, "What is that?"
"We have created a defense system. Almost like a neighborhood watch but for the entire town," Archie clarified.
"Is that safe?" Dot inquired.
"We'll be fine," Archie spoke up.
Kippi said, "Can anyone join that?"
Dot exclaimed, "Kippi!"
"Dot, I need to be distracted. And I am very capable of defending myself," stated Kippi. With a shocked look, Dot gave her best friend a stern look. The entire town appeared to be going insane. "So, can I join in or not?"
Archie and Reggie exchanged looks, as if they were contemplating something. Dot's jaw dropped open. "If you have ever truly loved me as a friend, Archibald Andrews, you will say no right now."
Archie heaved a breath. "I'm sorry, Dot. But we need support, and Kippi swears she can handle it. So why not?"
Dot cautioned, "Archie."
"Fantastic. What should I do?" Kippi joined in.
Reggie gave her a bunch of flyers. "You can help us hand these out for now," he said. Dot was left perplexed as the three departed.
When Dot returned from school the following afternoon, Octavia was already home. After placing her bag on the ground, the girl entered the kitchen, where her mother was bent over a newspaper.
As Dot read the story, her jaw dropped wide as she peered over her shoulder. The letter was written by the murderer.
"This is the Black Hood. I am the man who shot the adulterer at Pop's. I killed the child predator in Greendale. I shot the drug- and sex-addicted teenagers at Lovers' Lane. Riverdale is not innocent. It's a town of hypocrites, degenerates, and criminals. My wrath is the price of your lies, your secrets, and your sins. I will not stop. I cannot be stopped. I am the wolf. You are the flock. This is the bloodletting. You will hear from me again."
Dot exclaimed, "Oh my God."
With a start, Octavia picked up the newspaper and folded it swiftly. "Dot."
"So these crimesarerelated?" Dot questioned. "And this man targets sinners? Mom, half, if not more, of the people in this town are sinners."
"Dot. The cops are doing all they can," Octavia explained.
"Well, they're doing a shitjob," Dot said.
"Language, Dorothy!" Octavia lost her temper.
"As if you were ever concerned about it. This is just lunacy, Mom! Another murderer is loose around town. Archie is now creating a neighborhood watch gang, and Kippi has recently joined them. This is not normal," Dot remarked.
"It is not, at all. And it is obvious that bad times are ahead. Which means I do not want you and the others investigating this until this killer is apprehended," Octavia insisted.
Dot cried out, "Mom!"
"This is my final word on the subject, Dorothy! Until an official curfew is imposed, I will impose my own on you and Kippi as soon as she comes in with us. I will not endanger any of you because you believe you have to do things that are intended for cops. I am not going to argue with you. My choice is final."
As Dot entered Southside High, she pulled her jacket closer to her body. Her mother was stalled at work, so she took advantage of the situation and broke the curfew. She knew if her mother found out, she would definitely have a babysitter or be grounded for life, but it was worthwhile.
She swiftly reached the Red and Black office and knocked on its door. She stepped in and said, "Hey," greeting Jug.
He looked at her in disbelief. "Dot, you cannot go in here without a weapon," he remarked, standing up from his chair.
"I got one," Dot replied as she pulled a Swiss knife from her pocket. "And I handed one to Kippi, who refuses to leave the red circle. Though with her arsenal of tasers, she truly does not need it."
"All right," Jug gave a nod.
Dot gave an old coffee can to Jug. "I found it in our basement. I figured you might need one."
Grabbing it from her, Jug murmured, "Thanks." He narrowed his eyes and gave her a quick glance.
Dot questioned, "What?"
Jug remarked, "This can not be the sole reason you came here in the middle of the night while a killer is loose in the town."
Dot sat back in a chair and groaned. "No, it isn't. I am concerned. About Kippi. I mean, one day she wouldn't leave her room because the grief over her grandmother's death has swallowed her whole, and the next she is driving around town with Archie and Reggie looking for a killer."
"She has gone through a lot. We should be happy that Archie and Reggie are with her, in my opinion. "Imagine if she did this alone," Jug remarked.
Dot let out a sigh. "Don't even say that. You're right, but I think I should speak with Edith nonetheless."
Jug said, "Maybe you should not do that." Dot drew together her eyebrows. "Look, if you talk to Edith and snitch on Kip, she might not like it."
"Kippi is my best friend. I need to know she is protected, and if that means narcing on her, so be it," Dot explained.
"Just wait a little longer. "Maybe Kippi will get bored of the red circle by tomorrow," Jug remarked.
After giving it some thinking, Dot nodded. "All right."
"Good," Jug remarked, laying a kiss on her lips. Suddenly, the door opened, and a girl with pink colored streaks in her hair entered. "I didn't see the sock on the door."
"No hurt feelings," Dot said
"Hey, Toni," Jug greeted. "Ah, Dot, this is Toni. She is a photographer for the newspaper."
"Oh, my God, that's so funny. "I am the Blue and Gold's photographer," Dot introduced herself to Toni.
"Excellent," Toni grinned at her.
"This is Dorothy," Jug declared. "She is my girlfriend."
Shaking Toni's hand, the brunette continued, "Call me Dot."
"Huh. You are not what I had in mind at all," Toni said.
"Really? What did you picture?" Dot asked.
"I don't know, likeWednesday Addamsor Marnie fromHalloweentown," Toni said. With amusement, Dot laughed.
Jug raised the coffee can. "Look what Dot got us!"
With a chuckle, Toni also took out a coffee can. "Great minds."
"Indeed," Dot said. "I presume you two are busy. Maybe I should go. I am already on curfew. I will be in trouble if my mother gets home and discovers me gone."
Jug said, "I'll take you."
Dot waved her finger and muttered, "Nuh-uh." She pulled out the swiss knife again. "Anyone who feels the urge to jump me will receive many stab wounds to various parts of their body."
"Kippi. Are you out of your mind? You could have gotten killed," Dot became upset and shouted, "All of you."
That evening, Kippi had called to inform her of what had happened. Dot had just missed her mother arriving home and knew she could not slip away again.
She was dying to just confront Kippi face-to-face and tell her what a risk she was taking.
"Well, so could Ethel. We helped her today. Someone was definitely following her, and we chased him off," Kippi said. "And that felt pretty amazing."
"You need to get out of this stupid red circle. I know they are simply trying to do good, but it will eventually lead to your deaths, and I do not want to see that. So just listen to me," Dot pleaded, "and leave before something terrible happens."
Kippi let out a sigh. "I can't. I finally feel like I belong somewhere. Where I can truly make a difference. We will find this Black Hood, and he'll be sorry for what he's done."
"But you haven't been involved so far," Dot said.
"Listen, Dot, I need to go," Kippi remarked.
"No, wait, please-" Dot stuttered as the phone line went dead.
The following morning, Dot and Jug were sitting in the trailer. She remarked, tending to his wounds, "So these ghoulies beat you up?"
"What? I slid off my motorcycle, like I told you," Jug said.
Dot heaved a breath. "Jug, you're not fooling me. I know you didn't fall off the bike. Not after what you told me about the gang and the fact that you are writing an article on them."
"So youarefurious with me," said Jug.
"I am notfuriouswith you. I'm worried about you. That is why you should avoid writing stories about people from your school. You'll make them mad, and then incidents like these will happen," Dot stated. "I think you should avoid going to school, at least at night."
Jug remarked, "I can't just avoid school."
"Besides, there is nothing to be concerned about. Jug is safe with the Serpents." It was Toni who spoke. Dot gave her a cautious glance. "And no, that does not imply he has to run with us after school or that he is a member of our gang, either."
Dot responded, "If you say so." She grabbed her bag, standing up off the couch. Dot kissed Jug and cautioned him, "Be careful."
"I hope you were serious about that offer, Toni.
"Absolutely," acknowledged the girl.
"Thanks. I have to go to school to talk to Kippi. See you later," Dot said.
It was lunchtime before Kippi arrived at school. She remained silent, but Dot noticed her stumbling down the corridor. So, at study hall, Dot confronted Archie. She questioned sharply, "What happened to Kippi?"
Archie let out a sigh. "She fell, okay? That could have happened at any point. "There is nothing else to it," he added.
Dot gave him a fierce look. "Nothing more to it? You guys saved Ethel with all honors, but what if that had happened when you were assisting Ethel and Kippi had been carried away by the killer?"
"She wasn't. We will keep Kippi safe while she is with us. She understands exactly what she is doing. You do not need to worry about her," Archie stated.
Dot gave him another scowl and got up from the table. She replied as she made her way to an adjacent table, "You better."
The following day, Dot approached Kippi. She stood near her locker, which was adjacent to Kevin's. She said, "Hey."
After a few seconds of silence, Kippi slammed the door of her locker and gave Dot a fierce look.
"Whoa, someone woke up in a bad mood," said Dot.
"Did you speak to Edy last night?" With a firm voice, Kippi inquired.
After looking away for a moment, Dot sighed and turned back to Kippi. She responded, "I did."
Kippi let out a puff. She said fiercely, "Wow."
"Kip, you were hurt while seeking a murderer with two other teens. None of you should do this. You will get hurt. I was only trying to protect you," Dot clarified.
Taking his books out of his locker, Kevin snorted.
Dot furrowed her brows. Inquiring, "You got something to say?"
"No, it is only that neither you nor Betty appear to be able to keep out of situations that should not interest you in the least," Kevin stated.
"Listen, I have no idea what Betty did, but you are talking about something that should not even somewhat worry you right now," Dot said.
"No, let him speak. He is right. You virtually push me into your house, and then you turn on me to my sister, who ends up grounding me. It's none of your business. Why can't you ever keep out of it?" Kippi inquired.
Dot responded, "Fine. I really do not need this. Go ahead and get yourself killed if you want to. But when this blows up in your face, do not come running to me." She went on to turn around and approach Betty.
As she took her belongings out of her locker, the blonde said, "Hey."
Dot said, "Hey." Betty and Dot turned to face their best friends. Before they both left together, they exchanged cold glances with the girls.
Teddy, holding his phone tightly, hurried up to the two, and Dot groaned. He said, "Guys, you have to see this."
"What now?" Dot inquired irritably. Teddy turned on the video on his phone, ignoring her criticism.
It portrayed Archie and his football teammates in red masks behind him.
"What in the hell?" Dot asked.
"This is a message for the coward calling himself the Black Hood. You think you can attack us from the shadows. But Riverdale is a lot stronger than you. And we're not afraid. See, there's only one of you. But we are legion. We're called the Red Circle. And we're coming for you. We will find you. We will hunt you. And we will end you." Archie announced.
The three teens exchanged wary glances.
"What does Archie think he's doing?" Dot asked.
"I am not sure, but whatever it is, it is bad. And it might not work out well for them or any of us," Betty said.