Storytitle

Theweatheroutsidewasperfect,thoughErinOReilly.itwasmidOctober,theleaves

werechangingandtheweatherwascoolingdown.Manyofthesmallbusinessesindowntown

Woolberryweredecoratingtheirfrontwindows***withHalloweendecorations.Woolberryisa

smalltowninIllinoisjustsouthofChicago.ErinjustmovedtowoolberryfromChicago(***).

WhileshewasinChicago,Erinwasacop,alongwithhertwoolderbrothersandherdad(***).

Erinnowworksasaprivatedetective,shehasasmallofficedowntown.However,sheinno

ordinaryprivateeye,Erincanseeghost.sherunsaparanormaldetectiveservice(***)(fix

wordingandtransition)

(***)Erinsunusualability(***)wasnotbornwiththeabilitytoseeandhearghost.She

wasgivenitaftershecamebacktolife.OnenightwhileerinandherolderbrotherSeanwereon

patrol,theywere(***)respondingtoabreakin.Astheypulleduptothehousetheyheardaloud

screamandgunshots.SeanCalledformorebackup,buttheybothknewitwouldbeatleast

fifteenminutesbeforeanyonewouldbethere.Theymadethedecisiontogoin.Astheyentered

thehousetheybothsplitup,ErinwentupstairsandSeanstayeddownstairs.Astheyentered

roomafterroom(***)shoutingCLEAR!,untiltheyhadcheckedtheentirehouse.AsErinwent

backdownstairs(***)

IfoundtheoldladySeansaid.

Lookslikethepoorladytooktwotothechest

Illcallitin(***)

Suddenlywithoutanywarningatall,aclosetdoorinthehallwayburstopen.Alargeman

camerushingout,bothErinandSeanstoodinthewayofthedoorblockingthemansescape.the

manpulled(***)(aorthe)gunoutandpointeditatSeanandErin.

Moveoutofofmywayorillshootthemanshouted.

SeanandErinbothknewtheycouldn'tgettotheirgunswithoutoneofthembeingshot.Sean

triedtotalktotheman.(***)

Itdoesn'tneedtobelikethis,justputthegundown.

No,youandIbothknowthati'mnotgettingoutofhere.(***)

ImsurethereisagoodexplanationforyoushootingMrs.Wilson,sheprobably

ShutUp,Ineedtothink.

Mrs.Wilsonmustbeenstartledbythenoise,andcamerushingdownstairs.You

panickedandshotherbyaccident.

Isaidstoptalking

Itsok,justputthe

JustthenthethemanjustlookedatSean,andErinknewwhathewasthinking.Erin

jumpedintheair,atthesametimethemanpulledthetriggeronthegun.SuddenlyerinFellto

theground,bloodimmediatelypouredoutofherlowerchest.Seanwenttohissistersside,heput

pressureonthewoundandcalledforanambulance.Themantookthistimetorunforthedoor,

justasheexitedthehouseatwocopcarspulledupandarrestedtheman.Seantryingtokeep

Erintalkingandkeepherconscious.

Theambulanceshowedup,theEMTtookthingsoverfromthere.Theyimmediately

loadedherintheambulanceandheadedforthehospital.Seanwasstillalittleinshock,hismind

wasracing,hecouldn'tthinkstraight.theotherofficersonthescenequicklytookhisstatement,

afterthathetookofftowardthehospital.Hepulledinandbegancallinghisfamily.Firsthe

calledhisparents,heexplainedinshortdetailandtoldthemtocometothehospitalimmediately.

WhenErin'sparentsshowedup,shewasstillinsurgery,shortlyafterthatRyanshowed

upaswell.Theyallsatinthewaitingroomwaitingandhopingforthebest.Seankeptrunning

overwhathadhappenedinhishead.Hetriedtothinkofwhathecouldhavedonedifferently.It

hadbeentwolonghours,oneofthesurgicalnursescameouttwiceeachhourtogiveasmall

update.EachtimetheOReillyswerehopingforgoodnews,buteachtimetheygotthesame

thing,(***)

Sheisdoinggood,thedoctorisworkingonpullingshardsofthebulletoutand

keepingherstable.

TheOReillysfelthopeless.theyallwantedtohelpErin.Mr.OReillyhatedwaitingallhislife,

hebecameacoptohelppeopleandalwaystakingaction(***).Mrs.OReillywaslost,oneof

herbabieshadbeenhurtandtherewasnothingshecoulddotohelpher.(describesetting)

Afteraboutfourlonghoursthesurgeon/doctorcameout(***)withgoodnews.theyall

stoodupandpreparedfortheworst.

Mr.andMrs.OReilly,

YesisErinokaskedMrs.OReilly.

Yourdaughterisveryluckytobealive,thebulletmissedallofherinternalorgans.

however,itshatteredintomanypiece.ittookawhilebutiextractedallofthebullet.erin

isdoinggood,shesrestingnowintheICU.Youcanseeherwhenshewakesup.

AlloftheOreillysletoutasighofrelief.Butonceagaintheywerewaiting.onlyaboutahalfan

hourhadpassedwhenErinwokeup.Erinopenedhereyes,wincingatfirstfromthepain.Atthis

timethedoctorwalkedin.

Hello,Miss.OReilly,goodtoseeyou'reawake.

Erinwincedagain,thistimeclosinghereyes.(***)

Ahhiseeyou'reexperiencingsomepain.Illgiveyousomemorphinetohelp

withthat

Thatwouldbegreatdoctor

Yourvitaleslookstableandaredoingwell.Wouldyouliketoseeyoufamily

now,theyhavebeenwaitingalongtimetoseeyou.

YesIwouldlovethat.

Erinwincedasshesatupbutthatsoondisappeared,themorphinewasworking.Thedoor

openedtoErinsroom,shecouldn'thelpbutsmilewhenshesawherfamilyallcomein.

HowsmylittlegirldoingaskedMr.OReilly

Imdoingsurprisenlygood/well.

WellthatsfantasticIneedsomehelptomorrowwithsomeboxes.Iexpecttoseeyouthere.

Hahaha.Mr.OReillygaveoutasmallchucleafterhissarcasticjoke.

(***)(fix)blahblahblahblah.Addmoredetailabouthopitalroomanddielect.

(***)Erinwasinthehospitalforaweek.Thedocterswereveryimpressedwithher

health.Erinwasneverafanofhospitalstobeginwith.Onenightwhenshewassleepinginher

roomshewasawokenbyacool/colddraft.whenErinsatupshesawapersoninherroom,this

ladywaswearingahospitalnightgoun(***).Erinwonderedwhyshewasinthere.

Ummexcusememamwhyareyouinmyroom?

Erinwaitedforaresponsebuttheladyjuststairedather.Forthelongesttimetheystared

atoneanother.thenshefinalyspoke.

Imfree,finallyimfree.

Erinwasconfused,butthensheherdyellingfromthehall

CODEBLUE,WENEEDACRASHCARTINHERESTAT

Theycantrybutimnotgoingback,imfinallyreadytomoveon

Erinwasstillsoconfudsed,butbeforshecouldaskthewomanwhatshementshedisapeared.

erinthoughtshehadwasdreaming.thenalltheyellingstopedfromtheotherroom

timeofdeath1:42am

whatjusthappenedthoughterin.shelayedbakbackdownandtryedtothinkofanalogical

explanationofwhatshejustwitnissed.haadshehadofdreameditallup.Orhadshejustsawa

ghostandwitnessedtheghostpassedpassingover.shewasstillunsurebutsheknew(***)so

shefigeredshecouldsleeponitfornow.whenErinawokwokeupsheslowlysatupandlooked

aroundherroom.shesawamandreesedinawhitelabcoat.waithewasherdocter.)(***)wait

hesmydoctershethought.themandocterlookedather.

wellgoodmorningmissoreilly/iseeyourawake.howareyoudoing?

okimjustreallytiredithinkihadabaddreamlastnight

baddreamsarenotuncommonforpeoplethsthaveexperiencedgone

throughtwhatyoudid.youtenichllydiedtwiceontheoperatingtable.althoughitcould

havebeenthenoisefomfrometheotherroom.poormrs.smithtookaturnfotforthe

worstlastnight.

justthenerinremembered(FIX***)herincounterwiththeoldladylastnight.

wasshetheonwiththe(dicribeoldladyheremakesuretoudegooddetailandhave

docterrespondwithcuriosityandconfusiononhowsheknewthat.)

isutjustsaawsawherwonderingthtthehallyest(***)hallsyesterdaysheseemed

nice.

yesmrs.smithwasavaryniceoldlady,itsasameahehadtogo.butitwashertimei

guesse(***)

iguesseyoudontgettochoosewhentogoblahblahblah(***)

erinwas(***)erinsconversationwiththrdocterleftherishock.shejustwassoconfusedshe

wasinawtw.couldherdieingtwicehavesomthingtodoeithwithwhyshecanallofasudden

seedeadpeople.maybeitsjustthisthehospitalshethought.yeahtnatthatswhatitisthisplace

ismakingmecrazy.

Bytheendoftheweekerinhadseenmanymoreghost.somewhereinthehallsjustwondering

whenshehadgotipupforherwalks.sometimeswhenshelookedthroughthewindowonthe

hetherdoorshecouldseethenpeoplejustwondering.sheknewtheyweredeadbythewaythey

lookedsomehaddideddiedwhenthearivedtothehospitalbecausetheyhadsoomuchbloodon

themtheywerecoveredinitblood.otherrsshejustknewbythewaytheylookedorthewaythey

dressed.thereclothingwasallrippedupandoutofdate.shemadethemasstakemastakeof

laughingatajokeonepersondeadpersonsaidandtheywouldsentstoptalkingtoherhewas

surprisedthatshecouldherehim.

erinwasfisitedbyherfamilyeveryday.notallofthemcamebutatleastonememberofher

familyshowedup.blahblahblahblahblahblahtellmoreaboutherfamilyvisits.

seperatetopparaghraph.(***)Ithadbeenaweek,alongweek,andErinwashappytogo

home.Aftererinreturnedhomeshecontinuedtonoticethedead.theyseemedtofollowher

fromthehospital.Shewasgoinginsaneshethoughtthtoherself.Shefinallydecidedtotell

someoneaboutit.Hermother,MarryORiellyOReillyhadbeentheonepersonshecouldall

alwaysgotoifshehadanypropblemsorjustneededapeopsonpersontotalkto.Erinwaitedto

tillherdad,seanandryanallleftforwork.Marrywasinthekitchencleaning,justlikesheshe

doesanyothermorningafterbreakfast.Erinmadmadeherwayslowlytothe(***)slowlydown

thestairesandintothekitchenandsatdownatthetable.Marryputaplateofeggs,baconand

tosttoastinfrontofher.Erinateherfoodslowlyandhermothersatnexttoherlookingthrough

oneofherLTDmagazings.FinallywhenErinwasfinishedshelookedathermotherandspoke.

MomcanItalktoyouaboutsomething

Sure,anythinghoney.

Wellitsgoingtoprobablymakemesoundreallycrazyandinsane,butjusthear

meout.

Okayyoudeffentlyhavemyattentionwhatisit?

Eversenceiwokeupinthehospitalafterbeingshot,iveivebeenseeing

deadpeople/ghost.

Hermotherjustlookedatherforwhatseemedtobeforevertoerin.Thenfinallyshespoke.

Erin,honeyyournotcrazy.Ihavereadaboutthisbefore.manypeoplethathave

gonethroughwhatyoudidhaveexperiencedparanormalhappenings.(***)

Soooyournotfreakedoutaboutthis.AndevennowthatwerehomeIamseeing

ghost.theotherdayilookedoutsidemywindowandsawamancoveredin(***)(remove)isawa

anoldmanwithadentinhisheadittookmeaminiutetorelisetherewasnothingicoulddofor

him.helookedatmeandsmiled.

Iunderstandyourstillfreakedoutyourselfaboutallthis.Butdontthinkofthis

asaweirdthing,thinkofitasawaytohelppeoplewellghost.Youcantrytalkingtothem

andhelpthemwithunfinishedbusiness,sotheycanmoveon.

yourrightmomnexttimeiseeoneillltrythat.Butthereisstilloneproblem,

wheniwentdowntowntwodaysagoisawthemeverywhere.Somewereevenwearing

clothesfromcenteriesago.therearesomanyofthem,whatificanthelp(remove)(***)i

canthelpallofthem.andwhenitryednottolookatthemiwasstilllookingatone.they

aealloverthestreets.Theyjustswarmaroundmeoncetheynoticemetheycalltome

andwontstopaskingforhelporwhywontanyonetalktothemect

honeyhaveyoueverthoughtaboutlivingsomewhereelse,likenotthecity.itmightbe

easiertomovetoasmallertown

youknowiwasthinkingaboutthattheothernight.asmalltownwherenotso

manypeoplelive.

Acoupleofdayslatererintoldtherestofherfamilyaboutseeingthedead,andtheidea

ofmoving.theywerealittlecreepedoutatfirst,buttheylivedwithit.Theyalsoallagreedthat

nooneealseshouldknowaboutthis.Ifhersecretgotoutshemightbetakenaway.Noneofthem

wantedtothinkaboutthat.IfErinssecretwasreliesedtothepoblic(***)publicitwouldbea

nightmare.Peoplemightcometoheraskingforhelptocontactalovedone.shewouldbe

famouse,butitwouldbeoverwelmingforher.

Iwouldbehelpingpeople,butihaven'tmasteredblackingthemout.Oncethey

knowicanseethem,theykeepbotheringmeuntilitalktothem.

Weunderstandthathoney,Wehaveallagreedthatnooneelse,butus.Unless

youhave(***)unlessyoudecideotherwise.Erinsmotherusuredher

Iknowthatmom,butthatsnoteventheworst.Peoplemightbegintothinkim

crazyandhavemelockedup

Dontworrysiswegotyourback

Yeah,noneedtoworryourlipsaresealed.

SeanandRyanbothchimedinontheconversation

Iknow,thatswhyimiworried

Eringavehertwoolderbrothersthelookshealwaysdoes.Sheraisedhereyebrowsandlooked

atthem,herlipsturnedinward.

Ohcomeonsiswhenhaveweeverletyoudown,Ryanjoked.

AllthetimelikethattimwhenSeancutheroff.

EverythingwillbefineErin,wewillalldoourparttokeepyoursecret.

OkaybutIwonteverforgetaboutthat

Theyalllaughed(***).

ThefollowingweekErinbeganlookingforasmalltownnottoofarfromChicago.Erin

andhermomstayedhomelooking,whileeveryonewasworking.Erinlovedbeingacoponduty,

shedidntperticerlylikethelatenightshifts,butthepart(***)whenshehelpsomeoneorsolved

acaseitmadeherfeelhappy.ItwashardwatchingherdadandSeanleaveforwork.Ryanisa

ferensicsanalysis,soheworksinalab.Butheworkswiththepolicetosolvecases.

Thenonedaywhilesearchingforasmallhouseforsale,Erinfoundoneinasmalltown

calledWoodberry.Shereadaboutthetown,andlookedatsomepictueresofa2bedroomhouse.

ThatgotErinthinking,howwasshegoingtohaveanincome.Shewantedtobeacop,butshe

wasunsureifshegobackintothefeild.Shewastooughbutitfrightenedher.Whatifsheopened

aherownprivatedetectiveagency.shecouldusehertieswiththechicagopolicetousetheir

resorses.Andshewassureheroldbosswouldsignoffonthepapers.

Thatnightshegatherdherfamilyafterdiinnerandshowedthemthetown.Erinalsotold

themaboutherideatobecomeaprivatedetective.Ryanwastheoneto(***)wasthefirstoneto

speakup.

Erinwhatifinstedofbeingaprivatedetectiveyouopenedaparanormal

detectiveservice.

Whatdoyoumean?askedErin

Imeanyoucouldhelppeoplewiththeirghostproblems,orhelpghostgetin

touchwiththeirfamilis/friends.

youknowthatsnotthatbadofanideaIminpressedryanErinjokedwithher

brother.

Erincouldstillgetherbosstosignoffonthedetectivepapersandnottell(***)andnot

havetotellhimaboutthewholepartweresheseesghostnow.thelessshehadtotell(***)the

lesspeopleshehadtotelltoeasierherlife.Erinknewatfirstitwouldbestrangeexplaningher

abilitywhenshesetupherbusness,butmostwouldprobablythinkshesoneofthemfonies.

Mostpeopletryto(***)mostpeoplesaythecanseeorhearghostorcommunicate,butin

reallitytheyjusthavegoodsencesandaskmrandomquestions.peopleendupgivingaway

informationandnotrealisingit.Howevererinwasnotlikethatshewastherealdeal.

TwoweekslaterErinandherparentstookadrivetoWoodberry.Woodberrywasonly

twohoursfromchicago,thatisiftherewasnttoomuchtrafic.ThatwasdeffintlyonthingErin

wouldlearntolike(***).Erinwashappyaboutmovingtoasmall,quitetown,withlittletono

traffic.Theridethere.

Theridetherewaspeaceful.Erinchatedwithherparentsaboutloaninghersomemoney

tobuyasmallofficbuildinginthedowntown.Erinfoundtheplaceonlinetwodaysago.Shehad

moneyinhersavingsacountshewouldusetobuyherhoouse,butshedidntwanttocompleatly

emptyheraccount.Besidesherparentswerehappytohelp.TheOReillyswereverygenoris

people,theyhadnoproblemhelpingtheirchildrenpursuetheirdreams.

FinallytheyarivedinWoodberry,thedrivedownwasbeautiful.Itwaslatejuly

sotheweaterwashot/warmbutnotextreamlyhot.thetreeswerefilledwithgreenleavesand

everythingelseseemedtobedeiingout.Erinwasstill.(***).However,Erindidseesomeghost

alongtheway.itwasthestrangestthingbutfasanatingtoheratthesametime.Shesawaman

andawomaninabuggiebeingpulledbyahorse.theylookedsohappy,thewomanwaswearing

alightbluedressthatwasfromhernecktoherfeet.andthemanworeasuitorwhatlookedto

beconsiderdasuitthen,healsohadatophatonblack.Erinfigeredtheywouldbeofnoharm,

soshesmiledandwavedpolitly.themanandwomanreturnedwithasmileandwaveaswell.As

theypassedthehorseletoutaloudwinnie.Erincouldn'thelpbutlaughwhenthehorsesspita

hugebubbleofspit.herparentslookedateachotherwithceriosity.hermomturnedinthe

pasengerseattofaceher.

Honeywhatareyoulaughingat?

nothingmomjustsomtingalongsidetheroad

Hermothertookaquickglanseattherevewmirriorandanotherlookatherdaughter.therewas

nothingalongsidetheroad.shefigeredshementsomthingonlyshecouldsee.Marryturned

backaroundanletitgo.

FinallytheyarivedinWoodberry.Itlookedjusthowerinimaginedit.Quietsmalland

perfect.firsttheydrovetothehouseErinwaslookingat.theyhadcalledyesterdaytosetupan

appointmentwiththerealiter.Therealaterwasalreadytherewhentheypulleditthedrivway.

Thehousewasanoldtownhouse,buthadbeenremodledinsideandouttokeepuptocode.It

hadtansidinganddarkbrownshenglesontheroof.therealiterintroducedhimselfandtheyall

walkedinside.thehouseopenedupintosmallmudroom,walkingtroughasmallshorthallway

youenteredanopeningtotherightwasthekitchencompleatwithalloftheapliences.totheleft

wasthelivingroomitwasallverynice.Nexttheywentupstairstheyenteredthemasterbed

roomandbath,thentheothertwosmallbedrooms.aftertakingafulltouroftheplacetheyall

gateredinthelivingroomtotalk.Erinmadeanofferontheplace,inacouple(***).therealiter

toldherhewouldhavetotalktotheowners.

Nexttheytravled/drovetotheofficebuilding,tomeettheowner.theytookatourofthe

placeandnegosiatedaprice.Erinexplanedthatshewasjusttheretomakeanofferandseethe

place.Shetoldherthatshewasawaitingtohereaboutahouseshewantedtobuy.theowner

undrstoodandsaidtheycoouldkeepintouch.Erinlovedboththehouseandandtheoffice,there

wasonlyonethingshecoulddowait.

Erinandherparentsgotbackinthecaroncemoreandmadethejourneyhome.Three

dayspasthadpastwhenerinscellphonerang.shereconisedthenumberandanswered

emidently.

Hello,thisisErinOReilly.

Erinwasquietwilethevoicespoke.

uhuhOkthankyouverymuch.IwillseeyouonMonday.thanksagain

sir.

Erinwasfilledwithexsitmentshe,theownersagreedwiththeofferandthehouseishers.

shefoundhermotherandtoldherthegreatnews.Herandhermotherbeganpackingatonce.

afterpackingupmostofherstuffsherelisethattheyneededtogoshopping.Erinhadno(***)

didnthaveanyplatscupsoranythingelse.TheonlyproblemwasthatErinhaddentbeeninany

ofthestoresinchicago,shewasstillinfearoftheghostthatlingeredaroundchicago.however

erinrelizedshewouldhavetofaceherfearsoonerorlater.

Soonsaturdaythefollowingday,erinandhermotherheadedtothestore.Erinfeltsae

havinghermothercomewithher.theytookerins2000fordtaurussilver.thewholewaythere

eerincountinueslysawghostwaling.someofthemshebarlynoticedtheywereghostt,othersshe

couldtelldidnthavesuchapeacfullending.oncehermompulledintotheparkingloterinwas

tryingtothinkofhowshewouldhandleifonecameuptoherinpublic.Shetoldherselfshe

wouldjusthavetowingit.Erinandhermothermadetheirwayintothestore.theymadetheir

wayaroundgettingeverythingerinwouldneed.Erinwassurpprisedshemanagedtonotlookat

themdirectlyintheeyesandifshelookedaaghosttooitinquickanddicreetglances.

Everythingwasgoigwell,erinwasimpressedbuyhowwellshewasdoing.Maybeitwouldnt

beasbadasshethoughtitwasgoingtobe.butshewaswrongsheaccidentlystaredtoolongat

thisoldlookingwoman.Erindidntmeanto,shewasjustadmieringthewomansbrochandother

jewlryshewaswearing.suddenltthewomanwasgone(***)thewomanlookederinstreightinn

theeyethendisapeared.Suddenlyerinfeltacoldrushofair.erinturnedaroundandstandingin

frontofherwastheoldwoman.erinletoutaloudgaspoffright.hermotherlookedatherwitha

questioninglookonherface.Hermomaskedifshewasokerintodhershewasfinentwanting

tomakescene.Thewomanbegantalkingtoherinanoldraspyvoiceyouwouldhavefrom

smoking.

Canyouseemedear?

momcanyoulooklikeimtalkingtoyoujustgowithitplease

okaysweetyHermotherwentalongwithit.

yesicanseeandhearyou,ididntmeantostare.IIwasadmierinyyour

jewlrey.

ohwellthatsallrightdeary.thisismyfavorit.iwasdressedtogooutfora

fancydinner,whenifeelandhitmyheadbutineverwokeup.suchashamethatmynicejacket

gotstanedbytheblood.

Thewomantunedaroundsothaterincouldseetheherback.Erinneverevennoticedthedark

colorofthedryedbloodonthebackofthewomansjacket.eringavetheladyanafacetoshow

hersadnessforthewoman(***).

suchashameisitdeaary

ohyesitisErinagreedwiththewomannotsureofwhattosay.

wellivegottogethometomyhusbanddearyseeyoulater

nicemeetingyougoodbye.

Erinwavedtothewomanasshedisapeared.Erilookedathermotherandsaidshesgone.her

motheraskedwhowasthat.erinjusttoldhershewouldexplaiinthethecar.

Theyheadedtothecheckoutwiththecart.Aftertheyloadedeverythinginthecarand

headedhome.onthewaytherehomeerintoldhermotheraboutthewomanatthestore.shetold

hereveeryeverylastdetailallthewaydowntowhatherbroachandeverypieceofjewlaryshe

waswearing.blahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblah(***)more

detailaboutherstorywithwomanatstore.whentheygothomeerinoticedhrdadscarandran

insidetoseewhathwasdoiinghomesoearly.hewassitinginthekicheneaatneatinga

sandwich.hesaidhethoughthedcomehometoseehawhowthepackingwasgoing.erin

explanedthattheyneededtogotothestoreforsomestufstuff.erinwasmovinginonmodayso

shehadtheweekendtopackthingsup

herwholelifeerinhadalwayslivedinthishousewithherparents.itwashardforherto

saygoodbbyetoherchildhood,whatwoulwouldshedoowithoutherparents.allthoughshe

wastwenttwoandstilllivingathomeshewantedtogetoutandseetheworldbutitwashardher

wholefamalywasallreallyclose.itwasalsohardonherparentsshewastheirbabygirl.well

theironlygirltotherytheyweregoingtomissher.buttheyknewitwouldmakeherfeelsomuch

betterifshewassomewhereshecouldrelaxandnothnothavetoworryaboutseeingghost

everywhereshewent.erinwaswasntgarentiedshewoulntseeghost,buteveytimeshevisited

thehousedownthereshehadonlyseenafewahandfullofagghost.blahblahblahblahblah

blahwhatwouldshedowithouththetheconfetconfertofherparents.itwouldbeawholehkkz

diffrentexpereenceexperienceforherandherparntsparents.blahblahblahblahblahblhablah

blahconversationwithherparentsaboutleavingblhblahblahblahblhblahblahblahblahblah

blahblahblahblhablahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblah

conversationwithebrothersandafamilygatheringsayibggoodbyetoallofthem,all

sharingmemoriesabouthowitwaswhentheolderbrothersmovedouttheofthehouse.all

touchyfeelyforall.tearsareshead.blahblhablhablahblahblahblahblahblahblhablahblah

blhablahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahbblahblahblahblahblahblahbladyblahbla

runningoutoideastotype.fillallthiswiththeirfamilyconversationandhowdiscriptionofhow

theyallreact/reactedtoeachothersstories/memories.blahblahbblahblahblahblahblahblah

blahblahblhablhablahblahblablahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblhablahblahblahblah

blahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblah(*****)blahblahblahblahblahblahblahblah

blahblahablahnlahblahblahblahlahablahblahblahblahabalbalalblahblHBLhblshblah

blahblhablhablahblahblahblahblahblahblahbalhblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblaa

blahblahblahblahblahbkahblahabnlhablahblahblahablhablahblabhblahblahblahblah

blahblahblahblahblahblahblablahblahblhablahbahfblahbahlblahblahblahbalblalhblah

blahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahbalhblahblahblahbblabbbaljablhablah

blahblhablahblahblahblahblahblshblahblahblahblah

todaywasmondaywhichmentmovingday.Erinwasreadytocontinuethenextchapter

inherlife.Erinrolledoverinherbedandhitthesnoozebuttononheralamralermalarm.itwas

nowsevenoclockonthedot,sheneededtogetmoving.todaywasmondaywhichmentmoving

day.Eringotupandtookaquickshowergotdressedandheadeddownstairesforbrekfeastat

seventhirty.Whenshewalkedintotheintothekitchenhermotherandfathergreetedher.Sean

andryansoontrailedinaftererin.botherinsdadandherbrotherstookthedayoffohelptheir

daughter/sistermovegetmovedin(***).Erinsmothergotupearlyerearlierthantherestofher

familytomakesuretheyhadagoodbrekfesttostartoffthedaywith.Theyallgrabedaplate

andloadedtheirplateswithfood.

aftertheybtheyatesrinserinsdad/brianandSeanlefttogogetthemovingtruck/pick

upthemovingtruck.therestofthemstayedtofinishpacking.whenherdadandbrotherretuned

theybeganmakingcountlesstripsinandoutloadingthetrucktilitwasstuffedfulloferins

stuff/things.onceeerythingwasloadedtheysatdowntotakeabreak.theyweredoingwell/

goodontime.erinhad/wasgoingtomeettheownersandrealiteratthehouseateleventhirty

anditwasjustnoweightoclock.theyhadawholehourtorelax.

Theotherdaywhenerinandhermomwereatthestoreshealso(erin)alsopickedup

somethingsforhernewoffice.allofthepapersandpermentshadgonethroughandshewas

abletorenttheofficebuildingaswell.everythingsofarhadgoneasplanned.byninninethey

wereontheroadtheydecidedtoleaveabitearliyincaseoftraffic.itwasagoodthingtheyhad

runintosomeonthehighway.butnowthetheywereonthecountryroadsonthequietand

peacefullcountryroads.erinsfatherandryanroadinthemovingtruck,erinsmotherwasin

frountintheirsuv,anderinandherbrotherseanfollowedtheminhercar.

theridethereseanwasfasanatedthewholewaswiththescenary.hehadbeenoutofthe

citybefoebeforebutheneversawanythinglikethis.therollinghillsandthecontinuousfarming

feildsoneafteranother.erinherselfhadmadethetriptowoodberryandbacktwice,butevery

timeitjustkeptgettingmoreamazing.shewasstillamazedthatshewouldbelivinghkkerehere

now.shecouldn'twaittoactullyactuallygettoseethestarsatnightintheskywithoutallof

thelightpolutonpollution.andnotalwaysherethesoundofcars,honkinghornsandtheother

variessoundsofthecity/chicago.

afteralongtwoandahalfridtheyarivedinwoodberrysaftly.theypulleditointointo

thedrivewayandputthetruckinparktherestofthevehilclestheyparkesonthithesideofthe

street.erinwalkeduptotheownersanintroducedherselfandtheothermembersofherfamily.

theyhandedoverthekeystoerinandwelcomedhertothewoodberry/town.afterthattheyleft.

theywalkedintothehouse.erintookherfamalyintothehouseandgavethenthetour.theyall

agreedthatitwasagreathouseforher(erin).theybeganunpackingthemovingtruckand

placingthingsaroundthehouse.erinwasveryhappythattheownersevenleftherthecouchand

achairinthelivingroom.theytoldherifwasahouseworminggift.theyhadjustboughtthat

stuffthemthemantookanotherjobinadiffrentstatitwasesiarnottolugthebigstuffaround

thecountrywiththem.`great.

itwasnowsevenpm.theywerefinishedtheyhadjustfinishedunpakingthetruckand

weresayingtheirgoodbyes.erincoulddotherestoftheunpackingherselftomorrow.itwould

beweirdtosleepinthenewhouseandsheknewiitwouldbestrangetowakeupinthemrning

andnotfindherdadlevingforworkandhermotherdoingthelaundry.shegaveeveryoneahug

goodbye,hermothertoldhertocallifsheneededanything.erinwatchedastheyallgotinthe

gotbackinthevehilclesandpulledoutandheadedforhome.shewavedtothey.itwasallto

weirdforhertowatchherfamilyleaveher.shefeltsadbutshewasreadytotrysomthing

diffrentforachange.tomorrowshewouldheaddowntoherofficeandbeginorganisingstuff

downtheirtogetherbuisnessupandrunning.Erinwalkeduptoherroomhernewroomand

begantounpackherclothsandorganistheminhtetheclosetanddrawrsdrawersofherdresser.

shedidthisuntillallofherclothswereunpacked.whenshewasfinishedshelookedattheclock

itwasnownineoclock.erinfigeredsheshouldproblyprobablygetsomesleepifshewas

goingtogetupearlyinthemorning.erinputsomeputonherfavoritchicagopollicedepartment

sweatpantsonandclimedintointobed.

whenerinwokeupitwasnotbecauseheralarmwasgoingoff,itwasbecauseshefelta

colddraft.openinghereyesshesawaheadlessmanstaringather,wellwhatseemedtobe

staringather.shejumpedatfirstthemreallisingthathewasnttheretoherther.hereacheouthis

handforhertotake.shewasnervisaboutdoingsobtsheeltbadfortheman.hewasdressedin

anarmyuniformofsomesort,hiswholeuniformwascoveredinbloodthatseemedtobecoming

nonstopfromhisneck.shereadhisnametagonhisuniform.lutenitdansomthingshecouldent

makeouttheerestofthenametherestofithadeenburedoutoff.shewashesatentabouttaling

takingthemanshandbutsheslowlyreachedherhandouttotouchhis.assoonasitdidshe

heardthesooundofgunsshootingandthentherwasaloudexplosionsheturnedhersheadasit

wentoffherbodywastroughtintheairandnextthingshesawwasherheadlessbodylieing

acrossfromher.sheemidentlypanicked.themshewasbackinherownbedshelookedatthe

bodythatstoodbeforehernow.shetryedtalkingtohimasskinghisnameandwhathad

happened.theonlythinghedidwaspointtohisnametagthatreadhisfirstnameonly.nextshe

askeaskedhimifsheifhewantedhertofindhisfamalyhethentryedtonodhisheadbutonly

theportionofhisneckthatwasleftmovedrockedforawdandbackwardsbackandforth.she

understoodthathementyesshetoldhimthatshewasgoingtosleepandwhenshegotachance

tomorrowshewouldtrytofindhimhisfamily.themanwalkedoutofhiserinsroomandslowly

walkeddownherstaresanddisapeared.erinheardhimheardhisfootstepsashewalkedashe

madehiswaydownstares.erinrolledoverandlookedatherclockitwasfourthirtyam.she

hadtwommorehourstosleepbeforheralarm.sheburroredbackdownunderhercoversandfel

fellbackaslpasleep.

whenerinwokeupforthesecondwaytimeheralarmwasblaringonhigh.shesutshur

heralarmoffandpulledtheblanketsoffhersrlf.shewaspleasedtogethertwoextrahoursof

sleepafterthelittleincadentfromlastnight.erinwashopingtogodowntoheroficeeandget

thingssetupandstopbythetownhalltomakesureherpapersforthingshadgonethrough.erin

hopedintheshowerandputonacleansetofcloths.apairofaniccepairoftanpantswithateal

shortsleeveshirt.shefigerdsheshouldgetusedtodressingniceifshewantedtorunandwork

inanoffice.butbeingheronlyemployeehaditsperks.shecouldwearjeansandateeshirtdays

shedidntfeellikedressingup.

Eringotinhersilverfordtaurus,anddrovedowntoheroffice.erinparkedoutbackand

walkedin.sheturnedonthelightsantookalookaround,therewasasmallbathroominthe

backroomandadeskalreadyinthere.eringotstartedonmovingsomeofthefilecabnetsarount

anddetingupheroffice.sheevenhookedupherphoneandsatanotepadandpennearit.

everythingwaslookinggoodshesatdownaftershefinishedandsetherlaptoponherdesk.she

rememberdthemanwhovisitedherlastnight.shegottosearchingforamanthathadlivedhere

inwoodberrybythenameoflutenetdan.buteverytimeshedidshetunedupempty.justwhen

shewasgetinfustratedsheheardthebellsonherdoorringandlookedup.anelderlyman

walkedin.

Hellothere,imArtherMoreison.iownthemoreisonhardwearstorenextdoor.

hiimerinoreillyijustmovedherefromchicago.andimopeningadetectice

sevichere.ijustboughtahousedownonelmstreet.

wellthenwelcometowoodberry.mustbequitthechangegoingfromabigcity

toaquietlittletownlikethis.

yeahiguessyouyeasiguessso.ifinditreallyniceandpeacefull.

wellmostdo.sowhatsyourstory,whydyoumakesuchamove?

Wellitsalongstory.

wellhoneyigotlotsoftimeyousseemysonnowrunsthehardwarestoreandi

justsitoutsidegreetingpeolepeople.

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twiceonthetablebuttheywereablethedocterswereabletobringmebackandfuuly

removethebullet.ateraftereverythingibegantonoticestrangthingshappeningwell

strangepeople.iwasseeingghisghost.and

waiteyoumeanyoucanseeghost.arethereanyaroundmenowhuntingme?

erincouldn'thelpbutlaughingnotherearenotanyghostherenoworaroundyou.asi

wassayinginchicagotherearequitealotofpeopleandquitealotofeadonestoo.soi

figereditwouldbeeaseierifimovedtoasmalltownlikethistosortaecape.butistill

wanttohelpthemsothisisaparanormalinvestagatingservice.icanusemymanyskills

iveobtanedfrontreeyearsofbeingacop.

wellyourqutietheperson

soyournotfrightenedbytheiseedeadpeoplething

ohhecknomissoreillynothingintrestingeverhappensinthissmalllittle

town.

wellthanksiguessandpleasecallmeerin.

wellerin

justthenthebellsrangagainandinwalkedaslightlyyoungerthanarther,awomanwithdark

redhair.

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iherdthatarther.wellhellotherederyimGracey/GraceSandersiownthe

littlebotiqueacrrosthestreet

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doorwichwasinfacetalightbluedooranditreallydidhaveabluedoor.

nicetomeetyougraceimerinoreilly.andthisismypharanormaldetective

service.

wellwelcometothenaborhoodmissoreillywaitdidyoujustsayparanormal

erincouldenthelpbutletoutalittlelaughknowingshewouldonceagainhavetoexplain

herstory.butshethoughtthattheseolderpeopleweresomeoneshecouldtrustsoshetoldthem

thetruth.

yesididicanseeghostandnotherearenotanyareoundaroundyou.

wellaintthatfasanatingdidyouhearthatarthershecanseeghost.

Yesshealreadytoldmethisbeforeyougothereartyerarthersaidthisina

grumpy/angryvoice.

youseeiusedtobeachicagocopbutiwasshotondutieanddiedtwiceonthe

operatingtableandnowicanseeghost.

erinandhernewfriendstalkedforawhileaboutheroldlifebackinchicago.sheliked

thesetwotheytwerevarynice.

wellguysitwasnicetalkingtoyoubutihavetogetdowntothetownhall,ill

seeyouguystomorrowandifyoucouldtryandkeeptheiseeghostthingonthedownlow.

sometimespeoplethinkimarealcrazyperson.

theyalllaughedatthat

okwellishouldgetbacktomystoreseeyoutomorrowmissoreillygrace

wavedtoerin

pleasecallmeerinyoumakemefeellikemymom

wellishouldbeleavingtoiguessnicemeetingyouerinaurtherwavedand

walkedout.

Erinputherlaptopinherbagandheadedout.shemadesuretoshutoffallthelightsand

tolockthedoor,sheevencheckedtobesure.erinhoppedinhercarandtookofftowardthe

townhall.shepulledinoutfrontandwalkedintointothebuilding.shegreetedthesecortarythat

shehadcometoknowverywelloverthepastweekwithallthepaperssheshadtosendover.

erinsatdownandwaitedforthesecertarytotocomebacktoaskeherifthepapersweresent.asa

shewaitedthemayerwalkedoutofhisofficetogosomewhereandstopedwhenhesawerin.

whyhelloidontbelivewehaveevermet,immr.brownthemayerhestuckout

hishandforhertoshake.

hellomr.brownimerinoreillyijustmovedherefromchicagoshesaid

shakinghishand.

ohareyoutheoneopeningthenewbuisnessdowntown?

yesthatstheoneOreillysprivatedetectiveseervices

ohwellwelcomtowoodberryandhopeeverythinggoeswellwiththebuisness

erinthoughtitwasalittleweirdhowhesuddenyleftaftershemetionedherbuisness,but

heprobablyhadotherimportantstufftogetto.whenJennythesecertaaryretunederinaskedher

abouttthepapers.theyweresentwodaysagoandtheywererecivedthismorningclearedfor

bissness.erinwassohappyshetookthepapersfromjennyandleft.

erinthoughtaboutgoingbacktoherofficetoputthepapersinthefilesbutshejustwent

homeinstead.shewoulddothattomorrow.erinpulledintoherdrivewayandheadedinside.it

waswierdwalkingintoanemptyhouse,itwouldbesomthingshewouldhavetogetusedto.

erinsstomicwasgrowlingatheritwasnowfourthirtysheeatatebreckfestbuthadgotcought

upintoworkandtalkingwithartherandgraceandforgottogetlunch.shewalkedintothe

kitchenandgrabedapackageoframannoodles.shedugintoaboxandpulledooutabowl.she

satathersmallrounddinningtableandatehernoodleswhilewatchingsometv.erinloved

watchingcrimeshows.theywereherfavorite.aftersheateshedecidedtoseeifshecouldget

anymoreinformationaboutthelutenit.

itwasnownowabouteightthirtyandshehadonlyfoundanarticalexplainingthe

explosionhewasinthatkilledhim.shethenhadathoughtshecouldaskgraceandartherifthey

knowwherehisfamilyisnow.

erinputherlaptopawayandheadedupstaires.sheputapairofpajamaspantsandatee

shirt,andgotintobed.erinwasabletosleepalittlebitbettertonightshewasgettingusedtothe

thenewhouse.itwasbeginningtofeelmorelikehome.suddenlyerinwokeupsheheardanoise

downstairs.shesatupandlookedatherclock.itwasnowfourtherty,ifitwasabergalerher

pistolewastoofarawaylockedupinhersafe.shecouldhearthefootstepsslamonthestairsas

theyslowlyclimbed.erinbegantopanickasthestepsgrewcloserandcloser.thenthedoor

handleonherdoorbegantomove,likesomeonewastryingtogetin.thedoorfinallygaveway

andslowlycreptopen.iwalkedthesamebloodyheadlesbodyoflutenitdan.erinemidently

relaxedandbecamemad.shelookedathiswitanangerylook.

Isthisgoingtobecomeanightlything?

thelutenitjustlookedather/(***)hejuststoodthere.andshruggedhisshoulders.

soletmegetthingsstreightyouaregoingtovisitmeeverynightatthissame

timetilluntilifindyourfamilyandhelpyouwithyourunfinishedbuissneiss.

Againhestoodthere.thenhetryedtomovehisheadbutendedupmoviingmovingthe

wholetophalfofhisbody.erintookthatasayes.

okaywellfornowcanigobacktosleepihavetoworktomorrow.

lutenitdanshookhistophalfaginginagreeance.

andnexttimecanyoutryottodripbloodallovermyhouseandnew

beddingerinyelledathimashewalkedbackoutofherroomandheadeddownstaires.

Thenextmornigeringotupgotdressed,madeheslfsomebreckfestandand

packedalunch.sheheadedtoworkassoonasshecould,shewantedtoworkonfindinga

leadforlutenitdan.shewantedtosleepforawholenightwithoutdisterbences.Erin

pulledoutfrontofherofficeandwalkeduptoherdoor.asshedidshenoticedarther

sittingoutfrontonabenchinfrontofhisstore.shethoughtitasrathereirlyforhim.itas

sixfourty.

goodmorningerin,afinemorningisntit?

yes,yesindeed.whyareyououtsoearly?erinaskedhim.

iwakeupeverymorningandcomeheretoopenandgettheshopready

forthedayandtoopenup.ivedonethiseverscinceitookoverformypops.nowijust

openupandmysontakescareortherest.

ohididntknowthatthatsqiteintresting,hasyourfamilyalwaysowne

dthisplace.?

yupforaslongasicanremember.italwaysispassedontothesoninthe

familytotakecareofandrun.

cool,wellivegottogetstartedonmyworkbutdoyoumindifiaskyou

somequestionslater?

iantgoingtogetinnotrubbblewilliorendupinjail?

nogoodnesno,ivejustgotsomequestionsaboutthetownandthe

history.

okayidbehappytothen.seeyoulaterillbesittingrightouthere

alrightthanksarther

erinunlockedherfrontdoorandwalkedinside.sheputherstuffdownandpulled

outherlaptop.sheopenedanewfile(***)shecreatedanewfileonhercomputerand

lableitlutenitdan.shethengotanotpadandpapertotakenotesonherconversation

witharther.onceshewasallsetupshetookherpadandpaperandwalkedoutfront.she

satnexttoartheronthebench.

doyoumindifirecordourconvesationandtkenotes?

ithoughtyousaiditwasaboutthetown?

itiswellaboutamanthatusedtoliveherethatservvedinthearmyi

think.youseeithepastnightsivebeenwokenupbyamanlutenitdansomthinghis

ghosthasbeenwelliguesshuntingmeandwillcontinouetountilihelphimwithhisun

finishedbuessniess,

ohiseewellthengoonaheadmissy

okaysodoyourememberamanbythenameofdanthatusedtolive

hereandwentofftoserveinthearmybutunfortentlyneerreturned.ihavereasonto

believehewaskilledinbattle.

herreaasontobelievewasqitecleareaheadlessbody(***)shethoughtoftheheadless

bodythatshehasseeneverscinceshemovedin.

wellletmethinkaboutthatforaminiutetherewasthisoneguynamed

daniusedtoknowhewasayearortwoolderthanme.heusedto(***)hisfamilyused

totoliveacrossthestreetfromme,andweweregoodfriends.idorememberthisonday

wheniwasabout16hehadcomeovertotalkhesaidhewassoingawaytofightinthw

war.iwassadandscaredhewouldntcomeback.

imsorryarther

italrightastimewentonislowlyforgotabouthimmeandmyfamily

movedintoatownhousesomydadcoudbeclosertowork.irememberbeingsadabout

itatfirstbutigrewupandforgotaboutdan.

artherdoyourememberhislstnameorwherehisparentsmightbe

wellhisparentsareprobablywellintotheireightiesornineties.Butas

farasiknowtheystillliveinthathouseoutsideoftown.andluckyforyouistillrember

theadress.

` wellwouldyoucaretogowithmetomorrowwhenigototalktothem?

itsbeenagesscenceiveseenthemitwouldbenicetoseethemagain.

Whattime?

Howaboutaroundeleventhatwayihavetimetodosomestuffinthe

morninghere.

oksoundsgoodseeyouthengirly

Erinpackedupherstuffandwentbackintoheroffice.shewenttoherdeskand

pulledoutherlaptopandlogedon.Whilewaitingforthecomputertoloaderinwas

begingintothink.(***)erinpickedupthepaperthelocaltownpaperandbeganreading.

shereadanarticalthatthetownwasgettinghieringanewpolicecheif.Erinmissedthose

dayswhenshewoudgetupearlyandgorunninginchicagothenheadofftowork.

Shemissedthatshethendecidedsheshouldproblystayishape(***)shetoldherselfthat

shewouldgetuptomorrowandgorunningintheparkaroungfivethirtyinthemorning.

justhenshecoutaglimsofsomthingoutofthecornnerofhereye.she

sheputthepaperdownandstoodupandlookedaround.

helloanyonethere

youcanseeme?

Alittleboyappearedoverbythewindow.heslowlywalkedtowardherdesk.

yessicanseeyouicanseeallghost.doyouwanttositdown?

eringesteredtothechairbyherdeskinfrontofherdesk.

canyoouhelpmeithingiwaskilledbysomeone.

theboysaidashesatdowninthechair.theboylookedaterinandshecouldtellthatshe

couldseethattheboyhadcutsandbrosesonhisarms.hispantsweredirtyandhaddirt/

mudonthemandwhentheboyturnedhisleadtotheleftshecouldseehehadacuton

hisheadbyhishairline.

wellicanhelpyou.whydontyoustartbytellingmeyourname.and

whathappened.

okimtimmybuteveryonealwayscalledmylittletim.

welltimimErinorielly.watsyoulastname.

ohyeahimtimmyjohnson.andim7yearsold.

oktimmywhathappenedtoyou

idontknowallallsianrememberisthatiwasoutsideridingmybike

andplayingintheyearwhenamancameuptomeandaskedifiwouldhelpfindhisdog.

soiwenwithhimandthemhepickedmeupandididintlikeitsoikickedhimthenhe

threwmeintoavan.thenidontknowiwokeupinadarkplaceandtherewerelotsof

treesthroughthewindows.ihavetogonowhewillbebacksoonimustgonow.

waittimmywhereareyoougoing?

thenhewasgone.erinquicklygothernotepadandbeganwritingeverythingthat

hadjusthappeneddown.shethenthoughtthatsheshouldgofindthepapersabout

timmy.hewasonlyalittleboysomeonehadtoofreporthimasamissingchild.she

packeduphercomputerandgrabedherkeys.

shegotinhercarandheadedtotherecordoffice(***).shehadbeentheirbefore

whenshehadtosignpapersforherbuisness.erinpulledintotheparkinglotandentered

thebuilding.shewalkedinandsawElizabethsheworkedthereandwasinchargeofall

thefilesndrecords.

Hitherelizabethihadaquestionforyou?

ohhiitserinright?

yeahiwaswonderingdoihaveaccesstotherecordsright

yesdependsonwhatyouneed.

wellihaveacaseiwouldliketoseesomerecordsonamissingchild.

ohwellyesyoucangointhereandallofthefilesinthfirsttwocabnets

arefullogmissingchildrenreports.

okthanks

Erinwalkedpastthedeskandbegantolookthroughthefiles.therewerelotsof

filesofmissingcjildrentheydateddackalongtimago.thefilesweresortedby

alphabeticalorderandbydates.erinneverhadthechancetoaskthelittleboywhatyear

hediedin,thatwiuldhavemadeitalittlebiteasierforher.butshewasabletousethe

nameandlookatthepictersforhelp.

finallyafterlookingattonsoffilesandpictureserinfoundtimmys.thefilehad

onlyllimitedinformationbutitwasastart,itwasbetterthannothing.erinclosedupthe

filingcabnetandwalkedouttothefrontdesk.sheheldlittletimmysfileinherhand.she

askedelizabethifitwasalrightforhertogetacopyofeverythinginthefile.sh

explainedthatshehadacaserleventtoitandwashopingtobeabletousethe

information.elizabethtookthefilefromerinandwenttomakecopies.erinthentookthe

fileandheadedbacktoheroffice,sheneededtotalktoarther.shenowhadanewcasean

actuloneandwantedtogetstartedrightaway.

shetoldartherthatshewouldhavetogetbackandtalktolutenitdansfamily

anotherday.artherwasfinewithit.erinthenwentbackhome,shedecidedtoworkfrom

home.

laterthatnighterinwasdoingresearchabouttimmyslifeinwoodberry.itwas

gettinglateandshehaddecidedtogetupearlyandgoforarunsoshedeceidedtogoto

bedearly.shesetheralarmforfiveoclock.

thatmorningshewokeatthefirstsoundofheralarm.shegotupandputonapair

ofrunningshirtandasweatshirt.eerindidalightjoggtothepark.shesetherwatchto

timherselfwhiledoingsoanotherperson/manshowedupdressedinsweatpantsandat

shirt.helookedatherandwaved,shegaveasmalsmileandwave.thenshetookoff

runnungthroughtheparkitfeltgoodtorunagainshethought.thenoutofthecornerof

hereyeshesawthemanrunning.jecameupnexttoherandpassedher.erinwasdefently

acompetattivepersongrowingupwithtwoolderbrothers.shetookoffinadeadsprint

sheknewthattheendotherunningpathwascomming.erincoutuptothemanquickly.

itwasnowthefinalstretchshecouldseetheendshesprined.erinandthemanwereneck

andnecknow.erinandthemanbothfinishedatthesametime.

whentheyhadfinishethemanlookedatherandspoke.

nicerun,yournottoobad

yournottoobadyourself

thatsalltheysaidtoeachotherthentheytookoffintheirsepeeratdirections.erinwent

homeandtookashowershegatheredherstuffandthenheadedtotheoffice.asshe

walkedintimmyapearedandsatinthechair.erintalkedtohimaboutstuffthathecould

rememberaboutthemanandthevanhewasputin.sheaskedhimifherememberdhow

longtheridewastilltheyarivedtotheshackhewasleftin.

thenjustlikeyesterdaytimmydisapeareed.erinwasabletogetalittlemore

informationthenyesterday,maybetomorrowwouldbebettershethought.(comebackto

laterwithmoreidea)

aweekhadpastscinceerinhadfirsttookontimmyscase.everymorningshegot

upandwentrunning.andeverymorningshewouldracetheman.thentheywouldgo

theirseperatways.onemornignwhileerinwastalkngtiartheroutfrontaamanwalked

upand(***)whiletalkingmanwalkedupbehinderinartherwavedandsaidhello.

heytherecheifhowsitgoing?

heyarthereverythingisgoinggoodthismorning.

erinmeetthenewpolicechiefjames(***)cheifjamesmeeterin

oreilly

erinturnedaroundandlookedatthemanbehindher.shewasshockedtoseethatitwas

thesamemanthatshehadbeenrunningwithforthepastweek.