Miranda came up to Sarah while she was working and said, “I have not given you my phone number to protect you. We can meet somewhere, but I am being traced and you would most likely be traced as well if you and I spoke over the phone. I don’t know if you know who I am, but I feel like it is necessary, before we go any further, to explain it to you so you can count the costs of being associated with me.

I was key to getting the pictures on tic-toc about the disposal of the addicts. That didn’t last long on tic-toc, only about fifteen minutes, but it sure stirred up a hornet’s nest! They found me and threatened me and actually caused me to lose my job. If they catch me again it will be much more serious. I wanted to explain that to you so you can make a decision. If you do choose to be associated with me, meet me tonight at ‘The Crab’s Delight’ restaurant. If you don’t show, I will understand.

While Miranda walked off, Sarah thought how surprised she was that Miranda would continue to try to educate the public on the operations of the clinic in Portland and what was going on here in LA. Sarah thought, “Miranda must have strong convictions. She obviously is not getting paid and sure won’t be paid by the homeless, so money is not her motivation. In fact, she must be in a difficult situation, losing her job! I am not sure what I will do.”

Donald came downstairs in the morning and seeing the recliner empty, figured someone was taking Max to the bathroom. Shortly after he went to the kitchen for morning coffee, Karen walked in and told everyone hello. Donald said, “Oh, I saw the empty recliner and thought you were taking Max to the bathroom.”

Karen said, “No, dahling, it must be Jim. They poured their coffees and fixed them the way they liked and Karen got a cup for Max, as well. Walking to the living room to enjoy them and wake up a little, Donald asked Karen what she had planned for the day. She was in the middle of a long explanation when Jim walked in with his coffee. Donald and Karen said, in unison, “Where’s Max?”

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Jim looked around and said, “Oh no!” The three of them started running in circles. Donald went straight to the guns and made sure they were all accounted for. Then he loaded a rifle and headed for the back door with Karen and Jim both on his heels. They were all talking at once, Karen and Jim trying to convince Donald not to shoot Max. Once the door was open, the sound of an axe chopping wood rang out clearly through the chilly air.

Donald marched straight over to the wood-chopper, who was dressed warm and whose hat came down low over his face. He was going to ask him if he had seen Max. As he walked up, the wood-chopper put the axe into the stump of wood with a resounding thud and walked up to him. To his surprise, it was Max!

“Good morning,” Max said, just as if it was normal for him to be chopping wood.

By this time Karen and Jim had caught up and they all three stood there with their mouths open, not believing what they saw! Jim said, “What are you doing, man?”

Donald said, “Why are you chopping wood?”

Max said, “I noticed we could use some more wood and I needed some exercise and thought I could help out!”

Donald said, “But you could have gotten clean away. I don’t understand.”

Max said, “I know. But it means a lot to me that you all know I have changed and am not going to hurt you. I want your friendship. If this doesn’t convince you, it just isn’t going to happen. The people who live here are honest, hard-working people who care about each other and those are the kind of people I want in my life. You have the values my grandparents had and I haven’t found anywhere else. I really do need to get back home and straighten things out, but if you feel like you need to tie me up again, I won’t resist.

Donald looked at Jim and said, “I was wrong. Max, come in and have breakfast before you go!”

Karen said, “Dahling, I am so happy for you! I must go inside now, it is too cold!” They all laughed at their one of a kind Karen!

Max had breakfast with everyone, took a shower and headed back to civilization.