Chapter 16 Unanswered Questions

February 16th ---- 12:01 am

The office doors opened as The Reaper walked into the room along with his assistant who was trying to play it cool but the sweat on his brow gave way to his true emotions. Mr. Wolfric did notice it, but decided to pay no heed as he sat at his new desk with a cocky smirk,

Jaime sat on the couch across from him, trying not to look nervous.

"You see, I told you I would think of something." Mr. Wolfric boasted as he began to go through the computer, ignoring his assistant obvious state of discomfort.

"Yes, boss with you in charge, we'll have a much easier time gaining what we need," he replied and held out a flash drive.

The Reaper snatched it joyfully and plugged it into his computer. "How goes the preparations for the tournament?" He asked.

Jaime smoothed out his own hair as he simply stated, "Flyers have already been made sir."

Good, with these latest developments I had to make more moves than I would have liked, I drained my pockets to that heathen, so until the tournament, I will have no more funds for my research."

"Sir the tournament isn't for a few months". The assistant expressed a bit of surprise.

"Yes I know," sighed the boss. "Until then I will have to make do with what I have. Luckily it is our biggest fundraiser, and afterwards, I will no longer need to worry about funds at all." He spoke dryly.

His assistant said nothing and shifted his white onto the couch, Mr. Wolfric joined him with his briefcase and began setting up a chess board.

"So with us in like this how long do you think it will be before we accomplish your goals?" asked the his assistant, a bit quickly.

"I told you once before, don't ask questions do as I say, and nothing more."

"I'm only asking for the sake of the city, sir," he smirked an impressive lie, it was clear he was asking about his own hide considering he failed.

"Ahh yes, the city. Tell me how you are at chess," His boss asked changing the subject.

"Decent sir. However, I've never been fond of the game. I prefer to read in my time, i don't like being cheated, and i've been cheated one too many times by those who play games."

"Oh, but you at least know the rules." He said smoothly.

"I thought you liked to make your own rules sir.

“I do from time to time however sometimes playing by the rules can be just as fun as playing against them, and there are some rules, you can never change, despite the annoyance. For example, the king's power. Central but vulnerable, In the game of chess. The king rules yet it must be protected at all cost. The one with true power under the command of the king is the queen In this game." he said as he placed the black queen on the board.

"Then there's the bishop. They can only move in certain directions. Always crooked. But is useful nonetheless. Of course, when they use expires removing them is the best option." He said knocking over the bishop. Mr Drake is one such example.

"Rooks are a stronghold. Loyal to the end. Like dogs. But it is the pawns that truly decide the game. One must use their pawns carefully in order to lure out their opponent into the open."

"I need pawns, and I know just who to use for such an occasion."

"And what of me sir?" Asked Jaime a bit worried.

"You are much more than a pawn..no you are a knight." The Reaper said picking up a black knight piece and placing it on the board. "The knight serves an impressive role. Being able to move in strange ways. His movements always are used to confuse the opponent. A knight can do this and so much more, a knight can infiltrate an enemy's borders and is tricky to take down. Worry not boy I still have use for you yet." His boss grinned.

Jaime seemed relieved about this news. "So you would like me to infiltrate our opponent then?"

"Not yet. You see, first we must know who we are dealing with. You are only looking at the board one-way boy. Chess is always a good start to understanding the fundamentals of battle. But it's always a lot more complicated than that. it isn't black and white. There is also," he picked up another knight this time gray. "Grey. Red," he placed a red pawn. "Blue," he placed a blue bishop, "green, and so many more," he placed a green rook.

"A true master of the game knows how to manipulate not only his own pieces but those of the other teams until he wins the entire game." Mr. Ghost stroked his beard.

"We must use all resources including pieces of the other side to figure that out. Which brings me back to my pawns," he said taking white pawns and placing in front of the black pieces as if they were black instead.

"Your much too valuable to throw out willy-nilly, For now, we sit and wait and let the pawns do the work from here."

"And who are these pawns you speak of sir?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. Mr. Wolfric grew a rather evil smirk in response, as he stared at the pawn in front of him.

…

February 23, 2:00 pm

Maroo in his hero costume on his roller skates, flew through the town, until he met up with Eddie, who looked exhausted. Find anything, he asked?

“No, there's no sign of my mother,” Maroo said sadly. Just then Ray and Sky landed in front of them. “Nothing here either,” she groaned. “Sorry kid. She ruffled Maroo’s hair, whose expression said it all.

“It's been months and no signs of those fourteen mutants!” Shouted Eddie. “Come to think of it, there's been very little mutant attacks at all.”

“Yeah well maybe we'll find some of Sarah wasn't so busy.” Groaned Ray.

“Hay she's got a lot on her plate we all do. Look why don't you and Maroo take one last look around, while me and Sky go see what Sarahs up to.”

“Woah since when did you become the boss,” complained Ray, but it was clear by her smile she was only teasing her friend.

“Just remember to come work on the time machine ok, I really am close to finishing it. I think we all need a break from this hero gig, maybe by not having these mutant attacks all the time, were getting one.”

“Yeah, well just remember, don't get lazy, we need to keep in shape, I have a bad feeling about all of this.” Ray turned from them.

“Any news on the doc yet.”

“No, thires nothing about that doctor that I have found linking him to the crime.” Ray lied, truth is she knew a lot More than she was telling. “Come on Maroo,” she called out.

“Yeah ok.” Maroo moaned a bit sad.

“Sky come on, Eddie said getting into his truck. Sky!” He repeated but didn't receive an answer. Finally he set a hand on her shoulder making her jump. “oh , oh uh, sorry, whats going on?”

“You and me are going to go check up on sarah. You ok, you seemed to be distracted these past few days.”

“Im fine, just a lot with school work and well this.” She lied as she got into the car. Truly her mind was fixed on the new mayor, and she questions her own feelings towards him.

…

Sarah sat staring at two computers, one was her own, containing all her research, on everything she was interested in, the other had a window opened full of old documents of tax and payments from the banks of the city.

Sarah narrowed her eyes as she looked at one, There was a deposit of three thousand dollars to what was claimed as a charity event made by a politician. The name on the bill was Don Stone. Sarah clicked on a page that would show who would have received the money and only two thousand were received by the children's fund. The question was where did the thousand other dollars go that was presented by Mr. Stone.

She sighed as she uttered the words, "Dad what were you up to?" She shook her head. “The problem was her father was gone for years now, yet it was clear by the dates that money kept disappearing, not much a few hundred dollars here and there barely recognizable unless carefully looked at, could have been mistaken for basic non reports of absorption by parties moving the cash and taking their fair share. Nothing wrong with that, if not confusing for not being tracked.”

Sarah sighed as she tried to put together this odd puzzle as she remembered who gave her the computer in the first place.

…

February 17th 9:00 am

Sitting in his office the new mayor was going through files on his computer, it was only a few nights after he took office. when he felt an odd draft of wend, from an open window he knew was closed just a second ago. He stopped for a moment and smiled without looking.

"I've been expecting you." Shadow Star.

Shadow took a seat across from the desk. "You invited us so here I am. What do you want Mr. Wolfric," she said trying to disguise her voice.

Mr. Wolfric turned the computer around and offered it to her. "Here, full access to all the files I have access to. Including some the Mayer doesn't have but I, as a bank associated do."

"You're just handing me these," She raised an eyebrow.

"Yep."

"Why?" She said unconvinced.

"Take the laptop, the whole thing. I downloaded as many details as I could onto it." He smirked.

"What's your game!"

"Game?" He smiled a toothy grin. "Why the only game of course. One that only the survivor wins. And I am quite the survivor." He stood up.

Sarah hated to admit it but his height was rather intimidating. Even to her, and she was a chimera.

"I need soldiers, and not foreign to the land. I need those willing to fight for what's right and protect the people of the city. You fit the bill quite well."

"I'm not working for you."

"I never said you were." He said, finally walking around the seat and over to his chessboard. "Your vigilantes, a group completely on the outside." He picked up a dark blue crystal pawn chess piece and moved it to the middle of the chessboard.

"I don't know who Doom is. I am a banker and I know most transactions but," he turned on his health. "There are funds that come and go that completely disappear from my knowledge. The only ones who can do that is another person with access to such files."

"So another banker?"

"Not necessarily," Mr Wolfric then took a step closer to Shadow Star and whispered in her ear. "I think it's one of the high politicians in the city, But who I know not, I'll leave that up to you to figure out." He then casually walked away as if she wasn't in the room at all.

"And how do I know you're not behind this?"

Mr. Wolfric stopped just inches from the doorway out. "Skeptical of everyone, that's good. I'll admit, I used this opportunity to siege power in my city, just like any politician would." He turned around with a look of boredom. "But do not think for a second that I don't care about my home. You're a mutant , just like these others, Innocent, you didn't deserve this now, did you." He smiled a wicked smile. "But sometimes we don't get what we want. Do what you can. May the best creature win." He said before he walked out the door leaving Twilight confused about his motivation.

…

The computer had all sorts of files dating back to when the previous mayor first took office. She was the mayor for over a decade. Sarah sighed at the thought of what these missing funds could mean. "Someone who worked for mayor was taking funds from the city and using them for who knows what. Mr. Wolfric seemed sure this would lead them to Doom, but who knows about that? No, what I really need to do is a hold of funds from that weird group doctor Cornelius is a part of and compare and contrast, hmm perhaps something Ray could do for me." She spoke in her head.

"So Sarah did, you find anything?" Eddie's voice caught her attention.

"Oh hey, I didn't hear you come in. No not really," she sighed. “ thires apparently something to do with my father, but i can't really decipher it from just bank documents.

“ Hmm, ya know my dads an FBI agent, if you really need info like that i could sneak onto my dads work computer.

“ your dads computer probably isn't going to hold much info, but the FBI might. However hacking into this would be a problem

“What if you didn't hack in, what if we just used my dads pass codes, I think I could get those, but only if you finish wiring the time machine for me.”

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“I suppose I could help, come to think of it, why did that one guy attack you anyway. Did they know he was an FBI agent?”

“Beats me, shrugged eddie.”

Even so there are too many questions here. Who is doom, how does Cornlius fit into all of this. Who attacked you, how is my father connected to all of this, why was I mutated, and where are the mutants disappearing to now. The few attacks we have run into have just disappeared without a trace.

“Well, maybe my dad had a lead. At least I hope he does,” Eddie groaned. “What do you think, Sky?”

But Sky didn't answer as she was lost in her thoughts staring at the tv, where the new mayor was addressing the city.

“She's been like that ever since her birthday, just let her be, a lots happened lately,” she sighed. “What about the twins…”

“I have no idea, did you find anything on them?” eddie asked.

“I ran their photos through every recognition software I could, and found nothing,’ she shook her head. “We cant help them find their dad if we don't know who they are. Where are they any way?’

“Uhh about that,” eddie winced.

“You don't know where they are, do you,” deadpanned ray. “You were supposed to keep an eye on them!” she shouted.

Sarah sighed and grabbed her purse.

“Where you going,” asked eddie.

“The gym, we all got to get stronger, because i'm telling you what, i got my but kicked by that guy, were not dealing with random mutants anymore, we have to be ready for whatever comes. “

Just then Maroo and Ray walked in with ice cream. Sarah was mentally happy to see Maroo with a smile despite his situation. “Hay heading to the gym huh,” smiled Ray.

“Yeah, Eddie try to see what you can get from your dad, and meet me latter on at the library.”

“Sure,” he shrugged. “Maroo come on i need a sidekick for this one.”

“No offense Eddie but you're the sidekick,” Maroo answered and handed him an ice cream bar.

Sky stood up,” i'm gonna go for a walk, ill be back soon ok,” she sighed.” Cool, well i got to go meet up with Cornelius, their picking something up at the docks, maybe ill learn something there,” Ray told them.

“Good seems like we all have a bit to do then,” smiled Sarah as she and everyone else split up.

…

“ So your school work is going good then huh, what made you want to be a pilot,” asked ashley.

“My dad actually, Ray answered as she loved a box onto truck. He was a piolet, and made it sound so cool, that I wanted to join. I just didn't think it was going to take this much work,” she complained with a laugh.

“Most things like dreams take a lot of work.” Ashly answered as she grabbed a soda and handed it to Ray,

“So, you're Russian, how did you come here, she asked?”

“Oh well, Its kinda not a story I like talking about. My father was part of the Russian army, and he well, he betrayed the russians in order to protect us, we came here under, some big shots control, named, smile, my dad owed him alot, and eventually, she sighed, we got mixed up in the mess, to pay off my dads debt we first got involve with street thugs, that was until, we met him.”

“Him?” You mean Cornelius?

Ashly chuckled,” no, no I mean him, The Reaper, the owner of the bar. He kinda saved me, and my family. I owe the boss everything.” Ashly fiddled with her thumbs.

“Hmm sound’s to me like someone has a crush.” Ray teased.

Hmm oh no, he's my boss, i mean im loyal to him but i wouldn't want to date him. He doesn't really let anyone in. Besides, I have my brother to worry about, he speaks no english, I was just lucky enough to pick up the language from my old boss, dr smile. Cornelius finished my lessons and helped me till i fully could speak your language, though I still havent lost my accent over the years.” She chuckled. “I like it since it tends to scare people from messing with me, being russian in american, is usually a turn off for most men, every now and then ill find one who doesn't mate but normally they think i'm some type of tuff girl.”

“They're not wrong, you do come off, a bit that way, i was even scared of you when we first met.” Ray replied and the two shared in a good laugh. “So what's Cornileus shipping anyway?”

“Oh, just some goods for the city's history museum, don't worry about it, but I am glad you're helping, since we're low on staff. Most of us are working on getting ready for the tournament.”

“Yeah hay about the tournament what's it about any way?”

“Oh well you see it's no secret, though it's not televised for obvious reasons. Its kinda like a wrestling match only anything goes so long as you don't use a weapon. Kung Fu, boxing, doesn't matter, in a street fight. You beat someone up till they cant fight any more, or the three minute time goes off. People love to see a bloody fight, so they pay to see it. Its one of our best fundraisers. However the real doe is in the bets. This year tho is gonna be quite the surprise since the long time champion the Reaper isn't joining.”

“Wait the Reaper is a fighter, why isn't he participating then?” Ray asked.

“You sure seem interested in the boss.” Ashley raised an eyebrow.

“Well uh, I just want to know who it is I'm working for.” Ray answered.

“Yeah I get that, but I don't know his reasons, like I said hes not really close with anyone. Anyway, load up tha last box on the truck, i'm going to go check in with my brother. She said and walked away. “

…

“The spy sneaked her way into the shipping container without being seen. She then quickly went to undo one of the nails with a hammer. She quickly was able to open the large wooden crate, but just before she could take a look, she heard footsteps. She quickly backed away and grabbed her taser about to take out whoever it was.

Ray entered the container and was jumped by the spy, but she did a back kick and was able to knock the taser out of the spy's hand.

“Oh its you.” Miss Thompson signed.

“Miss. Thompson, you could've given me a heart attack. What are you dong?”

“My job, you?” she asked.

“Same, Cornileus has me loading a truck with this stuff.”

“Do you know what this stuff is,” she asked.Ray shook her head.The spy lifted the wooded top and told her, take a look. The twos gasped at the sight of guns, but not just any guns, “riffles.” Ray said a bit shook.

“Yeah the type Doom would use.” The spy replied.

"Oh, god this is bad." Ray mutterd.

"No really." She replied. sarcastically in her usual dull voice. "Listen up , For years now i've been tracking down the Reaper, it seems hes going by Doom now, that or Doom is working for him, one or the other. THE Reapers Warriors, they'll lead you to believe there only good Samaritans helping the city, but the truth is there a group that took over the south side of town nearly a decade ago. Before that there were several gangs, about eight or nine of them, most of which had a head who was one of the higher class, thats how they made their money in this city. Gang fights spread across far and wide, it was a dangerous town despite it being labeled a safe place to live., with some of the best school district in the country. Well one day a lot of those heads went missing, at the same time a lot of the gang members were found beaten to a pulp and those who weren't stopped fighting, many would like you to believe it's because the world got a little better after the war ended. When in actual fact it's more likely someone came in, someone with more power that shook the place up and built an empire. Now this cities crime rate is on the lowest it's ever been, the reason why is because there's only one crime boss left, the reaper, and whoever is left has bowed down to him or has already gone missing.'

"Ten years, how long have you been after this guy?"

"Since it all began ten years ago." She muttered. "I had a family, my daughter and a son, I never knew. For them I need to take him down."

Ray's eyes widen a bit at this. She couldn't see the ponies she knew flat out murdering anyone. You said Ashley was an elite, how do you know that.``

"I've been keeping a close eye on them and there deals, how ever when ever i get close to the truth its always escapes me. The Reaper has three divisions of his business. One leader per division. One trade, Cornelius is head of it and keeps trade routes between all income. 2ed division, recruits, every single member is known and recorded by Ashly Signs and her brother, who look like hardworking bikers at a bar, but were in fact part of one of the nastiest gangs before the last decade who were know to torture and harm anyone who got in thire way. She and her brother once were leaders of that group, now they work under his leash. Don't let their friendly exterior fool you, they're dangerous.

Ray noded, but felt a bit apprehensive to believe that.

Finale division is communications. the man involved with this division is also his second in command, giving orders straight from the top himself, Jaime Muerte, all i know is that hes the one who would often be the one gathering info and delivering info making deals and trading cash for the king himself.``

"And the king, The Reaper, who is he," asked Ray.

“Charles Wolfric, he got the name Reaper because of how many he killed during the last war.”

“I met him,” Ray said, a bit surprised.

“Not Surprising, hes the one behind all of this i'm certain of it.”

“Wa, wait, he knows sarah, he, oh god, he turned sarah into-, and all of us, but, but why go after Eddie.”

“Perhaps he was trying to get information on the fbi, he knows we're after him, and sadly as much as we want to just book him and throw away the key, he slips out everytime. He has connections that hide every bit of proof that links him in. The only connection he and his little Reaper Warriors have to the mutans, is loose ties with no strong evidence to back it up. That's why it's crucial for you to be care-”

Suddenly they heard Ashley yell, “hay what's the hold up!”

“Uhh, coming,” Ray said and gave the spy a nod before closing the crate, and taking it away.

…

“So what's the plan, asked Maroo.”

“Simple, my dad thinks he keeps all his stuff safe but I know a few tricks. I use it to figure out what he's getting me for Christmas all the time and he never catches me. We're heading to his office, and all i need to do is put this flash drive in his computer and type in the command, then it will download anything I want it to, so long as we know a date and time, i say anything with the name Cornelius, and don stone. “

“What am I here for then.” Maroo asked.

Simple your look out. They will let me in because I'm the boss's kid. All I need you to do is tell me when my dad is coming back. Maroo groaned but agreed.

…

Sky was walking down the street trying to ease her mind in any way she could. But as she walked the thought of his arms around her and their kiss began to haunt her.

“A penny for your thoughts,” said a familiar voice which surprised her out of her daze. She looked up to see the tall slender man who stood In front of her, his nose was in a book, despite standing next to her.

"Oh Mr. Muerte, what brings you here," she questioned, "did Mr.Wolfric send you," She grew a bit excited at the thought of him, and it showed through her voice.

Jaime smirked at the happiness he heard in her voice at the mear mention of his boss. "No miss Oak, he doesn't even know I am here, I came hoping to have a word with you, if you don't mind."

"Oh," she said sounding a bit disappointed it wasn't The Reaper that sent him. "Sure, I guess."

He smiled and finally put away his book before he began to walk, she followed him around the corner, a bit apprehensive. "So uh, you sure like books, whats you reading any way. She asked.

Star Wars, i saw the movie but thires a whole bunch of stories. I like stores. Their my favorite hobby, and i read many stories in my time, but even i haven't read all of them, perhaps one day i would. I know that all stories eventually come to an end, but its not how it ends that excites me, its the journey the story takes.

“Really, what's your favorite story?” She asked.

The ones with twist, like in star wars where the hero is related to the villan. Its always makes for a good story, how ever i really do think my favorite stories are the ones that occur in life.

“What's this about,” she asked a bit nervous.

“Ahh, getting back on track, i'm here to make sure my bosses story is a happy one, he deserves it.” He continued his walk and kept his eyes forward. In a Cheerful tone he responded, “what are your thoughts of him, if you dont mind me asking?"

Sky was caught off guard by that. Of all the times to be asked about her thoughts on Mr Wolfric. She took in a deep breath and let it out as she decided the best the corse of action was to be honest here. With a somewhat longing smile she answered, "I think he's rather nice. A very kind gentleman, if not a bit strange."

"Strange, strange how?"

"Oh, I don't know, he just, she bit her lip. I feel like he's acting or something like he's hiding something. Tell me sir what do you think?"

He half chuckled, "I think you're right. I think he's hiding from his past."

"His past?"

"The boss has never had it easy. Even so, I never seen him show his true feelings for anything, anything except muffins." He laughed.

Which made Sky giggle a bit, as she pictured in her mind him with his goofy grin eating his favorite breakfast.

Jaime, stopped in front of her. I know more about him then he thinks. He thinks no one knows about his weaknesses, but i'm afraid we all do. We just keep it to ourselves. Cornelius, Ashly me, we all know what he goes through, and how much of a fighter he is. I don't know what you know but. he finally turned to her, "forgive me if I cut to the chase,"

Sky saw how serious his expression was. "Where are you going with this," she asked, a bit concerned.

"I never, not once seen anyone, get true emotions from the boss," he said slowly and drawn out. but there has been a few cracks in that facade of his recently, "I've seen him smile a genuine smile, I've heard him laugh a genuine laugh," he narrowed his eyes, "I've seen the way he looks at you. Tell me Miss Oak what are you trying to do?" He asked darkly, almost as if it was a threat. "How do you feel about the boss?"

Sky instinctually shrunk back a little frightened, but as she thought about his words she realized what he was asking and why, the reason was so blindingly obvious. She relaxed if only slightly and her face softened. "You really do care for him, don't you?"

It was his turn to grow surprised. He raised an eyebrow but quickly placed it back down. "He's like a father to me, or a brother. He's taught me alot. We might not be blood, but he is my only family.

“Ive been by his side since the war, for nearly a decade now, The things I've seen him do, the things he's gone through," he shook his head. "He acts like it's all a joke but I've never seen anyone fight more for what he believes," than the Reaper.

Reaper she sighed and turned around. “I encourage you, I do, he deserves so much more. But if your planning to hurt him.” Jaim grumbled, and clenched his fist.

The message was clear, perhaps to clear. However Sky couldn't help but smile at how sincere he was. "Thank you Mr Muerte."

“Call me jaime, any way you should tell him.”

“But, but i, i have school, i have friends a job,” she stopped before emitting the last of it. “I have duties, i dont have time for-“

“The boss is now the mayor, he doesn't either, their isn't ever going to be time, not if you don't make the time yourself.”

This surprised, Sky, last thing she ever expected was advice like this, especially from Mr Wolfrics assistant of all places.

He chuckled at her expression, that something else i've learned in my time reading books and watching stories, im looking forward to seeing where this story goes, he grinned and walked silently away leaving Sky alone with her thoughts.

…

Meanwhile Eddie walked into his dads work place, waved to a few of the fbi agents and went straight for his dads personal office. Maroo followed playing cool the entire time.Once he was there, Eddie made sure to download the files that he needed, only for Maroo to tell him his dad was coming.Unfortunately their wasn't enough time to finish what he needed to, and decided quickly on his feet to distract his dad by jumping up and tackling him. “Hey what the, I heard you were coming but i didn't expect this son,” he said as he began to wrestle the boy off of him.

“That's why we're here, me and Maroo here want to learn some fighting techniques from the FBI, come on dad show me a few moves,” he went in for a punch, but his dad caught his fist and twisted it behind his back and then held his son down.” I don't have time right now ok, i have a meeting, I won't be home so grab some take out on your way home. Just then there was a beep on his computer.”

“Oh uh, my video game had just downloaded, let me just grab it.

“Video game, Eddie you didn't use the fbi funds to buy a free upload did you.” He asked a bit annoyed.

“No, I did it with your card this time, anyway, I was just downloading so me and Maroo could play it after we were shown a bit of moves.” He cleverly lied.

His father, tired of his games, sighed, “what am I going to do with you. Get going! He ordered.”

Maroon grabbed the flash drive and the two were about to walk out the door when his father stopped eddie.“Wait!”

“Yeah dad,” he said and turned back with a smile.

Knowing exactly what his son had turned into, Mr Colson stared into his son's eyes. “I love you son,” he said a bit sad,

“Uhh, you alright,

“Say it.”

“Oh come on.”

“Say it,”

“Dad in front of the kid,”

His dad smirked and demanded it again.”SAY IT, OR YOUR GROUNDED!”

Eddie chuckled, “love you two dad.”

Satisfied, he got out what he wanted, he gave his son a hug, one that was as if he were saying good buy for a long time.

“Da, dad,” Eddie patted him on the back.

“Sorry my job’s just getting to me, you, his dad sighed. You have fun with your video games, but you better be doing school work to ya here,”

“Dad im in collagen, you make it sound like im a teenager, " he argued back and left the room.

His dad said nothing ane watched as he left with a look of worry in his eyes.

…

As the two got back into the truck, Maroo turned to Eddie with a sad smile. “What,” Eddie asked, noticing Maroo. “Nothing, it's just, you have an awesome dad.

At that Eddie realized what this was about and replied with “I do.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure little dude.” Shrugged eddie.

“Your mom,”

At that Eddie frownd a bit.

“Im sorry forget I-”

“No, no you're fine your,” he sighed. “My mom was killed by a drunk driver. She was, she was the best. Despite my dads wishes on school, she would always give me a break and play video games with me. She was awesome.” Eddie smiled back.

“Yeah so did Miss Shaw. I don't know who my real mom was, but I was so happy to be adopted, especially since I was so young. All I can remember when I think of my mom is Miss Shaw. Or Sarah.” He said with a sniffle.

Eddie nodded, “well get her back kid, i promise you Maroo, I promise,” he said as he pointed his eyes back at the rode.