Cousins Ii: Heading Home

By Clarence Mike Dunaway

The story is about Connors futile attempt to find Rebecca, who deserted him in their senior year of high school. She literally destroyed his life by sneaking out and hiding in Florida. He meets a woman in her forties that helps him in his search, and after fourteen months, she admits that she had found Rebecca but was hesitant to reveal her secret. She wanted to keep Connor as long as she could. She told him after giving up on the idea of him staying with her that she found out through a beau of vital statistics that Rebecca was married and living in Georgia. Satisfied that he had done all he could, he headed home to reunite with his ex-wife, if she would take him back. With no more Rebecca in his life, he was sure that their marriage would endure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543436617

Clarence Mike Dunaway

Clarence Dunaway, born on February 12, 1930 author from California, writer of the Cousins Trilogy and other great novels. He has been with the navy back in 1947, spent two and a half years in South Korea. He was discharged in 1953 and was able to travel the country. Started writing a trilogy of mystery books and is enjoying life. You can get to his books by typing the name "Clarence Mike Dunaway" into Google.

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Copyright © 2017 by Clarence Mike Dunaway.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2017911183

ISBN:                  Softcover                        978-1-5434-3662-4

                             eBook                             978-1-5434-3661-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 07/14/2017

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Contents

Chapter 1     The search is on

Chapter 2     Water, water everywhere

Chapter 3     A Newfound friend

Chapter 4     There’s a new girl in town

Chapter 5     Went to a fight, and a party broke out

Chapter 6     Girls will be girls

Chapter 7     A Death Wish

Chapter 8     Be careful what you wish for

Chapter 9     Bear in the Briar Patch

Chapter 10   Honeymoon Is over

Chapter 11   Carrie’s crises

Chapter 12   The Trial of the Century

Chapter-13   It Could Happen

Chapter 14   The truth will out

CHAPTER ONE

The search is on

I t was just before eleven PM when I arrived in Jacksonville Florida, exhausted from the three-day trip. I pulled up in front of the first motel I came to, couldn’t afford the upper class. All the cheap motels I couldn’t handle, too many prostitutes, and drug dealers, and I didn’t need that nonsense.

I checked into my room, hung up my shirts and the one suit I brought along just in case I might want to have dinner at a fancy nightclub. Not too fancy, yet something a little less prestigious than the Swank Club back in Jericho and more dignified than the café next door to my shop. When I first drove into town, I noticed a neon sign about two blocks from the motel, it read Peppers Bar and Grill. I was a bit hungry so I washed up and changed my clothes. I left the car parked in front of the motel and walked in the direction of the sign it felt good to get my feet on the ground again. I guess I needed the exercise after driving so long.

I entered the bar about eleven-forty stood in the doorway scanning the area that appeared to be more bar than grill leaving me to wonder if I would get any food or would I have to settle for a couple of drinks and wait for breakfast?

I spotted a lady at the bar, must’ve been in her mid-to-late forties I wondered if perhaps this lovely middle-aged woman had a contagious disease there were empty stools on both sides of her, other than that the rest of the bar was full, some couples, mostly men. I took the seat to her left just in case another attractive woman came in and sat down beside me I’d have a beautiful pair of bookends.

Is this chair taken Ma’am? I asked. I knew it wasn’t, but I thought it would be polite to ask.

She looked up at me and smiled, No unless I’m going blind I don’t see anyone sitting there, do you?

I didn’t know if she was sarcastic or just playing with me so I said, I’m sorry, thought perhaps it was reserved for a friend however, if it’s available would you mind if I sit next to you?

Of course, not she said, I was just jerking your chain, have a seat what are you drinking?" She asked still smiling.

Well, I thought if she wants to play games I’ll go along with her, not drinking anything at this moment and have yet to order, do I get touché."

She looked at me with a broader smile and said, You do, but the drink offer was legit and the offer is still open. So, what’s it going to be?"

What have they got to offer? I said in jest.

You’ve got to be kidding, she returned with laughter.

Of course, I am, but what would you suggest I’m really not much of a drinker?

Well I’m drinking a vodka martini it’s my personal choice of libation, but you have to be tough to keep up with me, She said again with laughter.

Is that a challenge, I asked still joking but sure I would lose the contest. I don’t recall ever drinking a martini.

She ordered me a martini only on the rocks, hers was straight up. I think she was kind thinking the ice would dilute my drink and take a slower route getting to my brain.

We drank and talked for almost two hours, she said, I’m getting tipsy and I have to drive alone so I had better hang em up for tonight Connor. I stop by here almost every night on my way home from work, but I don’t usually drink more than two drinks. Will I see you again tomorrow night? She asked as if it was my habit, not hers

I told her we both drank too much and that I too was beyond the driving stage, however how are you at walking, do you think you can walk two blocks? I asked with a plan in mind.

Sure, I can walk two blocks, but I’m afraid my house is miles, not blocks, She commented.

Well, Janet, for what it’s worth my hotel room is only two blocks away and you’re welcome to spend the night if you’d like. I offered.

You’re a real nice guy Connor, but I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong woman, I’m not a pickup, She said a bit angry.

Oh, no Ma’am, please forgive me if I sent you the wrong message allow me to apologize and try again. I was not asking you to spend the night as a hooker, but as a lovely friend, I wouldn’t want you to get out on the highway and gamble on having an accident, please forgive me if I gave you the wrong impression. I have two beds in my room and you’re welcome to either one of them, I am not included. I promise to respect your every wish, where is your car parked?

It’s in the rear parking lot behind the building why do you ask? She questioned still thinking there was a method to my madness.

Well for safety sake you can leave your car parked there until morning and we’ll pick it up whenever you’re ready. I’m sure the bartender won’t mind. I explained, It’s your choice."

She gave my suggestion of a great deal of thought, Well if you’re sure and you promise not to take advantage of me I suppose I might as well take you up on your offer it is kind of scary out there on the highway at night by myself. And so long as we don’t have to drive I guess we have time for another drink what do you think? She sure was thirsty for a woman of her stature.

Anything you desire sweet lady the world is your oyster and your every wish is my command.

We ordered another pair of martinis, not that either of us needed one we were both stoned out of our mind. I can’t wait to make that hike back to the motel we will probably look like two staggering alligators dragging our tails towards the pond.

Finally, we took our last sip, well at least she did, and I left part of mine in the glass. I slid down off the stool so I could help her down. I could see this was going to be a bit of a problem she could barely hang on to the bar.

We finally found our way to the front door and through the portal out into the night, made a right turn and started walking towards the motel, ricocheting from the long stretch of buildings, boy if we weren’t a pair to draw to.

Fortunately, when we arrived at the lodge, we didn’t have to pass through the office and suffer that embarrassment. I must’ve picked up the room key from the ground, at least, three times before it found its way into the lock. I managed to reach through the door and turned the light on then staggered across the carpet in the attempt to hold her up until I could reach one of the beds where I made the mistake of letting go; she flopped down on the bed. She was still conscious but barely. I told her I was going to the bathroom and put on my pajamas and for her to select the bed of her choice while I was gone. I also told her when I returned she could go in and slip into one of my shirts, although it always gets me into trouble when females use my shirts for nightgowns. When I returned to the room, she was still on the same bed.

Now, what the hell am I supposed to do, couldn’t just leave her all night in that position, did the next best thing, I removed her shoes and pulled the dress over her head leaving her in her slip? I pulled back the covers and gently tucked her in, I seriously doubt that I could awaken her even willingly, didn’t want to, and I didn’t.

Now it was my turn I crawled under the covers and was probably asleep in thirty seconds. Over exhausted from the long drive and too many libations, this lady could out drink me any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

I got up about seven-thirty the next morning, went into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and got dressed. I took the phone book with me searching for the Forrester’s. I was sure they came from around here somewhere, but God only knows where I know I didn’t. I found three Forrester’s listed in the book none of which were the ones I was looking for.

I had only one picture of Becca and it was a group picture with Carrie, Carla, and myself, couldn’t remember who took the picture but, at least, I had something to start with. I thought perhaps if I took the picture to the office that the desk clerk could direct me where to have copies made I needed to pass them around town.

Janet was still fast asleep snoring like a bear in hibernation I doubt she would even know I was gone.

The office clerk gave me directions to a print shop. I went back to the room only to find Janet still sound asleep. I wrote her a note and left it on the nightstand beside her bed. I didn’t want to just run off and leave her there, without any knowledge of where I was. I told her to stay if she wanted that I would be back in the early afternoon and that I would be honored if she would have dinner with me tonight, PS you can choose any restaurant of your choice. I signed it Thanks for the night Connor, that ought to cause a conundrum.

Following the young lady’s direction to the printers where I had a dozen copies made which I had cut out everyone in the picture except for Becca and then I asked them to enlarge them to a 3+5 inch photos. I then went to the Police Department. I ask if they had seen this girl and if not with they mind posting this on the bullet board. Saying that she was my friend and I was looking for," Her name is Rebecca Forrester, Rebecca Lynn Forrester, but she also goes by the name of Becca.

The desk Sergeant said he would be glad to do it in the hopes that I find her soon. From what I would later learn the picture was probably in the trash before I was out of sight.

I didn’t have much to do the rest of the day so I headed back to the motel and get a little rest I didn’t get much last night.

Fortunately, for me the maid had cleaned up the place, there was no sign of Janet. I assumed she went to her work wherever that was; we didn’t get into to that topic last night.

I fluffed up a pillow, laid back and dozed off for an hour or so. Must’ve been somewhere around four o’ clock when I woke up, a bit confused about where I was and what I was doing there. It’s kind of like waking up in the hospital after an accident not knowing what happened or where you were.

I went to the restroom washed my face and hands with soap water it was soothing on my face, but it did little for my headache. I lay back down that watched TV. Didn’t have a clue what I’d do until I seen Janet again, that would be in about four hours. Like a light bulb flashing over my head, an idea came to me, I wondered why I didn’t think of this sooner. But of course, now it’s too late it’s after five o’clock and I’m sure that the bureau of vital statistics is closed by now. First thing tomorrow I’ll either give them a call or go there and check to see if there was a Forrester listed or, perhaps married you never know it’s been four years since she left me behind in Jericho. A simple yes could cut this trip short and I would no longer have a reason to hang around here, might as well go home.

I must’ve dozed off when I woke up and was beginning to get dark. I look at my watch, it was six-forty-five I was supposed to meet Janet at the Bar and Grill at seven-thirty, of course, she can find something to do if I happen to be a little late.

I got up showered and dressed, I put on my suit and tie, the whole nine yards I had promised a dinner out tonight at a nice place and I didn’t want to disappoint her.

When I arrived at the bar fifteen minutes late, she was sitting in the exact spot where I found her the first night, Hello lovely lady, sorry I’m late it looks like you started without me."

Well as you can see she said, my glass is only half-full."

Well, at least, you’re optimistic you could’ve said it was half-empty, where we taken me to dinner tonight, got something special arranged or are we gonna see what happens?

First off, you’re taking me to dinner not the other way around, however, I will select the restaurant since I know the town and you don’t. Are you starving, do you have time for a drink? She asked, but I’m sure she wanted another martini I’m not totally convinced she was concerned about my having a drink.

Okay sure I’ll have a drink. However I don’t think I want a martini I’ll have a screwdriver tonight, haven’t completely digested that last martini, but I’m sure it will go away in time. How was your day? I asked being considerate.

Great. She returned, only I was late for work I didn’t get up until eleven o’clock, cleaned up and got out of the room I didn’t get to work until noon. I was an hour late, but then I’ve been there so long they probably never even missed me. Got your note obviously, here I am, again anything you want is fine with me and I must say, I appreciate your respecting my being with you last night and not manhandling me, yet, on the other hand, how did I get undressed."

Well, of course, I had to be the one to do it. There was nobody else in the room, And I didn’t want you sleeping with your dress and shoes so I merely slipped off your shoes, pulled your dress over your head and tossed the covers over you, sorry for overstepping my boundaries.

Oh, Connor, don’t beat yourself up. I don’t feel violated and I am human. I appreciate not having to go to work in a wrinkled dress some of my coworkers might think I slept in a trash bin, She said with a slight hint of laughter, And half of the company belongs too me. I’ll tell you about it later.

We finished our drinks, I spun around slid down off my stool, took her by the hand and assisted her. I left a generous tip on the bar and together we walked through the front door and out into the wet night.

I have a suggestion I said, why don’t we park my car at the motel and take yours, you are spending the night, are you not?" I asked with a slight smile on my face I had no idea what her plans were for the night, guess I was just hoping.

Well I hadn’t planned on making a habit of it; I suppose it depends on how much we have to drink during dinner.

Well you don’t have to be drunk to spend the night, obviously, I’m harmless and you have nothing to worry about, everything in my life has always been consensual and I see no change in sight, I said with a guarantee.

Oh, Connor I know I can trust you I have no doubts about it whatsoever, let’s just have dinner and see where it goes from there, okay?

Well said, my friend, well said, but we better get going pretty soon my stomach is beginning to growl."

We did as I suggested we parked my car in front of the motel and drove off in her Mercedes I guess we’re going out in style.

She drove about ten minutes to a nice-looking restaurant whose title was Neptune’s by the Sea a fancy looking place probably overpriced, I hope it’s not too expensive because I have a long way to go and need to stretch out the money I have. Is this restaurant of your choosing, and only fish place or do they have other delights?

Oh no, they serve up some of the best steaks in town, I kind of liked the combination of steak and lobster, but you order anything you like, tonight’s on me. She said being very generous with her offer; I guess that last martini changed her mind about who pays the bill.

No ma’am, it’s not in my nature to have women pay for my meals it’s the man’s job."

I don’t know why you think that way we do your jobs in plenty of ways some women climb poles for the telephone company some go down in the sewers for the city so don’t be silly I promise you I can handle it.

You know the statement you just made about women doing men’s work makes me often wonder why if women want to be equal to men, why don’t they raise the toilet seat when leaving a restroom instead of a man lowering it, I said laughing like a jackass.

Now that’s about the silliest statements you’ve ever made or that I ever heard, but come to think of it in a weird sort of way it does make sense. She too had a good laugh.

She wheeled up to the valet he opened the door for her and help her out of the car. I helped myself out while he handed her a ticket.

We went inside and the lady relieved Janet of her coat while giving her a redemption slip.

There were two other couples in front of us so I signed us in and we took a seat and waited for our turn which didn’t take long maybe four to five minutes before the maître d’ showed us to our table. Janet ordered the martini straight up and I ordered a screwdriver I didn’t want go through what we did the night before.

Both had steak and lobster she was right, it was delicious. Before we finished our dinner, she ordered herself one more martini, but I declined I had to drive, and didn’t mind doing without; I didn’t drink that much anyway as a rule.

An hour later we had finished eating so we just sat there conversing through yet another martini. I thought to myself we really knew nothing about each other and in all the time we’ve been together in the last two days we spoke of everything but ourselves. So when we get home to the room, that is if she’s sober enough to listen, I’m going to strike up conversations and see if I can get her to talk about herself. I’ll tell her my tale of woe as much as she needs to know. I suppose we should know about one another, how do I know she’s not a serial killer, but I doubted it.

Finally, we made it back to the motel, went into my room to see what the night might offer, you never can tell it might turn out to be interesting.

Well, Janet, I said, you want the same bed as you had last night or would you prefer a switch," I asked politely.

I don’t know why, there is nothing wrong with the one I had last night. However tonight I will take you up on your offer, that is if you don’t mind loaning me one of your shirts.

I could smell a change in the atmosphere it looked like this might be my lucky night and how apropos since it’s my last night in Jacksonville.

When she returned from the bathroom wearing my nightshirt. I was excited and already in my bed leaving the covers open on the other side. Maybe this is just a test and I won’t be happy if she climbs into the other bed, says, Adios see you in the morning, Didn’t happen.

She climbed alongside me just as I hoped she would, what an outstanding way to say goodbye or perhaps just so long.

We enjoyed a most exciting night together, we were both satisfied the night was as good as could be expected.

She rolled over and laid her head on my shoulder and we begin to talk. I said, You know Janet we’ve only known each other two days and yet we know nothing about each other, I mean are you, or have you ever been married, and do you have any kids? It was just a reasonable conversation maybe not so much relevant but useful information

Okay, she commented, I was married… stupid 17-year-old when I met my husband in High School, of course, I was already pregnant otherwise it may never have happened. As it turned out, he became a heavy drinker and turned brutal, begin beating on me for any little reason he could find. I allowed it to happen for just over two years and then one day I finally kicked him out. About the family, she answers, yes, I have one daughter who is 19 and she recently moved to New York to try her hand at modeling and I’m sure she’ll be successful she’s so beautiful. She concluded.

I can certainly believe that about her being beautiful if she looks anything like you because you are beautiful in every way it’s been such an honor getting to know you.

"Now my story goes something like this, when I was nine years old there was a young girl who was raped and tossed off the highway into a ditch, bound and gagged and left there to die. A young boy riding by on his bicycle discovered her and soon the Sheriff was there and took over the crime scene. Her name is Rebecca Lynn Forester. She suffered a trauma like you wouldn’t believe.

My Cousin Carrie and I grew up together, were the same age and went to the same school as did Rebecca although we didn’t know her personally except to pass her in the hallway going from one class to another. Rebecca wasn’t doing well with her trauma it didn’t appear that her psychiatrist was doing enough, helping her to heal fast enough. She remained in a state of confusion for nearly a year. One day my Cousin Carrie heard about Rebecca’s problems and wondered if perhaps we could do the job better by getting to know her and becoming friends that maybe we in some way could help her recover, at least academically. She had already missed almost a year of school and that would take a lot of catching up. Well, to make a long story short it worked and soon Rebecca, back in school and doing so well she actually skipped the fifth grade. Rebecca, Carrie, and I became the best of friends. By the time, we were in the 11th grade, I was madly in love with her, but before the beginning of our senior year she just disappeared voluntarily and that is why I’m here. There’s been no statewide investigation, her entire family up and moved to Florida without saying anything to anyone, especially yours truly. Rebecca’s disappearance caused me much anguish I just couldn’t get her out of my head and that destroyed my marriage. So here I am in Florida playing PI in search of Rebecca. I must find her and either marry her and get her out of my head so I can go on with my own life. I’ve lived with this agony far too long and it’s gonna end here in Florida.

Maybe you should stick around Jacksonville I can probably help you get her out off your mind, She chuckled I know what she was thinking and it was helping, but that’s not my real problem.

That’s a terrific idea one that’s worth thinking about, but, in, the long run, I’m sure it wouldn’t solve my problem it might solve yours, though. Now I could return her chuckle. Well now you know my story, and it’s after two am, I think perhaps we best get some sleep we both have to get up in the morning."

She agreed since she had to go to work herself. I was going for a long drive in search of Becca this time in St. Augustine. Oh, by the way, Janet would you mind giving me your phone number. I would appreciate it very much if you could take some calls. I mean like if the Police Department come up with anything I can leave your telephone number with them. If you’re not home, you do have a recorder? I’ll have them leave a message and I’ll call you every so often. That way I can hear your lovely voice again.

Of course, Connor, I’d like that and I wouldn’t mind at all, in fact, I hope something comes up, but in case it doesn’t I’ll be standing in line in case you come across something you can’t handle. You can always come back to me anytime.

We called it a night and soon we were both sound asleep but it didn’t seem like for very long before the alarm went off, must have been around six thirty in the morning.

Well, sweetie I said, I got a hit the shower. And get out of here. I’ve got a better idea that will speed things up a little. You could take a shower with me that way we could go have breakfast together. And you could go to work and I’ll leave for St. Augustine, how’s that sound" I do my best work in the shower. (this I kept to myself.) I don’t know why she worried about being to work on time she owned half interest in a lucrative Real Estate business.

Okay slick, sounds like a plan to me let’s hit the shower.

Well we did hit the shower we even lathered up but I’d have to say the shower got a bigger workout than both beds combined.

I checked out the motel and walked Janet to her car, helped her into the front seat. She rolled down her window I leaned my head inside and kissed her passionately," I am really going to miss you, so here’s one more to remember me by. I kissed her again, turned walked towards my car regretting what I was leaving behind.

I arrived in St. Augustine later than expected, checked into a motel kicked back until morning figuring I could stop in at the Police Department and see if they are willing to posts a photo for me. I’ll also get directions to the post office and the library, after all, the more places I can show her picture the better chance I have of finding her.

I kicked back and watched a little TV and fell asleep. I woke up about four in the morning hungrier than bear coming out of hibernation, but, of course, nothing would be open at four o’clock in the morning so I just rolled over and went back to sleep.

Got up later in the morning about a quarter to seven, showered, shaved, and dressed for the day. I went to the office and asked where there was a decent café where I can have breakfast. The desk clerk pointed off to her right and said about five or six blocks there was a nice little cafe called Hanks Hash House.

I followed her directions and old Hanks was right where she said it would be.

I went inside took a seat at a booth near the window. I would always take a seat by the window when I could, love to watch people walk by, so many strange looking creatures no matter where you go.

A beautiful lady walked up to the table with a cup coffee I guess she assumed I was a coffee drinker, and she was right.

What can I get for you this morning Sir, she asked politely handing me a menu.

I think I’ll have my usual, of course, you don’t know what that so allows me to elaborate. I’ll have bacon and hotcakes and that will do it, for now, thank you very much.

I opened one of the little packages of phony cream, stirred into my coffee, setback and ogled around the room checking out the people.

The waitress returned shortly cradling a plate of hot cakes and bacon in one hand and a pot coffee and the other, she reached over and refilled my cup, and I thanked her.

I finished my breakfast and had another cup of coffee. I wasn’t in any hurry my plan was laid out, so I thought I might as well enjoy my last cup of coffee before getting started.

I asked the waitress directions to the Police Department, she told me it was over on Fifth and Main Street, to which I replied, Sorry Ma’am but I’m a stranger here, might you direct me to Main Street?

Oh, I’m so sorry I didn’t know, and yes I can, just turn left at this first corner, she pointed, and two blocks down make a right it’s just on the next corner, can you handle it?" She said being serious.

Yes, Ma’am I’m sure I could handle that all right, thank you very much for the directions and the service, I said politely leaving a generous tip on the table.

I walked into the Police Department like I was going to take over the place, didn’t happen. I asked the desk Sergeant if he would mind posting a picture on their billboard. I showed him the picture of Becca."

What is she wanted for? he queried.

Oh no, Sir it’s nothing like that I’m looking for her personally you see she walked out of my life about three and a half years ago, and she’s still gone so I’m here in Florida from California looking for her.

I’m a sorry son, he said, but unless she’s committed a crime I can’t post her picture on the bulletin board that’s strictly for wanted criminals."

I said good Sir, could you direct me to the library? I asked now almost pleading.

I followed his directions to the library and they were most accommodating. Sure, I’ll put it the bulletin board for you, said the elderly attendant. I thanked her with a question, perhaps you could direct me to the post office, is it very far?

No Sir, matter of fact it’s only about four blocks from here however, if your planning on asking them to post the picture on their bulletin board, I think whoever you’re looking for would have to be a wanted federal felon. You see it’s a federal building and no post office will post it. I’m sure they’re not going to put up a picture of a runaway girl that is unless she’s committed a federal crime.

Well put Ma’am, I guess I didn’t have my thinking cap on, well so much for the information and I appreciate your posting the picture on the board for me.

I left the library satisfied that at least something came out of it, so I suppose everything was done that’s gonna happen around here, might as well get on the road.

I drove about ten miles maybe a little less, I pulled into a service station, decided to top off the gas tank since being unaware of the distance to my next destination or how soon before I stopped again.

I topped off the tank and went inside the store to pay for the gas and get my receipt. When I returned to my car, a young Asian boy was sitting in the passenger seat, What young man are you doing in my car? I asked a little unsettled not knowing what his plans were.

Well, Sir he explained, I knew if I stood on the highway with my thumb out. In all likelihood, you wouldn’t pull over to the side and pick me up. So look at it this way, I just saved you a stop."

And just what makes you think I’m willing to take you now, I mean look at you, how old are you twelve-fourteen? I can’t afford to get pulled over with a juvenile in my car, how will I explain that to the police? I asked wondering how long this a charade was going to last before he climbed out of my car and I could get back on the highway.

Well, Sir to tell you the truth I am 14, and I am a runaway. Said the find young juvenile.

Now that petty much ices it, kid, there is no way I’m taking you anywhere, now opened the door and get out before I turn you over to the police, I can’t afford to get into trouble I have a long way to go.

Actually, Sir, you’d be doing us both a favor. You see ten days ago I had a spat with the family. I threw a few things in my duffel bag and hitched to savanna to see a girl I used to go to school with before moving to Palm Coast. So you’d actually be taken me home. I’m sure my mother’s worried sick about me by now so what do you say, don’t have any money and can’t pay you anything, but if you want we get there, I’ll wash your car for you. The juvenile pleaded.

My caring attitude is going to get me in trouble one of these days, Ok kid you win buckle up your seat belt let’s get out of here.

We drove for about an hour, the kid told me all about himself, his mother and family, he said that he was Japanese and that his father met his mother in Japan that he married her there and brought her back to the United States, so here we are."

You’re pretty smart for a punk-ass kid I mean it takes a certain amount of logic to put everything together by climbing into my car and you were right I wouldn’t have stopped to pick you up along the highway nor would I have climbed into somebody else’s car. It could have been dangerous; how do you know I am not a serial killer?

Well, you don’t look like a serial killer, He replied.

Now I’m disappointed in you, I guess you’re not as smart as I thought you were. Just what does a serial killer look like, have you ever met one before? I questioned.

Well, there you go, I might have hitchhiked all over the country, and I guess it is possible, but anyhow you look too kind to be a serial killer.

Young man I’ve got to tell you, killers come in all shapes and forms, take Ted Bundy for example, he was a nice-looking guy, very pleasant to the women until he got a notion to kill one, and then he did it over repeatedly. I lost count of how many women he murdered, but from what I heard he killed his first when he was seven years old. I don’t know that to be a fact, but that’s the word going around. I concluded my statement.

Really, seven years old, that’s hard to believe, where is he now?" He questioned nervously I think I was finally getting his attention.

Well, kid if my memory serves me correctly it was just a short time ago that he was executed right here in this very state, but there’s plenty more out there you’ll never know until one day they sneak up on you cut your throat.

How much further is to Palm Coast, I am anxious to see my family again it’s been longer than I thought. It’s amazing how many weeks seem to pass by when it’s been only ten days. He replied still a little shocked at my tale of serial killers.

You haven’t even told me your name kid, how about it you do have a name don’t you?

Yes, it’s Satoshi, Satoshi Yokohama, and I know what you’re going to say next Yokohama is a city in Japan, and it’s also my last name.

Well you could tell me it was Tokyo and I wouldn’t know the difference. I returned excepting his story and why not people have all kinds of names whether they like them or not.

"How long has it’s been since you had anything to eat,