Killer Unknown

Chapter 34: Saying Goodbye

The next day, Penelope refused to see anyone or come out of her room. She was completely unbearable and impossible to be around. She didn't eat and spent her time crying. Out of the clear blue, her screen went black and then a video chat came up. Penelope fell out of her bed when she realized that King's face on her screen. She picked herself up off the floor and then stared at the screen. It began to glitch for a second and then he started speaking.

"Hi Penelope! If you are seeing this, it's because I am dead and wasn't able to log in to stop it. I recorded myself when I was first kidnapped and I have been disabling this every day ever since. I didn't disable it today, so that could only mean one thing and that is I'm dead," King explained as the girls heard his voice and entered the room. They stood next to Penelope's head in disbelief, listening to King speak.

"I wanted to tell you how much I love you and appreciate you. I was so lucky to have had you in my life as a sister and as a friend. Tell the girls that I am so sorry and I really wish that I had more time with them. I would've been nicer to Jules and hugged Bev more. Regardless, I want them to know that I love them. To our new little sisters, I am sorry that we won't get any brother-sister time. I am sorry that they won't have me as a protector physically, but I promise to be there spiritually. To mom and dad, I forgive them. I forgive them because I don't want them to think that I died hating them and I don't want to die with hatred in my heart. To my amazing adoptive parents, I will forever cherish our sweet memories and I thank you for all that you have done for me. Penelope, I had Cathy to turn the restaurant over to you in your name and you are the sole heir to my life insurance policy. I don't want you to have to worry about anything. Take care of yourself girls and know that I am with you in spirit. Until we meet again, please don't let my death stop your living. If you do, I would've died in vein. I love all of you," King said as he blew a kiss as the screen.

The screen froze, snapped a picture, and sent the photo to all of their phones. Then the screen went black. The girls embraced each other and cried. The next day, the girls prepared to lay King's body to rest. They held a beautiful funeral for him and lots of people attended. Officer Carmichael, Barrett, and Greg were in the audience. President Kemp had a flag he signed given to Penelope and just as the music began; Penelope's father entered the church. Rather than becoming upset, she embraced him with a big hug. Maria, Josefina, and Esmeralda were standing behind David. Penelope released David and hugged the girls too. It was a peace offering and not a dry eye was left in the church. King's body was in a silver coffin and it slowly went into the ground. The family each picked up a handful of dirt and threw it in the grave. The priest said a few words and then the funeral was over.

"Daddy are we going back to live in our car now?" Josefina asked.

"You live in your car?" Penelope gasped.

"It's temporary!" David said.

"Dad, no that's not a good living situation for kids. Just take the Lake House, we will move out," Penelope offered.

"We who? I don't have any place to go," Jules stated.

"Jules!" Beverly yelled.

"It's okay, honey I don't want to put you out," David said.

"Dad, King left me a lot of money. I can buy another house for me and the girls. I'll be out by the end of the day. You go on home," Penelope urged.

"Don't we get a say in this?" Jules whined.

"Jules come have your say in the car where no one can hear you," Beverly said, pulling Jules away.

"Thank you, so much!" Josefina yelled.

They all hugged and promised to take care of each other. After all, there was no guarantee of tomorrow for none of them.