Always and Forever

Chapter 41: Manhunter

The next morning mom called me to come over for a bit. To be honest she sounded a bit mad. Once I got there, I met Betty at the front door. 

"What are you doing here?" Betty whispered. 

"Mom called me over," I stated. "Shouldn't you be inside by now?" 

"Jug and I were watching Archie," Betty explained. She then opened the door and we both entered quietly. We both looked at the table at the entrance to see Archie's photo in the newspaper. 

"Where have you two been?" Mom asked as she came down the stairs. "There's a manhunt for Archie Andrews underway. Police with guns and dogs all over the streets of Riverdale. Dani, I know you don't live here but your dad said he didn't know where you were and you weren't with Fred either. Did you two have something to do with this?" 

"No, Mom," I denied. 

"We didn't even hear about his escape until this morning," Betty told her. 

"The warden from that juvie killed himself last night," Mom said. 

"What?" We said.

"How come?" I asked. 

"RIVW's reporting that he was found with...blue lips," Mom let out. Betty and I then looked at each other. 

"So he was playing G&G," Betty stated. "Mom, did you know Warden Norton?"

"Why would you even ask that?" Mom asked then turned around walking to the kitchen.

"Because he had ties to Hiram Lodge who played G&G with you 25 years ago," I explained. "Are you sure you don't remember him?"

"Yes, I am sure, Daniella," Mom said. "I've told you and your sister everything that I know." She then walked away. 

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Later I was with Dad, Jughead, and Hot Dog at my trailer. We then hear a knock at the door. Dad opened the door revealing Sheriff Minetta. 

"What can we do for you Sheriff?" Dad asked. 

"I have a warrant to search your daughter's trailer," Sheriff Minetta said as he showed him his badge. 

"May I ask why?" I questioned. 

"I have every right to believe you are hiding Archie Andrews," Sheriff Minetta argued as he barged right past Dad. "He's an escaped convict, highly dangerous." Hot Dog passed us and began to sniff around the room. 

"Why would a highly dangerous convict hide in his sister's trailer?" Jughead asked as I crossed my arms. 

"Ms. Jones," a voice said, I turned around to see Mr. Lodge standing at my door. 

"First the Sheriff now the devil, who else is going to walk through that door," Jughead whispered as I chuckled lightly.

"Your brother isn't the brightest, I have every right to suspect that he is hiding here and that you're hiding him," Mr. Lodge said. 

"I don't know where my brother is," I stated. 

"Where were you at the time of the breakout?" Sheriff Minetta asked me. 

"I was in the living room studying," I answered. 

"I have every right to suspect your lying to me," Mr. Lodge growled. A hand landed on me, and pulled me back, Dad then walked forward. 

"If you dig your claws into another kid, not enough money in the world would save you," Dad warned. "Finish your search and get out my daughter's trailer."