Duskwood After Story

The Plan

Still unsure of what I meant, Jake continued his questions.

"Can you explain that to me in detail?"

"Yes, of course." – I put on a confident smile.

"I'm sure you still remember Michael Hanson, Jennifer Hanson's father. When I last spoke with Alan, he had ruled Michael dead for years. However, if our experience taught us anything, it's that you should never rule someone out of the picture until you see their body."

"Mhm."

"Ever since I heard it, I've had this unpleasant feeling that he isn't really dead. Hence my conviction that he was the kidnapper rather than Richy..." – The thought of Richy made me stop and reflect for a bit.

"Now, I also know that Alan and Michael were the closest of friends, and Michael's presumed death was quite a shock to Alan. If we can strike a deal with Alan, he will help us fake your death while we locate Michael." – I continued.

I stopped in case Jake wanted to ask any question. Instead, he just stayed still, listening attentively.

"So, there are two major components to my strategy. Finding Michael is of course the first step. Phil discovered Michael's testament on the bar top on the day he vanished, as if Michael had intended for Phil to find it. Phil's account of what happened that day left many questions unanswered. In this part of my plan, I think Phil would be a crucial lead.."

"Him again..." – Jake stared menacingly at the washing machine in the bathroom.

"Haha... In any case, if the Phil option doesn't pan out, I have another lead in the form of the attorney who assisted Michael in completing his testament to Phil. Duskwood is so small that it only has one legal firm. This is the same lawyer that handled the Hanson divorce settlement."

"How do you know that?" – Jake's eyes widened.

"When we were investigating Hannah's case, I checked into legal firms in Duskwood. I then pretended to be an independent filmmaker when I phoned their office to inquire about Michael Hanson for a true crime documentary about Jennifer. Their secretary was very eager to help when she learned she would be featured in a Netflix docuseries. Though the information I gathered was not helpful back then, it could be now."

"My little criminal..." – Jake smirked.

"Your bad habits rubbed off on me." – I stuck my tongue out in response. Then I continued.

"The second question is how we can fake your death. I already thought about this. We can stage another explosion at the Ironsplinter Mine. The mine tunnels are quite extensive, and following what happened to Richy, one-third of them already collapsed, making the interior structure of the whole system now exceedingly vulnerable. We might concoct a tale about a wanted man hiding out in this mine with his valuable tools and papers. Then one day, an explosion buries both the fugitive and all of his belongings. When it comes to this part of the strategy, Alan will play an essential role. In addition to publishing a public statement about the explosion so that the whole country is aware of it..."

"...he must also submit an official forensic report proving that the corpse belongs to me." – Jake finished my sentence.

"Exactly! I'm convinced that we can persuade him to assist because of the favor he owes us both, on top of the Michael deal."

With that, I finished my explanation of the plan. It was a labor-intensive scheme, but for some reason, I was optimistic that it would succeed. I turned to face Jake, who was completely lost in thoughts.

"Is it weird if I say that I like this plan?" – Jake murmured, leaning forward in a contemplative manner.

"Really?" – I sat back in my chair in complete surprise – "I really thought you would have objected to it." – I took a big gulp from my glass of water.

"No, it's a brilliant idea, Bailey." – He smiled – "At first, I was apprehensive. I didn't want you to get involved with my pursuers. However, I had to step back and reassess the situation in its entirety. First is the fact that we are now together. Through our own volition, you are now involved in my complicated life. We knew the risk and we accepted it. Second, you are now included in the background of my work. You knew everything there was to know about Nymos and all of my other personal information. Even if I tried to get you to stop right now, I know you wouldn't."

Jake held both my hands in his and continued. "You give me hope, Bailey. You know I'm the type of person who does not like relying on others. But when I'm with you, I keep wanting to lean on you. I could tell how much thought you had put into this life with me, just by hearing your plan. We promised to find a way to be together, and you've done exactly that. So I want to work with you to make this plan happen, Bailey... I'm the one who is unworthy of either your love or you."

His voice quieted as he uttered out the last words. Sadness clouded his blue eyes.

"Hey, stop that!" – I flicked his forehead – "That's very rude to yourself. We deserve each other. That's it. End of story."

The abrupt attack made him flinch. He looked at me with misty, wide eyes as he placed a hand on the spot where he'd just been flicked. Then he broke into a grin, and all of the anxiety vanished from his face.

"Everytime you say something like that, I'll flick you again." – I said, gritting my teeth as if I was enraged.

He laughed in a childish way. His voice echoed in the air. The joy he exuded was contagious.

"Bailey, are you... maybe... a very violent person? This is the second time you attacked me in just two days."

"Only when you start saying silly things." – I said, sticking my tongue out teasing him.

"Okay, but in all seriousness, there are some ground rules that we need to go over before we start this plan." – Jake sat up straight in his chair once his laughing fit had passed.

"One, we work together on everything. Neither of us can go off doing our own things."

"Deal!"

"Two, communication is key. We have to share our findings and if someone feels overwhelmed throughout the whole process, they have to let the other know."

"Deal!"

"Three, we keep this a secret from the group until we can secure a deal with Alan for sure."

"Deal!"

"Hm. That's all the rules I can think up for now. Please feel free to add anything else you find necessary."

"Four, Jake will tell Bailey he loves her at least 10 times a day." – I propped up my cheeks in both my palms and smiled mischievously at Jake.

"That's easy." – He beamed.

Then he drew me in closer. He whispered "I love you" on my skin as he kissed my hand. His lips then began to trace my arm. With each kiss, he was making a new confession of love. Soon, my body was covered in his affection: from my collar bone, to the crook of my neck, my jaw, my cheeks, my forehead, and lastly, my lips. Every inch was drenched in his desire.