The Harper Generations: Country Roads

Another piece of the puzzle

Elias

When Nash called me with the results, I wasn't expecting the additional bomb he dropped in my lap. Nate called me before I could talk to Tori. I didn't hesitate to answer.

"What the fuck, Elias? Isn't there one time you don't drag our family into a mess?" Nate snapped.

"Nate, you're lucky I'm not in the same damn state with you right now. I didn't drag anyone into anything. The kids stumbled upon a bigger mess than we anticipated."

"Like what?"

I filled Nate in with the current events.

"Are you shitting me?"

"Does it sound like I'm shitting you? No. The police are verifying the identity of the human remains."

"Christ, Elias. You have a serial killer granny on the loose with precious cargo. Deacon would have a field day with this one."

"Baby brother still thinks I shot the family dog."

"Deacon was twelve when you handed him that line of shit. He actually uses his brain now."

"What did Nash tell you?"

"The same thing he told you. So, what now?"

"Now, we get one matter settled before tackling another one. Tori is chomping at the bit to unravel this mystery."

"That doesn't surprise me since she discovered the deal with your grandsons."

I had an incoming call from Nash. "I need to let you go. Nash is calling."

"We'll talk soon."

I clicked over to Nash's call. "Okay, Nash. Lay it on me."

"I want to set up a video conference between Raymond and Eden this evening. How fast can you make that happen?"

"Let me talk to West and Nate, but it shouldn't be an issue since we're in the same time zone."

"How about seven?"

"Sounds good. That will give us time to head back."

"I'll talk to you then."

I ended the call and pulled West aside to explain things.

"I wasn't expecting additional puzzle pieces," West said.

"Neither were we. We can use the house we're staying in and kick everyone out while Nash is on the video conference with Raymond and Eden."

"Yeah, it's better if they don't have an audience."

I nodded in agreement.

********
West

Elias returned to our group while I called Raymond and explained the video call this evening. He said he would meet us at the farm. I ended the call and rubbed my forehead in frustration.

"Is everything okay?" Alana asked.

I turned to Alana. "Not really."

"What's wrong?" Alana knitted her brows in concern.

"We have some dark entity hunting the kids; Mary might have committed murder and a paternity mess while trying to get married."

"So, just another normal day in our daily lives?" Alana giggled.

I gave Alana a questionable look before shaking my head. She was something else.

*****
Misty

After eating lunch, we found a park with swings and playground equipment. The adults sat around at the picnic tables while we blew off steam. Tino and I sat on swings while the cousins and girls hung on the playground equipment.