13 Chapter 13 Stoneybrook: Food for Thought

 I would like to thank Julie Demers for helping me with developing the character of Pete Black further than what had already been established by AMM.

Food for Thought

Dawn got ready for dinner with Pete. Mary Anne was hanging out in Dawn's room, watching her get ready and for moral support. Dawn was pumped up about all her causes and ready to jump into things.

Dawn put on an American flag shirt with a cold shoulder sleeve and bellbottom jeans with stars all over them. She put on some wooden peace sign earrings and a silver peace sign necklace.

"I can't believe you are going out with Pete tonight. It must feel pretty cool to go to dinner with a politician," Mary Anne said.

"I guess so, I mean, to me it's still Pete. He can just make a bigger difference than he could before."

"That makes sense. Just remember, Dawn, he IS running for mayor, and be mindful of things when you are hanging out with him. He is under a microscope now."

"Ok." Dawn wished Mary Anne would just leave the matter alone. Times were different than they used to be, and sometimes Mary Anne forgot that. Or she knew but chose to ignore it. The doorbell rang and she heard Logan answer the door.

"Pete! So glad you are back, man! You'll have to join us on the weekend for the kid's baseball practice."

"Sure Logan! My son is back at his mom's right now, but it won't hurt to get to know some of the neighborhood kids before he gets back."

"Sure. Come on over and after practice, the team is coming back here for food and to swim. You are welcome to join us."

"Thanks, Logan. I sure will."

Dawn came down the stairs and she and Pete left in his Jeep Wrangler.

"So how does it feel to be running for mayor?"

"I know it won't be easy. But I want to make it a good place for my son, and it feels fitting. It's something that I have always wanted to do."

"Well, I'm glad you are. I can't believe Jenny thinks she can get away with this. She is only doing it for clout. She doesn't care about Stoneybrook."

"Exactly. And I feel we need a candidate that does. I also feel that Stoneybrook could use an upgrade in some areas. I worry about my son fitting in, being from New York originally. I know Stoneybrook isn't always so accepting of outsiders. And I feel a lot of that is because people have lived here for so long, and they haven't been as exposed to other cultures as, say, a city like Stamford. Or California for that matter."

"True. I think that's one reason why I decided to move back to California in 8th grade. The BSC was always talking about me being such an individual. Maybe I was compared to other kids at SMS, but not according to bigger city standards."

They arrived at Cabbages and Kings. The waiter gave them their menus and they ordered.

"At least there is a vegetarian restaurant around here."

"Yeah so much had changed downtown though. They have a little club and bar district."

"I've never actually gone. I know Claudia is going to check it out though."

"Maybe we should join her one night. I feel I'm going to be a mayor I should check out every aspect of the town. Get to know the people a little better. That way I will know how to meet their needs and address their concerns."

"Well, that makes sense to me."

"I always admired that you noticed we didn't have a good recycling center here and you did something about it. At 13 years old!"

Dawn blushed. "Well, that reminds me. I'm no longer living here, but I am visiting for the summer. I won't be able to vote for you, but I will be willing to help you with any aspect of your campaign. There are a few things that do want to bring to your attention."

"What are the things?"

"Well for one if Jenny wins she is going to cut funding for Parks and Recreation. As of right now Bart only has himself, Alan Gray, and Rick Chow working for him. That's one guy per park. Plus, a few volunteers here and there. The other thing is the situation that Alan Gray is in. He owns the lighthouse and was operating it until the previous mayor decided to have it automated, pretty much without notice. He has been working for Bart to make ends meet, and he has probably been talking to Jenny about being reinstated. There is some grandfather clause that lets the city make decisions about the lighthouse and how it is operated."

"Wow. Well, I certainly want to help. Not just because Alan and Rick are my old friends, but that just isn't right. The parks are one of our main hubs for recreation and it keeps the kids out of trouble."

"Not only that, but it is important to preserve the natural environment around us."

"You are right!"

"Have you signed up for the Rainforest marathon?"

"Yes, I did. I think not only will it help raise money to preserve our ecosystem but it will also be a very good experience for the people of Stoneybrook. It will be a sense of community as well as a way to experience the town in a new way."

'I have been training for it in the park every day."

"I need to start training for it. I just have started getting settled in here. I used to be a doctor in New York but I am working in private practice with only a few patients since moving back. I have associated myself with Stoneybrook Hospital and I go over there once a week to communicate with them."

"It's amazing what you are doing."

Pete paid their bill. "Where to next? Dessert?"

"There is a smoothie shop around the corner."

So they got their smoothies and continued to walk around downtown. Dawn began to notice that everywhere they went people were saying hello or giving them high fives and stopping to chat. She was hoping it was a good sign that people would be voting for Pete. 

They passed a new Mexican restaurant with an open patio design and people dancing to music.

"Care to dance with me?" Pete asked.

"Sure!"

Pete grabbed her hand and they were out on the dance floor in a heartbeat...

Little did they know they were being followed. They were with them at the restaurant, the smoothie place, and now had followed them dancing. And they smiled to themselves feeling that their employer would be very pleased with what they had found out...

12 Chapter 12 Stoneybrook: Crookshanks

 I would like to thank Julie Demers for helping me with all the Harry Potter information.

Crookshanks

Dawn was surprised to hear from Pete Black the next day when she was running with Bart that morning. He sent her a text message while they were in the park discussing the campfire camp.

"My afternoon is free if you want to catch up and discuss the issues you mentioned last night."

"Fine with me. How does Cabbages and Kings sound? About 6:30?"

"Fine by me. Pick you up around 6:30 then."

Dawn was glad he was writing to her so quickly. She wanted to also talk to him about illegal dumping. She knew she would be called into questioning soon by the authorities and she wanted as much evidence as possible to prove that she and her mother were innocent.

"Claudia is dropping off some skewers that Watson got to roast marshmallows so we don't have to use sticks. She is also picking up some of the stuff for the kits from Karen's shop. We can start putting the kits together tomorrow once we pick up the cardboard boxes they are going to go into."

"That will be wonderful! We need to come up with a name for the camp. What about Campfire Society?"

"That sounds too much like Boy Scouts. What about The Midnight Society?"

"Yes! That's perfect!"

Meanwhile, Claudia was getting ready to go down to Karen's store. She knew Karen didn't keep regular hours, so she knew she should wait until later in the day to try to go. She was going to pick up the donations from Karen's store, but she also wanted to take the opportunity to start to try to be friendly with Karen and report back to Kristy.

Claudia got to use  the Junk Bucket, Mallory didn't need it today she was out with Ben following up on a hunch for the history project, and Kristy and Abby had gone to Abby's mom's for a visit and lunch with Anna.

She drove around and parked at the main entrance to Crookshanks, Karen's store. "How cool," Claudia thought. She hasn't paid attention the last time she had visited. The door handles looked like snakes and the windows had an iridescent tint in rainbow colors with two white unicorns standing on their hind legs with the store name in the middle. When you entered the store a group of wind chimes sounded. Claudia looked up and saw that the chimes had tiny metal elephants with bells attached underneath them. The second thing Claudia noticed was the smell of incense burning. Or maybe essential oils, she wasn't sure.

Claudia couldn't help but think about how people really put Karen down for not taking the conventional road in life and instead pursuing her passion, much like herself. The store was pretty amazing. Part curiosity shop, part metaphysical store, part book shop, with all kinds of trinkets and antiques and crystals. Claudia decided to explore every inch of the store today just for fun and to get to know Karen better.

"Hi, Claudia! I guess you are here for the stuff for the kits! I got things I found in the basement. Let me go get them and I will help you load them into the Junk Bucket. Also, feel free to look around and see if there is anything else they can use for the camp too."

Claudia and Karen loaded up the Junk Bucket. Then Claudia said she wanted to look around. Karen said she would give her the VIP tour. They started on the left side of the store which was the books and Harry Potter memorabilia section. "I've collected first editions, signed editions, and rare tie-ins from around the world. See I even have the Nimbus 2000 broom."

Her display was beautiful it even had signed photos of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint on the walls. The whole thing was set up very fancy, like a mini Hogwarts. 

"So, Karen, tell me about the JK Rowling mystery. I was thinking about doing a video on it and interviewing you and Mal." Claudia figured it would be a great way to get things started. Karen covered the basics and showed Claudia the gigantic map that covered the wall behind the counter of the store. It had thumbtacks in it and post-it notes surrounding the outside with sighting and clues written all over it.

"Stacey and Sam thought they saw JK in Stamford," Claudia offered.

"Really? Do you know where?"

"No, but Stacey would we can ask her."

"That would be awesome. I can't imagine what she would want in Stamford, but maybe she is just sticking to places she is familiar with."

"The weird thing? They saw her buying one of Mallory's books!"

"Oh wow! That reminds me I have a whole section dedicated to Mallory's books. I'm going to have her do a book signing here. It's not often we have an international author here in Stoneybrook, but I guess you know that since your mom works for the library."

Karen took Claudia to the other section of the store, the one that sold books that weren't Harry Potter. She had all kinds of interesting things, including old Nancy Drew books. 

"I have more in the basement I need to sort. I buy a lot of things online, estate sales or lots off Etsy and bookstore closeings. Pretty soon I'm going to have to hire some help."

"I could help you a few days a week. I can't work the history project all the time or I will go batty."

"That would be awesome Claudia! There are a lot of antique books I need to sort and document and you would be the perfect person! What about starting next week on Tuesdays and Thursdays? You can come anytime you want. I usually close the shop around 6 or so, but you can always stay after the store is closed. I have security cameras set up all over and can see if we have a customer outside wanting to come in, even if we are closed. I have an app you can download and we can see who is at the door."

" Does Morbidda ever come after hours?"

"Sometimes she does. I checked her back records. Looks like she is a fan of Mal's books. She also buys a lot of things for spells."

"So she is a witch?"

"It looks like it. Or she is just interested in holistic healing?"

Karen gave Claudia a tour of the rest of the store. She showed her the metaphysical section, with crystals, herbs, candles, essential oils, all sorts of fun things! And the antiques section which was an assortment of things like a giant wooden decorative giraffe head. Next might have been the funnest part of all for Claudia. Karen had a small section full of hippy-style clothing, jewelry, and accessories. "What do they normally wear at the clubs around here?"

"All kinds of things. I usually wear stuff like this, but they will let you in wearing jeans and a t-shirt too."

"Do you know of any good spots?"

"How about I take you out with my friends Tuesday night?"

Claudia was in. She couldn't wait to tell Kristy.

Chapter 11: Part 4: A Night to Remember

I would like to thank Julie Demers for helping me with the story involving Kristy, Claudia, and Karen and so many other things. Pizza toast!

Part 4: A Night to Remember

As soon as Pete came down off the stage Dawn was already halfway over to where he was. Pete said a few words to Watson and shook his hand. As soon as he turned around he ran into Dawn.

"Pete! I am so happy to see you! How have you been?"

"I'm ok. Just moved back here after my divorce. How are you doing? I thought you were in California?"

"I am. I'm just staying with Logan and Mary Ann for the summer. I was wondering if I could make an appointment to talk with you. After having been away and come back some things have been brought to my attention. And I want to make myself available to you to help you with your campaign."

"Sure! That would be wonderful. Let me get your number and send you a text and then you will have it on your phone."

They exchanged numbers.

Dawn went back to her table next to Bart. "I'm going to talk to him about funding for the park and Alan's situation at the lighthouse."

"Dawn, you are amazing!" 

Over at the next table Kristy, Abby, and Jessi were sitting together, eating and talking. 

"I don't believe it! Dawn was FLIRTING with Pete Black? I saw them exchanging numbers. I don't believe this. What's next Alan?.."

She didn't get to finish. As soon as she said it her eyes were transfixed at Karen's table. A group of her friends were there along with Alan Gray. And he was being way too friendly with her. Putting his arm around her. Eating off her plate. What was going on here?

Abby followed Kristy's gaze and whispered," Kristy, just let's get through the night and we will talk to Karen tomorrow. No need to ruin Pete's night or Watson's party."

She knew Abby was right. And she wouldn't do anything. Tonight. But she would go up to Claudia's and Mal's table and tell them. Kristy got up and Abby followed.

Mallory was at the table but was taking notes in search of clues for the mystery and people to interview for the Stoneybrooke book. So far, she had seen Morbidda Destiny come in and out of the garden several times. She had spoken to Watson once. She hadn't done much else other than standoff to the back and eating. That's when Kristy came walking up.

"Claudia, we need to keep an eye on Karen. It looks like she and Alan Gray are having a thing."

"Well, what do you want me to do about it, Kristy?"

" Befriend her. Go out to the clubs with her and her friends. Say...say you'll do her make-up for her or something."

"Ok," Claudia made a face. She didn't like Alan Gray hanging out with Karen, either. She wanted to see what kind of club scene Stoneybrook had, anyway. Plus, it was kind of like an undercover assignment. She was planning her outfit already. 

Mary Ann sat at her table alone while Logan danced with Cokie Mason. Although Cokie wasn't her favorite person or didn't bother her that they were dancing together. She didn't. Much. And she was a little distracted. She felt bad she hadn't been helping more on the uranium case. But things were getting overwhelming for her.

Mary Ann felt she was at a cusp of transformation. Not just her clothes, or where she and her family were living now, but internally too. Mary Anne had always been eager to please everyone above herself. Kristy and Dawn were always getting on to her about not speaking her mind or standing up for herself. With Dawn living with her and Logan or made Mary Anne internalize them back into her shell because they both had strong opinions on things and didn't always agree on them. Let's just say it was sometimes hard to be in the middle of a lawyer and an activist. But Mary Anne was starting to form her own opinions. It was getting to where if she didn't do something about them she would explode or something.

Mary Anne got up from her table and walked over to Logan and Cokie on the dance floor and tapped Cokie on the shoulder," Do you mind if I cut in and dance with my husband?"

" Go right ahead," said Cokie and stepped aside.

"Have you had the chance to talk to Pete?" 

"Not yet. I was going to give the other people a chance first." Logan said. "By the way have I told you how beautiful you are?" Logan spun Mary Anne out on the dance floor with a flourish. Mary Anne blushed.

As the song ended, Mary Anne decided to go inside the house to cool off a minute before returning to the garden. When she got inside she was in the kitchen when she saw two familiar figures through the window talking to each other. It was Cary Retlin and Alan Gray.

11 Chapter 11: Part 3 Fight for Your Right to Party

 I would like to thank Julie Demers for helping me develop the plot for Watson's party and the discoveries of Dawn Schafer.

Part 3: Fight For Your Right To Party

Dawn woke up with a start. What did all of it mean? She wasn't sure. But she had no time to think about it now. Tonight was Watson's party and there was a ton to do. 

She needed to go running to clear her head and Bart would be arriving any minute. Just as she was putting on her running shoes she heard Mona downstairs talking with Bart. She skipped down the stairs two at a time and they headed out the door 

"Are you excited about Watson's party?" Bart asked.

"Yes. I'm excited to finally see everyone all together."

"Are you ready for our camp kick-off? I've already got a couple of good stories. I was thinking Mal and Claudia doing that history stuff maybe could do a folklore night or something."

"Well in that case I have a few local stories we can add. There is one about Ben Brewer and Old Hickory, and..."

Dawn stopped. She saw in the neighbor's yard that said "Jenny Prezioso for Mayor".

" Looks like she decided to run."

"She announced it yesterday. If no one runs against her we won't have much of a Mayor. She is going to cut down my funding for the parks. As it is I only have Alan and Rick helping me with a couple of volunteers here and there. That's one guy per park. It's a lot of work." 

"Maybe we can get some more volunteers. We could ask some people from the Rainforest marathon!"

"That's a great idea, Dawn!"

They kept running and turned up onto the park grounds. By now they had established a routine route through the park around the corner and back again. It was also a good way for Bart to see what needed to be done for the day, any branches that needed clearing, and that sort of thing.

They had just crossed the bridge and continued a few feet past the path when Dawn stopped. She saw something glisten in the tree. The same tree she had seen Morbidda at. She reached into the nook and she couldn't believe her eyes at what she pulled out. It was a crystal ball but it was ruined. It reminded Dawn of the sea glass you can find on the shore after lightning  strikes the sand. And there was something else. Something that made Dawn very creeped out. It was a newspaper clipping of her from the day she and Bart had discovered the uranium in the park. 

That night everyone was dressed up for Watson's party. Outside there was a big buffet of food. In the garden they had set up tables for people to sit and eat. And there was a stage set up for Ben's band, The Junk Bucket, to play. There was a spot in front of the stage for people to dance and enjoy themselves.

It seemed the whole town had been invited. Dawn saw a lot of familiar faces, but had to have some of the BSC members help her figure out who they were. There were the Shillaber twins, Jeremy Rudolph, Cokie Mason, Grace Blume and so many others! Dawn was grateful when it was finally time to eat. Watson came out and took the stage and grabbed his microphone.

"Hello my friends and neighbors. I am happy to see so many of you have come to enjoy my party. I recognize that some of you have even traveled great distances to be here tonight. I would like to thank my family for helping me set up, especially my wife Elizabeth. 

You see we have been keeping part of the purpose for this party a secret. As a member of the Stoneybrook Historical Society and belonging to a family that has expanded generations of citizens of Stoneybrook, one of my deepest regrets is that I never took the time out to run for an office position in Stoneybrook. Sadly, I believe those years are behind me now, but rest assured that I didn't give up without finding you a suitable replacement. And that is what we are here to celebrate tonight! Ladies and gentlemen I would like to present to you Stoneybrook's new candidate running for office as Mayor, our very own, Pete Black!"

Jaws dropped all over the faces of the BSC members. Logan, who had been fairly close to him in school was especially surprised. But how? Last Logan had heard Pete Black had been a doctor in New York City. He wondered how he ended up back here and running for Mayor. 

Pete came up to the stage to make his speech: 

"Friends, neighbors, fellow citizens. I've known some of you for quite some time. Some so far back I bet you remember when I was President of the student body at SMS. I recently moved to a house in this neighborhood and came across my SMS letter sweater. Sadly, I couldn't fit into it" (the audience laughed). "I guess some things have changed. We have grown up now. Some with families. Some with businesses and jobs in Stoneybrook and some of us are still working on these things. Stoneybrook has changed. From our increase in crime, unemployment, drug use, and outdated policies. I began thinking. It's time for a change. It's time to make Stoneybrook even better than the one we grew up in. A place where my son and your children can have the kind of upbringing we did, but in a more modern time. My son loves football. He is looking towards trying out for the SHS football team this year in the fall. Some of you may remember me from my victorious touchdown against Mercer 20 years ago on the same field. I also came across my SHS letter sweater and guess what?" (Pete walked over to a speaker on the stage and took his letter sweater off it and put it on) "Perfect fit. I guess the more things change the more they stay the same. (Pete winked at the crowd) I will be available throughout the night for any questions or concerns you may have. There are also boxes with pens and paper at your tables to write things down in case I don't get to you tonight. Everyone enjoy your evening."

Someone from the crowd shouted, "That was pretty sneaky, Pete!"

And the crowd cheered and began chanting:

"Sneaky Pete! Sneaky Pete! Sneaky Pete!'

11 Chapter 11:Part 2 Dream a Little Dream

 I would like to thank Julie Demers for helping me with the dream  storyline and the magic. Pizza toast!

Part 2: Dream a Little Dream

...and at 1210 McLelland Road, Dawn Schafer was having a nightmare of epic proportions. It was the 1960s, Stoneybrook. 

She walked down the halls of SHS and stopped cold. She saw a much younger, teenage version of her mother wearing a navy blue shapeless shift dress with a drop waist and contrasting white cuffs and collars, and a pair of bright green emerald earrings. Her long blonde hair was teased at the top with a flip at the bottom. She had a couple of girls with her at her locker. She was talking to one of them.

"I don't care what they think. I'm going to let him take me to the Remember September Dance on the 15th."

"Oh, Sharon, I don't know what you see in him. His family is so poor he has been wearing that shirt since the 7th grade."

"Oh hush up! Here he comes."

And then Dawn saw who it was. It was Richard wearing brown slacks, a plaid button-down shirt, and a solid blue cardigan. He looked so young...and gorgeous! He walked up to Sharon.

"Hi, Sharon. I was sorta wondering if I could give you a ride home today."

"Gee, Richie, I'd love to!"

Dawn watched as they walked down the hall and out the door, discussing a recent speech JFK had given on the tv...

Then Dawn was in her grandparent's house, in her mom's old room getting ready for a dance with her friends. Richard and another guy showed up in a blue sports car. 

"Just pretend that Richie is your date until we get out the door. They won't care so  much if it is you."

"Ok Sharon, but you owe me. You know I called dibs on Richie at the pool when we were in the 8th grade and I am only doing this because we are related."

They got home later than curfew that night and their little stunt had not fooled Sharon's mother."Sharon, I don't want you going out with that Richard! Now, there are plenty of nice young men at the country club..."

"Stop calling him " that" Richard! And I will not go to that stuffy old country club full of dull boys that don't think for themselves!"

Then it switched to a time in the future, only a year or two later, Dawn had guessed Sharon was having a debutante party at the country club. She saw her mom's appearance had changed, her hair much longer. Sharon looked beautiful but unhappy. Until Richard showed up and looked radiant. They danced a beautiful dance and when it was over her mom pulled her aside. "Didn't I tell you not to invite him? Sharon, you are just throwing away your chances at marrying well. Well, I have news for you, young lady. Come hell or high water, I am getting you into that college at Berkley so you might as well kiss that Richard Spier goodbye!"

Dawn was shocked. But not as shocked as what happened next. The friend....or relative had this evil smile on her face and whispered to Sharon, "Remember, you owed me. And thanks for the Emerald earrings"...

11 Chapter 11 Part 1: A Dark and Stormy Night

 I would like to thank Julie Demers for helping me prepare so much in this manuscript that I can not name them all! Pizza toast!

Part 1: A Dark and Stormy Night

It was a dark and stormy night. The witch carefully walked across the street, into the park, down the path, and to the tree where she had been gathering her ingredients together over the past few weeks to carry out her spell this very night. A night not unlike the fateful night decades ago where she had carried out a similar spell. It had worked, for a while. This time she had carefully made a checklist and searched in ancient texts to finally carry out, correctly, and finalize her spell and carry out her plan.

She carried her basket and in it a book, a candle, and some matches. She looked up in the night sky at the full moon, rain pelting her face. It was almost time.

She went to the nook of the tree and got the articles out she had hidden there. She took out her bundles of herbs, sage, twigs, a crystal ball, and her newspaper clipping. She took them all in her basket across the path. She sat her basket on the big rock next to the brook. She lit the sage and waved it all around her general area. Then she lit the candle and opened the book. She took her herbs and twigs and carefully placed them in their assigned spots to the north, south, east, and west. She looked over her book and waited.

Finally, at the stroke of midnight, she blew the candle out. She held up her crystal ball and let the moonlight shine through it. Then she brought the crystal ball down, she held it in one hand with the other moving in circles above it chanting:

"Double double this this

Double double that that

Double this and that!"

She repeated it 3 times. Each time she dramatically held up the crystal ball to the moonlight.

After the 3rd chant, she held the crystal ball up to the moon. There was a bolt of lightning and a roar of thunder. The ball began to glow an eerie bright silvery gold light that glittered and reflected in the brook all around her. It was so beautiful and she was so proud of herself for doing it correctly. She began to cackle her cackling laugh, louder and louder into the night....

....meanwhile, across the street, a man was up in his 3rd story window, took his hand adorned with an SHS class ring that glistened in the light, pulled his curtain back in place, and smiled to himself. By tomorrow night everyone would know...

...across the neighborhood, over at Stoneybrook Day High School campus, in an old wooden barn that had been used as a shed, long forgotten and overlooked, two familiar faces were digging deep into the soil; and them, as well as their employer, were looking for something very important and very valuable....

10 Chapter 10 Stoneybrook: A Sighting and Investigation

 I would like to thank Julie for the help in developing the character of Sam and the JK storyline. As always you have great ideas! Pizza toast!

The Sleuths of Stoneybrook

Sam and Stacey's plane touched down in Stamford. It has been such a wonderful trip. It was exactly what Stacey and Sam had needed since their schedules were so busy. Sam was a data scientist in the medical field at Stoneybrook Hospital and Stacey was a stockbroker with a weekly financial spot on the Stoneybrook News. Sam's job required him to visit other hospitals from time to time and Stacey enjoyed getting to go to New York to visit her dad, and get the inside scoop on Wall Street. And of course to shop. She and Sam were together and behaved like a married couple, but they were not married. Yet. Stacey hadn't cared that much about until recently. They were getting older and she felt it would be more stable. 

They were going to stay overnight in Stamford and then head back home the next day. They decided to check in to their hotel and then go down to the local pizza place and get some food.

"At least we have some time to adjust back to our time before going to Watson's BBQ." Said Stacey.

"Yes.  I'm glad that everyone is coming. How do you feel about Claudia visiting?"

"I'm not sure. It's not that I don't want to be friends with her. It's kind of like I don't trust her. And something else. I can't pinpoint it. I hope we can figure it out, though."

Around that time, Stacey's cell phone started pinging with messages, one right after the other. They were from everyone.

"Looks like Dawn has a mystery."

Just then she looked up at the tv in the restaurant. They were showing the Stoneybrook news and Stacey's old classmate and friend were reporting.

"According to a source that is a member of the Official JK Rowling Sightings group on Facebook, the famous London author was seen first in New York City, and then again in a store in our very own Stamford. No one knows where the author goes to write her books but her strange periodical disappearances have been brought to attention through multiple London gossip articles that have suddenly gone viral. Where in the world is JK Rowling? We intend to find out. Stay tuned tomorrow morning when we interview the clerk in Stamford that apparently waited on the most famous and mysterious author in the world. I'm Erica Blumberg, and that's news to me."

How strange, Stacey thought. What would JK Rowling be doing in Stamford?

Stacey and Sam took a nice stroll in downtown Stamford. "It almost makes me feel I'm back in New York. Well almost."

Just then she saw a lady that looked very similar to JK Rowling duck into a bookstore on 10th Street. She silently tugged at Sam's sleeve and motioned for him to follow her. The lady was in the kid's mystery section. She stood there a while looking at books before bringing several to the check-out counter. Stacey tried to look interested in a cooking book while Sam was at the magazine stand.

 Stacey gasped! She was buying one of Mallory's books! She also had a British accent. She paid for her items and left. Sam and Stacey ran out to follow her but she was already gone!

Jessi finally got through her last dance class for the morning. She was having Becca take over for the rest of the afternoon while she went with Mallory and Claudia to talk to the elementary principal of Stoneybrook Day School. She was so glad that Mallory was back and staying in Stoneybrook for a while. They were still close but not as close as they used to be when Mallory lived in Stoneybrook. It was difficult at first not having many friends in her class and the other girls going off to high school that following year. But somehow she had navigated her childhood and had made friends.

She didn't want to tell anyone just yet because it might jinx it, but she had been in touch with Derrick Masters about an audition in New York to be the choreographer for a new tv show he was producing. She didn't want to psych herself out either so she was happy to have the mystery as a distraction.

The girls met her outside the dance studio and proceeded to meet Principal Smith in the main building where his office was located.

"Hello, Jessi! Fine work you are doing over in the dance department."

"Thank you, sir. These are my friends Mallory and Claudia. They are doing some research for updating the Stoneybrooke book and correcting some information that was written previously."

He shook their hands.

Mallory tried to be as professional as possible.

"We would like to interview you. Do you mind if my assistant films for a corresponding documentary?"

"Not at all. We can film right here in my office."

"Perfect. Let me just get you to sign this release and we will get started."

He signed the paper and Claudia set her camera up. Mallory sat in a chair adjacent to Principal Smith and they began. 

"Principal Smith, how long have you been the principal here at the Stoneybrook Day Elementary School?"

"I have been the principal of the elementary school for about 15 years now. Before that I was a teacher at the middle school."

"And what subject did you teach when you were there?"

"I was a history teacher. I am also a member of the Stoneybrook Historical Society."

"Can you tell us some about your experience on both campuses of the school?"

"Well Stoneybrook Day was built in 1955. It was founded by Humphrey Porter. It was a private school designed to be progressive in the Montessori sense and those values still hold up today. The school allows the children's natural interests and talents be the basis of their education and build the basics around those talents and interests."

The girls tried to act natural during the rest of the interview. They didn't really find out anything about the chemistry sets, but they had a lead. Who was Humphrey Porter?

9 Chapter 9 Stoneybrook: Suspicions

 I would like to thank Julie Demers. Especially for the help with the ideas for Kristy, Alan Gray, Jenny, and Abby. Pizza toast!

Suspicions

Dawn helped Mona clean up from the meeting. It had felt really good to see so many of her friends again. She couldn't wait until Kristy came back! She would have a fit with everything going on: her and Bart, Alan Gray, Karen's wild lifestyle. That got Dawn thinking about the SHS football class ring.

"Mona, what high school did you go to?"

"SHS. It was in the 60s. It was after the chemistry sets had already been banned. I was never good at science, either. I was too busy having fun! Karen reminds me, the way I was back then. But you do too a little bit."

"Do you remember my and Mary Anne's parents?"

"Oh yes! We were only acquaintances. I was in a few classes with Richard and Sharon. Everyone wanted to be your mother. She was so beautiful and popular. And she was nice to everyone."

There was a ring at the doorbell. It was Bart. They decided to have some wine out on the patio and order a pizza. While they were waiting for it to be delivered, they sat around and talked.

"Bart, why was Alan going to the Prezioso house?'

" Oh. I'm not exactly sure but I have an idea about it. See, Alan used to be a pretty successful guy. After high school, he won some money on a trip to Vegas. He bought the lighthouse. He lives there now. He was also being paid by the city to man and maintain it. It frees him up to also pursue other endeavors. But a few years ago without warning, they decided to automate the lighthouse and put Alan Gray out of a job. Even though he owns the property, there is some sort of grandfather clause on the lighthouse and tower. I'm not sure."

"Poor Alan. But what does that have to do with Jenny Prezioso?"

" Well, that's the insane part. You know how Jenny married Derrick Masters when she was 16 or 17 and tried to use him as a stepping stone to get into the industry. It didn't work after the divorce and she came back here all washed up. She's still as self-absorbed and attention-seeking as ever. She tried different avenues to seek attention. Rumor has it her latest one is to be the youngest and First Lady Mayor of Stoneybrook. I figure Alan has been grilling her on getting his position back at the lighthouse. In the meantime, I hired him to help out with landscaping and maintenance for the parks. Either way, it's the City of Stoneybrook writing his paychecks."

"Wow! That is crazy. Makes me feel like I'm back in California, not Stoneybrook. Mallory and Claudia also found out something strange. They were researching the Stoneybrooke book. There was a lady named Abigail Grey that might be related to Alan that used to live in Morbidda Destiny's house. And they found a floorplan of her house in another book and it looks like it has a secret passage."

"Wow! That's wild! What do you think the secret passage was for?"

"The lady was an abolitionist and stationmaster during the Civil War. It sounds like the Underground Railroad to me."

"Wow! That's so cool!"

Bart knew he couldn't wait any longer and needed to tell Dawn exactly what he knew. He grabbed her hand. "Dawn, we've known each other a long time right?"

"Yes," said Dawn skeptically. She was enjoying seeing Bart but didn't feel like getting too serious when she lives in California.

"Dawn the other day I had to turn in the other bags with the chemistry sets into the authorities. They also made the Porter connection to Morbidda, but they also have other suspects."

"Well, that's wonderful! Who are they?"

"Dawn. It's you. And your mother. Isn't your mother's maiden name Porter, isn't it?"

"What?! Well yes, it is. I hadn't thought about it though. She was always Mrs. Shafer and then Mrs. Spier to me. Oh my God, I better get Logan and Mary Anne down here. Logan will know what to do."

"Dawn I'm sorry. I never meant to get you in any kind of trouble. I know you wouldn't do something like this. But remember this is Stoneybrook. They don't like outsiders. And you haven't been back in a very long time."

"Bart I don't blame you. And I'm glad you told me. Let me go get Mary Anne and Logan. They can help me." She turned and ran up the stairs. "Mary Anne!..."

Meanwhile Claudia and Mallory we're headed back from their interview with Alan. They had masked their intentions by saying it was for the Stoneybrooke book. Claudia took her camera along to document everything on film. Alan had confirmed that Abigail Grey had been his relative. Some family members had changed the spelling of their name from Grey to Gray after the Civil War to try to disassociate themselves from getting into trouble with authorities for being part of the Underground Railroad. Claudia couldn't wait to edit the footage. She was starting to get into this project and wanted to interview more people.

"Hey, Mal why don't we plan to interview some of the school principals tomorrow for the project? We could get some of our research done and work on the uranium case at the same time?" 

"That's a great idea! We will write up a list when we get home of schools and principals. We should probably call ahead of time."

They couldn't wait to get started.

Kristy and Abby sat side by side in chairs on Kristy's boat. 

"This was a good idea!"

"Yes, now that I have this boat we should make more visits to Stoneybrook more often."

"I agree. I can come to see Anna and check on the store," said Abby.

"You know Anna has some audition for the symphony in New York coming up. I'm going to stay behind and run the store while she goes."

Abby owned two joke shops, one on Rhode Island and one in Stoneybrook that her sister Anna helped manage between music gigs. The store sold whoopie cushions and rubber chickens as well as some kitchen items like Elvis commemorative plate sets. They were doing very well. Abby also enjoyed being a clown, Easter bunny, Christmas elf, the tooth fairy, and other various characters for kids parties in her middle-class neighborhood.

"Hey, Abby when we get back, do you want to organize a baseball game with Sam, Charlie, David Michael, Logan, Robert, and other kids from the neighborhood?"

"Kristy, do you always think about baseball?"

"That's my job."

Kristy was a minor league baseball coach for Rhode Island. They were doing pretty well. She wasn't going to get to stay long, only for Watson's party before she would have to get back for a game. But she bought this boat for more relaxing travel to Stoneybrook but also for games along the coast.

"I can't wait to get back home."

"Me either," said Abby.

"We haven't been back together in a long time."

"I wonder what Dawn is doing. I bet she is already knee-deep in a mystery."

"I bet so too."

They clinked their glasses of wine together and drank them down in one gulp.

8 Chapter 8 Stoneybrook: Touch of Grey

 Once again I would like to thank Julie Demers for everything.

Touch of Grey

Mary Anne and Mona had been baking all day for Dawn's meeting. They had a huge spread of various meats, fruits, veggies, cheeses, and cookies.  There was so much going on that it was a calming influence on Mary Anne. She wasn't sure Morbidda was a witch, like everyone wanted her to be. Maybe she was just a lonely old lady that kept to herself. 

Dawn was sitting the stuff out on the bar outside. She was in an extremely good mood, despite the creepy dream she had the night before. She was singing along to The Grateful Dead's "Touch of Grey" and couldn't wait for everyone to get there, especially Claudia.

Claudia and Dawn met up every year for Burning Man and Coachella but never got in a long visit like this one. Jessi was also coming, she was having Becca fill in for her teaching a dance camp at Stoneybrook Day.

At 11:30 people started arriving. Altogether it was Mary Anne, Dawn, Mallory, Claudia, Shannon, Robert, Karen, and the last to arrive were Bart and Alan. 

Dawn took charge and began talking as soon as everyone was settled and eating.

"Thank you all for coming today on such short notice. The first thing I want to discuss is Bart and I are going to be holding a session of campfires at the park for neighborhood kids. We will be telling ghost stories at each campfire and roasting marshmallows and serving Kool-aide. If anyone can help us run the camp or wants to be a guest storyteller, we are going to go pass around a sign-up sheet. Write your name and any details of what you are planning to contribute."

Karen spoke up." My store could be a sponsor. I'd be willing to make up some kits for the kids with Butterbeer, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Jelly Beans, chocolate frogs, and other party favors. We could go down to the radio station and get it advertised on the air."

"You can count me in for a story or two. After working on the history project I'm going to need some time to unwind." Said Mal.

"I can design some merch for the kids. T-shirts and duffle bags. And sign me up for a story too." Said Claudia.

"Mona and I will make special magic sprinkles you can put on the fire to make it change colors!" Said Mary Anne

"I will bring my guitar and play some scary tunes!" said Ben.

" Put Robert and me down for glow stick sets. We can put them in the kits."

Jessie said," Put me down for a story and I can bring some special effects from the dance dept to make it more spooky too!"

"Put me down for a story. I will make sure the firepit is clean and ready to go each night before the kids arrive. I also may have some extra lawn chairs for kids to sit on." said Alan.

" Awesome you guys!! Now second on the agenda is the uranium case. We need to organize to try to solve this mystery. Mallory and Claudia will be headquarters for anyone who wants to come over and keep an eye out for Morbidda Destiny and what she is up to."

At that moment Bart and Alan had to leave to go back to work. Bart told Dawn he would be back later to work on the campfire project. Mal and Claud filled everyone in on their discoveries from the previous night and planned to go interview Alan around quitting time.

Dawn filled them in on Barts's theory about the chemistry sets being from one or more of the schools. Jessi and Ben said that they would check their schools for clues. 

Karen said she would look for past purchases by Morbidda at the store and write down any future ones. Then Karen made her excuses and left. She was going clubbing that night.

As soon as she was out the door and down the street the girls started talking about her. "Did you see the picture she posted on Instagram?" Claudia asked. No one had and she showed them. "She sure is a partier, isn't she?"

"She's not doing much else these days," Jessi said. "She doesn't keep regular hours at the witch store and she goes out clubbing every night. All the single guys in town treat her like she is Stoneybrook's answer to Paris Hilton. They've even taken to calling her The Heiress in the gossip column of the paper. She and her little group of friends are like the Brat Pack. And their favorite thing is to go to Junk Bucket shows."

Jessi was looking at the Instagram photo. She recognized everyone in it. Hannie Papadakis, Nancy Dawes, Maria Kilbourne, Ricky Torres, and Bobby Gainelli. But there was another person (well at least part of another person). They were all sitting at the booth with their arms around each other but the person on the right was just part of a shoulder, arm, and hand. "Hey, I wonder who is in this picture. They have an SHS football ring on and it's from your class."

They all wondered, too.

Claudia, Mallory, and Ben headed out to interview Alan. Jessi stayed behind and listened to Mary Anne, Mona, Shannon, and Dawn talk about trying to find out who moved into the house with the SHS letter sweater.

She decided to head home taking the route Mary Anne, Dawn, and Shannon did on their walks. She saw Alan Gray outside the Prezioso house on the way.

Just as she looked back to the road she saw a figure dash across the road. Jessi hit on her breaks just in time. It was Morbidda Destiny who didn't even blink an eye and kept on going across the street and straight up to the park. Jessi just sat there in her car in the middle of the street and got her bearings. Then she turned to the residential side of the street and up to the 3rd floor of the letter sweater house. The light was on and there was a shadowy figure of a man in the window.

The man stood there a moment looking down at Jessi with his curtain pulled back. The SHS football ring on his finger caught the light and glistened. And he smiled to himself.

7 Chapter 7 Stoneybrook: Rebel Yell

 I would like to thank Julie Demers for helping with countless research for this story and a lot of laughs.

Rebel Yell

Claudia turned off her camera and decided to head over to the dining car for some lunch. She hated that she was by herself on the train, but had kept busy filming footage for her Youtube channel. She had originally been a make-up guru after one of the tutorials went viral. It got so big, practically overnight, that she quit her web design job. She had expanded to making appearances and booking jobs for special nights at local clubs. She also had a merch shop that sold her art, jewelry, clothes she designed, and she also sold Mallory's book series and Nancy Drew books.

She was really glad she had chosen to take a train from Austin, TX to Stoneybrook. There was so much to see with the train stopping from time to time in towns along the way. She had already sent her main luggage over to Watson's. She was going to stay there until her Air B and B opened up for the summer. At first, she was just going to stay for Watson's BBQ. But she had been in touch with Mallory about the Stoneybrooke project. It inspired her and made her want to make her documentary film on her channel about the history of Stoneybrook. 

Claudia ordered a cheeseburger and fries and looked out the window. She hadn't been back much except for Christmas visits. She loved her parents, it just got on her nerves hearing about how successful Janine was.  Like she was successful at what she does. She knew it would be fun. Everyone hadn't been back together in a while especially Dawn.

Mallory had been keeping in touch with her since arriving. She had texted saying that Dawn had found uranium in the park and Morbidda was being weird. She had a certain sense of urgency to get back. But she also had a touch of nerves. She and Stacey were ok with each other but not best friends like they used to be. She didn't know how she felt about it. But Stacey and Sam were in Europe for the time being so she didn't have to think about it.

Mallory sat down in the garden. She had the Stoneybrooke book in hand and began thumbing through it.

On one of the pages, a photo caught her eye. During the Civil War an abolitionist named Abigail Grey, a Quaker, had lived there at the time. It said she was suspected of being a  station master, which seemed odd to Mallory, even if it was wartime and all the men were gone to fight the war. She decided to see if she could also find her in the Who's Who.

She found her in the Who's Who but not much more information than before. She decided to start connecting relatives to her family tree. She didn't get very far when she decided to go back to Watson's library and look for any other historical books or records he had relating to people or places in Stoneybrook during the Civil War. She found a few and took them up to her room where she could relax while she did research.

She turned on her playlist of Ben's band, Junk Bucket, and a cover of Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell" came blasting from the speakers.

Just then a text message sounded on her phone. It was from Dawn:

"Meeting tomorrow @ noon @ Mary Anne's. Bring Ben and Claudia. Discussing a great idea and Morbidda Destiny."

"Ok"

Then she texted Ben:

"Dawn called a meeting @ Mary Anne's @ noon. Discussing an idea and Morbidda Destiny"

"I'll be there"

She was just about to text Claudia when the doorbell rang. 

After Mal and Claudia did a lot of screaming and jumping up and down they started discussing the meeting and Morbidda and the uranium. Then they went down to eat dinner with Watson and Liz.

"Claudia let me look at you!" Liz shouted. Claudia was wearing a scoop-neck oversized t-shirt dress with a ruffle hem. It had a girl with a cartoon face with cupcakes for eyes on it. Her hair was dyed in rainbow streaks for a peek-a-boo effect. "You look fabulous!'

" Claudia! I'm so glad you're here! I hope your train ride was comfortable. Mallory has already started on the Stoneybrook project. Mallory, do you care to fill us in?" said Watson.

Mallory told them all about Abigail Grey. She suggested she and Claudia go to the library the next day after Dawn's meeting.

After dinner, Claudia and Mallory went back up to Mallory's room to look through the history books together. Claudia threw Mallory a pack of gum from her purse and she took out some skittles for herself.

"Isn't this just like old times," Claudia asked.

"Yeah, it kinda is. Here, let me put some music on." Mal turned on The Junk Bucket and once again "Rebel Yell" came through the speakers.

"Is this Ben's band," Claudia asked.

Mallory blushed. "Yes, they're called The Junk Bucket." And for some reason, they burst into a fit of laughter.

Claudia rolled over and right onto a book. She picked it up. It looked familiar.

"Hey, Mal do you know what this is?!"

Mallory put down her iPad and came over to look. "Jeremy Brewer's diary!  I forgot about this! He was Ben Brewer's son, right?"

"Right! We should look into this.  I'm sure we find something for the Stoneybrook project even if it wasn't about Abigail Grey."

"Ok, Claudia. I will let you be in charge of that since you found the book. Write down any historical information you can find."

"Gotcha."

Mallory turned back around and continued to follow the ancestry of Abigail Grey from the online site she found. They worked for nearly an hour or more until Claudia couldn't stand it anymore. She started singing along with the music and the book in her hand when a paper came flying out. Mallory didn't even notice she was too busy with her discovery.

At the same time they said:

"You've got to see this!"

Claudia grabbed Mallory's hand and pulled her up. She gave Mallory the paper and watched her look at it."Claudia do you know what this is?! It's a map of Morbidda Destiny's house! Like a floorplan!"

"I know isn't it cool? And look.  I'm not sure but I think that's a secret passage."

"The only way we could find out is if we were in her house."

They looked at each other wide-eyed for a minute.

Then Mallory grabbed Claudia's arm and dragged her over to her iPad. "Read this!"

Claudia quickly read mumbling to herself words as she went:" Abigail....McLelland Road...changed the spelling of the family name after the Civil War...Mallory! Do you know what this means?!"

"That Abigail Grey lived in Morbidda Destiny's house door!"

"Yes! But not only that! Don't you get it? She changed the spelling of her name after the Civil War from Grey to Gray. Gray, Mallory. As in..."

"Alan Gray?!"

"Looks like we're going to have to talk to Alan Gray..."

6 Chapter 6 Stoneybrook: Toxic

On I would like to thank Julie Demers, especially for helping me with the story about Maggie and progression with Morbidda Destiny.

Toxic

Dawn stepped out of the shower and slipped on her bellbottom jeans that were frayed at the bottom. She put on a long-sleeved lightweight gauzy green top with bell sleeves and tie-dye sneakers. She curled the bottom of her long blonde hair and put on her makeup. It was a natural look but still a little bit fancier than every day. She got mixed reactions from Logan, Mary Anne, and the kids when she told them she was going out to dinner with "Coach Bart" that night, but she thought the jury was overall pleased.

"Dawn, Bart is here for you," Mona buzzed in on the intercom. She waited for a few minutes and then grabbed her purse and headed downstairs.

Bart had arrived wearing starched jeans and a band t-shirt. His hair was perfectly combed and had shaved and wore nice shoes. The kids stared at him like she was from outer space.

"You look gorgeous Dawn. You ready to go?"

"Sure."

They got into Bart's blue sports car and drove off to Cabbages and Kings.

"So, what's going on with the uranium case?'

" Woah, you don't waste any time do you?'

"Well, I care a lot about the environment. I want whoever did this to get caught.'

" I care about the environment too. That's why I decided to get into parks and recreation. You know how much baseball I played and coached when we were younger. It always bothered me when I saw trash and stuff after the games. And the scenery is pretty nice too."He glanced over at Dawn to see if he had won any brownie points.

Dawn smiled. "I agree. That's why I spend so much time there."

"Is that the only reason you spend so much time there?" he asked.

Dawn didn't answer. "I signed up for the Rainforest marathon. I'm going to be training every day."

"I signed up for it too. The Rainforest is so important for our ecosystem."

They reached Cabbages and Kings and got out of the car. The waiter sat them in a quiet corner in the back. Dawn ordered the tofu delight and Bart got the three-leaf salad. 

"So, what about this uranium case? " Dawn asked for the second time.

"Well, I remembered what you said about the chemistry sets. They had been banned in 1960 for uranium, cyanide, all kinds of harmful things."

"Yes, well I already knew that part. We studied it in a class I took back in California."

"Yeah well, I didn't. And when I was researching that I also found this." He took out his phone and showed her a picture of one of the chemistry sets.

"So? Those are the sets we saw in the garbage bag. I don't understand."

"Dawn, look at the company name."

" The Porter Chemical Company?"

"Uh-huh. The Porter Chemical Company. Porter..as in.."

" Tabatha Porter! You think Morbidda Destiny has something to do with this, too?" Dawn was suddenly interested and scooted her chair over closer to Bart.

"Dawn, I did some searching, and Morbidda's family-owned and manufactured the chemistry sets. They made a bundle, even selling sets to schools that had low funds for chemistry equipment or had chemistry clubs. But things started happening and they started getting sued. Then in 1960 the Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act, and others, followed introduced new levels of regulation. The Porter Company went out of business in 1983. She must have been living off inheritance and savings ever since. That's why her house is in disrepair and her yard is so overgrown. She must be salvaging her funds. Probably most of our lives!"

"Whoa. But that doesn't explain why she would all of a sudden illegally dump chemistry sets into a park." Dawn said, thinking.

" I know, that's why I wanted to come to you with this. I know you guys had solved a lot of mysteries back in the day. And I just figured..."

"Oh, but Bart, I haven't solved a mystery in years...not since..."

"Not since your friend Maggie died?"

"Well, yeah."

"I knew that it had happened. I knew you hadn't been back to Stoneybrook since then. And now here you are. I never really got the details. Just that it had happened. You don't have to talk about it if you  don't want to."

"I do. It has...well, I...can we just wait until we aren't in the restaurant?"

"Sure. Tell you what. I'll take you for some frozen yogurt. I know a great park we can go to. It has a fire pit, and a brook, and a pond with a fountain and lights." He smiled with a twinkle in his eye.

Dawn nodded. "Sounds good to me."

So Bart paid for their bill and off they went for some frozen yogurt and then the park. They got out of the car. Dawn hadn't seen the park lit up at night. She liked that Bart was making the park more beautiful and safer at night. 

"They're solar," he said. "And look." He pointed to the walking path," paved with glow in the dark rocks."

"It looks like something out of a fairytale."

" Exactly. Come on. Let's take a walk while you tell me." He held out his hand and she took it.

"Well, it all started when Maggie and I came to visit here in Stoneybrook on Spring Break our junior year in high school. Maggie was studious and always made straight A's in school. She had been having some problems. Her parents were not getting along and she struggled with anorexia off and on. She was always putting too much pressure on herself to be perfect all the time.

Well, we had this rule at Vista. All the students had to keep a journal and write in it. Some took it more seriously than others. There weren't many rules about it. But you had to turn it in at the end of every school year.  It counted for a major part of your grade. I don't think the teachers read everything in all of them. That would have taken forever. It was more of an exercise to keep us in practice in writing and grammar and stuff. Well, Maggie of course took it with her on the trip. One day we were shopping at the Merry Go Round because they were having this big sale. We stocked up on notebooks, several each. Me, Maggie, and Mary Anne. They had these cute designs on them. Well, when we got home we all went into Mary Anne's room and looked at them. Mary Anne put hers away on a bookshelf. You know how she and Richard are neat freaks."

" Yes. Mary Anne and Logan's kids are the same way."

They had made a lap around the park. They decided to go sit on the big rocks by the pond. The lights in the middle of the fountain in the middle of the pond kit up in different colors. 

"Well, that visit we were always hanging out in Mary Anne's room. One day Maggie noticed that her journal she had brought with her was missing. We looked everywhere. All over the house, the shelves, everything. It was just gone."

"Oh no. All that work too."

"Yes, but it wasn't just that. Like I said Maggie had been having some major problems that year. Including some, we didn't even know about until..." Her voice cracked a little. Bart put his arm around her."She...she was frantic about getting it back. We didn't find it until after...after she..."

She couldn't help it. The tears started coming then. She buried her head in Bart's arm. He held her tight for a few minutes. Then he pulled back and looked at her. "You don't have to tell me anymore tonight. We've got the whole summer to talk about that."

Dawn relaxed but she kept her head snuggled on Bart's chest. He looked down and gently kissed her.

"Thanks. I feel better now."

"Good"

" It's getting late. I should go home now. I need to train in the morning for the Rainforest marathon. Plus, Mary Anne and Logan are kind of old-fashioned about being impressionable in front of the kids."

"Gotcha. Well, let's get you home little lady." Bart stood up and helped off the rock. He snuck another kiss. This one went all the way through Dawn's body and it felt like she was lifted off the pavement.

On the drive home, she told Bart about seeing Morbidda in the park by the tree and following her with Mallory to Karen's store. Just as they were rounding a corner there was a crash of thunder and a flash of lightning. They saw a familiar-looking figure walking down the street without a raincoat or anything and that's when the rain started to pour. Bart slowed to a stop and rolled down the window.

"Hey, Alan. You need a ride somewhere?"

"Sure. I'm just going down the street to the Prezioso's."

"Alan Grey?" Dawn opened the door.

"Dawn? Long time no see. Wow."

"I'm visiting Mary Anne for the summer."

"That's nice."

"Hey Alan," Bart said, "Don't stay up too late. I want to see you bright and early tomorrow morning to help me clear out any branches that may have fallen during the night."

"Yes sir. And boss, you don't stay up too late either." The car slowed to a stop and Alan got out.

They drove off. "Alan Grey works for you?"

"Yeah. He's an ok guy just kind of had a hard time. I like helping people out."

"He went to my high school."

They reached the house and Dawn told him to pull around back. " Do you want to come in? I could get you some wine. At least until the storm dies down."

"Sure."

Dawn got a bottle of wine and two wine glasses and carried them up to her room.They decided to sit on the balcony where it was covered from the rain and drink their wine at the table. "So I had this dream last night," Dawn said.

"A dream?" Barts's eyebrows went up and down like Groucho Marx.

"More like a nightmare. But that's how I came up with the campfire camp. I had this weird dream and you and Mary Anne, Logan, Shannon, and Robert were there and the campfire exploded and Maggie's ghost was there and she kept saying Morbidda Destiny over and over."

"How weird. Well, how about we go running tomorrow morning and then meet up later for lunch and we can discuss the details of getting the camp started."

"Sure. Why don't you come here for lunch and we can start making a list."

"Ok. Oh almost forgot to tell you. There have been more chemistry sets dumped. We found several scattered around various areas in the park."

"I wonder why they are taking it there instead of just taking it to the dump. All you have to do is show ID and...That's it! Maybe they don't have ID, or they don't want a record showing that they dumped it. But why?"

I don't know but I have thought a lot about it. I think the only place that would have that many would be one of the schools. Unless Morbidda is cleaning out her basement or something."

"Hmmm. Well, Ben and Jessi both work at the schools. I could message them tomorrow. See what they know."

"Good idea."

Dawn got up and looked out onto the property, thinking.

Bart got up and joined her putting his arm around her. "Don't worry, we'll solve it."

"I hope so," Dawn whispered.

Bart kissed her again. "I better go. I will see you first thing in the morning."

Bart went down to his car and sat in it for a few minutes. He could see Dawn on the balcony her hair blowing in the wind. She was so beautiful. He knew he needed to tell her everything he knew and fast. He just couldn't. Not after the story about Maggie. And he didn't want to scare her away from Stoneybrook again. He just wanted to have the first date be nice. And it was. But it wasn't fair to Dawn. He had to tell her everything, the sooner the better. If only he didn't know what he knew, if only he didn't know...

5 Chapter 5 Stoneybrook: Coffee and a Caper

 Coffee and a Caper

Mallory got out of her Uber and thanked the driver. She stepped onto the sidewalk and breathed in the familiar smell of downtown Stoneybrook. It was nice to be home. She was also glad that she wasn't staying AT HOME. She loved her parents and her siblings but didn't feel quite right staying for long periods with them, not since she left for Riverbend in the 6th grade, and not when she left Riverbend as a teacher as an adult. She was even happier that Watson had asked her to visit and help update the Stoneybrooke book for the Stoneybrook Historical Society. It would be nice to write again and not just the characters in her famous mystery novels.

But first things first, she was off to Bellaire's to say hi to Stacey's mom and do a little shopping. She put some money in the machine and got out a copy of the Stoneybrook Gazette. "Would you look at that? Dawn's already in the paper and she hasn't been here five minutes!" She shook her head and smiled. She pushed the turnstile and heard the bell ring at Bellaire's...

"Mallory!"

"Maureen!"

Mallory hugged Stacey's mom. She was just as gorgeous as ever. " Mal, let me just finish up this order and we can go to lunch if you want. I have a slow afternoon. We can take all the time we need."

"Sure. How does the Rosebud sound?"

"Perfect."

Mallory walked a few blocks to the Rosebud taking it all in. She requested a booth in the back and took out her copy of The Stoneybrook Gazette and opened it. She was reading the article on Dawn and Bart finding the uranium when another article caught her eye. Maureen showed up and she put the paper away. She knew she would have to stop at Karen's metaphysical store to talk to her, but that would have to wait.

"I just saw Dawn and Bart in the paper."

"Leave it to Dawn to find a mystery the first week she is back at home.'

" Is there any other news I should know about?'

"Well, Sam and Stacey have jetted off to Europe. They should be back in a few days.  I've been out of the loop since they've been out of the country. But Watson is having a big BBQ. Everyone should be back together in time for it."

" Yes, I am staying there to help Watson update the Stoneybrooke book for the historical society. I don't have anything to wear to the BBQ. Do you think you could help me find something at Bellaire's?"

"I know a few outfits that would be perfect. Tell me, any news with you? Ben?'

" Ben and I are just friends. But I am seeing him for coffee tonight. And I'm going to ask him to Watson's party."

"Ooo, a coffee house date! Are you thinking 90s grunge or Rachel Green?"

"Probably more a Rachel from Friends look. I am getting an updated version of The Rachel haircut. I have an appointment this afternoon at the salon."

By the time Mallory left Bellaire's that afternoon, she had an outfit for coffee with Ben: a white USA shirt, black short skirt, and platform clogs with black pantyhose. She turned the corner and stepped into the hair salon.

Shaking out her freshly blown hair (that she dyed a brighter crimson red than it already was). She knew she had no time to go to  Karen's witch store that day. She wanted to head on over to Watson's and freshen up.

She arrived at Watson's and Liz answered the door. They said their greetings and Mal got her luggage from the hall and settled into a room down the hall from what was Kristy's room when she lived there. It had a desk and a stained glass window across one wall. She went across the hall to take a long bubble bath and then went back to her room. She turned on her playlist of Ben's songs saved on her phone and listened. She sunk into the comfy down comforter on the bed and snuggled up. She stared out the stained glass window and watched the shadows dance until she drifted off to sleep.

Mallory woke up, got dressed, and put on her makeup. She walked into the kitchen and saw Liz checking off a grocery list for the BBQ. "Hey, Mallory! I'm so excited about the BBQ. I was checking off some of the lists of things for the caterers. What do you think I should get for Dawn? She still doesn't like to eat red meat, does she?"

"No, she doesn't. Maybe cucumber sandwiches? I know some other people would eat those too. Or avocado toast, that's a thing with Californians I think."

"Avocado toast. Got it."

"I'm going to invite Ben to the BBQ when we go for coffee tonight."

"That will be nice."

"I think so. He will like to see everyone."

"We are just having hamburgers out on the patio tonight. We wanted to keep it casual since it is just the three of us and I know you and Watson will want to get started on your Stoneybrook project. Do you prefer writing things down or using your iPad? I heard Stephen King still uses an old typewriter to write his novels. We have one of those in Watson's office. I doubt it has any ribbon in it though."

"I prefer pen and paper."

"Well just write out a list and we will get you what you need."

"Just the girls I wanted to see! Mallory let's go get some grub and talk history!" Said Watson.

They all went to the patio where the table was under a red umbrella. They grabbed plates and silverware and headed over to the buffet-style layout.

"Mallory I know you are familiar with the Stoneybrooke book that's in my library. I also have a Who's Who for every year it's been in publication. I would suggest you start updating the book from yearly Who's Who. We also want you to branch off into a few lesser-known people like that young girl that died they made a memory garden for, that obviously won't be in Who's Who."

"Gotcha. Let me get my pen and paper and start writing things down..."

The next day Mallory woke up early and went down to the kitchen for breakfast. She went into Watson's library to get the old Stoneybrooke book from its special place in a glass case and took it out. She wanted to get an idea of what was already in the book to get a sense of the format she needed to follow. 

As she sipped her coffee her mind started to wander. The previous night with Ben had gone as well as expected. They sat out on the patio of the coffee shop and caught up on each other's lives. Ben had a pretty good lineup of gigs for his band shortly with the few bars and clubs in and around Stoneybrook and hoped to establish a residency at the best nightclub in town. He enjoyed teaching music to the elementary school kids during the school year. She had asked him to Watson's BBQ and of course, he accepted. They had been friendly, but it was still taking some time for them to be more natural with each other after not having seen each other since Christmas, where they had gotten the most serious they had ever been since knowing each other. Something about him seemed uncomfortable but she couldn't put her finger on it.

She glanced back down at the book and began to turn its pages. It was fun to see the old pictures of what Stoneybrook used to look like. Just as she was turning the page of photos from the 40s she heard a noise outside the library window. She looked up just in time to see Morbidda Destiny, Watson's eccentric old neighbor they used to think was a witch when they were growing up. She was in Watson's herb garden picking things out of it and holding them in a basket she was carrying. Mallory watched her for a bit. She was carefully looking over each item she picked from the garden.

Mallory made a mental note to go out and see which herbs and things she took after Morbidda left. As Morbidda turned, her earring caught the sunlight and it was a glowing green emerald. Mallory gasped because it was so pretty and bright. She didn't know how loud it must have been, except Morbidda turned to her and saw her in the window. She turned and ran back into her house mumbling to herself along the way. 

Mallory decided to take the book and go upstairs to her room where she could keep an eye out for Morbidda from the window. She knew she was up to something  and vowed to find out if she was a witch once and for all.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the block, Dawn had woken up with an idea. She had been trying to come up with a plan to figure out who exactly dumped that uranium and wanted to talk to Bart more about it. Everything had been so heavy lately that she had taken time to sign up for the Rainforest marathon. She knew she would need to train for it and walking always helped her clear her mind to focus throughout her day. Last night she had the strangest dream. She was around a campfire with Bart, Mary Anne, Logan, Shannon, and Robert. They were roasting marshmallows around the fire with their arms out, skewers in hand holding the roasting marshmallows, and walking counter-clockwise in a circle around the campfire. They were chanting the lyrics to "Turn Back Time" by Cher when something creepy happened. The fire exploded in a fireball and smoke and out of the smoke came the ghost of her dead friend Maggie. She was see-through ghostly blue and got right in Dawn's face and said "Morbidda Destiny" over and over until she faded and Dawn woke up with a start.

She tried to push aside the Maggie aspect of the dream and that's when she has her idea. What if she (and whoever wanted to help) conducted a sort of nightly campout session for kids in the park (it had one of those giant fire pits) and tell ghost stories? She couldn't wait to tell Bart. 

Dawn immediately got dressed in short running shorts and a neon blue tank too and sneakers and took off down the street. She was about halfway to the park when she remembered the house that was just bought and the SHS letter sweater.

When she reached the house, the moving vans were gone. There was a football in the front yard. Dawn picked it up and rang the bell. No answer. She set the football on the porch and continued to the park to try to find Bart.

Bart was down by the baseball field clearing out some litter down by the bleachers.

"Bart! Bart! I have an idea! Do you have a minute?"

"Sure Dawn. You want to help me clear out this debris and tell me about it?"

" I had a dream last night and it was kind of creepy but I will tell you about that later. I was wondering if we could have a kids camp at the park this summer."

"What, like Camp BSC?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Not really. More like a gathering of kids around the campfire at night telling ghost stories."

" Well, Dawn, it's alright with me on two conditions. One, I get to come too, and two, you let me take you to dinner tonight."

"Yes and yes! Thank you thank you! Now, what time and where are we going?"

" 7:30. Cabbages and Kings?'

" You got it!'

"We will discuss the camp then and I also wanted to tell you some things I found out about the uranium case."

"What kind of things?"

"I will have to tell you tonight when I pick you up.'

" Well ok"

She hugged Bart and decided to walk back down by the bridge. It seemed it all worked out after all. Dawn walked down by the book. She was so happy her head was in the clouds and she was dancing around, smelling the flowers. She looked down and saw the area had been blocked off where the uranium was found. It was her jolt back to reality. She started to wonder what Bart would tell her that night about the case. She was deep in thought when...

Snap!

She heard the branch of the tree breaking and turned a few feet away from the brook and she couldn't believe it! It was Morbidda Destiny. Her back was turned to her and she was leaning into a tree. She couldn't tell if she was taking something out or putting something in. Dawn had a thought. What if Morbidda Destiny had something to do with the uranium?

Dawn decided to double back a bit and hide out by the bridge where Morbidda couldn't see her. She decided she was going to watch her carefully for as long as she could.

Morbidda proceeded to carry a basket and looked very closely at flowers, herbs, leaves, rocks, everything. From time to time she would put one of them into her basket. She made her way out of the Park and back down the street toward her house. Dawn followed.

Morbidda went into her house closing the door behind her. Dawn knew that Mallory should have arrived at Watsons by now, so she walked up to the house and rang the bell. 

Shortly after, Dawn and Mallory had gone up to Mallory's room. They quickly discovered they were both on the same mission after noticing Morbidda's behavior. Dawn filled Mallory in on the uranium case too. They had just decided to open Mal's window to keep an eye and ear out for activity over at Morbidda's house. Just as they were sitting back down, they heard her back porch door slam.

"There she goes! Quick let's follow her!" Yelled Dawn.

They were both on their feet, down the stairs, and out the door as fast as they could. This time Morbidda had a big messenger bag across her shoulder. She walked quickly and steadily down the street. She occasionally stopped to pick up a stone or leaf and put it in the bag.

"She's got to be a witch", Dawn whispered, " she is gathering stuff up for spells."

"I don't think that's all she's doing. Look she is heading towards downtown."

They followed her into downtown and directly into Karen's witch shop! They went ahead and went all the way inside. It wouldn't be unusual for them to be in there, Karen sold Mallory's books there and Dawn was her best customer (even when she wasn't in town). Aside from Mal's books (published under the pen name Bonzer Sheila) she also sold rare collector Harry Potter books and memorabilia, and an assortment of spellbooks, herbs, flowers, crystals, and all kinds of metaphysical things.

"Mallory! Dawn? Omg!" Karen shouted from behind the counter. She was gorgeous in a long flowing tie-dyed dress, sandals, and lots of turquoise jewelry, and a diamond nose ring. "Mallory come look at your bookshelf! I just got a shipment in!"

 They followed her but weren't paying attention. They were more focused on what Morbidda was doing. Karen continued to talk but she was aware of it, too. It always made her uneasy and intrigued when Morbidda showed up in her shop. Morbidda was in the rare book section looking at antique spellbooks. She took out an old French spellbook that Karen had acquired from an estate sale online in France.

Next, Dawn picked out a few of Mallory's books to buy as well as a crystal ball and sage.

Morbidda came to the checkout counter and Karen rang up her items. Morbidda never made small talk when shopping in the store. 

As soon as she left they all gathered around the counter to talk about her. 

"What do you think she is doing?"

"I don't know but I saw her in your dad's garden today."

"And I saw her at the park near where discovered the uranium. That reminds me. I had a dream last night. Do you have any books on dream premonition?"

"Over there on the back shelf."

Dawn went over to look.

That's when Mallory notices the gigantic map on the walk-behind Karen with red thumbtacks on it and multi-colored Post-It notes stuck on it.

"Did you hear about JK Rowling?"

"Yes, I've been following the stories and joined a group on Facebook about it."

"I've been tracking where people have had sightings."

" Will somebody please clue me in?" Dawn asked taking a dream book to the counter.

"There was an article written, at first, in an obscure newspaper in London. Kind of an underground fanzine for Harry Potter fans. It was talking about how she disappears at various times throughout the year, no one knows where and it is rumored that this is where she goes to get ideas for her stories. The whole thing went viral, with a bunch of copycats articles coming out. Now she has left again, at least left London. She was seen in New York and some smaller towns. She always denies that she has been anywhere when she returns home. They think it is the secret to her writings."

"Oh wow! It's a mystery!'

Another one thought Dawn. This is getting intense.

Mal didn't tell them, then, but she knew something they didn't. JK was last seen in Stamford a week earlier...