Storytitle

Theweatheroutsidewasperfect,thoughErinOReilly.itwasmidOctober,theleaves
werechangingandtheweatherwascoolingdown.Manyofthesmallbusinessesindowntown
Woolberryweredecoratingtheirfrontwindows***withHalloweendecorations.Woolberryisa
smalltowninIllinoisjustsouthofChicago.ErinjustmovedtowoolberryfromChicago(***).
WhileshewasinChicago,Erinwasacop,alongwithhertwoolderbrothersandherdad(***).
Erinnowworksasaprivatedetective,shehasasmallofficedowntown.However,sheinno
ordinaryprivateeye,Erincanseeghost.sherunsaparanormaldetectiveservice(***)(fix
wordingandtransition)
(***)Erinsunusualability(***)wasnotbornwiththeabilitytoseeandhearghost.She
wasgivenitaftershecamebacktolife.OnenightwhileerinandherolderbrotherSeanwereon
patrol,theywere(***)respondingtoabreakin.Astheypulleduptothehousetheyheardaloud
screamandgunshots.SeanCalledformorebackup,buttheybothknewitwouldbeatleast
fifteenminutesbeforeanyonewouldbethere.Theymadethedecisiontogoin.Astheyentered
thehousetheybothsplitup,ErinwentupstairsandSeanstayeddownstairs.Astheyentered
roomafterroom(***)shoutingCLEAR!,untiltheyhadcheckedtheentirehouse.AsErinwent
backdownstairs(***)
IfoundtheoldladySeansaid.
Lookslikethepoorladytooktwotothechest
Illcallitin(***)

Suddenlywithoutanywarningatall,aclosetdoorinthehallwayburstopen.Alargeman
camerushingout,bothErinandSeanstoodinthewayofthedoorblockingthemansescape.the
manpulled(***)(aorthe)gunoutandpointeditatSeanandErin.
Moveoutofofmywayorillshootthemanshouted.
SeanandErinbothknewtheycouldn'tgettotheirgunswithoutoneofthembeingshot.Sean
triedtotalktotheman.(***)
Itdoesn'tneedtobelikethis,justputthegundown.
No,youandIbothknowthati'mnotgettingoutofhere.(***)
ImsurethereisagoodexplanationforyoushootingMrs.Wilson,sheprobably
ShutUp,Ineedtothink.
Mrs.Wilsonmustbeenstartledbythenoise,andcamerushingdownstairs.You
panickedandshotherbyaccident.
Isaidstoptalking
Itsok,justputthe
JustthenthethemanjustlookedatSean,andErinknewwhathewasthinking.Erin
jumpedintheair,atthesametimethemanpulledthetriggeronthegun.SuddenlyerinFellto
theground,bloodimmediatelypouredoutofherlowerchest.Seanwenttohissistersside,heput
pressureonthewoundandcalledforanambulance.Themantookthistimetorunforthedoor,
justasheexitedthehouseatwocopcarspulledupandarrestedtheman.Seantryingtokeep
Erintalkingandkeepherconscious.
Theambulanceshowedup,theEMTtookthingsoverfromthere.Theyimmediately
loadedherintheambulanceandheadedforthehospital.Seanwasstillalittleinshock,hismind

wasracing,hecouldn'tthinkstraight.theotherofficersonthescenequicklytookhisstatement,
afterthathetookofftowardthehospital.Hepulledinandbegancallinghisfamily.Firsthe
calledhisparents,heexplainedinshortdetailandtoldthemtocometothehospitalimmediately.
WhenErin'sparentsshowedup,shewasstillinsurgery,shortlyafterthatRyanshowed
upaswell.Theyallsatinthewaitingroomwaitingandhopingforthebest.Seankeptrunning
overwhathadhappenedinhishead.Hetriedtothinkofwhathecouldhavedonedifferently.It
hadbeentwolonghours,oneofthesurgicalnursescameouttwiceeachhourtogiveasmall
update.EachtimetheOReillyswerehopingforgoodnews,buteachtimetheygotthesame
thing,(***)
Sheisdoinggood,thedoctorisworkingonpullingshardsofthebulletoutand
keepingherstable.
TheOReillysfelthopeless.theyallwantedtohelpErin.Mr.OReillyhatedwaitingallhislife,
hebecameacoptohelppeopleandalwaystakingaction(***).Mrs.OReillywaslost,oneof
herbabieshadbeenhurtandtherewasnothingshecoulddotohelpher.(describesetting)
Afteraboutfourlonghoursthesurgeon/doctorcameout(***)withgoodnews.theyall
stoodupandpreparedfortheworst.
Mr.andMrs.OReilly,
YesisErinokaskedMrs.OReilly.
Yourdaughterisveryluckytobealive,thebulletmissedallofherinternalorgans.
however,itshatteredintomanypiece.ittookawhilebutiextractedallofthebullet.erin
isdoinggood,shesrestingnowintheICU.Youcanseeherwhenshewakesup.

AlloftheOreillysletoutasighofrelief.Butonceagaintheywerewaiting.onlyaboutahalfan
hourhadpassedwhenErinwokeup.Erinopenedhereyes,wincingatfirstfromthepain.Atthis
timethedoctorwalkedin.
Hello,Miss.OReilly,goodtoseeyou'reawake.
Erinwincedagain,thistimeclosinghereyes.(***)
Ahhiseeyou'reexperiencingsomepain.Illgiveyousomemorphinetohelp
withthat
Thatwouldbegreatdoctor
Yourvitaleslookstableandaredoingwell.Wouldyouliketoseeyoufamily
now,theyhavebeenwaitingalongtimetoseeyou.
YesIwouldlovethat.
Erinwincedasshesatupbutthatsoondisappeared,themorphinewasworking.Thedoor
openedtoErinsroom,shecouldn'thelpbutsmilewhenshesawherfamilyallcomein.
HowsmylittlegirldoingaskedMr.OReilly
Imdoingsurprisenlygood/well.
WellthatsfantasticIneedsomehelptomorrowwithsomeboxes.Iexpecttoseeyouthere.
Hahaha.Mr.OReillygaveoutasmallchucleafterhissarcasticjoke.
(***)(fix)blahblahblahblah.Addmoredetailabouthopitalroomanddielect.

(***)Erinwasinthehospitalforaweek.Thedocterswereveryimpressedwithher
health.Erinwasneverafanofhospitalstobeginwith.Onenightwhenshewassleepinginher

roomshewasawokenbyacool/colddraft.whenErinsatupshesawapersoninherroom,this
ladywaswearingahospitalnightgoun(***).Erinwonderedwhyshewasinthere.
Ummexcusememamwhyareyouinmyroom?
Erinwaitedforaresponsebuttheladyjuststairedather.Forthelongesttimetheystared
atoneanother.thenshefinalyspoke.
Imfree,finallyimfree.
Erinwasconfused,butthensheherdyellingfromthehall
CODEBLUE,WENEEDACRASHCARTINHERESTAT
Theycantrybutimnotgoingback,imfinallyreadytomoveon
Erinwasstillsoconfudsed,butbeforshecouldaskthewomanwhatshementshedisapeared.
erinthoughtshehadwasdreaming.thenalltheyellingstopedfromtheotherroom
timeofdeath1:42am
whatjusthappenedthoughterin.shelayedbakbackdownandtryedtothinkofanalogical
explanationofwhatshejustwitnissed.haadshehadofdreameditallup.Orhadshejustsawa
ghostandwitnessedtheghostpassedpassingover.shewasstillunsurebutsheknew(***)so
shefigeredshecouldsleeponitfornow.whenErinawokwokeupsheslowlysatupandlooked
aroundherroom.shesawamandreesedinawhitelabcoat.waithewasherdocter.)(***)wait
hesmydoctershethought.themandocterlookedather.
wellgoodmorningmissoreilly/iseeyourawake.howareyoudoing?
okimjustreallytiredithinkihadabaddreamlastnight
baddreamsarenotuncommonforpeoplethsthaveexperiencedgone
throughtwhatyoudid.youtenichllydiedtwiceontheoperatingtable.althoughitcould

havebeenthenoisefomfrometheotherroom.poormrs.smithtookaturnfotforthe
worstlastnight.
justthenerinremembered(FIX***)herincounterwiththeoldladylastnight.
wasshetheonwiththe(dicribeoldladyheremakesuretoudegooddetailandhave
docterrespondwithcuriosityandconfusiononhowsheknewthat.)
isutjustsaawsawherwonderingthtthehallyest(***)hallsyesterdaysheseemed
nice.
yesmrs.smithwasavaryniceoldlady,itsasameahehadtogo.butitwashertimei
guesse(***)
iguesseyoudontgettochoosewhentogoblahblahblah(***)
erinwas(***)erinsconversationwiththrdocterleftherishock.shejustwassoconfusedshe
wasinawtw.couldherdieingtwicehavesomthingtodoeithwithwhyshecanallofasudden
seedeadpeople.maybeitsjustthisthehospitalshethought.yeahtnatthatswhatitisthisplace
ismakingmecrazy.
Bytheendoftheweekerinhadseenmanymoreghost.somewhereinthehallsjustwondering
whenshehadgotipupforherwalks.sometimeswhenshelookedthroughthewindowonthe
hetherdoorshecouldseethenpeoplejustwondering.sheknewtheyweredeadbythewaythey
lookedsomehaddideddiedwhenthearivedtothehospitalbecausetheyhadsoomuchbloodon
themtheywerecoveredinitblood.otherrsshejustknewbythewaytheylookedorthewaythey
dressed.thereclothingwasallrippedupandoutofdate.shemadethemasstakemastakeof
laughingatajokeonepersondeadpersonsaidandtheywouldsentstoptalkingtoherhewas
surprisedthatshecouldherehim.

erinwasfisitedbyherfamilyeveryday.notallofthemcamebutatleastonememberofher
familyshowedup.blahblahblahblahblahblahtellmoreaboutherfamilyvisits.

seperatetopparaghraph.(***)Ithadbeenaweek,alongweek,andErinwashappytogo
home.Aftererinreturnedhomeshecontinuedtonoticethedead.theyseemedtofollowher
fromthehospital.Shewasgoinginsaneshethoughtthtoherself.Shefinallydecidedtotell
someoneaboutit.Hermother,MarryORiellyOReillyhadbeentheonepersonshecouldall
alwaysgotoifshehadanypropblemsorjustneededapeopsonpersontotalkto.Erinwaitedto
tillherdad,seanandryanallleftforwork.Marrywasinthekitchencleaning,justlikesheshe
doesanyothermorningafterbreakfast.Erinmadmadeherwayslowlytothe(***)slowlydown
thestairesandintothekitchenandsatdownatthetable.Marryputaplateofeggs,baconand
tosttoastinfrontofher.Erinateherfoodslowlyandhermothersatnexttoherlookingthrough
oneofherLTDmagazings.FinallywhenErinwasfinishedshelookedathermotherandspoke.
MomcanItalktoyouaboutsomething
Sure,anythinghoney.
Wellitsgoingtoprobablymakemesoundreallycrazyandinsane,butjusthear
meout.
Okayyoudeffentlyhavemyattentionwhatisit?

Eversenceiwokeupinthehospitalafterbeingshot,iveivebeenseeing

deadpeople/ghost.
Hermotherjustlookedatherforwhatseemedtobeforevertoerin.Thenfinallyshespoke.

Erin,honeyyournotcrazy.Ihavereadaboutthisbefore.manypeoplethathave
gonethroughwhatyoudidhaveexperiencedparanormalhappenings.(***)
Soooyournotfreakedoutaboutthis.AndevennowthatwerehomeIamseeing
ghost.theotherdayilookedoutsidemywindowandsawamancoveredin(***)(remove)isawa
anoldmanwithadentinhisheadittookmeaminiutetorelisetherewasnothingicoulddofor
him.helookedatmeandsmiled.
Iunderstandyourstillfreakedoutyourselfaboutallthis.Butdontthinkofthis
asaweirdthing,thinkofitasawaytohelppeoplewellghost.Youcantrytalkingtothem
andhelpthemwithunfinishedbusiness,sotheycanmoveon.
yourrightmomnexttimeiseeoneillltrythat.Butthereisstilloneproblem,
wheniwentdowntowntwodaysagoisawthemeverywhere.Somewereevenwearing
clothesfromcenteriesago.therearesomanyofthem,whatificanthelp(remove)(***)i
canthelpallofthem.andwhenitryednottolookatthemiwasstilllookingatone.they
aealloverthestreets.Theyjustswarmaroundmeoncetheynoticemetheycalltome
andwontstopaskingforhelporwhywontanyonetalktothemect
honeyhaveyoueverthoughtaboutlivingsomewhereelse,likenotthecity.itmightbe
easiertomovetoasmallertown
youknowiwasthinkingaboutthattheothernight.asmalltownwherenotso
manypeoplelive.
Acoupleofdayslatererintoldtherestofherfamilyaboutseeingthedead,andtheidea
ofmoving.theywerealittlecreepedoutatfirst,buttheylivedwithit.Theyalsoallagreedthat
nooneealseshouldknowaboutthis.Ifhersecretgotoutshemightbetakenaway.Noneofthem

wantedtothinkaboutthat.IfErinssecretwasreliesedtothepoblic(***)publicitwouldbea
nightmare.Peoplemightcometoheraskingforhelptocontactalovedone.shewouldbe
famouse,butitwouldbeoverwelmingforher.
Iwouldbehelpingpeople,butihaven'tmasteredblackingthemout.Oncethey
knowicanseethem,theykeepbotheringmeuntilitalktothem.
Weunderstandthathoney,Wehaveallagreedthatnooneelse,butus.Unless
youhave(***)unlessyoudecideotherwise.Erinsmotherusuredher
Iknowthatmom,butthatsnoteventheworst.Peoplemightbegintothinkim
crazyandhavemelockedup
Dontworrysiswegotyourback
Yeah,noneedtoworryourlipsaresealed.
SeanandRyanbothchimedinontheconversation
Iknow,thatswhyimiworried
Eringavehertwoolderbrothersthelookshealwaysdoes.Sheraisedhereyebrowsandlooked
atthem,herlipsturnedinward.
Ohcomeonsiswhenhaveweeverletyoudown,Ryanjoked.
AllthetimelikethattimwhenSeancutheroff.
EverythingwillbefineErin,wewillalldoourparttokeepyoursecret.
OkaybutIwonteverforgetaboutthat
Theyalllaughed(***).
ThefollowingweekErinbeganlookingforasmalltownnottoofarfromChicago.Erin
andhermomstayedhomelooking,whileeveryonewasworking.Erinlovedbeingacoponduty,

shedidntperticerlylikethelatenightshifts,butthepart(***)whenshehelpsomeoneorsolved
acaseitmadeherfeelhappy.ItwashardwatchingherdadandSeanleaveforwork.Ryanisa
ferensicsanalysis,soheworksinalab.Butheworkswiththepolicetosolvecases.
Thenonedaywhilesearchingforasmallhouseforsale,Erinfoundoneinasmalltown
calledWoodberry.Shereadaboutthetown,andlookedatsomepictueresofa2bedroomhouse.
ThatgotErinthinking,howwasshegoingtohaveanincome.Shewantedtobeacop,butshe
wasunsureifshegobackintothefeild.Shewastooughbutitfrightenedher.Whatifsheopened
aherownprivatedetectiveagency.shecouldusehertieswiththechicagopolicetousetheir
resorses.Andshewassureheroldbosswouldsignoffonthepapers.
Thatnightshegatherdherfamilyafterdiinnerandshowedthemthetown.Erinalsotold
themaboutherideatobecomeaprivatedetective.Ryanwastheoneto(***)wasthefirstoneto
speakup.
Erinwhatifinstedofbeingaprivatedetectiveyouopenedaparanormal
detectiveservice.
Whatdoyoumean?askedErin
Imeanyoucouldhelppeoplewiththeirghostproblems,orhelpghostgetin
touchwiththeirfamilis/friends.
youknowthatsnotthatbadofanideaIminpressedryanErinjokedwithher
brother.
Erincouldstillgetherbosstosignoffonthedetectivepapersandnottell(***)andnot
havetotellhimaboutthewholepartweresheseesghostnow.thelessshehadtotell(***)the
lesspeopleshehadtotelltoeasierherlife.Erinknewatfirstitwouldbestrangeexplaningher

abilitywhenshesetupherbusness,butmostwouldprobablythinkshesoneofthemfonies.
Mostpeopletryto(***)mostpeoplesaythecanseeorhearghostorcommunicate,butin
reallitytheyjusthavegoodsencesandaskmrandomquestions.peopleendupgivingaway
informationandnotrealisingit.Howevererinwasnotlikethatshewastherealdeal.
TwoweekslaterErinandherparentstookadrivetoWoodberry.Woodberrywasonly
twohoursfromchicago,thatisiftherewasnttoomuchtrafic.ThatwasdeffintlyonthingErin
wouldlearntolike(***).Erinwashappyaboutmovingtoasmall,quitetown,withlittletono
traffic.Theridethere.
Theridetherewaspeaceful.Erinchatedwithherparentsaboutloaninghersomemoney
tobuyasmallofficbuildinginthedowntown.Erinfoundtheplaceonlinetwodaysago.Shehad
moneyinhersavingsacountshewouldusetobuyherhoouse,butshedidntwanttocompleatly
emptyheraccount.Besidesherparentswerehappytohelp.TheOReillyswereverygenoris
people,theyhadnoproblemhelpingtheirchildrenpursuetheirdreams.
FinallytheyarivedinWoodberry,thedrivedownwasbeautiful.Itwaslatejuly
sotheweaterwashot/warmbutnotextreamlyhot.thetreeswerefilledwithgreenleavesand
everythingelseseemedtobedeiingout.Erinwasstill.(***).However,Erindidseesomeghost
alongtheway.itwasthestrangestthingbutfasanatingtoheratthesametime.Shesawaman
andawomaninabuggiebeingpulledbyahorse.theylookedsohappy,thewomanwaswearing
alightbluedressthatwasfromhernecktoherfeet.andthemanworeasuitorwhatlookedto
beconsiderdasuitthen,healsohadatophatonblack.Erinfigeredtheywouldbeofnoharm,
soshesmiledandwavedpolitly.themanandwomanreturnedwithasmileandwaveaswell.As
theypassedthehorseletoutaloudwinnie.Erincouldn'thelpbutlaughwhenthehorsesspita

hugebubbleofspit.herparentslookedateachotherwithceriosity.hermomturnedinthe
pasengerseattofaceher.
Honeywhatareyoulaughingat?
nothingmomjustsomtingalongsidetheroad
Hermothertookaquickglanseattherevewmirriorandanotherlookatherdaughter.therewas
nothingalongsidetheroad.shefigeredshementsomthingonlyshecouldsee.Marryturned
backaroundanletitgo.
FinallytheyarivedinWoodberry.Itlookedjusthowerinimaginedit.Quietsmalland
perfect.firsttheydrovetothehouseErinwaslookingat.theyhadcalledyesterdaytosetupan
appointmentwiththerealiter.Therealaterwasalreadytherewhentheypulleditthedrivway.
Thehousewasanoldtownhouse,buthadbeenremodledinsideandouttokeepuptocode.It
hadtansidinganddarkbrownshenglesontheroof.therealiterintroducedhimselfandtheyall
walkedinside.thehouseopenedupintosmallmudroom,walkingtroughasmallshorthallway
youenteredanopeningtotherightwasthekitchencompleatwithalloftheapliences.totheleft
wasthelivingroomitwasallverynice.Nexttheywentupstairstheyenteredthemasterbed
roomandbath,thentheothertwosmallbedrooms.aftertakingafulltouroftheplacetheyall
gateredinthelivingroomtotalk.Erinmadeanofferontheplace,inacouple(***).therealiter
toldherhewouldhavetotalktotheowners.
Nexttheytravled/drovetotheofficebuilding,tomeettheowner.theytookatourofthe
placeandnegosiatedaprice.Erinexplanedthatshewasjusttheretomakeanofferandseethe
place.Shetoldherthatshewasawaitingtohereaboutahouseshewantedtobuy.theowner

undrstoodandsaidtheycoouldkeepintouch.Erinlovedboththehouseandandtheoffice,there
wasonlyonethingshecoulddowait.
Erinandherparentsgotbackinthecaroncemoreandmadethejourneyhome.Three
dayspasthadpastwhenerinscellphonerang.shereconisedthenumberandanswered
emidently.
Hello,thisisErinOReilly.
Erinwasquietwilethevoicespoke.
uhuhOkthankyouverymuch.IwillseeyouonMonday.thanksagain
sir.
Erinwasfilledwithexsitmentshe,theownersagreedwiththeofferandthehouseishers.
shefoundhermotherandtoldherthegreatnews.Herandhermotherbeganpackingatonce.
afterpackingupmostofherstuffsherelisethattheyneededtogoshopping.Erinhadno(***)
didnthaveanyplatscupsoranythingelse.TheonlyproblemwasthatErinhaddentbeeninany
ofthestoresinchicago,shewasstillinfearoftheghostthatlingeredaroundchicago.however
erinrelizedshewouldhavetofaceherfearsoonerorlater.
Soonsaturdaythefollowingday,erinandhermotherheadedtothestore.Erinfeltsae
havinghermothercomewithher.theytookerins2000fordtaurussilver.thewholewaythere
eerincountinueslysawghostwaling.someofthemshebarlynoticedtheywereghostt,othersshe
couldtelldidnthavesuchapeacfullending.oncehermompulledintotheparkingloterinwas
tryingtothinkofhowshewouldhandleifonecameuptoherinpublic.Shetoldherselfshe
wouldjusthavetowingit.Erinandhermothermadetheirwayintothestore.theymadetheir
wayaroundgettingeverythingerinwouldneed.Erinwassurpprisedshemanagedtonotlookat

themdirectlyintheeyesandifshelookedaaghosttooitinquickanddicreetglances.
Everythingwasgoigwell,erinwasimpressedbuyhowwellshewasdoing.Maybeitwouldnt
beasbadasshethoughtitwasgoingtobe.butshewaswrongsheaccidentlystaredtoolongat
thisoldlookingwoman.Erindidntmeanto,shewasjustadmieringthewomansbrochandother
jewlryshewaswearing.suddenltthewomanwasgone(***)thewomanlookederinstreightinn
theeyethendisapeared.Suddenlyerinfeltacoldrushofair.erinturnedaroundandstandingin
frontofherwastheoldwoman.erinletoutaloudgaspoffright.hermotherlookedatherwitha
questioninglookonherface.Hermomaskedifshewasokerintodhershewasfinentwanting
tomakescene.Thewomanbegantalkingtoherinanoldraspyvoiceyouwouldhavefrom
smoking.
Canyouseemedear?
momcanyoulooklikeimtalkingtoyoujustgowithitplease
okaysweetyHermotherwentalongwithit.
yesicanseeandhearyou,ididntmeantostare.IIwasadmierinyyour
jewlrey.
ohwellthatsallrightdeary.thisismyfavorit.iwasdressedtogooutfora
fancydinner,whenifeelandhitmyheadbutineverwokeup.suchashamethatmynicejacket
gotstanedbytheblood.
Thewomantunedaroundsothaterincouldseetheherback.Erinneverevennoticedthedark
colorofthedryedbloodonthebackofthewomansjacket.eringavetheladyanafacetoshow
hersadnessforthewoman(***).
suchashameisitdeaary

ohyesitisErinagreedwiththewomannotsureofwhattosay.
wellivegottogethometomyhusbanddearyseeyoulater
nicemeetingyougoodbye.
Erinwavedtothewomanasshedisapeared.Erilookedathermotherandsaidshesgone.her
motheraskedwhowasthat.erinjusttoldhershewouldexplaiinthethecar.
Theyheadedtothecheckoutwiththecart.Aftertheyloadedeverythinginthecarand
headedhome.onthewaytherehomeerintoldhermotheraboutthewomanatthestore.shetold
hereveeryeverylastdetailallthewaydowntowhatherbroachandeverypieceofjewlaryshe
waswearing.blahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblah(***)more
detailaboutherstorywithwomanatstore.whentheygothomeerinoticedhrdadscarandran
insidetoseewhathwasdoiinghomesoearly.hewassitinginthekicheneaatneatinga
sandwich.hesaidhethoughthedcomehometoseehawhowthepackingwasgoing.erin
explanedthattheyneededtogotothestoreforsomestufstuff.erinwasmovinginonmodayso
shehadtheweekendtopackthingsup

herwholelifeerinhadalwayslivedinthishousewithherparents.itwashardforherto

saygoodbbyetoherchildhood,whatwoulwouldshedoowithoutherparents.allthoughshe
wastwenttwoandstilllivingathomeshewantedtogetoutandseetheworldbutitwashardher
wholefamalywasallreallyclose.itwasalsohardonherparentsshewastheirbabygirl.well
theironlygirltotherytheyweregoingtomissher.buttheyknewitwouldmakeherfeelsomuch
betterifshewassomewhereshecouldrelaxandnothnothavetoworryaboutseeingghost
everywhereshewent.erinwaswasntgarentiedshewoulntseeghost,buteveytimeshevisited
thehousedownthereshehadonlyseenafewahandfullofagghost.blahblahblahblahblah

blahwhatwouldshedowithouththetheconfetconfertofherparents.itwouldbeawholehkkz
diffrentexpereenceexperienceforherandherparntsparents.blahblahblahblahblahblhablah
blahconversationwithherparentsaboutleavingblhblahblahblahblhblahblahblahblahblah
blahblahblahblhablahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblah
conversationwithebrothersandafamilygatheringsayibggoodbyetoallofthem,all
sharingmemoriesabouthowitwaswhentheolderbrothersmovedouttheofthehouse.all
touchyfeelyforall.tearsareshead.blahblhablhablahblahblahblahblahblahblhablahblah
blhablahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahbblahblahblahblahblahblahbladyblahbla
runningoutoideastotype.fillallthiswiththeirfamilyconversationandhowdiscriptionofhow
theyallreact/reactedtoeachothersstories/memories.blahblahbblahblahblahblahblahblah
blahblahblhablhablahblahblablahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblhablahblahblahblah
blahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblah(*****)blahblahblahblahblahblahblahblah
blahblahablahnlahblahblahblahlahablahblahblahblahabalbalalblahblHBLhblshblah
blahblhablhablahblahblahblahblahblahblahbalhblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblaa
blahblahblahblahblahbkahblahabnlhablahblahblahablhablahblabhblahblahblahblah
blahblahblahblahblahblahblablahblahblhablahbahfblahbahlblahblahblahbalblalhblah
blahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahbalhblahblahblahbblabbbaljablhablah
blahblhablahblahblahblahblahblshblahblahblahblah
todaywasmondaywhichmentmovingday.Erinwasreadytocontinuethenextchapter
inherlife.Erinrolledoverinherbedandhitthesnoozebuttononheralamralermalarm.itwas
nowsevenoclockonthedot,sheneededtogetmoving.todaywasmondaywhichmentmoving
day.Eringotupandtookaquickshowergotdressedandheadeddownstairesforbrekfeastat

seventhirty.Whenshewalkedintotheintothekitchenhermotherandfathergreetedher.Sean
andryansoontrailedinaftererin.botherinsdadandherbrotherstookthedayoffohelptheir
daughter/sistermovegetmovedin(***).Erinsmothergotupearlyerearlierthantherestofher
familytomakesuretheyhadagoodbrekfesttostartoffthedaywith.Theyallgrabedaplate
andloadedtheirplateswithfood.
aftertheybtheyatesrinserinsdad/brianandSeanlefttogogetthemovingtruck/pick
upthemovingtruck.therestofthemstayedtofinishpacking.whenherdadandbrotherretuned
theybeganmakingcountlesstripsinandoutloadingthetrucktilitwasstuffedfulloferins
stuff/things.onceeerythingwasloadedtheysatdowntotakeabreak.theyweredoingwell/
goodontime.erinhad/wasgoingtomeettheownersandrealiteratthehouseateleventhirty
anditwasjustnoweightoclock.theyhadawholehourtorelax.
Theotherdaywhenerinandhermomwereatthestoreshealso(erin)alsopickedup
somethingsforhernewoffice.allofthepapersandpermentshadgonethroughandshewas
abletorenttheofficebuildingaswell.everythingsofarhadgoneasplanned.byninninethey
wereontheroadtheydecidedtoleaveabitearliyincaseoftraffic.itwasagoodthingtheyhad
runintosomeonthehighway.butnowthetheywereonthecountryroadsonthequietand
peacefullcountryroads.erinsfatherandryanroadinthemovingtruck,erinsmotherwasin
frountintheirsuv,anderinandherbrotherseanfollowedtheminhercar.
theridethereseanwasfasanatedthewholewaswiththescenary.hehadbeenoutofthe
citybefoebeforebutheneversawanythinglikethis.therollinghillsandthecontinuousfarming
feildsoneafteranother.erinherselfhadmadethetriptowoodberryandbacktwice,butevery
timeitjustkeptgettingmoreamazing.shewasstillamazedthatshewouldbelivinghkkerehere

now.shecouldn'twaittoactullyactuallygettoseethestarsatnightintheskywithoutallof
thelightpolutonpollution.andnotalwaysherethesoundofcars,honkinghornsandtheother
variessoundsofthecity/chicago.
afteralongtwoandahalfridtheyarivedinwoodberrysaftly.theypulleditointointo
thedrivewayandputthetruckinparktherestofthevehilclestheyparkesonthithesideofthe
street.erinwalkeduptotheownersanintroducedherselfandtheothermembersofherfamily.
theyhandedoverthekeystoerinandwelcomedhertothewoodberry/town.afterthattheyleft.
theywalkedintothehouse.erintookherfamalyintothehouseandgavethenthetour.theyall
agreedthatitwasagreathouseforher(erin).theybeganunpackingthemovingtruckand
placingthingsaroundthehouse.erinwasveryhappythattheownersevenleftherthecouchand
achairinthelivingroom.theytoldherifwasahouseworminggift.theyhadjustboughtthat
stuffthemthemantookanotherjobinadiffrentstatitwasesiarnottolugthebigstuffaround
thecountrywiththem.`great.
itwasnowsevenpm.theywerefinishedtheyhadjustfinishedunpakingthetruckand
weresayingtheirgoodbyes.erincoulddotherestoftheunpackingherselftomorrow.itwould
beweirdtosleepinthenewhouseandsheknewiitwouldbestrangetowakeupinthemrning
andnotfindherdadlevingforworkandhermotherdoingthelaundry.shegaveeveryoneahug
goodbye,hermothertoldhertocallifsheneededanything.erinwatchedastheyallgotinthe
gotbackinthevehilclesandpulledoutandheadedforhome.shewavedtothey.itwasallto
weirdforhertowatchherfamilyleaveher.shefeltsadbutshewasreadytotrysomthing
diffrentforachange.tomorrowshewouldheaddowntoherofficeandbeginorganisingstuff
downtheirtogetherbuisnessupandrunning.Erinwalkeduptoherroomhernewroomand

begantounpackherclothsandorganistheminhtetheclosetanddrawrsdrawersofherdresser.
shedidthisuntillallofherclothswereunpacked.whenshewasfinishedshelookedattheclock
itwasnownineoclock.erinfigeredsheshouldproblyprobablygetsomesleepifshewas
goingtogetupearlyinthemorning.erinputsomeputonherfavoritchicagopollicedepartment
sweatpantsonandclimedintointobed.
whenerinwokeupitwasnotbecauseheralarmwasgoingoff,itwasbecauseshefelta
colddraft.openinghereyesshesawaheadlessmanstaringather,wellwhatseemedtobe
staringather.shejumpedatfirstthemreallisingthathewasnttheretoherther.hereacheouthis
handforhertotake.shewasnervisaboutdoingsobtsheeltbadfortheman.hewasdressedin
anarmyuniformofsomesort,hiswholeuniformwascoveredinbloodthatseemedtobecoming
nonstopfromhisneck.shereadhisnametagonhisuniform.lutenitdansomthingshecouldent
makeouttheerestofthenametherestofithadeenburedoutoff.shewashesatentabouttaling
takingthemanshandbutsheslowlyreachedherhandouttotouchhis.assoonasitdidshe
heardthesooundofgunsshootingandthentherwasaloudexplosionsheturnedhersheadasit
wentoffherbodywastroughtintheairandnextthingshesawwasherheadlessbodylieing
acrossfromher.sheemidentlypanicked.themshewasbackinherownbedshelookedatthe
bodythatstoodbeforehernow.shetryedtalkingtohimasskinghisnameandwhathad
happened.theonlythinghedidwaspointtohisnametagthatreadhisfirstnameonly.nextshe
askeaskedhimifsheifhewantedhertofindhisfamalyhethentryedtonodhisheadbutonly
theportionofhisneckthatwasleftmovedrockedforawdandbackwardsbackandforth.she
understoodthathementyesshetoldhimthatshewasgoingtosleepandwhenshegotachance
tomorrowshewouldtrytofindhimhisfamily.themanwalkedoutofhiserinsroomandslowly

walkeddownherstaresanddisapeared.erinheardhimheardhisfootstepsashewalkedashe
madehiswaydownstares.erinrolledoverandlookedatherclockitwasfourthirtyam.she
hadtwommorehourstosleepbeforheralarm.sheburroredbackdownunderhercoversandfel
fellbackaslpasleep.
whenerinwokeupforthesecondwaytimeheralarmwasblaringonhigh.shesutshur
heralarmoffandpulledtheblanketsoffhersrlf.shewaspleasedtogethertwoextrahoursof
sleepafterthelittleincadentfromlastnight.erinwashopingtogodowntoheroficeeandget
thingssetupandstopbythetownhalltomakesureherpapersforthingshadgonethrough.erin
hopedintheshowerandputonacleansetofcloths.apairofaniccepairoftanpantswithateal
shortsleeveshirt.shefigerdsheshouldgetusedtodressingniceifshewantedtorunandwork
inanoffice.butbeingheronlyemployeehaditsperks.shecouldwearjeansandateeshirtdays
shedidntfeellikedressingup.
Eringotinhersilverfordtaurus,anddrovedowntoheroffice.erinparkedoutbackand
walkedin.sheturnedonthelightsantookalookaround,therewasasmallbathroominthe
backroomandadeskalreadyinthere.eringotstartedonmovingsomeofthefilecabnetsarount
anddetingupheroffice.sheevenhookedupherphoneandsatanotepadandpennearit.
everythingwaslookinggoodshesatdownaftershefinishedandsetherlaptoponherdesk.she
rememberdthemanwhovisitedherlastnight.shegottosearchingforamanthathadlivedhere
inwoodberrybythenameoflutenetdan.buteverytimeshedidshetunedupempty.justwhen
shewasgetinfustratedsheheardthebellsonherdoorringandlookedup.anelderlyman
walkedin.
Hellothere,imArtherMoreison.iownthemoreisonhardwearstorenextdoor.

hiimerinoreillyijustmovedherefromchicago.andimopeningadetectice
sevichere.ijustboughtahousedownonelmstreet.
wellthenwelcometowoodberry.mustbequitthechangegoingfromabigcity
toaquietlittletownlikethis.
yeahiguessyouyeasiguessso.ifinditreallyniceandpeacefull.
wellmostdo.sowhatsyourstory,whydyoumakesuchamove?
Wellitsalongstory.
wellhoneyigotlotsoftimeyousseemysonnowrunsthehardwarestoreandi
justsitoutsidegreetingpeolepeople.
welliusedtobeachicagocop,andonenightwhileondutieiwasshot.idied
twiceonthetablebuttheywereablethedocterswereabletobringmebackandfuuly
removethebullet.ateraftereverythingibegantonoticestrangthingshappeningwell
strangepeople.iwasseeingghisghost.and
waiteyoumeanyoucanseeghost.arethereanyaroundmenowhuntingme?
erincouldn'thelpbutlaughingnotherearenotanyghostherenoworaroundyou.asi
wassayinginchicagotherearequitealotofpeopleandquitealotofeadonestoo.soi
figereditwouldbeeaseierifimovedtoasmalltownlikethistosortaecape.butistill
wanttohelpthemsothisisaparanormalinvestagatingservice.icanusemymanyskills
iveobtanedfrontreeyearsofbeingacop.
wellyourqutietheperson
soyournotfrightenedbytheiseedeadpeoplething

ohhecknomissoreillynothingintrestingeverhappensinthissmalllittle
town.
wellthanksiguessandpleasecallmeerin.
wellerin
justthenthebellsrangagainandinwalkedaslightlyyoungerthanarther,awomanwithdark
redhair.
ohnoherecomestrobblearthergrumbled
iherdthatarther.wellhellotherederyimGracey/GraceSandersiownthe
littlebotiqueacrrosthestreet
erinpeeredoutthewindowandreadthesignthatreadbluedoorboutiqe.erinalsoglacedatthe
doorwichwasinfacetalightbluedooranditreallydidhaveabluedoor.
nicetomeetyougraceimerinoreilly.andthisismypharanormaldetective
service.
wellwelcometothenaborhoodmissoreillywaitdidyoujustsayparanormal
erincouldenthelpbutletoutalittlelaughknowingshewouldonceagainhavetoexplain
herstory.butshethoughtthattheseolderpeopleweresomeoneshecouldtrustsoshetoldthem
thetruth.
yesididicanseeghostandnotherearenotanyareoundaroundyou.
wellaintthatfasanatingdidyouhearthatarthershecanseeghost.
Yesshealreadytoldmethisbeforeyougothereartyerarthersaidthisina
grumpy/angryvoice.

youseeiusedtobeachicagocopbutiwasshotondutieanddiedtwiceonthe
operatingtableandnowicanseeghost.
erinandhernewfriendstalkedforawhileaboutheroldlifebackinchicago.sheliked
thesetwotheytwerevarynice.
wellguysitwasnicetalkingtoyoubutihavetogetdowntothetownhall,ill
seeyouguystomorrowandifyoucouldtryandkeeptheiseeghostthingonthedownlow.
sometimespeoplethinkimarealcrazyperson.
theyalllaughedatthat
okwellishouldgetbacktomystoreseeyoutomorrowmissoreillygrace
wavedtoerin
pleasecallmeerinyoumakemefeellikemymom
wellishouldbeleavingtoiguessnicemeetingyouerinaurtherwavedand
walkedout.
Erinputherlaptopinherbagandheadedout.shemadesuretoshutoffallthelightsand
tolockthedoor,sheevencheckedtobesure.erinhoppedinhercarandtookofftowardthe
townhall.shepulledinoutfrontandwalkedintointothebuilding.shegreetedthesecortarythat
shehadcometoknowverywelloverthepastweekwithallthepaperssheshadtosendover.
erinsatdownandwaitedforthesecertarytotocomebacktoaskeherifthepapersweresent.asa
shewaitedthemayerwalkedoutofhisofficetogosomewhereandstopedwhenhesawerin.
whyhelloidontbelivewehaveevermet,immr.brownthemayerhestuckout
hishandforhertoshake.

hellomr.brownimerinoreillyijustmovedherefromchicagoshesaid
shakinghishand.
ohareyoutheoneopeningthenewbuisnessdowntown?
yesthatstheoneOreillysprivatedetectiveseervices
ohwellwelcomtowoodberryandhopeeverythinggoeswellwiththebuisness
erinthoughtitwasalittleweirdhowhesuddenyleftaftershemetionedherbuisness,but
heprobablyhadotherimportantstufftogetto.whenJennythesecertaaryretunederinaskedher
abouttthepapers.theyweresentwodaysagoandtheywererecivedthismorningclearedfor
bissness.erinwassohappyshetookthepapersfromjennyandleft.
erinthoughtaboutgoingbacktoherofficetoputthepapersinthefilesbutshejustwent
homeinstead.shewoulddothattomorrow.erinpulledintoherdrivewayandheadedinside.it
waswierdwalkingintoanemptyhouse,itwouldbesomthingshewouldhavetogetusedto.
erinsstomicwasgrowlingatheritwasnowfourthirtysheeatatebreckfestbuthadgotcought
upintoworkandtalkingwithartherandgraceandforgottogetlunch.shewalkedintothe
kitchenandgrabedapackageoframannoodles.shedugintoaboxandpulledooutabowl.she
satathersmallrounddinningtableandatehernoodleswhilewatchingsometv.erinloved
watchingcrimeshows.theywereherfavorite.aftersheateshedecidedtoseeifshecouldget
anymoreinformationaboutthelutenit.

itwasnownowabouteightthirtyandshehadonlyfoundanarticalexplainingthe

explosionhewasinthatkilledhim.shethenhadathoughtshecouldaskgraceandartherifthey
knowwherehisfamilyisnow.

erinputherlaptopawayandheadedupstaires.sheputapairofpajamaspantsandatee
shirt,andgotintobed.erinwasabletosleepalittlebitbettertonightshewasgettingusedtothe
thenewhouse.itwasbeginningtofeelmorelikehome.suddenlyerinwokeupsheheardanoise
downstairs.shesatupandlookedatherclock.itwasnowfourtherty,ifitwasabergalerher
pistolewastoofarawaylockedupinhersafe.shecouldhearthefootstepsslamonthestairsas
theyslowlyclimbed.erinbegantopanickasthestepsgrewcloserandcloser.thenthedoor
handleonherdoorbegantomove,likesomeonewastryingtogetin.thedoorfinallygaveway
andslowlycreptopen.iwalkedthesamebloodyheadlesbodyoflutenitdan.erinemidently
relaxedandbecamemad.shelookedathiswitanangerylook.
Isthisgoingtobecomeanightlything?
thelutenitjustlookedather/(***)hejuststoodthere.andshruggedhisshoulders.
soletmegetthingsstreightyouaregoingtovisitmeeverynightatthissame
timetilluntilifindyourfamilyandhelpyouwithyourunfinishedbuissneiss.
Againhestoodthere.thenhetryedtomovehisheadbutendedupmoviingmovingthe
wholetophalfofhisbody.erintookthatasayes.
okaywellfornowcanigobacktosleepihavetoworktomorrow.
lutenitdanshookhistophalfaginginagreeance.
andnexttimecanyoutryottodripbloodallovermyhouseandnew
beddingerinyelledathimashewalkedbackoutofherroomandheadeddownstaires.
Thenextmornigeringotupgotdressed,madeheslfsomebreckfestandand
packedalunch.sheheadedtoworkassoonasshecould,shewantedtoworkonfindinga
leadforlutenitdan.shewantedtosleepforawholenightwithoutdisterbences.Erin

pulledoutfrontofherofficeandwalkeduptoherdoor.asshedidshenoticedarther
sittingoutfrontonabenchinfrontofhisstore.shethoughtitasrathereirlyforhim.itas
sixfourty.
goodmorningerin,afinemorningisntit?
yes,yesindeed.whyareyououtsoearly?erinaskedhim.
iwakeupeverymorningandcomeheretoopenandgettheshopready
forthedayandtoopenup.ivedonethiseverscinceitookoverformypops.nowijust
openupandmysontakescareortherest.
ohididntknowthatthatsqiteintresting,hasyourfamilyalwaysowne
dthisplace.?
yupforaslongasicanremember.italwaysispassedontothesoninthe
familytotakecareofandrun.
cool,wellivegottogetstartedonmyworkbutdoyoumindifiaskyou
somequestionslater?
iantgoingtogetinnotrubbblewilliorendupinjail?
nogoodnesno,ivejustgotsomequestionsaboutthetownandthe
history.
okayidbehappytothen.seeyoulaterillbesittingrightouthere
alrightthanksarther
erinunlockedherfrontdoorandwalkedinside.sheputherstuffdownandpulled
outherlaptop.sheopenedanewfile(***)shecreatedanewfileonhercomputerand
lableitlutenitdan.shethengotanotpadandpapertotakenotesonherconversation

witharther.onceshewasallsetupshetookherpadandpaperandwalkedoutfront.she
satnexttoartheronthebench.
doyoumindifirecordourconvesationandtkenotes?
ithoughtyousaiditwasaboutthetown?
itiswellaboutamanthatusedtoliveherethatservvedinthearmyi
think.youseeithepastnightsivebeenwokenupbyamanlutenitdansomthinghis
ghosthasbeenwelliguesshuntingmeandwillcontinouetountilihelphimwithhisun
finishedbuessniess,
ohiseewellthengoonaheadmissy
okaysodoyourememberamanbythenameofdanthatusedtolive
hereandwentofftoserveinthearmybutunfortentlyneerreturned.ihavereasonto
believehewaskilledinbattle.
herreaasontobelievewasqitecleareaheadlessbody(***)shethoughtoftheheadless
bodythatshehasseeneverscinceshemovedin.
wellletmethinkaboutthatforaminiutetherewasthisoneguynamed
daniusedtoknowhewasayearortwoolderthanme.heusedto(***)hisfamilyused
totoliveacrossthestreetfromme,andweweregoodfriends.idorememberthisonday
wheniwasabout16hehadcomeovertotalkhesaidhewassoingawaytofightinthw
war.iwassadandscaredhewouldntcomeback.
imsorryarther

italrightastimewentonislowlyforgotabouthimmeandmyfamily
movedintoatownhousesomydadcoudbeclosertowork.irememberbeingsadabout
itatfirstbutigrewupandforgotaboutdan.
artherdoyourememberhislstnameorwherehisparentsmightbe
wellhisparentsareprobablywellintotheireightiesornineties.Butas
farasiknowtheystillliveinthathouseoutsideoftown.andluckyforyouistillrember
theadress.
`

wellwouldyoucaretogowithmetomorrowwhenigototalktothem?
itsbeenagesscenceiveseenthemitwouldbenicetoseethemagain.

Whattime?
Howaboutaroundeleventhatwayihavetimetodosomestuffinthe
morninghere.
oksoundsgoodseeyouthengirly
Erinpackedupherstuffandwentbackintoheroffice.shewenttoherdeskand
pulledoutherlaptopandlogedon.Whilewaitingforthecomputertoloaderinwas
begingintothink.(***)erinpickedupthepaperthelocaltownpaperandbeganreading.
shereadanarticalthatthetownwasgettinghieringanewpolicecheif.Erinmissedthose
dayswhenshewoudgetupearlyandgorunninginchicagothenheadofftowork.
Shemissedthatshethendecidedsheshouldproblystayishape(***)shetoldherselfthat
shewouldgetuptomorrowandgorunningintheparkaroungfivethirtyinthemorning.
justhenshecoutaglimsofsomthingoutofthecornnerofhereye.she
sheputthepaperdownandstoodupandlookedaround.

helloanyonethere
youcanseeme?
Alittleboyappearedoverbythewindow.heslowlywalkedtowardherdesk.
yessicanseeyouicanseeallghost.doyouwanttositdown?
eringesteredtothechairbyherdeskinfrontofherdesk.
canyoouhelpmeithingiwaskilledbysomeone.
theboysaidashesatdowninthechair.theboylookedaterinandshecouldtellthatshe
couldseethattheboyhadcutsandbrosesonhisarms.hispantsweredirtyandhaddirt/
mudonthemandwhentheboyturnedhisleadtotheleftshecouldseehehadacuton
hisheadbyhishairline.
wellicanhelpyou.whydontyoustartbytellingmeyourname.and
whathappened.
okimtimmybuteveryonealwayscalledmylittletim.
welltimimErinorielly.watsyoulastname.
ohyeahimtimmyjohnson.andim7yearsold.
oktimmywhathappenedtoyou
idontknowallallsianrememberisthatiwasoutsideridingmybike
andplayingintheyearwhenamancameuptomeandaskedifiwouldhelpfindhisdog.
soiwenwithhimandthemhepickedmeupandididintlikeitsoikickedhimthenhe
threwmeintoavan.thenidontknowiwokeupinadarkplaceandtherewerelotsof
treesthroughthewindows.ihavetogonowhewillbebacksoonimustgonow.
waittimmywhereareyoougoing?

thenhewasgone.erinquicklygothernotepadandbeganwritingeverythingthat
hadjusthappeneddown.shethenthoughtthatsheshouldgofindthepapersabout
timmy.hewasonlyalittleboysomeonehadtoofreporthimasamissingchild.she
packeduphercomputerandgrabedherkeys.
shegotinhercarandheadedtotherecordoffice(***).shehadbeentheirbefore
whenshehadtosignpapersforherbuisness.erinpulledintotheparkinglotandentered
thebuilding.shewalkedinandsawElizabethsheworkedthereandwasinchargeofall
thefilesndrecords.
Hitherelizabethihadaquestionforyou?
ohhiitserinright?
yeahiwaswonderingdoihaveaccesstotherecordsright
yesdependsonwhatyouneed.
wellihaveacaseiwouldliketoseesomerecordsonamissingchild.
ohwellyesyoucangointhereandallofthefilesinthfirsttwocabnets
arefullogmissingchildrenreports.
okthanks
Erinwalkedpastthedeskandbegantolookthroughthefiles.therewerelotsof
filesofmissingcjildrentheydateddackalongtimago.thefilesweresortedby
alphabeticalorderandbydates.erinneverhadthechancetoaskthelittleboywhatyear
hediedin,thatwiuldhavemadeitalittlebiteasierforher.butshewasabletousethe
nameandlookatthepictersforhelp.

finallyafterlookingattonsoffilesandpictureserinfoundtimmys.thefilehad
onlyllimitedinformationbutitwasastart,itwasbetterthannothing.erinclosedupthe
filingcabnetandwalkedouttothefrontdesk.sheheldlittletimmysfileinherhand.she
askedelizabethifitwasalrightforhertogetacopyofeverythinginthefile.sh
explainedthatshehadacaserleventtoitandwashopingtobeabletousethe
information.elizabethtookthefilefromerinandwenttomakecopies.erinthentookthe
fileandheadedbacktoheroffice,sheneededtotalktoarther.shenowhadanewcasean
actuloneandwantedtogetstartedrightaway.
shetoldartherthatshewouldhavetogetbackandtalktolutenitdansfamily
anotherday.artherwasfinewithit.erinthenwentbackhome,shedecidedtoworkfrom
home.
laterthatnighterinwasdoingresearchabouttimmyslifeinwoodberry.itwas
gettinglateandshehaddecidedtogetupearlyandgoforarunsoshedeceidedtogoto
bedearly.shesetheralarmforfiveoclock.
thatmorningshewokeatthefirstsoundofheralarm.shegotupandputonapair
ofrunningshirtandasweatshirt.eerindidalightjoggtothepark.shesetherwatchto
timherselfwhiledoingsoanotherperson/manshowedupdressedinsweatpantsandat
shirt.helookedatherandwaved,shegaveasmalsmileandwave.thenshetookoff
runnungthroughtheparkitfeltgoodtorunagainshethought.thenoutofthecornerof
hereyeshesawthemanrunning.jecameupnexttoherandpassedher.erinwasdefently
acompetattivepersongrowingupwithtwoolderbrothers.shetookoffinadeadsprint
sheknewthattheendotherunningpathwascomming.erincoutuptothemanquickly.

itwasnowthefinalstretchshecouldseetheendshesprined.erinandthemanwereneck
andnecknow.erinandthemanbothfinishedatthesametime.
whentheyhadfinishethemanlookedatherandspoke.
nicerun,yournottoobad
yournottoobadyourself
thatsalltheysaidtoeachotherthentheytookoffintheirsepeeratdirections.erinwent
homeandtookashowershegatheredherstuffandthenheadedtotheoffice.asshe
walkedintimmyapearedandsatinthechair.erintalkedtohimaboutstuffthathecould
rememberaboutthemanandthevanhewasputin.sheaskedhimifherememberdhow
longtheridewastilltheyarivedtotheshackhewasleftin.
thenjustlikeyesterdaytimmydisapeareed.erinwasabletogetalittlemore
informationthenyesterday,maybetomorrowwouldbebettershethought.(comebackto
laterwithmoreidea)
aweekhadpastscinceerinhadfirsttookontimmyscase.everymorningshegot
upandwentrunning.andeverymorningshewouldracetheman.thentheywouldgo
theirseperatways.onemornignwhileerinwastalkngtiartheroutfrontaamanwalked
upand(***)whiletalkingmanwalkedupbehinderinartherwavedandsaidhello.
heytherecheifhowsitgoing?
heyarthereverythingisgoinggoodthismorning.
erinmeetthenewpolicechiefjames(***)cheifjamesmeeterin
oreilly

erinturnedaroundandlookedatthemanbehindher.shewasshockedtoseethatitwas
thesamemanthatshehadbeenrunningwithforthepastweek.