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October 15, 2022

12:47 PM

Park Ranger Station

Niquette Bay, Vermont

           “Weather radar shows a low pressure system with a lot of moisture coming up fast through New England this afternoon.  The National Weather Service expects this system to collide with a mass of cold air coming down to us from our neighbors to the north.  Canadian meteorologists predict that this cold air will bring near record lows for this time of year to parts of southern Canada and New England.  Our models are making similar predictions, and we are expecting as much as twelve inches of snow at higher elevations.  We recommend that you stay indoors.  A travel advisory is in effect for northern Vermont.  This has been Tom Martin with WVRT bringing you the latest weather.”

           Alix Seacrest flipped the television off and looked out the window of her Park Service cabin.  Already, she could see the trees shift in the wind and light flakes of snow beginning to fall.  She watched as the landscape was slowly peppered white.  While cold weather was expected in Vermont this time of year, they were still a week away from when they typically received their first snow.  The fall colors of the trees were faded by the gray overcast sky.  She tore herself away from the window to walk over to her radio set, flicking the transmit button.  “10-63 this is Station Lima Bear with a scheduled check in.  Reporting high winds and snowfall at this time.  Will update the report on ground conditions at 14:30.”

           The receiver crackled with a response.  “10-4 Lima Bear.  Station Alpha Falcon acknowledges your report.  Best of luck out there, Ranger.”

           Alix clicked off the transmit button and rummaged through the desk to find her copy of the book, Bitten.  This was day four of her seven-day rotation in the Niquette Bay area.  With the weather outside as bad as it was, there was no reason to wander outside the cabin.  There was also a state-of-the-art sensor system that automatically collected data.  It was her job to make sure the sensors were working, having performed her maintenance over the first two days after her arrival.  She had also policed up the cabin in the morning, so she had a few hours to kill before her next reporting period.  She planned to follow up with an analysis of the data collected by the sensor system before submitting a report in the evening around bedtime. 

         Alix listened to the light, rhythmic tapping as the wind blew through the trees.  As a sudden gust of wind caused the walls to groan, Alix’s mind wandered to the horror movies she had seen in her youth.  Subconsciously, her eyes darted over to the door, verifying that the deadbolt and latch were thrown.  Her eyes flicked back to her book and continued reading.  As she finished the second chapter, she heard a loud thump.  Is that hail, she thought.  The thump seemed too loud for hail.  Alix dogeared her current page and walked over to the computer that ran the sensors to pull up a weather radar.  No, she noted, it shows only snow.  Then, she heard the thumping become a cadence of drumming at the cabin door.  She realized that the thumping was someone at the door, seeking her attention.

           Verifying again that the door was latched, she opened it slightly.  To her surprise, a woman about her age was standing there.  She was wearing a white coat, torn by movement through the underbrush, a pair of thick fleece pants and a sturdy pair of hiking boots.  She stood at the door, hands wrapped around her, shivering.  Her dark brown hair was haphazardly tucked under a ragged beanie.  The woman’s normal olive complexion was pale. 

           Alix blinked, shocked that the woman had just weathered one of the worst snow storms to hit the area this early in the season.  Realizing time was of the essence, Alix flung open the door.  “What are you doing out there, miss?  Here, let me help you.”

           Alix watched as the woman’s eyes closed, and her body went limp from exhaustion.  As she did, the name, “Maya,” escaped her lips. 

           The woman must have been out there for a while, Alix thought as she clicked into assessment mode.  Considering that she had just collapsed, Alix’s training assessed that the woman must be suffering from moderate hypothermia at the very least.  Alix responded quickly, loudly calling out, “Anyone else out there?”  Only the wind answered.  She carefully lifted the woman up and placed her on the bed.  Alix stripped the woman of her wet outerwear and threw an extra blanket on top of her.  A moment of checking through the woman’s pockets revealed a smartphone and a driver’s license identifying her as Safiya Llewellyn-Fayyad of Lakeport, VT.  The smartphone would have been useless without good reception in the mountains of rural Vermont.  Alix noted that Lakeport was known for Caledon University.  Was she a student there?

           Knowing that time was of the essence, Alix found two hot packs in her first aid kit, broke them open, and then placed them on the woman’s chest and neck areas.  Alix then rushed back to her radio and flicked on the transmit button again.  “10-33, this is Station Lima Bear.  I just had a woman collapse at the door to my cabin with symptoms of shock and hypothermia.  I placed hot packs, and I have her under a blanket.  I am requesting a medical evacuation as soon as possible.”

           There was a brief crackle on the receiver before she heard a response, “10-4, Lima Bear.  This is Jackson out of Station Charlie Hare.  Current wind conditions make a helicopter evac dangerous.  I am requesting medical ground support to your location as soon as possible.  I’m also grabbing my hypothermia kit and joining you.  ETA, between sixty to ninety minutes, depending on weather conditions.  Sit tight.”

           “Thanks, Charlie Hare.  See you when you get here.”

           The receiver crackled again with another voice.  “Lima Bear, this is Alpha Falcon.  We will get you assistance as soon as possible.  Can you share any other details?”

           “The person's name is Safiya Llewellyn-Fayyad of Lakeport, VT.  She said the name Maya before collapsing.  This could mean that there is at least one more person out there.”

           “10-4 Lima Bear.  I’ll call the Vermont State Police for search and rescue assistance.”

           “Thanks, Alpha Falcon.”  Alix keyed off.  She picked up the entire first aid case and walked over to the bed and sat down.  She readied for a long evening, waiting for help.

March 1, 2023

11:50 AM

Pacific Northwest Mental Wellness

Seattle, Washington

           Max Caulfield, sometime hipster and now young adult photographer, carefully steadied herself.  “I had this dream last night.  Mark Jefferson is looking down at me…  His eyes are piercing into me, Dr. Biedermann.” 

           An older man with gray flecks in his dark hair reached behind his desk to pull out a plastic water bottle.  He placed it in front of Max.  “Take your time, Max.  Take a sip and breath… Just as we’ve practiced.”

           Max popped open the bottle with an audible snap.  She took a careful, measured sip of water.  The cool temperature of the water had a calming effect.  Max closed her eyes and breathed in and out.  She wrestled the memory out from deep inside.  “I…  I’m strapped to that chair in his Dark Room.  He’s laughing at me, taunting me for my failure to stop him.”  Max took a longer swig of water just before continuing, “I worked so hard to avoid being there.  I wanted to warn campus security, but I didn’t think they would believe me.  My best friend was the only one who took me seriously.”

           Dr. Biedermann flipped through his notes before responding, “That would be how you reconnected with Chloe after a five-year absence.”

           “Chloe had done some snooping around while looking for her friend, Rachel.  She listened to what I had to say about Mark Jefferson, and we tried laying a trap for him.  But I made the mistake of warning Victoria off.  She ran to Jefferson who drugged her.  I got separated from Chloe at the End of the World Party and his protégé, Nathan, drugged me too.”

           “Max, you did a noble thing.  Your friend, Victoria, might have met a worse fate if you hadn’t intervened.”

           “Friends might be too strong a word, Dr. Biedermann.  I would say that the creative director of the Chase Space and I are good acquaintances,” Max explained, “We are on friendly enough terms that she invited me to showcase some of my work last month.  I was pleasantly surprised that she complimented me on how mature my style has become.  Initially, Chloe couldn’t stand her.  There was some… bad blood between them over something Rachel did when they were in school together.  Anyway, Chloe and Victoria have a kind of… truce going on.”

           “I think you sell your relationship with Victoria Chase short.  After all, didn’t she encourage you to apply for a fellowship at Caledon University.”

           Max sighed.  Even she had to admit that, despite their past relationship being marked by struggle, she and Victoria had become friends.  “You’re right, Dr. Biedermann.  It’s just that, we had an… adversarial relationship at Blackwell.”

           “Indeed, Max.  But that’s how you and Victoria became part of the Arcadia Four, not the Arcadia Three.”

           The bitter memories flooded into Max as she replied, “David, Chloe’s stepdad, shot Jefferson dead after he tried to shoot Victoria when she tripped him up.  That’s how Victoria, David, Chloe and I became the Arcadia Four.  We tried calling Joyce, Chloe’s mom, and our friends Warren and Kate, but the storm knocked out cell reception.”

           “You couldn’t have known that a freak atmospheric disturbance created the cyclone that came to Arcadia Bay.  Don’t blame yourself, Max”

But, I knew, was what Max wanted to say.  Her powers to traverse time, long dormant by choice, had directly created the storm that killed the entire town.  Keeping her powers bottled up and out of sight of prying eyes was a continual struggle for Max.  She appreciated Dr. Biedermann for the efforts he put into helping her through the trauma of her past.  However, she knew that mentioning time travel powers was taboo.  Better to stay quiet than to be a science experiment.  After some consideration, Max replied, “I know, Dr. Biedermann.  It’s just difficult knowing we survived when the rest of the town didn’t.”

           Dr. Biedermann paused as he looked for something more positive to say, “By the way, congratulations on having your work displayed!  I read about it in the Seattle Times.”

           “Thank you, Dr. Biedermann.  That means a lot coming from you.”  Max, initially tense from the recollection of her dream, relaxed back into her chair.

           Dr. Biedermann nodded, acknowledging Max’s gratitude, before continuing, “Have you done anything lately to keep your mind occupied?”

           “Chloe and I took a trip to Arizona just before the showcase to take some photographs for my guest lecture at Seattle University.”

           A smile appeared on Dr. Biedermann’s lips, “Ah, so they called on their proud alumna to show those aspiring photographers how it’s done.”

           Max blushed in embarrassment, “It’s nothing like that.  The Department of Visual Arts started a new lecture series where they invite artists to talk about their creative experiences.  Victoria’s parents donated the money for the lecture series, and they recommended me to the organizers.  I may have also had a little help from my former professors.”

           “What about Chloe?  How’s she doing?” 

           “She’s good.  She’s working as an A/V tech around town.  When she first rolled into town after the storm, she worked odd jobs to make ends meet.  My parents insisted that she could stay with us for as long as she wants, no rent required.  But Chloe wouldn’t have any of it.  She met up with an old friend of hers with connections in the local music scene and has taken to doing A/V work ever since.”

           “Does she still go to therapy?”

           “She does,” Max said, “Her therapist receives lots of praise from Chloe.  Linda is this quirky SoCal transplant who seems to have this open approach that Chloe likes.  It’s been a tough road, but Chloe’s in a more settled place.”

           There was a chime from Dr. Biedermann’s computer.  “I think our time is just about done here.  I’m happy with the progress you’re making.  Please commend Chloe as well.  I’m sure it would be good for her to hear you say that.”

March 1, 2023

12:06 PM

South Lake Union

Seattle, Washington

Max

Dr. Biedermann says he’s happy for our progress.

Chloe

I’m glad someone’s happy.  It took a hella of a lot to see David in Arizona. 

Max

Admit it, you were happy to see him.

Chloe

As happy as a crazy person is to see a straitjacket.

Max

Chloe!!!  (>_<)*

Chloe

Hey, sarcasm is how I express myself.

Also… no emoji!

Max

Ryan and Vanessa invited us for dinner.  See you tonight, babe!

Chloe

You bet your sweet ass!  Vanessa makes the best chicken alfredo.

           Max closed her messaging app as she stepped out into the parking lot of a newer Seattle midrise office building when she noticed a voice message.   She would have saved checking for later, but the 802-area code caught her eye.  A Vermont caller?  It can’t be.  Breathing in deeply to keep her excitement tempered, she spotted a bench to have a sit.  As she did, she entered her password and listened as closely as the local bustle of the city would allow.

           “This message is for Ms. Maxine Caulfield.  My name is Professor Yasmin Fayyad, president of Caledon University.  It is my pleasure to inform you that, after reviewing many fine applicants, the faculty committee has recommended you for one of the available positions as a Caledon Fellow in Arts and Humanities….”  Max placed her hand on her mouth in surprise; she was floored that the faculty selected her application.

           The message continued, “This prestigious position, sponsored by the estate of alumna Hannah Hellerton, is a two-year appointment during which you will be expected to teach guest courses in your subject area while continuing your artistic pursuits.  Please return my call within three business days to accept or decline this position.  I look forward to speaking with you soon!”

           Max sat down on a nearby bench to gather her thoughts.  Victoria and Chloe had both worked hard to convince her to apply in the first place.  Victoria had a friend who served as a Caledon fellow some years before.  According to Victoria’s friend, Caledon was keenly interested in a photographer to add variety to its fellowship program.  When Victoria had learned about this, she shared the announcement with Chloe first to see how Max would react.  Chloe thought it was a fantastic idea. “Think about all the skiing we can do!”  Was Chloe’s selling point, before adding a little more seriously, “And it wouldn’t hurt your career, Max.”

           Even as she submitted the last elements of her package, she doubted that she had a shot at the position.  In her essay, she expressed how being the survivor of a violent crime and a violent storm molded her creativity.  She attached examples of her work, including a copy of her now famous picture of abandoned shoes in an abandoned home.  Her photography work emphasized the loneliness of abandoned spaces.  While this was meant to be her professional niche, the work reminded her of the loss of Arcadia Bay.  This was the cost of meddling with time.

           Max realized that she hadn’t shared the news yet with Chloe.  So, she started texting.

Max

Babe!  Guess who got a call from Vermont.

Chloe

Let me guess, we won two season passes to Sugarbush Resort.

If only we had a reason to use them.

Max

Caledon called.  I’m a fellow!

Chloe

Neat!  This calls for something different

:)

Max

Is that… an emoji?

Chloe

You saw nothing, Caulfield.

A/N: 

Thank you for reading the prologue of "Find All the Children Again."

This story operates under the 'many-worlds' interpretation of the comics by Emma Vieceli. Players of the first game might recognize this as an altered version of the timeline where Mr. Jefferson burns Max's belongings. Unlike in the game, where Chloe died in this particular timeline and Max used Warren's photograph to return to her original timeline, here Chloe lives. She aided David in saving Max and Victoria, but sadly, their rescue came too late to save Arcadia Bay from the Storm.  The plan is to tell many of these events through flashbacks over the course of the story.

You don't need to have played Life Is Strange: Double Exposure to understand this story's plot specifics.  Please enjoy :) 

Update, 6/25/25: As my story evolves, I decided to revist some early chapters.  I added or changed some of the dialog.  Nothing earth shattering, but I did add some back and forth text between Max and Chloe when they learn about Max's fellowship.

I also want to use my A/N to expand a little bit on the lore of my story.  As mentioned in my first A/N, this story uses what I like to call the "Many-Maxes" interpretation of Max's time travel powers.  In this interpretation, everything that happens to Max can and will happen.  Max is able to leap into the consciousness of another Max when she time travels.  In other words, it's a mental form of time travel.  

For example, if Max breaks into a locked room and sets off an alarm, she can use her power to rewind back to a point where she's still inside the room, but the alarm hasn't been set off.  In otherwords, she's transferred her mind into a version of herself that managed to get into the room without setting this off.  The Max who set off the alarm still exists, just in a different timeline.  The biggest support I can find in-game for this interpretation is the scene in Episode 5: Polarized when she talks to herself.  Max's other self says, "I'm you, dumbass. Or I'm one of many Maxes you've left behind..."

While we're on the topic of timelines, I'm assuming that this is a timeline where Chloe did not romance Rachel in Before the Storm, but she did eventually develop feelings for her (i.e., the unrequited love scenario).  But, with the "Many-Maxes" intepretation, there are Chloes out there that definitely did kiss Rachel after The Tempest play :)

Please continue enjoying!

Update, 9/29/25: With the final chapters coming together, I'm going back and making slight edits for grammar and minor stylistic changes.  This doesn't change the overall story.

Chapter Text

August 18, 2023

12:10 PM

Caledon University

Lakeport, Vermont

            “Thank you for joining us this afternoon.  Caledon University is grateful to its alumni, who have gone on to represent our great institution all around the world.  One such alumna was Hannah Hellerton, whom we are here to honor today.  Hannah was a native Vermonter and graduate of the class of 1941.  Hannah served in the Women’s Army Corps during World War 2 and was honorably discharged after her service.  She returned to the United States to settle in the Greenwich Village community of New York City where she joined a community of expressionist artists like Franz Kline and Jackson Pollock.  Upon her death in 1999, she left behind a vast collection of original paintings as well as paintings acquired from famed artists who were personal friends.  In accordance with Hannah’s wishes, this artistic collection was used to help fund the Caledon Fellows program to support her vision of fostering the careers of upcoming artists with potential to have an impact on their community.  Thanks to the efforts of our faculty selection committee, we present to you today our latest fellows.  Ms. Maxine Caulfield and Ms. Safiya Llewellyn-Fayyad!”

            President Yasmin Fayyad beamed as she joined the throng of faculty and alumni clapping.  Max squirmed a little sitting up on stage being seen by complete strangers for the first time, a drop of sweat rolling off her neck and down her backside.  Standing out in the back of the crowd stood the most beautiful woman she knew.  Sporting blue pants, a short-sleeved button shirt, and green fringes on her blonde hair, Chloe Price was clapping and grinning from ear to ear.  She knows I’d rather die than be up here, Max thought.  Max had selected a grey twill blazer with matching grey pants and a black button-down shirt, but the heat of the noon day sun was practically cooking her alive in the outfit. 

            Seated next to Max was the other member of this year’s fellows cohort, Safiya.  Max knew little about her, except that she was Yasmin’s daughter.  She looked very comfortable in a red, long-sleeved button shirt, except the sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, and white pants.  She shared Yasmin’s olive skin as well as her dark eyes and hair color.  However, in the few minutes since the pair had been brought up to the stage, she noticed Safiya pointedly avoided eye contact with Yasmin.  As the ceremony continued, Yasmin shifted slightly and nervously cleared her throat, as if she could feel Safiya’s discomfort.

            While Max pondered if the pair were having a spat, or if this was a recurring issue, the two fellows were called to pose with Yasmin for a photo.  Safiya reluctantly took her place next to Yasmin as Max put on her best smile.  The trio waited until the photographer motioned that he had taken the photo.  As Yasmin broke off to join several members of the board of trustees, Max slipped off her hot blazer.  “Ahhh, better!”  She imagined that she was putting on a show for the panther statues that adorned the buildings opposite the stage.

            Max heard laughter from next to her.  “This is your first time wearing that, isn’t it?”

            Max turned to look at the owner of the voice.  “Oh, uh, Safiya!  Yasmin told me to dress up since the trustees would be here.  But I didn’t understand how hot it would get.”

            Safiya stepped closer and stretched out her hands, “I can help you fold up your sleeves.  Also, call me Safi.”

            “That would be awesome!”  Max gleefully offered her right arm.  As Safi got to work on the shirt, Max added, “And you can call me Max.”  Out of the corner of her eye, Max could see her tall, blonde-haired girlfriend climb the stage.

            Max felt the tug of Safi’s hands as she finished the first sleeve.  Safi gave Max a wink as she got to work on the second sleeve.  It was then that Chloe’s voice called out, “I see this is the fastest way to steal your heart, Max, and we only just got here.”  Chloe arrived carrying three cold drinks, the look on her face was playfully pouty.

            Max felt her brow sweat from more than just the heat.  “Chloe!  Safi here suggested folding my sleeves up would help keep me cool.”  She accepted one of the drinks.

            “Don’t worry… Chloe is it?  I promise not to steal your girlfriend just as Hades stole away Persephone.” Safi wore a disarming smile as she finished the last sleeve.

            Chloe thrust a cold glass of water into her hand and smiled hard.  “I like her already, Max.  Can we keep her?”

From: Max Caulfield <[email protected]>

To: J. Biedermann <[email protected]>

December 4, 2023

Subject: Next Appointment

Dear Dr. Biedermann,

Thank you for being accommodating last week and letting me reschedule our next virtual visit.  I’m very grateful that Caledon’s health care policies let me work with you virtually

Chloe and I have made friends here at Caledon who go out of their way to make us feel welcome.  I’ve already told you about our friend, Safi, who continues to surprise us as we learn more about her.  She introduced us to her long-time friend, Moses Murphy.  They’re former Caledon undergraduates who stayed on to do postgraduate work.  Chloe’s done well working part time with the Caledon IT department.  She also moonlights at a local pub, the Snapping Turtle.

I’m looking forward to telling you more at our next session.

Sincerely,

Max

December 4, 2023

2:20 PM

Nebula Bowling Alley

Lakeport, Vermont

            The rotted boards that blocked the entrance to the abandoned bowling alley were no match for a forceful kick from Safi’s snow boot.  “This place has tetanus written all over it, Caulfield,” Safi said with the hint of sarcasm that Max had come to appreciate from the poet.  But a warning glance from Safi told her to watch her step.  Safi continued, “Seriously, if you wanted to land in an ER, I’m sure I could have dug up a rusty nail for you.”

            Max smiled at Safi’s remark.  “Why come along?  Wouldn’t a poet prefer coffee in front of a warm fire to stumbling in dark places?”

            The poet shrugged, responding in a mock English accent, “Because keeping an eye on you is my job, Max.”

            “Admit it, Safi,” Max retorted.  “You’re here because you owe Chloe a favor.” 

            Safi let out a frustrated sigh, “I was drunk!  And I bet too much when Chloe had a full house, and I had a flush.  She let me keep my money if she could call in a favor.”

            Max chuckled, “I told her I would be fine.  She could go to Burlington to make some extra cash working at that music festival they’re having today while I explore this place on my own.”

            Safi looked around the entrance to the abandoned bowling alley.  She raised her hands in a gesture of confusion.  “Why here of all places?  I know some spots around the Green Mountains with breathtaking views.  People lose their minds over winter wonderland vistas.  You know, the types of places they hang pictures of on their walls over Christmas while singing about Courier and Ives.”

            Max looked around the bowling alley.  Broken chairs, discarded bottles, and other random, forgotten items.  This was Max’s professional niche; stumble through abandoned houses or rundown department stores to take pictures of the odd dusty trinket.  Publicly, she described how these items were once treasured or useful, only to fall into decay.  With her photographs, she would bring them back to life once more, permitting them a chance to bring joy to others again.  But, privately, traversing through these places was her penance for what happened to Arcadia Bay.

October 11, 2013

6:41 AM

The Dark Room

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

            The sound of howling wind and rain was muted, but noticeable through the thick concrete exterior of the Dark Room.  In a corner of the room, a blanket lay over the still frame of Mark Jefferson, deceased, with a red congealed spot near his head.  In a darkly comical scene, the blanket was so short that Jefferson’s legs stuck out the bottom like a child hiding from an imaginary monster.  Nearby, Victoria was tucked into a fetal position on the couch.  A blanket covered her shivering frame.

            A loud bang brought Max back from her daze.  “It’s bad out there.”  David reported.  “The winds are stripping boards off the side of the barn.”

            “Were you able to reach anyone?”  Chloe asked, hopefully.  “I tried calling Warren and Kate, but they didn’t answer.”

            David shook his head, his mouth twisted into a concerned frown.  “No.  Joyce isn’t picking up, either.  The storm must have knocked out cell reception.”

            Chloe shoved the pan containing Max’s burned belongings away from herself.  Why was she looking in there, Max wondered.  Standing up, Chloe slammed her steel-toed boot hard into the side of the desk she had been sitting at.  “Damn it.  We need to get out and warn people.  Mom’s still out there!”

            “Chloe, I want nothing better than to go out there and save everyone.  But this storm is no joke.  You will die if you’re caught in the open.”

            Chloe clenched her fists in frustration.  “Damn it, David.  It’s my life!  If you won’t go, then give me the keys.”

            “No way, soldier.  We’re not going to abandon our people,” David gestured to Max and Victoria.  “Max is still weak from that junk Jefferson injected her with and Victoria…”

            Max wearily watched on as the weight of the world bore down upon her.  Her friends were still out there.  Kate was probably at the hospital and Warren, for all she knew, was probably with all the other students in the dorms, sleeping off the previous night’s festivities.  Frank too would be struggling in this, with winds strong enough to topple his RV bearing down on Arcadia Bay.

            David’s right, Victoria is in bad shape.  It makes me forget that she was the one who told Jefferson about me.  Blame for the events of the past few hours aside, Jefferson had given her an unusually large dose, probably out of contempt for her more than anything else.  The dose wasn’t enough to outright kill, but it left Victoria in a near catatonic state.  This fact alone made Max prefer to pity Victoria more than anything else.

David’s no-nonsense voice broke through Max’s thoughts, “If we don’t stay with Victoria, she could die.  And, if things get really bad, we might need the car to make a break for high ground as a last resort.”

            Max laid her head back and closed her eyes.  She continued to listen to Chloe and David argue.  She admitted that David’s logic was cold, but it made sense.  In her weakened state, she couldn’t effectively watch over Victoria if David and Chloe ventured out into the storm, leaving her behind.

            “Fuck this rational shit,” Chloe jabbed her finger at David emphasizing her point.  “You stay here, and I’ll look for Mom.”

            David stepped into the entryway of the Dark Room and crossed his hands.  Chloe wasn’t getting those keys easily.

            She threw up her hands in frustration.  “Fine!  Then I’ll take Jeffer-shit stain’s keys.  He doesn’t need them, and you can’t stop me.  Besides, the only person I’m putting in harm’s way is myself.”

            David closed his eyes and slowly exhaled before calmly saying, “I’ve seen some… extraordinary things from you and Max these past few days.  I can’t put my finger on it, but you must have a guardian angel watching over you.”

            Max exhaled slightly as the cool bunker air made her shiver.  With a little more evidence, David probably would have deduced that there was something… unnatural about their luck.  Max wrapped her hands around herself as she continued to listen.

            “But, Chloe, go out into this storm and your luck runs out.  Joyce…”  David’s voice choked up at the mention of his wife.  “She’d want you to be safe.” 

            Max opened her eyes and brought them up in time to see Chloe lift a finger to make another point, but the words didn’t come out.  Instead, Max could see tears welling up in her eyes.  Finally, Chloe managed to say, “Fuck this!  I hate it when you're right.”  Chloe wandered off to the bathroom, the only refuge where she could hide her grief as the world around them churned.

December 4, 2023

2:23 PM

Nebula Bowling Alley

Lakeport, Vermont

            Max blinked several times to clear her vision.  Safi was up close, staring into her eyes, a look of concern across her face.  “Max?  Are you alright?  If you’re doing an impression of a rock, good job.  It’s the best one that I’ve ever seen.”

            Max pulled her head back slightly, startled by how close Safi was.  “Yeah, Safi.  I’m fine.  I was just remembering something.”

            Safi grinned slyly, “Is this about the time Reggie was passing by your place, and he heard you and Chloe moaning loud enough to wake the dead.  I don’t think he could look at you for a week.”

            Max’s face turned red, “No!  Chloe forgot to close the window when we were, uh, being affectionate.” 

            “Well, Moan-a-rella, let’s do what we’re here to do.”

            Max reached into her messenger bag and pulled out a headlamp, which she strapped around her beanie.  This kept her hands free, which she used to retrieve her DSLR camera.  As she swiveled her head around to illuminate the area the light from her head lamp revealed a place of abandoned joy.  In front of her stood what was left of the bar.  Empty bottles lined up on the counter or lying partially broken underneath a sign with the word “Nebula”.  Beyond the bar a menacing dragon beckoned her to come closer.

            Safi sauntered over to the bar as if ready to order a round of drinks.  She selected an open bottle with a fluid of indeterminate color inside.  She took a quick whiff, made a disgusted face, and placed the bottle back down.  “If they didn’t want the booze anymore, they could have called in the students.  We would have gladly taken these off their hands.”

            “Abraxas could have had enough booze to throw parties for years if this stuff was still any good,” Max commented.  She moved closer to take a few photos of the bar and the remains of its supply of liquid courage. 

            Safi scoffed, “Ha!  Vinh would have charged more than what the Snapping Turtle charges, then he would have used the proceeds to take the Abraxas leadership on a paid vacation to Hawaii.”

            “Abraxas was different before Vinh came in as president.”  Max carefully lined up a shot of the dragon before continuing, “According to the alumni I talk to, Abraxas used to be this elite philosophy club.  Now, Vinh has the students running around, solving puzzles.”

            “Vinh is a charmer, but he doesn’t have a lot of original ideas.  Take the puzzles.  He’s clearly inspired by The Glass Onion.”

            “The movie?  I haven’t seen it, and Chloe is drawn to sci-fi more than anything else.”

            Safi chuckled, “As I’ve gathered from watching movies with your gal.  As for Vinh, he got the idea for his puzzle box from the one in The Glass Onion.”

            Finishing up her work with the bar, Max turned to look out at the rest of the bowling alley.  Its lanes spread out before her.  She scanned the area carefully, looking for something to serve as her masterpiece.  Safi followed a respectable distance behind.  Occasionally, Max would hear her rub her hands together for warmth or stamp her feet to work up circulation. 

            “How did you find this place, Safi?  This doesn’t seem to be like your usual haunt.”

            “I… I had a friend in college who would go off on her own to explore.  She told me about this place a long time ago.  She would have broken in too, but she was more into nature exploration, not urban exploration.  What about you?  I’ve never understood your obsession with random detritus.”  Safi waved her phone with its light around the bowling alley.

            Max considered her response.  She had known Safi for only a few months and, while the two had become fast friends, there were things best left unsaid, especially when it came to her reasons for seeking out abandoned spaces.  “In my shoots, I like to highlight solitude,” Max replied wistfully, “So, I’ll look for something… lonely to hang my series on.”

            Max waited for Safi to respond, but she noticed that her friend was silent.  There was a brief, empty look in Safi’s eyes before she focused on Max and smiled, acknowledging Max’s artistic vision.  Reassured by Safi, Max looked up only to notice a glint of something shiny and colorful flashing from the ceiling.  She saw a diorama of the Solar System still suspended in the air after all these years.  Despite all the grime and scatter items on the alley floor, it seemed to be the only sentinel untouched by time.  Max joyously pointed up.

            Safi followed Max’s gesture and studied the diorama.  “Oh shit!  That’s it, huh?  The lonely thing for your series.”  She gave Max a playful tap on the shoulder.

            Max momentarily switched off her headlamp to snap a photo with the natural light.  “The diorama looks good, but the angle of the light is all wrong.  Any ideas on how I can get a better angle?”

            “Hmmm, if Chloe were here, she could put you on her shoulders?”

            Max laughed, “She’s hella strong, but I’m not so sure she’d like that.”

            Safi scanned the room and pointed up at a booth overlooking the bowling lanes.  “There.”

            Max nodded in agreement and the pair walked towards the back of the bowling alley.  They found the stairs leading up to the booth blocked by junk that had been piled onto the stairwell.  “Any ideas for how I get over this stuff without breaking my ankles?”

            Safi flashed her light in the direction of the cubby holes that once held the bowling shoes.  “How about this, Boss?  You can scramble up the cubbies and over the railing.” 

            As Max tested her weight to ensure that she could climb up, Safi knelt down to look at the discarded shoes.  “Damn, Max.  These shoes remind me of the photos you submitted for the Fellows application.”

            “And, how would you know about those?  I thought all application materials were confidential.”

            “I heard about them through a source on the committee.”

            “Yasmin?”

            Safi cackled, “Ha!  Doctor Mom is so proper about everything.  Of course she wouldn’t say anything about the selection process for Fellows.  I did look up your photos through the Chase Space, though.  The shot of the shoes in the abandoned house was excellent.”

            Max carefully climbed up the cubbyhole but found that she was still too short to clamber over the railing.  So, she pushed off the top of the cubbyhole as she jumped up.  The angle of her jump was enough to tip the cubbyhole over. 

            Safi looked down at the cubbyhole on the floor.  “Damn thing’s heavy.  I guess you’re not coming back down on that.”

            “I’ll climb up the stairs to take the shot.  Care to find me a way back down?”  Max asked.

            “Sure thing, Boss.”  Safi acknowledged.

            Max looked down upon the fallen cubbyhole.  I wish I could just rewind, she thought.

October 11, 2013

7:13 PM

National Guard Rally Point (formerly the Dark Room)

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

            Large pieces of the barn sat some fifty feet away from where it had once stood.  The largest of these pieces reflected the sad glow of a campfire that David built the morning after the storm using material he could find in the dark room.  By midday, the fire was spotted by a National Guard unit sent in to search for survivors.  When the survivors connected with the National Guard, David leveraged his military experience to convince the soldiers to let him assist with the search for more survivors.  After evacuating Jefferson’s body and Victoria, the local National Guard commander deposited supplies and tents next to the Dark Room, intending to use the area as a rally point. 

            In the dim light, Max watched a medic walk by the supply crates, pausing from time to time to take inventory of their contents.  She warmed herself with the little heat of the fire, quietly contemplating the events of the past few days.  She gently raised her hand and reached out with her power.  She could feel it wanting to take hold, but she stopped herself short.  What was the point of going back a few seconds if she was just going to end up back at the fire.  A rustling from behind snapped her out of her thoughts.  She turned to see Chloe coming up from the Dark Room to join her.

            Chloe already had a cigarette out in one hand and a lighter in the other.   She deftly snapped the lighter open, lighting her cigarette as she sat down on an empty crate next to Max.  Chloe took a long drag from her cigarette but said nothing.  Max could sense that Chloe was working something out inside of her.  After a long minute, Chloe finally said, “Anything that can go wrong, will—at the worst possible moment.”

            “I didn’t know you were into philosophy, Chloe.”

            Chloe shook her head.  “I’m not.  But, last week, Mom was having me clear out some old dusty books from the attic that Dad left behind, mostly sci-fi stories from the old serial, Astounding Science Fiction.  I snatched them up before step-dou… er, David, could throw them out.  I was flipping through them when I saw he underlined that one line.  I think it’s called Finagle’s Law.”

            “That must have felt… heavy.  Holding something that William read.”

            “That’s putting it mildly.”  Chloe took another puff before slamming her free hand down onto the crate, emitting an audible thud.  “Fuck, Max!  We had a plan.  Jeffer-shit was supposed to be on his way to jail.  Instead, we’re stuck here with no way back.”

            A realization hit Max.  “Wait!  That’s why you were looking through my burned stuff.  You wanted to find a picture we could use to go back.”

            “I thought it was the only way to bring Mom and the town back.”  Chloe rubbed her head before a thought crossed her mind.  “Hold up!  You send stuff back to your parents, right?  Well, if we can find a picture from earlier in the year, maybe you can go back to warn me.  We can make plans earlier and trap the fucker who killed Rachel.”

            Max slowly let out a breath to steel herself for what she was about to say next, “Chloe, I’ve tried going back.  Like, way back.  And…”  Max closed her eyes for what felt like hours.  When she opened them she saw Chloe leaning forward in anticipation of what came next.  With a silent prayer to calm herself, she continued, “I saved your Dad.”

            “Whoa!”  Chloe called out loud enough for the medic to turn around and look at them for a moment before returning to his duties.  Noticing this, Chloe lowered her tone, asking, “You could always go back?  Then why are we still stuck like this, Max?  Why isn’t my dad here?”  Chloe’s eyes narrowed, focusing on Max with a harsh glare.

            Max gulped.  Have I made an error?  It doesn’t matter.  If I can’t communicate honestly with my best friend, what good are these powers for?  “Chloe, you ended up paralyzed,” Max finally blurted out. 

            Chloe’s eyes widened and her shoulders subtly stooped lower.  Max pressed on with her story, “You asked me to help you commit suicide.  You were dying and you didn’t want to be a burden for your parents.”

            Chloe's mouth was now agape, as if she had wanted to say something, but couldn’t.  After long consideration, the only thing Chloe asked was, “Why didn’t you say anything?”

            “Because the time wasn’t right.  Until now.  Don’t you see, Chloe?  The further back I go, the bigger the consequences.”  Chloe rubbed the back of her head.  In school, Chloe had been one of the smartest people Max had known.  She was clearly piecing the consequences together in her mind.  “If I go back too far and make too many changes, we end up in even worse situations.  Going back further is not viable.”

            “Did you do it?”

            Max’s heart sank a little.  This was not something she had really wanted to talk about.  Chloe glared at Max.  She was waiting for a response.  Finally, Max shook her head.  “No.  I couldn’t.  I lo… love you, Chloe.  More than anything, I really do.”

            Chloe stared at Max with an odd flash of emotions crossing her face.  Joy, fear, and surprise all showed at the same time, but she said nothing.  Taking a last, long drag of smoke from her cigarette, she flicked it into the fire.  “Sorry Max, but I have so much going on in my head right now.  I’m going to catch a little bit of sleep before David comes back.”

            Max slumped down as she watched Chloe walk towards the tents, a longing in her heart pounded as she let Chloe go.

A/N: 6/25/25 - According to the Double Exposure lore, Caledon is based on Vermont State University (formerly Castleton University) with Lakeport serving as a stand-in for the real Castleton, VT.  In the lore of this story, Caledon is a small, private liberal arts university similar to Washington and Lee University in Virginia with a total student population of around 1500 students.  It's a selective admission process with a rate sitting in the neighborhood of 19%.  What many aren't aware of is that currently (as of 2025) smaller universities in Caledon's class are struggling with finances.  Here's a June 2025 article in Inside Higher Ed that talks more about these challenges: 

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/business/cost-cutting/2025/06/03/may-brought-deep-cuts-multiple-colleges

Whether this becomes a plot point later, I have yet to decide. 

Chapter Text

December 4, 2023

10:20 PM

Physics and Astronomy Building Roof

Lakeport, VT

            “So, give me the Cliff’s Notes version. What are we here to see?”  Safi asked as she stood on the roof of the physics and astronomy building.  Max had finished taking her photo series and, with the help of a ladder that Safi had found, she made her way down from the booth overlooking the bowling alley.  While driving back to campus from the Nebula, they had received an excited call from Moses asking them to swing by the roof.

            “We’re watching shattered pieces of an asteroid,” Max explained.  She remembered Moses going on about the meteor shower a few days earlier at a get-together at Safi’s apartment.  She and Moses had bowed out of a poker game that had gotten too rich for their liking and the pair talked about his latest project while they watched Safi and Chloe play. 

            “Not bad, Max.”  He smiled warmly, genuine in his compliment.  “These are the Geminids.  Most meteor showers are caused by the Earth passing through the tail of disintegrating comets.  The Geminids are different since they come from an asteroid.  My thesis adviser bought this new telescope for observations.”  Moses pointed to the telescope next to him. 

            Safi wore a pouty frown on her face.  “Ah, is this why your record in joining us for outings to the Snapping Turtle have been spotty these past few weeks!  I suppose I should be honored at being stood up by a telescope,” Safi replied with mock hurt in her voice.  “Does this mean I get to keep your office in the divorce?”

            Moses laughed.  Safi and Moses had both been undergraduates at Caledon and had known each other for years.  Max and Chloe were the newcomers, but Safi and Moses had both allowed them into the “Circle of Chums” as Moses put it.  “Pretty sure my adviser will find someone from within the physics department to give the office to.  By the way, where’s Chloe?  I tried calling her, but I couldn’t hear anything she said when she picked up.”

            “Burlington.  There’s a music festival there today and she’s making a few extra bucks working on their A/V system.  She won’t be back until late tomorrow, I think.”

            Safi scowled.  “It’s bullshit that Mom didn’t help Chloe out more.  I’m sure the IT guys would love to have a kickass female as a fulltime tech.” 

            “Safi,” Max interjected, “Chloe is perfectly happy with how the job situation turned out.  Working part time with Caledon IT services means that she has the freedom to pick up other gigs when she wants.  She’s always been a free spirit.  Besides, my fellowship covers both healthcare and living accommodations for us.”

            “Does Amanda know that Chloe comps our drinks at the Snapping Turtle whenever she works a part-time shift?”  Moses asked.

            Max chuckled at the question.  “I’m pretty sure she pays Amanda back for those drinks from the tips she makes.”

            “Oh, realllly,” Safi said, stretching out her pronunciation of ‘really’.  “I suppose that’s one way to help gain some street cred.”

            Moses laughed before making a few more adjustments to his telescope.  Max watched the sky as streaks passed by.  “Wow!  So pretty!  Is this what your thesis is on?”  The meteorites streaked past their field of view, forming white trails for the briefest of instances, before vanishing into darkness.

            “Kind of.  My thesis focuses on predicting geologic disruptions of planetary crust.”

            Safi whistled at Moses' description of his thesis, “So, you want to know what happens when an asteroid crashes into a planet.”  Safi made a motion with her hands, initially interlocking them and then allowing them to spread out, mimicking the spreading wave of destruction wrought by a colliding asteroid.  Deep down, Max was morbidly thankful that her time traveling shenanigans had only brought on a storm and not an asteroid collision. 

Safi asked Moses more questions, clearly engaged in this discussion, “I think that’s cool and all, but why do you need to know about orbits?”

“Because I need to know about the most likely trajectories that these asteroids will take.  So, I collect data on near-Earth asteroids to figure this out.”

            “Could we just push these asteroids out of the way?”  Safi seemed genuinely interested in this.  Safi loves polite conversation, but this curiosity of hers is genuine.  Could it be that our resident poet is a hidden science geek?  Max smiled at the thought.

            “Yes, but space rocks are big and can take a really long time to nudge using our current technology.”  Moses checked his laptop readings before continuing, “Speaking of technology, this new telescope came with some awesome automation software.”

            Upon hearing this, Safi reached into her bag and pulled out a large bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.  “Sounds like Moses has a reason to celebrate and so do I.  I have some big news that I want to share.”

            Max looked at the label and recognized it as a very expensive import from France.  “Did Chloe comp this for you?  I know it’s one thing to comp a glass of wine, or two, but this is pricey!”

            “If by comp, you mean that President Mommy’s card was charged, then, yes.”

            “Your mom lent you her card?”  Moses asked, incredulously. 

            “I slipped it out of her purse yesterday and I’ll put it back tonight.  Besides, she won’t even notice the charge.”  Safi then laid out several coffee mugs, which she and Moses had likely swiped from the physics and astronomy department.  Max reached out and picked up one of the mugs at random.  She observed that the lettering read, ‘Nerdy & Dirty’.  Safi poured some wine for Max and Moses.

            “So, I have a new telescope, but what do you have, Safi.”

            Safi took a sip of her wine and grinned, “Well, a few months ago, I was with Gwen at a fine arts department party when she introduced me to an alumna who’s a literary agent in New York.  We got to chatting and I mentioned that I’ve been working on a poetry book.”  Max’s heart leapt as a big smile crawled onto her face.  She was sincerely happy for her friend.

            “Is this about your book, All the Daughters We Don't Talk About?  Haven’t you been working on that since, like freshman year?  That’s…  That’s incredible!  I remember you would sneak off to the library on weekends to work on it.  I’m happy for you!”  Moses shot Safi one of the biggest grins Max had seen from him.  He was just as happy for her as Max was.

            Safi excitedly thrusted her cup in Moses’ direction, “Thanks for remembering, Moses!  I’ll remember that when I sign a copy for you.”  Moses bowed slightly to accept Safi gratitude before letting her continue.  “So, I tell the lit agent about this book I’m writing, and it turns out she knows a publisher who’s shopping for new books from female authors to celebrate Women’s History Month.  She gave me her business card and asked me to send a sample.  I did that and I got a call back within days saying that the publisher liked what they read, and they wanted me to send them the whole book.  I sent them the book in October, and they just reached out last week to talk about publishing it.  They don’t think the book will be released by March because it still needs some editing, but they want me to fly to New York for a shindig with some literary elites so that I can read excerpts.”

            Max reached over to give Safi a warm squeeze on the shoulder with one hand while she balanced her mug in her other hand.  “Safi, that’s so amazing!  I’m super excited for you.  I’m sure Chloe would be, too, if she were here.”

            The trio spent a few more minutes sharing their ice-cold wine before Moses wandered off to check his telescope measurements.  Max contented herself to keep one eye on the sky while occasionally stealing glances at Safi as she scrolled on her phone.  “How long have you known Gwen?”  Max asked.

            “Gwen started as a professor five years ago.  I took a freshman composition class from her.  That’s where I met Moses de Grasse-Tyson.”

            Max giggled, “That’s not his name.”

            “I know.  I just think of that science communicator, Neil de Grasse-Tyson, when I see Moses working.”

            Safi took a long look at her phone screen before turning it off.  “Sorry to be a downer, but I need to get home.  My lit agent sent me a bunch of feedback from the publisher that I need to add to my manuscript.”

            As Safi rushed to pack her bags, a small black cylinder fell from the side pocket of her backpack.  Max looked quizzically at the item.  Pepper spray?  She pointed to the ground at Safi’s feet, helpfully calling out, “You dropped something, Safi.”

            Safi looked down and seemed taken aback by the item, as if she had forgotten that she carried this on her person.  “Thanks, Max.”  She reached down, picked up the pepper spray, and absentmindedly shoved it in her coat pocket.

            Satisfied that Safi had things well in hand, Max wandered over to the railing that kept people from falling off.  She took in the scene, remembering the sight that she would see in daylight.  Caledon and the town of Lakeport sat nestled in a valley within the Green Mountains of Vermont.  Even at night, she could see the outline of the mountains that flanked the valley.  In the daytime, the peaks surrounding the valley were covered in a thick blanket of snow that locals suggested was thicker than normal for this time of year but made for the type of excellent skiing that Chloe had been excited to try.  Behind her, Max could hear the clinking sounds of screwdrivers and wrenches as Moses adjusted his telescope.  For a moment, the sounds took her back to her home in Seattle.

December 18, 2013

7:40 PM

Caulfield Home

Seattle, Washington

            Max was transfixed by The Winger and the Cow while sitting at the kitchen table.  Since returning from Arcadia Bay, she had re-enrolled in her old high school.  The storm had wiped away several months of academic effort, but she picked up several winter break courses to help her catch up.  Her most recent course required her to read The Winger and the Cow, which had been one of her favorite books since finding a copy tucked away on Ryan’s shelf as a young teenager.  Reading it again was a real treat, letting her momentarily forget the events of the past October.

            In the kitchen, Vanessa was washing off the remains of gravy from the pan she had used to prepare meatloaf, while Ryan dried the dishes.  “How was school today, Maxine?”  Vanessa asked.

            “Fine.”  Max was too fascinated to answer in anything but single syllable words.  She reached one of her favorite parts; the point where protagonist Harriet Coldwell throws a glass of cold water into the face of her prep schoolteacher after he propositioned her for sex. 

            Ryan chuckled as he dried a pan lid.  “Leave her be, Nessa.  She’s always loved that book and she was super excited to see it on the reading list.  Any little bit of joy she can get from these accelerated courses will boost her morale.”

            “Yup,” Max agreed, half listening in on her parents' conversation. 

            For a few minutes, the conversation quieted down as the Caulfields finished the dishes while Max continued to read.  The peace of the evening was broken when the door to the garage flew open.  Chloe had grease on her cheeks and nose.  Her hair was tied back by a bandana.  “Hey all.  Can you guys come out to the driveway?  I want to show you something.”

            Max bookmarked her place and joined the exodus to the driveway.  In the two months since the storm, David had moved out to Arizona to take a job with an old friend from the Army.  Victoria was back in Seattle, having physically recovered from her ordeal with Jefferson.  She and Max exchanged texts occasionally and, from what Max could tell, she was finishing out her final year of high school with the aid of home schooling and private tutors.  Chloe, with nowhere else to go, had taken up living out of the spare bedroom in the Caulfield house.

            Out on the driveway, tools were spread out next to an old motorcycle that Ryan had bought after graduating college.  The Caulfields refused to take rent from Chloe, so she had offered to fix up the motorcycle to thank them for their hospitality.  Beaming from ear to ear, she gestured to the motorcycle, “Listen to this!”  She turned the key, and the engine sputtered to life. 

            “Chloe, that’s so wonderful, dear,” Vanessa said, “I’m shocked you had time to fix it.  You always come home tired from your part-time jobs.”

            Chloe then hopped on, pulled up the kickstand, and gunned the motor.  In moments, she was out of the driveway and heading down the street.  After turning around a short distance away, she guided the motorcycle back into the driveway and turned it off.  She pulled the key out and walked over to Ryan, handing him the key.  Ryan smiled as he stared at the key, before handing it back to Chloe.  “Keep it, Chloe.  You fixed it, you earned it.”

            Max walked forward and embraced Chloe.  “That’s so wonderful for you, Chloe.  Congratulations!”  As Max and Chloe broke away, they stared into each other’s eyes.  A sense of longing filled Max.  She edged her face forward.  Chloe accepted the movement, bringing Max’s face closer for a kiss.  The feeling of Chloe’s lips on hers filled Max with a fire she hadn’t felt before.  Deep within, Max’s heart was filled with joy as her longing for Chloe was realized.  When the pair broke away, they heard clapping from Max’s parents.

            Ryan was beaming from ear to ear.  “We’ve been wondering when you two were going to kiss.”

            Vaness clasped her hands over her chest.  “You take good care of my daughter, Chloe Price.”

            The pair were red faced.  “Of course, Mrs. C.”  Chloe kicked the ground lightly as she got over her nervousness.

            “It’s chilly out here and I wouldn’t want any of you to catch a cold.” Ryan gestured for the others to follow.  “Let’s head back in.”

            As Max watched her parents head back in, she wondered how long they had suspected that she had feelings for Chloe.  Kirsten and Fernando are going to freak out.  Chloe’s voice broke Max’s train of thought, “How did you know?”

            “Know what?”

            “That I wanted to kiss you.”

            “Hmmm, I had a feeling.  Since yesterday when you came into the bathroom while I was showering so that you could brush your teeth.”

            Chloe laughed before asking the real question lingering in her mind, “So, you didn’t rewind?”

            Max shook her head.  “I haven’t used my powers since Arcadia Bay.  But I can still feel them in the back of my mind.”

            “Good.  Then promise me that you’ll never use them again.”

            Max looked deep into Chloe’s eyes.  “What do you mean?  I’ve been looking through my photos and I think I’ve identified a point in time that I can go to.  You can help me, Chloe; help me learn what I can say to convince you to change all this.”

            “That’s the thing, Max.  I’m… all fucked up.  Less fucked up because of you, but still a fuck up.  If you go back and change things, it would be for a different Chloe.”

            Max reached out and placed her hand on Chloe’s chest.  “You’ll always be the same person that I love, Chloe.  Going back doesn’t change it.”

            “Still, Max, I’m the person that I am today because of the shit we went through.  You take that away, and I’d be a whole different person.  Sure, I miss,” Chloe paused to collect her thoughts before continuing, “I miss Mom, but David would still be the same step-douche he was before he lost Mom and I’d still be the unhappy stepdaughter.  Besides, everything that can go wrong, will go wrong…”

            “At the worst possible moment,” Max finished.  “I understand, Chloe.”

            “Do you, Max?  It’s not just about changing people’s personalities by shifting their circumstances.  I… I almost lost you in this go-around.  If you go back again, I could lose you forever.”  Chloe bent down and gave Max another kiss. 

            Max gently touched Chloe’s face, “Then, I promise I won’t use my power.  Trust me.”

            A look of pure ecstasy spread on Chloe’s face when she heard Max’s promise.  Then, Chloe laughed, “Trust?  Shit, I trust you more than anything.  Is this something that shrink talks to you about.”

            “Dr. Biedermann is a clinically trained psychologist.  He thinks building and maintaining trust in relationships is critical for someone whose trust was violated.”

            “True that, First Mate Silver.  Who am I to argue with a doctor?  Let’s go inside.”

December 4, 2023

10:33 PM

Physics and Astronomy Building Roof

Lakeport, Vermont

            Max blinked when she heard Moses asking a question, “Chloe really digs science, doesn’t she?”

            “Huh?  Oh, yeah.  Chloe looks like a punk rocker on the outside, but she’s really a nerd on the inside.”  Max fondly remembered how Chloe would ‘experiment’ with fireworks, starting in her yard before graduating to setting them off in her room to fulfill her desire to ‘send Barbie on a mission.’  Max continued, “Chloe’s scores in science were really high before…”

            “Her dad died?”

            Max was slightly taken aback, “You know about that?”

            Moses tweaked the telescope focus before responding, “When she’s on her lunch break from her IT job and doesn’t work a shift at the Snapping Turtle, she comes into my lab space in the planetarium.  It started off with her asking me astronomy questions, and then we just started talking about our lives.  I was surprised to learn that our resident punk has a DnD alter ego named Callimastia.”

            Max laughed, “Yeah.  Her friend, Steph, introduced her to DnD years ago.  I’ve never played.  Do you?”

            “I’m Vyrnok Arnnaerann, a Dragonborn warlock who fell down a cliff as a young child.  As he lay dying, he whispered a prayer to an elder god who imbued him with power that saved his life in exchange for service in the mortal realm.”

            “Hey, nerds,” Safi called out, “I’m heading out.  See you tomorrow!”  She shot the pair an approving grin.

            Max and Moses both waved to Safi.  “That’s pretty elaborate.  Does Safi play?”

            Moses shook his head, “No, she thinks it all a little silly.  That doesn’t stop her from watching us play a round at the Snapping Turtle.”

            An alarm sounded on Moses’ computer indicating that a new data set needed his review.  While Moses checked his data, Max looked down into the courtyard.  From her vantage point, she could see down into the fountain located in front of the physics and astronomy building.  There sat a statue of the Titan, Atlas, holding the world on his shoulders.  Max smiled as the thought of a new subject for a photo popped into her head. 

            “Moses,” Max called, “I’m going downstairs to take a photo by the fountain.”  Moses acknowledged Max with a wave as he studied the data on his laptop.  Max picked up her messenger bag and made her way to the stairwell.

December 4, 2023

10:38 PM

Caledon University Science Quad

Lakeport, Vermont

            Max emerged from the Physics and Astronomy Building’s side entrance, which was the only unlocked access on account of the lateness of the evening and the work Moses was doing on the roof.  The inky darkness of the December night was only interrupted by the dim illumination of path lighting.  Max followed the path to the statue of Atlas, his face strained by the determination to hold the world on his shoulders.  For a brief instant, Max shuddered at the thought of the long-gone days of October 2013, when she had shouldered responsibility beyond what a 17-year-old should bear. 

            Max reached deep into her messenger bag to retrieve her camera.  She carefully removed the lens cap and placed it into her pocket for safe keeping.  Turning on the camera, she navigated her way through the menu to select settings that maximized the amount of light her camera’s sensor would take in under dim conditions.  Satisfied, she pointed the camera up at the Atlas statue and took a series of shots.

            For a moment, Max felt a little dizzy.  She steadied herself and held on to her camera, not wanting to drop it onto the hard concrete pad of the walkway on which she was standing.  Too much of that fortified French wine, she thought.  When the dizziness passed, she replaced the lens cap and returned the camera to her messenger bag.  She heard the chirp of a message notification from her phone.  She pulled it out to see it was a message from Chloe. 

Chloe

Check it!  We’re getting ready for some serious moshing!

            Chloe attached a picture of herself on stage flashing a victory sign, her blond hair with green fringes was up in the air as if the picture had been taken as she shook her head.  To Chloe’s left stood a tall woman with a teal beanie, short brown hair, a teal sweater and dark pants.  Max recognized Steph Gingrich instantly.  On Steph’s left, she was holding up the arm of a shorter woman with glasses and equally short hair but boasting a sweater with the Colorado state flag. 

Max

Looking good there, Captain.  Is that Steph’s band mate?

Chloe

Bandmate and girlfriend…  Her name’s Alex and she has the cutest singing voice.  I’m trying to convince them to come to the Snapping Turtle for a concert.

Max

That would be cool!  Give them my best. 

Chloe

Will do.  Goodnight, Maxaroo!

Max

Goodnight, sweetie!  I’ll see you tomorrow :)

Chloe

Grrr…

            Max chuckled at Chloe’s response.  She fired off a quick text message to Moses alerting him that she was on her way back.  As Max walked back the way she came, a pair of canid eyes watched her intently.  A dark colored coyote hid in the bushes, waiting for Max to pass by.  When she was gone, the coyote gave a low, guttural growl before turning toward the Caledon student parking lot and vanishing into the night.

A/N - 6/26/25: I have never seen a synposis for the fictional A Winger and the Cow anywhere.  I only know that it's supposed to be this world's version of A Catcher in the Rye.  So I made up my own version starring Harriet Coldwell (the Holden Caulfied expy from A Catcher in the Rye) who attends a private all-female school.  She's kicked out after throwing cold water (literally) on a teacher's sexual advance.  She moves to NYC to live with her older sister and her 'half-useless' brother-in-law.  From there, the story follows Harriet as she navigates the streets of NYC, meeting various people while providing social commentary.  I would view it as a proto-counter culture/beatnik work of literature from the 1950s and would have been widely read by those living through the counter culture movement of the 1960s. 

Ryan Caulfield read it in college and it was influential on his world view.  So much so that he and Vanessa were inspired to let Max call them by their first names as she grew up.

Thanks again for reading!

Chapter Text

December 5, 2023

6:05 AM

Somewhere in a dream

            The moonlight filtered through the forest canopy; the light casting shadows that danced about as a light breeze blew through.  Max blinked hard then placed her fingers on her eyes to rub them.  When her vision cleared, she was still standing in a forest, in the middle of the night without knowledge of where she was or how she got there.  The smell of damp soil like when it rained permeated the air.  Max could feel the slick mud at her feet.

            “Not this shit again!”  She yelled out.  “I got out of the Time Lord business years ago.”

            Max took stock of her immediate surroundings.  Dead branches and fallen leaves cluttered the forest floor.  There was no snow on the ground and the temperature seemed too warm for Vermont in December.  Spring, maybe?  She was dressed in a short sleeve T-shirt with a logo for the band, The High Seas, emblazoned on it.  Her long pants were tucked neatly into her hiking boots.  Max noted that she had nothing in her pockets and her ever-present messenger bag was nowhere to be found.

            Rather than let her anxiety get the better of her, Max closed her eyes and began the breathing exercises that Dr. Biederman had walked through over the years.  The pounding she felt in her chest lessened and she permitted herself to listen.  The leaves rustled to a crescendo when the wind blew through.  The sound of rustling leaves was temporarily replaced by a cricket song as the wind died down.  Max strained her ears, and she heard it in between the natural cacophony of the forest.  Running water!  Max continued to listen for another minute before pointing off towards her right. 

            Max followed the sound of running water, knowing that it could act as a landmark for her to get her bearings.  She stepped carefully, making sure that she minimized her own noise.  At least there’s no storm, she mused.  A few minutes of moving through the forest led her to an area clear of trees and a small stream in the middle.  Max picked up a leaf and dropped it into the stream.  She watched the leaf rapidly float away.  The stream must flow in that direction, she thought.  I’ll go that way to see if I find a way out or identify camps or cabins.

            Max walked for what seemed like an hour before she came upon a bridge that crossed the stream.  On the other side of the bridge, she could see an area that had fewer trees than seemed typical for the deep forest.  In the moonlight she saw, tucked away amongst the trees, a cabin that looked like something from the book, Little House on the Prairie.  The cabin had a long porch in front and a rustic looking door flanked by two windows with curtains drawn.  She started walking towards the cabin when a voice called out from behind, “Don’t go that way, Max.”

            She spun around to see the silhouette of a person standing in the shadow of a tree.  “How do you know my name?”

            “I welcomed you into our home and made you eggs and bakey, silly.”  The figure emerged from the shadows.

            “Oh, god!  Joyce, I…”

            Joyce was still dressed in the Two Whales Diner uniform that Max remembered her in.  It was also the clothing she was wearing when she died, her burnt but readable nametag being the item crucial that identified her.  Max noted that Joyce seemed downcast.  When Joyce noticed Max looking at her, she gave her a sad smile, “I’m not divine, Max.”

            Max felt her knees give way.  Tears welled up in her eyes as she collapsed.  “Joyce, I’m so sorry.  I… I wish I had done better for you.  And for William.”  The mention of Chloe’s  dad caused Max to choke up a little.  She remembered her attempt to save him in the past, only for the deed to fail miserably.

            Joyce reached down to give Max a comforting touch on her shoulder.  “Max, honey, it’s all right.  You have done better for us.  Chloe is happier than she ever was after William passed on.”

            “But, Warren, Kate, and the others.  They’re still dead because of me.”

            Joyce shook her head.  “I know we haven’t talked much since…  Well, you know.  But have you ever been white water rafting?”

            Max shook her head. 

            “Time is a torrent, Max.  You can be floating down the river when you see a rock.  Don’t try hard enough to steer and you smash into it.  But oversteer and you get stuck on the bank.  The way I see it, you’re stuck in a timeline that isn’t your own.  When you got out of the raft to push it back into the water, you pushed a little too hard and the raft floated away without you, but you're alive.”

            “And you’re not…”

            “Which is why you’re making up for it by sharing your passion with the world.  Every picture you share with your audience helps keep the memory of Arcadia Bay alive.  And, you have a person at your side who understands.  Who loves you.”

            Max heard the wind pick up behind her.  As it did, the cabin in front of her lit up with bright orange flames.  She watched as the flames devoured the cabin.  The scene caused Max to shudder.

            As the embers faded away Max heard Joyce say, “Beware the tanuki, Max.”

            “The what?”

December 5, 2023

6:47 AM

Max and Chloe’s House

Lakeport, Vermont

“Joyce!!!”  Max’s heart raced as she awoke, startled.  Her breathing was heavy and she could feel the sweat on her sheets.

            She looked around to see the early morning sunlight filtering through the bay windows of the house she rented from Caledon.  Her winter coat was haphazardly placed on the chair next to Chloe’s desk.  Her snow boots were plopped down next to the desk.  The wall above Chloe's desk was filled with pictures they had taken over the years.  The centerpiece was a picture that they had taken while visiting David in Arizona.  Chloe’s right hand was outstretched as she took the selfie.  Chloe’s left hand pulled Max into a tight hug while Max gave the camera her sexiest smile.

Next to the Arizona photo sat another photo with four figures.  Max stood on the right side of the photo dressed in a blue blouse and black slacks.  On the left stood Victoria Chase, her hair longer than during their shared time at Blackwell, but still far shorter than either Max or Chloe’s hair.  Victoria wore a dark blazer and a bright, blue tie.  In between the pair stood Ryan and Vanessa Caulfield, both grinning ear to ear while dressed in their fanciest clothing.  Chloe had taken this photo at the gala event that the Chase Space had thrown to showcase Max’s work.

            Max blinked as she snapped out of her stupor.  “Hey Siri, what time is it?”

            “The time is 6:47 AM.”

            “Oh, shit!”  Max’s tired voice moaned.  She would love to sleep in some more, but she was scheduled to be in class at 8 AM to lecture to her junior-senior level photography class.  Max tumbled out of bed and began searching the dresser for her cleanest clothes.   She quickly withdrew a multicolored top, a pair of faded jeans, and undergarments.  In her rush to search for her toiletry bag and hit the shower, Max failed to notice several missed calls.

December 5, 2023

8:45 AM

Fine Arts Building

Lakeport, Vermont

            “Photographic composition is important for telling your audience a story.  As an artist, you have a lot of freedom to choose how that story is told.  But the photographers have a few tried and true methods for composing their photographs.  Let me demonstrate one for you.”

            Max walked over to the desk sitting in front of the classroom and sat down.  She placed her left arm flat on the desk such that it was parallel with her chest.  Her right elbow was placed next to the tip of her fingers and the rest of her arm was raised up at a 60-degree angle.  She curled her fist and rested her chin on top.

            “This example is called the upright equilateral triangle.  Triangles are a common shape seen in nature.  Humans have used them in construction for thousands of years.  Think of the Pyramids of Giza and how their pointed, triangular shape has helped them stand for millennia.  Other than being common, why might an artist use this composition?”

            The students were quiet.  A few were on their phones, but others looked on blankly.  Max frowned slightly before a hand finally raised up.  “Diamond, what have you got for us?”

            A girl with dark hair and neat braids held in small, gold clasps smiled.  “The triangle is a stable shape.  So, the photographer might use it to keep their subject stable as they take the picture.”

            Max nodded.  “That’s a good observation, Diamond!  If triangles have kept the Pyramids up for thousands of years, then they can help keep your subject steady and in-place for a quick picture.  Does anyone else have another suggestion?”

            There was a brief pause before another student raised their hand.  “Reggie?”

            A tall, young man with short brown hair and a leather jacket cleared his throat. “How about the rule of three?  You know, the triangle has three sides, so rule of three.”

            “Rule of three?  Maybe you can clarify this for me?”  As Max replied to Reggie, she noticed the door in the back of her classroom open quietly.  To her surprise, she noticed Moses step in.  He wore a dour expression on his face, as if his world had been turned upside down.  Max’s heart skipped a beat.  What’s Moses doing here, she wondered.  Something happened!  She swallowed her worry and calmed herself.  She just needed to get through the last bit of class.

            “In literature, the rule of three is used to describe an event or highlight a pattern that happens in threes.  Maybe you have three subjects that you want to frame, each one is slightly different, but angled in a way that makes them seem like they form a triangle.”

            Max nodded in agreement.  “Nice observation, Reggie.  Now, I think our class time is just about up.  You all know that your final project is due next week.  Your goal is to find a subject, take a photograph, and submit a copy of the photograph with an essay describing your process for arranging the photograph.  I’ll see you in class on Thursday.  Enjoy your week!”

            With that, the rustle of bags and the sighs of relieved students filled the air.  Moses quickly made his way over to the front as Max quickly packed her messenger bag.  “Hey, Max.  Did you see my missed calls?”

            “Sorry, Moses.  Yesterday’s party left me drained.  What happened?”

            “Have you seen Safi?”  There was an edge of urgency in Moses’ voice.

            Max shook her head.  “No.  Not since she left our roof party yesterday.”

            “Yasmin called me late yesterday after you left.  She hasn’t been able to reach Safi and she’s sick with worry.  We both tried calling you, but you were probably already asleep.”

            Max paused, the deep swell of anxiety filling her chest.  “Let’s go see Yasmin, then.”

December 5, 2023

9:02 AM

Burch Hall, University Administration

Lakeport, Vermont

            Max and Moses made their way across the small, picturesque Caledon campus towards Burch Hall, the heart of university administration and the office of the university president.  As they emerged into the reception area, the pair were met with a young man with short hair and a shifty smile.  “Well, if it isn’t two of my favorite graduate students,” said Vinh Lang, current Caledon senior, and part time administrative assistant to the university president.  “What can the Office of the President do for you?”

            “Technically, Max is a Fellow.  I’m a graduate student,” Moses replied.  “We were hoping to see Yasmin.  It’s really urgent.”

            “Hmmm…”  Vinh typed on his computer for a moment, looking up a schedule.  “Well, unfortunately, President Fayyad is on the phone and her schedule is full.  I can probably squeeze you in sometime after January 1st.” 

            Max sighed loudly, “Vinh, Moses got a call from Yasmin and they tried to reach me.  It’s a personal matter…”

            “Oh, it’s personal?  Please, do tell,” Vinh’s eyes fluttered.

            Max ignored Vinh’s attempt to off put her, “I’m sure that if Yasmin wanted you to know, she might have mentioned it to you.”

            Vinh’s smile diminished slightly at the thought of being left out of something important.  “It’s my job as an administrative assistant to maintain the president’s schedule.  If you want to see her outside of the schedule of record, I recommend that you contact her directly.”

            Max smiled as she thought about what Chloe would do in this situation.  Punching Vinh would be at the top of the list, but that wasn’t Max’s style.  “You know, Chloe mentioned to me last week that the IT staff were busy cleaning out some… inappropriate pictures from several student computers in this building.  Now, I know that you’re a forthright person, Vinh, but I couldn’t help but overhear Diamond and Reggie mention a prank Abraxas was pulling.  Something involving a fluffer and a dil-”

            “Stop!”  Vinh said forcefully.  “I’m sure I can squeeze you in after President Fayyad’s call.  Will five minutes work?  Just… don’t mention Abraxas.”

            Max nodded, “Works for us.”

            Max and Moses stepped out of earshot while Vinh furiously typed on his computer and did his best to ignore the visitors.  “Did you blackmail Vinh?  Remind me never to cross you.”

            Max shrugged.  “Chloe mentioned the porn, but I didn’t tell Chloe that I overheard Diamond and Reggie when they were at the Snapping Turtle last week.  I was at the chalkboard voting for the soup of the week when I heard them talking about the prank from around the corner.”

            “So, you’re a snoop?”

            Max laughed.  “I prefer the term nosy.”

            Max and Moses waited for a few minutes before Yasmin emerged from her office.  She had her cell phone to her ear as she spoke to the person on the other end.  “Yes, I understand,” she said.  “Any information you need, I’ll provide.  Thank you and goodbye.”  Yasmin ended the call and gestured to Max and Moses to follow her into her office.  Vinh gave the pair a dirty look as they passed. 

            Yasmin closed the door behind them.  “Thank you for coming, Moses and Maxine.  Please, have a seat.” 

            Max and Moses sat down in front of Yasmin’s desk.  “We’re happy to help, President Fayyad,” Moses replied.

            Yasmin waved her hand dismissively.  “Moses, you are one of Safiya’s closest friends.  Call me Yasmin when we’re in private.  You as well, Maxine.  Safiya can hardly stop talking about you and your partner, Chloe.  It makes me glad to know that Safiya has such strong bonds with all of you.”

            Max noticed Yasmin break eye contact with them when she mentioned the word, ‘bonds’.  Does Safi talk about us just to avoid talking to Yasmin as a person?  “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to pick up last night,” Max said apologetically.  “Can you tell us what happened?”

            Yasmin dipped her head as if she was struggling to comprehend the situation.  She reached for a small silver cross on her neck, murmuring, “Ya Allah.”  Taking a deep breath, she turned to Max and Moses.  “Last night, I received a text from my bank alerting me to a suspicious charge on my card.  I looked in my purse and noticed that it was missing.  Since the charge was made at the Snapping Turtle, I called and spoke with the manager… Amanda?  I think.  She explained that Safiya had purchased a bottle of expensive wine.  I could not understand why she would purchase this without telling me.”

            “Yasmin tried Safi first, but then called me when she couldn’t get through,” Moses explained, “I told Yasmin about our little party on the roof, but that it was the last time we saw her.”

            “She said that she was heading home to work on her manuscript,” Max added. 

            “After I spoke with Moses, I shared this information with the police late last night.  They stopped by her apartment, but they could not find her car.  Nor was there any evidence that she had been there recently.  Do you have any idea where else she might have gone?”

            “I’m sorry, Yasmin,” Moses said, shaking his head.  “The only places she might have gone are her apartment, your home, the Snapping Turtle, the library or the Fine Arts Building.  Those are her usual haunts.”

            Yasmin pursed her lips as she pondered this.  “I understand, Moses.  Maxine.  I will pass this information on to the police.  In the meantime, please, if you see or hear from her, let me know.”

            Max and Moses both nodded to Yasmin before getting up.  “We will, Yasmin,” Max said.  “I’ll keep both of you in my thoughts.”

            After saying their goodbyes, Max and Moses walked out of the President’s office and out of sight of Vinh.  “What are you thinking, Moses?”  Max asked.

            “I don’t know.  I know Safi and her mom have a… difficult relationship.  She’s especially close to her father, Desmond.”

            “Safi’s parents divorced when she was in middle school, right?”

            “Yeah.  They met at Yale when they were graduate students.  Their marriage got rocky when Yasmin moved here; first as department chair of fine arts and then as president.  Desmond works in finance in Chicago and the commute was too much for them.  Besides, Yasmin has been laser focused on her career since coming to Caledon.”

            Max placed her hand on her chin and closed her eyes.  “The police already checked her apartment, but someone who knows Safi might see something they missed,” she thought out loud.

            “I can get behind that,” Moses said.

            Max was taken aback.  “You want to check out her apartment?  You understand that going down this road can be disappointing?”

            “You sound like this isn’t your first rodeo, Max Marple,” Moses joked.

            Max let out a short laugh, finding use of a portmanteau that mixed her name and the name of the Agatha Christie heroine to be amusing.  “It kind of isn’t.”

            “Should we take my car?”

A/N - 6/26/25:

Thank you for reading!

Playing with the Many-Maxes interpretation of Max's time travel powers, we will get to see how this version of Max ended up in her specific timeline.  I am drafting several flashback sequences that show how fate stole from Max her chance to choose between Arcadia Bay and Chloe.  I hope to have those up in a few weeks.

I also kept several elements of Yasmin's character from Double Exposure in the story.  She's an Arab Christian who attended Yale for her doctorate.  The game didn't go into detail on her specialty, but I imagine it's something like English literature.  She and Safi's father are divorced, largely due to her decision to pursue a career in higher administration of a university, which led her to work long hours away from her family.  This strains her relationship with Safi.    

Chapter Text

December 5, 2023

9:25 AM

Oak Mills Apartments

Lakeport, Vermont

            The manager of the Oak Mills Apartment complex turned the key to Apartment 105.  She had recognized Max and Moses almost instantly when they entered her office.  “I’m sorry to hear about Safi,” she said as the door swung open.  “The police have already been through here.  They said nothing seemed out of place, so I don’t see any harm letting you in.”

            Moses shot the manager a slight smile, “Thanks, Mrs. Iachino.  We’re both really grateful for letting us in.”

            “I’ll be praying for Safi.  Let me know when you’re done so that I can stop by to lock up.”  Mrs. Iachino nodded, before turning to leave.

            Max and Moses scanned the apartment.  It was neatly laid out with a couch for seating and a TV on a small table opposite.  Two small bookshelves flanked the TV.  Each bookshelf was topped by a photograph.  One, Max recognized as a photo the group had taken during a Thanksgiving party.  Safi sat at a table at the Snapping Turtle, a beer stein raised in celebration.  Moses was seated across from Safi, his arms were loosely crossed and a large smile on his face.  Max was standing behind the table while Chloe held her in a close embrace.  Max smiled warmly as she remembered the event. 

            The other photograph was of a younger Safi, her hair cropped shorter than it was in the present.  She looks so happy, Max thought, being with a parent she loves so dearly.  She wore a blue and black jersey with the letters RSK emblazoned on it.  In one hand, she was waving a small Welsh flag recognizable from its red dragon.  She had her other arm around an older man with short steel gray hair.  The man wore a matching jersey.  He held a beer bottle in his free left hand, while his right arm was draped lazily over Safi’s shoulder.  “Safi and Desmond look happy,” Max commented.  “I wish I had asked her more about him.”

            “I’ve met him a couple times when he’s in town to visit Safi.  He dotes on Safi something fierce.  Last time he was in town, he and Safi went camping in Green Mountain National Forest.  They invited me, but I had telescope time at the university observatory, so I couldn’t make it.”

            Max scanned the apartment one more time.  What will we find here?  When her eyes settled on the kitchen, she gestured in that direction.  “Okay, Moses.  You look in the kitchen and go through any books or papers that might be here.  I’ll look in the bedroom and closet.”

            “Right, Max.”

            Max stepped past the bathroom, through a short hallway and into the only bedroom in the apartment.  Like the rest of the apartment, the bedroom was neatly laid out.  The bed was made and ready to be slept in.  Photographs of Safi doing different activities were either hanging on the wall or sitting in picture frames on her nightstand or dresser.  One photograph showed Safi and Moses dressed in graduation gowns.  Both wore bright smiles as they held up their diplomas.  Max counted at least two photographs with Desmond.  One showed an elementary school aged Safi holding up a certificate.  The other showed a much older Safi with Desmond standing on the deck of a sailing yacht.  She also noted the absence of Yasmin in any of Safi’s photographs. 

            Max started with the nightstand.  She opened the drawer to find a single book, a well-read anthology of Carl Sandburg’s work.  Max picked up the book and flipped through it.  Aside from a few dog-eared pages, there was nothing of note.  After placing the book back, Max moved to Safi’s small desk.  It was a contemporary style desk with no drawers.  A few pens and a note pad with a few scribbled notes:

            Lev Krasovsky, Penguin Publishing Ed. --- Check with Gwen

            March 1, Trip to NYC!!!!  All expenses paid

            Follow up email coming with edits

            Moonlight beckons me,

            I quiver with dread.  No way

            out for my plain self.

            Shit, Max thought, the poem was unsettling.  This wasn’t the usual, happy Safi that she had known for months.  Safi’s laptop sat unopened on the desk.  Max opened it but saw that it was unpowered.  She closed it and looked down.  Underneath the desk sat a small wire mesh trash bin with a single crumpled paper and an envelope.  Max pulled out the envelope and paper.  The envelope had a single stamp featuring a picture of a lighthouse illuminated in dusk light.  The lettering on the envelope showed that it was addressed to Safi and the postmark showed that it had been sent locally.  There was no return address.

            Unfolding the crumpled paper, she saw, hidden amongst the creases, two deep, linear creases running the width of the paper.  This must have been in the envelope!  The letter, if you could call it that, was a full page.  Max read through the letter.  As she did so, her stomach tied itself into nervous knots.  She had never read such an odd poem and the voice sounded… off for what poems Safi typically shared.

A Million Miles Beneath My Feet

In that city, the beast rose and stared into me. It became me.

I had always been the beast.

But that was later. Now, I was trembling, freezing cold on a January morning.

I took a step toward the moving truck, glanced back at the people gathered on the curb, and instantly understood what it felt like to drown. My parents were looking at each other and Obaasan was looking at the ground. An outsider might see this as obstinance; disapproval at my departure. But I knew they'd been crying and they didn't want me to see.

These people own my soul, I thought. Separating from them was like trying to breathe water. All I could do was thrash.

"Eighteen is too young. Hana is only a girl," Obaasan said over dinner the night before, talking about me like I wasn't there.

"She's American," said my father, like that explained it. "We're all American now."

All of us except my brother Kaito. He had his job in Tokyo. Not even wild horses could drag him from Japan. Those same wild horses that took me from the only home I have ever known, across two hundred miles of highway, to a city with a beast at its center. Where, inside that labyrinth, the people who owned my soul would have it torn away from them.

            Max placed the envelope and the crumpled letter into her bag.  With nothing else noteworthy on Safi’s desk, she moved to Safi’s dresser.  Inside she found the usual assortment of clothes, assorted photographs with the top one being of Safi and a girl, with Japanese features, taken by the pond on the North Quad of the Caledon campus, and a pack of condoms.  Max let out a small laugh as she closed the drawer.  Safi had never mentioned a boyfriend, but she had talked about the occasional fling.  Max opened the closet and found nothing there either.  She did note space on Safi’s shoe rack that was just large enough for her boots.  Max also noted that Safi’s off-white coat, which she had worn the day before, was missing.

            She closed the closet door and joined Moses in the living room.  “Any luck?”

            Moses shook his head.  “Not much.  A few receipts for pizza.  The dishes are clean, except for a bowl and a spoon.  And there isn’t anything in the books on the shelves, either.  How about you?”

            “Does Safi currently have a boyfriend that you know of?”

            “A boyfriend?”  Moses pursed his lips in thought.  “She prefers casual relationships.  Safi never felt comfortable in a serious relationship on account of the whole divorce thing.”

            “So, nothing serious?”

            “No.  And, she hasn’t mentioned any relationships recently.  Why do you ask?”

            “Oh, nothing.  Just trying to develop a list of people we need to see.”  Max reached into her messenger bag to pull out the letter and the envelope.  “What do you make of this?”

            Moses picked up the letter and carefully read through it.  He shook his head as if there was something… off about the poem.  “This doesn’t sound like Safi, and I’ve read a lot of her poetry.  But it seems… familiar to me.  Did you try Googling it?” 

            Max shook her head. 

            Moses typed in several lines from the poem into a search engine.  He scrolled through several links before speaking up, “According to Google Books, A Million Miles Beneath My Feet is one of several poems in the book, Wilder Beasts Than These, by… Oh shit!  You’re not going to like this.”

            “Who’s book Moses?”

            “Lucas Colmenero, our very own professor of fiction writing.”

            Max groaned.  Safi privately called Colmenero a high-functioning hack, a dig at Lucas’ personal problems that routinely distracted him from delivering lectures to his classes.  “Does the preview have access to the poem?”

            “No,” Moses said, “But I’m sure we can swing by the campus bookstore and check it out.”

            “We should probably talk to Lucas, too.”  Max said.

            “It’s worth a shot, although I’m not sure why Safi would get a copy of one of his poems in the mail.  Do you have anything else?”

            “I have the name of Safi’s editor.  Do you think he’ll talk to us about Safi if we call him?”

            “No,” Moses said skeptically, “He’s not going to say anything to a couple of random people calling about a writer who isn’t even published yet.”

            “Safi mentioned Gwen in her note.  If Safi’s editor won’t talk to us, then Gwen will, I hope.”

            Moses glanced around the apartment.  “If nothing else is here, let’s head for campus.”

December 5, 2023

10:21 AM

Caledon Campus Bookstore

Lakeport, Vermont

            The campus bookstore was quiet at mid-morning.  A few students and visitors milled about the clothing section.  Max and Moses walked past the shoppers and headed for the book section.  They stopped in front of the section dedicated to books published by Caledon faculty, students and alumni.  “Let’s see…” Max intoned as she searched the shelf.

            Moses pointed to a table display sitting nearby.  “Wilder Beasts Than These,” he said a little sheepishly. 

            Max head drooped slightly from embarrassment, “I should have seen that.  Thank you, Easy Rawlins.”

            “Easy, who?”

            “Easy Rawlins, a detective from novels by Walter Mosley.  Safi, Chloe, and I had a movie marathon a while back.  The challenge was to only show a movie based on a book adaptation.  Safi chose the Devil in a Blue Dress with a young Denzel Washington.”

            “I can get behind that.  Was that the week of my Cosmology exam?”

            “Yeah.”

            “Hopefully, I can join next time.  What did you and Chloe pick?”

            “I chose Something Wicked This Way Comes and Chloe decided on Starship Troopers, even though the movie doesn’t really resemble the book.  She just thinks the combat scenes in that movie are ridiculous.”

            Moses laughed.  “Bradbury and Heinlein, two sci fi giants.  I should have guessed.”

            Max picked up the book and flipped through the text until she found the poem they were looking for.  She pulled out her phone and snapped pictures of the poem’s text for later comparison.  “Let’s check out the book.”

            She read through the poem in the book:

A Million Miles Beneath My Feet

The beast rose and stared into me. It became me.

I had always been the beast.

But that was later.

Now, I was trembling, freezing cold on a January morning. I took a step toward the moving truck and instantly understood what it felt like to drown. My parents were looking at each other and Abuelita was looking at the ground. An outsider might see this as obstinance, disapproval at my departure. But I knew they'd been crying and they didn't want me to see.

These people own my soul, I thought. Separating from them was like trying to breathe water. All I could do was thrash.

"Eighteen is too young. Carolina is only a girl," Abuelita said over dinner the night before, talking about me like I wasn't there.

"She's American," said my father, like that explained it. "We're all American now."

All of us except my older brother David. He had his job in Santiago. Not even wild horses could drag him from Chile. Those same wild horses that took me from the only home I have ever known, across two hundred miles of highway, to this city with a beast at its center.

            “Looks like the paragraph below the month, January, was moved up in the text to form a more complete paragraph,” Max observed.

            “Reading the version Safi got, it feels like it was unedited,” Moses added.

            The pair kept reading until Moses pointed to a name.  “Hana is mentioned in Safi’s version, but Lucas calls her Caroline.”

            “And Lucas calls the brother, David, in his version.  It’s Kaito in the other version.  What is this word, Obaasan?”

            “Grandmother in Japanese,” Moses replied.

            Max shot Moses a funny look.

            “What? I picked it up from watching anime.”

            Max gave the texts a thoughtful glance.  “So, the person who wrote Safi’s version was of Japanese descent or is familiar with Japanese culture.”

            “There aren’t too many of those around here.  The last one with any major writing interest was…  Oh, no fucking way!”

            “Shhh!!” A nearby bookstore patron shushed the pair.

            “Sorry,” Max apologized.  She waited a moment to make sure the person had moved on before asking Moses, “What, do you know who wrote this?”

“Not for sure.  But Maya Okada was the only local person of Japanese descent I know who had the writing talent to create something like this.”

            “Another person we can talk to.  Do you know where she is?”

            Moses waved his hands in front of him as if warding off a bad omen.  “You don’t understand.  Safi and I were close to Maya.  We used to hang out together and I read some of her poetry.  Maybe that’s why this seemed familiar.”

            “You guys never mentioned her.  Is that how you became the Circle of Chums?”

            “Yes.  And the reason we don’t talk about her is because she’s dead.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “Last fall, Maya and Safi went hiking near Lake Champlain.  I was out of town for a conference.  An early fall blizzard rolled in.  Safi and Maya got separated, but only Safi made it to a ranger station.  The state police and park service launched a weeklong search of the area but found no trace of her.  Safi said that the snow blinded her, and she couldn’t see where Maya went.  The search and rescue said there’s no way anyone could have survived.  I tried talking to Safi about it, but she shut down real quick when I mentioned Maya.  I think she wishes that she had been there for her at the end.”

            Max paused for a long moment.  The pit of her stomach sank with sorrow.  Oh, Safi, she thought, why didn’t you tell me.  You could tell me anything and I wouldn’t blink an eye.  “Ok, so that explains why you guys don’t mention her.  But why would her poetry be edited into Lucas’ book and why would Safi receive a copy of Maya’s poetry?”

            Moses answered, “I just don’t know.”

December 5, 2023

11:07 AM

Hannah Hellerton Fine Arts Atrium

Lakeport, Vermont

            Max and Moses knocked on the door of Lucas Colmenero, Professor of Fiction Writing, as his door sign proclaimed.  Posted on the door was a sign touting his latest book tour schedule.  Moses peeked through the frosted window.  “It looks dark,” he commented.  “Let’s come back later?”

            “He’s out on personal business this morning.  I think he’ll be back late this afternoon,” a voice spoke behind the pair.

            Max turned around and instantly recognized Gwen Hunter.  Although she specialized in nonfiction, Safi found her kindred spirit.  The pair had a strong mentor/mentee relationship that dated back to when Safi took her composition class.  “Gwen!” Max yelped.  “We were looking for someone in the fine arts department to ask questions.”

            “Color me intrigued, Max.  You’re both always welcome in my office.”

            Max and Moses followed Gwen to her office across the hall from Lucas.  She removed a key from her pocket and opened her door.  “Can I get you anything?  Water or tea?”  She asked as she beckoned Max and Moses inside. 

            “Not me,” Moses said.  Max wordlessly shook her head.

            The pair sat down in chairs across from Gwen’s desk, while Gwen sat down in her chair.  She briefly checked her email messages, before turning to Max and Moses.  “So, how can I help you?”

            “Well,” Max started, “we have a hypothetical question.  Say I wanted to contact an editor about an author’s book.  How would I go about that?”

            “Usually, you can just contact the author.  If they don’t have an email or physical address, then usually they are represented by an agent who can pass on questions for you.  Sometimes, you can contact the publishing house, but editors field so many emails and calls, that it will take time to respond.”

            “Uh, okay.  But, say the author isn’t published yet… and we need information about the author, fast…”

            Gwen frowned and crossed her arms.  “You’re talking about Safi, aren’t you?”

            “What do you me-…”  Max started but was interrupted by Gwen.

            “News travels fast.  I know that Safi’s missing and the police are investigating.”  Gwen paused to take a sip of water from a water bottle sitting on her desk before continuing, “Max, you’ve had training to be an instructor.  You know that privacy laws forbid me from sharing personal information about a student.  Besides, the editor in your ‘hypothetical’ situation probably works with a dozen clients or more.  They would not have had enough time to build up a professional relationship with a new author to know if something was out of sorts with them.”

            “Right.  So, hypothetically speaking, if we ask you a question and you can answer it, would you?”  Moses asked.  “To help Safi.”

            “Guys, I’ve known Safi for her entire time here at Caledon.  And I’ve known you since you were a freshman in my class, Moses.  You know that I would do anything to help.” 

            “Then you’ll answer what questions you can?”  Max shot Gwen a desperate look, visually begging for any aid in their investigation.

            Gwen relaxed her stance and gave the pair a bemused look, “Okay, Addison and Hayes, I’ll help you if the questions don't strictly break any privacy laws.”

            Max and Moses looked at each other and then shot Gwen a confused look.  “Addison and who?”  They asked simultaneously.

            Gwen laughed.  “Klaudia and I have been binge watching old shows from the eighties.  Shows our parents watched, but we were too young to watch ourselves.  A few weeks ago, we started watching Moonlighting on Hulu.  The main characters are David Addison and Maddie Hayes.”

            Max leaned back in her chair slightly, amused by the anecdote.  “I guess I know what we can get Safi to watch, when we find her.”

            Gwen gestured for them to start asking questions.  Moses cleared his throat to continue the interview.  “When was the last time you met with Safi?”

            “Last week.  After Safi finished the composition class she’s teaching as part of her fellowship.”

            “What did you talk about?”

            “Sorry, Moses.  I can’t talk about that.”

            “That’s okay, Gwen,” Max said.  “Safi said you helped introduce her to a literary agent at a department party.  Have you spoken about her book, recently”

            “Yes, we have spoken about her book recently.  I’ll give you that one since you already know about Safi’s book.”

            Moses nodded, “Has she ever expressed frustration about writing the book?”

            Gwen paused for a moment as she thought about her response.  Cautiously, she asked, “Max, are you ever frustrated when you look for someone to display your photos?”

            “Yes, there’s all sorts of paperwork and negotiating display dates,” Max replied.

            “Well, writers have similar frustrations.”

            “When I’m feeling frustrated and I need to focus on thinking about my photography work, I find a quiet place in the library to cozy up with my laptop and a pair of big earphones.  Does Safi have a place she goes to?”

            “The Snapping Turtle,” Gwen answered with certainty, “She loved the sound of crackling at the fireplace on a cold Vermont evening.”

            Max and Moses looked at each other before turning to Gwen.  “Thank you for your help, Gwen,” Max said.  She started to get up from her chair before Moses gestured for her to wait.

            “Sorry, Gwen, but I have one more question.”

            “Of course, Moses.”

            “Hypothetically, what would happen if we knew about a possible case of plagiarism?”

            Gwen’s eyes averted away from Max and Moses for a moment, as if she realized something.  What is this, Max thought, what is Gwen thinking?  Finally, Gwen refocused her attention on the pair saying, “Well, it depends on the situation.  If the work was published, you should speak with a lawyer who can issue a cease-and-desist letter to the publisher.  It’s a little more complicated if the author is associated with a university.  The University administration will have to launch an internal investigation.  Whatever the situation is, allegations like this, if proven true, will end someone’s career.”

A/N - 6/26/25:  This section was edited slightly to clean up some errors and modify some of the dialog slightly.  It doesn't affect the original version much.

Chapter Text

December 5, 2023

12:11 PM

The Snapping Turtle

Lakeport, Vermont

            The Snapping Turtle was the trendy pub and grill any college student would recognize; a common haunt for every student group imaginable.  It was typical to see a student group debate politics in one booth while students in another booth were hunched over a home printed D&D map.  Today, the pub was bustling at noon with a mixture of students wanting to get a bite to eat before afternoon classes and those students looking to avoid work altogether.  Max took a deep breath, smelling the cholesterol-ridden goodness of a cheddar bacon burger while she and Moses hung their coats on a nearby rack.

            Moses craned his neck, surveying the crowd.  Uncertain as to their prospects he turned to Max, asking, “Where should we start?”

            Max glanced around at the crowd, but she only recognized the woman behind the bar.  She was tall and dressed in a spotted brown cardigan.  Her hair was raised up into a pair of symmetric buns.  Amanda Thomas was the manager of the Snapping Turtle and Chloe’s part time boss.  “I’ll start with Amanda,” she said.  “Look around to see if you find anyone you know.  Ask them about Safi without giving too much away.”

            Moses nodded and wandered off into the crowd of lunch goers.  Max breathed in deeply, steadying her nerves.  You got this, she thought to herself.  Mentally ready, she strolled over to the bar.  She flashed a smile at Amanda, who was polishing a glass when she spotted Max approaching.  Amanda returned Max’s smile with a large one of her own.  “Well, hey there, Max!”  How’s the professor’s life these days?  Getting ready for the end of the semester projects?”

            Max plopped down onto a bar stool before responding.  “Teaching isn’t all bad.  My students already have their final project assignment combining photography and essay writing.”

            Amanda let out a knowing chuckle.  “I’m sure I’ll have a few of your students here suffering from writers’ block.  Can I get you anything?”

            Max shook her head.  “No thanks, Amanda.  I was hoping to ask you a few questions.”

            “Oh, is this part of your class project?  Just so you know, I don’t look good in profile.”

            “Ha!  Good one, but no.  I was wondering if I could ask you about Safi.”

            Amanda carefully placed the glass she had been polishing down.  “Okay.  I’ll tell you what I know, but you’re not the first one to ask.”

            “I know.  I was talking with Yasmin this morning and she said Safi bought a very expensive bottle of wine from you.”

            “Safi’s mom called me yesterday just before closing time.  She wasn’t happy when I told her about the bottle I sold her.”  Amanda picked up another glass and stared into it, as if drinking in her own reflection.  She placed the glass back down before asking, “Is… is Safi, okay?  Is this some kind of intervention you’re working on? “

            Max leaned in closer so that Amanda could hear her response without risking having anyone else hear them.  “No, an intervention would be easier.  We haven’t heard from her since last night.”

            Amanda recoiled slightly from the shock of Max’s revelation.  “Oh!  Oh, no...  I’m so sorry.  Please, ask away Max.  Hopefully, I’ll say something that can help you find her.”

            Max bowed her head slightly in gratitude.  “Thanks, Amanda.  What can you tell me about the last time Safi was here.”

            “Safi loves to come in to write her poetry.  She came in yesterday, right around this time.  She ordered a bowl of corn chowder and sat at one of the high tables near the fireplace.  She was there for about half an hour before she sauntered over to the bar as if she was very proud about something and ordered the bottle.  I charged it, she typed in the pin, and the payment went through.  She said she was celebrating some big news or something.”

            “Is that everything you remember?”

            “No.  There’s one more thing.  Like, ten or fifteen minutes after she bought the wine, I was dumping some garbage out back when I noticed that she was out on the deck, talking on the phone.  She was restless, pacing the deck in tight circles, gesticulating wildly with her free arm.  I only caught broken pieces of the conversation, but I could see her face was beet red.  As I was walking back, I heard her say, ‘I need to go, you hackneyed fucker!  If you have anything else to say, do it face to face.’  Her voice was loud, raw and sharp, almost like a frustrated bark.”

            Max sat back a little stunned.  “Wowser!  Safi loves her creative insults.”

            Amanda crossed her arms and frowned with concern, “I can’t imagine what set her off.”

            “Other than overhearing her on the phone, could you share any other details you may have seen?  Maybe she’s been in with someone else besides Moses, Chloe, and me?”

            Amanda shook her head.  “Not recently.”

            “And, do you know when Safi left?”

            “I would say… no later than 1:15 PM.  There’s a side door near the fireplace where she usually sits.  I don’t have a good view of it by the bar.”

            “Okay, that gave her time to swing by my place to pick me up.”

            Amanda raised her eyebrows at Max’s comment.

            It took Max a moment to understand, “No, I wasn’t sneaking off behind Chloe’s back!  We were heading for the abandoned bowling alley.”

            Amanda threw her hands up in the air, “All right, Max.  I was worried that I’d have to tell my favorite employee about her girlfriend’s cheating heart.”

            “Thanks for watching out for Chloe, Amanda.  She loves the Snapping Turtle.”

            Amanda placed her hands on her chest in a gesture of appreciation, “You’re welcome, Max!  And, let me know if I can help you again.  Oh, and the next round of drinks are on the house when the Chums come in next time.”

            “Will that come out of Chloe’s tips?”

            Amanda laughed, “No!”

December 5, 2023

12:13 PM

The Snapping Turtle

Lakeport, Vermont

            Moses looked about as he walked towards the fireplace, situated at the back of the Snapping Turtle.  It was a cozy area decorated for Christmas time.  A pair of well-worn sofas sat in front of the fireplace, with a coffee table separating them.  A large model of a gingerbread house sat on top.  As he glanced around, he noticed Diamond Washington from Max’s class sitting in a corner, her face buried in a book.  Moses hesitated for a moment.  Diamond’s hunched shoulders and intense look as she read said ‘Go away’ to anyone who approached.  Glancing around, he saw no one else he recognized.  Biting his lip and hoping for a positive response, he walked over and cleared his throat.

            Diamond yelped before she recovered, “Oh, uh, hi Moses! You surprised me.  Sorry, I was just reading.  How are you?”  Moses noticed Diamond’s eyes go wide before recovering. 

            I wonder what’s wrong, Moses thought.  He gestured to the chair next to her.  “I’m doing good, Diamond.  Are you alright?”

            Diamond nodded profusely, “Never better!”

            Moses relaxed a little and gestured to the seat across from her.  “Can I sit down?”

            “Of course!  You don’t have to ask .”

            There was an awkward silence as Moses watched Diamond close the book.  Curiosity got the better of Moses.  “What are you reading?”

            Diamond, still a little tense, replied, “Coyote America by Dan Flores.  It was on display at the university library, so I thought I’d do some reading to clear my mind before exams.”  With that, Diamond seemed to relax after overcoming the initial shock of seeing Moses.  A short moment later she added, “So, ummm, how’s physics going?”

            “It’s going great.  Grad classes are hard, and research can be… frustrating, but also rewarding when you finally solve a problem.”

            “I can imagine.  You were such a great TA.”

            Moses’ beamed internally at Diamond’s praise.  Then, he noticed something odd.  Reggie Kagan, one of Max’s other students, was Diamond’s best friend.  The pair were often inseparable, a relationship that reminded him of his own relationship with Safi.  He coughed slightly before observing, “I see Reggie’s not around.”

            Diamond looked around before responding, “Well, we might be besties, but even we need space sometimes.”

            “I can understand wanting some time off.  Have you ever seen Safi hanging around?”

            Diamond closed her book with an audible thud.  Looking up at Moses, she replied, “Safi?  No, I haven’t seen her around here lately.”

            Moses exhaled in frustration.  But, not wanting to let his frustration rub off on Diamond, he continued his idle chat, “Max must be keeping you busy with that photography project of hers.”

            Diamond laughed nervously, “It’s, uh, great!”

            Moses grinned, “I got a suggestion if you’re still looking for project ideas.  I know you like standing out from your peers, so why not try something science-based?

            “That’s a great idea!  Thank you, Moses.  You’ve always been good at science.”

            “Uh, thanks, Diamond.  I appreciate hearing that.”  Moses' phone dinged with a message.  From the tone, he knew it was from Max.  “I need to meet up with Max.  Good luck with your project, Diamond.”

            Diamond smiled and waved as Moses walked away.  She watched him as he walked over towards the bar to meet Max.  He spoke with Max, briefly, and they walked toward the entrance.  Diamond half-read the words on her current page while looking back towards where Max and Moses had departed.  “So, they’re looking for Safi,” she said as she closed her book.  Diamond nervously rapped her knuckles on the table as she descended into deep contemplation.

December 5, 2023

1:02 PM

Caledon Student Union

Lakeport, Vermont

            Max stabbed at her tuna salad bowl.  The snack bar in the Caledon student union always skimps on the croutons, Max thought.  Safi had a way to sweet talk the staff into giving her extra croutons.  She would adopt a femme fatale persona, flutter her eyes at whoever had the misfortune of being behind the counter.  Nary a cashier, male or female, had ever withstood this version of Safi.  Max sighed.  Safi, where are you?

            Max heard the rustle of a bag behind her.  Moses came around and sat down with a chicken salad sandwich and a bag of baked chips.  He opened the wrapper to take a bite from the sandwich.  He chewed for a moment and swallowed before saying, “So, we found a copy of a poem that Lucas wrote, except that it might be Maya’s.  Based on what Gwen said, it doesn’t sound like she had any issues with the publishers that aren’t typical of someone publishing their work.  And Amanda said that she overheard Safi curse loudly on the phone.”

            Moses chewed on his chicken sandwich some more, swallowing before continuing, “Oh, I saw Diamond.”

            “How is she?”

            “She seems a little… frazzled.”  Moses shrugged.  “From the interactions I’ve had with her in the past, she’s academically driven.  It’s no wonder that she unwinds at the Snapping Turtle.”

            Max looked at the wilted lettuce leaf on her fork, turning the leaf over, she thought of Amanda’s testimony.  “The phone cursing is interesting, but she could have been angry with her hairdresser for all we know.”

            Moses shook his head, “When Safi turns red with anger, you know you’re in deep shit with her.   Like this one time, we took this trip to Palace Playland in Maine and we were waiting in line to board the Riptide when this one guy bumps into Maya.  Knocks her down.  Safi and I help her up and then Safi walks over and begins to loudly rip the guy a new one.  Especially since he didn’t want to acknowledge that he was at fault.”

            “Sounds like Safi really cared for Maya.”

            “They were great friends, and they did a lot together.  But they were… also very competitive.”

            “Competitive?  In what way.”

            “Safi and Maya were both undergrad lit majors, so they took the same classes.  They worked to one up each other.  Safi would get an A on a lit assignment, so Maya went and wrote a short story that won an award from the faculty.  Or Maya had her nonfiction assignment published as an article in the student newspaper, so Safi got one of her poems published in Ploughshares.”

            “That sounds like they had a rough time of it.  How did they not go crazy?”

            “They had a rule.  They would never talk about their rivalry.  Ever.”  At the mention of rivalry, Max’s mind flooded back to Blackwell, seeing Victoria sitting on the stairs blocking her path into the dorms.  Victoria and her condescending eyes.  Max shivered at the memory of who Victoria had once been.  And the cruel lesson she had learned.

October 11, 2013

2:18 AM

The Dark Room

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

            Max’s eyes fluttered open.  Her confusion quickly turned to terror when she realized that she was strapped in a chair.  Around her was the cold, metal gray interior of the Dark Room.  It was a place she’d been to before.  Her eyes darted about, seeking a photograph like the one she had used to escape the Dark Room once before.  Her frantic search turned to desperation when she realized that her things weren’t where they were supposed to be.

            An awful voice brought Max out of her reluctant stupor.  “Oh, you're awake.”  Max shifted her gaze to follow the voice.  She finally saw Jefferson standing in front of a metal pan.  The items from her messenger bag formed a small pile inside.  “I’ve been looking through your things, Max.  Your polaroid photos are… exquisite.”  He reached down and pulled up the photograph of a blue butterfly.  “Even with an outdated camera, you have a gift.” 

            Jefferson’s eerily calm demeanor suddenly changed as he violently tossed the photograph onto the pile.  His eyes narrowed into smaller slits of malevolence.  Jefferson reached into his pocket and pulled out a matchbook.  With a swift motion, he struck a match and tossed it into the pan.  “NO!” Max screamed as she watched her only chance of escape burn away.  “Shhh.  Max, you’re good, but I’m better.  I have so much to teach you.”

            “Fuck you, and your sick hobby!”  Max yelled.  “I… I know what you did to Kate and Rachel in here.”

            Jefferson grinned at her revelation.  “Kate was such a beautiful subject.  Capturing her innocence in my photos was such a… delight.  And Rachel, she was an… unexpected subject.  Not as innocent as I would have liked, but still interesting.  If it wasn’t for Nathan trying his hand at imitation, she might still be alive.”

            Max heard a groan down and to her left.  She looked down and, to her horror, saw Victoria tied up and unceremoniously dumped on the floor.  “Oh my god!  Victoria!  Can you hear me?  I’m so sorry, Victoria…”  Tears welled up in Max’s eyes, blinding her to the awful sight in front of her.

            “Victoria here can never hold a candle to you, Kate, or even Rachel.  She lacks their innocence.”  Jefferson slammed the side of his desk with his foot.  “You warned her about me.  It puts me in jeopardy!”  Jefferson screamed this part out so loudly that Max’s ears hurt for a brief period.

            Max glared daggers at Jefferson.  “Then why bring Victoria here?  I’m the one you want!”

            Jefferson laughed with a sinister air.  “Because you told her too much.  If I snatched you, the police would dig around and she might squeal.  So, I drugged her.”  Jefferson snorted in Victoria’s general direction, “Though, I may have been a tad heavy-handed.”

            The realization hit Max hard.  She had warned Victoria, who warned Jefferson.  “So… who turned out the lights at the party?”

            “That blackout was some nice improvisation,” Jefferson beamed, seeking Max’s approval.  “I turned out the lights and Nathan drugged you, snatched you up and took you in his truck.  I met up with him down by the lighthouse where he… had a bit of an accident.  I couldn’t have him learn that Victoria was in my trunk.”

            Max slumped into her chair.  She closed her eyes and fired off a prayer to Chloe, her goddess of perseverance.  She prayed for the strength to face Jefferson, again.

            “Let’s get to work, Max.  Shall we?”

December 5, 2023

1:03 PM

Caledon Student Union

Lakeport, Vermont

“Is something wrong, Max?”  Moses asked.  He put his half-eaten sandwich down and looked at Max with concern in his eyes.

            Max froze as she thought about what to say.  “It’s…  Your story about Safi and Maya reminded me of my… high school rival.”

            “How did things turn out for you two?”

            Max laughed, clearing her mind of the bad memory.  “Would you believe that we’re friends?  She hosted some of my first photographs at the art gallery she helps run with her family.  And she pushed me to take this job.  She said it would be the first step on the road to national recognition.”

            Moses smiled, “She sounds like the sort of friend I would like to meet.”

A/N - 6/26/25: I made some more slight edits to the story.  Nothing earth shattering.  

Once again, we get a flashback.  This time we see Mark Jefferson actively holding Max against her will in his Dark Room back in 2013.  Suffice to say, we haven't see the last of flashback-Max and Mr. Jefferson.

Chapter Text

December 5, 2023

1:15 PM

Vermont Route 4, westbound

2 miles outside of Lakeport, Vermont

            A black car with a Vermont state patrol decal pulled off to the side of State Route 4, joining a patrol car that was already on the scene.  The driver turned off the engine and emerged from his car.  He was a tall, thin man with a dark colored wool trench coat.  Cautiously, the man tread carefully through the deep snow towards a patrolman casually leaning against his patrol car.  “Officer Terry?”  The tall man asked.

            The patrolman straightened and responded, “Hello, Detective Alderman.  Sorry to pull you away from the office, but dispatch thought this might be related to a missing persons case you were assigned.”

            “The college student from Caledon?”

            “Yeah, that’s the one.” 

            Alderman nodded to the patrolman, indicating that he should proceed.  Terry turned away from the road and walked a short distance towards a car resting against a tree.  Ten feet from where they stood was a white Ford Fusion sedan.  At first glance, the front fender was bent from a collision with the tree.  There was a crack on the windshield, the doors were closed, and the windows rolled up.  The trunk door was ajar, as if someone had popped it open to grab something before leaving but forgot to close it fully.  From their vantage point, they could clearly see no one was inside the cabin.  Terry gestured to the car.  “With all the snow, it was a wonder that this was spotted so quickly.  A sharp-eyed delivery driver called it in this morning.  He was running behind on deliveries, so he only stopped long enough to see if someone needed a ride.  The station sent me to have a look.  I ran the license plate, and it belongs to Safiya Llewellyn-Fayyad.  The same Safiya who was reported missing this morning.”

            Alderman nodded, but did not move closer to the car.  “How close did you get?  With all the snow on the ground, it’ll be all too easy for us to trample any tracks.”

            “No closer than we are now.” 

            Alderman nodded before pulling out his radio.  “Dispatch, I have confirmation that the abandoned vehicle off Route 4 belongs to our missing person.  Based on the condition, it appears that the vehicle was headed west out of town when it went off the road.  I need a forensics team at the scene to take pictures and dust the car for prints.  I’ll need a K9 unit to follow her tracks.  And I need a unit to stop by nearby houses in the neighborhood to ask if they’ve seen a young woman fitting the missing person’s description.  Please ask the mother to provide a recent photograph.”

            “Understood, detective,” the radio crackled with a response.  “Forensics and K9 units are on their way.”

            “Thanks, dispatch.”  Alderman acknowledged.  He put the radio away before walking toward the car.  With his gloved hand, he carefully lifted the open trunk door.  The trunk was empty.  He turned to Terry and said, “Officer Terry, I’ll remain here to secure the scene.”  Alderman pointed to the tire tracks in the snow.  “Can you walk back up the road to get an estimate of where the car may have gone off?”

            As Terry acknowledged his instructions, Alderman wished that he had picked up some coffee.  He briefly glanced around, although he was grateful for the snow preserving footprints, the scene in front of him was a jumbled mess of several human footprints and a smaller set of what looked like dog paw prints.  This is going to be a weird one, Alderman thought.

December 5, 2023

1:45 PM

Hannah Hellerton Fine Arts Atrium

Lakeport, Vermont

Gwen

Max, I just passed Lucas in the atrium.  If you head over there now, you might catch him.

Max

Thanks, Gwen!

            Max and Moses walked into the Hellerton Atrium, a large space made for artists to display their work.  They easily spotted Lucas Colmenero, with his dark complexion and a neatly trimmed beard, seated at a table.  He seemed to be feverously writing on a collection of documents that sat in a neat stack in front of him.  “Is he grading?”  Moses asked. 

            Max shook her head.  “I don’t think so.  According to Safi, Lucas hates grading.  He usually pawns the grading off to a teaching assistant.” 

            “Any suggestions on how we play this?”

            “I want to ask him why one of his poems is almost an exact copy of one possibly written by Maya Okada.  But, if we confront him directly, he might clam up.”

            Moses pointed to the open briefcase in front of Lucas.  “We could try catching a glimpse of what’s inside, but we need to distract him with something so shocking that he’ll walk away without locking it.”

            Max scanned the room, looking for anything that could serve as a major distraction.  Out of the corner of her eye, she spied a cardboard cutout poster of Lucas holding up his new book.  Max’s inner Chloe awoke with a sly grin on her face.  “Lucas is careful about cultivating his image.  If we sabotage his poster, he might come running without a second thought.  We just need the right implement.”  Max opened her messenger bag and fished until her hand touched a smooth, plastic cylinder.  She pulled her hand out to reveal a permanent marker. 

            Moses’ eyes brightened as he understood what Max was getting at.  “Nice one, Max.  You sabotage the poster while I keep watch.”

            Max innocently strolled over to the poster with Moses in tow.  She stood in front of the poster, pretending to admire it while Moses turned his back on her.  He looked about, waiting for students to pass by.  Just before Max’s itch to deface public property reached a fever pitch, she heard Moses whisper, “Now!”  Max quickly got to work, adorning Lucas’ head with horns.  She colored in the whites of his eyes to give Lucas an unsettling look.  Finally, she did her best to color in a pentagram on the book cover, making the cow skull that adorned the cover look like a depiction of Baphomet.  She was not Chloe’s equal in graffiti delinquency, but she was proud of the result.

            Max motioned for Moses to walk away, and both beat a hasty retreat.  “Okay,” she said, when she was far enough.  “Now, go casually grab a coffee and sit at the table behind Lucas. I’ll wait a minute after you sit down to walk over to Lucas and deliver the bad news.  I’ll guide him over and keep him busy.  You scan what he has in the briefcase.  Take a picture if you think it might be helpful.”

            Moses nodded.  “Good luck!”

            Max grinned.  “You too!”

December 5, 2023

1:49 PM

Hannah Hellerton Fine Arts Atrium

Lakeport, Vermont

            Moses casually sat down with a mocha from the atrium’s coffee bar.  Lucas had his back to him, still flipping through the documents in front of him.  Lucas’ attention was so focused on his papers that he failed to notice Max, standing offside.  Moses took a long sip of his mocha, which Max took as her queue to engage Lucas. 

            Max daintily walked up to Lucas and cleared her throat.  Lucas jumped slightly at this before focusing on Max.  He grinned at her.  “Max!  What a surprise!  How can I help you?”

            Max gave Lucas her most innocent smile, “Lucas… I was walking by your poster over there,” she gestured towards the poster she defaced, “And I noticed that someone drew something on it.”

            “Oh.  Well, uh…”  Lucas slowly got up.  His hands reached down to put his papers in his briefcase and close it.

            A little bit of panic flashed in Max’s eyes before adding, “And some undergrads were pointing and laughing.”

            In a rush to respond, Lucas simply dropped his papers into his briefcase and began walking towards the poster.  “Let me help,” Max said.  Before following Lucas, she turned around and mouthed the word, “Now,” to Moses.  Moses left his mocha on his table and quickly switched to Lucas’ former seat, which was uncomfortably warm.  He started with the stack of papers that Lucas had shoved into this briefcase.  The top paper was a letter, printed on high quality paper. 

December 1, 2023

Professor Lucas Colmenero

1 University Drive

202 Fine Arts Building

Lakeport, VT 05755

Dear Professor Colmenero,

            This letter serves to update you on your upcoming divorce case.  As a partner with Welles and Ambrose, I will be representing you in the matter of your divorce from Catherine Colmenero.  Attached is a report from her private investigator which your wife alleges is evidence of your abusive behavior towards her and your son, Roberto Colmenero, Jr.  I understand how difficult it is to read, but it is important that you read through the document.  Compare the dates mentioned in the document with your professional calendar.  Notify me of any discrepancies as this will aid your case greatly.

Regards,

Delilah Welles, Esq.

            Moses flipped the letter over and read a random paragraph on the page: On November 3, 2023 at 4:30 PM, Professor Colmenero was observed by his neighbor, Mrs. Lydia Hulse, attempting to enter the home he shared with his separated wife, Catherine.  Mrs. Hulse had a brief conversation with Professor Colmenero in which she reminded him of her obligation to notify police of this violation of his court mandated restraining order.  To which Professor Colmenero replied that ‘C—ts like you should know when to shut up.’  Professor Colmenero proceeded to knock, loudly, on the front door, demanding that Catherine come out with his son…

            Damn, Moses thought, sounds like a really messy divorce.  He spotted a note, written in the margin of the report next to the paragraph, which read: This is ludicrous!  I can show that I was in a faculty meeting, where we discussed Professor Hunter’s tenure case.  Present were two of my colleagues, Professors White and Lentz, along with our department administrative assistant, Mr. Frank Liu.  Professor Hunter was also aware of the meeting since she was notified of the positive outcome of the meeting.

            Oh, that’s neat that Gwen’s getting promoted, Moses thought.  He looked up to see an agitated Lucas turn heel and walk back in the direction of the tables.  Panicking, Moses scanned the contents of the briefcase.  The most prominent items were a firearm permit, a Harper’s Weekly magazine, and a photo of Lucas seated next to a gray-haired woman in a cozy cafe, bright smiles on their faces.  Just as Moses prepared to jump back to his table, his eye fell on an innocuous paper, folded twice as if to fit in an envelope and placed neatly into an out of the way pocket.  Why keep this out of the way, Moses wondered.  Then, he noticed writing on the edge of the paper with the letters ‘SLF LOR’.  SLF, thought Moses.  As in, Safi Llewellyn-Fayyad? 

            Moses hastily pulled the paper from its pocket in the brief case and slipped it into his own pocket.  He then hopped over to his seat and casually took a sip from his Mocha.  He winced as the drink had lost most of its warmth by this stage.  He heard Lucas ranting as he approached his seat.  “This is unacceptable, Max!  The undergrads weren’t like this when I started here.  Now, it’s all about tawdry videos on Tik-Tok.” 

            “My girlfriend, Chloe, works with IT and she has access to the security cameras.  I’ll ask her to look into this when she comes back to work tomorrow.”

            Lucas sat down and scanned his briefcase.  If he noticed the missing paper, he didn’t show it.  “I would appreciate it, Max.  Now, I need to finish my work.  Please let me know if you hear anything from your girlfriend.”

            “Will do, Lucas.” 

            Lucas pulled the investigator’s report from his briefcase and started flipping through it again.  He paused, flipping the papers back and forth several times as if to reassure himself that everything was in order.  While Lucas’ attention was back on the report, Moses silently gestured for Max to follow him. She nodded and the pair left the atrium.  As she walked out, Max pulled out her phone to read her texts.

December 5, 2023

2:05 PM

Physics and Astronomy Building

Lakeport, Vermont

Chloe

Hey, Maxaroon, I just got held up by my last gig.

I’ll drive down ASAP.  Any updates?

Max

We don’t have anything concrete, but I’ll fill you in when you get home.

Moses says hi!

Chloe

How’s it going, Moses!  See you guys soon.  Love ya!

            Max plopped down in a cozy chair that looked decidedly out of place in the messy office space that Moses shared with other physics graduate students.  “I wish the Caledon Fine Arts Department had a chair this nice.  The office chairs that the department gives its fellows look nice, but your butt starts hurting after like… fifteen minutes.”

            Moses cleared his throat.  “So, I briefly read the document that Lucas was going through.  The cover page was a letter from his divorce attorney.  He and his wife are going through a very messy divorce.  She hired a private eye to look into his abusive behavior.  From what little I could see, it’s bad.  He has a restraining order against him and he actively insults his neighbors.”

            “Wowser, I know Lucas has a… tough reputation with the faculty, but this sounds like he takes it over the top with his family.”

            “What’s strange is that Lucas is refuting his behavior.  In one incident with a neighbor, he claims that he wasn’t present because he was in a meeting.  He even names several professors, including Gwen, who were either present or knew of the meeting.”

            “Did you snap a photo?”

            Moses shook his head, “No, I didn’t have the time.  But, I grabbed this,” he reached into his pocket and produced the paper he had seen in Lucas’ briefcase.”

            Max studied it.  “What is it and why does Lucas need it?”

            Moses shrugged.  “I haven’t opened it yet.  Care to do the honors?”

            Max’s face brightened as Moses’ suggestion.  “You bet!”  She carefully unfolded the paper to reveal a letter: 

September 15, 2022

President Yasmin Fayyad, Ph.D.

Caledon University

1 University Drive

1051 Burch Hall

Lakeport, VT 05755

Dear President Fayyad,

            I am writing to extend my highest recommendation to Ms. Safiya Llewellyn-Fayyad in support of her application to the prestigious Caledon Fellows program.  Safi was my student in Nonfiction Genres, where she excelled in writing many forms of nonfiction writing.  Much like her hero, Carl Sandburg, she excels at free verse writing.  I understand the committee’s reluctance to select a fellow with such a close association with the university.  However, Safi is an accomplished poet with published manuscripts in multiple venues, most notably Plowshares.  The receipt of this fellowship to such a distinguished young poet would support donor and alumna Hannah Hellerton’s vision of mentoring our next generation of innovative artists.

            “A letter of recommendation?”  Moses asked, a bit confused and deflated.  “And here I was hoping that it was a confession.”

            Max scanned the rest of the letter, which sang Safi high praise, before excitedly pointing at the signature at the bottom.

            “Gwen?”  Moses asked.  “Why is Lucas carrying around a recommendation letter for Safi written by Gwen?”

            “Maybe it's left over from the Fellows' applications and he forgot to throw it away.”  Max postulated.

            “Hmmm,” Moses intoned skeptically, “That was finished months ago.  And most of that material is kept electronically.”

            Max closed her eyes and thought for a moment.  Her mind hazily wandered to her interactions with Safi the day before.  What was it that Safi said?  The phrase Safi used came to her only after a moment, “I heard about them through a source on the committee.” Max opened her eyes and looked over to Moses.

            “What did you say?”

            “It’s something Safi told me.  She mentioned that she had a chance to look up the photos I submitted for the fellowship application after she heard about them from someone on the committee.”

            “Does this mean Lucas was Safi’s inside man?  That’s… not right.”  Moses stood from his chair and looked up at the brick wall that sat across from them.  “I’ve known Safi for so long, and I know she can rub people the wrong way, but using insider knowledge to get selected as a fellow when other deserving people are shut out is bad.  It will ruin her.”  Moses nursed his dismay by placing a palm on his hand on his forehead as he continued, “Max, have you ever woken up one morning, thought you knew somebody, and then… poof, they aren’t what they seem.”

            “I… have, Moses.”  Max quickly shut out thoughts of Jefferson and his perverted Dark Room.  “But we don’t know the circumstances here.  We need to keep digging.  For now, Safi is missing, and, when we find her, we’ll hug her and then, after she’s had time to recover, we can ask her about all this.”

            Max and Moses’ phones buzzed almost simultaneously.  Max was faster, quickly navigating to the messenger app.  She glanced down at her phone before placing her hand on her mouth in shock.

            “What is it?”

            “Yasmin says the police found Safi’s car.  She’s asking us to stop by the station to answer some questions for them.”

A/N - 6/26/25: A bit of nomenclature for those who have never been in a university environment.  Faculty are usually accorded the title Professor or Doctor in an academic setting.  The title used can depend on university type (public or private) and terminal degree of the faculty member.  Being a private liberal arts college, I assume that faculty at Caledon use the title Professor for their faculty.  University presidents are also referred to as President in an academic setting.  

SLF LOR - Safi Llewellyn-Fayyad Letter of Recommendation.  Lucas would have hastily scrawled the acronym to remind him what this was.  As to why he kept this, please stay tuned!

Chapter Text

December 5, 2023

4:35 PM

Vermont State Police Barracks

Lakeport, Vermont

             Max blankly stared at a cup of black coffee that was placed down in front of her on the steel table.  She slowly followed the hand that had placed the cup up to the shoulder, and then the face.  “Cream and sugar, Ms. Caulfield?”

             “Uh… yeah, that would be great, Detective…”

             “Detective Alderman.”  The detective reached over to a counter next to him to pick up cream and sugar packets, which he placed down in front of Max.  He then walked over to the chair across from her and sat down.  Out of his pocket, he placed a recording device.  “As one of the last people to see Ms. Fayyad prior to her disappearance, I have a few questions.”  Alderman took a sip of water from a bottle before continuing, “What time did she depart campus?”

             “She left the Physics and Astronomy building around… 10:30 to 10:45 last night.”

             “Was there anything unusual about her?  Did she say where she was going?”

             “She said she was going home to work on her poetry book.  She said her editor was recommending some edits.”

             “She lives at Oak Mills, right?  How long do you think it takes to get there?”

             Max thought, estimating the driving time based on her own drive over earlier in the day.  “Five or six minutes heading east on Route 4.  But, if you factor in parking and traffic, probably closer to fifteen minutes.”

             “That’s interesting,” Alderman said.  He proceeded to pull out a local map of the area and place it down in front of Max.  He pointed to an area east of Lakeport.  “This is where Ms. Fayyad’s apartment is.”  He then pointed toward the center of Lakeport.  “The campus is here.”  Finally, Alderman pointed to another section of the map just west of town.  “This is where her car was found.”

             Max leaned forward in her seat.  Safi hadn’t gone home.  Why?  I don’t understand.  Didn’t she want to work on her poetry book?  There’s nothing for her in that direction.

             Alderman withdrew his hand and looked over at Max.  “Do you know why she would head out of town in the opposite direction from her home.”

             Max shook her head.  “I don’t have an explanation.”

             “Does Ms. Fayyad know anyone who lives in that direction, a friend or significant other?”

             “Not that I’m aware of.  And, she doesn’t have a steady boyfriend that I know of, either.”

             Alderman nodded stoutly before asking, “Can you think of any place Ms. Fayyad would go?  A place where she might find refuge or safety?”

             “I’m as confused as you are, Detective Alderman.  There are only a few places she might have gone.  Her apartment, Yasmin’s house, the Snapping Turtle, or the Caledon Library.  Her dad lives in Chicago, but I like to think she’d let us know if she was taking a trip there.” 

             “That’s all right, Ms. Caulfield.  This is very helpful.  Can you tell me what you did after you left?”

             “I went home and slept.  I had to teach class this morning.”

             Alderman pulled a small notebook out from his pocket and flipped through it briefly.  “This seems to line up with Mr. Murphy’s testimony.”  He scratched his head before asking, “One more thing, Ms. Caulfield.  Does Ms. Fayyad own a dog?”

             Max squinted at Alderman with a bit of confusion.  What was he going on about, she wondered.  Safi likes dogs as much as anyone else, but she can’t have one.  “A dog?  No.  Her apartment has strict rules against large pets.”

             Alderman nodded before standing up, “Thank you for helping me fill in some gaps.  We’ll keep looking for Ms. Fayyad.  If you can think of anything that might help us, please call this number.”  He pulled a card from his notebook and handed it to Max.

December 5, 2023

4:51 PM

Vermont State Police Barracks

Lakeport, Vermont

             Alderman watched as Max and Moses walked out.  Officer Terry approached him with a hot cup of coffee.  Alderman gladly took the cup into his hands.  “This doesn’t make any sense,” he declared after taking a sip.

             Officer Terry picked up a copy of the forensics report from a nearby desk and looked at the first page.  “The report says there were at least three people at the scene.  Two sets of smaller feet, one certainly belongs to the missing and the other to a female with a build consistent with our departing Ms. Caulfield.  The larger set is of a taller person, appears to be consistent with Mr. Murphy.”

             Alderman gestured with his cup in the direction of Max and Moses.  “That fits their description, which suggests that they could be involved.  But, where’s the motive?  They have clean records and, casual drinking aside, they don’t seem like criminal masterminds.”

             Officer Terry flipped through the next page.  He squinted, re-reading the report to make sure he understood what the report said.  Finally, after a pause, he said, “Then there’s a report from the K9 unit that additional tracks from a dog or other canid were identified.”

             “Caulfield was adamant that Ms. Fayyad didn’t own a dog,” Alderman pointed out.

             Officer Terry nodded.  “This all seems so… strange.”

             Alderman sighed in agreement, then raised his hands in a confused gesture.  “So, what’s the story there?  These three ride west on Route 4, heading to a bar, or something, when an argument breaks out.  Ms. Fayyad crashes the car, hops out, grabs her backpack from the trunk, and bolts into the woods with these two giving chase.  She runs into a dog, that she sics on them?”

             “In that scenario, they still need a ride back into town.  Besides, according to Dr. Fayyad, they were very concerned for her daughter’s disappearance.”

             Alderman sipped from his cup as he contemplated the events before him.  Terry is right, Alderman thought.  No sense in getting laser-focused on these two just yet.  I need more evidence.  He drummed the fingers of his right hand on his left arm.  His face wore an expression of deep contemplation.

December 5, 2023

5:37 PM

Max and Chloe’s House

Lakeport, Vermont

             Darkness had overtaken the area as Moses pulled up to the house that Max and Chloe shared.  He put his car into park and the pair sat in silence while the motor was running.  It’s been a rough day, I know I’m beat and I’m sure Moses is too.  What do I say to him to make him feel better?  I just learned that he lost one friend last year and his only other friend is missing.  Max cleared her throat, “Moses, thanks for everything.  I’ll, uh, see you tomorrow.”

             As Max reached for the door handle, Moses raised his hand to stop her.  “Max, I know this day has been… hard.  I don’t know if I want to be alone.  Do you mind if I stay for a little while?”

             Max smiled at her friend.  Oh, Moses, I’m worried for you.  You shouldn’t be alone at a time like this.  After Arcadia Bay, Chloe was there for me.  I can do the same for you.  Max placed a reassuring hand on his arm.  “If there’s anything I’ve learned from life, it’s that it's best enjoyed with others.  Of course you can stay!  I think Chloe should be here soon.”  Moses returned Max’s smile as she pulled the door handle.  Then, her stomach let out a loud rumble.

             Moses’ smile turned into a grin at hearing this.  “Doesn’t sound like that tuna salad held you over.”

             Max chuckled.  “No, it didn’t.”

             Moses nodded as an idea flooded his mind.  “I think I’ll do a quick run to Pizza Joe’s.  It’s a block away and they sell ready-made pizzas for quick pick up.  Does a medium pepperoni work for you?”

             Max nodded.  “I’ll split the cost with you.  And can you throw in some breadsticks?  I’ll cover them.  Chloe loves their breadsticks.”

             “Of course!”  Moses gave Max a thumbs up.

             Max finally opened the door and climbed out.  She shut the door behind her and waved as Moses drove away.  The area around the house that Max shared with Chloe was draped in inky blackness.  Only their front door was dimly illuminated by a single light that she had left on.  Max fished for her key from her messenger bag, but her trembling cold hands had difficulty getting a grip on the key ring.  Off to one side, she heard rustling in the nearby bushes.  An unsettled feeling squeezed at her chest.  Only reluctantly, did Max call out, “Who’s there?” 

             A dark shape formed from the void.  As it approached, its face came into view.  “Hey babe,” Chloe’s voice called out, her face now half obscured by shadow.  She wore a sheepish grin.  “I, uh, accidentally left my keys in my truck at the convenience store down the street.  My phone’s in there too, so I couldn’t text ahead.”

             The intensity of Max’s unsettled feelings abated slightly.  She shook her head in disappointment, “You fucking scared me, Chloe!”

             Chloe gave Max a dismissive shrug, “Sorry about that, babe.”

             This isn’t the first time Chloe locked herself out.  I was teaching when it happened, so Moses graciously bailed her out.  Safi laughed her ass off when she heard about it.  “I think that’s the second time you’ve locked your keys in your truck since we came to Lakeport.”

             Max shook her head in mock disappointment as she turned the lock and pushed the door open.  With her free hand, she beckoned Chloe to follow her inside.  “I’ll ask you how the concert went, but first…”  She lightly pushed into Chloe and stood on the tips of her toes as she planted a kiss on her lips.  A tingle rushed down Max’s spine.  Chloe’s lips were cold, and not just from the weather.  There was a dullness there without emotion.  Max pulled away and looked at Chloe.  “Is something wrong?”

             Chloe blinked, as if slowly processing her thoughts.  “Huh?  Oh, well, I’m just a little tired.  The concert took a lot out of me.”

             Max’s hands continued to tremble as she turned the lights on and walked further into the living room.  She shed her green coat and beanie, hanging them on a nearby coat rack.  In the brighter light, she could clearly see that Chloe was wearing her blue puffer coat and matching blue beanie.  Her expression remained neutral.  “I can imagine,” Max empathized, “It’s been a long day for me too.”  

             Chloe nodded in agreement, “Yeah.”  She reached up to unzip her coat before pausing.  She seemed to consider something before adding, “So, you and Moses have been searching for Safi.  How’s it going?”

             What’s wrong with her, Max wondered.  Sure, the drive to Burlington feels long if you take it late in the day, but shouldn’t Chloe be… a little happier to be back?  Something gnawed in the back of Max’s mind.  Max measured her response, “No dice.  We started with her apartment, and we found this weird poem.”  She pulled her out her phone and showed Chloe a photo of the crumpled poem.

             Chloe walked a bit closer and leaned in.  But she didn’t seem to spend much time reading, as if she already understood its contents.  After a perfunctory glance, she pulled away.  “Seems like a nice piece.  Did it tell you anything useful?”

             The panic in Max grew.  Chloe would have found this detail really interesting.  Why was she acting like this?  Max played it safe and responded with a perfunctory, “No.”       

             Chloe took a step closer, her eyes narrowed, as if unconvinced by the response.  “What about the police, Max?”

             Max opened her mouth slightly to respond before stopping herself.  As she lowered her phone and turned the screen towards her, she carefully switched to the messaging app and opened Chloe’s text messages.  A quick look revealed that she did not mention the police to Chloe at all today.  Max struggled to control her trembling hands.  Something was definitely off about Chloe.  Thoughts raced through Max’s mind.  If I can keep this Chloe talking, Moses will show up and then…  And then what?  Call out this, imposter?  If this isn’t Chloe, who was this?

October 10, 2013

10:48 PM

Blackwell Academy Parking Lot

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

             Chloe drummed her fingers on her steering wheel, her mouth drawn into a deep, unhappy frown.  She wasn’t thrilled with Max’s plan.  “Chloe, are you… fine?”  Max finally asked.

             “No, Max.”  Chloe sighed.  “And before you ask, it’s not you.  It’s just that…”  Chloe trailed off for a moment as she tried to find the words to explain her unease.  “It’s just that seeing Rachel like that, buried like trash, it makes me want to get these assholes and make them pay.”

             Max touched Chloe's shoulder to reassure her.  “I’ve been through this before.  In our first iteration, we pinned this on Nathan.  We were so focused on him that we missed the forest for the trees.”

             Chloe placed her forehead on the steering wheel in frustration.  “To think that sick fuck, Jefferson, had Rachel in his studio, snapping pictures of her as she died.  It makes me sick!”

             I didn’t have much of a choice but to show her where Rachel was buried.  At least I was able to convince her not to completely dig her up.  We’ll let the police do that when the time comes.  “I know Chloe.  If we’re going to make them pay, our plan is the only way.”

             Chloe snapped up and looked directly at Max.  “The only way?  Max, this is insane!  You practically accused him of being responsible for Kate Marsh’s suicide attempt and now you’re just going to let him take you!  He’s just going to do to you what he did to Rachel.”

             “What else can we do, Chloe?”

             Chloe threw her hands in the air in frustration.  “We could call the cops, however useless they are.  They’d find Rachel’s body in the junkyard and launch an immediate investigation.  Or we can call in a tip about this… Dark Room and say it’s a drug lab.  Then, the police would have to raid the place.”

             Max nodded, agreeing with Chloe in principle that there were other ideas.  “If we tip the cops off about Rachel now, Jefferson might go underground and Nathan will lawyer up or go on the run.  As for tipping off the cops about the Dark Room, it’s on Prescott land.  They won’t go near it without more evidence.  Letting me get taken, then having you follow and call in a tip is the only way.  It’s risky, I know, but it gives the cops probable cause to intervene without going to the Prescotts.” 

             “I just wish you had told me where this Dark Room was, exactly.  We could have scoped it out to make sure this goes off without a hitch.”

             Max reached into the pocket of her windbreaker to pull out a slip of folded paper.  She passed it on to Chloe.  “If I told you where it was earlier, you might have gone out there on your own.  Jefferson has mad security around that place.  It’s how he found out about us the first time.  I’ve written more details about the place on this paper: address and passcode for the bunker door.  Only open that in case of an emergency.  And not a moment earlier.”

             Chloe took the paper and shoved it into her pocket.  “Just in case anything goes wrong.”

             Max breathed deeply and gave Chloe a comforting glance.  As their eyes locked, Max said, “We’re going to do this, Captain Bluebeard.”

             “Bet your ass we will, First Mate Silver.”

             Simultaneously, the friends reached for their respective door handles and opened them.  As the pair stepped out into the twilight, Max quieted her doubt.  The noise of the slamming truck door helped her focus on what came next.

October 10, 2013

10:59 PM

Blackwell Academy Swimming Pool

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

             In every timeline Max had been in, she had always been in awe of the End of the World Party.  This was no exception.  It seemed to her that everyone at Blackwell was here, even those who had no association with the Vortex Club.  The laughter, drinking, and general merriment was cloaked in an oppressively dim light accented by the choice of red spotlights by the DJ.  As she approached the Vortex Club VIP area, she scanned the room.  Even in the crowd, Chloe stuck out with her black beanie and blue hair.  With crossed arms and a sharp expression, she had taken a strategic position on the other side of the pool area where she could watch events without getting too involved.  She looks so serious that it scares me a little. 

             Max reviewed the basic plan in her mind one more time.  Jefferson will be out to announce the winner of the Everyday Heroes contest.  He’s been chomping at the bit to get me to sign up, so he’ll definitely pick me.  When that happens, Chloe will pop outside to the parking lot to keep an eye on his car.  When I get in, willingly or otherwise, Chloe will follow and then when she gets a good idea of where we’re going she’ll call the cops.  I gave her the paper with the info as a backup.

             Max’s train of thought was broken by a voice crying out for her.  “Max!”  Max focused on the source of the voice, finally noticing Courtney Wagner was waving to get her attention.

             Showtime.  Max's heart pounded with anticipation of the danger.  She then shot Courtney a polite smile, “Hey, Courtney.  Has this party gotten started or what?”

             Courtney returned the smile.  “Not without the Hero of the Hour.  Everyone back there is talking about how you saved Kate Marsh from taking a swan dive off the roof of the dorm.”

             Max scratched her head and coughed with a touch of embarrassment.  “I’m sure everyone would have done the same for Kate.”

             Courtney nodded.  “For sure.  By the way,” Courtney reached over with a stamp and marked Max with a star.  “That’s your special access sign to come and go into the VIP lounge.”

             Max had used her rewind powers the day before to engineer a conversation with Courtney that placed her on the VIP list.  It helped that her actions in saving Kate bought her a lot of goodwill, even with the Vortex Club members.  “Uh, thanks Courtney.  Does Victoria know about this?”

             Courtney waved her hand dismissively.  “Vicky doesn’t need to know.”

             Max thanked Courtney and walked past the curtain threshold.  Here, she found the cadre of Vortex Club members, many of whom were inebriated.  Max grimaced as she scanned for any trace of Jefferson.  He’s not here, she thought.  But he was here before the first time!  A flicker of panic broke into the back of Max’s mind.  We need to take care of Jefferson and Nathan before we work on warning the town.

As she walked forward, she felt someone slam into her without warning.

             “Hey!” 

             Max turned to find an initially surprised, then irritated Victoria.  “I’m sorry, Victoria.”

             Victoria, cup in hand, placed her free hand on her hip, “Smooth, Max.  And after I apologized to you for blocking your way into the dorm.”

             Max rolled her eyes.  Of course, Queen Victoria Chase, First of Her Name, would be here.  How foolish of me to think I could avoid her, she thought.  “Do you understand what’s going on here at Blackwell, Victoria?  Kate tried to jump from the dorm roof!” 

             Victoria mock toasted Max with her drink.  “And you do, apparently.  Look, Max, it’s not my fault that Kate… overreacted.”

             Max closed her eyes for a moment to gather herself.  The only time Victoria had not been a pain was the timeline when Chloe was paralyzed, and even then, Max gathered that Max herself had not been a particularly nice person.  However self-absorbed Victoria is, she doesn’t deserve to be in danger.  “Victoria, I don’t want to fight you.”

             Victoria seemed to take a half-step back, as if this was the last thing she expected to hear.  “Neither do I, Max.  Although, I hear a but coming on…”

             Max inhaled to steady herself.  “But, there are bigger things at play here.  Someone here drugged Kate and took advantage of her.  You might be on their list, Victoria.  Don’t trust Nathan and definitely don’t trust Jefferson.”  A momentary flicker of annoyance passed across Victoria’s face at the mention of the name, Jefferson.  Max continued, “Stay in the open with your Vortex peeps.  Don’t leave their sight tonight.”  Out of the corner of her eye, Max noticed Principal Wells take the stage.  Her jaw trembled with anticipation.  It was almost time.  “Promise me you’ll be safe.”

             “I… I will, Max.” 

             Max gave Victoria one last warning look before turning towards the stage.  An unspoken sense of camaraderie momentarily passed between them.  As Victoria watched Max leave, she stole a quick glance at the drink in her hand.  She turned towards the drinking fountain and dumped its contents in.  Victoria looked back in Max’s direction, surprised that Max cared for her wellbeing at all.  Her thoughts lingered on Jefferson and his past words affirming her work.  Victoria’s breathing rate increased as she stared at the empty cup, eyes glazed.  Her gaze slowly drifted back to reality as Max’s warning set in.  Victoria’s eyes focused as she made her decision.  If there was danger, then she knew who to turn to.  Max didn’t know Mark like she did.

December 5, 2023

5:43 PM

Pizza Joe’s

Lakeport, Vermont

             As Moses pulled up to Pizza Joe’s, he noticed a familiar, late model truck.  That’s cool, Chloe’s finally back in town.  A fresh perspective might be what we need to find Safi.  Moses stepped out of his car, closed the door, and walked into the restaurant.  As he stepped inside he recognized a mop of blonde hair with green fringes underneath a blue beanie.  “Hey, Chloe!”  He called out.

             Chloe turned around and smiled, “Moses!  What are you up to?”

             “Just picking up some food for Max and myself.  We’ve been running around looking into Safi’s disappearance.  Did you just get in?”

             Chloe nodded, “Yeah.  I didn’t stop for any food on the way down from Burlington.  I stopped here because it’s on the way home and their calzones are fast.”

             The cashier walked over to the counter and handed a bag to Chloe, “One pesto chicken calzone.”  Chloe thanked the cashier as he turned to look at Moses.  “Can I take your order?”

             “I’m here for a medium pizza with breadsticks.  I texted ahead.  The name’s Moses.”

             As the cashier walked away, Chloe grinned expectantly, “I love their breadsticks!”

             Moses laughed.  “I’m glad to know you’re surprised.  Imagine how surprised Max is going to be when we get back together.”

December 5, 2023

5:49 PM

Max and Chloe’s House

Lakeport, Vermont

             Max did everything she could to keep her trembling knees from giving out.  The possibilities raced through her mind.  Was Chloe being mind controlled from nearby?  Could she have subconsciously slipped into another timeline?  Or, had Chloe been replaced, invasion of the body snatchers style.  Was her Chloe even still alive?

             As these thoughts flooded Max’s mind, Chloe looked at Max expectantly.   When nothing was forthcoming, she cleared her throat.  “Uh, Earth to Max?  Max, babe, can you hear me?”  Chloe’s tone was one of moderate concern, the sincerity of which would have fooled anyone, but Max.

             Max shook her head, clearing the thoughts away.  “Oh, uh, sorry.  It’s been a long day.  The police just wanted to know how we spent the night before her disappearance.  Where did we go, who did we talk to.  That sort of thing.”

             “Huh,” was all Chloe said.  Silence passed between them.  Max looked into Chloe’s eyes, seeking any sign of recognition.  But she kept a calm, unreadable expression.  Damn, Max thought.  She’s good at keeping things close to her chest.  She’d probably give Chloe a run for her money at cards. 

             I should probably mention the dog.  Let’s see how she reacts.  “They wanted to know about a dog.”

             She watched Chloe carefully, waiting to see if there was any reaction.  Max noticed a slight twitch in her eye.  “Oh,” Chloe replied, “Well, that’s interesting.  Safi can’t own a dog because of her apartment.  Did they say anything else?”  She knows something.  But whoever this is, she’s a cool customer and she’s not going to give too much away.

             Chloe yawned, whether feigned or real, Max couldn’t tell.  “Sorry, Max.  It’s been a long day, driving in from Burlington and all.”

             At the mention of Burlington, an idea suddenly sprang into her head.  “Say, you haven’t told me about the concert.  Did Victoria play Beanie Babe to a captive audience?”  Max gave Chloe a wide smile to sell the question.

             Chloe laughed in response, “And how!  I thought it was the best song of the whole damn concert.”

             Fuck!  Max had heard Steph Gingrich play Beanie Babe at a live concert with Steph’s then girlfriend, Izzie.  Whoever this… person was, there were gaps in her knowledge of the real Chloe.  Max nodded to Chloe, maintaining the illusion of normalcy.  She silently walked over to a credenza, casually sifting through letters.  Her breathing slowed as she gripped a letter opener, holding tighter than anything she had ever held before.  Her fingers seemed to freeze the longer they remained in contact with the letter opener.  Time to spring the trap, I guess.  “That’s funny, because Victoria’s much better at holding a camera than drumsticks.  Kind of odd for an indie rock concert.”

             There was a long pause as Max and Chloe looked at each other.  Max watched as Chloe’s eyes twitched.  She knows she screwed up, Max thought.  Slowly, Chloe’s mouth twisted into a malformed smile.  “Sorry, Caulfield.  My fault for not learning enough about you guys.”

             Max held up the letter opener in her hand, pointing the sharp end towards Chloe.  “Who the fuck are you? And why are you here?”

             The air around Max and ‘Chloe’ was electric as their eyes locked.  Max swore that she could see gears turning in ‘Chloe’s’ head as she tried to settle on her next move.  The pair waited silently for an eternity when the click of the deadbolt on the front door cut through the silence.  Another Chloe was the first through.  Nonchalantly, this Chloe, half-paying attention to her environment dropped her bags at the front door.  “Hey, babe!  I’m home.  Look who I found.”  Moses walked in a step behind her, saying, “Wasn’t it lucky that I ran into you?”  As Moses walked in, pizza box in hand, his jaw dropped when he saw the impossible in front of him.

             Still smiling, Chloe replied with, “Hella awesome that… I did.”  It was only then that Chloe noticed the other ‘Chloe’ standing in the room, wearing the exact same outfit.  The temperature in the room seemed to drop rapidly.  The world paused, much like when Max used her powers.  The new Chloe’s eyes darted from Max, holding the letter opener, to the other ‘Chloe’ casually standing in the room with them.  Chloe’s smile faded as the seconds ticked by.  The stunned silence was only broken when the newly arrived Chloe yelled out, “What the shit is this?!!”

             Max’s heart skipped a beat at the sound of her Chloe’s voice.  She’s alive, Max thought excitedly, but… what is this?  Why is this happening?

A/N: This chapter was quite long in comparison to other chapters I've put up.  But, I felt it necessary to incorporate these flashbacks here to emphasize the danger Max, Chloe, and Moses are in.  There will be more flashbacks to come to help flesh out how Max ended up in this timeline.  Stay tuned!

Chapter Text

October 10, 2013

11:08 PM

Blackwell Academy Swimming Pool

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

           The music pounded loudly in Max’s ears while the red DJ’s lights harshly illuminated the Blackwell pool.  Max pulled the phone from her pocket, her shaky thumb unlocking the home screen to look at the time.  It’s late, she thought, much later than when Jefferson is supposed to present.  Up on stage she saw Principal Wells, uncomfortably stamping his feet.  He senses something’s… off.  Or maybe it’s just his drinking habit beckoning him to imbibe more.

           Max quickly fired off a quick text to Chloe, struggling to keep her fingers steady as she typed.

Max

Jefferson isn’t here!

Chloe

What?

Max

He’s usually here, hanging with students.  This isn’t how it’s supposed to go down.

Chloe

I don’t see him, either.  We need to abort.

           Just as Max typed a message acknowledging Chloe’s abort message, the lights in the pool area turned completely off.  Emergency path lighting in and around the pool area remained illuminated.  Around Max, angry murmurs replaced the once booming sounds of the DJ.  Partygoers pulled out their cell phones, using them for additional illumination.  Max’s own phone cast a ghostly pale across her face.  Max craned her ears, listening to for any update, but only getting drunken complaints from students.  Distracted by current events, Max did not see a shadow crawling up to her. 

           The pin prick to her neck was swift, but her response to whatever drug was contained within was faster.  She stretched out her hand to reverse time, but the world felt… sluggishly wrong.  No, no!  Not like this, she thought.  She would briefly rewind, only for the world to return to exactly where it had been before.  If Max’s mind weren’t turning into mush, she would have been half proud that she was resisting the effects of the drug far better than her first iteration when Jefferson had done the same thing to her. 

           A maligned voice growled at her from behind.  “Night night, bitch!  After he’s done with you, I’ll get that hag girlfriend of yours for getting me expelled!” Nathan!  Max realized that the name, Nathan Prescott, still carried weight despite his expulsion from Blackwell.  His friends in the Vortex Club must have let him in. 

           Max’s eyes were heavy now.  Her grip on her phone now was loose enough for Nathan to pull it away from her.  Slowly, her mind wondered where she had gone wrong.  Definitely must have been when I blamed Jefferson for Kate’s suicide attempt, she thought.  That may have been a bit much.  Chloe!  Max called out in her mind.  Chloe needs to know what’s going…  As Max lost her battle with reality, she heard what she thought was a siren.

December 5, 2023

5:52 PM

Max and Chloe’s House

Lakeport, Vermont

The pizza box wobbled in Moses’ hands.  Only with great difficulty could he keep his trembling hands steady.  Confused, he looked at the Chloe next to him first, and then at “Chloe” near Max.  “Am I seeing double?”  He wondered aloud.  Moses’ analytical mind whirled trying to find an explanation.  But a rational explanation failed as he blurted out, “Is this something Abraxis cooked up?”

           While Max, Chloe and Moses were paralyzed with indecision, there was a flash in Other Chloe’s eyes.  She saw an opening.  Moving with lightning speed, Other Chloe struck out with her boot, not at Max’s threatening hand, but Max’s shin.  The pain moved like fire up Max’s leg.  Her visceral scream cut through the air as she dropped her letter opener and fell to her knees.  Max felt like a beggar, supplicating herself before a monied person.  Except that Max was mentally begging to know the truth of her situation.  Other Chloe leapt past Max and bolted for the back door in a move that would impress any professional athlete. 

           As Chloe watched on, her surprise turned into pure anger.  Her face was red-flushed with rage.  That bitch hit my girlfriend!  I’m not letting her get away, but I gotta make myself look different.  Chloe’s eyes flashed around the room.  Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Max’s coat.  Throwing off her own coat, she grabbed Max’s and threw it on.  Great!  Now for a weapon.  Thinking quickly, she ran to the fireplace and pulled out the fire poker.  Her knuckles were white as she gripped her makeshift weapon.  “I’m not lettin’ that bitch get away!  Moses, protect Max!”

           Moses, now a little steadier, set the food down and responded to Chloe’s order, “Okay!  Stay safe, Chloe!”  He bounded across the living room to administer aid to Max.

           Chloe dashed out the back door, her only company on the chase was the biting cold and the sound of crunching at her feet in the deep snow.  In the dim moonlight, she could see her doppelganger heading down a path that led to the Overlook above Caledon.  Ah, there she is!  There’s only one good way up the cliff.   Every other path is expert level.  Chloe continued in a sprint fast enough to keep Other Chloe in sight, but not so fast that she would trip over a dimly lit rock.  Fuck!  I came thousands of miles to follow my babe, not to fight the supernatural again.

October 10, 2013

11:09 PM

Blackwell Academy Swimming Pool

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

           Nathan braced Max against his shoulder as the fire alarm rang.  Panicked partygoers flooded out of the VIP area, leaving the pair virtually alone.  Calmly, he picked up Max with both arms and walked her towards a locked exterior door leading out to a loading dock.  Damn you’re heavy, bitch.  I’d sling you over my shoulder caveman style, but Jefferson said no funny stuff. 

           When he reached the door, he placed Max down and reached into his pocket.  After a moment rummaging around, he extracted the key he was looking for.  Stupid janitor.  He didn’t even fight me when I said Jefferson needed it.  Using the key, he let the door swing open.  Picking up Max again, he took a few steps out to his truck parked in the loading dock area.

           Using his hand, he pulled the door handle on his truck.  Carefully, he slid Max into the passenger seat and then closed the door.  Running around the front of his truck, he opened the driver’s side and slid into his own seat.  “Let’s get to the lighthouse.  And to him.”  Nathan started the truck and peeled away as fire engine lights appeared down the street.

October 10, 2013

11:08 PM

Blackwell Academy Swimming Pool

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

           Max!  Chloe mentally screamed for her friend as she stared at her cell phone.  The lack of Jefferson in sight should have told them something was wrong.  With a loud thud, the lights in the pool area turned off.  Murmurs of complaint arose from all around Chloe.  A few party goers had their cell phones out, the lights of which sprinkled the area like stars in an Oregon sky.  Chloe shoved her phone into her pocket and strode off towards the VIP area.  Invitation be damned.  They’re gonna have to call the army to keep me out of there.

           Chloe hadn’t taken more than a few steps before a fire alarm blared to life.  This isn’t a real fire alarm, Chloe thought, it’s a set up!  Chloe clenched her teeth in frustration, but continued striding forward.  The crowd streamed out of the VIP area as Chloe struggled to make her way forward.  The smell of alcohol and weed increased in intensity as the crowd emptied the VIP area adding to Chloe’s misery.  Every time I take a step towards Max, these assholes seem to push me five steps back.  With Chloe laser focused on making her way towards the VIP area, she failed to notice that she was being edged closer to the pool.

           Chloe cleared her mind long enough to get a look ahead of her.  Shit!  That’s Hayden Jones heading straight for me!  The lumbering form of Hayden loomed large in Chloe’s vision, his movements ponderously heavy from the drugs and alcohol he had consumed.  Can’t he lay off that OG shit?!   Chloe frantically searched for a way to avoid him.  To her left was the wall of party goers, rushing to leave, and to her right was the pool.  Chloe braced herself as best she could.  I hope to Christ this works.  The collision between an immovable Chloe and the lumbering Hayden happened in the blink of an eye.  Hayden barely slowed down as he pushed past her.  Chloe, for her part, flailed with all the grace of a ballerina learning her first dance routine.  She tried her best to keep balance, but her foot slipped on the slick tile floor.  Everything stopped for Chloe as she teetered on the edge.  Eventually, gravity won out over Chloe’s struggle to maintain balance and she dove into the pool.  In the fucking pool I go.

           There was a loud splash, followed by a less subdued splash as Chloe came up for air.  Around the pool perimeter, chaos reigned as partygoers rushed to find an exit.  The frenzied rush to leave had even inspired several people to follow Chloe’s unintended example and dive in, swimming to the other side of the pool to avoid the crowd.  Chloe pushed off the pool wall and, after a few solid breast strokes, made it to a ladder.  She hauled herself up and out. 

           She rejoined the exodus from the building, with her wet boots squeaking as she went.  Emerging outside in Blackwell court she noticed someone waving a flashlight.  “Stay calm.  The fire department will be here soon.  Please report any injuries to Blackwell security.  They can administer basic aid until help arrives.”  Even in the dark, Chloe recognized the voice and form of her stepfather.  Max!  Chloe shuddered to think about what Jefferson was about to do to her.  She formed a fist with her right hand and punched it into the open palm of her left hand.  It’s up to me now.

           Chloe reached into her pocket to pull out the slip of paper.  It was only then that she realized that the paper was wet and stained with runny ink.  No, not now!  I’d give everything I have to make this right.  At the sight of the paper, Chloe collapsed onto the hard ground, burying her face into her sleeve.  A hole seemed to form in the pit of her stomach as her emotions overwhelmed.  While Chloe fought the urge to weep, she failed to notice heavy footsteps approach.  The owner of the footsteps stopped short of Chloe and reached down with a reassuring hand, “Are you alright?”

           Chloe looked up, only to fight the desire to recoil.  David blinked several times before taking a step back.  For a moment, the pair had the exact same feelings of surprise.  David broke the awkward silence first, “Chloe?  I…  I didn’t recognize you without your beanie.”  Chloe instinctively reached up to find that her head lacked her signature black beanie.  David cleared his throat and continued to speak, “You know that Principal Wells was not especially happy at you exposing Nathan Prescott.  But you earned my…”  David paused, thinking of just the right word.  His eyes darted about as if mentally viewing each word individually, before rejecting it.  Finally, he said, “You earned my thanks, Chloe.”  Chloe snorted at his words.  But if David heard, he didn’t show it as he continued, “So, I’m going to pretend you’re not here and I won’t have to escort you off campus.” 

           Chloe pressed her hand against the top of her head, as if trying to will another beanie into existence.  How do I do this, Max?  If our backup plan is gone, what’s my next move?  David cleared his throat, “Chloe?  Are you… sure you’re alright?”  Chloe’s mouth opened, but she had no voice.  She tried opening and closing it several times, but no sound came out.  David pointed behind him, “The fire department is almost here.  Stay right here and I’ll get someone to look at you.”

           Just as David turned to meet the fire department, Chloe yelled, “Max is in danger!” 

David stopped what he was doing and immediately refocused his attention on Chloe.  “What do you mean?”  He asked.

           “Did someone say Max?”  Chloe and David turned to see the owner of the new voice, Courtney Wagner, standing nearby.  Courtney visibly gulped as if sensing the tension in the air.  “I let her into the VIP area.  I looked back just as most people were leaving, and I thought I saw her getting help from Nathan Prescott.”

           David gratefully nodded to Courtney.  “Thank you, Ms. Wagner.  That’s very helpful.  I suggest you return to your dorm for the evening.”  As Courtney walked out of earshot, David turned to Chloe and asked, “You know more about this, don’t you?”

           Chloe breathed deeply, finding the composure she needed.  I have to tell him what I know, Max.  I hope I can make good what you’ve learned in the other timeline.  “Do you know how you’ve been looking into a Blackwell drug ring?”  David nodded.  He had known about the drugs flowing into Blackwell for some time, but he had failed to find a definitive source.  “Mark Jefferson has been helping Nathan Prescott smuggle the drugs onto campus.”

           David frowned skeptically.  “A teacher, really?  Why would he do that.”

           “It’s a front.  Jefferson arranged for Nathan to buy the drugs in bulk, while secretly buying an anesthetic that puts people to sleep temporarily.  He has Nathan pass the drugs around and then use the anesthetic to put female students to sleep.  They transport the female students back to a Dark Room to photograph them as they sleep before bringing them back to campus.”

           David crossed his arms across his chest.  “That sounds a little convoluted, don’t you think?”

           Chloe threw her hands up in the air in frustration.  Step-douche, dense as always.  I guess I have to spell it out.  “It’s perfect.  Who can tell the difference between taking too much of what Nathan’s offering and the anesthetic?  And, with Jefferson running interference, your investigation won’t go anywhere.”

           “Okay, say I believe this.  What other proof is there?”

           “Kate was taken at a Vortex Club party.  It’s why she tried to kill herself.  It's why Max blamed Jefferson in front of you and Principal Wells.”  Chloe choked a bit as she struggled with her next words, the memory of stepping on hallowed ground gnawed at her. “And it’s why Rachel lies buried in the American Rust Junkyard.” 

           David’s arms dropped in shock.  “Wait, did you say Rachel?  Like, Rachel Amber?  Chloe!  If you and Max know about a crime, you should report it to the police.”

           Chloe shook her head.  “Then Jefferson and his fuckboy, Nathan, will go on the run.”  David looked away from Chloe, contemplating all of these new revelations.  Chloe momentarily placed a hand on her face, fighting back tears.  “We were supposed to lure Jefferson into kidnapping Max, then I would have followed them on the way to the barn to call in the kidnapping.”

           David exhaled.  With a whisper, he asked, “Did you say barn?”  Chloe nodded and David snapped back in surprise.  “I followed Nathan once to an old barn on Prescott land.”

           Chloe restrained herself from lunging forward.  “You know the place?  Max gave me a note with its address, but I think it's ruined.”

           “Okay, I’ll head out there as soon as I speak with the Fire Marshal to clear the area up.  You need to go home.”

           Chloe pounded the ground, shooting David a look of determination.  “What I need is to go along!”  Wait, maybe there’s a way to salvage this.  Chloe continued, “You know the place, but, if I go home really quick and use a hairdryer to dry the note, I might be able to read the passcode that Max said we need to get in.”

           David’s jaw dropped slightly, “Passcode?  How did…?”  He looked at the fire in Chloe’s eyes.  He knew that if she successfully dried the note, then there was the possibility that an address would be legible enough for Chloe to risk a solo mission.  This was something Joyce wouldn’t forgive him for.  “Fine, Chloe.  Go home, dry the note and get some fresh clothes.  I’ll be there to pick you up.  And…”  David reached into his pocket and pulled out a key, “Open up my gun safe and bring out my .45, some extra ammo, and two pairs of body armor.”

           Chloe reached up and took the key, “What about me?”

           “You already stole one of my guns, remember?  It’s probably under your bed.”

December 5, 2023

6:00 PM

At the bottom of the Caledon Overlook

Lakeport, Vermont

           In the dim moonlight, Chloe could see the form of Other Chloe break left to head down a forested gully at the base of the Overlook.  I remember that path!  Max and I found it dead ends into a pile of boulders while out for a walk during the fall.  A grim smile crept onto Chloe’s lips.  This is a chance to get some payback.  Chloe gripped the fire poker with her hand as she turned the bend and continued down the path formed by the gully.  Initially, she expected to catch Other Chloe doubling back.  But, as she traveled further down the gully, worry began to set in.  Where is she?  The path is straight with no hiding spots.  Chloe pumped the brakes as she stopped herself from running into the boulder that formed the dead end.

           Her eyes darted around, searching for any sign of Other Chloe.  Chloe’s heart pounded in her chest.  Stay calm girl.  That bitch is around here.  Don’t let her get the best of you.  She hunched over defensively as she called out, “Come on out, motherfucker!  You afraid to fight me?”

           The initial response was dead silence.  An occasional wind gust rustled the branches above her head.  Chloe’s eyes were still searching in the dark when a voice called out, “You’re surprisingly athletic, Price.  I’m surprised your old smoking habit didn’t dull your running.”

           The voice caught Chloe off guard.  Is she to my left, or right?  No, look up.  She slowly panned up to see Other Chloe perched upon a boulder.  She wore a strangely victorious expression, as if she had raced others up this path before.  She was down on one knee looking down.  She’s experienced with the terrain.  How did she get up there so quickly?  Chloe’s eyes flared with anger.  “That’s what nicotine patches are for.  Kick the habit.  Now, climb down and let’s talk.  Maybe I can teach you how to throw down properly, huh?” 

           Other Chloe gave Chloe a somber look, her eyes calling on Chloe to serve as an audience. 

“I awoke without a person in sight,

no idea how I came to be,

with a sense to set things right. 

Now I run, unable to sleep because I fear

She.”

           What hella kind of quote is that?  Go ahead and throw me off with your metaphysical bullshit.  And she knows about my old smoking habit.  How?  Chloe shrugged defiantly.  Her eyes scanned for any tactical advantage she could gain over Other Chloe.  Some blind spot that would shield her from an attack or a spur on the rock that would let her bound up and take Other Chloe by surprise.  Chloe watched her doppelganger carefully, noticing that her thin lips had started to subtly quiver.  Turning to Other Chloe’s eyes, Chloe noticed that they seemed to puff up as if holding back tears.  “Price, I need you to understand that I only needed some information.  If Max or Moses say the wrong thing, it could mean bad things for me.”

           She sounds surprisingly sincere.  Still, anyone who messes with us like that should expect to get their ass kicked.  Chloe’s fire poker pointed at Other Chloe with a quick and angry gesture.  “So, you come into our home, cosplay as me, and then you just casually kick my girlfriend on your way out.” 

           Other Chloe looked Chloe up and down.  Then her eyes widened as if she realized something.  “I see you’re wearing Max’s coat now.  Clever of you, like the double-coat a coyote wears in winter.”  As she finished, Chloe noticed a pained expression at the mention of the animal, as if it brought bitter memories to her.

Chloe shook her head in anger.  “Are you even paying attention!  You’re attempt at intel gathering could have seriously injured my girlfriend, you bitch.”

           At Chloe’s curse, Other Chloe’s hands closed to form fists.  Her eyes lost their puffiness as she seemed to shift out of her stupor and focused on the confrontation at hand.  “You weren’t going to let me just waltz out, Price.  You can get worked up sometimes.”

           A sense of shock passed through Chloe’s mind.  “What the fuck do you mean?  Stop with the mind games and really prove that you know me.”

           Other Chloe blinked at Chloe as a flood of thoughts seemed to pass through her.  Chloe noticed her mouth open and closed a few times as if stopping herself from saying anything.  Then, Other Chloe said, “I’ve been watching you and Max for a while.  I know that your Dad died in a car crash.  And your Mom died with hundreds of others in the Great Arcadia Bay Cyclone of 2013.”

           Chloe grimaced with anger.  Moses is the only one, besides Max, I’ve opened up to with any details about my parents.  There’s something oddly… calming about eating a sandwich while listening to tales of asteroids and planets.  Suddenly, an idea crept into Chloe’s mind.  She just needed to keep Other Chloe talking.  “You could have read those details in an online archive,” she called out.  “Tell me, oh great Chloe whisperer, how did my Mom die, exactly?”  Slowly, Chloe squatted down, making it seem like she was resting herself.  Carefully, she placed her fire poker into the snow and held it vertically in place with her left hand in front of her.  The pose helped shield her right hand, which she used to slowly mold a snowball. 

           Other Chloe squinted at Chloe in confusion, as if her mental picture of Chloe had shifted.  “She didn’t die in the cyclone?  That’s what the Arcadia Bay Memorial Website says.”  The Memorial Website!  That means she can’t read my mind.  That’s all useful intel.  But first, my getaway trick.

           Chloe murmured in a frustrated tone, “A flame blew up an RV, which set off the natural gas lines in the diner she worked at.  She was toast before the storm claimed her.”  Chloe stood up, her shoulders tense with anger.  “And this is for making me remember that.”  Chloe’s right hand arced over her shoulder, sending the snowball flying.  It took a second for Other Chloe to understand what was happening.  By the time she reacted, the snowball was already striking close to her left temple.  “Kuso!”  Other Chloe let out an annoyed curse before rolling out of sight.  Chloe used the distraction to turn and bolt from the gully.  Every fiber of her being wanted to throttle her doppelganger, but Other Chloe’s height advantage was too much for Chloe to overcome without some help.

A/N:  I've dropped quite a few hints as to the identity of the intruder, whom I intend to confirm in the following chapter.  I was originally planning on holding on to the identity for later, but I figured that doing so takes narrative focus away from the central mysteries I've set up so far.  Why did Safi disappear?  What motive does the doppelganger have?  And, how did they end up in their current circumstance?

I also really enjoyed writing the Blackwell Academy sections for this chapter and I thought they paired really well with the intruder chase scenes.  While I probably won't go back to tell the story of Kate's near jump from the dorm roof, it does happen in the same way as depicted in the game.  Max saves Kate and then blames Jefferson in this timeline, which is one of the narrative options the game gives you.  As we can infer, this, combined with a warning from Victoria, is what led to birth of the current timeline.  We'll be getting a few more Blackwell flashbacks.

With the conclusion of this chapter, I would estimate that this brings to a close the first act of the story, Act 1: Discovery.  I hope to be back soon with the first chapter of Act 2.

Chapter Text

December 5, 2023

6:27 PM

Max and Chloe’s House

Lakeport, Vermont

           Max gingerly settled herself onto the couch, propping up her leg on a pillow.  A clone of Chloe!  I always thought  I was the only one with superpowers.  “My leg is still throbbing, but I think I’ll be fine, Moses.”  Max reached down to pick up a slice of pizza.  After a few furtive bites and a sip of soda, she added, “Maybe, taking some ibuprofen will keep the swelling down.”  She took another sip of soda and pursed her lips.  Other Chloe could have left me with a broken leg, but she chose to hit just hard enough to hurt.  It’s like she pulled her punch.

           Moses handed Max a cold compress, a look of relief on his face.  “I’m glad you're fine, Max.  I just want you to take it easy, if you can.”

           The sound of scrapping filled the room as Chloe, who had returned from her chase, chucked another log into the fireplace.  She stared into the fire for a long minute, a contemplative expression on her face.  Max looked over at Chloe expectantly, noticing a twitch on her shoulder.  “I can feel you looking at me, Max.”  Chloe said.  “As I said, she moved fast.  It’s like she knew exactly where to go.  And she’s been watching us.”  Chloe spun around, fists clenched at her side, “It makes me feel helpless.  Like that time at Blackwell.”

           There was a pregnant pause as the three friends eyed each other.  Moses pounded his chest lightly as he cleared his throat.  “Speaking of which…”  He took a deep breath and shifted uncomfortably in his seat before continuing, “What the ACTUAL FUCK was that?”

           A long period of silence followed as Max and Chloe locked eyes.  Max searched Chloe’s eyes for an answer she could give Moses.  Chloe and I have always feared the day someone might knock on our door, asking questions that we don’t… or can’t answer about the Storm.  I never expected I’d have to explain someone else’s power.  Chloe visibly exhaled before nodding lightly.  Chloe understands that we don’t have much of a choice here.  We have to tell Moses something.      

           Max’s mouth lay open as she searched for the right words.  I need to find the right words.  Chloe and I like Moses and I’ve always found him to be open-minded.  It might be best to just come out and say it.  “I think she has powers.” 

           Moses looked confused at hearing Max’s statement.  He glanced over at Chloe, seeking a reaction.  Chloe remained unnervingly stoic.  “Powers?  Like anime powers?”  Moses began to laugh, anxiously.  It was only after several chuckles that he realized that neither Max nor Chloe was laughing.  His face dropped as his laugh died away.  “Oh…” He added. 

I’m impressed that he’s taking this revelation well enough.  “Chloe and I have seen this before.”  Max added helpfully.  Her face wore a serene expression that Max hoped would keep Moses calm.

           Moses leaned back in his seat as he accepted this new world view.  Then, looking straight at Max, asked, “You’ve seen the supernatural?”

           Max nodded, “Yes.  We’ve both seen it.”  Inwardly, Max allowed her senses to calm themselves.  At least he’s not going to bolt off into the night.  Not yet anyway.

           Moses then looked at Chloe, who had been noticeably silent.  She sighed and moved to a spot on the floor opposite Moses and sat down.  Chloe hugged herself to keep calm before starting her story.  “A few days before the storm that destroyed Arcadia Bay, I was in the Blackwell Academy women’s bathroom shaking down my sexual harasser for cash when he shot me.”  Chloe hugged herself a little tighter while looking away for a moment.  I’m sorry Chloe, Max thought.  Even if you didn’t experience that trauma yourself, you still feel it.

           Moses leaned forward in support of his friend.  “I’m so sorry, Chloe.”  Max then noticed his eyes widened in confusion.  “Wait… you said shot you?  How have you not said anything?”

           Chloe swallowed as she thought of what to say next.  “That’s the thing, I don’t have any recollection of the event.  Max,” Chloe gestured in Max’s direction, “She… she, rewound time to stop the event from happening."

           Moses paused.  He looked back and forth between Chloe and Max, considering what Chloe had said before letting out an exasperated laugh, saying, “Rewind time?  Like as in ‘Back to the Future’?  That’s… not possible.  That would violate everything we know about causality.”  The confusion on Moses’ face turned to horror as he understood the scientific implications of broken causality.  “How has the universe not collapsed in on itself…”  Moses trailed off.  His brow furled as the consequences worked themselves out in his mind.  His eyes shifted back and forth as the pieces fell into place for him.  “Wait, you don’t think that storm was the universe’s response?  Stop what you’re doing, or I’ll destroy you?”

           Max was uncertain as to the answer.  “I don’t know, Moses.  We’ve always figured that what it was.  Sadly, I’m not a scientist, so I can’t say for sure.”  She blinked several times, keeping the tears back as the memory of the storm flashed by.

           A light went off in Moses’ head as more implications crossed his mind.  “Wait!  If you knew about Chloe getting shot, then what about the storm?”

           “I..” Max hesitated as she felt her next words get caught in her throat.  “It’s as you said, I think I caused it by saving Chloe.  I tried fixing it by using my powers to change things.  Once, I went so far back in time that I saved Chloe’s dad.  But Chloe was in an accident that left her invalid and dying.”

           Moses shook his head, trying to make sense of everything he was hearing.  “I’ve known you since August and, while the scientist in me says this didn’t happen, the friend in me says this definitely happened.  For the sake of argument, couldn’t you have warned the town?”

           Chloe pounded the ground with her fist.  “That was my fault.  Max was so busy keeping me safe and helping me nail the asshole who murdered my best friend, Rachel, that we didn’t bother to think and the town paid for it.”

           Max added, “In one of my last rewinds, Chloe was murdered by my psycho teacher who kidnapped me and was responsible for Rachel's death.  But I used a photo Jefferson carelessly left out to slip into the past to confront him, one last time.”

October 11, 2013

2:45 AM

The Dark Room

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

          Max tested her restraints.  Too tight.  Jefferson won’t want me slipping away too easily. 

          Ready for the mosh pit shaka bra.  Hours before she had proudly showed off the clothes that Chloe had lent her.  Rachel Amber’s clothes.  Ready for the mosh pit, Max. Let's do this.  At the sound of Chloe’s voice in her mind, Max sealed away the memory.  She didn’t want to think about Jefferson’s bullet passing through Chloe’s skull while she watched helplessly, his drug coursing through Max’s veins. 

           Max’s eyes darted about seeking any possible advantage.  While he’s distracted with his sick photos, there has to be something.  Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted her selfie, laying on the ground with the rest of her belongings.   The picture I took of myself in his class!  I don’t have a choice.  Let’s do this, Max! 

           Max’s eyes focused on the photo.  Initially, the scene before here blurred.  Her heart pounded as she tried to mentally sharpen the image.  “Shh, I believe Max has taken what you kids call a ‘selfie’...”  Max gritted her teeth.  I heard that, I’m almost there.  I can do this, Chloe.  I can save you!

           Max mentally pushed a little harder.  As she did, the image before her finally cleared and her world went white.  Just one more time.  I’ll finally stop this asshole.

October 7, 2013

11:50 AM

Blackwell Academy, Photography Class

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

           Mark Jefferson leaned lazily back on his desk as he lectured, “Shh, I believe Max has taken what you kids call a ‘selfie’...  A dumb word for a wonderful photographic tradition.  And Max... has a gift.  Of course, as you all know, the photo portrait has been popular since the early 1800's.  Your generation was not the first to use images for ‘selfie-expression.’  Sorry. I couldn't resist.  The point remains that the portraiture has always been a vital aspect of art, and photography, for as long as it's been around.  Now, Max, since you've captured our interest and clearly want to join the conversation, can you please tell us the name of the process that gave birth to the first self-portraits?”

           Max mentally checked herself.  I… I’m not shackled anymore!  My rewind back in time worked!   She realized that Jefferson was impatient for an answer.  “The Daguerreotype, invented by Louis Daguerre in 1839,” Max replied.  Good answer, Max!  He won’t suspect anything.

           Jefferson smiled.  “Somebody’s been reading, as well as posing. Nice work, Max.”

           Victoria shot Max a dirty look, but Max ignored it.  While Jefferson’s lecture continued, Max quietly rummaged through her messenger bag until she found her submission for the Everyday Heroes contest.  Giving Jefferson this photo will get the ball rolling.  He’ll pick me as the contest winner and I can plan around that.  She placed the photo in a side pocket, getting it ready to hand in.  When the bell rang, Max scooped up her belongings and stood up.  First, she walked over to Kate and touched her shoulder.  “Kate?”

           Kate wiped tears from her puffy red eyes, “Oh!  Hi Max.  That was a nice answer.  Are you okay?  You seem a little different.”

           Max smiled warmly at Kate.  “I’m fine, Kate.  And I want you to know that you’re not alone.  I’ll stop by later and we can talk.  I promise you.”  Max picked up a wad of paper that had been thrown at Kate earlier during the class period, sealing her promise to her.

           Kate's face brightened slightly.  “I… I would like that.”  Kate’s reply was shaky, but it was a bright spot of hope in Kate’s otherwise despondent existence.

           Max waved goodbye and headed straight to Jefferson.  Victoria, who had been chatting him up, snarled at Max, “Excuse you, Max!”

           Jefferson waved at Victoria, “No Victoria, excuse us for a moment.  Max, how can I help a future star photographer?”

           Max reached into the pocket of her messenger bag, extracting her submission.  Confidently handed the submission to Jefferson.  “Mr. Jefferson, I’m entering this photo into the competition.” 

           Jefferson plucked the photo from Max’s hands.  “I’m glad to see you’ve entered, Max.  Hopefully, you’ll join us at the End of the World party to hear the announcement of the winner of the Everyday Heroes contest.”

           “Oh, don’t worry, Mark.  I’ll be there.”  He’s predictable, Max thought.  He’ll pick my photo and then I can give him what he deserves.  Max turned around and quickly walked out. 

           “How rude!”  Victoria said, eyerolling in the direction of Max as she left the classroom.

           Jefferson ignored Victoria.  He was transfixed on the spot where Max had stood, wondering where this sudden burst of confidence came from.  Something had affected Max’s… purity.  The innocence he preferred to capture in his… subjects.  This didn’t change his overall plan to take Max to his Dark Room.  But Jefferson’s face twitched slightly as a small bit of caution crept into the back of his mind. 

October 7, 2013

11:57 AM

Blackwell Academy, Hallway

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

           Max made her way through the busy halls of Blackwell Academy, her hands gripping her messenger bag tightly as lockers slammed shut and students loitered in the hall.  Remember, Chloe hasn’t interacted with me in five years and time for planning is short.  We need to come up with something that will let us bring Jefferson down and save the town.  Max stopped short of the bathroom door before turning around and finding a vantage point from which she could see the entrance.  After a minute she spotted Nathan pushing his way through the crowd, muttering to himself.  He shoved the bathroom door open and stepped inside.

           Max stepped away from her vantage point and walked over to the bathroom, pausing next to the door to lean against the frame.  She only had to wait a few moments before Chloe walked through the front doors of Blackwell.  Her eyes were darting from left to right, seeking possible threats.  She was so focused on possible threats that she failed to notice Max.  A few steps away from the bathroom door, Max walked into Chloe’s path, reaching out to gently grip Chloe’s arm.  “Chloe?”

           “Da fuck?”  Chloe blinked in disbelief.  “M… Max?  Max Caulfield?”

           Max gave Chloe her most disarming smile, “Hi Chloe.  It’s, uh, nice to see you again.”

           Chloe looked down at Max’s hand before shaking it off.  “Yeah, great.  Listen, I’d love to catch up on five years of shit, but I’ve got an asshole to nail.  So, you’ll excuse me.”

           Chloe took a step towards the bathroom door before Max moved to block her path.  She shot Max an annoyed glance.  “Look, Max Caulfield, I don’t have time for this.  I have a deal to close.  Maybe call me never and I’ll tell you about it sometime.”

           Max’s smile morphed into a serious expression, “You’re looking for Nathan, am I right?  He’s in there,” Max tilted her head back into the direction of the bathroom, “Waving his gun.  You walk in and you’re dead.  You’d love to face him with a gun of your own, but you left David’s gun under your bed at home.”

           Chloe shot Max an angry look before pushing her towards the wall, where she pinned Max with her elbow.  Max winced in pain from the pressure as Chloe said, “I don’t know where you heard or saw any of this, but this is seriously getting under my skin.”  Chloe’s eyes widened as a realization hit her, “Wait…  Did you say David?  How the hell do you know about him?  Are you spying on me?  Why?!”

           I have her attention!  If I play my cards right and use my knowledge of Chloe, I can get her on my side.  “I’ll tell you, if you’ll let me help you find Rachel.”

           Chloe laid off the pressure from her elbow as she asked, “What does… Rachel have to do with this?”

           Max remained calm.  I have this.  “More than you know.  Let me go and I’ll help you bring her home.”

           Chloe eased up on Max as they both shared disarming smiles.  Max, momentarily lost in Chloe’s blue eyes, failed to notice a shadow looming behind Chloe.  An unamused David Madsen seemed to appear from nowhere, clearly unhappy with his wayward stepdaughter.  “Chloe, what are you doing here?  And why are you harassing students?  I’m escorting you out, soldier!”

           Chloe spun around and gave David a defiant look.  “I go where I please.  It’s a free country, don’t you know?”  David gritted his teeth in frustration, but he had a job to do.  He quickly reached out to take Chloe by the arm and escort off school grounds.  But his grip was only tenuous as Chloe struggled, screaming, “Let me go, fucker, don’t ever touch me!”

           Max tightened her hand into a fist.  I need Chloe and David as allies if I’m going to pull off a miracle.  I need to intervene.  “Stop!  Chloe didn’t do anything wrong.  I asked her to stop by.  I’ve known her since I was like seven and I wanted to see her again.  I was on my way to the bathroom when Chloe rushed out to stop me.  Nathan Prescott is in there with a gun.”

           David looked skeptically at Max, then to Chloe, before his tense shoulders loosened.  Chloe merely nodded, agreeing with Max’s story, even though she thought it was half-baked.  David’s expression softened as he made his decision.  “Don’t go anywhere.  This better be true, missy.”  He stepped over to the bathroom door and knocked loudly.  “School Security!  I’m stepping in.”  He waited a few seconds before walking through the door.  On the other side he was greeted to the sight of Nathan standing by the mirror in the girls’ restroom.  The world seemed to stop, all without an intervention from Max.  Nathan’s eyes were wide with surprise.  Then, the world started moving all at once as Nathan bum rushed David, using his shoulder to push past him.  Just as he rushed out the door, tasting freedom, Chloe casually stuck her boot out, causing Nathan to tumble to the floor.  With a loud clatter, his gun spilled out of his jacket.  Nathan stared at Chloe with absolute hatred.

           David looked at Max and Chloe before sighing, “I guess I owe both of you an apology.”  Nathan tried reaching for his gun, but David quickly snatched the gun before Nathan could retrieve it.  David hit the magazine release on the side and then pulled the slide to discharge the bullet in the chamber.  “You’re coming with me, Mr. Prescott.”

December 5, 2023

6:32 PM

Max and Chloe’s House

Lakeport, Vermont

           Moses’ mouth was wide open, his eyes flickered with awe as Chloe finished her story of Max’s powers.  “And you aren’t bullshitting me?”  Chloe shook her head, and her eyes narrowed as a sign that she was serious.  Moses backed up slightly in his seat, understanding what Chloe was getting at.  “Okay, I understand.  It’s just that a… demonstration would be nice.”          

           “Chloe and I have talked about this… power over the years.  We concluded that it’s too dangerous to use.  And,” Max reached out to Chloe from across the room as if to take her hand, a reassuring smile on her face.  “I promised Chloe that I wouldn’t abuse her trust by using my rewind powers again.”

           Moses’ eyes dulled a little from disappointment, but he gave Max a supportive smile.  “Look, I understand.  I took a seminar on Chaotic Systems as a senior.  We talked about how small changes in a system can lead to unanticipated outcomes.”

           “That’s a… cold way of putting it,” Chloe piped in, her mouth frowning in annoyance.  “Max flapped her wings and conjured a storm.  I’d say that’s unanticipated.”

           Moses threw up his hands in an apologetic gesture.  Chloe broke into a small smile, signaling that she wasn’t holding any of this against him.

           Moses began to rub his chin while wearing a contemplative expression.  “Okay, I know you can't demonstrate your power, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t at least like to understand it.  Can you tell me what your limits were?  Besides the storm, did you encounter any other unintended consequences?”

           Max relaxed her shoulders.  I’m glad Moses is being so receptive.  “I can make small jumps back a few seconds into the past, unless I have access to a photo of my past self.  In which case, I can go back further for a brief period.  As for unintended consequences…”  She looked over to Chloe, who gave Max a supportive look.  “I went so far back in one jump that I saved Chloe’s dad.  But,” Max pursed her lips and swallowed, “Chloe became paralyzed and was dying from her injuries when I returned.”

           Moses shot Chloe a sympathetic look while she put her face into her knees as she sat on the ground.  After a few seconds ticked by, Chloe came back up, her eyes a little redder than before.  Moses looked at Max, who nodded to him, encouraging him to continue asking.  “So this, Other Chloe, you think she had powers?  Have you ever met anyone else with powers?  What do we know about her?”

           Chloe tapped her head as she tried to recall details.  “If she could look like me, then she absolutely had powers.  She knew details about Max and me.  She was athletic, recited some poetry, and she let out this sound…”

           Moses' ears perked up.  “What sound?  Can you remember?”

           Chloe closed her eyes for a few seconds, before opening them again.  “It sounded like… kuso.  She said it when I smacked her in the head with a snowball.”

           Max noticed Moses’ face drop.  “What’s wrong, Moses?  You look ill.”

           Moses recovered his composure as he replied, “Kuso is a Japanese curse.  We have a person knowledgeable in Japanese, is athletic, knows the area, and likes poetry.  I know this is impossible, but it sounds like Maya Okada.  I’m just not sure how she would know about Max or Chloe.

           Chloe’s face wore a confused expression as she asked, “Who?”

           Max leaned in Chloe’s direction.  “Maya Okada.  She was one of Moses and Safi’s friends when she disappeared on a hike with Safi.”

           Chloe bit her lip when she heard this.  “I don’t think I like the sound of this.”

           Moses wore a mask of concern on his face.  “And you shouldn’t.  We found a copy of one of Maya’s poems in Safi’s apartment.  Worse, I don’t like the implication of any of this.  When Safi made it out of the woods, she was adamant that the snowstorm blinded her, and she lost sight of Maya.”

           Max turned to Moses, shooting a sympathetic glance his way.  “Are you saying there’s more to the story?”

           Moses nodded slowly.  “It’s possible.  But, without Safi here, we can’t find out more about the day Maya disappeared.” 

           Chloe interlocked her fingers and placed her hands behind her head.  She rocked her head slightly as she thought.  “So, this Maya is after Safi for some reason.  But we need more intel, as David would say.”  At the mention of the word, ‘intel’, Moses shot Chloe an excited look.  Chloe raised an eyebrow at this.  “Something wrong, Moses?”

           Moses quickly turned to Max, “Say, didn’t you see a laptop in Safi’s apartment?” 

           Max began grinning as she started to realize what Moses was getting at, “You’re right!  It has to have more information for us.  Chloe, do you think…”

           Chloe shot up and pulled her phone out from her pocket.  The seconds passed slowly as she navigated the apps on her phone.  Finally, Chloe let out a victorious cheer, “Safi was loaned a laptop by Caledon as part of the terms of her fellowship.  And guess who has super admin access.”  Chloe pointed to herself.  “This gal!”

           Max pounded her fists in excitement.  “That’s it!  Hopefully, the police haven’t picked it up since the last time they checked her apartment.”

           Chloe grimaced slightly at the mention of police.  Max had a point.  With their investigation stalled, the police could pick up the laptop as evidence in an investigation.  “The laptop is a start,” she said, “But we need to look at other clues.  Like how Lucas claimed in his court document that he didn’t threaten his neighbor and family.  She changed into me, why not Lucas?”

           “You’re right,” Moses agreed.  “Maya could conceivably be anyone at the University.”

           Max felt a knot in her stomach.  If Maya can be anyone, then information might be our only defense.  “Anyone have any suggestions for where we can find more information about the goings-on around Caledon?”  Max asked hopefully.

           Moses raised his hand sheepishly, “Can I suggest something?”

           Max chuckled, “Of course!  This isn’t a classroom.”

           Moses swallowed, before continuing, “Well, if we need information, then it’s logical to look at local crimes that may have been perpetrated by look-a-likes.  The only person I know who’s in tune with the local crime reporting scene is…”

           Chloe glared at Moses with annoyance.  “No!”  She shook her head for emphasis, “No way we’re going to see Loretta.”

           Looking a bit guilty for suggesting Loretta, Moses replied, “Why not?  She’s been tracking all sorts of true crime incidents in Vermont and the greater New England area.”

           Chloe stretched out her hand with a single digit up in the air, “One, her YouTube page has so much conspiracy shit, that it makes any computer forced to watch her stuff sick.  And, two,” Chloe lifted a second finger, “She breaks anything she borrows from IT.”

           Max suppressed a laugh at Chloe’s response.  “I think Moses makes a good point.  Loretta is about the closest person we have to a true crime expert at Caledon.”

           Chloe shrugged in ambivalent agreement.  “Okay,” Moses replied on the heels of Chloe’s gesture, “I’ll drop in on her tomorrow.  According to her social media, she’ll be in the Fine Arts Atrium.  She’ll talk to me because I was her TA for freshman physics.”

           Chloe shot Moses a suspicious glance.  “You seem to know an awful lot about what she’s up to lately?”  Chloe asked, a bit incredulous that Moses would know exactly where to find Loretta.

           “I follow her content,” Moses replied sheepishly.  Chloe let out a raucous laugh at this response.  “She mentioned that she’s shooting a new segment in the Fine Arts Atrium.”

           Max yawned before interjecting, “Listen.  I know it’s getting late, but I think it might be useful to give ourselves codenames.  You know… in case Maya decides to come back and impersonate one of us.”

           Chloe enthusiastically nodded at this suggestion.  “Going into super-secret agent mode sounds like fun.  I want to be…”  Chloe scrunched her face as she thought of a codename.  Her eyes widened as a word formed in her mind.  “Call me Gadget.  Because of all the tech stuff I do now.”

           Max lightly clapped her hands at Chloe’s codename.  Both Chloe and Moses looked over at Max expectantly.  “Oh!”  She said when she finally noticed.  “Uh…  Caledon was thinking about buying me a new camera from Olympus for my class and photography work.  So, does Olympus work?”

           “Gadget,” Moses pointed to Chloe.  Then pointing to Max, “And, Olympus.”  His eyes looked up towards the ceiling as he thought.  “Ah!”  A grin crept onto his face.  “Call me Prometheus.  For Saturn’s moon and the Titan who helped Zeus rebel.”

           Chloe slapped her knee with excitement.  “Alright!  Now that we’re on the case, Hawt Dog Man has nothing on us.”

A/N: Thank you for the recent comments!  This chapter kicks off Act 2: Echos.  Max and the gang will kick their investigation into high gear now that they believe that Maya is out there.  How did Maya acquire her power?  Why has she been missing for more than a year (she went missing in October 2022 and we are currently in December 2023)?  And, how is any of this connected to Safi's disappearance?  

Hopefully, these flashback scenes are helping flesh out how Max found herself in this timeline.  There are definetly more flashbacks to come that will showcase more of this timeline.  In fact, the brief flashback to Max being locked up in the Dark Room, which from Max's perspective is technically the first scene in the story, was a recent addition.  I thought it made for a nice segue into the scene in Jefferson's class room.

In regards to Maya, my original plan was to keep her a secret until about halfway through Act 2.  But, in reading through my draft notes, I realized that keeping a secret like that would be difficult to pull off with the narrative I've written so far.  I think introducing Maya as a doppelganger earlier makes more sense narratively speaking, but I'll need to make some changes to ensure this change carries through.

Chapter Text

December 6, 2023

11:21 AM

Around town

Lakeport, Vermont

Moses

Prometheus here.  I just spotted Loretta filming her segment in the Fine Arts Atrium.  I’m going to have a chat. 

Max

Olympus is on the way to pick up Safi’s laptop.  I need to run by the grocery store afterwards, but then I’ll head over the Snapping Turtle.

Chloe

Gadget here would like some crème puffs, the ones with dark chocolate if they have any.

Max

Gadget reports they like dark chocolate.  That’s definitely suspicious.

Moses

I’ll have to cut Gadget out of the group chat for that.

Max

:-D

Chloe

Fuck you both.  And, no emojis!

Max

Ok, its an older meme, but Gadget checks out.

December 6, 2023

11:23 AM

Hannah Hellerton Fine Arts Atrium

Lakeport, Vermont

           The atrium was quiet.  It was the period just before classes let out for noon, when students with homework in hand and food on their minds would swarm the tables and benches that sat around the atrium.  As Moses entered, he looked around, searching for Loretta.  Motion in the corner of his eye drew his attention.  Before a large photography exhibit stood a young woman.  She had stringy blond hair down to her shoulders.  Her long-sleeved shirt was emblazoned with the Caledon emblem.  She was hunched over a tripod, fiddling with a smart phone attachment.  There she is!  Just like her socials said she would be.

           As Moses approached, he watched Loretta stand up and take a step back.  She smiled and waved to her phone.  “Hey, Vermont sleuths!”  Moses angled his approach so as not to disrupt her filming.  Completely oblivious to Moses, Loretta continued, “I’m standing in front of Walking with Ghosts, a haunting exhibit by photographer Max Caulfield that deftly captures the loneliness of Vermont’s forgotten spaces.  Despite the isolation of these places, the presence of civilization is still visible: a rusted car; a broken spade in an overgrown garden; or a husked-out mill.  These are all proof that people once called these places home.  But step into the Vermont wilderness and you’ll find yourself launched back to a time without technology.  Come with me and explore the mystery of the Bennington Triangle.  Up next, on Get a Clue!”

           Loretta reached over and tapped the stop button.  Moses clapped, drawing her attention.  Initially, she cocked her head in confusion before her expression brightened into one of recognition.  “Oh!  Hi, Moses!  I haven’t seen you since you were my TA for freshman physics.” 

           Moses took a deep breath and put on his biggest smile, “It’s always great to see a former student.  What are you working on?” 

           Loretta shuttered with excitement at the question.  With a big smile on her face, she reached into a bag that was sitting just out of sight and pulled out a script.  “Promise me you won’t post something online before I’m done?”

           “Don’t worry.  I’m looking forward to watching your video when it comes out.”  Taking her script in hand, Moses read the title: Bennington Triangle.  His eyes squinted in confusion.  “Uh, did you misspell Bermuda?”

           Loretta pointed to the script excitedly, “No!  There really is a Bennington Triangle.  It started in 1946 when Paula Jean Welden, a college student, went missing during a hike in the Glastenbury area outside Bennington.  Then, four more people disappeared in suspicious circumstances.  I’m editing my latest video now and then I want to use my research for another video about that missing Caledon student, Maya Okada.  Say, I hear that you were good friends with her.  Can I interview you for the segment?”

           Moses gulped a little.  Would you believe that Maya might be a doppelganger, wandering around Lakeport even though she’s supposed to be dead.  Still, I’m her friend and she deserves better than a skeevy YouTube video.  He put on his best smile before responding, “I, uh…  Losing Maya was hard on us.  I must respectfully pass.”  Besides, I need my own answers first.

           Loretta shrugged, unconcerned that a close friend of Maya’s had turned her down.  “Oh well.  I want to work on that soon.  With Safi Fayyad missing, I’m sure to draw a lot of views.”

           Inwardly, Moses groaned.  I can almost see Chloe dancing in my head, warning me to stay away.  She’s going to laugh her ass off if I tell her about this.  “Say, Loretta.  I’ve been watching some of your stuff on YouTube.  Have you done anything related to doppelgangers?”

           Loretta perked up, her eyes sparkling with glee, “Doppelgangers!  That sounds like a neat topic, but I already have too much on my plate.  Though…”  Loretta paused as she dug deep into her memory.  “I did some research on a local case involving someone who allegedly robbed a bank but claimed they were wrongly accused.”

           Moses’ eyes perked up at hearing this.  “Great, Loretta!  Can you share your research with me?”

           Loretta nervously rubbed the back of her head.  “Just promise you won’t share this publicly?  The cease-and-desist letter was pretty adamant that my script not see the light of day.”

December 6, 2023

11:35 AM

Oak Mills Apartments

Lakeport, Vermont

           Out of instinct, Max stamped her feet to free loose clumps of snow from her boot.  A dull pain shot up her leg.  Wincing, she diverted her eyes to gaze upon the majesty of the Green Mountains.  The largest of the local mountains, Mount Telle, loomed over the Lakeport skyline, its peak was caked in deep snow.  Sure, Mount Telle doesn’t hold a candle to Mount Rainier, but it’s still pretty.

           Satisfied that she had stomped off enough snow, Max reached down to the handle of the Oak Mills leasing office.  Turning the knob and pulling the door open, she stepped in.  Inside, Mrs. Iachino looked up from her desk and shot Max a warm smile.  “Max, dear!  How are you?”

           She returned Mrs. Iachino’s smile with one of her own.  “I’m… fine, Mrs. Iachino.  Just taking things one day at a time.”

           “That’s just great, dear.  I’m still praying that Safi makes it home.”

           “As am I, Mrs. Iachino.”  A moment of silence passed between the pair before Max continued, “Actually, I was wondering if you’d be willing to let me into Safi’s apartment again.  I need to borrow her laptop to use for my class presentation tomorrow.  Caledon IT is currently working on mine.  I’ll bring it back after class.”

           Mrs. Iachino nodded, “I don’t see an issue, but you’ll have to ask Mr. Llewellyn first.”

           Max froze at the mention of Safi’s father.  “Wait, Mr. Llewellyn?  Like as in Desmond Llewellyn, Safi’s dad?”

           “Yep.  He came in late yesterday just as I was closing .  He took the first flight to Albany from Chicago and then drove out here.  He’s staying in Safi’s apartment while the investigation into her disappearance is ongoing.  Have you met him before?”

           Max shook her head.  “No.  Safi never introduced me.”  Desmond?  I’ve heard Safi and Moses talk about him all the time.  Hopefully, Safi mentioned me enough for him to recognize my name. 

           “Lovely man.  I can introduce you.”

           Mrs. Iachino threw on her coat and guided Max out of the office.  Amid the crunch of snow underneath foot and an occasional remark from Mrs. Iachino about the weather, Max was half lost in thought.  What should I say?  Hi, Mr. Llewellyn, I’m sorry Safi’s missing.  Can I borrow Safi’s laptop so my girlfriend can break in and discover secrets?  Shit, that’s terrible.  I need to say something else.   Max could feel her heart race. 

           Max shook the thoughts away as she and Mrs. Iachino approached the door to Safi’s apartment.  Mrs. Iachino reached over and knocked.  “Safi’s dad is a kind soul; I can sense it.  But this case is crushing him.  I’m sure meeting you will perk him up.”

           The door cracked open to reveal a pale faced man poke his head out.  Max noted that he had shortly cropped, steel gray hair.  There was stubble on his face, gray like his hair, and dark circles under his eyes.  He doesn’t look like he’s had a good night’s sleep.  Understandable.  Still, it looks like the man from Safi’s rugby photo.

           “Good morning, Mr. Llewellyn!”  Mrs. Iachino piped up.  She gestured over to Max.  “This here is Max Caulfield.  She’s one of Safi’s friends from school.  She stopped by to borrow Safi’s laptop.”

           Okay, Max, don’t mess this up.  Wearing an easy, disarming smile, Max extended her hand.  “Hi, Mr. Llewellyn.  Pleasure to meet you.  I wish these were better circumstances.”

           Desmond reached out tepidly, shook Max’s hand, and replied in a soft Welsh English accent, “Pleasure, Ms. Caulfield.”  Desmond opened the door and gestured for Max to step in.  Max returned Desmond’s gesture with a friendly nod.  He sounds like Michael Sheen from Good Omens! 

           Mrs. Iachino clapped her hands once.  “I’ll leave you here, Max, dear.  Stop by if you need anything!”  With that, the property manager turned around and scurried back in the direction of the leasing office.

           Desmond closed the door with a loud thud.  An awkward period of silence before reaching out his hand, “Can I take your coat, Ms. Caulfield?”

           Max slipped out of her green winter coat and handed it to Desmond.  “Thank you, Mr. Llewellyn.  Please, you can call me Max.”

           Desmond’s hand relaxed a little as he took the coat.  “Then, call me Desmond.  Please have a seat.”

           Max walked over to the dining table and took her seat.  Desmond opened a coat closet, where he placed Max’s coat on a hanger, before joining her at the seat opposite.  “We’ve never met, Max, but I feel like I know you as well as Moses.  Safi talks about you and your girlfriend… Chloe?”  Max nodded before letting Desmond continue, “Safi seems as connected to you as she is to Moses.”

           “Thank you, Desmond.  I was lucky to have met her.  She’s an amazing poet and she plays a mean game of poker.”

           Desmond laughed.  “Safi’s always been a competitive soul.  She’d never admit it, but she got that from Yasmin.”  Desmond’s eyes drift slightly as if focusing on some distant happy memory.  The pair sat in silence before Desmond added, “Can I get you something to drink?”

           “Thanks, Desmond.  I don’t want to impose any more than I already am.”

           Desmond sighed a little.  “Last time I saw Safi was this past summer, a few weeks before her inauguration as a Caledon Fellow.  I flew in the last week of July to celebrate.  Receiving the fellowship was the best thing to happen to Safi’s academic career.  So, I surprised her by going for a hike in the Green Mountain National Forest.  We spent the whole day up there taking pictures and seeing the natural beauty.” 

             Max smiled at the thought of Desmond and Safi walking through nature and enjoying each other’s company.  “Did Safi hike often?”

           Desmond scratched his nose as he considered her question.  “Safi enjoys the outdoors, but she prefers a desk and a pad of paper with a roof over her head.  Don’t get me wrong, she's experienced at hiking, but she needs someone to motivate her to go on hiking trips.  That trip we took was the first hike she’d been on since Maya.  Safi’s still healing from losing Maya.  I think this was her own private way of remembering her.”  Desmond immediately went quiet as if he wanted to say a silent prayer.

           “Desmond, what was Maya like?”  Max bit her lip, hoping that Desmond wouldn’t shoot down her question.

           Desmond leaned back in his chair and thought for a long moment.  “Funny, she reminded me of Safi.  She was smart and competitive, like Safi.  And she loved the outdoors.  Maya would go on hikes around Lakeport when she didn’t have class work.  And Safi called her a damn good poet.”

           Max leaned forward.  This is a great chance to learn more about Maya.  Maybe something he says will be useful.  “Moses told me about Maya.  Did… did Safi say what happened?”  A frown crept upon Desmond’s face.  “Don’t worry, Desmond.  You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to.”

           A faint sense of sadness dwelled in Desmond’s expression as he recounted, “No, no.  It’s fine.  I can tell that talking about Maya is a sore spot for Safi.  Maya came to Safi in the middle of October last year. They had both passed a hard literature exam, and Safi told me Maya was excited about going up to Niquette Bay, near Lake Champlain, to celebrate.”

           “So, Safi said yes?”

           “She did.  When they left Lakeport, the weather was amazing.  But a fast-moving mass of cold Arctic air hit them hard, dumping near-record snow when Safi lost sight of Maya.  She stumbled into a Ranger Station and the search started almost immediately.  Maya’s backpack was found in a clearing near where Safi last saw her, its contents strewn about as if someone was desperately searching for something.”

           “Maya was looking for some kind of aid,” Max suggested helpfully.

           “That’s the theory.  Safi had an extra sweater in her backpack, and Maya might have had one too.  Unfortunately, the backpack and its contents were all they found.  The snow covered up everything, except for animal tracks.  Though,” Desmond paused to think for a moment, “one ranger did mention a prominent set of tracks that seemed unusually deep.  She couldn’t get a positive ID because the focus was on finding Maya fast and additional snowfall obscured them when she returned.”

           Max’s mind briefly wandered to Arcadia Bay.  A storm on the day Maya disappeared, huh?  After what happened to Arcadia Bay, I don’t want to believe in coincidence.  There’s more going on that Safi hasn’t told us.  If Maya’s running around, then she clearly didn’t die.

           “Max?”

           “Uh?  Oh, sorry Desmond.  How can I help?”

           Desmond visibly exhaled before asking, “Why do you really need Safi’s laptop?  Don’t feed me the same story that you told Mrs. Iachino.  You can borrow a laptop from virtually anyone who isn’t missing, but you’re here.  Why?”

           Max hesitated for a moment, looking at the genuine interest in Desmond’s eyes. Gathering her resolve, she sat up straighter. “The truth is, Desmond… Moses and I want to help find Safi. We figure people who know Safi best might see something the police miss. My girlfriend, Chloe, works for the IT department at Caledon, and she thinks she can access Safi’s laptop. We’re hoping that by looking through it, we might find a clue about where she’s gone.”

           Desmond, for the first time since meeting him, smiled.  It was the type of wishful smile that people used when they had nothing else left but hope.  “You are surprisingly forthright, Max.  I will let you take Safi’s laptop with you.  Please let me know when you find Safi.  I want to be there when you bring her home.”

           Max and Desmond stood up.  “Will do, Desmond.”  As she turned to leave she looked at Desmond and asked, “Say, why didn’t you buy the story I gave to Mrs. Iachino?”

           Desmond laughed.  “Logic, my dear Max.”

December 6, 2023

12:49 PM

The Snapping Turtle

Lakeport, Vermont

           The Snapping Turtle was more crowded than a typical semester afternoon.  The air was electric with undergraduates fretting about their final exams.  Max drank in the noise of murmuring conversations as she depressed the power button on Safi’s laptop.  The computer dinged as the Apple logo appeared before Max.  The login screen popped up a moment later, waiting for password inputs.

           Moses slid into the booth opposite Max.  “Prometheus,” he half whispered his code phrase, barely audible above the din of the bar.

           “Olympus,” Max replied, looking Moses in the eye. 

           “Any trouble getting the laptop?”  Moses asked as he rummaged through his backpack, fingers flipping through pages. 

           “Desmond is here.” Max bit her lip with worry for the man whose daughter was missing.

           Moses stopped for a moment as he considered the implication of Max’s response.  “He must be worried sick.”

           “He is.  I told him about our plan to find Safi.  I think he’s more hopeful knowing that Safi’s friends might spot something that the police might miss.”

           Moses smiled, assured that they were doing the right thing.  “Should we wait for Chloe?”

           Max shook her head.  “Amanda has her cleaning dishes right now.  We can bring her up to speed when she shows up.”

           Moses grimaced at the thought of scraping the remains of lunch from the dishes, before recovering.  “So, I talked with Loretta about mysterious goings on around here.  She’s currently working on a project involving disappearances from the 1940’s.  She was also hoping to do a segment on Maya Okada…”

           Max slapped her forehead.  “The gall of Loretta.  Taking advantage of the missing to get a few more views.  When we figure this out we’re going to have a chat with her.  Doing segments on local people who suffered tragedy is a bridge too far.”         

           Moses shot Max a pained expression.  “I’m with you on that one.  All I could think of was Chloe warning me that she was bad news.”

           Max half chuckled at this.  “She’s going to skin you alive, Murphy.”

           “No argument here.”

           “So, Loretta was a bust?”

           With one swift motion, Moses extracted a sheath of papers from his bag.  Excitedly, he pushed Loretta’s script towards her.  “Not quite.”

           Max snatched the papers up and read the title of what appeared to be a script: Roberta Rowe.  “Who’s this?”

           Moses excitedly pointed to the papers.  “Last December, police arrested a local bank manager, Roberta Rowe, on suspicion of stealing an indeterminate amount of money from the Lakeport branch of the Vermont Community Bank.  According to the records that Loretta found, a bank teller doing a routine audit discovered funds were missing.  There was a security sweep of the bank and video evidence from the police suggested that Rowe sneaked in after hours, disabled security, and took some money.  The police arrested her, of course, and the case seemed like a slam dunk.  But Rowe’s attorney obtained a video clearly showing her at a niece’s birthday party at nearly the same time.  Since the party was in a town six hours drive south, there was no way she could physically be in both places.  The attorney also hired a video expert who showed that the graininess of the security video made clear identification impossible.  Without clear DNA evidence or the money, the judge dismissed the case and Rowe sued the state for wrongful imprisonment.  When Rowe found out Loretta was snooping around, her attorney sent her a cease-and-desist letter.”

           Max thoughtfully touched her chin.  She closed her eyes briefly, reviewing Moses’ every word, before opening them again.  “So, if Maya is our doppelganger.  And, based on the circumstantial evidence we have, she’s a strong candidate, why would she rob a bank?”

           Moses threw up his hands in frustration.  “I’ve been going over that scenario in my mind ever since I read Loretta’s script.  The Maya I knew was honest and hardworking, if a bit competitive.  She would never rob a bank.”

           Max tapped the script in front of her.  “And, yet, we have someone, dressed as a bank manager, stealing money.  Don’t forget the copy of Chloe in our living room yesterday.  There has to be a reason she would rob a bank.”

           Moses sighed deeply and let his head roll back as he thought through different situations in his mind.  “Maybe Maya was desperate.  She needed cash.  It’s kind of hard to work when you’ve been declared dead.  Or…”  Moses’ voice trailed, as if unsure about his next statement.  “Or, she had a grudge against Roberta Rowe.”

           Max grimaced a little.  “Why would a college senior hold a grudge against a bank manager she doesn’t know?”

           “That’s the thing, Max.  What scares me more than the thought that Maya might be a doppelganger is the thought that there are things I don’t know about her.  Or about Safi.  Have you ever been in a situation where you think you know someone, but they turn out to be… different?”

            Max shut her eyes, trying to forget Mark Jefferson and his perverted hobby.  “There… was Moses.  Back in Arcadia Bay my photography teacher, Mark Jefferson, he kidnapped women by drugging them.  Then, he photographed them in their most vulnerable state without consent.”

           Moses looked down cast.  “I’m sorry for making you remember something awful.”

           Max exhaled, relieved to have shared something she had buried deep within her.  “Speaking of something awful, I asked Desmond about Safi.  He said that Safi clearly missed Maya but didn’t want to talk about it.  Has Safi ever shared anything with you about the day she lost Maya?”

           Moses shook his head.  “I visited her after she came home from the trip.  All she said was that Maya disappeared in front of her because of the storm.  I never pressed her about it.  But, sometimes, when Safi doesn’t think I'll notice she gets this wistful look in her eye.  That’s how I know she’s thinking of Maya.”

           Max leaned back in her seat to drink in Moses’ words.  Everyone says Safi misses Maya and I believe them.  Why then did Safi never say anything about it to me?  Or, to Chloe?  What is she guarding?  Maybe, I shouldn’t be too quick to judge.  I mean, I’ve known Moses since August and I just barely told him about Jefferson.

October 22, 2022

Van Pelt House

Caledon University President Residence

Lakeport, Vermont

           Moses stood at the door of the large colonial style house that served as the residence for the University President.  I don’t know what I’m going to say. Maya… Maya’s gone, and I’m barely holding it together.  I can’t begin to imagine what Safi is feeling.  Come on, Moses, keep it together.

           Moses lifted his hand, but he found it difficult to knock.  His whole body shook as his nerves got the better of him.  Swallowing, he let his hand fall on the door, knocking as loud as he could.  He heard his heart pounded as the seconds ticked by.  Then, an audible click sounded as the locks were turned.  The door opened to reveal Yasmin, dressed in a long-sleeved button-up white shirt and khaki pants.  Her eyes were red, as if she had cried recently.  Her mouth turned up into a slight, but welcoming smile.

           “Moses, it’s so good to see you.  Circumstances have been… difficult.  But I’m sure that Safiya will love to see you.  Please come in.”

           Moses passed through the doorway into an ample foyer.  He rubbed the dirt off his shoes on the door mat.  Then, he noticed several pairs of shoes lined up in the foyer.  Respectfully, Moses undid his shoelaces and placed them next to the others.  “Thank you for letting me stop by Yasmin.”

           Yasmin gently tapped Moses on his shoulder.  “You are one of Safiya’s most treasured friends.  I could never deny you, Moses.  Safiya is in the sitting room.  Please come this way.”  She gestured, inviting Moses to step further into the house.

           Moses and Yasmin passed into a grand living room decorated with a smattering of late 19th and early 20th century items.  “The décor is something, Yasmin.  Under different circumstances, I would love to ask you about it.”

           Yasmin let out a soft, sad chuckle.  “The early trustees spared no expense when they asked the Dutch architect, Jacob van Pelt, to design the house in 1886.  They were so impressed by the result that they chose to name the house after him rather than Caledon’s first president.  I think there was some bad blood there.”

           Moses continued following Yasmin in silence through a long hallway flanked by several doors.  As Yasmin passed one door, she stopped and pointed.  “This is the bathroom in case you need to use it.”  Moses noted that this door had a chrome-plated handle.  All of the other doors appeared to have brass handles.  He nodded to Yasmin.

           The trek through the house continued until Yasmin stopped at an open door.  She rapped lightly on the door frame.  “Safiya.  You have a visitor.”

           Moses poked his head in.  The room had a large, overstuffed recliner, which Safi was occupying.  A red blanket was draped over her.  She looks tired. 

           Safi turned her head and looked Moses in the eye.  A weak smile crept onto her face.  “Uh, thanks Mom.”

           “Please call me if you need anything.  I’ll be in the upstairs office answering emails.”  With that, Yasmin withdrew. 

           Moses stood at the threshold of the room.  Do I just walk in, or should I wait for her to invite me?  It seems like waiting is the best approach.

           A long minute passed before Safi cleared her throat.  “Come on in, big guy.”  She gestured to a sofa opposite from where she was sitting. 

           Beckoned to enter, Moses made his way to the sofa and sat down.  His eyes fixed on Safi clutching her blanket.  “How are you holding up?”

           “I’m taking it one day at a time.  I had a police interview a few days ago.  Apparently, my crap directions led them to find Maya’s backpack.”  Safi trailed off, as if she was weary of everything.

           “Did you see her when the storm came up?”

           Safi slowly shook her head.  “One minute, she was in front of me.  The next, she’s just gone.  I don’t know where she walked off to.  The wind was so strong that the snow stung my eyes.  I must have passed close to all manner of fauna before stumbling to that cabin.”

           “That’s tough, but Maya will make it.  I’ve never seen someone more capable of navigating the wilderness.  Remember that time in Sophomore year when she hiked up Mount Telle without a map?  You thought that was crazy, but she made it to the peak and back with the selfies to prove it.”

           Safi offhandedly laughed.  “Maya… was very capable.  But, she had a compass with her.”

           Moses’ shoulders sagged.  Was?  A short silence passed before Moses spoke up.  “I’m sorry, Safi.  I’m just not ready for Maya to be a ‘was’.  I was hoping we could use present tense, for a little while.”

           Moses watched as Safi’s eyes fluttered, his words finding their way through her mind.  “Maya would have liked that.  And you’re free to do what you want, Moses.  I just can’t deal with… all of this.  It might be better if I don’t talk about her.  I’ll stick to writing my poetry and remember her in my own way.” 

           Moses noticed a faint tear form in Safi’s eye.  It might be better to pass the time in silence.  You know, being there for Safi physically.  When she’s ready to talk about Maya, she’ll open up.

A/N: Thank you for the kudos and the comments!  I have added a note in the story summary that this is ongoing work.  I have also changed the chapter length to ? since I don't have a good grasp on what the final length will be.  If anyone knows where I can modify this to indicate that this is ongoing work, I would appreciate the assist.

Mount Telle in the story is fictional, but is of course named for Hannah Telle, the actor who portrayed Max in both LiS and LiS: DE.  For anyone counting, this is the second explicit reference to a LiS actor.  The first was a reference to Burch Hall (the administrative heart of Caledon), named for original Chloe actor Ashly Burch.  I will be sprinkling in a few other actor references as the story moves on.  Note that Burch Hall is entirely invented for this story.  As far as I know, the Fine Arts Building and the Physics building are the only buildings shown in LiS: DE.  Sprinkling in new building names makes the setting seem more vibrant.

A note about the town of Lakeport.  In this universe, it sits in a valley within the Green Mountains of Vermont.  The tallest and closest of these mountains is Mount Telle, with a peak close to 3,500 ft (1,067 m) above sea level.  This makes it tall by Green Mountain standards, but definitely not the tallest.  The tallest is Mount Mansfield sitting at 4,393 ft (1,339 m).  Geography might be important later in the story.

I also thought I would add a little bit of Caledon University lore to this A/N.  According the LiS Wiki, Caledon was founded in 1886.  I imagine that the trustees who founded the university were inspired by Yale's Gothic architecture.  You can see this in the game as the Fine Arts Building is clearly Gothic inspired.  However, university presidents often like to put their own mark on a university.  In this universe, Caledon's first president was not a fan of the Gothic style, instead preferring the Colonial style that is common in a lot of U.S. East Coast Schools (e.g., see Faunce House at Brown University or Maryland Hall at Johns Hopkins University).  So he pushed the architect to build him a home on campus in the Colonial style.  The trustees were impressed with the architect's work on the house and christened it with the architect's name in recognition of his work, rather than the university president's name to spite him.  Academia can be petty at times.

Chapter Text

August 19, 2019

9:45 AM

Caledon University Campus

Lakeport, Vermont

             The mid-morning August sun bore down on Moses as he trudged his way to the Fine Arts Building for his first class as a college student.  My roommate is a baseball scholarship player who bleeds Caledon.  I don’t know what I’ll do if I have to hear the story about how his parents met here, again.  Moses paused to wipe sweat from his brow.  I’m a science geek, through and through.  Dad and Mom’s experience as chemistry professors really rubbed off on me.  I have nothing in common with him.

             Moses paused before a large gothic building and checked his phone.  Here it is, Moses.  The Fine Arts Building, where Professor Hunter’s English composition class is waiting.  Putting his phone away, he approached the heavy exterior door.  With some effort, he yanked the door open.  Passing inside, he noted that the mid-morning heat gave way to cool fresh air as he entered a large atrium space.  The area was lively; it smelled of freshly roasted coffee.  The space around the atrium was colored with a variety of art exhibits.  He stifled a laugh as he passed a large painting that showed a clown balancing a beer stein and a sheath of papers labeled exams.  I hope that taking that scholarship was the right move.

             Turning away from the atrium, he passed into a long corridor dotted with classrooms.  He counted down rooms, 108, 107, 106…  Moses felt someone slam into him.  “Chikusho!” a female voice cried out as the clattering sound of a phone reverberated down the hall.  Moses instinctively turned to face the person.  He was instantly struck by her elegant Japanese features, accentuated with flowing black hair and dark brown eyes.  She wore a short-sleeved NYC t-shirt and had a colorful Cotopaxi backpack strapped to her back.  Moses’ mouth dried as he tried to find something to say.  Words failing him, he chose action instead, reaching down to pick up her phone.  Holding her phone out to her, he finally managed, “Here.  Are you alright?”

             “Thanks,” the girl politely replied to Moses’ gesture, taking the phone in hand.  The two eyed each other for a moment, as they searched for something more substantial to say.  Moses noticed the girl’s eyes flash with an idea.  She stuck out her hand, “I’m Maya.  Thanks for the phone!  It’s not mine.  It belongs to my roommate, Safi.  She picked mine up by accident and I took hers.”

             That’s an overly long explanation.  She’s just as nervous as me.  Moses took her hand and shook it, adding a small chuckle as he did so.  “I’m Moses.  You didn’t say which room you were looking for.”

             “A room?  Oh, I’m right here,” she pointed to Room 105.  “Safi and I have Professor Hunter’s English Composition 1.”

             Moses’ ears perked up at this.  “Professor Hunter?  I have Professor Hunter!” 

             As Moses and Maya laughed at this revelation, their banter was interrupted by a call from down the hall.  “Hey, girl!  I have your phone.”  Moses watched as a brown-haired girl with olive skin waved at the pair.  The new arrival wore a Yale tank top and was carrying an Eddie Bauer backpack.

             “Safi!”  Maya waved back.  As Safi approached, the two girls held out each other’s phones, exchanging them as they giggled.  “You need to stop leaving your phone on my dresser.”  Maya mock scolded Safi. 

             Safi wagged a finger at Maya.  “Only when you stop taking up space on the nightstand!”  Safi’s eyes flicked over to Moses.  “Who’s this?”

             Maya turned to Moses and smiled, “This is my new friend, Moses.”

             Safi placed her hands on her hips and looked Moses over like a stern mother.  “A new friend, huh?” 

             Maya turned red, “Not like that!”

             Moses looked from Safi to Maya, and back again.  “Did I miss something?”

             Safi waved her hand, “Oh, nothing.  We were trying to work out which sock to hang on the door when we have… company over.”

             Red in the face, Moses gave Safi an exasperated look.  “Are you sure this is something you should be talking about to a stranger?”

             Safi and Maya passed knowing glances at each other, before Safi turned to Moses and declared, “I’m Safi Llewellyn-Fayyad,” she pointed to Maya, “You met Maya Okada and…” She pointed to Moses.

             “Moses Murphy,” he said, a bit unsure of himself.

             “Pleasure to meet you, Moses,” Safi replied with a grin on her face, “We’re about to become English Comp buddies!”

             “More like chums,” Maya added with a laugh.

December 6, 2023

12:57 PM

The Snapping Turtle

Lakeport, Vermont

             Max and Moses heard the stomping of boots approach their table.  It was Chloe, wearing a Snapping Turtle apron, and carrying a plate of chicken tenders.  Max scooched over, laptop in hand, to let Chloe sit down.  “Ah, finally free of washing damn dishes.”  Chloe reached off to the side where the condiment tray sat and took the ketchup bottle.  She poured a generous dollop onto her plate, selecting a medium sized tender to dunk into the ketchup.  “So, what did I miss?”  Chloe asked as she was halfway through her first bite.

             Moses rapped his fingers, while Max whistled softly.  “Oh, sorry,” Chloe apologized as she realized what her friends were waiting for, “Gadget would like to know what she missed.”

             Max handed her Loretta’s notes.  “TLDR version, a local banker was arrested for stealing.  But she had clear proof that she wasn’t anywhere near the bank at the time.”

             “Our working theory is that Maya used her abilities to get access to the bank for reasons we’re not sure about.  Max and I think that Maya either needed the money, or she had a grudge against the bank manager.”

             Chloe tapped the table as she thought of Moses' comment.  “How much did she take?”

             Max flipped through Loretta’s script.  “Uh, it says $25,000 or so over the course of several days.”

             Chloe’s head bobbed up and down while she tapped, thinking things through in her mind.  “That could sustain her for a little while, assuming she found a cheap place to stay and kept her expenses to a minimum.  But she’d run out eventually.  I’m guessing Loretta didn’t find any other local cases that fit the same situation?”

             Moses shook his head.  “No.  I didn’t see anything in the transcript.  I also tried to look for recent cases but came up empty.”

             Chloe’s tapping slowed as an idea formed.  “So, I don’t think she’s doing this to survive.  This must be a grudge.  Did either of you look on LinkedIn to see what our bank manager looks like?”

             Max pulled out her phone and performed a quick search.  Scrolling through several profiles on LinkedIn, she spotted one Roberta Rowe from Vermont.  Clicking on the profile, Max briefly scanned through the text.  Bachelor’s in accounting from University of Vermont.  She worked for a credit union financial department in Bennington before moving to the Vermont Community Bank branch in Lakeport.  Max placed her phone down flat in front of her so that Chloe and Moses could see the picture.  “This is our Roberta Rowe.  Her profile says she’s an independent certified public accountant now.”

             Chloe and Moses leaned over to get a better look at the profile head shot.  It was that of a middle-aged woman dressed in a black blouse and light blue blazer.  She stood in front of the white background.  She had long gray hair and piercing hazel eyes.  Max noticed Moses’ brow furl in thought.  “Is something wrong, Moses?”

             Moses slowly pointed to the screen.  “I could be mistaken, but I swear I’ve seen her before.”

             Chloe leaned in, anxious to hear his response.  “Do you remember where?”

             “I… I remember Lucas had a photo in his briefcase when I peeked inside.  He had a photo of himself with a woman who had gray hair.  She could have been her.  My view was so fleeting that I could be mistaken.”

             Chloe turned to Max.  “It might not be a bad idea to send us a link to her LinkedIn page.  We might be able to ask around campus to see if anyone remembers seeing Lucas with her.”

             Max nodded.  “Will do.”  With a few taps on the screen, she shared the link with her friends.  “But it still raises the question of why.  Why would Maya ruin this woman’s career?”

             Chloe took another bite from her chicken tenders.  “What do you think, Moses?  You knew her.  Why would Maya impersonate a bank manager?”

             Moses shook his head.  “I don’t know.  This isn’t like her.”

             “What about the poetry in Lucas’ book?”  Max offered helpfully.  “If she was unhappy with her poetry being in his book, would it not stand to reason that she might lash out somehow?  I’m spit balling here, but maybe she was pissed enough to frame Lucas’ girlfriend.  Assuming Roberta is his girlfriend.”

             “Don’t forget the doppelganger Lucas’ neighbors saw at his house, threatening his wife.”  Chloe added.

             Max leaned back in her seat.  We’re missing something.  A college senior doesn’t just disappear during a hike and then return out of the blue without contacting friends or family.  Could it be that she’s on a solo mission of some kind?  She’s unhappy with Lucas for publishing her work and she wants revenge?  This path of hers is a storm, leaving ruin in its wake.  Max’s thoughts darkened as she mentally drifted to Arcadia Bay.

October 11, 2013

7:41 PM

National Guard Rally Point (Formerly the Dark Room)

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

             Max clutched a blanket around her shoulders to fend off the cold night breeze.  The fire that David had started earlier in the day, once a reassuring companion, was dying.  Its once loud crackle was now weak, occasionally popping.  Like a mantra, she mentally recited the names of some of her friends.  Kate, Warren, Joyce, Dana, Brooke, Juliet…  So many dead.  Even Frank and his dog didn’t deserve this.  My god, what I have done.  Thanks to Jefferson, there isn’t a single photo for me to leap back into.  Going back further is no good.  I know what happens when I go back too far.  The memory of Chloe lying in bed, broken and begging her to turn up the morphine drip, was a stark reminder of meddling with time.

             While it wasn’t too late in the evening, the weariness hung over Max like a vise.  The longer she recited the names in her head, the more they blurred together.  Her shoulders started to stoop under the weight of memory.  Tears welled up in her eyes as she tried to remember the last time she had talked to them; seeing them alive and happy again was her newest wish.  Oh Chloe, what am I supposed to do now?

             Max was so lost in thought that she barely registered the squish of boots walking across the wet ground.  The sound stopped as it reached the crate that Chloe had occupied not too long ago.  Max continued watching the weak flames lick at embers, paying the new arrival no mind.  “May I join you, Ms. Caulfield?”  A voice cut in softly.

             Max slowly looked up from the fire to see the medic she had seen walking around earlier.  In his hands were several logs he had brought over to feed the fire.  He gestured with the logs as if offering them in exchange for a seat.  “Oh!  Of course, sir.  Please make yourself at home.”

             The medic chucked the logs into the fire and sat down.  Now that he was closer, Max could clearly see the medic’s strong jawline and shortly cropped blond hair.  He reached into a pocket and withdrew an e-cigarette.  In about a minute or two, she caught the faint smell of cigarette smoke as he exhaled.  It smells like Chloe.  A comforting look crept onto Max’s face.  The medic glanced over at Max and noticed her expression.  He lifted the e-cigarette slightly, saying, “I’ve been working hard to get off nicotine.  This flavor really helps me.”

             Max looked away, slightly embarrassed that he had noticed her staring.  “I’m sorry, sir.  I didn’t mean to be nosy.”

             “Sir?”  The medic asked.  He paused to consider the term before laughing.  “I’m just a sergeant.  Sir is for my lieutenant.  I’m Sergeant Biedermann.  You can call me Howie.”

             “Howie?  I… I will.  You can call me Max.”

             Howie nodded.  “Pleasure to meet you, Max!  Are you from around here?  I heard the lieutenant mention that you’re from Seattle, but you strike me as a Portlander.”

             Max’s eyes widened a little.  He’s perceptive, but he seems earnest, like he wants to help me.  What’s the harm in sharing, just a little.  “I was born in Portland and lived here in Arcadia Bay before moving to Seattle five years ago.  Chloe,” she pointed in the direction Chloe had headed off to, “was my childhood best friend.”

             Howie pointed to himself, “Fellow Oregonian here.  I’m from Eugene, originally.  But I work in Salem now as a physician’s assistant.”  Max nodded at this information, but she said nothing.  The pair passed a quiet minute as they stared into the newly invigorated fire.

             Kate, Warren, Joyce, Dana, Brooke, Juliet…  The names passed through Max’s mind again.  And, when the weight of their memory reached its zenith, the pain finally crashed down on her.  I can’t do this.  I can’t hold it in any longer.  Max allowed the tears to flow, first as a trickle, and then a torrent.  Howie looked at Max with concern in his eyes.  “I can leave if you…”

             Max shook her head, “No…  Howie.  It’s just that,” Max paused to fortify herself, clenching the blanket even tighter.  “If Jefferson hadn’t brought me here, I could have been with my friends.  I might have saved them.  Instead, they’re out there,” she pointed in the general direction of Arcadia Bay, “Drowned, crushed, or burned.  And I’m here, a hot fire at my fingertips, and it’s all for nothing!”

             Howie maintained a gentle expression on his face as he loaned Max an ear.  “I’m so sorry, Max.  You’ve all been through so much.”  He stopped for a moment to let Max wipe some tears from her red eyes.  “My lieutenant tells me that your family will be here in the morning to drive you back to Seattle.  It sounds like you have a lot to get off your chest.  I…  I know I did when I got back from Afghanistan.  I hope that you can find someone, a professional, to talk to.  Like my cousin, Justin.”

             Max raised her eyebrow, curious at Howie’s comment.  “You have a cousin who helps people with their mental problems?”

             Howie half chuckled as he reached into his pocket to retrieve his wallet.  “You make it sound like only crazy people see clinical psychologists.  Sometimes people need to talk through the mundane.  Or they might be listless, unsure of where to go with their lives.”  Fumbling through several cards he extracted one.  “Take this.  My cousin is one of several clinical psychologists at his practice.  He and people like him are trained to help you through the trauma.”

             Furtively, Max took the card and held it in her hands, a little piece of light in her currently dark world.

December 6, 2023

1:03 PM

The Snapping Turtle

Lakeport, Vermont

             “Max?”  Max blinked as she heard her name.  “Max.”  Chloe called a little more forcefully this time.

             “Sorry, I was just thinking about something.  What’s up, Chloe?”

             Chloe reached into her pocket and pulled out a USB stick and a slip of paper.  “The USB stick has a program that will unlock any of the university owned computers, if you provide the correct password.”  She tapped the slip of paper.  “Insert the stick in and type the password.”

             Chloe got back to dunking chicken tenders into the ketchup and eating.  She watched as Max followed her instructions.  With bated breath, Max waited for the desktop to load in.  I can feel my heart pounding, Max thought.  I don’t know what we’ll find, but it makes me nervous.  Once on the log in screen, she typed the password Chloe had given her and watched the screen load the computer desktop.

             Chloe clapped her hands in celebration.  “We’re in!”

             Moses shot Chloe a grin.  “Nice work there.”

             Max’s eyes darted about as she searched the desktop for anything of interest.  Her eyes eventually fell on a single folder marked ‘Daughters’.  “Moses, Safi’s manuscript is called ‘All the Daughters We Don’t Talk About’, right?”

             “Yeah.  Did you find something.”

             “I think she kept a copy of the desktop.”  Max double clicked the folder.  Scanning the file names, all of them appeared to be chapters or specific book sections.  At the bottom she found a PDF that was larger than the other files in the folder.  Safi combined all of the chapters into one.  Let’s open this to see what the title pages look like.  Clicking on the file, she saw the title page.  Scrolling down a few pages, she stopped and did a double take.  “For… Uh, for Maya Okada. The daughter we lost,” Max read the book dedication out loud.

             “Whoa,” Chloe said aloud, “Sounds like Safi really misses Maya.”

             Moses nodded.  Out of the corner of her eye, Max noted that Moses was dabbing his eyes.  “Safi is really good at bringing emotion out in her poetry.  I think it’s the only way she can communicate her grief.”

             “I mean, it really sounds like Safi thought Maya was dead,” Max added.

             Moses pointed to the computer.  “Do you see anything else?”

             Max closed the PDF and navigated to the documents folder.  More files with random titles.  Probably poetry Safi’s working on.  A few homework assignments and grading rubrics.  And… a file with a long title.  “Moses, does the name, ‘Strangest Animals of Them All,’ sound familiar to you?”

             Moses shook his head, “Safi has been working on ‘All the Daughters We Don’t Talk About’ for years.  That title doesn’t sound like a Safi original.”

             Max placed the cursor over the file and clicked.  What she saw were scanned copies of neatly typed out poetry.  In the margins were written notes in neat, but loopy writing.  Max turned the screen around to show Moses the writing.  He squinted for what felt like a long minute.  Then he shot up from his seat as he realized what he was looking at.  “That’s Maya’s writing!  Why…  why does Safi have a copy?”

             Max scratched the back of her head as she thought things through.  “Maybe it’s a keepsake,” she thought out loud.  “She misses Maya so much as she wants to remember her through words.”

             A long minute passed before Chloe slapped the table, nearly causing Max and Moses to jump.  “Lucas called his book, ‘Wilder Beasts Than These.’  And Maya, she called hers ‘Strangest Animals of Them All.’  Don’t you see?”  Max and Moses looked at her, confused at what she was getting at.  “Lucas is a hack.  He emulated the title from Maya’s book.  Hell, he even copied at least one poem.  Who’s to say he didn’t copy most of the poems from her.”

             “That’s…”  Moses trailed off.  His mouth moved but his mouth couldn’t find the right word.

             “That’s horrible,” Max said, finishing Moses’ thought. 

             “Max, you should email a copy of Maya’s file to yourself,” Chloe suggested.  “We can compare some of the poems with Lucas’ book later.”

             Max opened a Safari web browser and typed in the address for Gmail.  After a few seconds the Gmail website popped up with an email inbox.  “Wait…  Is this Safi’s email?” 

             Chloe chuckled slightly.  “We should be thankful to web browsers that leave you logged into your email.  Bad security protocol is helpful for once.”

             Moses craned his neck towards Max with anticipation.  He couldn’t see what Max was seeing, but Max’s enthusiasm filled the air as she scanned the latest emails.  A half dozen emails from worried students.  One email from a jackass student demanding she show up to class.  Increasingly desperate emails from Yasmin and Desmond.  Several emails from her editor.  “All the unread emails are dated after Safi’s disappearance.”  She scrolled down further to find the last opened email.  “Her last opened email was from her editor…”  Max trailed off as her eyes scanned down a little further.

             “What is it, Max?”  Chloe asked, her words spilling in an almost desperate plea to know more.

             “There’s an email here from Lucas that just says, ‘We need to talk’.”  Max’s hand was shaking as she directed the mouse to open the mail.

From: Lucas Colmenero <[email protected]>

To: Safi Llwellyn-Fayyad <[email protected]>

Subject: We need to talk

December 4, 2023

Safi,

Our colorful discussion on the phone ignores the fact that you helped me with my book and I helped you reach your current position.  Meet me at the 24-hour roadside café outside of town at 11 PM tonight.  I do not want to revisit our arrangement.

Regards,

Professor Colmenero

             Max looked over at Moses and saw her friend’s face turn red with anger, his mouth turned down into severe frown.  Chloe buried her forehead in her hand, her eyes flicked back and forth as things fell into place.  “Ok, so this explains why those poems were in his book, right?  Lucas must have used Safi to steal Maya’s work!”

             Max shook her head, “I… don’t believe it.  It can’t be!  She must have been gathering evidence…”  Max’s heart sank as Chloe’s words rang true.  “You know,” Max added, “It explains why Safi was headed in the wrong direction the night she disappeared.”  She looked at Moses, but he remained stoically silent while wearing the same angry expression.  Max swallowed hard.  I hope he doesn’t do something he regrets later.

             Chloe pulled out her phone and opened a map app.  With a few twists of her fingers, she zoomed in on a section outside of town.  She placed the phone flat on the table and pointed.  “Based on what you told me; her car was heading west out of town when it crashed here.”  She used her fingers to shift the map further west.  “And the café is about two miles past the crash scene.  So that means…”

             “She didn’t make it!”  Max exclaimed.

             “That doesn't mean a thing,” Moses said softly, with a hard edge that was uncharacteristic of him.  “Someone could have ambushed her before she got there.” 

             Chloe gestured to the computer.  “Check one more thing, Max.  Go to her photos to see if she’s taken anything lately.”

             Max rapidly navigated to Google Photos.  She had to stop herself from laughing as one of the first photos she saw was of a shirtless Vinh lying next to Safi, dressed in her bra.  The pair had snapped an intimate selfie.  The look on Safi’s face was one of surprise, as she reached over to stop the photo from being taken.  “Uh, guys, it looks like Safi and Vinh were an item.”

             Chloe let out a low wolf whistle.  “Good on that skeevy bastard.”  Moses glared at his two friends.  Feeling a little offput, Chloe added helpfully, “She never did like settling for one guy.”

             Max pointed to another photo.  “This one’s more recent.”  Chloe leaned in to have a look as Max double clicked the photo to make the image bigger.  It had been taken in the dark, but Max could make out a headrest.  So, this was taken in Safi’s car.  Then, slowly, she shifted her gaze up to a figure standing immediately behind the car.  As her eyes adjusted to the dark palette of the photo, she could make out the figure’s complexion.  “Holy shit!”  Max said.

             “Couldn’t have said it better myself,” Chloe agreed.  She reached over to twist the computer around so that Moses could see.

             Right there, in the photo in front of them was Safi, her eyes were piercing daggers.  This was clearly a Safi who wanted to see the world burn.

A/N: This marks the first glimpse of someone who looks like Safi in the current timeline since her disappearance.  I'm cleaning up the next chapter and I do expect it to be a slow one, but the one after that will get the ball rolling.  I am playing with the idea of releasing both chapters simultaneously.  Revelations should come pretty quickly after that.  Thank you for the kind comments and please stay tuned!

Chapter Text

October 7, 2013

12:45 PM

The Two Whales Diner

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

           Max studied Chloe as they both settled into a booth at the Two Whales Diner.  I’m so lucky that Chloe listened.  I know we can take down Jefferson, together.  Now, we just need a plan; something simple.

           “Max?”

           The sound of Chloe’s voice broke Max’s train of thought.  “I’m sorry.  What’s up?”

           Chloe picked up a menu and glanced through with the practice of a regular.  “So, you stopped Nathan from shooting me, so I’m buying.”

           Max giggled.  If I remind her about the things in her pocket, she might take my power a little more seriously.

           “What’s so funny?  Disrespecting your Captain already?”

           Max shook her head.  “No, Captain Bluebeard.  I still have mad respect for you.  It’s just that you have a panda keychain, seven cigarettes, eighty-six cents, and a parking ticket marked 10:34 AM.  Can your Mom comp us a meal?  I would really love one of Joyce’s Belgian waffles.”

           Chloe narrowed her eyes in suspicion.  “Hold it.  First you correctly guess that Nathan Prescott is packing heat in the girl’s bathroom…  As weird as that sounds.”  Max covered her mouth, suppressing a laugh this time while letting Chloe continue, “And you’re… what?  Using psychic powers on me?”

           “Check your pockets, Chloe.  It’s what you have on you right now.”

           Chloe dug deep into her pockets.  Her expression ran the gamut from intensely skeptical to utterly floored in the space of only a minute.  “Wha…  How did you figure this out you brat!?” 

           Max finally let the laughter pour out from her.  “Like I said on the ride over, I’m a time traveler.”

           “A time traveler?”  Chloe asked incredulously.  “Like Bill and Ted?  Where’s the phone booth?  Or the DeLorean?  Wait, let me guess.  In the future, I become some white-haired scientist who sends you back to make sure I follow some preordained path.”

           Max bit her lip slightly as she replied, “This isn’t some excellent adventure, Chloe.  And you don’t become a scientist.  No, I’m from four days in your… our future and it’s serious business.” 

           “Still,” Chloe said, “you need a partner in time and kicking around Arcadia Bay is… a thing.  So, tell me, how does this work?”

           “I’m my own time machine.”  Max waved at Chloe, emphasizing her right hand.  “I raise my hand and the world kind of… rewinds itself.  If I have a photo from the past, I can stare into it and, if I focus, I can will myself back in time.”

           “So, we’ve had this conversation before?”  Chloe asked, pointing back and forth from Max to herself. 

           “Yes, Chloe.  It’s how I know about what’s in your pockets and how I knew everything about what happened this morning.”

           “So, does David always give Nathan his comeuppance?  I might have to increase my admiration for the step-douche by… oh, one percent.”

           Max grew slightly pale at the mention of Nathan getting his comeuppance.  What should I tell her?  That her death was the catalyst for discovering my powers?  Or, that rescuing her led to her getting shot dead by Jefferson?  I need to be careful what I say next, but I also need to be honest.  “Not exactly,” Max said, but she stopped herself from saying more.

           “What do you…”  Chloe trailed off, stopping herself as she looked deep into Max’s eyes.  “No…  No way.”

           Max’s hands shivered, but she clenched them to keep their motion under control.  Cat’s out of the bag, and I don’t have a lot of time.  Please don’t let me screw this up.  “I saw you die in that bathroom, Chloe.  And, ever since then, I’ve been doing everything possible to keep you safe.”

           Chloe clenched her jaw as she contemplated this new information.  Suddenly, her hands shot up, palms outstretched as if calling on Max to stop.  “Wait!  If Nathan is willing to kill me.  Then, Rachel…”  A flash went off in Chloe’s eyes.  She instantly scooped up the items from her pockets and rushed towards the door. 

           Max took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation that came next.  She stood up and followed Chloe out the diner door.  Once she was out in the parking lot she called out, “Chloe!  Wait!”

           “Wait for what, Max?  Clearly, Nathan is in on whatever happened to Rachel and I’m not waiting around to let the Law take care of this.  His daddy will just buy them off.”

           Max reached out and gripped Chloe’s arm as she reached to open the door to her truck.  “I wanted to tell you this, but not so quickly.”

           Chloe violently threw off Max’s grip.  “You knew?  Earlier today when you said that you could help me bring Rachel home, you knew?  You lied!”

           “Chloe, I didn’t lie.  I was waiting for a good time to tell you.  It’s hard enough to explain my time powers.  Now I have to explain to you what happened to Rachel and how, in four days, a storm the likes of which you’ve never seen will destroy Arcadia Bay.  Rachel’s dead, yes, and she deserves our respect.  She’ll get it, but only once we bring her killers to justice and warn people about the storm.  After that, we’ll have all the time in the world to bring her home.”

           Chloe looked away from Max, fists tightly clenched.  She kicked the tire of her truck in frustration.  “Fuck!  Rachel!!!”  Max watched as tears poured down from Chloe’s face. 

           “Chloe?  You can talk to me if you want.”

           Chloe, her face red with tears and jaw clenched in anger, turned to Max.  “Talk to you?  All I want from you is to go away.  But, if you won’t do that, then make yourself useful and show me where she’s buried.”

           Max frowned.  This isn’t a good idea.  But this is the price I need to pay to keep Chloe on board with my scheme.  I can’t stop Jefferson without her.  “I’ll do it.  I’ll even tell you how it happened.  But promise me that you’ll help me bring them down.”

           Chloe stared into Max’s eyes for a long minute before gesturing to her truck.  “Get your ass in.”

December 6, 2023

1:07 PM

The Snapping Turtle

Lakeport, Vermont

           Moses slowly shook his head, his mouth quivering.  "Safi would never betray Maya! You've been friends with Safi for only a few months, but I met them both on my first day at Caledon.  When I arrived, I was a nerdy, lonely nobody.  But a smile from either of them reminded me that I wasn't alone.”  I did warn him that going down this road can be disappointing, Max thought.  He’s watching his perfect vision of Safi be challenged, like how my own vision of Mr. Jefferson was challenged… er, destroyed. 

           Moses shifted uncomfortably in his seat, running a hand through his hair before looking from Chloe to Max.  "I just don't buy this.  Safi and Maya were so close that Gwen even called them The Twins from the Shining.  Under no circumstances would Safi destroy that relationship.  Someone at Caledon must have set up Safi." 

           Max gave Moses a sympathetic look.  “I want to point out that we don’t know the whole story.  Maybe that’s Safi and she’s just mad that her car’s totaled.  Or that’s Maya, disguised as Safi and she wants revenge for her poetry.  We only have a few data points to work with.”

           His gaze hardened, fixing on Max.  "You're saying we only have 'a few data points'?  Max, you have an email from Lucas, claiming to hold something over Safi.  How is that not suspicious as hell?"

           Chloe grimaced as she thought things through.  "I think it's suspicious.  But how do we square Lucas' behavior with the doppelganger from yesterday.  If it is Maya, and you made a strong case for her identity, why did she impersonate me to pump Max for intel?  If Maya is alive, why hasn't she told anyone that she’s alive?"

           Moses slapped the table loud enough to draw the attention of several patrons.  He glared around at them before leaning in, his voice dropping to a low, intense growl.  "I don't know why Maya's out there.  But I do know where I can get a lead.  Lucas is clearly holding something over Safi and I can't stand it when good people are taken advantage of."

           “Moses, Chloe and I know that you’re always willing to stand up for what’s right,” Max replied in a soft, understanding tone.  She pushed the computer away so that she could place all of her attention on Moses.  “But we don’t have enough information on the circumstances behind Maya’s poetry or what Safi and Lucas have been up to.  Besides, accusing Lucas now, without clear evidence, will get us nowhere.”  Max clasped her hands in front of her as if firing off a prayer.  Here’s hoping we can keep him from doing something rash.

           Moses looked away, contemplating something, before quickly snapping back.  “The phone call,” he said.  “Amanda said Safi made a phone call from here, right?  She heard her call the person ‘hackneyed,’ right?”  Max nodded, agreeing that she had heard that from Amanda.  “It’s even confirmed in the email that they called each other,” Mose continued.

           “So?”  Chloe asked.

           “So, we have a man who calls a missing person a few hours before she goes missing.  He follows up with an email laying out their agreement and a meeting time.  Safi disappears on the way to that meeting.”  Moses breathing got faster, and his knuckles were tapping the table sporadically.

           Max looked right at Moses.  Then, in a calm voice, she replied, “Protecting his book is a powerful motive, but getting revenge for publishing someone else’s book is also a powerful motive.  But we need information to make a move.”

           Abruptly, Moses stood up.  “Talking with Lucas is one way to get the information we need.  Back me up on this or not.  I don’t care.  Hell’s coming right behind me and I’m getting the information we need to find Safi and figure out what Maya’s up to.”  He quickly turned and left the Snapping Turtle.

           “Moses!”  Chloe called out.  Out of the corner of her eye, Max noticed Amanda emerge from the back, arms crossed.  She’s not pleased with Chloe being at the center of a disturbance.  Max tapped Chloe on the shoulder and pointed in the direction of the bar.  “Your break time’s up, Chloe.  I’ll go after him before he tears Lucas a new one.”

           Max closed her eyes, steadying herself for what came next.  Chloe leaned over and kissed Max softly.  Her touch electrified Max.  Max’s heart welled up.  “I love you, Chloe.”  Now I’m ready to stop Moses from doing something regrettable.

           Chloe winked, “I know it!”  She pulled the keys to her truck from her pocket and slid them across the table to Max.  “Take the truck.  He’s probably too worked up for you to bum a ride to campus.”

August 13, 2022

3:31 PM

Palace Playland

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

           “For three root beer floats, that’ll be $22.68, please.” 

           Moses reached into his pocket to find his wallet.  Pulling out his credit card, he tapped the card reader until an audible beep sounded. 

           “Thank you,” the attendant said, “It’ll be a minute.”

           Moses turned around and locked eyes with Safi and Maya.  They both waved, laughing as they did so.  Moses returned their gesture with a smile and a wave of his own.  This is turning out to be very relaxing.  Maya was right.  Being cooped up in my lab for summer research has made me a little grumpy.  Hanging out with friends, away from work, just melts the stress away.  Amazing!

           When the attendant called Moses again, he turned around and picked up three root beer floats.  Fighting the cold and the slippery condensation building on the plastic cups, he carefully balanced them as he walked the short distance to his friends. 

           “Ugh,” Moses heard Safi say aloud.  “President Mom just drives me crazy.  ‘Are you studying, Safiya?’  Or, ‘You shouldn’t go to that party until you get your grades up.’  My god, Maya.  It’s killing me.”

           Maya reached out to take one of the cups in Moses’ hand.  “Thank you, Moses.  I’m sorry to hear about that, Safi.  Have you considered getting your own apartment?  I hear Oak Mills has some nice units.”

           Safi also took a cup from Moses.  “Thanks, big guy.  Thought about moving off campus?  Hell yes!  But I decided to wait and see what the outcome of my application to the Caledon Fellows program is.”

           Maya mock-punched Safi playfully.  “You’re applying to the most selective fine arts program in New England?  Sugoi!  Gwen’s going to be so proud.”

           Safi took a sip from her cup and smiled.  “Yeah.  Gwen promised her support.  I think the only Caledon alumni to make it into the fellows program graduated more than five years ago.  He’s an editor for the Chicago Sun-Times, now.  Lucas apparently wrote him the letter of recommendation that won the committee over.”

           “What are you guys talking about?”  Moses asked.

           Safi grinned, a competitive spark flashing in her eyes.  “Glad you asked.  I was telling Maya about my plan to get into the Caledon Fellows program.  It’s so selective that only one Caledon graduate has ever made it into the program.  According to Gwen, the selection committee values experience outside of Caledon.  But she thinks that the quality of my published work will go a long way towards convincing the committee that I’m the right person.  I’m putting everything I’ve got into this application so I can be the second Caledon alumnus to become a fellow.”

           Moses smiled at Safi, impressed by her determination.  “How about you, Maya?  No interest in applying?”

           Maya laughed.  “Me, apply to the fellowship?  Thanks, but I’m not really interested.  My brother, Kaito, works for a Japanese company that has offices here in the U.S.  I think I’m going to go corporate for a while.  And, when I’ve made some money and I get bored, I’ll work on publishing my poetry.  Plenty of famous writers have worked full-time jobs before breaking out.  Stephen King did it and I’m sure I can too, eventually.”

           As Maya replied to Moses’ question, he noticed Safi’s smile falter slightly at Maya’s response, her body shifting uncomfortably.  I wonder what’s wrong with Safi.  Is she scared that Maya might decide to apply to the fellows program last minute?  Maya’s brilliant, but she’s also practical.  She knows that working for a little while is her best chance to achieve stability before reaching for her dream.  Besides, she knows how much this program means a lot to Safi.  She wouldn’t do this to her.

           Maya seemed to notice Safi’s demeanor too.  She reached over with her free hand and gave Safi a friendly hug.  “I’m sure we’ll both publish our work, Safi.  No need to rush things!”

           This seemed to mollify Safi, who returned the hug.  “Of course!  Though, don’t be surprised if you see me publish a book before the end of my fellowship.”

           Moses smiled.  Seeing the care that his friends felt for each other warmed him.  “Say, we haven’t done the bumper cars.  How about we try them?”

           “Yes!”  Both of his friends said in unison.

           The trio turned towards the large pavilion that held the bumper cars.  Bright colors assaulted Moses’ eyes as he navigated his way through the crowd.  The density of people seemed to increase as they approached the bumper car ride.  As Moses sought to find the start of the line, he heard Maya yelp.

           “Watch it, bitch!”  A rough voice called out.

           Moses turned to see a muscular man with short blond hair and a blond stubble standing near Maya.  Half of her root beer float was spilled out on the floor in front of her.  Moses noted that the man wore a sleeveless shirt and sported an eagle tattoo on his right arm.  “Are you going to apologize?”  The man asked, anger coloring his question.

           “I… I’m sorry.  I didn’t see you.”  Maya squeaked out.

           “Lyle, it’s no big deal.  Let’s get out of here,” a petite brown-haired girl with blue eyes spoke.  The girl reached over to take Lyle’s hand, but he yanked it away. 

           “Sammie, I got to teach these blind idiots not to get in our way.”

           At this, Safi stepped forward, her own eyes burning with a primal rage.  “Why would Maya be blind, asswipe?”

           The man’s face turned red with anger.  “That bitch can’t see because she’s clearly stupid…”

           Splash!  The entire contents of Safi’s root beer float were now on Lyle’s shirt.  Enraged, he lunged forward.  Safi, for her part, took up a defensive stance ready to counter his strike.  Moses moved forward to help, but several park patrons and a nearby security guard stepped in to intervene, pulling Lyle and Safi away from one another.

           “What’s going on here?”  The guard demanded.

           “These bitches got their drinks on me.”  Lyle declared, a smug look on his face.

           The guard turned to Safi with a questioning look.  She put on a sweet smile.  “Sorry, officer.  My friend, Maya, tripped and spilled her drink.  This man verbally attacked her and I… had to stop him from hurting her.  Unfortunately, I also spilled my drink onto his shirt.”

           “These bitches need to buy me another fucking shirt!”  Lyle screamed.

           The guard placed himself in between Safi and Lyle.  Turning to face Lyle, the guard said, “Sir, please come with me.”

           “But what about them?”

           The guard turned to Safi and said, “Ma’am, I’m sorry, but I recommend you leave the premises.  You know that way out, right?”

           Safi motioned to Moses and grabbed hold of Maya’s hand.  “No worries, officer.  We’ll be going.”

           The three friends left Lyle screaming about his shirt while Sammie tried to comfort him as the guard escorted him away.

           Maya placed her arms around Safi’s shoulders.  “That was scary.  Thanks!”

           “Well, that was enough excitement for today,” Moses added.  “Let’s get out of here.”

December 6, 2023

1:36 PM

Fine Arts Building

Lakeport, Vermont

           Moses took no notice of other people as he walked through the halls of the Fine Arts Building.  I need to find Lucas and get him to confess to threatening Safi.  He was so focused on his task that he nearly collided with Diamond and Reggie as they emerged from a classroom, happily chatting about an assignment.  “Sorry,” Moses mumbled as he pushed past the stunned undergraduates.

           Diamond blinked as she watched Moses pass her by.  “Moses, are you okay?”

           Moses continued on without a response.  Diamond and Reggie look at each other with bewildered expressions.  As Moses passed out of earshot, he could barely hear Reggie say, “Maybe we should text Max.”

           Moses didn’t stop until he was in front of the door proclaiming that it belonged to Lucas Colmenero, Professor of Fiction Writing.  He made a fist with this hand and raised it, ready to knock.  What should I say?  Lucas has to know something, Moses thought.  He raised his eyes up to the ceiling, said a silent prayer, and let his fist fall heavily on the door.

           Moses waited, rhythmically tapping his foot.  He raised his fist again, ready to knock, when the door cracked open.  Before him stood Lucas, an uncertain expression on his face.  Lucas blinked several times as he tried to work out who this was.  “Can I help you?”  He asked in a helpful tone.

           Moses swallowed.  This was a lot easier in my mind than in person.  “Uh, hi Professor Colmenero.  I’m, uh, Moses Murphy.  I’m a friend of Safi’s…”

           Lucas’ eyes narrowed at the mention of Safi’s name.  Moses could see his eyes flicker back and forth.  Lucas then shot Moses a false smile.  “Oh, Mr. Murphy!  I have heard of you through Safi.  She called you part of her… circle.”

           Moses nodded.  “I… have some questions.  About Safi, if you don’t mind.”

           “I see,” Lucas opened the door widely and gestured to the chair in front of his desk.  “Please, come in Mr. Murphy.”

           Lucas took a seat at his desk while Moses slowly walked in.  He glanced around the office, noticing a variety of knickknacks that Lucas had collected over the years: an award statuette, a world map, and a Chilean flag were just a few of the prominent decorations.  Legions of books flanked his shelves.  Quickly glancing at Lucas’ desk, Moses noted a photograph of Lucas’ son, about seven or eight. 

           “Mr. Murphy?”

           Moses realized that, in his excitement, he had forgotten to sit.  “Sorry Professor.”  Moses sat down quickly.  “I had some questions about Safi.”

           “Do you?”  Lucas leaned back, a smirk on his face signaling that he was only half interested in responding to questions.

           “I was wondering when you talked with Safi last.”  Moses tried to swallow but his mouth was dry. 

           Lucas raised his hand to his head and tapped it with his index finger.  His eyes fluttered as he thought.  Lucas stopped tapping and leaned forward, “Day before yesterday.  We spoke on the phone because she needed some pointers for a lecture she’s putting together.  I had a sample lecture for her, but it’s only in hardcopy format.  So, I offered to meet her to hand over the notes.  She didn’t show up to our meeting, so I left.”  Lucas paused and looked Moses in the eye, coolly adding, “I’m sorry to hear that she’s missing.”

           Smooth, Moses thought.  He has a cover story for the call.  Unperturbed, Moses leaned forward.  “My friend, Max, was talking with Amanda from the Snapping Turtle.  She said that she overhead Safi refer to someone as a ‘hackneyed fucker’.  You wouldn’t know anything about that?”

           Lucas twitched as an unhappy frown crept across his face.  “I’m sure Safi talks with many people.  Our discussion was brief and professional.”

           Moses felt the confidence grow within him.  He’s lying to my face.  If I push him just a little bit, he might reveal more information.  Moses watched as Lucas’ hands moved to clasp the back of his head.  Lucas is clearly trying hard to stay calm.  “Funny you say your discussion was professional.  That’s not what Safi’s email said.”

           Lucas' arms immediately dropped to his sides.  All he could say in response was, “What?”

           Moses leaned in a little more, “It says you helped her with her position and she helped you with your book…”

           Lucas immediately stood up.  “I don’t know what gives you the right to walk in here and ask questions about a missing woman.  Be aware that I’m going to have a chat with the Dean of Students about you.  You need to leave immediately!” 

           Moses quickly bundled out the door with Lucas close behind.  “Do not come here again, Mr. Murphy!”  Moses watched as the door to Lucas’ office slammed in his face.  He turned around and walked a few steps before collapsing onto the floor and leaning back against the wall.  Tears appeared around Moses’ eyes.  He placed his hands on top of his head.  What would Safi or Maya think of me now?

October 12, 2022

5:12 PM

Caledon Student Union

Lakeport, Vermont

           Moses was on his third coffee of the afternoon as he stared at his laptop screen.  Five PowerPoint slides down, five more to go.  Did I give enough attention to asteroid orbital dynamics, or not enough?  He looked down at his coffee and sighed.  There’s not enough prep time for this conference.

           He was so engrossed in his conference presentation that he missed a dainty shadow creeping up on him.  “Hi, Murphy!”  A bubbly voice called out.

           Moses practically jumped in his seat, nearly tipping his coffee over.  “Shit!  Maya?”

           Smiling, Maya sat down, a bear claw in her hand.  “Sorry, did I scare you?”

           Moses leaned back in his chair as he regained his composure.  “Yeah, you did.  My research advisor is sending me to a regional conference for physics undergraduates at Williams College in Massachusetts.  I’ve been spending the last week getting ready, but I only have five slides.  I need five more in a hurry.  Any suggestions?”

           Maya put on a thoughtful expression as she took a bite out of the bear claw.  “It’s not my field, but I could write you a poem.  Maybe a nice little haiku to motivate your work?”

           Moses chuckled.  “I’ll put your suggestion down in the ‘maybe’ pile.  Say, where’s Safi?”

           Maya looked around and shrugged.  “I don’t know.  She’s been distant these past few weeks.”

           “Didn’t you guys have that really hard exam in Prof. Lentz’s class?  The one where you guys had to look at two different plays…”

           “The Iceman Cometh and Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf?  Ugh, Moses, it was brutal.  Two hours of writing about how both plays compare in their themes takes a lot out of you.”

           Moses pointed to the bear claw.  “Hence, the sweets, right?”

           Maya smiled.  “I needed a little pick me up after all that writing.”

           “Maybe Safi’s stressed about the exam,” Moses offered helpfully.

           “We studied together, and she usually loves to stay after the study session is finished to chat.  Not so this past week.”

           “Hmm, does Safi need a pick me up?”

           Maya let out a hearty laugh.  “I think she does.  I invited her to go hiking with me up near Niquette Bay on the shores of Lake Champlain.  She said yes almost immediately.  I wish you could come.  It would do you some good.”

           “I know,” Moses replied.  “But conference meetings come before calming walks in the forest.  I’m sure getting away from Caledon will do Safi some good.”

December 6, 2023

1:45 PM

Vermont State Police Barracks

Lakeport, Vermont

           “What do we have, Officer Terry?”  Detective Alderman asked.  He tapped his pen rhythmically to the sound of a country song playing softly in the background.  Officer Terry placed a box on the table and carefully put on latex gloves.  One at a time, he carefully laid out pens, a notebook, an IPad tablet, a pack of cigarettes, a box of candy, several loose-leaf papers with printed words and handwritten notes, and the cork of a wine bottle. 

           “We sent an inventoried list of items along with pictures to the mother,” Terry explained.  He pulled out his own notebook, checking his notes before continuing, “And, the father is also in town, staying at Ms. Fayyad’s apartment.”

           “And, what’s the word?”  Alderman asked.  He paced around the table, visually examining each item carefully.

           “The mother says each of these items is consistent with what Ms. Fayyad would usually carry in her backpack.  We believe the following items are missing: the backpack that carried these items, Ms. Fayyad’s phone, her wallet, and a wine bottle that Ms. Fayyad purchased from the Snapping Turtle.”  Terry did a double take, checking his notes, before adding, “She’s also known to carry a pepper spray bottle.”

           “Hmmm,” Alderman intoned.  He built a mental picture of each item.  “If I remember the report from the search team that found these things, they were scattered about ten yards in from the tree line and between fifteen or twenty yards from the car.”

           Terry nodded.  “Yes, and the team noticed a red puddle in the snow.  Forensics says that it appears to be wine.”

           “Right,” Alderman replied.  He surveyed the items once more, drinking in every bit of information that he could gleam from their presence.  “So, Ms. Fayyad swerved off the road.  Reasons are indeterminate.  Based on forensic evidence, we know that she got out because of several sets of women’s size 10 shoes.  There was also a size thirteen shoe print, like a male.  Then the woman’s footprints lead off into the woods, followed by a canid, possibly a large coyote.  The footprints all stop near where we found these items.”

           “Something’s off, Detective,” Terry interjected.

           Alderman let out an exasperated groan.  “You tell me.  The size thirteen prints show up for only a few steps near the car, and then… poof,” he made a gesture mimicking and explosion, “They’re gone.  Also, aside from those prints leading away from the car, there were no obvious footprints leading back to the road like you would expect from someone seeking help after an accident.”

           Terry scratched his head while lost in thought.  Meanwhile, Alderman reached for a latex glove, put it on and lifted the tablet in the air.  “Let’s see what we can find on this.  Also, file a request for a warrant.  I need access to Ms. Fayyad’s phone records and electronic devices.  Did she have a PC?”

           Terry flipped through his notes.  “The officers who did a wellness check at her apartment reported seeing a laptop.”

           “Let’s call the father and ask him for the laptop when we have the warrant,” Alderman added.  He took one last glance at the items before him, then continued, “This is shaping up to be a weird one.  Like those cases that girl from Caledon with the podcast covers.”

           “Uh, Loretta Rice?”  Terry offered helpfully.

           Alderman nodded.  He placed the tablet back down and removed his latex glove.  His hands were jittery from a lack of caffeine.  I need my fix, he thought, making sense of this weird shit hurts my head.

A/N: Originally, this chapter was a little sparse and narratively slow.  The addition of the flashbacks really helped elevate the chapter.  We visit Max in the past to see how her relationship with Chloe evolved and we got a glimpse into the relationship between Moses, Safi, and Maya.

Fortunately, you don't have to wait long for the next chapter.  I'll be putting it up next.  I envsioned putting Chapter 13 and 14 up together because I was unhappy with 13.  While this version of 13 is far superior to what I originally had, I still put in the work to get 14 done.  Enjoy!

Chapter Text

October 7, 2013

1:33 PM

American Rust Junkyard

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

           Chloe dropped to her knees and began digging.  “Chloe, we need to leave her be for now!”  Max called out.  I wish I didn’t have to see this again.  I couldn’t hold it together when she found Rachel the last time.  This is going to break me again.

           Scrapping at the dirt, Chloe hit something, and a foul odor wafted through the air.  “Oh, god, what’s that smell?  Rachel?  Rachel!”  Chloe dug faster, finally revealing strands of blond hair.  Tears flowed down Chloe's face.  “Oh god, Rachel!  No.  NO!!!”

           Chloe sat back and buried her head in her shoulder.  Max let the sadness take her as well, letting her own tears fall.  She sat down next to Chloe and embraced her.  Chloe hesitated to accept Max’s touch.  But, after a moment, she lifted her head and buried it in Max’s shoulder.  “I loved her so much, Max!  I couldn’t tell her and now she’s gone.”

           Max said nothing, but she patted Chloe on the back. 

           “Promise me we’ll make Nathan pay.”

           “And Mark Jefferson,” Max added.

           “That asshole will get it triple.”

           Max sat with Chloe in her arms for a solid fifteen minutes.  Chloe finally stirred and Max let go.  “Max, can you give me a few more minutes alone?  I… I want to say a proper goodbye.  And I want to make it look like the dirt wasn’t disturbed.”

           Max looked deep into Chloe’s eyes.  “Of course.  Take your time.  I’ll be in your secret lair.”

           Max pushed herself to get up.  Taking one last look at Chloe, who sat motionless next to Rachel’s impromptu grave, she headed towards the concrete block structure that Chloe called the secret lair.  A fortress of solitude that Chloe and Rachel had built up together over three years.  Inside were the accumulated treasures of a teenage relationship: a dartboard, posters, flags, old suitcases full of clothes, and random seating.  Max picked a spot and sat down to wait patiently for Chloe.  Glancing off to the side, she spotted a solitary piece of crumpled paper in an old waste bin. 

           Max stood up and walked over to the bin to retrieve the paper.  Returning to her seat, Max worked to uncrumple the paper, which was stained and yellowed from exposure to the elements.  She quickly scanned through the document.

C.

You can tell how much I want you to read this letter since I've been dragging my ass to give it to you.  Maybe I just want you to find it when I'm not around so we don't have to talk about it.  And I don't want you to hate me.  Where to start?

I met somebody recently who's so different from the lame Vortex Club snobs.  I know you'll have a meltdown when I tell you and think he's gross, but I swear he’s wise and unconventional.  Kind of scary, but not in a "bad boy" way.  He's just experienced some serious shit.  Yes, I'm kinda obsessed.  I won't blame you for freaking.

Maybe I know you're right and this just has to be my secret.

I hate not sharing this with you, except I know you'd give me that stink-eye and grill me for every stupid detail.  If I even told you that last night we hooked up near campus…

           Max sighed.  This is Rachel’s letter, isn’t it?  Stella said that Rachel definitely had sex with Jefferson.  That’s who she’s talking about, right?  Why would she just call Chloe by the letter ‘C’?  Max squinted, trying to make out the last scribbled out section of the letter.  What was Rachel trying to say?  Was this her confused way of saying she was scared of leaving Arcadia Bay?  Was it a cry for help she was too afraid to make in person?  Or was it just an apology?   Max hoped, for Chloe’s sake, that it was an apology.

           Max heard crashing outside as Chloe smacked every piece of junk and trash on her way to the secret lair.  I can’t show this to Chloe.  It’ll break her heart.  Thinking quickly, Max crumpled the note back up and tossed it towards the trash bin.  Her first attempt was short, so she grabbed the note.  Rewinding to buy herself a few more seconds, she tried to toss the note out again.  This time, the note landed in the trash as Chloe walked inside.  “I’m ready to go over the plan,” Chloe said.  “I want to make these fuckwads pay a thousand years of pain for every second that Rachel suffered.”

           Max nodded.  “Let’s hash out a plan.”

December 6, 2023

1:46 PM

Fine Arts Building,

Lakeport, Vermont

           Max checked her phone briefly as she entered the Fine Arts Building.  A few texts from Reggie told her that Moses was heading for the faculty offices.  I hope I’m not too late.  Zig-zagging through the corridors, she turned a corner to see Moses seated on the floor near Lucas’ office.  He had his eyes closed and was leaning back against the wall.  “Moses?”  Max called out.  “Oh, Moses!  It’s… Olympus.”

           Moses opened his eyes and looked up to see Max looking down on him like an angel.  She wore a worried expression.  “I’m so sorry,” She said apologetically, “I followed you as quick as I could, but the parking lot next to the Fine Arts Building was packed, so I had to park further out.”  She reached out to offer him a hand. 

           Moses hesitated, before taking her hand into his own shaky hand.  Carefully, he propelled himself up with Max’s help.  With the flick of his hands, he dusted himself off.  “Prometheus here made a fool of himself.  Lucas knows we’re on to something.”  His mouth quivered as he was still trying to calm himself.  “But I suppose you’ve seen your share of fools running off, unadvised,” he added.

           Max slowly gave Moses a reassuring smile.  “I might have, once or twice.”

           As the pair slowly walked away from Lucas’ door, another door from across the hall swung open.  “Max, Moses!”  Both friends turned to see Gwen standing in the doorframe.

           “H… Hi, Gwen,” Moses replied, a sad grin on his face.  “Sorry if you heard any of that.”

           Gwen reached out and gave Max and Moses reassuring pats on the shoulder.  “These doors are pretty thin, and I just saw an email from Lucas warning the Fine Arts faculty about a student going around spreading rumors about Safi.”  Gwen crossed her arms, shooting a knowing look at Moses.  “But I know you wouldn’t do that.  You’re too loyal a friend.”

           Moses looked down, too ashamed to look Gwen in the eye.  “I miss Safi.  After Maya… passed on, she was my only other friend.  I know she doesn’t like to talk about what happened to Maya, but she was hurt just like the rest of us.”

           Gwen nodded sympathetically.  “Believe it or not, Lucas wasn’t always like this.  His marriage was… testy.  Then he met Bobbie and calmed down for a while.  But that didn’t last…”

           Max and Moses' faces shot up.  They looked at each other for a moment, before Moses reached into his pocket and pulled out his smartphone.  A few taps of the screen later, he pulled up Roberta Rowe’s LinkedIn profile.  “Is this Bobbie, Gwen?”  He showed Gwen the picture on the profile.

           Gwen shifted forward to get a better look at the phone on Moses’ screen, her eyes narrowed as she looked at the picture.  Then, her eyes widened in recognition, “Yes, that’s Bobbie!  How did you know?”

           Max gave Gwen a disarming smile, “From Loretta!  She’s always asking questions for that podcast of hers.”

           “Jeez,” Gwen replied, “If only she put more effort into her studies than she does with that damned true crime podcast, we’d turn her into a real journalist.”

           Max laughed at Gwen’s comment.  She nodded at Gwen, silently thanking her for her information.  Then, she turned to Moses, gave him a reassuring smile and said, “Chloe’s waiting at the Snapping Turtle.  Let’s meet her there.”

As the pair departed, they failed to notice that Lucas’ door cracked open slightly.  He watched the pair as they left.

December 6, 2023

2:51 PM

The Snapping Turtle

Lakeport, Vermont

           The diminishing sound of crinkling glasses and clattering plates told Chloe that it was midafternoon, and the noon crowd had dispersed.  She filled two glasses of ice water and passed them down the bar to Max and Moses seated at the end.  Moses was hunched over, his head resting atop his arm.  Max had her head down on the bar. 

           Chloe picked up a tray of freshly washed glasses and a drying towel.  She carried the tray towards the end of the bar so that she could sit with her friends while she worked.  As she started polishing soap streaks from the glasses, she could feel an oppressive weight on Moses shoulders.  Max, with her head down, could feel it too.  “Don’t feel too bad,” Chloe finally offered, “I think we made a lot of progress.”

           Moses lifted his head, a slight smile on his face.  “I know.  Lucas is clearly shady and Roberta was definitely his girlfriend.”  He reached out to take hold of his ice water, but he chose to nurse the drink rather than take a sip.

           Max lifted her head off the bar, took her own glass in hand, and raised its cool contents to her lips.  Parched lips finally wet, she offered her own nugget of encouragement.  “Clearly, Roberta was targeted for her association with Lucas.”

           “Doesn’t that mean, Maya?”  Chloe asked as she visually inspected one of the glasses.  Satisfied that this particular glass was ready, she placed it on a rack and picked up another glass.

           Moses slowly lifted the glass to his lips, but only seemed to take a half-sip before putting the glass down.  “I don’t want to believe that Maya targeted an innocent, but I have no choice but to accept what happened.  The maddening thing is that this means that she’s been in town since last December but never made contact.  And it still doesn’t answer what Safi’s role in the plagiarism was.”

           Chloe frowned as she worked an especially stubborn soap stain.  “Maybe she decided to go avenging angel on us.  Striking Lucas and Safi when the opportunity presented itself.”

Just as Chloe finished her sentence, Moses’ phone began to ring.  He took a quick look at the number.  “It’s Safi’s dad.”  He accepted the call and stepped away from the bar to find a quieter place to talk.

Max took her own long gulp of water as Chloe took the tray of glasses back and laid them neatly out for the next shift.  There has to be more to this, Max thought.  Safi wouldn’t just give away poems that weren’t hers.  She shifted her position on the hard stool, trying to find a more comfortable equilibrium. 

           “That’s a hard ass stool,” Chloe joked as she walked back.  “Get it?”

           Max laughed.  “Chloe, I love you, but your jokes need work.”

           Chloe pointed to a chalk board mounted next to the bar with a list of bad pick-up lines.  “Amanda’s idea of giving out prizes for bad jokes rubs off on me.”

           Max shook her head.  “Chloe, your jokes are transcendent, as in I feel my soul leaving my body when I hear one.”

           Chloe laughed.  “I know you love those types of jokes, babe.”

           Moses returned from his call and took a quick sip of water before clearing his throat.  “So, what did Desmond say?”  Max asked.

           “He said the police have a warrant and will be coming over later tonight to pick up the laptop and check the apartment for any other electronic equipment.”

           “Shit!  I better get it to him fast.”  Max patted her pockets, searching for Chloe’s keys.  “I’m heading to Safi’s place to leave the laptop with her dad.  I’ll text you guys when I’m done.  Maybe we could meet up to go over the details of the case.”  Chloe jangled the keys in front of her.  Max smiled, taking the keys and then leaned across the bar to give Chloe a quick kiss. 

           Moses offered his friends a flicker of a real smile for the first time since Lucas’ office.  “I’d love to join you, if you’ll have an ex-Caledon student.”

           Max laughed, “Why not?  Your expertise is appreciated.”

December 6, 2023

3:35 PM

Oak Mills Apartments

Lakeport, Vermont

           Max knocked on the door to Safi’s apartment.  I wonder how Desmond is doing.  Has he talked with Yasmin about Safi?  I wish I had more to tell him.  Max’s patience paid off as the door to Safi’s apartment cracked open.  Desmond’s head peaked out and a flash of recognition crossed his eyes.  “Max!  Please, come in.”  The door opened wide as he stepped aside. 

           Max flashed Desmond a warm smile.  “Thank you, Desmond.”  As she stepped inside, she looked about the apartment.  On the table, she noticed a to-go box from a local Chinese restaurant and a half-empty bottle of soda.  Spread on the table were several photos of Safi engaged in various activities. 

           Desmond closed the door after Max entered.  “Sorry, but I wasn’t able to clean up,” he said, gesturing to the table.  “I’ve been… lost in thought.”

           Max reached deep into her messenger bag to extract Safi’s laptop.  “Moses told me the police need this.”  She passed the laptop over to Desmond.

           Desmond took the laptop in hand, hefting it with one hand to feel its weight.  “I asked my attorney to check this warrant the police issued.  He tells me everything is in order.  I… I should mention that if the police ask…”

           Max nodded.  “I understand.  The laptop was in my possession for a few hours.”

           “I will tell them that you borrowed it for class use.  Isn’t that what you said?”

           “Yes.  I borrowed it for a class presentation.”  Max acknowledged her cover story in case the police asked. 

           Satisfied, Desmond made his way to Safi’s room to leave the laptop.  Max stole a glance at the photos.  She noticed the photo of Safi and the Japanese girl at the pond.  There was another photo in the mix with Safi, Moses and the same girl at a Halloween party.  Safi, standing on the right of Moses with her arm draped over him, was dressed as an Ent from Lord of the Rings.  Moses in the middle was balancing three full beer steins in his hands while dressed as Frankenstein’s monster.  The other girl, standing to Moses left with her own arm draped over him, was wearing a brown jerkin, matching brown pants, and carrying a cheap plastic rapier.  Wow, is that girl dressed like Arya Stark from Game of Thrones?  Wait… that’s Maya!  They look so happy together.

           Max turned her head back in the direction of Safi’s bedroom as Desmond returned.  “Thank you for bringing that back, Max,” he said.  “Off the record, did you learn anything?”

           Max grimaced a little as she thought about what to tell Desmond.  “We don’t have anything definitive, but I was wondering, has Safi ever mentioned Lucas Colmenero to you?”

           Desmond tapped his head with his index finger as he tried to recollect details.  “Well… Yes.  He ‘was’ one of her favorite professors.”

           Max picked up on an odd inflection in Desmond’s voice.  He knows something about Lucas!  “Did you say, ‘was’, Desmond?”

           “I say ‘was’ because something… changed between them.  I think it started in September when she stopped talking about him.  Then, after the hiking trip, she did nothing but grip about him.  I figured that Safi finally caught on to Lucas’ limitations as a faculty member.”

           So, something did happen in the fall.  That lines up with the application cycle to the fellows program.  I should see what else Desmond knows about Lucas.  “What do you mean?” Max asked.

           Desmond sighed.  “Before Yasmin and I were divorced, I had an opportunity to meet all of the Caledon fine arts faculty.  At the time he was a new assistant professor with a Northwestern degree and links to the Chicago literary scene.  All of his book ideas went nowhere.  But he did develop good rapport with Yasmin and the senior faculty, which aided his promotion.”

           “He sounds so different from Gwen,” Max observed.  “She’s like the nicest professor in fine arts at Caledon.  Safi loves her too.”

           “I confess that I don’t know Gwen as well since I was divorced by the time she was hired.”  Desmond let out a half chuckle, “But Safi has never spoken a bad word about her.  At Safi’s recommendation, I even read Gwen’s book.  She talks about earning her degree in Colorado but catching the travel bug and taking time off to visit places all around America.  The writing is so authentic that it’s no wonder Caledon wanted her on the faculty.”

           It’s good to see how Safi viewed Lucas compared to someone like Gwen.  Max pointed to the Japanese girl in the Halloween photo.  “Is this Maya?”

           Desmond moved closer and looked down at the photo.  “Ah, yes!  Lovely young woman.  Those three were thick as thieves.  Safi doesn’t like to talk about it, but deep down, she misses Maya.”

           As Max’s hands sifted through several photos, her hand touched one that stopped her cold.  Safi was dressed in hiking gear while leaning in the doorway of a cabin.  She wore an enormous smile on her face.  I’ve seen this cabin before.  It’s the one in my dream with Joyce!  Shit…  Could that be where Safi is?  Max picked up the photo and showed it to Desmond.  “Is this recent?”  She asked.

           Desmond smiled as some warm memory flooded his mind.  “Yes, it was.  That was taken after our hike together this past summer.  I took her to see the cabin I bought her.”

           “You bought her a cabin?”  Max asked.

           “I did.  I wanted to give her a quiet place of contemplation to work on her poetry.”  He reached out to gingerly touch the photo.  “Besides, what father doesn’t want to dote on his only daughter.”

           Max’s mind raced.  Safi’s the only one other than Desmond who knows about this.  Not even Maya knows.  Is that why she was pushing me for information?  To find this place?  “Desmond, can you tell me where this cabin is?”

           “You think she might be there?”  Desmond replied.  “I drove by immediately after landing in Albany.  It was empty.”

           Still the dream wouldn’t lie, would it?  “It wouldn’t hurt to swing by and check again, right?”

December 6, 2023

3:50 PM

Around Town

Lakeport, Vermont

Max

Olympus here!  Desmond mentioned a cabin he owns nearby.  Here’s a link:

https://vtmaps.com/e6dT8XH1NM7iJO5v4

Moses

I just showed Gadget.  She thinks we should check it out after her shift.

Max

I was thinking the same thing!

Moses

Swing by and let’s roll :)

December 6, 2023

4:40 PM

Caledon University

Lakeport, Vermont

           Lucas’ clammy hands finished packing the last of his papers.  His fingers fumbled with the latch of his briefcase as he shut it closed.  Over the course of an afternoon, the sounds of students and faculty passing through the hall had grown silent.  Gripping the handle on his briefcase, he cracked his door open and peeked out.

           That damned friend of Safi’s is gone.  Good riddance.  I hope my threat to speak to the Dean of Students about him keeps him away.  God forbid they suddenly launch an investigation and subpoena my emails with Safi because some bureaucrat notices an inconsistency in my story.  Blowing things wide open is the last thing I need right now.

           Satisfied that none of Safi’s friends were snooping around, he stepped out of his office and locked the door.  Walking down the hall he glanced at Gwen’s door, noticing light filter through the door crack.  Speaking of attentiveness, Gwen’s been suspicious about… something.  I'm glad she doesn’t have the whole picture.  Lucas briefly thought about Gwen’s promotion meeting and cursed his colleagues.  Screw White and Lentz for pointing out her success with students and publishing.  If they hadn’t stuck up for Gwen at that meeting, I could have sunk her promotion chances and I’d breathe a little easier.  Unfortunately, once her promotion passes Yasmin’s desk this week, it’ll be a done deal.

           As Lucas stepped out of the Fine Arts Building, he buttoned his coat a little tighter.  It was twilight, with red bands of sunset melting away to an inky dark sky.  Pinpricks of artificial lighting served as his only illumination as he followed the empty path towards the faculty parking lot.  The only sound was the crunching of ice and snow beneath his feet.  There has to be something I can do about that Murphy guy.  If I find out who his advisor is, I might be able to put a little pressure on them to fire the guy.  Lost in thought about what to do about Moses, Lucas failed to hear the sound of more crunching snow behind him. 

           He walked up to a fork in the path with one branch leading to the north parking lot and the other to the south parking lot.  In all of the excitement surrounding his encounter with Moses, he momentarily forgot which parking lot his car was currently in.  It was when he stopped to remember where he parked his car that he heard crunching snow behind him.  Lucas turned around to see who was behind him only to feel a hand push him down hard. 

           He quickly lost his footing.  His briefcase, still locked, clattered a short distance away.  Lucas’ vision was filled with stars as he gained his bearing.  He looked up to meet his assailant’s gaze.  “You!”  He called out, shocked to see Safi standing above him.

           The Safi before him wore a fierce expression.  At a glance, Lucas could tell that she was full of pent-up rage.  She wore a ratty, second-hand coat like one would find at a cheap consignment store.  Streaks of mud caked her pants.  Slung over her shoulder was her backpack, although it hung at an odd angle as if weighed down by something.  Her arms were stiffly held at her side, with fists clenched.  “Hello, Lucas,” she replied flatly.  She sounds odd, Lucas thought.  Like she seeks something; wants something.

           Lucas tried to swallow, but phlegm was caught in his throat.  His breath quickened.  “Y… You’ve been missing.”  He laughed, trying to cut the tension.  “I’m glad you’re… back.  I was worried when you didn’t make it to the café the other night.  Let’s go to Yasmin.  She’ll be overjoyed to see you.”

           Safi blinked as she processed his words.  “I’ve been missing.  But, now that I’m back, we need to have a little chat.”

           “A… about w… what?”  Lucas stammered.  He inhaled deeply, calming himself.  “Murphy didn’t find out about the plagiarism…”  Safi swiftly kicked Lucas in the shin.

           “Ahhh!” He screamed, keeling over in pain.  His body began to shiver from the cold as much as from fear.

           Safi leaned over and whispered in his ear just loud enough to cut through the pain.  “Fuck your plagiarism, Lucas.  Just look at the mess you made.”  She stood up and asked in a louder voice, “Where did Moses go? ” 

           Lucas slowly sat up.  “I… I heard Max invite him to the Snapping Turtle to meet someone named Chloe.  Why do you want to know?”  Why does Safi want to know where Moses is?  Couldn’t she just call him?  Text him?  I don’t care.  I just want to get away from her, now!

           “Because he’s probably the only one who truly understands me.”  Safi reached out her hand.  Lucas reached up to take it, but she slapped it away.  “Give me your phone, dumbass.  And your keys.  We have a bar to stake out.”

A/N: Thank you for the kudos!

The internal dialog revolving around Rachel's letter was tough to write.  My original take on the letter was very cynical. This is because I have cynical view of Rachel as a character.  I drafted something last night, but I woke up this morning and decided that a cynical view of Rachel would be detrimental to my narrative.  So I softened the cynicism for the sake of my narrative.  

Rachel is a complex character, made even more complex that, based on just LIS alone, her motives are only seen through observations by other characters.  The direction I'm taking, in this story, is that Chloe was romatically attracted to Rachel (she was Chloe's angel after Max left), but the relationship never evolved past friends.  Rachel, for her part, was happy with Chloe as her friend, but was not interested in anything more than that.  Maybe I'll write a story someday where Rachel and Chloe are an item, but today isn't that day.

The apartment scene now gives Max and her friends a goal.  This ties back to the Max's dream of a cabin in the woods and I'm excited to show you how that evolves.

As for the Lucas and Safi scene, all I will say is: WHAM!

Chapter Text

December 6, 2023

4:59 PM

The Snapping Turtle

Lakeport, Vermont

           Lucas’ car pulled into the Snapping Turtle parking lot.   Doing a single circuit around the lot, Safi spotted an open spot that permitted easy observation of the entrance.  Putting the car into park and turning off the engine, she sat back and watched patrons emerge from and enter the bar.  Her attention was momentarily broken by a dull thud from the trunk.  Sighing, Safi got out of the car and walked towards the trunk.  Performing a quick glance around to make sure no one else was watching, she pressed the key fob and lifted the trunk door open.

           Inside was a shivering Lucas, his eyes wide with fear.  A wool cap that Lucas had in his pocket was stuffed in his mouth with a piece of tape to secure it in place.  His hands were expertly bound together using jumper cables.  Safi bent down to whisper in his ear, “Calm down, Lucas.  I don’t want to do this, but I need you to understand what your actions have wrought.”

           An annoyed Safi glowered as Lucas continued to thrash.

           “Keep this up and I’ll have to swing by 1345 Crescent Lane,” she stated calmly.

           At the mention of his ex-wife’s address, Lucas frantically shook his head.  Safi nodded, satisfied by his answer.  “Good talk professor.  Now, stay calm and I’ll let you out soon.”  Safi shut the trunk and looked up towards the bar entrance.  Moses emerged with Max and Chloe, in tow.  The trio were animated, talking amongst themselves.  Ducking down, Safi carefully slithered back into the driver’s seat. 

She waited until the trio made their way to Moses’ car.  She timed turning on her car engine for the moment Moses turned on his.  Moses’ car slowly backed up and pulled out towards the exit, which was Safi’s queue to do the same.  With sharp eyes, she was able to follow Moses’ car as it departed into the dark.

December 6, 2023

5:42 PM

Just Off Vermont Route 3

North of Rutland, Vermont

           Moses pulled his car off the side of the road into a small rest stop servicing hikers who used the Carriage Trail off Vermont Route 3.  Max let out a gasp as she emerged from the warm car into the cold Vermont night.  The sky was overcast, shielding the Moon and the stars from prying eyes below.  Chloe brought out a flashlight and flashed it around the area, cutting deep through the lonely tree line.  “It’s pretty quiet,” she commented, “But it’s a lot colder than in your dream, Max.” 

           “You do understand that the future hasn’t happened yet,” Moses interjected.  He stamped his feet to keep the cold at bay while searching for his phone.  “The arrow of time says things can only move one way through time, forward.  Bad things happen if time doesn’t move from past to present.”

           “Like what?”  Chloe asked with genuine curiosity, but a hint of something else, in her voice.  Max remained quiet as she listened to the conversation, the chilled air eating deep into her.  Chloe wants to keep her mind off Maya, Max thought.  She’s concerned about her still being out there.

           "Well… imagine you just heated up a cup of coffee.  It’s hot and steaming.  You put your lips to the cup and suddenly, it’s freezing cold.  Confused, you put the cup down when steam starts rising again.”  Moses tried to explain.

           Chloe shrugged, “I don’t get it.”

           “Well hot stuff grows cold with time, right?”

           Chloe nodded.

           “Great, so imagine if, instead of growing cold over time like it should, the coffee randomly changed temperatures from boiling to freezing in an instant.  Now, imagine that it happens all the time. Then all sorts of chemical reactions that our bodies depend on will just… cease to function.  That’s bad."

           “Bummer.”  Chloe replied, a glimmer of unease seeped out from her lips.  “Death by broken physics?  That’s some real Twilight Zone shit right there, am I right?”

           Moses didn’t answer immediately.  He simply pointed in the direction of the cabin.  “This way.”  Max noticed the color from Chloe’s face was sapped by the cold.  Mine’s probably not any different.  She then noticed Moses’s head jerk slightly, as if he just realized something.  Turning to the pair, he said, “Uh, it might be best to remind ourselves what else Max saw.”

           Max rubbed her head, the fleece lining of her beanie slipping on her scalp as she tried to recall her dream.  “I crossed a river or creek on a bridge, and the cabin was right on the other side.  Joyce…”  She took a quick glance at Chloe, whose face remained stoic at the mention of her dead mother, but Max noted a slight quiver of the flashlight in her hand.  “Joyce said that I should be wary of a tanuki.”

           Max noticed Moses’ ears perked up at the word.  “You know what a tanuki is?”

           Moses nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face, “A tanuki is a raccoon dog associated with shapeshifters in Japanese lore.”

           “Wait,” Chloe called out, her voice echoing through the dark, “Japanese?  So, Mom was talking about Maya?”

           Moses looked Chloe directly in the eye, the light from his phone casting a pale shadow on his face, “It’s… a real possibility.  We just need to find Safi, then Maya, and we can finally figure out what’s going on.”

           The trio stood there, momentarily silent.  Max wrapped her arms around herself to keep warm.  Moses is right, we just need to find Safi and Maya.  Max’s body trembled as much from the cold as the uncertainty of what lay before them.  Watching Moses head confidently into the dark forest once more, Max resolved to follow.  Chloe and Moses are here, we’ll face what’s next, together.

January 25, 2023

12:25 PM

David Madsen’s Trailer

Away, Arizona

           “What a view!”  Max declared as she took in the desert vista.  Patches of snow were interspersed amongst red rock and desert sand lay across the landscape before her.  Large cacti were the only green elements within sight, except for the occasional green colored trailer.  “I hope the Grand Canyon looks even more amazing.”

           Chloe said nothing as she stood next to the rental car, her eyes transfixed on the trailer before them.  The driver’s side door was ajar.  Chloe’s face bore the full weight of her hesitation.  I’m really doing this.  Seeing David for the first time since Mom’s funeral.

           Max instantly sensed Chloe trepidation and shot her girlfriend a slight smile.  “It’ll be fine, Chloe.  You’ll see!  Linda was on to something when she said you should do this.”  Walking over, Max pulled Chloe into a soft embrace.  Chloe let the embrace linger before pulling away and giving Max a warm kiss as she stepped back. 

           Max knows my weakness, warm hugs in the cold and kisses.  Ok, maybe she knows more than one weakness.  Returning Max’s smile, she replied, “Thanks, babe!  Let’s see if Linda’s therapy is worth it.”  She closed the car door and walked towards the trailer.  The crunching sounds of rubbing gravel beneath her feet announced her approach.  Upon reaching the foot a short series of steps, Chloe stood unmoving.

           Max touched Chloe on the shoulder.  “I’m behind you, Captain.”

           Chloe inhaled to steel herself but, to her surprise, the door swung open.  Before her stood the man she had hated for more than three years.  David, the bane of her late teenaged years.  Styled step-douche by Chloe herself.  He sported a full beard and long hair, tied back into a ponytail.  It was a far cry from his neatly trimmed beard and buzzcut of ten years ago.  He wore an olive-green sweater with the image of the cartoon hero, Hawt Dawg Man, on it.  Confused, Chloe turned to Max.

           Max smiled sweetly, “I sent it to him.  He wanted to break the ice after so long apart.”

           “Is it working?”  David asked, his face momentarily unreadable.

           Turning to David, Chloe’s hesitation melted away as a grin crept onto her face.  “It’s a start, David.”

           Chloe extended her hand to shake his hand firmly.  David smiled.  “Come in!  Your four-hour drive from Phoenix must have been exhausting.”

           Chloe bounded up the steps while Max greeted David with a light hug.  Inside, the living room was immaculate.  To her surprise, she saw copies of Max’s photos from Seattle displayed all over.  There were several photos of the two girlfriends and one picture that gave Chloe pause.  The photo showed Joyce in a pink jumper and a pair of jeans.  It was far different from the Two Whales Diner uniform that Chloe had been accustomed to seeing her wear. 

           “Have a seat, girls,” David said warmly.  “Can I take your coats?”

           Chloe and Max handed him their coats, which he took into another room.  The two girlfriends sat quietly while they waited for David to return.  Chloe examined one photo after another, thinking about the time Max brought each one home. 

From the other room, Chloe heard David say, “I just got a call from some reporter.  She’s doing a ten-year retrospective on Arcadia Bay.  She wants to meet in person.  Can you believe it?"

           “Tell her to buzz off!”  Chloe said facetiously.

           When David returned, he had cans of soda.  “I figured you guys might be thirsty.”

           Accepting a can, Chloe took a generous gulp before commenting, “Nice place you have, David.  I… wish you could have stayed in the Pacific northwest.”

           David looked away before meeting Chloe’s eyes.  “I’m sorry.  The area reminded me too much of Joyce and Arcadia Bay.  I had to go to the most different place I could think of.”  Chloe studied David’s face, seeking his inner most feelings.  He felt lost after everything.  I can’t say I blame him.

           “It’s certainly different,” Max agreed.

           David nodded.  “You guys staying long?”

           Max looked at Chloe first, seeking confirmation, before turning back to David.  “We don’t want to impose, but we wanted to head to the Grand Canyon tomorrow.  It’s an hour away and…”

           “The hotels are a goddamned rip off.  You and Chloe are welcome to stay for as long as you’d like.  I have a job doing evening security for a local rancher.  I’ll leave you my keys and Chloe…”

           Chloe leaned forward, intrigued by what David had to say next.  “I’ll show you where I keep my guns.  Not much crime around here, but we occasionally get wildlife.”

           David, trusting me with his guns?  Shit, am I dead?  “Uh, thank you sir!”

           Max laughed as David grinned, “Your welcome… soldier.”

December 6, 2023

5:43 PM

Just Off Vermont Route 3

North of Rutland, Vermont

           Lucas’ car quietly pulled in next to Moses’ car at the rest stop.  Safi gazed intently as light from Chloe’s flashlight scattered off dark branches in the distance.  She gripped the wheel tight; the anticipation of what came next grew inside her.  She reached over and opened the driver’s door, swiftly exiting the vehicle, shutting the door behind her.  With a few short steps, she reached the trunk of Lucas’ car and popped it open with the key fob.  Peering inside, she saw Lucas, still bound by jumper cables.  His body shivered from the cold.  Maya reached down to remove the tape and the wool cap, followed by unbinding Lucas’ hands.  “I got us here without being spotted.  Let’s follow them.” 

           Once done, she stepped aside to let him out.  Lucas gingerly tested his wrists.  “Wh… where did you learn to tie knots,” he whispered, his voice barely containing his fear.

           Safi shrugged nonchalantly.  “In my spare time.”

           A cold sweat broke onto Lucas’ brow.  Safi’s calm demeanor was… unnerving.  He had known her for five years, but this Safi was new to him.  The young woman he once knew was now a blank slate and it scared him.  “If we need to follow, I have a flashlight in the glove compartment,” he offered helpfully, his voice regaining a little composure.

           Lucas began to walk towards the passenger side when Safi dashed ahead of him.  His body quaked from the cold as much as panic.  Safi flashed him a suspicious look.  “Allow me,” she said.  Safi opened the passenger door and reached down to open the glove compartment.  She rummaged around inside before pulling out a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.  Safi groaned as she felt the weight of the gun in her hand.  “Really, Lucas?  The professor doth protest too much, methinks.”

           Lucas swallowed hard at Safi’s allusion to Shakespeare.  “You’re making this harder than it needs to be,” she added, waving the gun vaguely in his direction. 

           “Watch where you’re pointing that!”  Lucas yelled in protest.  “That’s poor firearm discipline and it has a fucking hair trigger.”

           Safi frowned.  “Relax.  I’m an experienced hunter.”

           “Since when?”  Lucas asked incredulously.

           “Since I got hunting lessons.”  Safi retorted.

           Stealing a quick glance into the dark, she pointed deep into the maw of the Vermont forest.  Understanding that she wanted him to lead, he did as he was told and walked towards the tree line.  Before leaving, Safi grabbed her oddly weighted backpack before pushing the passenger side button to lock the car and closed the door.  “Come on, Lucas.  We need to catch up.”

           Lucas reached into his pocket to remove a wool cap that had been stuffed in his mouth only moments before.  He put it over his head, but he felt his slobber brushing up against his cold scalp.  The act did not make him feel better.  Safi waved the gun again, urging Lucas on.  “What do you want?  I don’t understand why you’re doing this, Safi.  If it was just about the plagiarism, you could have gone to your Mom.  Fat lot that would do since you’d lose your fellowship.” 

           Lucas leapt a half-step back when Safi stopped in her tracks.  He studied her for a moment, noting that she seemed at ease in the dark, cold Vermont night.  The weather didn’t faze her.  He noticed Safi linger with her thoughts.  “I want closure,” was all she said before giving Lucas a shove to keep him moving.

December 6, 2023

5:58 PM

Near the Carriage Trail

North of Rutland, Vermont

           Moses was in awe of Max’s prescience.  “There was a bridge,” Moses whispered urgently.  His brow furled in concern.  He senses it, Max thought.  He’s wondering what else in my dream is true.  I’m wondering the same thing myself.

           Chloe pointed ahead to an unnatural shape breaking up the natural shadow of the tree line.  It’s just like the dream.  A cabin in the woods.  In the dim light, the trio could make out a long porch stretching the length of the cabin and a pair of windows flanking a solitary door.  The windows themselves were illuminated, but the view inside was obscured by curtains.  “Somebody’s home,” Chloe whispered.  “Let’s tread carefully.  Safi might be jumpy and think we’re Maya.”  Chloe turned off the flashlight.

           A faint thwack sound reverberated through the trees.  The closer the trio approached, the louder the thwack sound was.  Max looked at both Moses and Chloe.  The frowns on their faces showed that it was not a sound they instantly recognized.  Standing a few feet away, Max listened.  Another thwack came from her left.  She silently pointed in that direction.  Chloe wordlessly nodded and began taking point, flashlight gripped tightly like a club in her hand.  Max and Moses fell in behind her.  Carefully stepping towards the corner, Max’s breath quickened.  Be safe, Chloe. 

           The thwacking sound stopped, and Chloe turned to Max and Moses, placing a finger on her lips.  Moses nodded and motioned across his own lips, indicating his plan to remain silent.  Chloe was creeping closer when a white-clad figure emerged from around the corner carrying a hefty bundle.

           “WHAT THE FUCK!”  The figure screamed.

           Safi stood before the trio.  Startled, she let go of a bundle of firewood, allowing the pieces to scatter at her feet.  Her eyes were wide with terror.  She’s wearing the same clothes from the day she disappeared.  Looking down, Max noticed stains on her boots and pants.  She’s been roughing it for a few days, that’s for sure.  Otherwise, she looks healthy.

           “Safi!”  Moses rushed forward to hug his long-time friend.  Chloe and Max looked at each other, smiling.  They walked forward to join their friends in a group hug. 

           For her part, Safi was speechless.  She remained stiff as a board for a moment, before reaching up to accept Moses’ hug.  “Uh, hi big guy!”  She exclaimed.  Max cocked her ear.  She’s on edge.  I suppose that she wasn’t expecting us to show up out of the blue.  Max studied Safi’s face, but had trouble making out any specifics in the dark.

           When Moses broke away, he looked her right in the eye.  “Now that that’s over, let’s get inside.  We… need to talk.”  He reached down to pick up the firewood.  Chloe jumped in to help as well. 

           “Totally, Moses…”  Safi trailed off.  She’s super nervous, Max realized.

           “Safi, are you alright?  There’s a lot we need to discuss.”  Max stated in her most understanding tone.

           Safi nodded.  “It’s been a long day.  Chopping wood, reading, making meals.  It all blurs together after a while.”

           The four walked into the cabin, with Chloe and Moses in the lead, carrying the firewood.  The pair peeled off to deposit the firewood while Max scanned the cabin interior.  There’s a rifle up on the wall.  For self-defense, I assume.  Dirty dishes all over the kitchen and table.  The couch and coffee table are both rustic, in a Southwestern sort of style, like something from our Arizona trip.

           Max’s eye caught sight of a book sitting on the armrest of the couch.  “Safi, may I look at your book?”

           Safi nodded as she removed her coat.

           Reaching down, Max picked up the book and noted the title.  “Pictures of the Heart.”  Grinning, Max joked, “So this is how you’ve kept yourself entertained out here.” 

           Safi removed her beanie, placing it and her coat on a nearby chair.  Once again, Max studied Safi’s face, aided by the better lighting.  Something gave Max pause.  Is she hurt?  A welt was clearly visible on Safi’s left temple.

           “Chloe, Moses, get over here!  Safi’s hurt.”

           Chloe and Moses quickly dropped their firewood and rushed over to join Max.  When Chloe reached Max, she squinted at Safi’s head for a moment.  A memory popped into Chloe’s mind as she remembered her encounter the evening before.  Instinctively, she pulled Max back and brandished her flashlight as a club.

           “Chloe, what’s wrong?”  Moses asked, confusion written on his face.

           Chloe pointed an accusatory figure at Safi.  “It’s not Safi.  She’s our doppelganger.” 

           Moses studied Safi’s face, trying to see what Chloe saw.  “What do you mean?”

           Chloe used her flashlight to gesture at Safi’s left temple.  “I nailed that bitch with a hard ass snowball.  See the dark color on her temple?”  Gingerly, Safi reached up to touch her left temple, wincing a little as she did.

           The air went still as everyone stared at each other.  Max looked down at the book again, noticing the subtitle underneath the main title: “The Hyakunin Isshu in Word and Image.”  Japanese poetry. 

           After a pause, Max said, “Hello, Maya.  It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

November 2, 2013

9:54 AM

Pacific Northwest Mental Wellness

Seattle, Washington

           Max was cold as she sat in the lobby of the clinic.  Scanning the area, she noticed an elderly man flipping through an old issue of The Atlantic.  Not far from the man was a middle aged woman, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone.  Next to Max was a thirty something man and a young girl playing with blocks.  This is more normal than I thought it would be, like I’m in any other doctor’s office. 

           “Maxine Caulfield?” A male voice called out.

           Scanning the room, she saw a bespeckled man in his early forties, a few gray hairs peppering his brown-haired head.  He wore a blue cardigan and khaki slacks.  Max slowly raised her hand.  The man smiled kindly.  “Maxine?”  He gestured for her to follow him.

           Max gathered her things and followed the man through a short corridor into an office with some posters featuring various landscapes from indeterminate places around the world.  “I’m Doctor Biedermann,” he introduced himself as Max sat down.

           “I’m… Max.”

           Dr. Biedermann nodded and carefully wrote something in a notepad on his desk.  “Sorry, Max.  I must have missed that in your intake document.  It was a lot to digest.”

           “I’m sorry, Doctor.  A lot’s happened to me recently and I wanted to be as thorough as possible.”  Max nervously rubbed her hands together.

           Dr. Biedermann shook his head lightly, “It’s nothing to worry about.  In here, I want you to feel like you can say anything.”

           “It’s just that…”  Max paused as tears flowed down her face.  I can’t tell him that I have superpowers.  He’ll think I’m certifiable.  I need to be careful.  If knowledge of my powers gets out, it could be dangerous for everyone around me.  Mom.  Dad.  Even David and Victoria will be targets.  And Chloe…  I can’t even begin to imagine what someone might do to her just to get to me.  And all for this stupid power of mine.

           Sensing the pain in Max, Dr. Biedermann picked up a box of tissues and placed it in front of her.  “Do you want a bottle of water?”

           Max shook her head.  She took a tissue and dabbed her eyes.

           “Do you talk to anyone at home about what happened?  Mom or Dad?”

           “Ch… Chloe.”

           Dr. Biedermann jotted another note in his notepad.  “Let’s start there.  Tell me about Chloe.”

           “She’s the best friend I’ve ever had.  She’s smart and brave.  If it wasn’t for her and her stepdad, I would have died in the Dark Room.”

           “The Dark Room clearly has a negative connotation.  We can talk about that if you want or you can tell me more about Chloe.  She sounds interesting!”

           Max felt her tears slow.  Breathing in to calm herself, she continued, “I’ve known Chloe since I met her in kindergarten.”  Max chuckled as she remembered those early days.  “I dropped my applesauce on the ground on the first day and I started to cry, but Chloe walked up to me and offered to share her yogurt.”

           A smile appeared on Dr. Biedermann’s face.  “That’s a nice memory.  She must be someone special to have rescued you from a bad situation.”

           “Yeah,” Max agreed.

           Dr. Biederman made a few more notes on his notepad before turning back to Max.  “I noticed that you breathed in before you started talking about Chloe.  I can teach you some breathing exercises to keep calm.  Would you like that, Max?”

           “I… I think I would, Dr. Biedermann.”

December 6, 2023

6:04 PM

Cabin near the Carriage Trail

North of Rutland, Vermont

           “Maya,” Moses called out.  “Max is right.  My intuition was right.  It is you.”

           The ‘Safi’ standing before them wore a pained expression on her face.  Her secrets are out and she’s cornered, Max thought.  She doesn’t know what to do.  Realizing something, Max turned to Chloe.  “Chloe, can you put the flashlight down?”

           “Max, what if she tries to attack one of you, like she did at the house?”  Chloe asked, her shoulders tense.

           Moses stepped forward and put a hand on Chloe’s shoulder.  “It’s okay, Chloe.  Please…  Do as Max asks.”

           Max watched as Chloe gave Maya a sharp glare, before dropping her shoulders.

           Maya’s breathing eased.  She looked at Moses and nodded.  Without a word, Max watched as Maya’s skin seemed to fold and crawl into itself, like kneading dough.  Within a moment, a young Japanese woman with flowing black hair and dark brown eyes stood before them.  She’s the same as in Safi’s photos.

           A pregnant pause passed between the four.  What should I say?  Maya cleared her throat, as if answering Max’s question, quipping, “It’s been a challenge for me to hide injuries.  Call it… a work in progress.”

           “If you’re here, Maya, where’s Safi?”  Moses asked, a hint of worry in his voice.

           Maya crossed her arms, “I’ve been Safi the whole time.  I sat in a chair at Van Pelt House when Moses came to visit after the snowstorm; I remember taking a glass of water from Chloe’s hand at the ceremony for fellows; and I helped Max break into a bowling alley while joking about her sex life…”

           Chloe suppressed a giggle at this, for Max’s sake.  Max herself went beet red.  “It’s her, Moses!”  Max called out.

           Moses took another step forward, as if ready to embrace Maya, but stopped himself.  Max watched as a flood of emotions flowed across his face.  Settling on a thought, he said, “Maya, I’m truly relieved to see you alive… but where’s Safi?”

A/N:  Having two Safi's in the timeline (one being real and the other a doppelganger) was something I've planned for since the beginning.  While Maya's shapeshifting abilities are on full display here, we have yet to see what's up with this version of Safi.  We'll learn more about how Safi and Maya got to where they are in the next chapter.  Stick around!

Chapter Text

December 6, 2023

6:00 PM

Cabin near the Carriage Trail

North of Rutland, Vermont

           Lucas marched through the forest; his arms wrapped around his body for warmth.  His coat worked well enough when going from the car to a warm building but lacked the insulation for a hike.  Shit, he thought, look at her.  Safi doesn’t even feel the cold.  Lucas' body shivered fiercely.  I’m fucking cold but scared as hell that Safi’s going to kill me.  He felt another prod from behind.

           After a long march in silence, Safi spoke, “Nothing happens unless first a dream, Sandburg says.  You dreamed big, Lucas, thinking you could shove out the classic American novel.  Except you forgot the part where it was ghost written by a Japanese immigrant and edited by an Arab-American woman.”

           Lucas huffed at Safi’s mocking words.  “Quoting Sandburg at me, Safi?  You're a real original yourself.”

           “Sandburg’s quotable, Lucas.  You’re not.”  Safi then shifted to a more accusatory tone.  “I trusted you.  Admired, even!  I asked you for help and then, the next thing I know, you’re using me… ME!”  She spit out that last word as her pent up rage boiled to the surface.

           You know, she’d have shot me long ago if that was her plan.  She doesn’t need to march me this far into the woods.  Lucas stopped and turned defiantly around.  “You think you understand anything?  Being a professor is a dog-eat-dog job.  The administration is breathing down our necks to publish or we lose our resources or, in the worst case, our jobs.”

           Safi laughed bitterly.  “So, you’re super concerned about your ass getting fired?  Losing office space?  I’m the dog getting eaten here, fucker!”  Luca’s analogy hit a nerve with Safi.  “But I suppose taking advantage of students is second nature for you.”

           Lucas looked away from Safi, his lips firmly shut. 

           Safi pointed with her free hand further down the trail.  “We’re here.  I can sense her.” 

           Lucas turned around and peered through the darkness.  A short distance away he saw a cabin with brightly lit windows.  “You want to knock?”  He asked.  “We’re freezing out here!” 

           “No, Lucas.  You can do that.”  Lucas turned around in time to see Safi toss his gun into the brush.  “I don’t need this anymore.”

           Lucas saw his chance.  The adrenaline hit him as he took a flying leap after the weapon.  Behind him, he could hear feet scrambling.  Groping around in the dark, he finally gripped the handle.  He whipped around, gun in hand, only to see… nothing.  Safi had vanished.

           “Sure, be like that,” Lucas said sarcastically to the silent forest.  He looked down and checked the gun.  Its safety was still on.

December 4, 2023

10:55 PM

Route 4 westbound

Lakeport, Vermont

           The car heater was taking its sweet time to warm Maya up.  Safi has great tastes in coats, Maya thought.  Good thing too because this car takes its sweet time to warm up.  All around her, the darkness of the late night pressed in on her as she drove west on Vermont Route 4.  Fucking Lucas trying to treat me like an errand girl.  I’m my own person with my own art, like that poem he sent me in the mail.  Does he think that anonymous crap scares me? 

           Maya reached into her pocket to pull out her phone and double checked her destination.  He’s going to bitch about how he owns me.  I’ll get out of this sooner or later and find a way to bring him down.  The momentary distraction was all it took.  When a figure appeared standing in the middle of the road, illuminated by car light, Maya was startled.  She hit the brake and yanked the steering wheel to one side.  The car pulled off the road, plowing through snow and slamming against a tree.  The airbag deployed, cushioning Maya’s lurch forward.  Stars danced in her eyes as she tried to blink them away. 

           “Maya!”  A startlingly familiar voice called out to her from behind.

           Maya twisted in her seat to look behind her.  At the edge of the road stood a specter she hadn’t seen since October of 2022.  It was the ghost of Safi Llewellyn-Fayyad.  She rubbed her eyes to make sure they weren’t deceiving her.  Maya reached down and pulled out her phone.  With the flick of a thumb, she took a picture.  Checking it twice, it was the unmistakable face of Safi but now twisted with anger and spite.  “You look like me, but I know it’s you, Maya.  Get out of the fucking car!”

           Maya pressed the start-stop button on her car and then gingerly pulled the door handle.  Stepping out, she slowly made her way back towards the trunk.  I need to say something.  De-escalate.  But I should prepare for the worst.  Elevating her voice, she called out, “Safi…  I’m super glad to see you!  I was wondering where you ran off to.”  As she spoke, Maya pressed the open trunk button on her key fob, using her elevated voice to mask the sound.  In the dark, Maya saw Safi cross her arms, wary of Maya’s next move.

           “What happened to you, Safi?  I told the Vermont State Police where we were.  I was sure they’d find you.”  Maya’s eye twitched nervously as Safi’s own eyes burned into her.  While she was unsure of her next move, every step Safi took had weight and purpose.  Oh, fuck me, she’s pissed.  I… guess she has every right to be after being left out there. 

           Safi slowly made her way forward, arms still crossed.  Maya could see her hands gripping her forearm tightly.  “You know what’s really interesting, Maya?”

           Maya shook her head.  It took all her willpower to keep herself steady, but the dread of Safi’s return was eating at her inside.  I missed it.  The letter!  It was from Safi.  Of course she’d remember my poems, word for word.  I should have known it was her rather than to blame it on creepy-ass Lucas. 

           “You enjoy being me.  Look at that nice coat that used to be mine.  Using a car that’s mine.  Working as a fellow; a position which should have been mine.”  Safi stopped three or four yards short from Maya. 

           Maya took a long swallow.  “What’s your point, Safi?”

           A thin, dark grin grew on Safi’s face.  “You got so into being me, that you started using my personal email for everything.  You forgot that my university email forwards everything.”

           Wait, she’s right!  That mistake’s totally on me.  How else would she know where to find me?  I was too confident.   

           Safi’s grin grew wider.  “A security oversight, I’m sure.  I visited with Caledon IT to change the password, and I read your email exchange with Lucas.”

           “Don’t lecture me about Lucas!”  Maya stamped her foot.  The act caused Safi to take a half-step back, genuinely shocked at the outburst.  “You guys were the ones who stole my poems.”

           “As I tried to tell you,” Safi replied bitterly.  “That wasn’t my fault.”

September 30, 2022

11:15 AM

Fine Arts Building

Lakeport, Vermont

           Safi gripped the book so hard that her hand was red.  That goddamned asshole Lucas copied Maya’s poems!  Shit!  I only wanted to help Maya get the feedback she deserves.  Every page in Lucas’ book burned Safi with deep rage the likes of which she had never experienced before.  Every poem she read belonged to Maya. 

           Stopping in front of Lucas’ office, she had to take a deep breath to compose herself.  Then, she knocked hard.  With no response, she kicked the door, hard.  Only when she did this could she vaguely hear shuffling inside.  The door swung open to reveal Lucas, his face beaming at the sight of her.  “Safi!  How can I help you?”

           Safi ignored his greeting, shoving her way into his office.  She stopped in front of his desk, dropping the book down on it.  Lucas’ smile vanished when he caught sight of the book.  He quickly closed the door and made his way to the desk.  Look at him there, biting his lip like a little kid caught with his hand in the candy jar.  Oh, you’ll get ripped a new one.  After a minute of silence, she couldn’t stand it anymore.  She slammed her palm down on the book, making a noise so loud that Lucas jumped in his seat and looked Safi in the eye. 

           “Gwen loaned me this book.  What the hell is this, Lucas?”  She asked, a hard edge in her voice.  “I passed these poems to you for feedback because Mom always admired your ability to see the good in every poem.  Your suggestions always seem to elevate the good already there.  Why would you do this to me?  And to Maya?  Oh god, Maya…”  Safi swallowed as she worked to maintain her composure. 

           Lucas sighed, then shifted forward, his body hovering over the book.  “You and Maya have shared so much poetry with the faculty that you’ve both gained a little bit of a following.  While my colleagues wax lyrical about the poetry you both produce, my expert eye saw something… interesting.  Your poetry has this universal quality that draws in anyone who reads it.  Maya’s poetry, however, is on a different plane - its structural complexity so admirable that any literary academic can see she’ll be one of the greats.  But she doesn’t have your ability to make her written word widely accessible.”

           “Bloviate all you want about our styles, Lucas.  That doesn't change the fact that I asked for your help and the next thing I know, I’m reading Maya’s poems in your fucking book!”  Safi’s eyes were aflame with fury directed at Lucas. 

           Lucas shrugged off Safi’s anger like it was a jacket to be removed.  “These were poems that were compiled with the assistance of my student.”  He opened the book to the acknowledgements, scanned the lines.  After a moment he pointed a finger at a sentence and turned the book around to show Safi.

           Safi glanced down to read: I want to recognize Ms. Safiya Llewellyn-Fayyad for her tireless efforts in helping organize this manuscript.  “I DIDN’T DO THAT!”  She yelled. 

           Lucas calmly clasped his hands in front of him.  “You and I privately discussed editing poetry into a state that could be published.  I helped accelerate the process.”

           “I’ll just walk over to Burch Hall to meet with Mom,” Safi threatened Lucas, her voice on the verge of breaking.  “Let’s see what she says when she hears that a faculty member stole work from his students.”

           As Safi reached over to pick up the book, Lucas quickly opened a drawer and pulled out a sheet of paper.  “Before you do, consider this.”  He beckoned her to take the paper from his hand.  Safi’s hands began to quiver, uncertain at what she was about to read.  Slowly, her hand reached out, touching the paper.  Her fingers closed to grip it and she looked at the words on the page.

           “Gwen’s letter of recommendation?”  She asked, confused.  “What does my application to the Caledon Fellows program have anything to do with this?”

           “Funny how the world turns,” Lucas replied, his voice eerily calm.  “I was slated to chair the Caledon Fellows committee this year.  As the chair, my opinion carries a lot of weight with the rest of the committee.”  Lucas leaned back in his chair, assuming a more relaxed air.  “It turns out that the committee received a very impressive package from a photographer out of Seattle one…”  Lucas closed his eyes as he recalled the name.  “Maxine Caulfield.  She does fantastic work with the Chase Space.  And her pictures in the Seattle Times are winning her awards and invitations to the speaking circuit.”

           Safi craned her neck, unclear at what he was getting at.  Lucas’ eyes shifted as he perceived her confusion.  “I’ll get to the point.  We have two slots for fellows next year, and one is most definitely taken.  Now, we rarely consider our own students as fellows, diversity of life experience and all that, but Gwen has made a very strong case for you.  I could… downplay her letter.”

           “You torpedo my letter; you torpedo my chances.”  Safi responded coldly.  At this, she sank into a chair and breathed deeply in frustration.  Mom pushed me to go to Yale, but I gave her the proverbial middle finger to go to Caledon instead.   I can succeed anywhere I put my mind and effort into it.  No faculty member ever made me feel different just because Mom was president. 

           Lucas’ mouth formed into a tight, sly smile.  “If you go to Yasmin now and turn me in, I will highlight your role in helping me put this together.  But keep quiet and we both get what we want.”

Safi placed her hand on her forehead as Lucas’ words echoed in her mind.  I worked so hard for this.  All those sleepless nights studying, skipping social outings or turning down dates so that I can be prepared for what comes after college.  Then this… bullshit.  Do I piss it all away?

           Lucas cocked an eyebrow as he awaited her response.  At this gesture, Safi’s once defiant shoulders dropped in defeat.  “Okay, Lucas.  I won’t say a thing.”

           Safi looked away from Lucas to avoid giving him the satisfaction of seeing defeat written on her face.  I’ll never make it up to Maya after this, will I?

October 15, 2022

9:43 AM

State Park Parking Lot

Niquette Bay, Vermont

           The morning autumn air was crisp.  The colors before Safi’s eyes were majestic reds, yellows, and browns.  The past week and a half had been murder, preparing for Professor Lentz’s in-class exam essay on comparative American literature.  She and Maya spent time at the library, reading The Iceman Cometh and Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? while taking copious notes.  Late into the night the pair would quiz each other on ideas of confrontation and shared delusions amongst the various characters.

           All of this preparation came down to two brutal hours of in-class writing.  With her hand still numb from the writing, Maya suggested that the pair take a hike upstate.  It was a chance to unwind and, for Safi at least, to momentarily forget her troubles.  Safi’s silent contemplation of the scene before her was disrupted by the slamming of a car door.  “You’ve been really quiet these past few weeks, Safi.  Professor Lentz's class hasn’t sapped your spirit, has it?”

           I’m just dead inside, Safi thought.  “Uh?  Oh, well I’ve been thinking about a lot of things.  Sorry if I’m not good company.”

           Maya nodded.  “Yeah, I can imagine.  This is our last year together.  Soon, I’ll be working with Kaito’s employer as a translator and analyst; Moses will do grad school for sure; and you’ll be doing your fellowship.  I know it.”  She looked down at her backpack and double checked the contents.  “You have extra space in your backpack.  Can you grab our extra water and some snacks?  Oh, and double check your phone messages.  The reception is spotty on the trail.”

           Safi wordlessly did as Maya instructed.  She opened the back passenger’s door and found a large plastic water bottle, unopened, a handful of trail mix bars and a few baggies of dried banana slices.  She chucked these into her backpack.  Safi also checked her pockets and found her ID and phone.  She placed these in her backpack before zippering it up.

           “Fuck!”

           Safi turned to Maya, noticed that she was transfixed by something on her phone screen.

           “Is something wrong?”

           Maya continued staring for a long minute before replying, “No…  It’s nothing.”  After a short pause, Maya hefted her backpack up.  “Let’s get moving.”

October 15, 2022

10:35 AM

State Park Trail

Niquette Bay, Vermont

           Safi paused to wipe some mud off her hands using a paper towel.  She knelt to secure the used towel in her backpack.  The sound of rustling leaves from behind caught her attention.  Safi momentarily turned to see a coyote hesitantly emerge on the trail fifteen yards behind her.  It cocked its head as it tried to make sense of her presence.  At the snap of a twig, the coyote bolted into the underbrush beyond.

           Safi turned her head up the trail in the direction of the twig snap.  Maya was easily twice as far ahead of her as the coyote had been behind her.  Hefting her backpack up, she picked up the pace.  Safi noted how doubling her pace now made it more difficult to keep her footing on uneven, muddy ground.  “Maya!”  She called out, “Can you slow down a little?  It’s kind of hard keeping up!” 

           Safi was met with silence.  She sighed and continued to do her best to keep pace.  I like the occasional outdoor excursion, though writing poems in front of the fireplace at the Snapping Turtle is more my cup of tea.  Maya’s different.  Rain, wind, or snow doesn’t phase her on walks like this.  From what Safi had gathered over their years of friendship, the women in Maya’s family were known for their extraordinary endurance and steadfast admiration for the natural world.  Maya was no different, often joking with Safi and Moses that she could hike before she could walk. 

           Safi breathed a sigh of relief as the pair emerged out to a large clearing with flatter ground.  Glancing about to make sure that there were no rocks or visible holes that would cause her to trip, Safi surged ahead.  As she closed in on Maya, she noticed her shoulders riding high, as if she was on edge.  “Maya!”  Safi called out again.  This time, she had closed the distance enough for Maya to recognize that she was being called.  When Maya turned, Safi skidded to a halt.  Maya had tears flowing down her cheeks, her eyes puffy and red.

           It took Safi a moment to realize that her own mouth was agape with concern.  When the initial shock wore off, she called out to Maya, “Maya, hon, what’s wrong?”  Safi raised her hand, beckoning Maya to come closer.  She obliged, slowly making her way towards Safi.

           “Safi,” she finally said, “You… you’re not going to believe what I read.”

           Now within arm’s reach, Safi reached out to embrace her close friend.  “Take a breath and tell me.”

           Safi noticed Maya visibly inhale to steady herself.  “When I checked my phone, I got an email from Gwen.  She… she shared a pdf of Lucas’ new book.  And all the poems are mine!”

           Safi took a small step back but managed to continue touching Maya’s shoulders.  “That’s… not good, Maya.  What did Gwen say?”  Oh shit!  It won’t take her long to know what happened.

           Safi watched as Maya’s eyes fluttered for a moment as she struggled with what to say next.  “She read through the poems and she seemed to find some of the wording to be strangely familiar.  She mentioned several phrases that I like to use intermixed within the prose.  So, she sent it to me and I read through it.  There isn’t anything original there!  It’s my stuff from Strangest Animals of Them All.  Sure, he edited some words here and there, but none of it is his.”  Maya undid the straps of her backpack and grip it in her hands tightly.  Safi watched as Maya tossed the bag on the ground, screaming in frustration.  The zipper popped open, spilling the contents of the backpack at her feet. 

           Safi slowly undid her own straps and carefully placed her bag on the ground.  “Let me help you.”  She offered.  Maya stepped away as Safi reached down to gather Maya’s things.

           “I… just don’t understand how he got a hold of my poems,” Maya said, her voice shaky.  “I only shared assignments when I took his classes.  I never…”  Maya placed her hands on her head, trying to conjure a memory.  She turned away from Safi as her mind raced.

           Safi noticed her own hands became clammy and her mouth dry.  The ride back to Lakeport is going to be uncomfortable.  Unnoticed by either girl was a series of clouds dimming the previously sunny day.  The cool autumn day was becoming colder and more overcast by the minute.  High above them, the clouds zipped by at a rapid clip, each darker than the last.

           “Okay, Okay…”  Maya repeated.  “Gwen has only seen a few pieces.  Moses has read some, too.  And you…”  Maya whipped around, looking Safi in the eye.  Maya’s desperate expression told Safi that an unthinkable realization was dawning on Maya.  “You’re the only one who read them all.”  Maya took further steps back, unable to comprehend Safi’s betrayal.  “And you spend time with Lucas.  Safi, why?”

           Safi felt her heart drop.  What can I say to dampen the pain?  “I was looking to help…”

           “HELP!??  By fucking me over?  Safi, I know we have this… low-key rivalry going on, but this is just unbelievable.”  Maya laughed as she tried to come to grips with what Safi had done. 

           “I wanted to see you published, Maya.”  Safi struggled to keep herself together.

           “Oh really!”  Maya jabbed an accusatory finger at Safi, “You wanted to see me published?  You got your wish, Safi!  Only, it’s not my name on there, is it?”

           “I swear he didn’t tell me he was going to do that!”  Safi shot back. 

           “What did he promise you, a post as a Caledon Fellow?”  Maya was glaring angrily at Safi now, her hands clenched into fists.

           “He threatened to sink my chances, Maya!  He said that one of the slots was already taken by this photographer from Seattle named Maxine Caulfield and that I had no chance without a letter from Gwen.  A letter that he said he would bury.”

           “Jesus, Safi!  You had a chance to do the right thing and all you can think of is how this affects your writing career.”  Maya began to stomp towards Safi.  Seeing that Maya was reaching a breaking point, Safi slowly retreated.  As she did, her boot stepped on the backpack she had placed on the ground, causing her to trip.  She looked up into Maya’s eyes, hoping that she would calm down. 

           “You got it wrong, Maya!  I’ve worked so hard for this,” Safi called up as Maya loomed over her.  “Ever since I chose Caledon over Yale, I wanted to prove to my Mom that I had what it takes to make a mark.  Being a fellow was that chance and Lucas was going to sink me.  What choice could I have made with that smug bastard threatening me?”

           Maya stopped by the contents of her backpack, now neatly gathered in a pile.  She reached down and picked up her water bottle.  Clenching it in her right hand she looked down at Safi, the anger and hurt painted on her face.  “You could have done better.  Fuck you, Safi!”  Maya’s shoulder arched back as if to throw the bottle at Safi.  A loud crash stopped Maya in her tracks.  Both girls looked up to see dark clouds now dancing high above them.  Lightning arced between them as if on parade.  In the blink of an eye, a lightning bolt lit up the space between the girls.  For an instant, Safi thought of that coyote on the trail and how it, effortlessly, made its escape.  Then, their world went white as both girls were tossed aside like rag dolls by the force of the concussion.

A/N: Thank you for the kudos and the comments.  The twist that the "Safi" that Max and Chloe got to know was actually a shapeshifted Maya has been something I've planned since the beginning.  I did my best to plant little hints in the lead up.  I hope this chapter helps illuminate the conflict between Safi and Maya a little more.  The next chapter or two are going to be Safi and Maya heavy, but we'll catch up with Max and Chloe soon enough.  

This chapter ends Act 2, Investigation.  Act 3, Fallout will effectively start with the next chapter.

My next few weeks are going to be hectic, but I'll get another chapter up as soon as possible.  

Chapter Text

October 15, 2022

10:55 AM

State Park Trail

Niquette Bay, Vermont

             Maya awoke a short while later.  Slowly sitting up, she placed her hand on her head.  Kuso!  What was that?  A lightning strike?  I’m still seeing stars.  She patted herself down to check for injuries.  Legs are a bit sore; probably from sitting on them at a weird angle.  Satisfied that she was physically alright, she tried to recall the last thing she remembered.  Let’s see, I was pissed off at Safi for giving my poems away to Lucas, then…  Wait, Safi!  Maya turned her head toward where Safi had been, only to see a dark mass of fur on the ground.

             Maya blinked a few times, certain that she was seeing things.  Wait, I’m not crazy.  That’s a… wolf?  No, it’s too lean to be a wolf.  That’s a coyote.  Maya put her hands on the snowy ground and struggled to push herself up.  Cautiously, she inched her way towards the coyote.  Safi’s supposed to be here.  Did she leave?  Is this coyote dead?  On reaching the coyote, Maya hesitantly reached down to touch it.  With a start, Maya jumped back as the coyote’s head popped up.  It stared at her with what could only be described as confusion.  Like a drunk undergrad, the coyote wobbled as it stood up.  It yipped at Maya before whipping its head left and right.  Seeing the tree line beyond, it dashed past Maya and disappeared into the underbrush.  Maya stood dumbfounded next to the coyote’s former sleeping spot, Safi’s bag lay nearby.

             What the fuck was that?  Where the hell did Safi go?  Confused, Maya looked down at herself, only to realize that she was no longer wearing the same clothing that she had been wearing before.  What is this?  Safi’s white coat and hiking pants?  And her boots?  Maya reached up to the top of her head and felt a beanie that hadn’t been there before.  Looking back at the items from her own bag, scattered about, she verified that her own head covering had fallen out.  Pulling the beanie off verified that it was Safi’s beanie.  With her hands shaking from cold, exhaustion and fear, Maya pulled her phone out and turned on the selfie camera. 

             This can’t be!  I’m… Safi?  But I remember being Maya!  Did I switch bodies somehow?   If that’s true, where’s my body?  Looking down at her phone, she flipped through her pictures to find a selfie she had taken with Moses.  Focusing intently on her face, she felt her skin fold and crawl as it molded itself.  Using the selfie camera again, she saw herself as she had been before being knocked out.  As her thoughts drifted to the lighting strike she felt a sense of dread that caused her face to fold back into Safi.  I’ll have to practice.  She looked down at her coat and focused on remembering what she had been wearing.  She watched in amazement as Safi’s coat shimmered and then seemed to fold itself into her original coat.  But, like with the picture, she could only hold it for a moment before the coat folded back into its original form.  Okay, okay.  I’m a shapeshifter, but I look like my best friend… er, former best friend at the moment.  I’m sure when I practice, I’ll look like myself again.

             Maya started shivering violently.  The snow was coming on more heavily and the wind was picking up.  This shapeshifter, doppelganger business is taking a lot out of me.  Okay, Maya, remember your outdoor experience: shelter is priority one.  Maya looked down at Safi's backpack and then looked back to her own, laying in tatters.  I’m sorry Safi, but I kind of need this.  Maya reached down for Safi’s backpack and quickly doubled back down the trail towards where she could find a cabin or campground.  From the tree line, the coyote watched the strangely familiar figure vanish from sight.

October 15, 2022

11:34 AM

State Park Trail

Niquette Bay, Vermont

             Maya struggled forward through the blowing wind while snow stung her eyes.  It feels like my fingers aren’t there.  That’s not good.  Looking about in the brief moments when she could see, she spotted a copse of large trees.  Maya changed her direction of travel to walk into the wooded area.  Here the trees were just large enough to provide some respite from the wind.  She placed the backpack down and opened it to look inside.  Rummaging through, she found an extra sweater and a pair of gloves.

             Thanks, Safi.  Maya quickly removed her coat, donned the sweater, and put her coat back on.  Then, she rubbed her hands together until she could feel something, before putting the gloves back on.  A quick snack and then I move on.  Maya reached into the backpack to pull the water bottle out, from which she drank greedily.  She also consumed two trail mix bars.  The weight of this backpack is going to slow me down, she thought.  I’ll take what I can carry in my pockets and leave it behind.  Before getting up to leave, she noticed Safi’s ID tucked away in a pocket.  If I die, at least they can figure out who we were.  Maya pulled the ID and placed it in her own pocket. 

             Maya stamped her feet to warm them before carefully venturing out into the blowing snow.  Emerging from copse, she could see the edge of a lake just barely visible in the snow.  Tourists frequent this part of Vermont.  That means vacation cabins and shelter!  Edging forward, every step got heavier.  Maya could feel very little in her extremities now.  The more time passed, the warmer she seemed to feel.  Mentally, Maya fought against this notion.  Paradoxical undressing. If I die, they’ll find me naked.  Like a bad acid trip, but chillier. 

             After walking for what seemed like hours, but was probably closer to only a single hour, she spotted a cabin with light and a tall antenna affixed on top.  Someone’s home!  And, they have a transmitter.  She fought the wind to keep moving forward.  The cold was her enemy.  Exhaustion was a distraction to be ignored.  Finally, reaching the cabin she momentarily collapsed against the door with a thud.  I really want to sleep now. 

             Come on, bitch!  Get up!  Through force of will, she heaved herself up and fell against the door.  Lifting her hand, she knocked as loud as possible.  A moment later, the door cracked open to reveal a young woman around her age in park ranger dress.  The ranger’s words were distorted by Maya’s desire for sleep.  For an instant, she thought she heard the ranger ask something.  Does she want my… name?  “Maya…” was all that she could say now.  Then, with her goal of survival achieved, Maya collapsed.

October 15, 2022

9:23 PM

University of Vermont Medical Center

Burlington, Vermont

             When Maya awoke from her slumber, it was to a dark, sterile room with the ‘clean’ smell that she associated with hospitals.  Maya’s right hand felt oddly heavy.  Shifting positions, she looked down to see an IV drip.  She also noticed that she wore a simple patient’s garment.  I’m in a hospital, but where?  She was slightly startled by some light snoring somewhere to her right.  Maya turned and was surprised to see Yasmin, asleep in a chair.  Yasmin’s here, but she’s wearing sweatpants and a Yale sweater.  She’s really slumming it, not wearing her usual blazers, blouses, or slacks.  She must have had to rush here in a hurry.  But where’s my family?

             “Yasmin-sensei,” Maya called out softly.

             Yasmin stirred, stretching her arms while her eyes were closed.  When she opened them Maya noted relief wash over her.  “Safiya!  You had us worried, dear.  How do you feel?”

             “I’m fine, Yasmin-sensei, but Safi…” Maya trailed off.  Wait, Safiya?  Do I still look like Safi?  There’s no use to testing this… shapeshifting power with Yasmin in the room.  If I can get her to leave…

             Meanwhile, Yasmin looked at her quizzically.  “Yasmin-sensei?  Only Maya calls me that.”  There was an awkward silence between the pair.  Yasmin’s eyes flashed with a thought.  “I… understand you’re still disoriented.  But the police will want to know where you were hiking.  It will help them in the search for Maya.”  Maya noticed Yasmin pull her silver cross from under her sweatshirt to mutter a prayer. 

             Maya just nodded.

             “Good, I’ll have the doctors confer with the police on an appropriate time for the interview.”  Yasmin stood up from her chair.  Yasmin paused for a moment, realizing that she wanted to say something positive to her ‘daughter’. 

             I have nothing in common with Yasmin.  No shared life experiences from which to reach common ground.  I can pretend to be Safi for her, but I’m just an imitation.  Maya noticed Yasmin smile sadly as something finally came to mind.  “I know what will cheer you up.  Lucas tells me that you’re on the shortlist for the Caledon Fellows position.  Apparently, Professor Hunter’s letter really moved the committee.”

             “Ya… Mom, can you leave my phone if you have it?” 

             Yasmin reached down to her purse, sitting against the leg of the chair on which she had been sleeping.  Rummaging around, she pulled out the phone.  “I always thought you preferred Google phones, Safiya.  I was surprised to see an Apple phone amongst your belongings.  Did Maya pressure you into changing?”

             “Yeah, that was… recent.” Maya replied in a neutral tone.  She took the phone in hand, thanking Yasmin.

             Yasmin’s smile comfortingly at Maya. “I’ll step outside to speak with the doctors.  Just rest.”

             Maya watched Yasmin walked through the door, closing it as she stepped into the hallway.  Turning her selfie camera on, she mentally focused on her own face.  After a few seconds, the skin around her face folded and crawled into itself, creating the face she remembered – Maya’s face.  Okay, maybe there’s something subconscious about holding on to Safi’s face.  I was really pissed off at her for what she and Lucas did.

             Maya shifted back into Safi’s face and looked at the door.  They’ll think I’m crazy if I tell them I’m a doppelganger who can shapeshift into people.  Who knows?  The government might have a special place for people like me; some dark hole where I’ll never be seen again.  Fuck that.  Do I really have a choice here?  Everyone thinks Safi lived and Maya’s lost. 

             Maya sighed as she leaned back in her bed.  Safi’s out there.  What am I supposed to do?  How can I find her?  I suppose I should let the authorities find her.  Surely she’ll change back soon enough.  And what does Lucas hold over Safi?  A smile formed on Maya’s face.  Lucas doesn’t know I’m Maya.  Could I use these… strange powers to get justice for what he’s done to me and Safi?

December 8, 2022

5:47 PM

Vermont Community Bank

Lakeport, Vermont

             Anita Sinclair opened her drawer and started counting the cash and coins present.  She pulled up her records on a tablet in her hand to double check the amount.  Satisfied the amount matched, she shut the door and turned the lock.  As she walked to the next drawer to check the amount there, she was taken aback by the presence of a tall woman with grey hair and an impeccable business suit.  “Ms. Rowe!”  She called out.

             Anita’s manager, Roberta Rowe, stopped to acknowledge her call.  “Hello, uh, Anita.  How can I help you?”

             “Oh, it’s nothing Ms. Rowe.  Except, I thought you were leaving early to run errands.  Didn’t you say that you and your boyfriend were planning a trip to New Zealand and you wanted to get things in order before you leave?”

             Roberta shot Anita a disarming smile.  “I did!  Except that I was on the way to the gym,” She lifted a gym back in her hand, “and while I was on my way, I remembered working on several transactions on my computer and I forgot to log out.  I’m just really excited to take a trip with Lucas next week.”

             Anita frowned.  “That isn’t like you, Ms. Rowe.”

             Roberta shrugged.  “Call it puppy love.  It’s distracting.”

             Satisfied, Anita nodded.  “The staff will finish up here.  I’ll see you later, Ms. Rowe.”

             Roberta nodded and walked out the front door with a gym bag, its weight caused Roberta’s frame to stoop a little as she struggled to get the bag into her car. 

December 6, 2023

6:15 PM

Cabin near the Carriage Trail

North of Rutland, Vermont

             Max frowned slightly, uncomfortable with Maya’s story.  Chloe and I spent months growing fond of Safi.  All those times we spent at her apartment, watching movies, playing poker, or generally hanging out.  All to make friends with someone who isn’t the person they claim they are.  She looked over at Moses seated across from Maya, the shock on his face painful for her to see.  Poor Moses, he thought Maya was dead the whole time.  The turmoil is clearly written on his face.

             “Wait,” Chloe called out.  Her arms were crossed and her shoulders tense.  She was squarely focused on Maya.  “Your grand plan was to manipulate Lucas.  So, you impersonated his girlfriend, stole money from the girlfriend’s bank, and threatened his family?”

             Maya bit her lip, but Chloe edged forward, physically demanding an answer.  “I…  I… I did.”  Maya admitted.  “I didn’t want him to enjoy the fruits of my labor in peace.”

             “So, you robbed a bank?”  Max asked. 

             “Yes, I snuck in after hours several times and removed some money,” Maya explained.  “But I didn’t spend it on anything if that’s what you’re wondering.  I buried the money in a large tin box out back.”

             “That doesn’t make any of this better, Maya.”  Max retorted. 

             Maya’s head hung low.  Clearly, having a counter perspective is having an effect, Max figured. 

             “Still,” Moses finally said, “You left our friend out in the wilderness.  I don’t understand why, Maya.”

             Maya’s mouth twitched slightly as her feet shifted beneath her.  This was clearly an uncomfortable topic for her.  “I would like to point out that she changed into a coyote.  Please, tell me how I’m supposed to search for a specific coyote in the wilderness.  They all look alike to me.  Besides, I figured it was a matter of time before she showed up again.  How could I have known that it would take her over a year to come back?”

Many Months

Niquette Bay State Park

Niquette Bay, Vermont

             The snow had given way to a sudden thaw and, although still cold, Safi’s fur kept her warm enough.  The first few days in the wilderness had been nerve wracking for the new coyote.  There was the memory of a bright flash, followed by waking up the sight of something unpleasant.  Hunting in the area was difficult at first, but she found some hardy berries for food and a small lake for fresh water. 

             An unfortunate squirrel attempting to run from one tree to another was the first substantial meal she had caught.  A sustained diet of persistent berries and small animals or birds was hard on Safi, but each catch taught her a little more about the act of feeding herself in the wild.  Occasionally, she ran into another coyote, which she easily chased off by baring her teeth and standing up on all fours as high as possible.

             On the day the snow temporarily melted, Safi was checking her usual spots for evidence of small rodents or berries she may have missed when a loud crash reverberated through the forest.  Her sharp ears turned to the sound.  Gaining a mental picture of the sound’s location, she took off at speed.  As she emerged from the forest into a clearing, she nearly ran into a young doe, which was startled by her unexpected presence.  Wanting to try her hand at something more calorically filling, she nipped at the hoofs, hoping to disable the doe.

             More than once, she could feel her teeth scrap a leg without injuring the doe.  Just as jaws attempted to clamp down on a hind leg, a dark shadow leaped across her peripheral vision, striking the doe in the neck.  The doe, Safi, and the shadow went tumbling down.  For a moment, Safi saw stars as she regained her vision.  In front of her was a large coyote, which was substantially more muscular than herself.  This coyote gave her a look of disdain before baring their own teeth at her.

             Not wanting to be a second course, she quickly turned around.  The larger coyote chased her for a short distance before turning around, satisfied that its point had been made, turned back towards its prey.  Safi could only watch in silence as the big coyote finished its prey off before gorging.  As she watched the larger coyote carefully, something mentally changed within her.  She could feel her skin crawl.  After the sensation passed, she felt larger and stronger than before.  With a thought, she managed to change back into her original coyote form.  With practice she found that she could summon a larger form on demand. 

             Still, as she turned away to find more game, she couldn’t help shake the feeling that something was missing.  There was something important for her that she currently could not grasp.  Every attempt to remember yielded only confused memories of something she once was.

November 11, 2023

7:21 PM

State Park Camping Grounds

Niquette Bay, Vermont

             The winter days gave way to spring thaw, followed by sweltering summer days.  Each day, Safi got better at hunting food, switching between forms as needed.  The larger form helped when taking on prey or scare off competitors.  The smaller form allowed for nimble passage through the underbrush.  In some cases, she would purposefully start a chase in the small form for mobility, before switching to the larger form to take down the prey.

             At the height of hunting season, she learned to recognize the scent of gunpowder.  She avoided this scent, subconsciously knowing that it was bad.  The summer plenty gave way to fall and declining stores of food.  The need for food drove Safi to try areas that seemed familiar to her for some reason.  Discarded detritus like plates, wrappers, and aromatic containers beckoned her.  Still, she would seek out empty areas like these as the scattered food was too good to pass up. 

             One day, she wandered close to one particular area that had yielded excellent results in the past, when she smelled smokey wood and deliciousness.  Creeping as close to the area as possible, orange flames reflected in the dim evening light as she watched on, safely hidden in a bush.  Two forms walked between the fire, and a tent located a short distance away.

             “Ashok!”  A voice called out.  “Honey, I found the ketchup and mustard packs.  It looks like you put them with the plasticware again.”

             “I could have sworn that I put it with the foodstuffs.”  An accented voice replied. 

             Safi watched intently, noticing an older man with dark hair, dark eyes, and dark skin emerge from the tent with a plate and a pan.  She carefully noted his movements, which transferred meat from the plate to a pan sitting on the fire. 

             “Dear,” the second person, an older woman, emerged from the tent, “you know that we could use the portable gas stove.  Or find a campground with fire pits.”

             “Beth, my father taught me how to build a fire and cook.  I like to think I’m honoring that tradition by cooking over a campfire.”

             The voices themselves awoke something deep within Safi’s subconscious.  The phrases seemed familiar to Safi, as if she had heard elements of them before.  Safi focused on the woman with blue eyes and sandy blond hair.  The more she focused on this person, the more a memory flooded to the surface.  The face of a woman with olive skin, brown hair, and brown eyes emerged from fog.  The first human words she had mentally focused on for a long time formed in her mind: That’s… me.  With that realization, her skin crawled and folded.  Fur became bare skin and she felt different.  Looking down, she saw her old coat, pants and boots.  Uncertain of what to do next, she slowly stood up to make her way forward.  But she briefly stumbled, unused to bipedal motion. 

             “What that…” Ashok called out, shocked by Safi’s appearance.  He motioned to his wife to get behind him.  I must look like garbage, Safi thought.  And I certainly smell like it too.

             Safi, shook her head in confusion as she tried to remember how to say her next words.  Slowly, she said, “W… W… Water.”  Then, she closed her eyes and collapsed to the ground.

             “Ashok!  Let’s get her inside, quick!”

A/N: Busy week means that I wasn't able to create a longer chapter.  The next few chapters will be short.

As for the separate shapeshifting powers of Safi and Maya, I was inspired by the legend of tanukis (Japanese raccoon dogs) being able to shapeshift into other animals and humans (see https://www.japancentric.com/unveiling-the-mystique-of-tanuki-japans-shapeshifting-tricksters/).  But, in Double Exposure, Gwen refers to the pair as the "Twins from the Shining".  So, I thought it would be interesting to give the pair related, but slightly different powers.  

I'll see if I can get out a longer chapter next week.  Enjoy!

Chapter Text

November 11, 2023

7:48 PM

State Park Camping Grounds

Niquette Bay, Vermont

           In the dim space between sleep and wakefulness, Safi could hear whispers.  As she inched closer to consciousness, she could hear the couple talking. 

           “Her heart rate is elevated.  I wish I had my blood pressure monitor.”

           “Did you check her pupils?”

           “Not dilated.”

           Safi felt a hand gently touch her forehead.  Slowly, she opened her eyes.  Above her loomed the form of the woman she had seen earlier, looking down on her with concern.  She smiled gently and said, “Hi, dear.  I’m Beth Srinivasan.  How do you feel?”

           Beth removed her hand and carefully helped Safi up.  Safi looked down to see that she was covered with a somewhat ratty secondhand coat.  She looked at the couple warily. 

           “Your coat was in tatters.  So, I pulled out the back up coat I keep in the car for emergencies,” Beth explained.

           Safi blinked and then cupped her hands as she placed her head within them.  Regaining a little more sense of self, she managed to say, “I feel like I got hit by a flying brick.” 

           Beth passed her a water bottle. Safi drank greedily before returning it. She gestured to the tent flap.  “My husband, Ashok Srinivasan, is outside prepping a burger for you.  We’re both doctors from Bennington.  We decided on one last trip to our favorite camping spot before the weather turns bad for the winter.”

           Safi smiled warmly.  “I would be grateful for some food.  I’m…”  It took Safi a long moment to conjure her name from memory.  “I’m Safi Llewellyn-Fayyad.  From Lakeport.”

           The tent flap opened to reveal Ashok with a burger on a plate in his hand.  “Good to see you’re conscious.  A little while more and I would have called the Park Service.”

           Safi, ignored basic etiquette and dived in, hungrily devouring the burger.  It was the best tasting thing she had in as long as she could remember. 

           Ashok took a position next to his wife.  “Safi, you say?  I seem to remember someone by that name whose friend was lost in the woods.” 

           Safi looked at the Srinivasans, confused at their line of questioning.  Surely it hadn’t been that long.  The fall colors were just as she remembered them: reds, yellows, and browns.  Why did he say my friend?  Maya must have made it back.  She’s way better at this outdoor stuff than I am.

           Ashok took notice of Safi’s hesitation to answer.  He exchanged a look with his wife before reaching into his pocket for a small flashlight.  “Safi, may I… have a look?  With your permission, of course.”

           Safi nodded and Ashok sat down next to her while Beth reached for her phone and began to search for something.  He shined a light briefly in her eyes before moving the light away.  “Does that bother you?”

           “No, it’s just a bright light.”

           “Do you have a headache?  Nausea or vomiting?”

           Safi shook her head.  “No.”

           “Have you been getting enough sleep?”

           Safi shrugged, “Just the usual.  What is this about?”

           Ashok put his light away.  “I was checking to see if you might have a concussion.  You don’t appear to be suffering from the usual symptoms.”

           Beth handed her phone to Safi.  “Dear, maybe you’ve been wandering the backwoods a little too long.  I can understand.  Losing a friend is traumatic.”

           Safi looked down to see a story from a local paper on the screen.

Lakeport Gazette News

October 29, 2022

Lakeport Hiker Still Missing – Search Suspended

by Eduardo De Leon

Colchester, VT – The Vermont State Police and the National Park Service announced last Friday the suspension of their search for Maya Okada, a Senior from Caledon University in Lakeport, VT.

According to a National Park Service spokesperson, Okada and another student, Safiya Llewellyn-Fayyad, were hiking in the Niquette Bay area when they were trapped by an early winter storm that blanketed the area with near-record levels of snow. Ms. Llewellyn-Fayyad was hospitalized with hypothermia and exhaustion after being rescued by the National Park Service.

Matt Laird, a survival specialist with the Vermont State Police, stated that survival under the wintery conditions from last week is unlikely.

           Safi looked at the date on Beth’s phone: November 11, 2023.  More than a year.  Why?  Safi handed the phone back to Beth.  She sat back and closed her eyes.  The events started to come into clearer focus.  I hid Lucas’ secret so that I could get into the Fellows program.  Maya got mad and then there was that storm. 

           “Is something wrong, dear?”  Beth asked.

           “I’m just thinking… about the past.”  Safi offered.  Wait, that story said I got back safely!  Maya, that bitch!  I turned into a coyote and she turned into me.  The cold rage at the betrayal roiled inside Safi.  She left me for a year to fend for myself, eating nasty raw meals and fighting animals.  I could have died out there and no one would have known!

           “I know a few good therapists near your area,” Ashok offered.  “I could give you some names.  I know that the loss of a friend is traumatic.  Talking with them might be a healthier way to deal with grief than wandering the wood where she disappeared.”    

           Safi faked a smile for Beth and Ashok’s benefit.  “I’m sorry.  You’re right.  Losing Maya has been… difficult.  I’ve been hiking in the area hoping I can find her.  I know I don’t have a right to ask, but would you be able to drop me off in Lakeport on your way back to Bennington?”

           I’ll get back to Lakeport, scout things out and deal with that asshole Lucas and then Maya.  I will have closure, one way or another.

December 4, 2023

11:10 PM

Route 4 westbound

Lakeport, Vermont

           “If it hadn’t been thanks to the Srinivasans, I’d still be here.  They have my everlasting gratitude.  But you,” Safi glared daggers at Maya.  She kept flexing her fingers, impatient for this confrontation to finally be over.  “You go and leave me in the wilderness.  WHY?!”

           It took all of Maya’s willpower to keep from shuddering at Safi’s outburst.  “How was I supposed to find you, Safi?  Every coyote out there looks the same to me.  Besides, they’re skittish by nature.  How could I ever get close enough to know it was you?”

           “Since you never tried, we’ll never know if you could have found me.”

           Slowly, Maya’s hand creeped closer to the trunk, ready to throw it open.  Safi’s eyes, transfixed on Maya’s own eyes, failed to notice the motion.  “What’s your plan, Safi?  To get your life back?  What about me?  Everybody thinks I’m dead.  Not to mention that you and Lucas stole my work.  Where’s my justice?”

           Safi clenched her jaw in anger.  “Screw your victim complex, Maya.  It’s time for me to get closure, by any means.”

           Maya watched in odd fascination as Safi’s skin and clothes folded into itself to form the largest coyote she had ever seen.  From a distance, she could have been mistaken for a wolf, except for a leaner body.  Safi bared her teeth and leapt forward.  At the last instant, Maya underwent her own transformation.  Her skin crawled and folded until Moses’ face and body came into view.  Safi stopped for a long moment, her head tilting quizzically to the side.  There was a look of confusion in her, as if she was trying to make sense of what she was seeing.

           Before her stood a facsimile of Moses.  But it was just that, a fake.  Maya had learned that shapeshifting into someone with a larger frame was impossible.  The rules for shapeshifting seemed to dictate that she could mimic a person of equal mass.  If they were larger she could still pull it off, but she would appear shorter than they really were.  It was the distraction that Maya needed.  With a swift motion, she opened the trunk and snatched her backpack out of the trunk.  Safi, realizing what was happening, lunged forward.  Maya swung her backpack in defense, clipping Safi on the right side of her head. 

           Maya turned heel and ran towards the forest beyond the roadside.  Behind her, Safi was shaking her head, trying to shake off the pain from the hit.  Maya transformed back into Safi just as she reached the edge of the forest.  Her eyes darted around, looking for a path through that let her lose Safi and reach safety.  But there was no evading a seasoned hunter.  Safi, finally regaining her senses, took off at speed, easily following Maya’s scent and tracks in the snow. 

           Adrenaline pumping, Maya reached fifteen yards into the forest before Safi leaped forward.  The weight of the coyote was too much for Maya and the pair tumbled to the ground.  Maya shifted the backpack around so that it faced forward, the shoulder straps looped through her left arm like a shield.  Safi deftly rolled over and stood up, eyes flashing murderously at Maya.  She rushed at Maya, but Maya pushed Safi’s first attack off by shoving the backpack into her face.  Safi looked Maya over, noticing that she was hunched over defensively, trying to make herself a smaller target.  Out of the corner of Safi’s eye, she noticed that one of the shoulder straps was hanging a little lower. 

           Safi nipped at the loose strap, but Maya parried.  Maya noticed the oversight and tried to compensate by pulling on the strap with her free hand.  But, with her whole body now shaking from fear, the strap slipped from her arm.  Safi nipped again, this time getting a solid grip on the strap.  She pulled at the strap hard, managing to pull the backpack out of Maya’s arm.  Safi pulled the backpack back and then stepped over it, shielding it with her body.  She was ready to pounce on Maya again.

           In desperation, Maya patted her pockets, noticing a lump in her right coat pocket.  Remembering the small cylindrical can of pepper spray that she had dropped in front of Max earlier, she reached in and pulled it out.  Pointing it towards Safi’s face, she whispered, “I’m sorry, Safi.”  Maya pressed the trigger, and the spray arced the distance, hitting Safi in her face.  Safi for her part, yelped loudly, but let her body drop on top of the backpack.  Having no other choice, Maya picked herself up and ran deeper into the forest, hoping to double back into town later.

           Safi finally shapeshifted back into herself.  Screaming, she groped for the zipper on the backpack and pulled it open.  Reaching inside, she felt the smooth, long-necked shape of a glass bottle.  Pulling it out, she reached for the top.  After a few tries, she managed to pull out the cork stopper.  The smell of wine was soothing to her, but she needed to try and wash the pepper spray from her eyes.  With a few furtive drops of wine at a time, she slowly flushed the pepper spray out.

           “I’ll find you, Maya!”  She screamed.  Her vision was slowly returning to normal, but her sense of smell was thrown off due to the pepper spray and wine.  She would not be able to find Maya that night. 

December 6, 2023

6:24 PM

Cabin near the Carriage Trail

North of Rutland, Vermont

           “After I took off, I managed to make it to Route 4, where I hiked back into town.  I spent a few days hiding around Lakeport.  Every day, I would shapeshift into a different person from Max’s class, just hoping to avoid Safi.”  Maya, her eyes now puffy with tears, sat down on a nearby stool.

           A thought flashed onto Moses’ face.  “Wait,” he called.  “I ran into Diamond in the Snapping Turtle.  Was that you?”

           “Guilty,” Maya replied.  “I realized that you guys were on the case, and I needed to know if I’d covered my tracks enough to throw Safi off the trail.  Once I thought you knew nothing that could lead her back to me, I caught a ride share to the trailhead where I made my way to the cabin.”

           Chloe glared at Maya with a look that would floor a normal person.  “You pretended to be me.”  Chloe sighed before continuing, “It takes all my resolve not to throttle you for kissing and then kicking my girlfriend.  But we have bigger things to worry about.  Does that rifle have ammo?”  She gestured with her head in the direction of the mounted rifle.

           “It... does.  Why?”

           “Chloe?”  Max asked with concern on her face.

           “Look, Safi’s out there and she wants revenge.  As a last resort, we might need defense.  Where’s the ammo?”

           Maya slowly lifted her arm, pointing towards a coffee table located in the center of the living room. 

           “Wait!  You can’t be serious?”  Moses asked.  “You think Safi’ll hurt us if she comes?  We can talk her out of it, I know it.”

           “She wants revenge on Maya.  Max and I are strangers to her.  But you might be able to get her to see reason, Moses.  Still, I think we need a Plan B if all else fails.”

           Max looked at Chloe.  Chloe seemed to notice this as she shifted her eyes to meet Max’s eyes.  No words were exchanged.  None needed to be.  Max understood that Chloe didn’t want to do the unthinkable unless necessary.  “I trust you, Chloe.”  She finally said.

           Moses, his face initially unreadable, finally relaxed.  “Okay.  Plan A, I talk sense into her.  We only use force if nothing else works.  But not before we’ve exhausted our options.”

           “If that’s settled, I hope you don’t mind if I, uh, check the perimeter.  We need to settle in for the night and we can discuss our options tomorrow.”  The others remained silent.  Chloe simply nodded, then turned towards the coffee table to retrieve the ammunition and the rifle.

October 11, 2013

4:46 AM

The Dark Room

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

           The light of a harsh sodium lamp reflected off Chloe’s tired eyes.  Groping around in the dim light, she rechecked the straps of her Kevlar vest.  She reached down to her hip and pulled out David’s revolver, practicing the smooth motion of unholstering the weapon.  Satisfied with her technique, she re-holstered the weapon.  She felt ready for action.  I’m coming for you, Max.  Partners in time, always.

           Chloe watched as a dark form slowly advanced on her position.  She immediately recognized the shape of David, returning from his recon of the barn.  She whistled softly, acknowledging his approach.  He whistled back in response, the agreed upon signal that he was not under duress.  Chloe noticed that she had been subconsciously flexing her fingers through the exchange.  I’m ready for this.  Ready to take that pedo Jefferson down.

           “Chloe, did you finish your equipment check?”  David asked as he approached.

           “I did.  Are we ready to go in?”

           “Just about.”  Chloe let out a soft sound of disapproval.  “Chloe!  Planning is going to let us all get home safe.” 

           Chloe met David’s disapproving gaze.  Finally, after a long moment, she nodded.  David would prefer to do this alone, but he can’t risk me going solo and getting myself killed.  Mom would never forgive him.  So I’m his back up.

           “Good, soldier.  I just finished my recon.  There’s one camera over the main door, but the sodium light is immediately above it.”  David pointed in the direction of the door.  Chloe squinted and she could see a small box immediately below the sodium light.  “I couldn’t see any other obvious cameras, but we need to assume there are more inside.  We approach the door from the side at an angle that the camera can’t see.  And then what?”

           “You serve as point man.  You’ll break left and I’ll break right as we enter the door, clear the room.”  Chloe replied with the basic tactical plan the two had agreed upon on the car ride over to the barn.

           “Contingencies?”

           “If you're wounded, I withdraw to the car and call in officer down.  If I’m wounded, I try to hunker down behind some cover.  And, if I run into a wall while angling right, I hug the wall while covering my left.  Did I leave anything out?”

           “Don’t fire unless you have a clear shot at a tango.  A ricochet could injure Max as much as one of us.  But we have body armor to protect our core, Max doesn’t.”

           Chloe nodded, acknowledging the plan.  I make fun of Rambo here all the time, but his tactical thinking here is… sound.  I’m just a little impressed.  Only a little.

           David pulled out his .45 and clicked the safety off.  “Alright, I'll go first.  Stay three yards behind, we meet at the door.”  He turned around and began walking towards the barn door.  He held his weapon with both hands but kept it pointed down.  His shoulders were tense, ready to spring his weapon up at the first sign of trouble. 

           When Chloe judged that he had walked forward enough, she started her own walk forward.  With a swift motion, she pulled her own weapon out from its holster.  Foot by foot, the sodium light grew larger in her vision.  Like the bioluminescent light from an angler fish, the barn called her.  It demanded that she enter its maw.  Rachel had entered those doors, as had Kate and Max after her.  Kate had left the bunker alive.  Tonight, Max would join her too.

           As David reached the door, a bright flash lit up the sky, bright enough that she could clearly see the color of David’s shirt underneath his Kevlar vest.  This was followed shortly thereafter by a dull rumbling of thunder.  Oh, shit!  The storm is a lot closer than I expected.  David took a lot longer than I had expected to pick me up.  I wonder what kept him.  When Chloe reached the door, she tapped his shoulder. 

           David turned towards her and held up three fingers, indicating his plan to count down.  Chloe nodded, and then watched as the first finger went down, then the second.  Finally, he reached down to the handle and pulled it open.  David launched himself inside, moving towards the left.  Chloe followed immediately after, angling to the right.  Both swept the room for signs of resistance but were only met with Jefferson’s dark sedan.  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a large metal door standing up vertically.

           David pointed at the door.  Chloe nodded and both approached the door cautiously.  Chloe was closer and reached the door first.  She slowly peered down, making sure to keep her gun pointed down the stairs.  The only thing she saw was another door with the dim glow of a keypad.  She turned to David and shook her head.  No tangos here.

           “Okay, let me take a peek,” David insisted.

           Chloe stepped back and allowed David to look down.  As he was assessing the situation, Chloe turned around and surveyed the barn.  “You know, David.  Jefferson is here with his car, but I don’t see his shadow, Nathan Fuckscott’s, truck.  Should we be worried that he might show up while we’re down there?”  She turned around in time to see David freeze at the mention of Nathan’s name.

           Chloe eyed David suspiciously.  “Did something happen to Nathan?”

           It took David a moment before he answered, “The reason I was late picking you up was because I got a call from the police.  Apparently, a patrol car found Nathan’s truck parked on the bluffs near the lighthouse after a concerned citizen called it in.  He was nowhere to be seen and a bag with random photographs and rocks inside was found near the cliff’s edge.  They think he jumped off the cliff, but it’s too dark to send in divers to check.  They plan to send a dive team out tomorrow morning.”

           “He was pushed.”  Chloe replied firmly.

           “You think?”

           “It’s too convenient, David.  This has Jefferson’s stink all over it.  He’s covering things up by eliminating loose ends.”

           “Jesus, Chloe.” 

           Chloe pointed down the stairs.  “Let’s save Max.”

October 11, 2013

4:56 AM

The Dark Room

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

           542

           Perplexed, David punched in the numbers Max had given Chloe into the keypad.  His eyes lit up with surprise when the light changed from red to green.  “Where did you guys find that code?”  He whispered to Chloe.

           “It’s called investigation.  Arcadia Bay’s finest ought to try it sometime.”  Chloe understood that she and Max figured out the code during their own investigation in another timeline.

           David wore a skeptical expression on his face for a moment, before switching to a more serious look.  “Same tactical plan.”

           Chloe nodded.  As before, David silently counted down before opening the door.  As they step beyond the threshold into a short hallway, Chloe heard a large crash.  David held up his hand, calling for her to stop. 

           Chloe heard Jefferson say, “Oh Max, look what you’ve done.  Luckily, you missed Victoria.”

           Oh, shit!  Victoria’s here.  Is the queen bitch of Blackwell herself involved?  Did she betray Max to Jefferson? 

           As if to answer her question, she heard a person groan.  That’s Victoria!  She sounds in bad shape.

           Chloe listened to footsteps head away from them.  David let his hand fall, a signal to press forward.  She walked immediately behind David, her hands gripping her revolver tight enough for her knuckles to turn white.  As David passed from the hallway into the space of a larger room, he turned left and momentarily disappeared from Chloe’s sight.  Chloe, for her part, noticed that there was no place to turn right, so she pressed herself against the wall and continued forward, scanning to the left as she and David had discussed. 

           Passing into the room, Chloe could survey the scene inside.  What she saw turned her blood cold.  Max was strapped to a chair, her hair and shirt matted with sweat and her eyes, flashing beacons of desperation.  On the floor near her was Victoria Chase, hands bound and eyes catatonic.  Just next to her head was a lamp, the one that had been responsible for the crash earlier.  Jefferson was crouched down, trying to pick the lamp up.  It was only when Chloe had passed into the room that he noticed their presence. 

           “You!”  Jefferson challenged them.  He reached for a gun tucked in his waistband.  David instantly put his gun up.  “Drop it, Jefferson!  You’re outnumbered.”  A standoff ensued as Jefferson and David stared at each other, guns out and at the ready. 

           Jefferson laughed.  “A rent-a-cop and a high school dropout?  You make quite the pair.”  David made no reply as the room was swallowed by silence.  Finally, Jefferson made the first move, pivoting towards Max.  Chloe’s heart stopped as she understood his intention to use Max as a hostage.  Jefferson only took two steps before he stumbled.  From her vantage point, Chloe saw Victoria’s hands reach up and pull on Jefferson’s pant leg.  “You bitch!”  He snarled, turning his gun towards her.  David ended it with a single, deafening shot.  Jefferson tumbled down, the clatter of his gun barely audible above the ringing in Chloe’s ears.

           David didn’t waste time.  “Chloe, untie Max.  I’ll get Ms. Chase.”  He quickly bounded across the room, kicking the gun further away from Jefferson, and flipping him over.  Chloe didn’t have a clear view, but the grim look on David’s face said it all.  Satisfied that the immediate danger was past, Chloe holstered her revolver and made a beeline for Max. 

           As Chloe drew close, she could see Max’s eyes were bloodshot and puffy with tears.  Her nose was bloody from overuse of her time powers.  “Oh, Chloe.  I’m so happy you’re safe.”

           “Shhh,” Chloe shushed Max.  “I’m getting you out of there.”  Chloe worked the straps around Max’s wrists and ankles. 

           “Thank you, Chloe,” Max said shakily.  “I saw you and David die so many times.  I tried rewinding to stop it from happening.  That’s when I…”  Max trailed off, slumping over in her chair.

           “MAX!!!”  Chloe cried.  Far above the pair, the sound of thunder reverberated through the walls of the Dark Room.  The Storm had arrived.

A/N:  Our Safi/Maya interlude is mostly over.  We should be seeing a lot more of Max and Chloe next week.  Stay tuned!

Chapter Text

December 6, 2023

6:32 PM

Cabin near the Carriage Trail

North of Rutland, Vermont

           I wished I had asked Maya for some duct tape, Chloe thought.  Or packing tape at the very least.  The flashlight nearly fell out of her left hand, while she awkwardly held the rifle in her right.  Rather than lose both at a critical moment, she put the flashlight into her coat pocket.  She waited a few minutes to let her night vision adjust.  I wonder why the universe needs two shapeshifters?  Were they in the wrong place at the wrong time, like when Max and I waited out the storm in the Dark Room?

           Once she felt comfortable, Chloe raised the rifle up, placing the stock against her right shoulder.  She carefully moved forward as she stepped through the deep snow.  Circling around the cabin, she noted that there were windows in the front and the back, but none on the sides.  That limits fields of view.  We’ll set up a rotating watch, two hours for each person.  Satisfied with her plan, she ventured away from the cabin and into the trees. 

           When she reached a location far enough into the forest, she turned around and looked towards the cabin.  The lights and smoke made it obvious that someone was home.  We’ll have to turn out the lights.  The fireplace will be more of a problem.  It’s providing us with warmth.  I’ll have to think about what to do about it.

           She continued to walk through the forest, circling the cabin from a distance.  Looking back and forth from the cabin on one side and into the forest in the other.  Looping back around, she came upon some tracks.  This must be us.  Pausing, she took a long look into the forest before turning back toward the cabin.

           As she walked along the tracks she noticed that they seemed off somehow.  She stopped to sling her rifle around her shoulder and fished out her flashlight.  Chloe turned it on and looked at the tracks.  She bent down to have a closer look.  Wait!  If there were three of us, why are there only two sets of tracks?  Shit balls!  She clicked off the flashlight, rapidly returning it to her pocket.  Just as quickly, she unslung her rifle.  As she did so, she was met with a rustling sound in front of her.

           “Come out!”  Chloe called.

           There was the sound of broken twigs, followed by more rustling until the large form of a deer burst through the undergrowth.  It seemed to stare into her for a bit, wrinkling its nose as it did, before casually walking away.

           Weird.  Chloe shook off the feeling as she prepared to return to the cabin.  Before she could start off, she heard the unmistakable metallic click of a pistol.  Chills flowed down Chloe’s back.   

           “Please, drop your weapon.  This gun has a… temperamental trigger.  I don’t want to shoot unless it’s necessary.”

           Chloe instantly recognized Lucas’ voice.  How did he find this place? 

           “Don’t make me ask again!”  He said more forcefully.

           “Fine, asshole.”  Chloe slowly placed the rifle on the ground. 

           Lucas seemed mollified by her compliance as his voice returned to a normal tone.  “Thank you, miss.  Now, place your hands on your head and walk five paces forward.”

           Chloe did as she was told.  Behind her, she could hear the crunch of snow under foot and then the sound of something being lifted.  As the sounds abated, she heard Lucas say, “Now, tell me your name.”

December 6, 2023

6:44 PM

Cabin near the Carriage Trail

North of Rutland, Vermont

           Maya seemed more settled as Max handed her a hot cup of tea.  This was probably the longest time she had spent in her normal form in front of others since her abilities manifested.  The fact that Maya trusted them to stay in this form gave her hope that things would work out.

           Maya smiled at Max, then took a sip from the cup.  “That’s soothing, Caulfield.  Thanks!”

           Max’s eyes flashed when she heard this.  “I just realized, you like to use my last name a lot.”

           Maya chuckled.  “Old habit.  I greatly value the familial connection.  I’ll do my best to call you by your given name, Max.”

           Max smiled.  “Thanks, Maya.”

           “So, I was thinking,” Moses piped in.  “Tomorrow, we head back to Lakeport.  Since Safi has access to her university email account, I’ll send an invite for her to meet us at the overlook above the university.  It’s private and away from prying eyes.  When Safi shows up, Max, you and Chloe can stand watch on the path up from the base of the cliff, while Maya, Safi, and I hash things out.”

           “I’d… like that, Moses.  I’m glad you’ll be there with me.” 

           “I’m with Maya.  I think it’s a good plan,” Max added.

           Moses grinned, silently nodding to thank the pair for their praise.

           The quiet moment between the trio was broken by a knock at the front door.  “Chloe!  Come in, you don’t have to knock,” Max called out.  She watched as the door swung open to reveal Chloe, her hands oddly positioned on her head.  She stepped through the door with a grim look on her face.  Max’s smile turned to horror as Lucas stepped in after her, with a pistol in hand and the rifle slung over his shoulder.

           Lucas laughed as he surveyed the room.  “Well, what do we have here?  Hatching a conspiracy to kidnap Caledon faculty?  You should all be ashamed.”

           Moses gave Lucas a blank stare, unsure of how to react.  Maya was absolutely livid, this being the first time she was confronting Lucas in her normal form. 

           Lucas' eyes shifted squarely to her.  He seemed to take a half-step back in surprise.  “Maya Okada?  How are you alive?”

           “I rued the day that I would have to face you with my own eyes.”  Maya’s face burned with fury.  “For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee,” she added defiantly.

           Lucas just laughed, finding her defiance amusing.  “Are you all full of surprises?  Safi quoting Sandburg and you quoting Melville.  Does this one here know any good quotes?”  To Max’s dread, she noticed that he gestured at Chloe with his gun.

           Chloe turned to look at Lucas and shrugged, her face burning with rage.  “Those who build walls are their own prisoners.  Also, my name’s Chloe, you dick.”

           “I don’t think I know that one,” Lucas wondered aloud.

           “The Dispossessed by Ursula K. LeGuin.”  Max explained, hoping that she could find a way to calm things down.

           Lucas nodded, seemingly impressed.  “I’m surprised, Max.  I’ve always admired your photography, but to know that you have a soft spot for literature warms my Chilean heart.”  Any reprieve that Max hoped for vanished when he gestured for the group to gather in front of him. 

           Chloe walked over to join Max, while Moses stuck close to Maya.  The four looked at their captor, his hand holding his pistol a little too casually.  The wool cap on his head looked heavy with sweat.  He’s scared about something, Max thought.  What did he say about Safi?  Max furtively raised her hand.

           Lucas pointed with his pistol in her direction.  “Yes, Max?”

           “You said Safi quoted Sandburg.  Why did you say that?”

           Lucas’s mouth twisted into a pained expression.  “Because she was the one who followed you while I was stuffed in a trunk.  Then, she marched me into the woods and disappeared.”

           The four looked at each other.  Safi’s close.  We had a plan to talk to her.  Will it still work with Lucas here? 

           “You asked a question, now answer mine: Are you working with her?”

           Moses shook his head, “No.”

           “Then, I suppose she’s not the one who made my life a living hell.  Because she seemed to revel in mocking me on our way here.”  Lucas angrily stamped his foot down, “I’ve been through shit this past year.  Divorcing my wife, getting dumped by my girlfriend, and losing custody of my son because some jackass impersonator threatened my neighbor and my family.”

           “Sounds like you’re dealing with loss,” Maya retorted with a dark edge.  “Well, you want to talk about loss?  What about the poetry I lost to you, fuckstick!  That was mine and you had no right to rob me of my art.”

           Lucas remained tight lipped, unwilling to give Maya the satisfaction of getting a rise from him.  Maya, her face red, continued to taunt him.  “I was in the audience while Roberta faced her trial, alone.  You didn’t even bother showing up!  Did your agent tell you not to show up because it would sink your book sales?”

           The room froze as Lucas’ jaw clenched, fuming at Maya.  “How would you know anything about Roberta?  Why would you go to the trial anyway?”  Maya’s lips sealed themselves, refusing to answer.  “Answer me, Maya!”

           Maya continued to defy him, simply choosing to stand firm and unflinching.

           Lucas threw his free hand up in frustration.  “Fine.  Be that way.  You’re going to come with me down to the Vermont State Police.  I’m sure they would love to hear where you’ve been.  And they can quiz you about Roberta while they’re at it.”  When Maya refused to answer, Lucas continued, “She was never the same after the accusation.  I lost her because of people like you.”

           “That’s your interpretation, Lucas.  But you’re just a bastard.”  Maya topped off her response with a fully extended middle finger.

           At this, the room was silent.  Maya stared at Lucas with disdain, while Lucas stared back with marginally contained anger.  He understood perfectly what he had done but didn’t care.  Max felt sweat form on her brow while her hands trembled, afraid of what came next.  Just before anyone could speak, a loud shrill whistle broke the silence.  “Attention assholes…  And other people.”  A voice called from outside.  It’s Safi!  And she sounds really pissed, Max thought. 

           Safi continued, “I only care about the assholes who screwed me over: Lucas and Maya.  Those two can come out here so I can… deal with them.  The rest of you are fine so long as you don’t interfere.  Head directly to Moses’ car and don’t come back.”

           Lucas half-turned his body to call out, “Really, Safi?  You gave up your only weapon.  You’re going to join your friend, Maya, at the police station soon enough.”  He turned back to the group, a smug smile on his face.  Max was filled with dismay.  He doesn’t know about Safi’s ability to change.  He’s ignorant of that fact and Safi’s going to weaponize it against him. 

           Max swore that she could hear Safi curse.  A short moment later, Safi added.  “Lucas, this is between you, me, and Maya.  Let the others go.”

           “Ha!” Lucas spit out.  “You want me to give up possible witnesses or co-conspirators?  Well, fuck that, Safi.”

           “If you don’t come out, I’m going to have to turn to something more drastic.”

           Lucas refused to answer, merely turning back to his hostages, twitchy gun in hand. 

           A minute passed without anything happening.  Then, Max watched as, through the curtains, she could see the sparks from a lighter followed by a small orange glow.  Before she could warn Lucas and the others, she watched this small flame hurl through the air.  She listened as glass shattered against the exterior wall of the cabin.  Quickly, orange flames began peeking through the window.  A startled Lucas pulled the trigger of his pistol. 

           “No!”  Max reached out with her hand and the world around her slowed to a crawl.  The scene before her was darkly comical.  Lucas wore an expression of surprise with fear filling his eyes.  Chloe was laser focused on Lucas’ hand as she patiently waited for her chance to take him down.  Maya’s mouth was open, the stretched-out sound of her scream filled the air.  Moses had his hands out, pushing Maya down.  She was tilted on her side, ready to tumble while Moses stood his ground.  In front of Max, she could see the dark shape of the bullet, air currents bent in compression as it streaked forward.

           Max could feel her head pounding as blood began to trickle down her nose.  She wanted to hold time for as long as possible, but the headache grew in intensity with each passing second.  Unable to hold back the migraine, she let go and tumbled to the ground.  Everything sped up to normal with Maya and Moses joining her on the ground. 

           “I…  I didn’t do that…,” Lucas trailed off, his mouth agape in shock. 

           Outside, she could hear Safi scream, a strange sound that seemed to be human agony mixed with something more visceral.

           With Lucas momentarily stunned by his actions, Chloe took her chance.  She darted forward and slapped the pistol out of his hand.  It skidded across the floor, stopping underneath the rustic couch that had reminded Max of Arizona.   Reaching up for the rifle’s shoulder strap, she yanked hard.  Lucas snapped out of his stupor to throw a punch at Chloe.  She stumbled back, but not before swiftly kicking Lucas in the knee.  He screamed in pain and fell, the rifle clattering away from him as it slipped out of his shoulder. 

           Chloe and Lucas stared at each other, each waiting to make a move.  Chloe moved first, rushing for the rifle.  Lucas, realizing that he wouldn’t make it, reached up and took his hat off, throwing it into Chloe’s face.  Distracted by this, all Chloe could do was drop forward and fall on top of the rifle, hugging it to keep it from Lucas’ grasp.  Lucas struggled up and hobbled as quickly as he could out of the cabin door.  He only made it a few feet before he looked to one side and let out a blood curdling scream.  The dark shape of a very large coyote leapt at him, knocking him down.  The coyote snarled and clamped down at his throat.  He struggled to get the coyote off, but his grip became weak, and his arm fell limp to his side.  The coyote, victorious, looked into the now flaming cabin before rushing out of sight.

December 6, 2023

6:52 PM

Cabin near the Carriage Trail

North of Rutland, Vermont

           Max coughed as her eyes burned from the smoke now wafting through the cabin.  She watched as Chloe’s chest heaved while she also coughed.  Chloe crawled up on her knees and, using the rifle, braced herself as she stood up.  “Max,” Chloe called out in between coughs.  Max raised her hand as Chloe stumbled over to her. 

           Reaching down with her right hand, Chloe grasped Max’s raised hand and helped her up.  Max wretched forward in a coughing fit.  Chloe’s eye widened when she finally got a good look at Max’s face.  “Your nose, Max,” she said weakly. 

           Max reached up to wipe the blood away.  “I’m so sorry, Chloe.  I just reached out and instinct kicked in.” 

           “Forget it.  You were stressed.” Chloe pointed to Moses and Maya, indicating they were their immediate concern.  “Keep your breathing shallow to avoid inhaling too much smoke,” she added.

           Bracing against each other, the pair hobbled over to Maya, sprawled on the ground next to Moses.  She was bawling her eyes out, tears glistening on her cheeks.  Wiping the sweat and smoke from her eyes, Max saw that Moses was lying on his back, unmoving in a pool of blood.  Chloe wiped her own tears and sweat out of her eyes.  Gesturing towards Maya, Chloe pantomimed to Max, indicating that she wanted help to get Maya up.  Max nodded.  As they approached, Chloe slung the rifle across her chest and reached down to grip Maya’s right forearm.  Max did the same with Maya’s left forearm.

           Together, Max and Chloe pulled Maya up.  Chloe surveyed the room, rejecting the front door as flames were in the process of consuming the front porch.  She spotted a large window overlooking the back of the cabin.  Following Chloe’s gaze, Max saw the window and nodded to her.  Gently, but with quiet haste, the pair guided Maya to the window.  Once there, Chloe smashed open with the butt of the rifle.  Max pointed to Chloe, who crawled through the broken window first.  Securing the rifle, she turned around and helped Maya crawl out, followed by Max. 

           The trio walked away from the cabin as quickly as their injuries allowed.  After what Max judged to be twenty feet, they collapsed onto the snow.  Max stole a glance behind her.  The fire was growing now, reaching the roof.  I’m sorry Moses.  Max solemnly watched his funeral pyre grow.  Maya was catatonic now.  She was only going through the motions of living at this point.  Chloe was on alert, her rifle out as she scanned the area around them. 

           Her caution was warranted as a shadow emerged from the tree line.  It was Safi, half her face was illuminated by the orange flames consuming the cabin.  She stopped advancing on the trio only after Chloe raised her rifle as a warning. 

           “Leave Maya here.  You two can go,” Safi spoke in a low, menacing tone.  Her mouth twisted into a severe expression.

           “Get the hell out of here, Safi,” Chloe chimed in, her jaw clenched in defiance.

           Max stepped in between Safi and Chloe, her arms raised.  “Stop this, both of you!  Moses is dead.  Hasn’t Maya suffered enough?”

           Max watched as fire flared in Safi’s eyes.  “If Maya had been a better friend, I wouldn’t have had to do that!”

           Chloe gripped the rifle tighter, angry at what she heard.  “Oh, fuck right off with your high and mighty bullshit.  Lucas used you, but you made the choice to go along with that asshole for the sake of your fellowship.  And explain to me how you expected her to find you in the first place.  Do you seriously want us to buy that she could just walk around in the woods calling your name like a crazy person?  Get a grip, Safi.  You and Maya made choices that had consequences and now Moses is dead!”

           At Chloe’s cutting words, a flash of sadness washed through Safi’s eyes.  She steadied herself, regaining her composure.  Max watched as Safi’s face morphed back into a solid, unfeeling stone mask.  “Fine.  I’ll leave you in peace, for now.  Moses would have wanted that.  But this isn’t over.”  With that, Safi’s skin seemed to crawl like Maya’s own skin.  When Safi reformed, she was in the form of a coyote.  It gave them a long, angry look, before sauntering into the forest beyond.

           Chloe exhaled heavily.  “We’re in some deep shit now, Max.  There’s no way she forgets what happened here.  She’ll be back.”  Max watched as a wave of emotion washed over Chloe.  Much like she had seen the night after the storm.  But, when Chloe finally calmed herself, Max noticed a determined look in her eyes.  She has an idea, doesn’t she?  Max gritted her teeth in anticipation.

           Chloe returned the rifle to its place strapped around her chest.  She then reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone.  Flipping through several apps, she settled on something that Max could only see in the glow reflecting off Chloe’s face.  Chloe stared at the item on her phone for a long minute before reaching out to give Max her phone.  Gingerly, Max reached over and pulled the phone from Chloe’s hand.  On the screen was the photo that they had taken with Moses and the woman they thought at the time had been Safi over Thanksgiving. 

           Max’s mind raced as she stared at the photo.  No way.  Chloe wants me to go back?  We’ve talked about this.  Max looked Chloe in her eyes, searching for meaning.  Max’s mouth opened and closed several times as she searched for something to say.  Eventually, she said, “I don’t understand, Chloe.  You made me promise I wouldn’t go back or use my powers.”  At the mention of the word ‘powers’, Maya stirred slightly but largely remained unresponsive.

           “I know, Max.”

           “And, if I go back, you wouldn’t be the same Chloe.  We talked about this.”

           “I FUCKING KNOW.”

           The girlfriends broke eye contact for a minute as they processed the request.  Max noticed Chloe’s hands fidget, she was clearly afraid of the decision.  Max’s own hands were shaking.  Chloe was the first to break the silence, “Moses is dead; so is that bastard, Lucas.  But you saw the look on Safi’s face when I told her Moses was dead.  The ice queen broke for a moment.  Moses was the key to this.  He could have talked her down.  And Maya…”  Chloe trailed off, a sympathetic look on her face as she glanced down at Maya.

           “If I go back, I could create another butterfly effect.  We might bring another storm down on Lakeport.  Are we sure we want to go down that road?”

           “I was there, Max!  Stuck in that fucking dungeon while the storm raged above us.  A storm we helped create.  I know that Jefferson burned away any chance we had to go back and fix our mistakes, but we have a chance to fix this mess.  We can make a choice.”  Tears were now streaming down Chloe’s eyes.  “And… I can choose to make a sacrifice.”

           Max felt tears form as she digested Chloe’s words.  “And, if I create another storm?”

           Chloe wiped the tears from her eyes, her hands shaking.  “Do you remember what Moses said about the future?  It hasn’t been determined.  From your perspective, you can create a new future.  Maybe a storm will happen, or maybe not.  All I know is that I love you and we’ll figure it out, together, like we’ve always done.  If it means evacuating the town, we’ll find a way.”

           Max reached over and grabbed hold of Chloe’s coat.  She pulled Chloe in and kissed her hard.  As she broke away, she could taste the saltiness of tears in her mouth.  She gave Chloe a reassuring smile.  “You’ll always be my Chloe.  In this timeline or the next.  It doesn't matter.”

           Chloe laughed.  “Know that I’ll be pissed for a little while.  But then I’ll realize that this was the only way.  Just…,” Chloe stopped herself as she considered something, before adding, “Just, know that I’ll be ready to face the fallout with you, no matter what.”

           Max nodded, giving Chloe one last longing glance.  All those times going back, only to make things worse.  Like the time Chloe ended up in a wheelchair.  Then I decided to confront Jefferson and Nathan head on.  The whole town died because we weren't smart enough to stop them.  What consequences will we face?  Will the outcome be better than letting Moses die?  Will we be strong enough to endure when the universe comes for us?  One thing’s for sure, at least we get a choice this time around.  No one can stop us from making it.  Let’s do this, Chloe.  Together.

           Flush with the knowledge that Chloe would stand by her, she looked down at the photo on Chloe’s phone.  For an instant, the photo blurred.  But as Max focused, the scene before her became clearer.  As the focus sharpened, Max could hear voices in the distance and the clinking of glasses.  Then, the world around her turned white.

A/N: Max finally uses her power in the current timeline.  Next chapter will figure flashbacks to Max and Chloe's shared past.  Stay tune!

Chapter Text

October 13, 2013

7:55 AM

National Guard Rally Point (formerly the Dark Room)

Arcadia Bay, Oregon

           Sunday morning in Arcadia Bay was cold and foggy.  The wispy fog banks obscured the wrecked remains of houses, businesses, and schools.  Max, having only gotten up from her cot thirty minutes before, saw none of this.  Thoughts of wading into the ruined town haunted her as she had gone to sleep the evening before.  This morning, Max wasn’t thinking about much of anything at all.  She was mentally distant and unfocused.  Seated on the floor next to the cot, she stared at the drab olive canvas and cold aluminum frame that made up the tent in which she had slept.  Her absent mind missed the noticeable sound of footsteps squeaking in the mud and morning dew as they stopped in front of her tent.

           “Max?”  A voice called her.

           Max shook her head as the voice of Sergeant Biedermann cut through her haze.  “Oh, sorry, I was… a little distracted.  How can I help you, Howie?”

           “Your parents just arrived.  My Lieutenant sent me to get you.  I can tell her you need a few minutes if you like.”

           Max slowly pushed herself up.  Stretching her back and her limbs, she felt the lethargy leave her body.  Emerging from the tent, she saw Howie standing a respectable distance away.  Behind him, the camp was abuzz with National Guardsmen, medical personnel, and the occasional member of the press walking about.  “No, Howie.  I’m ready.”

           Howie nodded and gestured for her to follow.  As the pair walked, Max instinctively reached into her pocket for her phone.  Shit!  Jefferson destroyed that.  “Uh, Howie?”  Max called sheepishly.

           Howie turned slightly to listen as they walked.  “Yes, Max?”

           “I was wondering if you know where Chloe is.  I would love to say goodbye, if I can.” 

           Howie pointed toward a cluster of tents about a hundred feet away.  “Captain Beltran from the quartermaster company needed an extra pair of hands opening canned fruit for breakfast.  Chloe was surprisingly spry early this morning and jumped at the chance to help.  I think she just wants to keep her mind occupied.”

           Without inquiring further, she noticed Howie change direction, heading for the cluster of tents he had indicated.  Max bit her lip.  What else can I say?  Goodbye for now.  That’s a start, but I want to make it clear that I’m not abandoning her.  If she needs me, she only needs to call.  I will answer.

           “Max?”  Howie called to her.  “Before we go any further, I wanted to give you some information and advice.”

           “This doesn’t sound like it’ll be pleasant.”

           Howie shook his head.  “No.  As you can probably guess, Arcadia Bay is all over the news.  It’s the largest cyclone to hit the West Coast in recorded history.  So far, you, Chloe, David and Ms. Chase are the only known survivors.  We’re still looking…”

           “You won’t find any,” Max stated matter-of-factly.  She stopped herself for a split second.  That came out wrong.  I’m so sorry…

           Sergeant Biedermann glared at Max in disbelief before responding, “That’s a cold way to put it.  I want to add that news of what Mark Jefferson was up to has also reached the media.  They’re already finding women from his Hollywood days who swear that they were targeted by him.  All I’m saying is that, with the press wandering around, you are under no obligation to speak with them.”

           Max nodded.  “Thank you, Howie.  Anything else?”

           “Oh, I almost forgot.”  Howie reached deep into his pocket to pull out his wallet.  Flipping it open, he looked through several cards before selecting one.  He stuck out his hand, offering it to Max.  “This is for my cousin, Dr. Justin Biedermann.  You don’t have to call him, but I would encourage you to look for someone like him to help you through everything you’ve been through.”

           Max carefully took the card and gingerly slid it in her pocket.  “Thanks, Howie.”

           Howie nodded.  As the pair approached a large tent with a number of National Guard troops entering and leaving, he pointed to a dark haired man speaking with a young soldier.  “That’s Captain Beltran.  Let’s ask him about Chloe.”

           When the pair were a few feet away, Max noticed him scribble something on a piece of paper and passed it to the soldier, who saluted and scurried off.  Howie approached the captain, stopping to salute.  “Sir!”

           The captain returned the salute.  “Sergeant Biedermann.  How can I help you?”

           Howie pointed to Max.  “Captain Beltran, may I introduce you to Ms. Maxine Caulfield.  She prefers Max.  She’d like to speak with Ms. Price.”

           The captain turned to Max and extended his hand to greet her.  She accepted his hand and shook it.  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Max.  Corporal Price has mentioned you to us.  On several occasions.”

           “Corporal?”  Max asked, interested in learning more about Chloe’s new title.

           Beltran laughed.  “The joke is that Chloe has opened more bags and containers than a private.  So, I ‘gave’ her a field promotion.”

           Max smiled politely at the joke.  “Will I be able to see her?”

           Beltran nodded.  “Of course!  I’ll walk you back to the kitchen area.  Sergeant?”

           “Sir?”

           “Please escort Ms. Caulfield’s parents here.  Last I heard, they’re at battalion HQ speaking with the Colonel.”

           Howie saluted smartly before walking off toward the headquarters tents.  Beltran turned to Max and gestured towards the large tent they were standing next to.  “Please come inside.”

           As Captain Beltran guided Max into the large tent, she caught a glimpse of a nearby camera flash.  The owner of the camera, a bearded photographer with a bright yellow vest that said ‘Press’, lowered his camera to give Max a sympathetic glance.  Beltran gave the man a nasty look before following Max inside. 

           As Max passed the threshold, she found the tent to be a dining area full of activity.  Soldiers sat at long tables, many of them spoke in quiet, subdued conversation.  Her heart skipped a beat as she felt every eye in the place turn towards her.  Approaching the serving line, she watched as several soldiers served food under the watchful eye of a squat woman wearing an apron over her fatigues.  “Is our new ‘corporal’ back there, first sergeant?”  Beltran asked.

           The first sergeant gestured with her thumb.  “She needed a break, so I offered food.  She’s in the back by herself.”

           Beltran frowned.  “She didn’t want to sit with the rest of the company?”

           The first sergeant shrugged.  “I tried to get her to join, but she said she preferred to sit quietly somewhere.  After the shit she went through, I can’t blame her.”

           Beltran pointed at Max.  “This young lady is her friend.  She has my permission to join her.”

           Raising her voice, the first sergeant said aloud, “Ain’t nobody going to bother this young lady, you hear?”

           “Yes, first sergeant!”  A chorus of voices called out.

           “Thank you, sir.”  Max said.  She excused herself, leaving Beltran and the first sergeant as they discussed the quality of the food.  She passed through a busy kitchen, with various stations preparing everything from pancakes to eggs.  What I wouldn’t give for one of Joyce’s waffles right now.  She eventually stumbled on a staging area with a variety of boxes, some of which were open with contents scattered about. 

           Here she spotted Chloe, in a white t-shirt, ripped jeans, and sporting her blue hair with an American flag bandana tied around her head.  She was working her way through a stack of pancakes while sitting on the ground next to a pile of empty cans.  Max noted the dark bags under Chloe’s eyes, as if she hadn’t slept much the night before. 

           “Chloe!”

           Chloe slowly turned toward Max.  A grin slowly grew on her face.  “Hey, Max!  Good to see you.”

           Max beamed.  “I’m so glad to see you, Chloe.  Really, I am.  I… I don’t know what came over me last night.”

           Chloe shook her head.  “No worries, Max.  Heat of the moment and all that.”

           The two friends laughed.  In the awkward silence that followed Max searched for something to say.  But Chloe beat her to it.  “You’re family’s here.  Am I right?”

           “The dreaded moment is here.  Mom and Dad are taking me back to Seattle.”

           “Fuck,” Chloe cursed.  “I just found you and now you’re leaving me.  It’s all a shit joke, isn’t it?  Dad dies, Rachel dies, Mom probably dead.  I supposed you want to avoid the Price luck, huh?”  Chloe slammed her fist into the ground in front of her.

           “Don’t be like that, Chloe.  I want it to be different from the last time I left.  I was such an idiot these past five years.  Since I never reached out to you while I was gone, you had every right to be angry.”

           Chloe shot Max an angry look.  “Yeah, well, at least you have a home and parents to be with you while you get over this shitstorm.”

           An idea popped into Max’s mind.  “Do you have a pen?”

           Confused, Chloe patted her pants before reaching into a pocket, producing a marker.  “Does this work?”

           Max nodded.  In a flash of spontaneity, Max took the marker and pulled Chloe’s right hand towards her.  Turning Chloe’s hand around, she wrote an address.  “My Seattle address.  Promise you’ll stop by, and I’ll promise to call.  Is that a deal?”

           Chloe seemed taken aback by Max’s sincerity.  “I… I don’t know what to say.”  After a pause, Chloe nodded her head.  “It’s a deal.”

Max reached over and hugged Chloe.  “Good luck, Chloe.  Tell David I said goodbye.  I’ll text you once I get a new phone.”

Max

I finally got my new phone!  Ugh, the phone company asked so many questions about the status of my old one.  Would you believe that ‘burned by a pyscho’ isn’t in their contract?

Max

I just tried calling you, but you must be busy in Arcadia Bay.  Call me back when you get the chance.

Chloe

Sorry…  It’s been a hard day.  I’ll call soon.  I promise.

October 15, 2013

2:17 PM

Caufield Home

Seattle, Washington

              The front of the card featured a professionally drawn image of Prince Albert’s fir.  The tree stood proud, sprouting many needle-like leaves.  Below, the tree was the neatly typed name of the clinic, Pacific Northwest Mental Wellness, and below that was the name Justin L. Biedermann, D.O.  I can’t call them, can I?  What am I supposed to say?  Hi, Dr. Biedermann, pleased to meet you.  My name is Max Caulfield and I swear I’m not crazy, but I can manipulate time and space with the wave of a hand.  Do you have a remedy for that?  Max could feel butterflies in her stomach every time she opened the phone app to type the number.

           Max’s thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of her doorbell.  She sighed.  It had been two days since her return from Arcadia Bay.  Every few hours, reporters from a news network or newspaper would stop by hoping for an interview with one of the Arcadia Four as she, Chloe, Victoria and David had been dubbed by the media.  Just like Howie said, when word of Jefferson’s atrocities was circulated, women who had previously worked with him began speaking out.  Max wished someone, anyone, had uncovered his darkness before it was too late.  The town would still be alive.

           “Maxine!”  Max’s mom called up from the living room downstairs.  “You have a visitor you’ll definitely want to see.”

           The mention of the word ‘definitely’ caught her attention.  It was not a descriptor her parents used for the press.  Her interest piqued, she pocketed the card and her phone before casually walking out the door and down the stairs.  The stairwell opened up on the foyer where a large canvas duffel bag of the type used by the National Guard personnel was placed on the ground next to the door.  On reaching the bottom, she turned to her right and walked into her living room.  There she met with the sight of a familiar bob of blue hair tucked underneath a black beanie.  Her heart skipped a beat.  “Ch… Chloe?”

           Chloe’s face was a little dirty, as though she had little time to maintain her appearance.  There were still bags under her eyes and Max detected a weary sadness in her face.  “Hi Max.  Sorry I didn’t call ahead.”

           A large grin spread across Max’s face.  She practically leaped forward, pulling Chloe into a tight hug.  Chloe, for her part, was momentarily caught off guard, her exhaustion weighing heavily.  It took her a moment to overcome her surprise and return Max’s hug.

           “Please dear,” Vanessa said, “Sit down and tell us how you’ve been doing.”

           Chloe plopped down on the Caulfield sofa, her head leaning back as if she was ready to sleep.  After a long minute or two, Chloe finally leaned forward.  “Since you left, I continued to make myself useful and helped around the National Guard camp, cooking and cleaning, that sort of thing.  Then, I got a call from David…”  Chloe trailed off, her hands were trembling. 

           “It’s okay, Chloe,” Max offered helpfully.  “You don’t have to continue if you don’t want to.”

           Chloe shook her head.  “It’s fine.  My mom’s… dead.  David said they found her burned corpse in the Two Whales Diner.  She died in an explosion along with Warren, Frank, and a few others.”

           “Oh my god!”  Vanessa exclaimed.  “I’m so sorry to hear about your mother and your friends.  Joyce was a lively and generous soul.”

           Max hung her head in shock.  She was expecting this outcome, but so long as the body remained undiscovered, there had been hope.  “I’m here for you,” she instinctively told Chloe.  “Whatever you need, you just let me know.”

           “Thanks, Max.  I bawled my eyes out enough the day before yesterday.  David told me it would be a good idea to get away for a while.  You gave me your address and…”  Chloe lifted her arm and flipped it so that Max and Vanessa could see the smudged address that Max had written.  Max noticed her mother’s eyes widened.  Is Vanessa surprised or impressed?  I’ll have to ask her later.

           Chloe continued her story, “Captain Beltran was so impressed by how I helped around camp that he arranged transportation to Portland Airport.  David was nice enough to give me some money, so I hopped on a plane and got here this morning.”

           “Chloe, Max clearly wants you to heal or she wouldn’t have given you our address.  We share Max’s sentiments.  Ryan and I want you to know that you can stay here for as long as you need.”

           “Thanks, Mrs. C.  And, thanks Max, for being my… partner.”  Chloe cracked what looked like the first genuine smile she had worn since before all of this started. 

           “Chloe, you look a little tired.  Do you want to freshen up?  I can show you to a spare bed,” Max offered.

           Vanessa gasped, “Where are my manners!  Yes, that’s a great idea.  Let me show you where the bathroom is.  I can ask Ryan to take your things upstairs.”

           Max watched as her mother helped Chloe stand up and escorted her out of the living room and towards the bathroom.  When she was alone, she reached into her pocket and pulled the business card out.  Flipping it around nervously a few times, she finally stopped on the side listing the number.  She extracted her phone from her pocket and dialed the number.

           After a few rings, a voice answered, “Pacific Northwest Mental Wellness, Dr. Biedermann’s office speaking.  How can I help you?”

October 18, 2013

12:21 PM

University of Washington Medical Center

Seattle, Washington

           The scent of antiseptics assailed Max’s nostrils as she and Chloe made their way down the hall of the University of Washington Medical Center.  It had been a week since the storm and Max had received a call from Marilyn Chase, Victoria’s mother, the evening before.  The woman was in tears for the entirety of the thirty-minute conversation, profusely thanking Max and Chloe for helping her daughter.  Max looked at the slip of paper in her hand, reading the number 751, and then pointed further down the hall.  Chloe nodded and the pair pressed ahead.

           Victoria had been in bad shape when the National Guard helicopter lifted her off the Prescott property.  From what Max had gathered, she was temporarily taken to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland, where doctors stabilized her condition.  Victoria’s father used his personal connections with Chase Space patrons to request a transfer to Washington, where she had been for the past five days.  The first night had been a real touch and go affair, if Marilyn Chase was to be believed.  Chloe privately doubted it had been that bad, instead suggesting that Marilyn’s perspective was colored by being far from her daughter.

           When Max and Chloe arrived outside room 751, Max did a double take between the paper in her hand and the placard on the door.  Despite having arrived, Max continued to indecisively stand at the foot of the half-closed door.

           “We’re here, Max,” Chloe said, momentarily breaking Max’s train of thought.

           Max’s heart was pounding in her chest and cold sweat formed on her brow.  “I’m so nervous, Captain Bluebeard.”

           Chloe laughed at the mention of her childhood nickname.  “Is Long Max Silver a lily-livered landlubber?”  She placed a reassuring hand on Max’s shoulder.  Max noticed that Chloe’s hand was trembling slightly.  She’s still processing her own grief, Max thought.  She’s laughing, but it’s a mask. 

           Max put on a smile for Chloe.  “A landlubber?  Yeah right!”

           Feeling a little better, Max put the slip of paper away and looked Chloe in the eyes.  Briefly, they locked on and Max knew she was ready.  She stepped forward and knocked on the door to Victoria's room.  There was a pause before a voice called for them to enter.  Max took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

           She passed into the hospital room.  Inside, Victoria Chase, one-time queen bitch of Blackwell, was sitting up in bed, dressed in a patient gown, her face pale.  Her hair was wet as though she had only recently washed her hair.  The surprised look in her eye told Max that their visit had been unexpected.  But there was a softness to her expression that also told Max that their presence would not be unwelcome.

           “Uh, hi Victoria,” Max said, her voice nervously cracking a little.

           Victoria smiled weakly.  “Hello, Max and…,” Victoria paused to let out a low, surprised gasp.  “Chloe Price.  I haven’t seen you since…”

           “Jefferson’s Sex Dungeon?”  Chloe added, unhelpfully.

           “Well, there was that,” Victoria retorted.  “I was going to say that I remember seeing you backstage at The Tempest when I was supposed to go on stage.  But someone spiked my tea with muscle relaxant and I spent the evening in bed.”

           Chloe shifted uncomfortably at the mention of The Tempest.  Her eyes darted about, clearly looking to change the subject when her eyes fell on the sleeve for a CD sitting at the foot of the bed.  Without asking, she reached down and picked it up.  “Hey, I recognize this!  It’s a demo CD for The High Seas.  I hear they’ve become pretty rare since they hit it big.”

           A momentary frown crept onto Victoria’s face, who was clearly not pleased with the change of subject, before taking on a more neutral expression.  “Yes!  Stephanie Gingrich dropped that off yesterday.  She’s a big fan and she had two of those in her possession.”

           “Wait, Steph’s in town?”  Chloe asked, feigning surprise.  “I’ll have to call her.  Listen, don’t let me keep you.  I’ll just be down the hall in the waiting area.”  With that, Chloe placed the CD sleeve back in its original place, turned around and left the room.

           Max waited a few heartbeats before asking, “What was that about?”

           Victoria exhaled loudly, “A few years ago, when I was a sophomore at Blackwell, Rachel Amber was starring in a production of The Tempest as Prospera.  I was the understudy.  Rachel and Chloe were caught playing hooky and Rachel lost her role.  I was so nervous the night of the play that I brought a muscle relaxant to calm my nerves.  It turns out someone slipped a few extra in my tea.  I’m sure it was Rachel, but someone dumped the evidence down the drain before I could prove it.”

           Max crossed her arms, “Are you sure?”

           Victoria folded her arms.  “Chloe and I had been trading bards because she fucked with my homework, but she wished me luck.  While I was distracted, Rachel handed me a cup of tea to calm my nerves.  I passed out after that.”

           “That doesn’t sound like the Rachel that Chloe talks about,” Max said, explaining her confusion.

           Victoria's lips thinned, a faint sneer on her pale face.  " Rachel was a walking contradiction.  To me, she was a conniving thespian and a fraud.  To others?  I guess she was just... Rachel.  The perfect rebel.  Not everyone saw through her charming façade.  Lucky for them."  She let out a dry, humorless chuckle.  "Whatever. I'm glad you're here, Max."

           Max was taken aback.  Victoria, glad to see me?  Am I sure I haven’t fallen into some weird alternate universe where three day weekends exist and eating a bucket of ice cream is healthy for you?  Max laughed before noticing a serious look in Victoria’s eyes.  “I’m sorry Victoria.  It’s just that you surprised me.”

           Victoria pushed herself back to brace herself against the raised portion of her hospital bed.  “I know, but I just wanted to say, thank you.”

           “Wait, I’m sorry,” Max said, shocked at the statement.  “You were drugged and almost lost your life, but you’re thankful?”

           Max noticed a few tears forming at the corners of Victoria’s eyes.  “I am.  Max…  This is hard to say, but if you hadn’t warned me, then I wouldn’t have gone to Jefferson.  He wouldn’t have kidnapped me and put me in that… place where the storm passed us by.  I’m reading the casualty lists daily and I’m reminded that I could have joined them.”

           Max was conflicted.  It had been Victoria’s fault that her plan failed.  But now was not the time or place to discuss her betrayal.  Victoria was still trying to understand her new reality.  “Oh, Victoria, you don’t need to do that.”

           “I feel like I owe it to the ones we lost.  According to the list, they found Taylor, but Courtney’s still missing.  The storm collapsed part of our old dorm, so I’m hopeful she’ll be found there.  I’m trying to reach out to their families to see if I can attend the funerals.  Would you join me, Max?”

           “What?  Are you cereal?”

           Victoria just smiled.  “I think it would help us get closure.”

           Seeing the dead isn’t my idea of closure.  Every coffin I see put in the ground is a reminder of the bloody ledger I leave behind; the real cost of playing God with time.  Max glanced over at Victoria and noticed that she had a haunted, begging look on her face.  She’s hurting and this is what she needs.  Max finally nodded.  “If it helps, then I’ll join you.”

           Victoria exhaled in relief.  “Thanks, Max!”

           “So, Victoria, what are your plans now?”

           “Come tomorrow, I’ll be back in my old bed at home.  By late next week, I’ll probably be working with private tutors that my parents hire to help me finish my last year of high school.  Then, college.  My dad is pushing for USC.”

           “Wow, Victoria!  That would be so amazing.  I’m sure that you’ll be a success.”

           “What about you?”  Victoria edged her head forward, genuinely interested in what Max had to say.

           “Well, finishing high school is a priority.  Then college.  I’m thinking about Seattle University.  It’s probably the only school in the area where I could get into and it has a visual arts program that I like.”

           Victoria gave Max an encouraging smile.  “Then I’m sure you’ll be fine too, Max.”

A/N: I wasn't able to find a canon name for Victoria's mother's name.  I settled on Marilyn Elizabeth Chase, which I derived from Victoria's middle name of Maribeth.  As wealthy art dealers, I imagine that Mr. and Mrs. Chase know a few doctors willing to accept Victoria as a paitient and could help them facilitate the transfer between hospitals.  I see Victoria as a smart, if snobbish person.  Being put in a life-or-death situation is the impetus for a change in her worldview.  We will be seeing Victoria at least one more time.

Thank you for the kudos!  Next time, Max returns to the past in the hopes of avoiding the events that occured at the cabin.

Chapter Text

November 23, 2023

6:21 PM

The Snapping Turtle

Lakeport, Vermont

           “Say turkey!”

           “Turkey!”

           Max blinked as the flash from the phone in Amanda’s hand went off.  She could feel Chloe’s hand on her hip.  Around her, the Snapping Turtle was bustling with a crowd of students who, for one reason or another, had not gone home for Thanksgiving.  She and Chloe were standing behind one of the tables near the bar.  Seated to her right was Safi.  Max stopped herself for a moment to reorient herself.  No, that’s Maya.  I’ve got to keep that in mind.  Her eyes shifted to the left when she spotted Moses, grinning at Amanda as she double checked the photo.  Thank goodness, he’s alive!

           Chloe bent down to give Max a kiss on the cheek.  “Thanks, Amanda!  I trust you more than I trust the undergrads.”

           “Hey!”  Moses called out, “Safi and I used to be undergrads here.”

           “Those are fighting words,” Maya-as-Safi said.  “The rules for insulting Caledon say we arrange a trial by combat.”

           “So, poker next week?”  Chloe retorted with an implied challenge.

           Maya nodded, “You’re on, Price!”

           Chloe reached out and took the phone from Amanda’s hand and quickly checked the photo.  “Thanks , boss!  This one’s a keeper.  You all let me know if you want a copy.”

           Maya waved her hand.  “Send me one.  If it’s good, I’ll print it out.”

           Amanda grinned at the group.  “Any time, Chloe.  I’m surprised that you decided to enjoy your evening off here.  I figured you’d want to get away from work.”

           Chloe smiled wryly.  “And miss hanging out with the boss?  No way!”

           Amanda mock curtsied in response.  “Flattery won’t get you comped drinks.  Speaking of, can I clear the drinks from the table?”

           “Sure!”  Maya said.  “Thank you, Amanda.”

           As Amanda worked to clear their table, Max looked around the bar as she continued to remember the events in her past.  So, Maya shapeshifts into people, Moses and Lucas died, and Safi is able to shapeshift into animals.  That just about sums up what happened.

           Maya looked over at Max, smiling.  As her gaze lingered, her smile turned into a frown.  “Max, I think you have a nosebleed.”

           “Huh?”  Max reached up and touched the bottom of her nose.  She saw red on her fingertips.  “Excuse me,” she mumbled, quickly leaving the table for the bathroom.

           Chloe eyed Max curiously, watching her leave.

November 23, 2023

6:25 PM

The Snapping Turtle

Lakeport, Vermont

           Max twisted the knob on the bathroom faucet and looked at herself in the mirror.  I do have a nosebleed.  This happens when I use my powers to rewind, but I can’t for the life of me remember if this has ever happened with a photo jump.  Am I so out of practice that I’m straining to use my powers again?  I’ll be super lucky if the only thing the universe, God, or whatever decides that this nose bleed is the only thing I get punished with.  Taking a bit of water in hand, she dabbed her upper lip, clearing the blood off.  She turned the faucet off, then reached over and pulled a paper towel from the towel rack.  As she finished drying her face, the bathroom door flew open.

           A concerned Chloe peered in through the door.  “Max, are you alright?”  Cautiously, she stepped in and let the door close behind her.  “Please tell me that the dry mountain air is getting to you.”

           Max swallowed hard.  There’s no use hiding it.  She turned to Chloe, her eyes downcast as she explained, “I… used my powers, Chloe.”

           She watched as a frown slowly crawled on to Chloe's face.  Silently, Chloe turned towards the bathroom stalls, opening them one by one.  Satisfied there was no one else in the bathroom, she turned to Max with a frosty glint in her eye.  “For fuck’s sake, why?  We made a promise, you and I.  You wouldn’t use your powers and I trusted you to keep to that promise.”

           Max closed her eyes and started doing her breathing exercises, trying to calm herself.  Although she had her eyes closed, she could feel a breeze pass her as Chloe’s arm waved in her direction.  “Oh, just avoid telling me why you’d go and break my trust.”

           Max slowly opened her eyes and met Chloe’s gaze.  She held herself erect, rising to Chloe's challenge.  “Chloe, I know I hurt you, but there’s something more at stake.  Moses died.”

           At that, she watched Chloe’s anger shift to something that resembled shock.  “Wait, what?  Like, when?”

           Max inhaled as she readied her story.  “Thirteen days from now, we’ll be at a cabin in the woods where Moses will die from a gunshot wound.”  Max then proceeded to explain how they had ended up at the cabin, who was responsible for Moses’ death, and the revealed that shapeshifters walked among them.

           With each spoken word, Chloe first leaned against the bathroom wall then sank down until she was almost sitting on the ground.  As Max finished her tale, Chloe held a hand to her head in shock.  “That’s some story.  And, if anybody else said it, I would call bullshit.”

           “Yes, that’s why you asked me to come back.  To fix things.”

           Chloe’s nostrils flared as she placed her hands on her head.  “Okay.  If other me was serious about this, I suppose I have to… play along.”

           Max reached down, offering her hand to help Chloe up.  “Partners still?”

           Chloe stared at Max’s hand for a moment, before choosing to lift herself back up under her own power.  “For now, I want to save Moses.  As for partners, we’ll see.”

           Max nodded firmly.  “Fair enough, Chloe.”

           There was a loud knock on the bathroom door before it opened.  Through the crack popped Amanda’s head.  “You two alright?  I was a bit concerned I’d find you here going at it like a couple of freshmen.”

           Max blushed while Chloe shot Amanda an annoyed look.  “We’re being civil.  And you can tell Maya that we’ll be out.”

           Amanda’s eyes narrowed in confusion.  “Maya?”

           Chloe slapped her forehead.  “Sorry, I meant Safi.”

           Amanda shrugged and closed the door.  “Wow, that gets confusing,” Chloe commented.  “I’m guessing you have a plan?”

           "Max offered a slow, deliberate nod.  “I do.”  Max felt longing as she gazed at Chloe’s soft, beautiful face again.  I'm not going back to a timeline where you’re gone; a timeline where Moses is gone.  “Here’s what I’m thinking…"

November 29, 2013

4:12 PM

Bellevue Helping Minds Institute

Bellevue, Washington

           Chloe eyed the décor on the office wall.  A large poster of two girls, one tall and blonde the other shorter with brown hair, adorned one wall.  The girls were both holding hands while walking towards a bridge in the distance.  Several hand drawn peace signs were hung up on the wall opposite the poster.  On the coffee table in front of her, Chloe noticed a large purple amethyst stone.  There was no desk, but a small bookshelf full of books sat underneath the peace sign drawings.  Chloe’s gaze was broken by a rustling sound that she heard off to her right.  She turned to see an older woman in her fifties with a long-sleeved tie dye shirt, mid-length cargo shorts and Birkenstocks on her feet.  Her white hair was pulled back in a tight bun.  Green eyes stared out with soft concern from behind a pair of small spectacles.  The woman carried two mugs.

           “I’m sorry, Chloe.  Unfortunately, I only had green tea.  I’ll have to pick up some more chai from the farmer’s market this weekend.”  The woman placed a mug down on the table in front of Chloe.  She then plopped down in a chair opposite Chloe and sipped her tea.

           Chloe picked up the tea and took her own sip.  “Uh, no worries, Linda.”

           Linda smiled, “I read through your profile.  I understand you’ve been to several therapists?”

           “Two, in fact.”

           Linda nodded.  “Well, thank you for coming here.  I like to encourage my clients to speak freely.  Anything you want to share, I’m all ears.”  At hearing this, Chloe blinked.  Wasn’t this woman fazed that I’ve been to other therapists?  “You don’t want to know what happened with my other therapists?”

           Linda shook her head.  “Why would I when we could talk about Max?”

           Chloe placed her tea down on the coffee table.  Damn, she’s sharp.  “My friend Max and her family took me in this past October.  I’m from…”

           “Arcadia Bay,” Linda finished.  “I’m sorry to hear about that storm.”  She leaned closer, eager to hear more from Chloe.

           Chloe leaned back in her chair.  Her previous therapists had both focused on the storm, trying to explore Chloe’s feelings about the event.  While she had lost her mother and that was something she hoped to deal with, it wasn’t why she was here.  “Thanks, Linda.  That means a lot.”

           Linda beamed, “Any time, Chloe.”

           “So, uh, Max and her family took me in because my parents are dead.  Dad died in an accident five years ago and Mom died in the storm.  They tell me I can kick around the house if I want to, but…  That doesn’t feel right.  Every time they need some odd job done around the house, I jump at the chance.  I’m quite handy with a toolbox.”

           “That’s good to hear!  What does Max think?”

           Chloe eyed Linda with suspicion.  “Why do you want to know about Max?”

           Linda took a long sip from her tea.  “You gushed about her in your intake document.  Best friend since childhood, you said.  And she was the first person you sought out after leaving Arcadia Bay.”

           “Well, shit Linda, Max is like my… partner in time.”