High Desert Heist: A SW Desert Mystery Book 2

1

Limos lined the beautifully curved drive leading up to the highly decorated front door of the Arizona Biltmore where the paparazzi waited to snap pictures of the arriving stars and their guests. Sam, RJ and Claire, along with their guests were in the third limo to arrive, immediately following the limos delivering the stars. Their new hit film Washed Up had premiered earlier in the evening at Gammage Auditorium! The three friends had worked furiously on the screenplay for the film, and the filming itself, in order to get the full-length feature released for this holiday season. While Sam was more familiar with the process, RJ and Claire were agog at the overwhelming audience response after the premiere. They were stunned at the accolades the film was garnering! In fact, the screenplay had been nominated for best original screenplay. The spectacular scene at the Biltmore nudged them toward sensory overload, and the three were so busy taking in the visuals through the windows of the limo, they had little to say.

That silence was in stark contrast to the lively conversations that had taken place during the drive from Tempe to the Biltmore. Their guests now excitedly talked about sitting in the box with the stars of the film and how the audience had given them a standing ovation at the end of the film; not just the stars, but for them, too. Even the stars had turned to them and applauded as they were introduced during the Q & A after the film was shown. The star who portrayed Merry Quinn, in the narrator role, had been nominated that very day, for best supporting actress in a feature film. The man who portrayed her husband, Ray, also was nominated for best actor in a feature film. The trio of friends couldn’t have been more excited at how the film had turned out, for everyone.

Suddenly, it was their turn to disembark from the limo. A valet opened the door for them, offering a hand to Sam to assist her exit. Claire was next to be helped out, with RJ close behind. One-by-one, each of their guests stepped out and joined them on the red carpet. To their surprise, an official MC announced each of their names to the crowd so that the paparazzi would know the screenwriters had arrived. Immediately, they were pelted with questions shouted from the sidelines beyond the velvet ropes lining the carpet. The three had agreed ahead of time that Sam would be their spokesperson, so they nudged her toward the nearest microphone and stood by her side, smiling and basking in the limelight. She introduced them and answered several questions about the film before they all headed inside. Sam had asked Sheriff Charlie Ketchem to join them. Sheriff Charlie had played an important role in solving the murder mystery behind the screenplay. RJ and Claire had decided that Flo Owens, the Mercantile owner and important character in the screenplay, and Hank, the Copper Q Ranch postman also should be there. In addition, the three had invited Eddie and Burt Reparar and Burt’s wife, as Burt had first told them the story of the feud. Just like it affected RJ and Claire, the red carpet experience left most of their guests speechless. From the small Village of Boulder Creek featured in Washed Up, to the atmosphere of the Arizona Biltmore, was quite a distance to travel—culturally, geographically, and socially, to say the very least.

Inside, in the ballroom, the after-party was in full swing! If the group thought the outside was spectacular, they were greeted by an even more visually impressive interior. Not only was the ballroom decorated in holiday splendor, large images from the film featuring the stars in their roles were on display along the walls. Ornate fountains offered sparkling water, champaign, sparkling wine, and colorful fruit juices. Table centerpieces featured silver-coated belt buckles, western boot vases, and silver spurs; all representing important parts of the story portrayed in Washed Up. Background music represented soft rock-country crossover music, perfect for listening without distracting. The trio wound their way through the crowd, meeting lots of Sam’s friends and greeting others from the film world who had worked on the actual production end of the process, including the cinematographer. They had met her during her filming of the footage taken at the Copper Q. They also were introduced to Sam’s ex-husband who had been one of the first producers who signed on to the film. He had been very excited to see the screenplay and had played a huge part in gathering support for the financing of the film. His reputation for picking winners turned out to be very important, and all three friends truly appreciated his support for the project and his commitment to making sure it happened. That commitment was paying off, it seemed, and he was very proud of Sam for producing such a news-worthy film.

The entire evening was, in fact, a night to remember, in all ways! And, of course, it ended all too soon. No matter, though, the celebratory feelings and reflections enhanced everyone’s memories during the limo ride all the way back to the Copper Q. Those memories ranged from choosing their gowns and shoes, to talking with the stars about the audience’s response; from seeing themselves portrayed on film by well-known stars, to the splendor of the after-party and its highlights not to mention the pride and joy of seeing their hard work come to life. The group felt the bonds that had developed during the project and the strength of feelings they now held for each other. As they smiled and talked with one another, each began to realize how strongly they were bound together and how much they valued and enjoyed those relationships.

Sam prompted a bit of reminiscence by recalling the first time she had met Claire and RJ. They all laughed hard at the scene, agreeing that in hindsight it was very funny! Sheriff Charlie told about finding RJ’s car at the location of a shoot-out with tourist robbers and rolling into Sam’s front yard to tell her about the abandoned car he was going to have towed that turned out to be RJ’s SUV. Then he told how annoyed he was that the trio kept sending him texts and pictures; that he complained to Chief Waterman about how annoying RJ and Claire were, and the Chief had agreed! RJ huffed that it wasn’t their fault the body ended up in their backyard. That created another round of laughter! And on it went until Charlie admitted that he enjoyed getting to know these new friends, and that he admired how they had stuck to the idea of solving the mystery of the body in the carpet until it was resolved.

Flo reminded the group that, without these annoying newcomers, the importance of the feud to the community would not have come to a more acceptable closure. Even though the family mystery remains unsolved, the outcome allows those who were most affected to be less troubled about the community’s part in the conflict. The film and its portrayal of the complexities of those events and relationships fostered a sense of resolution and peace that had not been reached before. The quiet acquiescence of her comments allowed the journey back to the Copper Q to end on a note of peaceful acceptance of history and the value the group placed on getting it right, in the screenplay narrative.

Burt and his wife told stories about their kids, especially their interactions with their Uncle Eddie who, it turned out, was completely devoted to their entertainment. The whole group was holding their sides from laughter by the time they reached the Copper Q. As they drove into the Copper Q, Sam reminded Claire and RJ that she expected them the next afternoon so they could work together to respond to the press questions that had been emailed to Sam since the premiere.

How about 1 pm? asked Claire. I think I’m gonna need some time to recover from all this excitement.

Oh, I know you, RJ responded with a chuckle, you’ll be knocking at my door at 10 am with my OJ and chatting about all the things you’ve been mulling over all night long.

Claire had the good grace to nod and shrug before she said, OK. 10 am with OJ it is, RJ! and burst into laughter.

Well, Sam, it looks like 1 pm works for us! RJ said, shaking her head but patting her friend on the arm while she spoke.

From dropping Sam, Flo, and the Reparars off at the Copper Q, to taking RJ and Claire back to their condos, the easy interactions of the remaining limo passengers continued. Charlie joked about some of the strange events and unusual folks that his role as Sheriff brought him into contact with, and how those kept his life as Sheriff very interesting, indeed. The stories kept Claire and RJ amused the entire way home. Then, Charlie walked Claire and RJ to their condos before returning to the limo. The limo’s last stop was Charlie’s home, located on the same road the driver would follow on his way back to the city. RJ was escorted to her door, first, and she smiled as she noticed that Claire gave Charlie a kiss on the cheek before going inside her condo.

2

The fragrance of freshly-brewed coffee reached RJ’s nose and nudged her into consciousness. She took a deep breath and smiled, very glad she had set her coffeemaker to greet her with fresh coffee on this morning, after the awards night excitement. And speaking of that, she actually chuckled out loud as visions of the exciting night before flooded her memory. Stretching the full length of her legs across the comfortable mattress beneath her, RJ looked at her bedside clock and realized that she had about 20 minutes before Claire came knocking at her door with the promised OJ. That made her chuckle again. How lucky had she been to get to know Claire as a kindred spirit who enjoyed life as much as she did. And then there was Sam, too. How fortunate that they had dropped into Sam’s life, literally, and discovered another adventurous soul with whom to combine interests. Shaking her head as she headed for her kitchen and the fragrance of freshly brewed coffee, RJ marveled at the genuine joy that all of this adventure played in boosting the fun parts of her life.

As promised, the knock on the door came at precisely 10 am. That, too, made RJ laugh as she moved to open the door, full coffee cup in hand, and still clad in her robe and slippers. Claire took a look at her I just got up appearance and laughed.

Yep! Exactly as I suspected, Sleepyhead. You haven’t even gotten your first cup of coffee yet, have you? Claire continued to chuckle.

Nope. But at least I’m holding it in my hand! RJ shot back. "But look at you! All dressed, hair done. Looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Did you sleep at all?’

Of course I slept, you ninny. I just woke up early filled with memories of last night and decided I might as well get up and enjoy the memories while I got ready to come over at 10. Wasn’t last night just great? So grand and elegant and… Claire paused, Glamourous! She chortled as she spoke the word. Did you ever believe you’d be a part of something like that? I sure didn’t!

RJ just stood and smiled as Claire was speaking. Claire’s gasp of the word pretentious cracked her up, too. But she had to admit, it was true. Never in my wildest dreams, RJ grinned. Come on and help yourself to coffee and sit down at the table. I’ll get myself together and join you in a few minutes. There are sticky buns in the fridge, if you’d like to warm a couple up for us. Which reminds me. Should we pick up lunch to take with us to Sam’s? She won’t be in any better shape than we are, so I don’t think any of us should be burdened with fixing lunch. Especially not after that feast last night. My goodness! Wasn’t that something to behold?

Yes, it was, agreed Claire. You go ahead and get ready. I’ll warm up the rolls, and we’ll have our coffee and rolls and you’ll have your OJ. And, yes, I think we should pick up lunch before we head out to Sam’s place. I’ll make a list of items and you can stop at the store on the way. We’ll get the freshest produce since it’s fairly early in the day.

When RJ emerged dressed and ready, Claire had a list ready to go. "How about fresh veggies cut up and some cream cheese and cucumber dip to go with. We can get some diced fresh fruit, depending on what’s freshest. And then add some cubed cheese and small croissants. That should fix us up nicely, don’t you think?’ Claire finished reading her list and looked up at RJ.

That should do it, and I didn’t think I was hungry but now I’m starved! exclaimed RJ. Let’s get started since it will take some time to do the shopping on our way.

Claire nodded and out the door they went.

******

Lunch in hand, the two drove into Sam’s ranch house driveway at just a few minutes before 1 o’clock. Claire had texted Sam that they were on their way, so the big gate was open and RJ drove right in. Rascal, Sam’s intrepid beagle companion, was running toward their car before they could open their doors. His tail was wagging so hard, it was a wonder he could keep running in a straight line instead of sideways. He ran straight to RJ’s driver’s door. That was a good thing because Claire was carrying bags full of lunch goodies.

C’mon Rascal, said RJ. It’s only been since yesterday that I gave you a good tummy rub. You’re getting greedy!

Claire laughed as she handed RJ the diced fruit plate to carry. He’d love for you to stop everything and rub that tummy for hours.

"Rascal! Come back here, you love sponge! called Sam from the veranda by the front door. Let Claire and RJ come over here. Can’t you see their hands are full? They don’t need to try to stop and pet you, you silly dog!" At her voice, Rascal begrudgingly trotted back to the veranda to await the visitors.

We brought lunch! called Claire. Inside or out?

Let’s stay out, said Sam. I’ll get the table setups while you arrange things on the table. I have lemonade, of course, as well as water and coffee. I can make tea, too, if either of you would like tea. She hesitated, looking at each in turn.

I’ll take lemonade and water, said Claire. You know me; I like to have both.

Indeed I do, said Sam. "How about you RJ? What would you like?

I need more coffee!! exclaimed RJ. I think I used all of my adrenalin and any stored caffeine I might have had during all the excitement yesterday. What a day that was!

Sam chuckled as she nodded her head. I’ll get the drinks and then we’ll have a good old-fashioned gab session about last night. That was some experience, wasn’t it? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, what comments you heard, and who all you met at the after-party. I’ll be right back. With that, Sam went back into the house while Claire and RJ set up the lunch, got the tableware arranged, and settled into their chairs, ready to share their memories.

3

Sam, RJ, and Claire sat back after enjoying the light lunch brought by Claire and RJ.

That was terrific! exclaimed Sam. I don’t think I could have found the energy to put a lunch together for us.

That’s exactly what Claire thought! replied RJ. "We just wanted to be able to sit and talk and reminisce about last night and let somebody else do the fixins for us."

Great decision! laughed Sam. What do you think was the best part of last night? she asked. I’m all ears.

I loved seeing the story acted out in the film. said RJ. "I thought they couldn’t have found a better Merry, no matter how hard they looked. She was terrific and I loved the way they aged her to play the narrator role. It was so clearly the same person, but so much older than the young girl from Missouri. Amazing work!"

Agreed! exclaimed Claire. And the relationships between the characters were so well performed. They were all so believable, especially in their costumes that changed over time as well as their appearances. What did you think, Sam? You’ve been through this before, when your books have been made into films.

I have been through the process before, but it’s amazingly different every time! explained Sam. "I thought the parts that were filmed here at the ranch really added depth to the story and brought the timeline to life. And I loved how the IT team was able to take today’s images of the Village and compare them with old pictures and photoshop them to look perfectly situated in time. I know that producers struggle with the costs of those efforts, but I think it really paid off this time.

I also thought the actors did a truly impressive job with the portrayal of Merry’s journals. The poignant scenes really elicited emotion and the action that happened around the feud scenes was so authentic. I found myself holding my breath, even though we wrote the script and I knew exactly what was going to happen next. To me, that’s the sign of a great screenplay AND a great film—one you watch again and again, even though you know what is going to happen.

Who did you meet at the after-party that you never imagined you’d meet in person? Sam added.

Before we talk about that, did you know that they were going to publicize the awards that the film has been nominated for? I guess I should have expected them to advertise that, but I wasn’t ready for the audience response, that’s for sure! I’m sure the color of my face matched my red dress!! RJ blushed again, just talking about the audience reaction.

I did know, and I never thought to warn you! Sam exclaimed. I’m so sorry you were caught off guard, but I don’t think anyone even noticed that you and your dress were the same color!

Claire laughed hard at that, and RJ gave her the stink eye for getting so much joy from RJ’s embarrassment. I’m so glad I wore blue! Claire sputtered through her laughter, Between Sam’s silver gown and your red one, I could just stand back and enjoy the audience’s reaction.

Oh, you think so? asked Sam with a raised eyebrow. Then you haven’t seen the trade papers today. Look at this! Sam held up the front page. The large photo above the fold was one of Claire, holding Sheriff Charlie’s arm while giving him her beaming smile as they made their way into the premier after getting out of the limo. And it was in full color, with Claire’s beautiful peacock blue gown next to Sheriff Charlie’s black tux and shiny, beautifully hand-tooled leather cowboy boots (from Flo’s Mercantile, of course!) Other pictures of the group were included below the fold and on the inside, in the feature about the premier. All in beautiful color!

Claire gasped and covered her mouth with her hand.

RJ doubled over in hysterics.

Sam laughed until the tears rolled down her cheeks.

Rascal looked at them all, dumbfounded at their over the top behavior. Completely confused, he gave a sharp woof to let them know that he was not OK with what they were doing.

Sam heard Rascal’s little growl and put her hand down to assure him that all was well. She finally pulled herself together, looked at RJ, and they both started laughing again.

OK, you two, sputtered Claire. Just stop this nonsense right now. I had no idea. There were so many people taking pictures that there was no way to know who was taking what. I can’t imagine what Charlie thinks about this. Do you think he knows about this paper? Oh, my! Do you think he’s seen this? Claire’s face turned white at the thought that Charlie would be upset about this kind of publicity.

I’m sure the people in town know all about this, not to mention the people at the Sheriff’s office downtown, ventured Sam. Right, RJ?

I’m sure there are 10 copies of this paper circulating around Mom’s Café right now! chortled RJ. And if there aren’t enough there, his deputies will be spreading the news all over town and out to the Village of Boulder Creek. Can you just imagine Flo’s reaction? RJ burst out laughing all over again. Oh, goodness, my dear friend, she said as she patted Claire’s arm comfortingly, "YOU are about to be the talk of the town! Mark my words. Once people see that big smile aimed right at Charlie, there’ll be no end to the chatter."

Like RJ, I don’t know what Charlie might think about all this, but I think we’re about to find out. Sam pointed down the driveway to the road where a nice big cloud of dust signaled the arrival of a large vehicle, looking just like the Sheriff’s big SUV.

Oh boy… breathed Claire. I wonder how much trouble I’m in…

4

Right you are, Sam! chuckled RJ as the Sheriffs big SUV rolled into the yard and stopped next to RJ’s little SUV. The Sheriff unfolded from the driver’s side and walked around to the passenger’s side. He opened that door and took out several items that were blocked from their view by RJ’s vehicle before closing the door and heading toward the veranda. Once out from behind the SUVs, the trio could see that Charlie carried a lovely bouquet of Spring flowers and a white box of some kind. They stood to greet him as he approached the veranda. RJ pulled up another chair to the table, snickering while she made sure there was room for it next to Claire.

The Sheriff had a big smile on his face as he got closer, and everybody took a deep breath, silently agreeing that he must not be very upset, IF he had seen the papers or heard about them.

Good afternoon, Ladies! I knew you would be here so Flo gathered up these flowers for you and Burt’s wife told me to give you this, he said as he handed Sam the flowers and the white box to Claire. These are to thank you, Sam, for the wonderful experience of last evening. The white box is for all of you for making us all famous! he laughed. Whether we wanted to be or not, it seems.

"And we—all of us who went with you to the premier—would all like to take you three gals to lunch tomorrow at Mom’s so that you can see how important this project of yours is to this little Village, and how delighted we are with the way you three told our story. The whole place is buzzing with new energy. Will lunch tomorrow fit into your schedules all right?’

That would be lovely! the three exclaimed in unison.

And great fun, too! laughed RJ. We’ve had our noses to the grindstone to get this story out the door and haven’t had time to go to Mom’s for ages!

It will be so good to see everyone there! said Claire. What a great way to celebrate together. What time should we plan on being there? Shall we just meet you there?

Let’s meet there at Noon so everyone can take a lunch break and spend some time. suggested the Sheriff. I’ll ask Annie to set up the back section in a nice big U-shape so we can all see and hear each other. That way, if some folks can’t stay, they can sit in the next section over and we’ll all still be able to chat back and forth.

That sounds wonderful, Sheriff, said Sam. I’ll be happy to drive us into the Village so we’re there by Noon. Now, do you have time to sit and chat for a bit? Can we offer you some veggies and dip or fruit and yogurt for a mid-afternoon snack, if you would like some?

I would like to sit and chat, but duty calls today. Unfortunately for us law officers, this past weekend was really busy—folks got into all sorts of messes—and I need to get back to the office to help organize a couple of investigations. The good part is that if I get that done today, I’ll have time to enjoy lunch tomorrow. That is, if good, old John Q. Public behaves themselves for the rest of today and tonight! he chuckled.

Whatever you need to do, Sheriff, said Claire. We’ll look forward to seeing and talking with everybody tomorrow. What a marvelous idea and we’re so happy to oblige.

With that, Sheriff Charlie headed back to his SUV, giving a wave over his shoulder as he went. Backing carefully into the turnaround, he drove back out through the main gate and down the road, leaving the usual large brown cloud of dust in his wake.

******

Well… exhaled Claire. Wasn’t that an interesting conversation? She looked completely confused as she gazed at her friends. He didn’t mention anything about news coverage, or photos in the paper, or what he might have heard. What do you think is up with that?

My hunch is that he got called early on this morning— maybe even during the night—and he’s been working ever since, on the cases that came into his office over the weekend. said RJ. I’ll bet he hasn’t had conversations with anybody that had to do with last night. He’s been too busy. What do you think, Sam?

I pretty much agree with you, RJ, said Sam. He seemed totally occupied with just making sure he got the thank you gifts to us so he could get right back to work. It was really nice of him to make the special trip out here, given how busy he is.

That makes a lot of sense. said Claire. We should look to see what’s in the white box. I haven’t even opened it yet. She carefully removed the bow on top and the white wrapping paper under the bow. As she lifted the wrapping paper and read the logo on the top of the box, she giggled, Wait ‘til you see this! It’s a 5-pound box of chocolates! They look absolutely sinful!! OK, Ladies. We’re gonna have to divide these up or I’ll sit here and eat them all!" That made them all laugh as they agreed they’d have to physically divide the candy up or the temptation to binge would be too great!

I have a couple of small boxes, said Sam. Let me get them and we’ll do the deed right here so it’s done. Then we can put the boxes in the fridge until you are ready to head home, today.

Oh, now, hold on there! said RJ. Let’s sample the goods right now. After all, we didn’t bring any dessert, did we? Pass that box over my way. I’m happy to go first!"

Of course you are! snickered Claire. You are SUCH a chocoholic! I’m telling you, Sam, you have to watch this one when you’re in a store. She’ll find the candy counter every time!

By this time, the box was being passed around for the second time, and the three were having a good laugh over how much they all like chocolate. Finally, Sam got the extra boxes and they divided up the remainders, each picking out their favorites in a round robin cycle of choosing. With the boxes filled and tucked in the frig, the friends returned to the veranda to finish their chat before RJ and Claire headed home. Sam started with some news of her own.

I had an interesting phone call this morning, Sam began. "One of the directors I know really well wanted to know if I had an old cabin out in the boonies, in his words, that he could use in a hard-core western. He needs a place that looks like it’s only been used by cowboys and it can’t be near any inhabited area. He loves the idea of the mountains here, for the background, and he wants flat, open grassland, for action scenes. He has used the barn before and knows how I have things set up here, so I was the first call he made. It sounded really exciting to me, but I really had to think about whether or not there was such a place on the Copper Q property.

You know, I’ve been so busy writing and meeting my publishing deadlines since I moved in here that I have never really traveled the full length and breadth of this wonderful ranch. I haven’t followed the fence lines to see what all is included or contained in all this acreage because I knew it was too far too walk and it didn’t feel right to be just driving around over the land. I just loved the isolated, no-busy-body neighbors part of the ranch so I never worried about the rest. I don’t even know if the trail to the Village that Ray Chance, the original owner, put in is still there. Isn’t that awful? As immersed in those journals as we were, we never really rode out to see what was what. I know that there is a vehicle called an ATV in the garage. It was there when I bought the place but I’ve never used it. I guess I could ask Burt if he can get it fixed up to use, and then I’ll have to figure out how to drive it.

While Sam was talking about the ATV, RJ was grinning from ear to ear. I’ll bet Burt and Eddie have whatever parts are needed to fix the ATV and I know how to drive it. Why don’t you give Burt a call and see what he says about it. If he can fix it up and it’s running right, then we can take a tour of the ranch boundaries and see just what is out there waiting for us to find!

Oh, good grief, RJ! exclaimed Claire. There you go again! Inviting yourself to Sam’s tour of her own place. What are we going to do with you? Claire had a big smile and she noticed that Sam was chuckling, too.

OK. OK. Caught again. RJ had the presence of mind to look a bit sheepish. Sam, what do you want to do, and when? she asked.

It’s still afternoon, she said. I think calling Burt is a good idea. He should be about done for his work today, hopefully, and that will give him time to think about what might be needed to get the ATV up and running since it’s sat in the garage for so long.

I imagine that he’ll need to come and check it over, too, to see what make and model it is and how old and what parts it takes. mentioned Claire. That actually might mean a few days before it’s ready to go.

That works for me, said RJ. I have commitments for the next 3 days, and my kids are coming for the weekend, so it’ll be next week before my schedule lightens up at all. Sam, what about you? How is your schedule the rest of this week and next?

That works really well for me! replied Sam. In fact, I was going to tell you that I have a company coming in to do bedroom décor commercials this weekend to launch their new line. As you might remember, while that’s the source of income that lets me use my time to write, the companies tend to be very demanding so I’ve learned to make sure I’m available to ensure the smooth flow of any support they might need, including anything my IT needs to do to help. So, let’s plan to get together again sometime mid-week next week. That will let Burt take his time, too, so he won’t feel rushed to fit this in with services he’s already scheduled. You know Burt; he's always busy—with the business or doing things for other people. Such a good soul!

OK, then. said Claire. It sounds as if that schedule fits us all very well. Sam, let me know if you need me to help with your commercial gang. I haven’t the faintest idea what I could do to help, but even if it’s just more arms and legs to run errands, call me. I can be available while RJ is entertaining her family.

That’s so generous of you, Claire. Sam said with a big smile. I will definitely keep that in mind! Especially if I feel like throttling someone and I know you’ll stop me! That made them all laugh, remembering the one crew that had run Sam ragged and then complained that she hadn’t fed them during the 12-hour film shoot. THAT was definitely NOT her job, according to that contract! And she let them know it. The producers had ended up paying her extra to try to compensate for the rude behavior of their film crew. And, of course, to stay in her good graces so they could use her sites again, in the future. That memory had them all shaking their heads.

Happy to oblige, if that happens, chuckled Claire.

With that, Claire and RJ headed toward RJ’s vehicle, said their good-byes to Rascal, and set off toward home. All the way, they chatted about what a fun adventure traveling around the Copper Q was going to be. Claire thought she remembered there being a line cabin mentioned in Merry Chance’s journals. That rang a bell with RJ, too, and they both wondered if such a place still