Scott hurried over and found five brand-new hundred-dollar bills stashed under the cutting board.

"Officer Chad, for just a few cherries, this is way too much."

Chad hadn't planned this with Molly. It was all her, sneaking over, grabbing his wallet, and leaving the money there.

"Molly really gets me, huh?"

Molly grinned, "Of course, only I truly understand you."

Looking for a lunch spot, Molly found a riverside picnic club on her phone.

Molly nibbled on her thumb, "Chad-"

"Henry's too young."

"He won't eat much anyway."

"The smoke will be strong."

Molly stopped pleading and got down to business, "Chad, if you take me to the picnic, I'll stay over at the Byrne family's house tonight."

Officer Chad, always ready to compromise, asked, "Where's it at?"

A half-hour drive later, they arrived at the bustling riverside, vehicles parked all around. It was a busy weekend. Walking down the slope, Andre carried his son and held his wife's hand, surrounded by dirt paths and the smoke from woodland barbecues. Kids played by the river, and a few high school students in uniforms were there too.

choice. He always had

in handy, and Leo joked about Anya's blind luck

didn't bring supplies, nearby vendors sold all kinds of meats

food's freshness

went off to chat, Anya and Leo fetched things, and Molly found a spot to clear some stones. Mia, the mom, wandered around with her child,

man appeared with a donkey, setting a stove and charcoal on the ground,

my husband?" Mia asked, patting

play on," the young man said, setting down the stove and making sure I was

cushion, unwrapping it and laying it on the ground, "Mia, let's put the

yet. I'll hold him; he cries as soon as I put him

both carrying skewers of meat and vegetables, placing them

leaning on his cane, asked, "Young man, what's this river called? The current's pretty strong, and I've never heard of it before." He used to be a politician in Havenbrook, so

husband, then spread a mat and thin blanket on the cushion for her

went to his exams and topped them. On his way back, he remembered the fish and ate it again. Since

had paused her spraying to listen, turned to the young

locals believe. Most visitors these past

was sitting

Anya's change in demeanor, as Mia remarked,

"This used to be part of the neighboring county but was incorporated into Havenbrook during the

this, Hansen recalled recent events, "This place is

Hansen asked again, "Is that story true or just a legend? If it's true, I'll bring my grandson here to eat fish when he's taking his college entrance exams in 18 years." Henry, cradled by

his dad's arms, instinctively clutching his dad's finger, miraculously calming

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