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.

with his daughter's choice. He always had a soft spot for the younger

Anya's carload of stuff came in handy, and Leo joked about Anya's blind luck in picking the right

supplies, nearby vendors sold all kinds of meats and

food's freshness

Leo fetched things, and Molly found a spot to clear some stones. Mia, the mom, wandered around

a stove and charcoal on the ground, "This was ordered by a Mr. Cedillo.

asked, patting her son's

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

and laying it on

Henry, "He's not settled yet. I'll hold him; he cries as soon as

and the young man returned, both carrying skewers of meat

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 he thought he should

and thin blanket on the cushion for her son to lie on. Anya, wielding insect repellent, sprayed it around to keep mosquitoes away

back, he remembered the fish and ate it again. Since then, it's said that eating fish from this river brings exam success.

her spraying to listen, turned to the young man,

these past

glanced at Chad, who was sitting on the mat, deep in

as Mia remarked, "That explains all the

neighboring county but was incorporated into Havenbrook during

recent events, "This place is nice, with mountains, water, beautiful scenery, and a lively

fish when he's taking his college entrance exams in 18 years." Henry, cradled by his

across his dad's arms, instinctively clutching his dad's finger, miraculously calming into a

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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