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.

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

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

didn't bring supplies, nearby vendors sold all

food's

found a spot to clear some stones. Mia, the mom, wandered around with her child, feeling the heat and Henry's fussiness from lack of

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

my husband?" Mia asked,

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

long after, Andre arrived with a new cushion, unwrapping it and laying it on

looked at the drowsy Henry, "He's not settled yet. I'll hold him; he cries

carrying skewers of meat and vegetables, placing them

never heard of it

cushion for her son to lie on. Anya, wielding insect repellent, sprayed it around to keep mosquitoes away from

he remembered the fish and ate

spraying to listen, turned to the young man, "Do we have to eat

locals believe. Most visitors these past few weeks have been high school

who was sitting on

one else noticed Anya's change in demeanor, as Mia remarked, "That explains

the neighboring county but was incorporated into

Hansen recalled recent events, "This place is nice, with mountains, water, beautiful scenery,

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, cried a bit, then continued

chubby, rosy-cheeked Henry was later held across his dad's arms,

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

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