Disclaimer: I don’t own the characters I write about. They belong to JER and NBC’s Passions.

Prologue:

My name is Jessica Bennett and this is my story. I am the forgotten child. The one who can disappear for days at a time and no one seems to notice. Sure my family loves me, but I think it is out of obligation more than anything. I’m not neurotic like my sister Kay, nor am I perfect like my brother Noah, and I have nowhere near the mental problems of my cousin Charity. So I am ignored. Attention has always passed me by. But when I am done with Harmony, they will all remember me.

This is my plan. I am going to write an expose on the people of Harmony and their messed up lives. I’m not going to leave one stone unturned. Everyone’s life will be altered when I’m finished. Everyone here seems to have a secret but me and I plan to uncover them all.

How do I plan on doing it you may ask. Simple. You must remember I am the forgotten child. I have a knack for becoming invisible. I will sneak, spy and listen. I will plaster my ear to a keyhole to get the information I need. And I don’t plan on getting caught. I have practiced my whole life staying out of the spotlight. I can blend into any scenery. And this is my ultimate test.

I have in my procession the one thing every spy needs. My notebook. It will be where I keep all my observations and all the clues people present me with. From now until I am finished with this project this notebook is my life. I thought about handcuffing it to myself like the guy does with all the national security documents, but Kay would get too suspicious. I’ll settle for keeping it my backpack.

I love the smell of a new notebook. All fresh and untainted. Time to open this baby up and write my first entry. This is going to be one wild adventure.

Day 1

I will start my journey to uncover the truth in the morning. I plan to start easy. My own home will be my first target. My talent to become invisible excels here. My family will not let me down either, because as pure as they may seem, they all hide something demented. Watch out Harmony Jessica Bennett is on the loose.

Part 1 – The Harmony Expose

Chapter 1:

It’s a new day in Harmony and the start of my new life. Jessica the investigative reporter, Jessica the spy, and Jessica the novelist. I can’t wait to get started. I woke up to find Kay already gone from our room, and when I checked in Charity’s room I found that empty too. Mother is always at the shop in the mornings so I know she has already exited the household. I walk quietly down the back stairs hoping to find my first victim.

And what a victim I did find. My dad. The honorable Chief of police is having breakfast. Nothing too exciting, from behind the door I hear nothing but the pages of the newspaper turning. I don’t plan on giving up though. That would be a mistake.

Leaving to find a new victim would have been a huge error in judgment. After only ten minutes of waiting the phone rang. My father answers it thinking he is the only one home. I sit and listen carefully.

My father is obviously agitated. As soon as he knows who it is he quiets his voice. A sure sign that he is hiding something. I strain my ears trying to hear his whispers but all I hear is mumbo jumbo. That is until the person on the other end says something to provoke my father’s temper.

I hear him scream as he slams down the phone. Someone obviously has the dirt on my father. I wonder who it could be. Rest assured I will find out and soon. Daddy dearest doesn’t stay home much longer, he must go win some bread for the family. I remain on the back steps out of sight. I pull out my notebook and enter my new discoveries.

Day 2 – Entry 1

I saw dad this morning. Seems that he has something to hide. He doesn’t want to hurt mom. But what exactly does that mean? Is he a cop on the take? Is he a criminal? Could he be having an affair? The person on the other end of that phone knows and I intend to find out who has the answers.

Without having to move my next victims come waltzing into the room. Kay and Simone. They seemed to be joined at the hip. I always thought Simone had a sense of decency. But she hangs around with my sister, so I guess I was wrong.

They move around the kitchen clinking pots and shutting cupboards. They must be making Lunch. All Kay’s mind is on is Miguel. Like that is a surprise. That guy is etched into her memory. It’s a sick obsession really. He only has eyes for Charity.

Simone keeps trying to advert Kay’s attention on how to win over Chad’s heart. This girl could end up being as pathetic as Kay. I fear for her. Although right now it just appears to be a schoolgirl crush, Harmony better watch out since Kay has an influence over her.

I waste most of the afternoon listening to Kay and Simone’s mindless drivel. I learned nothing new or interesting. Kay didn’t even come up with one of her infamous plans to woo Miguel away from Charity. How boring. They decided to go to the book café and see Chad. Good rid dens they are finally gone and I can get some food.

As I eat my Ham and Swiss sandwich I again dig out my notebook.

Day 2 – Entry 2

Kay is a real wack job. I can’t believe we share the same genes. Simone is a fool in love. They both need a reality check.

As I put my dirty plate and glass in the sink I glance out the window. There sits Charity on the sing Miguel gave her. She looks content with life. But looks can be deceiving. I sit behind the back door. I have just found victim number four for the day.

I sit and wait to see if Charity is going to do anything interesting. Kay claims she should be in a mental institution, but she just has the hots for Miguel. Charity has always been nice to me. I feel sorry that my sister is out to destroy her and in a way I feel bad that I am too. But such is life. I can’t destroy Harmony and be sad about who I am going to hurt.

I’m about ready to give up on Charity when she decides to become interesting.

I decided to move outside to see with whom she is talking. It is obviously someone interesting. I open the door without so much as a creak and slip behind some bushes. The weird thing is, is when I am well hidden and look to see who Charity’s visitor is I don’t see anyone. And yet she continues to talk to her mysterious friend.

Normal? The girl is talking to herself and she thinks she is normal. I am beginning to think Kay might be right for once in her life. Charity obviously has some screws loose. I think there is more than meets the eye where Charity is concerned.

Before she gets a chance to go more in depth in conversation with her imaginary friend Miguel arrives. Charity immediately changes demeanors and acts like nothing happened. I watch the two of them interact for awhile. But there is nothing deceitful about those two when they are together. They are madly in love and so sweet to each other it is sickening. How boring.

When they begin to kiss I make a mad dash for the house. I don’t want to get sick. Besides it’s growing late and I am tired after my first day of work. Before dinner I retire to my room to write in my notebook one more time.

Day 2 – Entry 3

There is something really off about Charity. She talks to herself and tries to convince herself that she isn’t special. She seems to think she has some sort of powers. That would be interesting. Maybe she could get rid of Kay for me. Then I could have my own room.

Tomorrow is another day. After my findings today with my family I am sure there is more to be found. If my perfect family can have secrets just think of what the rest of this dysfunctional town is hiding. I’m going to venture out tomorrow. I’m going to go to the Lopez-Fitzgerald house. Martin has been missing for years. If I can crack that case everyone will be sure to notice me. Until tomorrow.

Chapter 2:

What a beautiful day today is going to be. The sun is already shining and the leaves have turned beautiful hues of orange and red. It’s a breath-taking site. My family is gathered at the breakfast table. It seems that they have forgotten to include me once again. I grab a muffin on my way out the door. I hear my mom call after me, but I don’t really care what she has to say.

I am off to the Lopez-Fitzgerald house today. They have a big family full of mysteries. The biggest being the disappearance of Martin. I doubt I will figure that out today, but I am sure there is dirt to be dug up over there anyways. Theresa is a dreamer. Sometimes she makes me wonder just what she would do to make her dreams come true. I wonder if she has done anything already.

Pilar could also be harboring some deep secrets just waiting to be unleashed. She has worked for the Cranes forever. Surely she is hiding something for them. Of coarse she is a loyal woman and would never just up and tell me, but that is way I am sneaking around. If she doesn’t know I’m there she’ll spill her guts.

After the walk to the Lopez-Fitzgerald house I set up camp outside their kitchen. I peak in the window of the back door before taking my place on the ground. I see Pilar inside and she is on the phone. Just my luck! And even better the door is thin and I can hear every word.

Mrs. Crane? What is she hiding? Something big that could ruin her son’s life and probably some other peoples. This is too good for words.

As Pilar does some mundane housework I pull out my notebook. It is time for the first entry of the day.

Day 3 – Entry 1

The day has started out with a bang. Pilar is hiding something BIG for Mrs. Crane. It’s obviously about an old love. And I doubt it was Julian since Pilar warned her to get over it. If whatever the secret is slips out it could ruin Ethan’s life. I wonder if Ethan is a bastard son? Now that could be interesting.

It’s now time to move on. I wander from behind the door to a little farther down the house. As I pass the windows to the living room I see Theresa talking to Whitney. Girl gossip. I hope it is more interesting than Kay and Simone. I sit below the window right up against the house. The window is open a crack and provides the perfect atmosphere for eavesdropping.

Whoa! Chad and Whitney? I thought Chad told Simone he loved her. I wonder if she knows she has a little competition in her sister.

There is a sudden noise that interrupts the conversation. I hear someone else storm into the room. I wonder who it is. And then I find out. It’s Pilar and she doesn’t seem happy. I hear her ask for a word alone with Theresa. And what luck I have today. Pilar drags Theresa to a corner of the room right by my window. They lower their voices but they are still coming in loud and clear for me.

BINGO. That is music to my ears. I am so excited I decide not to sit and wait and find out anything else. I run into the backyard. Luis is there chopping some wood. His well defined chest is uncovered. Too bad he is so much older than I am. He is incredibly yummy. I find my way behind some bushes and take a seat. I pull out my notebook for the second time today.

Day 3 – Entry 2

I think I have the luck of the Irish on my side. The Fitzgerald Irish that is. Ethan Crane isn’t a Crane at all! Ivy must have had an affair. I wonder who her boy toy was? I bet he is someone famous. That is why it would destroy so much if it was leaked. No wait, even better I bet he was common. Ethan was raised in a life of luxury but in reality he isn’t any better than I am. This is too good to be true.

And what is this about Whitney and Chad. It sounds to me that she is denying her feelings for him. I wonder how he feels about her. And what about her baby sister Simone. There is definitely something rotten in the air here.

Uncle Hanks walks into the back yard and joins Luis. The two have been best buds for years. They have to have some dirt on each other. This is turning out to be the best day.

Hank and Luis just talk about Sheridan. Luis has finally realized what the rest of the town has known for the past year. That he is in love with her. Every time he admits it though Hank seems to cringe. I don’t think he is over his thing for his best friends girl. But that’s only interesting if he plans to do something about it. Finally Luis says something that gets my attention.

Sheridan dreams of killing someone? Oh that’s interesting. What if it isn’t just a dream? Maybe her family covered it up after it really happened. I could destroy the rest of the Crane family if that is true. I mean I already have Ethan and Ivy in the palm of my hand. Now I could have the rest.

I am so consumed in my thought that I am not really paying attention to what is going on. All I catch is that Luis is asking about Uncle Hank’s jobs. Hank gets really nervous and looks all fidgety as Luis probes him for information. Luis offers Hank a beer and asks if he wants to watch the football game. Hank agrees but says he’ll be inside in a second. And then comes the kicker.

I so couldn’t have just heard him right. He would have to be arrested. What does he do? Whatever it is it can’t be good. And it just adds to my list of things I must find out. Hank goes inside and I decide to call it a day. I walk home quickly. There is so much I want to write down. I run up to my bedroom. Luckily Kay is still gone. See I told you it was my lucky day!

Day 3 – Entry 3

Ok this day just keeps getting wackier and wackier. I might now have the power to destroy the whole Crane clan. Sheridan might have killed someone. At least she dreams she has. I will definitely have to find out more about these dreams.

And my sweet Uncle Hank may not be so sweet. He thinks that if Luis finds out what he does for a job he will be arrested. Is he a hit man? A drug dealer? Or maybe just a common thief? I hope it is one of the first two. That would be more interesting. I knew my family was trouble.

Tomorrow I am going to the Crane Mansion. I know I am getting more daring by the second. But I have to find out who Ethan’s real father is. I wonder if Ivy is hiding anything else. And Julian certainly isn’t Mr. Morality. If I have time I will swing by Sheridan’s cottage and see if I can find out anything about her nightmares. That might have to wait for another day though. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Chapter 3:

I stretch and yawn. The sun has come up again and it is the start of day four. This investigating reporter thing has really made me feel alive for the first time. I am doing something important and worthwhile. Everyone deserves to know the truth and I am just starting to find all of the hidden truths in Harmony.

Ok so I feel sort of like a spy and I myself am breaking hundreds of laws with my sneaking around. But the truth of the matter is I don’t care. I have always wanted to fit in with the people of Harmony. To be one of them, and I see this as my chance.

I quietly get dressed. Kay is still asleep and for once I feel like being nice to her. I gather my things making sure I have my backpack and notebook. I’m ready for my day at the Crane estate. I leave my room and decide to screw being nice. What has Kay ever done for me? I slam our bedroom door on my way out.

It’s quite a hike to the mansion. But I get there in no time. Getting in proved to be easier than I thought. Don’t these people have security? I walked right through the gate and up to the mansion. I must not look suspicious enough or maybe they don’t feel like wasting their time on me. I make it up the hill to the mansion.

I listen at the door, but there is no way I am going to be able to stay outside and expect to hear anything. The house is way too vast. I’m going to have to go in. When I open the door I don’t see a soul. No one is in the foyer. I quickly make my way up the stairs. In search of Ethan, Ivy or Julian. Since I don’t know my way around the mansion I just wander.

I run into a maid as I am looking. She asks me who I am and what I am doing. Calmly I tell her I am on an errand for my mother Grace Bennett and I am here to see Mrs. Crane. She buys it and tells me Mrs. Crane is in her bedroom, second door on the left. How stupid are people in this town. You can get away with anything if you have a wholesome face.

I need to get into the room unnoticed now. It turns out to be rather simple. Mrs. Crane exits her room to ask a maid for something and I hide in another doorway. When she isn’t looking I sneak in. Piece of cake. I quickly throw myself under the bed and make sure the bed skirt is just as it was before. Mrs. Crane comes back followed closely behind by another voice I know. It was Pilar. This was going to be another good day.

I have to stifle my gasp. She could not have said that Ethan was Sam’s son. But she did. Ethan Crane is my half brother? This is getting too weird. Pilar tries to talk some sense into Ivy and succeeds. She finally gets Ivy to agree to keep her affair with my father a secret. But I have no intentions to. There is enough light filtering in so I pull out the notebook.

Day 4 – Entry 1

The Crane mansion is proving to hold many secrets. I now know who Ethan’s father really is. It is my own father Sam Bennett. It must have been Ivy that my father was on the phone with a couple days ago. It all fits. She still loves him and is struggling to decide whether or not to follow her heart or her mind.

But it seems my father is still playing the dutiful husband. But I wonder how long that will last. I wonder if was in love with Ivy at the time Ethan was conceived. Or was Ethan the product of a one-night stand?

Ivy and Pilar filter out of the room and I decide to be on my merry way. Time to see if I can find any other Crane’s to spill their secrets. I go back downstairs and wander again, still unnoticed. I walk around the massive house without running into a soul. I find my way into a study or a library of some sort.

I look around. There are so many books in here. I wonder if any one has ever read them all or if they are just for decoration. I also wonder what it would be in a house like this. It seems so empty and alone. But you would have the world at your fingertips. Tough choice.

Suddenly I hear someone coming. I look around for a place to hide. Closet, no time. I run and quickly hide under the desk. I sat a silent prayer and hope who ever it is won’t want to sit at the desk. The phone rings shortly after the mysterious person arrives. The speakerphone clicks on and then I hear the person walk away from the desk.

No way! I can’t believe my luck. Now I get to listen to a conversation between Julian and the famous Alistair Crane. My life is turning out to be incredibly awesome. Even better I hear Julian clank around with some glasses and then take a seat on the couch. I am safe. At least for now. I relax and just listen.

I hear Julian scurry around the room. He turns off the room and hurries out of the room. I let out a side of relief. I didn’t get caught. Not that I thought I would. I crawl into the desk chair and pulled out my notebook.

Day 4 – Entry 2

I was right Julian and Alistair are scum. They actually hired a man to impersonate someone, my guess is Luis, to keep Sheridan away from Luis. What is wrong with Sheridan being in love with Luis? They are way cute together. But then again maybe there is more to it. Maybe Alistair is afraid that if Sheridan and Luis get together they’ll compare notes and figure what he did.

I wish Alistair was in town so I can get more information on him. But I will have to due with what I have. It’s getting kind of late and I should be going home. I sneak out into the Crane sitting room and find that I am stuck. Sheridan and Ethan are sitting having tea. It’s not all such a bad situation, I mean I could learn something else. I crouch down and hide under a table behind the couch.

There conversation doesn’t start out to be anything interesting. Just mindless babble about how Ethan must decide between Theresa and Gwen. Really I mean you would think Ethan really was a crane the way he is leading on two women. How can anyone love two people at the same time? My half brother is as certifiable as my sister. But then things take a turn for the better.

Oh man go back to the good stuff. I want to hear more about the nightmares and the bloody sheets. But it’s not to be so. Ethan leaves and Sheridan goes with him. Well at least I can get out of here for the day. I am exhausted and a little cramped from hiding in all those small places today. I get out of the mansion quickly and without being seen.

I hate walking in the dark but what can I do. I can’t exactly call home for a ride. They will ask to many questions. I hurry home and luckily no harm comes to me. I am so tired I just want to crawl in bed and sleep for a week. This job is exhausting. But no, Mom seems to be having some sort of crisis. She’s crying hysterically and Eve was there trying to calm her down.

I feel horrible for her. My mom is the one person that I don’t think could have an evil bone in her body. I don’t like to see her cry. I sit on the steps and listen. I don’t need to go to bed right away. I remember I still haven’t written about Ethan and Sheridan so I pull out my notebook.

Day 4 – Entry 3

I’m not sure why but I don’t think Sheridan is just suffering from nightmares. I think there is some truth behind it. She is so adamant that it happened. And everyone always seems to try and convince her otherwise. The Cranes could have easily disposed of a body. They have the connections. But did Sheridan just see something or did she actually kill someone.

Eve is finally getting my mom to talk. She has just been sobbing since I got home. She keeps saying something about having this premonition. Oh no not her too. She can’t be as batty as Charity. Sure mom is sickening sweet and naïve but don’t tell me she is actually insane too.

No no no no NO! This isn’t happening. She can’t know about Dad and Ivy. I don’t want her to be committed. What am I talking about? I am trying to destroy Harmony. I can’t be getting these pangs of guilt and regret. I can’t feel sorry for anyone. Not even my mom. I might care about people but this attack of conscience just can’t stop my quest. I have to be tough.

I go up stairs to my bedroom and flop on my bed. Kay is there tonight. Great this is all I need. She bothers me about where I’ve been. I just tell her to mind her own business and leave me alone. I make an idle threat about telling Miguel about her feelings and she shuts up. Ok so maybe it wasn’t so idle, but for now it is. Peace finally.

I get ready for bed and crawl under the covers. Kay was already in bed and had the lights out. How sweet of her to wait until I was ready. Figures. I pull the covers over my head. I feel around in my backpack and take out my notebook and a flashlight. I flick it on and begin to write.

Day 4 – Entry 4

Mom is down stairs in tears. It was a test of faith. On how much I want this project to work. I want to be noticed. I want people to know that I am alive. I need to learn to be ruthless. I should take lessons from Kay.

Mom have a couple of screws loose like my dear cousin Charity. As much as I hate to say it. She might have to be committed too. If she is having premonitions she can’t be stable. But is it possible that she is actually psychic? I mean Ethan is Dad’s son and Ivy could take him away from mom. Too weird.

Tomorrow I am definitely going down to the wharf at 2 to hear Julian and the imposter. But as for the rest of the day it is up in the air. I might wander around town. Go to the book café, the youth center, or maybe the park. It all depends on the people I find. Hopefully tomorrow will be less exhausting. I can hope for a dull day can’t I? Oh well I will take life however it comes.

Chapter 4:

What in the world? What does Kay think she is doing? I begin to wipe the water that was thrown at me out of my eyes. This is not how I wanted to wake up this morning.

"Get up brat face" Kay screams at me.

"What was that for?" I scream back.

"Mom needs some one to watch the shop and I volunteered you" she informs me.

"That’s really sweet of you Kay, but I have plans"

"Whatever. Like you have a life. She needs you to be there in half an hour"

"I said No! So you can just march your lazy butt in there yourself"

"I’m meeting Simone. You’ll just have to cancel your plans"

"I’m not going Kay"

I get up and rummage through our closet for something to wear. I pull out a pair of jeans and a black v-neck sweater. It will probably be cold at the wharf. Kay just stands there watching me like a hawk. I don’t usually stand up to her. And I think I surprised her this time. I am through being a push over and I really do have plans.

After I get dressed I head into the bathroom, Kay still in hot pursuit. I think she thinks that if she follows me long enough I will give in. Boy is she in for a shock. After my teeth are brushed and my hair is done I walk back in my room and collect my backpack. I wave as I walk past her one more time before I leave for the day, leaving her to deal with mom’s shop.

I didn’t get as much sleep as I planned so I headed to the book café to waste some time before two. Then I could get some coffee too. A little artificial pep wouldn’t hurt. You never know I might even find something interesting out. Not that I expect someone to divulge a huge amount of information in a public place but I might get some new leads.

I walked up to the counter and ordered my usual mocha. Chad was working and he seemed to be more interested in talking to Ethan than making my coffee. But then again why should he be any different. But this gives me a chance to listen to their ongoing conversation.

At that moment Chad hands me my mocha and I walk to find a table. I see Simone and Kay sitting at another table. How did Kay get here so fast? And how did she weasel her way out of taking care of the shop for the day. I try to walk to the other side of the café but it was too late Kay saw me.

"These were your big plans?" Kay sneered.

"How did you get here so fast? Oh wait, you must have flown in on your broom" I fired back.

"Very funny brat face"

"So how did you get out of watching the shop?"

"Charity is more of a push over than you are"

"You’re such a bitch Kay"

"Takes one to know one. Now get lost"

I happily left our loving conversation. I proceeded to sit at a table close but far enough away that they wouldn’t know I was listening to their pathetic conversations. I don’t know why I subject myself to such dribble, but listening to them might be amusing.

Amusing? I was so wrong. As I got to the bottom of my cup of coffee the most interesting subject they talked about was Mr. Green’s toupee. I looked at my watch it was still only 12:30. What was I going to do with myself for another hour and a half? I order another coffee from a waitress that is walking around and decided to indulge myself and have a blueberry muffin too.

I hear Kay announce as I pick at my muffin. Maybe this will be something interesting. Not that Tabitha could do anything terrible, but I have always thought she was a little bit off. Maybe she should join my mom and Charity in the loony bin.

Hmmm. I wonder if there is any truth to what Kay is saying. She never lies to Simone. And Charity being an alien certainly is becoming more believable. Maybe the doll is real. Or maybe Kay is just as loony as the rest of them. Oh well it is something else to check out. I look at my watch again. Finally it is nearing two. I quickly pull out my notebook before I have to go.

Day 5 – Entry 1

I learned two things sitting at the book café today. Chad loves Whitney not Simone and Ethan better decide between his two loves before he loses everything. When my expose is published his life is going to change in a major way and he is going to want the love of a woman to help him through it. I wonder who he will choose.

Also I need to do some digging into Tabitha’s life. Kay still seems to think Tabitha’s doll can walk and talk. I wonder if there is any truth to that. Something I definitely need to check out.

I put my notebook back in my backpack and head out of the book café. It is almost time for Julian’s meeting with the imposter. This is going to be so juicy. I can’t wait. I get to the spot Alistair described early so I have enough time to hide myself before anyone else arrives. I curl in behind some crates and wait for my next victims to arrive.

I didn’t have to wait for long. They were both promptly there at two. They do they boring shake hands thing and shoot the shit for a few moments. But then it is right down to business. Julian doesn’t seem to want to waste any time.

I can’t believe Julian and Alistair would be so cold and calculating with one of their own. I never thought they were scrupulous beings but I didn’t think they were void of emotion. I guess that Luis was right to always hate them. They are evil.

At that point they seal the deal and the imposter left. Mr. Crane stayed around for a while so I had no choice but to sit here and watch him. I had nothing else planned for the day so I decided when he left I was going to go too. I hadn’t tried to follow anyone yet. There is a first time for everything. Lets just hope he isn’t going to be boring and go straight home.

I follow my subject through the wharf. He calls his father to announce mission accomplished but nothing else. Too bad, there is always dirt to be dug up when Alistair is involved. Lucky for me Julian decides to go to the hospital instead of home. But why? He wouldn’t be visiting anyone. That would mean he contained feelings in his hallow shell. Maybe he has a board meeting or something unfun like that.

He walks up to the desk and I slip behind him into a chair in the waiting area. I sit with my back to him. For some reason he asks to see Dr. Russell. I wonder why he would want to see her? Is he sick? I quickly pull out my notebook and look busy as Julian comes over to the waiting area too and takes a seat across from me. I pretend not to notice him and he doesn’t notice me. He just picks up a magazine and waits. I might as well write while I wait.

Day 5 – Entry 2

I witnessed evil today. Julian and Alistair have hired a look alike to impersonate Luis and break him and Sheridan up. I wish I could help but that would put the existence of my expose at risk. I will not risk it. But it will be cleared up when Sheridan and Luis read what I have written. Hopefully it won’t be too late for them. The plan to tear Sheridan and Luis apart takes place tomorrow. I plan to be there.

I see Julian move to get up out of the corner of my eye. I also hear Dr. Russell great him. She seems pleasant at first but then things turn ugly. The move over to the side of the lobby only about 10 feet from where I am. Do they not see me? Or am I really invisible? Whatever the reason, I don’t really care, as long as I get the dish.

With that Dr. Russell stormed off and Julian made his way to the door. All I can say is ewww. Julian and Eve. I would have never guessed that in a million years. I wonder if that is why T.C. hates the Cranes so much. I have had about enough for today so I leave the hospital too.

I get home to an empty house. I find a note on the fridge from mom. It seems they all went out to dinner. And since they didn’t know where to find me they had to leave without me. Oh darn! I missed a night with the dysfunctional family. How am I ever going to live now? I decided to heat a frozen pizza and settle down and watch a movie. As the previews roll I decide to write in my notebook once more today.

Day 5 – Entry 3

I thought my dad having an affair with Ivy was bad enough, but now to know that Eve had and affair with Julian. Is marriage not sacred anymore? Julian and Ivy were married when both of these events took place. I wonder why they got married at all.

I am going to go to the Russell house tomorrow to see if I can find anything more about Eve’s torrid affair with Julian. Or about T.C.’s loathing of the Cranes. Also I have heard Simone mention something about T.C.’s shed. I wonder what he hides in there.

I am going to go back to the wharf tomorrow night. Sheridan has her meeting with the imposter. I hope she is strong enough to see through it, but if history repeats itself Sheridan and Luis are in for a bumpy ride. Soon I will have to check out Tabitha and her doll too, but I have too much planned for tomorrow, so they will have to wait. Until next time.

Chapter 5:

As the sun peaks through my window I stretch and yawn. Today is starting off way better than yesterday. Kay is still sound asleep drooling on her pillow. What Reese sees in her I will never know. Ok, so she is kind of pretty but she is just a downright bitch. Oh well enough Kay thoughts for the day. On to bigger fish.

I get dressed and eat a quick breakfast. Mom isn’t even up yet making some odd concoction. Sometimes her cooking scares me. I almost forget my backpack and notebook, what a disaster that would have been. I run quickly to my room and snatch before Kay even has a chance to wake. I leave the house on my merry way to dig up more Harmony dirt.

My first stop this morning is the Russell house. I want to do some checking on the good doctor. It seems she was once involved with Julian Crane. How ironic is that? He is the man that her husband despises most in the world. Talking about her husband I also want to check into T.C.’s shed. I wonder what he has in there. No one seems to know or care. I care and so will the rest of the world.

I go directly into the backyard hoping to get at the shed first. No one should be up yet. Let’s just hope he isn’t so paranoid that he keeps it locked. Even with my expert spy skills I can not pick locks yet. I should look into that though, it could be helpful in the future. The shed is kind of small so I doubt he is doing something innocent like rebuilding a car in there. I walk up and what do I see? A padlock. And I thought today was going to be a good day.

I see the kitchen light flicked on and someone coming towards the door. Oh no! Have I actually been seen? I scurry and hide in some of their shrubbery. It’s T.C. He is going into his shed. Too bad there aren’t any windows or someone for him to talk to. Who knows maybe he will talk to himself. But today doesn’t seem to be my lucky day. He doesn’t make a peep when he goes inside.

After about fifteen minutes Eve appears in the back doorway. She calls out to T.C. The school administrator is on the phone and needs to talk. There has been a fire. T.C. rushes out of his shed to take the call. I guess he figures he will be back soon enough because he doesn’t resecure the padlock. What was I saying about having bad luck today?

I quickly go inside knowing I don’t have that much time to look around. I open and shut the door very quickly. I turn around into the interior and my mouth falls to the floor.

"Holy Shit!" I shout out and quickly cover my mouth.

What in the world? This is too good to be true. Never in my wildest dreams could I ever imagine this. This looks like a teenagers paradise. A girl teenager that is. There are posters covering the walls. What kind of posters? Lets see, there are many of Denzel Washington and Wesley Snipes. In which they are shirtless and have bulging muscles. There are posters of who I can only guess are male models and various Hollywood hunks.

There is a counter along the back wall and under it some cupboards. I decide to take a quick peek before I leave. Wow, what a goldmine! If I wasn’t sure before, I am now. Inside are stacks and stacks of Playgirls. Whoa, this is too much to process. I decide it’s time to leave before I get caught.

I close up the shed like I found it and run from the back yard. There is a bus stop at the corner of the block with a bench. I need to sit down and think about what I just found. I grab my notebook from my backpack and begin to write about the juicy details.

Day 6 – Entry 1

Ok I have calmed my excitement of my new find and I am ready to go back to the Russell house. I have not given up for the day. I put my notebook away and strap back on my backpack. I head back to the Russell home ready to uncover more secrets.

I walk by the shed again and see that padlock has been put back in its spot. T.C. must have replaced it before he left. I saw him drive by when I was sitting at the bench. Hopefully the girls were gone by now too so it would be just Eve. Eve and maybe a mysterious caller or visitor. It wouldn’t be any fun if it was just her.

It’s not necessary for me to go inside, unless Eve is upstairs. I can hide outside the windows instead. There is less chance of me getting caught. I look into the kitchen window and see her sipping a cup of coffee. She looks so peaceful, so innocent. Too bad that is probably not true. One by one Simone and Whitney came into the kitchen and said their good mornings to their mother. Eve was alone, now all she had to do was…something. Anything actually. Watching her drink coffee isn’t my idea of an interesting plot. Then I see Ivy walk up the back path. And the plot thickens.

What could Ivy possibly want with Eve? They weren’t exactly in the same social circle. Eve didn’t seem too happy to see Ivy when she answered the knock on the door. Ivy didn’t seem to mind though and waltzed into the house without being invited. I got as close to the window as I could and waited to see what was going to unfold.

Eve had a child with Julian? No way! I can’t believe Whitney is a Crane.

Well there goes that thought.

Ivy picked up her gloves and returned them to her hands. She then left the house. Eve slammed the door behind her and walked out of the kitchen. Ivy didn’t leave right away though. She stood right outside of the door.

I hear Ivy whisper that into the air and then finally leave. She walked out of the backyard and straight into an awaiting limo. That must be the life to have a car waiting for you whenever you need it. I wonder if what she said is true. Chad is Eve and Julian’s son? She couldn’t be lying. Why would she lie to herself? She didn’t know I was here.

I glance at my watch, it is almost five already. I have to be at the wharf by seven if I want to see the scene between Sheridan and the imposter unfold. I might as go down there now. On my way I stop at the deli and pick up a sandwich and a can of coke. I haven’t eaten since breakfast and my stomach is quite angry with me. I need to remember to pack snacks before I leave in the mornings. I sit on a bench overlooking the ocean while I eat and write in my notebook.

Day 6 – Entry 2

The shocking news keeps rolling in. I can’t believe it but not only did Eve have an affair with Julian, but they produced a child. At first I thought the child was Whitney, but I was wrong. Ivy knows who it is and so do I now. It’s Chad Harris. Oh my god! I can’t believe it. Whitney and Chad like each other. EWWW! They are half brother and sister. That is so gross. Are they going to be in for a shocker. I hope they haven’t done anything they will regret when this comes out.

I finish my sandwich and drink and through the remnants in the trash. I see Sheridan walking towards my as I am standing at the trashcan. She’s early! I rush back to my things and gather them quickly. I hide in the same spot I did yesterday. I am completely hidden by the time Sheridan makes it to the location. She has the note in hand and looks at it lovingly. Man I want to just scream at her to get out of here, but I can’t interfere. I have to let things take its course naturally.

I continue to watch Sheridan. She just sits and waits, softly humming. She is going to be blindsided by the imposter. I don’t know if I want to be here anymore. At seven on the dot the Luis imposter shows up. He even has the gull to kiss Sheridan on the cheek before he sits down next to her. He takes her hands in his and tries to look at her lovingly. But to me he looks stiff and cold. He sighs before he starts on his script.

Oh no. Here it comes. I really don’t want to see him break her heart.

Sheridan was quiet. Obviously trying to process things. I didn’t know what she was going to do next. But I didn’t expect her to wind her arm back and punch his square in the nose. I figured she might slap him but not punch him. And she gave him a good one. Go Sheridan! Do it again!

Oh my virgin ears shouldn’t be hearing this conversation. I can’t exactly crawl out of my hiding spot now though. I would be caught. I’m stuck and forced to listen.

The Luis imposter left walking straight past me on his way. I saw him smile from ear to ear as he walked away. Sheridan didn’t move. She dropped her head into her hands and started to shake. I could tell she was crying. I had to get away. I couldn’t sit and watch her like this. I quietly crawled out hoping she would keep her head buried.

I got away without being seen. I headed straight for home. I wanted a big mug of hot chocolate and some cookies. I might be doing a grown up’s job but I am still a kid and cookies still have the power to cheer me up. I get my comfort food and walk straight back outside. I sit at the picnic table and start to write again.

Day 6 – Entry 3

Well Julian and Alistair did it. They succeeded in breaking Sheridan’s heart. There is no way she is going to go anywhere near him anytime soon. I just hope she doesn’t leave again before I get my expose written. She deserves to know the truth. But then again the truth is she could have killed someone. I need to stop being so caring when the people in this town are so malicious.

What have I learned today? T.C. is gay. Eve and Julian’s affair produced a child, Chad. And Julian and Alistair have to be hiding something if they don’t want Sheridan and Luis together that badly. They didn’t seem to interfere with her choice of man before Luis. And I heard they were all losers. The most important thing I learned today is nothing is as it seems in Harmony.

Tomorrow I am going to tie up some loose ends. I am going to do some checking into Tabitha and her doll Timmy. I want to find if she is just the sweet old lady next door or something more. I also want to do some investigating into my Uncle Hank’s mysterious past. I also want to go back to the crane mansion and find out more about Sheridan’s nightmares and what Julian and Alistair are hiding from her. It should be another interesting day.

Chapter 6:

I jump from my bed quickly. It is storming outside and a crash of thunder jolted me from my sleep. Great! I will have to dig my rain slicker out of my closet. I haven’t worn it in years I hope it still fits. I find it in the back of my closet. What was I thinking when I picked this out. It is pink and is adorned with multi colored hearts. I am going to look like an idiot. But then again that is the good thing about being unnoticed. No one will see me in it.

I am finally already to go and I step out into the back yard. I figured I would start the day off close to home. I was going to stop by Tabitha’s. Of coarse I wasn’t planning on going inside but since it is raining there might not be a choice. There are already puddles forming in the backyard. It must have been raining all night. I get to the back of the yard almost to Tabitha’s when I see Uncle Hank back standing under the eve of our house. He has an umbrella up and his cell phone out. I wonder who he is talking to this early.

I don’t think he saw or heard me so I crawl under the picnic table to get closer. Luckily my rain slicker has matching pants. Hey being under a table blocks some of the rain. Lucky me! I look over at Hank and he looks a little distraught. I wonder what could be wrong with him.

KILL?!? Uncle Hank kill someone one. No! He was just the goofy guy that taught me how to play poker. He said he wasn’t in the business anymore, which means he has killed before. How can I be related to someone so evil?

Hank then knocked on the back door and my dad let him in. My dad let a killer in the house. Okay, I need to calm down. I need to get back on schedule. On to Tabitha’s house. I need a new plan though. If Tabitha really is a witch I can’t just sneak into her house. She would know I was there. So I walk up to her door and knock. Tabitha comes to the door, doll in hand. Another nut case, just what this town needs.

"Hi Tabitha"

"Jessica dear, what are you doing here? And you’re all covered in mud"

"I needed a quiet place to study. I’m sorry about the mud. I tripped on my way over"

"Well come in dear"

I shed my rain gear and Tabitha graciously shows me to one of her extra bedrooms. It has an antique roll top desk that she says I can use for the day. If she is a witch, at least she seems to be a nice witch.

"Would you like some tea dear?"

"Yes please. I would love some"

"Jessica?"

"Yes Tabitha?"

"Why are you studying? Aren’t you on Christmas break?"

"Yes, but I like to have my work done early so I can enjoy the rest of my break. I’m not like Kay and do it the night before we return"

That seemed to appease her and she went to fix some tea. I pulled my notebook out of my backpack. I knew this would come in handy. Who knew it could help me pull off lying through my teeth.

Day 7 – Entry 1

Well okay this day didn’t start out how I planned it. My Uncle Hank, my very own flesh and blood is a hit man. And now he has agreed to kill Ivy Crane. He is receiving the details at three. I think I am going to hang around the bed and breakfast today. I have to intercept that letter. I might not want to interfere but I can NOT let someone get killed. I wonder who wants Ivy dead.

Tabitha comes back in with a tray of tea and cookies. I close my notebook and thank her for her kindness. She sits on the bed and I don’t mind having the time just to talk to this sweet old lady. Maybe I can forget about my uncle being a cold blooded killer.

"Tabitha, I remember once Kay said you could read tea leaves. Could you read mine?"

"Of coarse dear"

She took my empty cup and turned it over on the saucer. She looked at the design the leaves made intently. She kept looking back and forth from me to the leaves. I wonder what it says.

"This is very interesting"

"What is?"

"Well the tea leaves say you are a seeker of truths"

"Really?"

How odd, I hope she doesn’t see why I am here with her.

"What else does it say?"

"That you will find the truth" she eyes me suspiciously.

"Well what does that prove?" I giggle. "I am just a silly teenage girl"

"If you say so. I’ll leave you to your homework"

Tabitha leaves the room so I can study in peace. I wait about five minutes before I go to the top of the stairs and listen. I am not sure what I am listening for I am just hoping for anything at the moment. I really just want Tabitha to be the weird old lady from next door. My image of Uncle Hank was already shattered today.

I sit and wait for about 15 minutes before anything happens downstairs. In fact by the time something does happen I am so bored I am about to get my stuff and leave. I hear some hustle and bustle downstairs. I can’t see down there though so I don’t know what Tabitha is up to.

Now I know she is mental. She talks to her doll and expects him to help.

Okay, now either Tabitha is really good at changing her voice or the doll just talked.

I don’t hear anymore talking, but I can hear someone running around. I get up off of the steps and hide behind the wall. I peak my head out so I can still see down the stairs. Then I see him. Timmy! And he is alive! He is running past the stairs and Tabitha is in hot pursuit. There is no doubt about it, Timmy is a living doll and Tabitha is definitely a witch. So much for the old lady next door theory. I quietly get back to the room Tabitha put me in. I flip open my notebook and wonder how I am going to explain this. Even to myself!

Day 7 – Entry 2

Where do I start? No one is ever going to believe this, but it is true. Tabitha Lennox is a witch. And her doll Timmy isn’t just a companion for an old lady, he comes to life. And it seems that their mission in life is to get Charity to kill Miguel. This will cause Charity to become evil.

Which brings me to Charity. She had powers for goodness and Tabitha is afraid of them. The voices she was hearing the other day must have been real. She is the chosen one. She has the power to destroy evil.

And my mom has powers of goodness too. Only Tabitha doesn’t seem to be afraid of her as much. She must have passive powers. I bet her twin sister Faith had these powers too. Too bad she died, I bet with all three of them here they could destroy Tabitha and the evilness trying to invade Harmony.

I slam shut my notebook. It has been a long day and it is barely noon. I don’t know how I am going to get through the rest of the day. I am going to thank Tabitha for her hospitality. I am going to make sure I am loud when I walk down the stairs. I don’t want to sneak up on a witch.

I am going to go to the Bed and Breakfast. If Uncle Hank sees me hanging out in the lounge I will just say I wanted a quiet place to read. I’ll get a magazine on my way there. Tabitha must have heard me coming downstairs cause she is sitting in a chair pretending to mend Timmy. I thank her for her kindness and I am on my way.

The lobby of the bed and Breakfast is very homey. Mom decorated it herself. It has a very country look to it. A lot of wood and light blues. I sat in a wicker chair and flipped through the pages of my magazine. I used to love Seventeen but now it seems so stupid and frivolous. All they do is talk about makeup, boys and clothes. None of that matters in the great scheme of things. Mom comes in carrying a basket of muffins. That is what matters. The innocence that I am going to destroy with my expose. But everyone has a right and deserves to know the truth. And that is all that I am writing is the truth.

"Hi Mom"

"Jess!" she gives me a hug. "What are you doing here?"

"Just hanging out. It’s quiet here"

"You shouldn’t be cooped up here alone. All the kids are ice skating why don’t you join them?"

"No thanks mom. But I can’t believe they are ice skating after what happened last year"

"Ok well I have to get make to the shop. Have a good day sweetie"

"Thanks"

Hey at least she noticed me right? Probably because I am the only one here but hey it’s something. A man comes into the lobby. I don’t recognize him. He looks kind of sketchy to me.

"Hey kiddo" he yelled in my direction.

"The name’s Jessica. And what can I do for you?"

"Do you know where a Hank Bennett is?"

"He’s not here"

"Oh well sweetie can you make sure he get s this?" he said in this baby voice that makes me sick.

"Sure sir" I said in the same voice.

"You’re cute. Here makes sure he gets this. It is very important"

"Of coarse"

"Thanks kiddo…I mean Jessica. Here for your troubles"

He slips a bill into my hand and leaves. I open my hand to find a fifty-dollar bill. My god whoever wants Ivy dead is loaded. Maybe it’s Julian. That wouldn’t surprise me in the least right now. I run to the office. I can’t let Hank catch my now. I take out the contract, wow hit men have contracts, and begin to put each page through the copier. I put the original back in the envelope and run and slip it under Hank’s door.

I know what you’re thinking I’m very evil for giving that to Hank. I should have kept it saving Ivy’s life right? But I read when this murderous task was going to take place. Not for another two weeks. My expose will be published by then and Hank’s and his boss’s plan will be sunk. Ivy will be saved. Although I don’t know why I am saving the woman who wants to steal my dad away from my mom. But fair is fair. Everyone deserves the truth.

After everything I’ve discovered today going back to the Crane mansion would be an overload. I will get there tomorrow. I am going to go home, hole in my room and read through this contract. Hopefully then I will find who put the hit out on Ivy. I run through town and make it to my house. Mom was right no one is home. They must still be skating. Perfect, then there will be no Kay to bother me.

I flopped on my bed and start to page through the contract. Wow 10 million dollars? I am in the wrong business. I am doing this pro bono. Oh well I continue to read. I come to the last page and still haven’t found anything on who hired Hank. On the last page there is a signature. I can only make out the first letter of each name. R, J, H. Well it is not Julian, but who? Roy, Roger, Ralph. Or maybe it is a woman. Rhoda, Rachel, Rebecca. Oh my god! Rebecca Hotchkiss. Gwen’s mom. She wants Ivy dead? Why? What did Ivy do to her? Oh I am so going to the Crane estate tomorrow. I put the contract in my backpack and pull out my notebook.

Day 7 – Entry 3

Well, well, well looks like Ivy has a lot of enemies. Including one of her so called friends Rebecca Hotchkiss. Too bad this friend has hired a hit man to kill her. Seems that Ivy did something to piss Rebecca off and her punishment is going to be death. Remind me not to piss Mrs. Hotchkiss off before I publish this expose.

I am going to go back to the Crane Mansion tomorrow, since I didn’t get to go today. I still want to find if Sheridan’s nightmares are real and why Alistair and Julian don’t want Sheridan and Luis together. Plus now I have this Rebecca thing to check into. Sounds like tomorrow is going to be one action filled day. Only time will tell.

Chapter 7:

Another day another secret to uncover. I am hoping that the research for my expose is coming to a close. It is already going to be the longest thing I have ever written. It makes me proud and yet dismayed since there are so many bad things in Harmony that I am going to bring about. I’m already dressed and ready to go. I am going to spend the day at the Crane mansion again. As if once there wasn’t enough.

My notebook and a lunch are packed in my backpack and I head out of my house. No one is there, which is nice so I don’t have to make excuses of where I am going. I think about riding my bike so I will have more time there, but I can’t take the chance of someone finding it on the estate. My bike doesn’t exactly fold up and fit in my backpack. And I am off for the seventh day in a row.

I get in the Crane gate with ease. So much for high tech security. That doesn’t mean shit. There wasn’t even a guard in the booth. I’m glad I don’t live here. I’m surprised they aren’t all dead or terrorized. I am intent on going straight to the mansion, but as I walk past the cottage I hear some stifled screams. I run to the window that the screams seem to be loudest and look inside. It is Sheridan’s bedroom and she is tossing and turning in bed. She is screaming for someone to help her. I’ve always heard that it is bad to wake people from their nightmares so I struggle to keep myself put. I want to help her so badly she has been through a lot in the last day but her nightmare could lead me to something and that is the most important thing. The truth, and what if Sheridan says something in her sleep and doesn’t remember when she wakes up. I will be able to tell her in my expose.

Her screams slow and her body is taken over by fits of sobs. I wonder what she thinks she has done. By the sounds of it she thinks she hurt someone, but how badly and why? I hear someone traipsing through the other part of the cottage. They obviously hear Sheridan too and run to see if she is all right. Her bedroom door bursts open and Ethan runs to her side. He pulls her into his arms and begins to run his hand over her back trying to calm her. Eventually it works and her crying stops. Her eyes then pop open and she looks confused. She doesn’t seem to remember anything nor no way Ethan is holding her.

I don’t need to hear anymore here. I can see it is going to get into the boring everyday things. I start to make my way to the main house. I stop at the gazebo so I can write about the knowledge I just discovered. I sit and pull out my notebook and a pen.

Day 8 – Entry 1

On my way to the Crane mansion I stopped off at the cottage when I heard someone screaming. Sheridan was having one of her famous nightmares. She seems to think she hurt some man. What makes me believe it is real and not a dream is she begged her father not to send her away and in reality he did.

Ethan flew in from the wings to rescue Sheridan from her dreams. He kept trying to convince her it was just a dream. I wonder if he really knows the truth and is covering something up or if he is just a doof who knows nothing. But surprisingly enough he has made up his mind and decided to marry Gwen. I hope she still wants to marry him when she finds out he is a Bennett not a Crane.

I decided to eat my lunch before going up to the mansion. I feel I need my strength for what I am going to uncover there. I pack up my things after I am nourished and start up to the mansion. Again I wonder why it is so easy to get in a place like this. There isn’t an alarm when I open the door nor any maids circulating. They must be preoccupied taking care of Julian.

I pass by door after door on the second floor and find no one in the rooms. At the end of the hall is when I finally hear voices. I don’t recognize either of women’s voices. One of them wants to show the other a new dress and they go into the walk in closet. I take a chance and slip into the bathroom in the room. I sit in the tub and close the curtain.

Ah it is the future Mrs. Crane and her mother.

What a shock a rich socialite doesn’t get something. Someone alert the media.

Ughh I do not want to hear about her sex life. She goes on to describe the details to her mother. I would never say anything that is coming out of her mouth to my mother. I don’t want her ever to ask either. The conversation takes a turn to Rebecca and her sex life.

I hear Rebecca whisk past her daughter and leave the room. Gwen follows right behind her determined to get more information from her mother. I crawl out of the tub and into the guest room. I sit at the vanity and already have my notebook whipped out.

Day 8 – Entry 2

Well I guess I won’t need to find out if Gwen will stay with Ethan after it is discovered he is a Bennett. She has already decided it is his younger brother that she wants to marry. I wonder if all the business trips she has taken in the last year were really business, more than likely they were pleasure.

And I know who just put out the hit on Ivy. Rebecca wants her dead so she can be Mrs. Julian Crane. She is power hungry and evil. And Ivy is in the way, so she hired my uncle to get rid of her. Oh the wonderful life of the rich.

I decided that I haven’t dug up enough dirt today and go to subject myself to more evil. I wonder to the library and here Julian on the phone with his father. Just as I hoped. The devil and his advocate are talking. I can just sit in front of the door and listen, someone might happen past me and turn me in. I get an idea and make a picture on the wall fall to the ground. I hide around the corner and just as I thought Julian came to survey the damage. I sneak behind him and into the library. I hide under the table behind the couch certain that I will remain out of sight.

Julian comes back in and tell his father that one of the maids is going to be fired for her clumsiness. They resume talking about a business merger that doesn’t excite me. Alistair asks about Ethan, the prodigal child, and Julian informs him of Ethan’s choice. Ethan must have talked to Julian when I was upstairs with the Hotchkisses.

It’s about time. I knew there was something fishy about her nightmares.

I want out of this room and I want out now. I can’t be caught by them. They will kill me. They have obviously done it before. I wonder how many times they have killed someone because they got in the way or threatened the Crane fortune. I don’t plan on being their next victim.

Luckily for me Rebecca comes into the room and leads Julian out of the library. I can only imagine they are going to end up in a compromising position. I take my chance and run for my life. I get out of the house of horrors and don’t stop running until I am in the sanctity of my bedroom. I flop on my bed and catch my breath. When my heart rate returns to normal I pull out my notebook for the last time today.

Day 8 – Entry 3

Ok, I have pieced together another puzzle. The mystery of Sheridan’s nightmares isn’t so illusive anymore. Sheridan killed Martin Fitzgerald. Not in cold blooded murder or anything, it was self defense. She thought that Martin was trying to hurt her brother and for all she new she was next.

In reality Julian was trying to get rid of Martin for some reason that is still unknown. Martin obviously knew something or did something. I don’t think I want to find out what. I know too much already. Alistair covered everything up. I don’t ever want to come into contact with him.

Tomorrow I start to write my expose. I have all the information I need to blow the sweet town of Harmony out of the water. I am going to lock myself in the attic and just write. Seclusion is the only way I am going to get this done before the New Year. The New Year is going to bring about many changes in this town. I only hope everyone is ready for it.

Chapter 8:

The first thing I do when I wake up this morning is go in search of the laptop. I don’t just want this handwritten. I want it typed up and professional. Today is New years eve and I have a lot to do. First I have to type up invitations. Everyone whose name is going to show up in my expose is going to be invited to a special party, where at the stroke of midnight they will get to read the damaging piece I am about to write. Before I write it though I need to deliver the invitation. I print them out on blank index cards and put them in envelopes addressing them to each person. This is what they look like.

Dear ____________,

I know a secret you are trying to hide. Be at the Youth Center gym at 11:30 pm tonight or I will reveal to all your dirty laundry.

The Truth Seeker

I know that this doesn’t hold true for everyone, like Miguel, Luis, and my mom. But there are secrets concerning them and this should intrigue them enough to come. It should scare everyone else into coming. What they don’t know is I plan on revealing their secrets whether they come or not.

I don’t have the money to hire a delivery service to delivery these for me, so I plan on doing it myself. I hired myself. When anyone asks I will say I am just the messenger. I need the money after all I spent on Christmas presents. Why would anyone doubt me, I am just a stupid kid right?

I put all the invitation in my backpack and set off to deliver. I meet my sister on the steps. She looks pleasant as always. I hand her her invitation and she looks at me like I am an alien.

"What is this brat face?"

"I don’t know Kay. I was paid to deliver them not open them. Enjoy"

I walk right past her. I have a lot to get to and don’t have time to deal with her. I will deal with the rest of my family later. I am going next door to Tabitha’s first. I plan on putting each invitation in the victim’s hands. I want to make sure there aren’t going to miss tonight. I walk up to Tabitha’s and ring the doorbell. She answers promptly.

"Jessica dear, need a quite place to study again?"

"No Tabitha I have a delivery for you. Here" I hand her the invitation. "Is Timmy around?"

"Timmy? Why do you want to see my doll?"

"I have something for him to"

"He is sitting on the couch"

I walk over and put an invitation on his lap. Tabitha eyes me as I walk back to the door. She is going to know these are from me because of the truth seeker and that is going to scare her even more. I sigh happily and decide my next stop is going to be the Russell house. They live around the corner. I see T.C. shoveling the driveway. I walk up to him confidently.

"Good morning T.C."

"You’re up early Jessica. What’s up?"

"I have a delivery for you" I give him his envelope. I’m surprise everyone so far has pocketed them. No one has been curious as to what they are.

"Thank you Jess. I’m glad to see you have a part time job"

"Yes it has kept me quite busy over break. Are the others inside? I have one for them too"

"Well I can give it to them"

"Oh know I was instructed to delivery them personally"

"Alright then they should be in the kitchen having breakfast"

I rush in the direction of the back door. T.C. told me to just go inside so I don’t knock. I am welcomed by warm smiles at the table. They all say there hellos and I walk around the table handing each of them their invitation. Simone goes straight to find out what it was.

"I was instructed to tell you it might be better if you opened these in private" I tell them.

"What is this Jessica?" Eve asks me as I head to the door.

"I’m sorry. I don’t know Eve. I am just the messenger"

And again I am off. I remember Chad lives in the apartment above their garage now. I walk up there and knock on his door. I know it is early so when there is no answer I knock harder. Finally I hear someone stumble to the door.

"Yo Jessica, it’s early man"

"I’m sorry Chad. I have a delivery for you. I have to put it in your hands, specific orders you know"

"I hear that. Thanks Jess"

The Lopez-Fitzgerald house is only a couple blocks so I go there next. I am glad it isn’t snowing today. I don’t want to have to trudge through the fresh snow. I make it to the house to find Theresa and Ethan on the front porch. Isn’t it a little cold to be talking outside? I get closer and I get the picture. Theresa is crying and Ethan is telling her he loves Gwen more. I clear my throat as I get closer. Theresa turns away from me and Ethan looks happy to see someone to interrupt them.

"Jessica" Ethan acknowledges me.

"Hi Ethan, Theresa. I have a delivery for both of you" I hand them each an envelope. Ethan puts it in his pocket and he leaves. "Are you ok Theresa?"

"Yeah, fine" she mumbles.

"Is the rest of your family inside? I have something for them too"

"Mama and Miguel are. Luis left already this morning" I can tell she is trying to hold back tears.

"Thank you"

She takes me into the house and points to the kitchen. She runs to her room needing to be alone. I push open the swing door and see Miguel about to leave.

"Miguel, wait" I exclaim. I hand him and envelope.

"What’s this?" he asks as I hand Pilar hers.

"I’m just the messenger. But I was told to warn you to open it alone" I walk to the door. "Pilar you might want to check on Theresa. I don’t think she is doing so hot"

And just like that I am gone from another house. Now I am on my way to the Crane mansion. Besides my house they are the only house I have left. It is a long walk so I stop at my house and get my bike. I have ridden in the snow before and I don’t need to hide it anymore. I ride right over to the cottage. I can hear voices form within and they don’t sound happy.

I hate to interrupt this love fest but I have other people to see and other things to do. I knock on the door loudly enough for them both to hear me. They both stomp to the door.

"Jessica, what are you doing here?" Luis tried to calm himself.

"Just making some deliveries. I have one for you and one for Sheridan" I hand them each an envelope.

"Who are these from?" Sheridan questions me.

"I can’t tell you. I am sworn to secrecy. I will advice you to open them in private though. The boss encourages it"

I leave them to resume their fighting. Maybe they can come to terms on their own. I run up to the mansion and knock on the door. A maid answers and tell her I have a personal delivery for Mr. And Mrs. Crane. She shows me into the sitting room, where I find Julian, Ivy, Rebecca, and Gwen having coffee. This makes my job easier now I don’t have to hunt down Rebecca and Gwen.

"Good morning Jessica" Ivy greets me. "What brings you by?"

"I have a delivery for all of you"

I hand each of them their corresponding envelope and tell them the thing about opening it alone. I leave them all looking confused. I can see they are going to break up this party as soon as I leave to find out what is inside. I go so they can find out their fates are in jeopardy. I go down to the gate and collect my bike. I only have my family left.

I get home and stow my bike. I get inside and find an unusal pair in my kitchen. Reese and Charity are there and they look all chummy.

"Hey guys" I come in between them. "What’s up?"

"We are working on a school project" Reese informs me.

"Oh" I say relieved. I have always had a soft spot of Reese. "I have something for the two of you"

My backpack is getting empty and I give them the whole routine. I only have to find mom, dad, and Hank know. I forgot about Hank. I don’t want to go all the way to the B and B. But again someone is looking out for me. Hank is in the living room with dad and mom. He is telling them he is leaving soon. Probably after he kills Ivy is my guess. But thanks to me he won’t get the chance.

"Hey dad, mom. How’s it going Uncle Hank?"

They all say hi and ask me to leave. They have something important to discuss and apparently I am not important enough to hear. I give them their envelopes and tell them the same thing I have everyone else. Now it is time for seclusion and the writing of the expose. I have the laptop waiting for me in the attic and I sit down and start to write. I have so many things to say I don’t know where to start. I decide to write about incidents not specifically people. I will start off small and then delve into more complicating stories.

I complete my expose and realize it has taken me a lot longer than I had planned. It is nearly 11 pm. I have to get to Kinko’s and then to the Youth Center pronto. I have to get copies made for the guests and I have to send some to the authorities too. My backpack is quite full with the twenty five copies of my expose in it.

I get to the youth Center at 11:35pm. I find that all my guests have arrived. I make my way through the crowd and get on the stage. I set up and microphone and test it thoroughly. I can tell every thinks I am setting up for my boss. There are a lot of nervous faces out there. They want me to get the show on the road.

"Ok, everyone I am sure you are all wondering why you are here, so I guess it is time to tell you. I have been working on a little project on my vacation and it is finally complete. And before you dismiss me as just a kid I think you will all find it very interesting to read my expose. So without further ado. I’ll pass it out"

I had a green packet to everyone in the room. And as soon as the receive it they tear it open. I hear pages flipping and tiny gasps fill the room. I go to sit on the stage and pull out my own copy.

By: Jessica Marie Bennett