Chapter 1

“Are we there yet?” Sixteen year old Ray Martin whined “I'm getting car sick!”

“Not quite.” Mr. Martin answered.

Eighteen year old Lilly Ann stifled a yawn as she sank back into her seat.

She'd fallen into her bed at about five-fifteen that morning only to get woken up at six by her alarm clock so that the family could hit the road.

The reason she hadn't gotten more sleep than that, she was at an old prison shutting down a smuggling ring for the better part of the night. But that was one thing her family would never know about: Her secret identity as Callie Cameron.

A crime fighting teenager who always wore a black mask to keep her true identity hidden.

There were only three people who knew Callie's identity as Lilly Ann Martin, and that was the old couple names Jones and their twenty-seven year old granddaughter Carol.

“You know Lilly Ann,” Mrs. Martin spoke from the front seat “I expected you to be the more alert one on this trip.”

“Sorry.” Lilly Ann chuckled as she readjusted her wire rim glasses “Didn't sleep much last night.”

“I'll bet you're excited to see Edith again, huh?” Mr. Martin asked as he glanced in his rearview mirror “It's been, how long, since you've seen each other?”

“Four years.” Lilly Ann answered as she looked out her window.

“Four years?” Mr. Martin let out a whistle “I really need to see my brother more.”

Ever since they were little. Lilly Ann and Edith Martin had always gotten along. Maybe it was because there was just a few months between them. Or maybe it was the fact that they both loved to run 'wild' so to speak.

They had been Fourteen when Edith's family had moved and that was the last time the cousins had seen each other. They'd kept in contact occasionally through mail but...

“I wonder if she's changed.” Lilly Ann wondered as she watched the scenery pass. Just knowing what all had happened to her in the past four years really made her wonder.

She had become Callie Cameron at fifteen and by sixteen, she had the reputation of 'Teen Crime Fighter'. Now, at the age of eighteen, she had seen more than her share of the world and put more criminals in jail than your average cop. Not to mention, she probably held the record for the most curious person around. She didn't know a news reporter that wasn't dying to get the scoop on who the girl under the mask was... including her own father.

“Can't wait to see the new house.” Nineteen year old Mary said “According to Aunt Julie's letters it's amazing.”

Ray's twin, Rose, nodded in agreement “A two story ranch house! Sounds magical.”

“I'm just glad I'll have two weeks off work.” Twenty year old Luke said “My manager still is not happy.”

A slow grin crossed Lilly Ann's face “Uh Luke. We're going to a farm to help them move.” she chuckled “You're gonna miss your mail sorting job.”

Luke snorted “How hard can it be? Just moving a bunch of boxes and furniture.”

Mr. Martin shook his head “I guess you'll find out.”

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

“Hey, Hank!” Mr. Martin called as he stepped out of the mini van.

Lilly Ann smiled at the sight of the small double wide trailer that had been her cousin's home for the past four years.

It was surrounded by an acre of green grass with a few trees. A small barn stood off to the side, it's chipped red paint giving it that authentic look.

Hank Martin stepped out onto the small porch and shielded his eyes against the glare of the afternoon sun “Hey, James!”

He was six foot two, with a muscular build. His short boxed beard and mustache were a dark brown, just like his hair and eyes.

The Martin kids quickly bailed out of the vehicle, glad to be able to stretch after the nine hour drive.

Hank's wife, Julia, stepped out onto the porch followed by a dark haired eighteen year old girl.

When the girl spotted Lilly Ann she let out a squeal and tore down the steps.

A smile exploded across Lilly Ann's face as she hurried towards her cousin. A moment later, the two girls were laughing happily as they hugged.

“It's been absolutely forever!” Edith exclaimed.

“I know!” Lilly Ann pulled out of her cousin's embrace and smiled “You haven't changed a bit.”

Edith grinned “You've gotten taller.” she took a step back “Nope. You haven't changed either.”

The thing that had always been funny about the two was how well they got along despite their complete differences.

Edith stood a five foot three inches and had a slightly stocky build. Her hair was the color of dark chocolate and straight as a pin as it hung just below her shoulders. Her eyes were a bright powder blue, which was almost a complete contrast to Lilly Ann's five foot seven, lean frame. Her dark blond hair hung in a braid down to her waist and her eyes were a deep midnight blue.

Edith then turned to greet the rest of the family. When she reached Zak she froze “Oh... look at him! He was barely a year old when we left!”

Zak grinned, dimples coming to his five year old chubby cheeks. His summer blue eyes sparkled with unperformed mischief as he swiped a lock of sandy blond hair from his forehead.

His freckled button nose crinkled slightly.

Lilly Ann chuckled “If you couldn't tell. He can get away with anything.” she rolled her eyes slightly “And I mean anything.”

“It's great to have you here.” Uncle Hank said as he gripped his brother's hand in a warm shake then pulled him into a quick hug.

“It's great to be here.” James Martin replied as he pounded his brother's back.

“Why don't you come on in.” Aunt Julie called, smiling a greeting at Lilly Ann's mother “Don't unload the luggage yet. You'll be staying at the new place. But come on in for a bite to eat.”

“Are all the horses at the new place?” Lilly Ann asked as she and Edith walked towards the double wide.

“Mm-hm.” Edith nodded, looking slightly distracted.

Lilly Ann frowned “What's wrong? I thought you'd be bouncing off the walls. Aren't you excited?”

“Yes, I am.” Edith smiled slightly “Just tired. These past few days have been a griller.” then she led the way towards the trailer.

Lilly Ann shook her head “Go away, Callie.” she mumbled to herself, but it didn't work. Her instincts were kicking in something awful and she had a nagging feeling that something just wasn't right.

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

“Would you get a load of this place!” Luke let out a low whistle and smoothed back his dark hair “Talk about classy!”

The two story, white wash farm house sat inside of a large fenced in yard. It was surrounded by rolling fields. This house had a large stable sat in once of the fenced in sections that appeared to have electricity. About a dozen horses were out grazing in the fields, accompanied by a couple of cows. Chickens were hopping around on the ground around the house. An old border collie lay on the front porch, lazily watching the chickens. Off to the side was a small paddock with a pure white horse grazing inside.

“Wow.” Lilly Ann smiled “This is amazing.”

“Twenty-five acres.” Edith said “It's like a dream come true!”

“Sure is.” Uncle Hank nodded “Let's get the bags.”

After everyone grabbed a suitcase, they were led into the house then give a tour of the five bedroom house.

“Boys, you three will have to share a room.” Uncle Hank said “Mary and Rose will share the room next to Edith's, which Lilly Ann will be bunking with.” he patted his brother's back “You and Miriam’s room is next to Julie and mine's.”

Edith nodded towards her room “Come on, Lil. We can go ahead and get settled.”

“Alright.”

As the two girls entered the room, Lilly Ann looked around. Decorated in a variety of pale blues and periwinkles, the room was gorgeous. There was even a small balcony that branched off the side.

Edith pulled a trundle bed out from beneath her own bed and grinned “Just for the occasion.”

Lilly Ann dropped her bag on the floor and looked around “Nice. Definitely bigger than your other room.”

“I know.” Edith chuckled as she hopped up onto her own bed “Just wait until you find out what all we're going to do while you're here.” she fell back onto her pillow and started counting them off on her fingers “We're going to go riding. Hiking. Maybe fishing, but I doubt it. Swimming. Picking apples...”

“Whoa, hold on a second cowgirl.” Lilly Ann laughed “Remember to save time for moving.”

“I can't wait to introduce you to your horse for these two weeks.” there was a small moment of silence before Edith flopped over to look at her cousin “Oh! Tomorrow you have to meet Sadie!”

“Who?”

“Sadie Bennet. She's like my best friend!”

Lilly Ann froze slightly then started putting her clothes into the two bottom drawers of the dresser that had been cleared out for her “Where does she live?”

“Oh. Now that we've bought this place, Sadie and I are neighbors! Her house is straight back through those woods!” Edith pointed out the window “Isn't that awesome?”

“Yeah.” Lilly Ann zipped her duffel bag closed then folded it up and tossed it into the closet.

“Then you'll have to meet my other friends. Hannah, Sue, and Tennana.”

“Sounds great.”

“Oh but I have to warn you. Sadie has family from the city visiting too. I don't know how posh they are so... if they're rude. Just ignore them.”

Lilly Ann halfway listened as her cousin rambled on about everything going on. But she couldn't help but wonder exactly how much time she'd be spending with her cousin.

Just then her watch vibrated slightly. When she glanced down at the digital face it blinked:

C-J. Carol Jones.

“Mind if I step outside?” Lilly Ann asked.

Edith shook her head “Be my guest. I'm going to run and see if when dinner is.” then she was gone.

Lilly Ann stepped out onto the balcony and pressed a button on the side of her headband “What's up, Carol?”

“Did you make it to the middle of nowhere yet?” Carol asked.

“Yep. We're here. It's not exactly the middle of nowhere.”

“Still. What's it like?”

“Big. Green. Beautiful.” Lilly Ann shrugged slightly “Quiet.”

“And lots of room for some undiscovered criminal to hide, right?”

“Carol. I'm on vacation!”

“Yeah, maybe you are. But don't tell me that Callie isn't bored out of her gore.” Carol laughed “While you're sitting there going 'Ah, sweet vacation' she's rolling around on the floor going 'Where's the actions!?'. Right?”

There was a moment of silence before Lilly Ann spoke again “If you want me to be honest, I'm not sure that there isn't something going on here.” she let out a breath of air “There's just something that's off.”

“Well, I'm sure you'll find it.”

“Thanks!” Edith's voice suddenly came from behind the bedroom door.

“Gotta go. Cousin's back.” then Lilly Ann ended the conversation.

“Guess what! Dinner is done. Like now.” Edith bounced slightly as she entered the room, her mother right behind her “Are you hungry?”

“I think I could go for a little dinner.”Lilly Ann grinned “Lead the way.”

“Don't worry,” Aunt Julie said “I'll get some meat on those bones of yours.”

Lilly Ann simply laughed “I'm afraid I'd run it right back off.”

Edith sent her a curious look “You run in the city much?”

“You don't know how much.”

2: Chapter 2

“Lilly Ann,” Edith said the next morning “This is my horse, Cocoa.” she said as she led a dark brown mare with a black made and tail from it's stall.

“Hello, Cocoa.” Lilly Ann said as she patted the horse's nose “Is this the one you've had since she was born?”

“Yep.” Edith nodded as she continued down the barn aisle “We own both of her parents.” then she stopped at another stall “And this is Wind Dancer.” she opened the door and led out a pure white mare with a golden mane and tail “She'll be yours while you're here.”

“She's amazing!” Lilly Ann laughed as she walked over to the horse “She's absolutely beautiful.”

“I might want to warn you,” Edith said slowly “She's a bit spirited.”

A slow smile crossed Lilly Ann's face as she ran her hand up the mare's forehead “I think I can handle a little spirit.”

“Well, let's get tackled up and ride over to Sadie's!”

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

“That's Sadie's home.” Edith said thirty minutes later as they rode into a clearing.

The two story matchbox house was made completely of brick. It's dark blue shudders and matching door gave it a bit of a homey look.

“How long have you and Sadie known each other?” Lilly Ann asked as they rode towards the house.

“We met a few weeks after we moved here.” Edith answered “We hit it right off and have been BFF's ever since. She can have a bit of an attitude sometimes.” then she called to the house “Hey Sadie! We're here!”

A couple minutes passed before a girl with light brown hair and brown eyes emerged. She appeared to be the same age as Lilly Ann and Edith. She stood about five foot five with a very lean frame.

“Hi, Edith!” She waved as she skipped down the steps to the ground.

“Sadie, this is my cousin.” Edith said as she slid out of the saddle “Lilly Ann, this is my best friend, Sadie.”

“Hi.” Lilly Ann sent the girl a small wave.

Sadie sized her up with a skeptical look then shrugged “Welcome to the country.”

“Thanks.”

“Has she met the others?” Sadie asked as she turned to Edith.

“Not yet.” Edith answered “I wanted her to meet you first.”

“Oh. Well, come on in.” Sadie waved them towards the house “Hitch the horses to the fence and come on.”

After doing as instructed the two went into the house. It became clear as they entered the door that the theme of the house was 'Old Western'.

“Is your mom's family still here?” Edith whispered.

Sadie nodded “They are. And they're actually really nice.” she smiled “Especially my cousin. He's great!” then she glanced at Lilly Ann “I thought you had more cousins.”

“I do.” Edith said with a shrug “The other five are still at the house.”

“Do they all wear glasses?”

Lilly Ann stopped abruptly and raised an eyebrow “No.”

“I'd like to meet them.” then Sadie went into a nearby room.

Edith shook her head “I warned you.” then she followed her friend.

Lilly Ann rolled her eyes slightly then went into the room.

“Dad,” Sadie said to a large man sitting in a recliner “This is Edith's cousin. Lilly Ann.”

Jake Bennet was built and looked like a lumberjack. Full beard and mustache included. She judged his height to be about six foot four and weight to be about three hundred and fifty pounds. Not an ounce of that was fat.

“You're Hank's nice?” his voice boomed when he spoke.

“Yes, Sir.” Lilly Ann nodded.

Mr. Bennet laughed, the sound echoed off the walls “He didn't tell me his niece was a four eyes.

Lilly Ann rolled her eyes “I'd noticed.”

“Don't take it to heart.” he leaned back into his recliner “I'm just poking.”

“Don't worry.” she waved him off “I've had worse things said.”

“Where's mom?” Sadie asked slightly impatient.

“Kitchen.” her father answered “Be sure to introduce them to your cousin.” he grinned, the corners of his dark brown eyes crinkling “Might make them more comfortable knowing that there's some more city-slickers around.”

“Yes, Dad.” Sadie shook her head then headed towards the kitchen “Hey, Mom! Edith is...”

she was cut off as an ear piercing scream suddenly came from the kitchen.

“Mom!” Sadie cried in alarm as the three girls shot to the kitchen.

Mrs. Bennet was leaning against the counter, her face white.

“What happened?” Edith asked.

“A-a man.” Mrs. Bennet pointed towards the kitchen door which was standing open, the screen door swinging on its hinges “He... he...”

Lilly Ann shot out the door and looked around. She caught sight of a black figure disappearing around a corner and took off after it.

“Where are you going?” Edith called after her, but Lilly Ann paid her no mind.

Just then a young man shot out the kitchen door and followed Lilly Ann around the house.

The intruder was about five foot nine and of medium build and slightly wider shoulders.

A slight smile came to Lilly Ann's face as she put on an extra burst of speed. As much as she hated to admit it, Carol was right. She'd much rather be chasing criminals than relaxing any day.

The man quickly jumped over a fence and started to run across a field.

Lilly Ann swung herself up onto the fence then sprang off the top, giving herself some extra leverage. She hit the man square in the middle of the back and they both crashed to the ground.

The man tried to scramble to his feet, but Lilly Ann was quicker. She was on her feet in an instant.

With a large growl, the man swung a heavy fist at her.

She quickly flipped backwards, catching a glimpse of the brass knuckles on the man's hand. As her hands came in contact with the ground, her foot flew up and caught the guy right under his chin, sending him flying back.

She was about to pin him down when a shout suddenly sounded behind her:

“Look out!”

She spun around then jumped back just as a large black stallion came flying past. The shoulder of the horse caught her shoulder and sent her slamming into the dirt.

The intruder had gotten back to his feet by then. The rider on the horse gave the man an arm up then they were gone.

Lilly Ann let out a groan of frustration as she pushed herself to her feet.

“You alright?”

She froze “Wait. I know that voice.” she spun around and burst into laughter “Logan Singer!”

“Lilly Ann Martin!” he said at the same time, then they finished together “What are you doing here?”

“Visiting.” Lilly Ann answered “You?”

“Same.” He answered, his smile reaching all the way to his blue eyes.

“Wait.” Sadie said as she and Edith joined them “You two know each other?”

“She lives like four blocks from my house.” Logan answered.

“He's a friend of my brothers.” Lilly Ann added.

“Oh?” Sadie and Edith raised curious eyebrows then looked at each other.

“Well, there's nothing more to do out here.” Logan smiled “Why don't we head back to the house?”

Lilly Ann nodded reluctantly.

“You know,” Sadie commented as they turned around “You two can run for city slickers.”

“We're not city slickers.” Lilly Ann responded “My sibling”s may be. But I'm not.”
“She's not.” Logan added “Believe me.”

“Wait...” Sadie suddenly said “Is she the girl you wrote about in your letters? The totally amazing one?”

“No.” Logan shook his head, his face slightly reddening “That was Callie Cameron.”

It was Lilly Ann's turn to raise an eyebrow as she looked up at the boy “You wrote about Callie?”

“A little bit.” He shrugged casually.

Lilly Ann chuckled “Okay.”

Logan was a year older than Lilly Ann. His six foot one, lean frame, dark brown hair and summer blue eyes made him turn more than a few heads. Especially in places where girls were a little too boy crazy.

“Aren't you her sidekick now?” Sadie asked “Callie Cameron's, I mean.”

“Sorta.” Logan answered “She doesn't need me, but she lets me tag along every now and then.”

Lilly Ann laughed “From what I hear you've gotten her out of a fix or two.”

“She would have managed without me.” he smiled slightly “She can come up with some interesting ways of getting loose.”

When they reached the house, they found Mrs. Bennet in the living room sitting on the couch, her husband doing his best to comfort her.

“Where did he go?” Mr. Bennet asked.

“He jumped on a horse with a friend and shot out of here.” Sadie answered.

Mrs. Bennet shook her head “Are you alright?” then she turned to Lilly Ann “Why did you chase him?”

Lilly Ann shrugged “Instinct.”

“He could have hurt you!”

Lilly Ann decided not to reply. Mainly because her answer wouldn't make any sense to anyone unless she was Callie. So instead she asked “What happened when you were in the kitchen?”

“Well,” Mrs. Bennet answered “He came in and demanded all my valuables.” she shivered slightly “He had a gun. And when I told him I didn't have any he called me a liar and said that they were hidden in the safe underneath the desk in Jake's office!”

Mr. Bennet frowned “How...”

“Then what happened?” Lilly Ann interrupted.

“Then I screamed and he ran.”

Edith started wringing her hands “Did... what did he look like? I'm afraid I didn't get a good look.”

“Uh... Five foot nine.” Lilly Ann answered “Two hundred pounds. Black eyes.” she frowned slightly “He had a 9 mm pistol on his belt and a six inch Winchester dagger in his boot.”

“You got all that from that short run in?” Sadie asked slowly.

“Wasn't too hard to see.”

Edith rubbed her forehead “I... think we should get home.” then she put on a small smile “See you later, Sadie.” then she walked out the door.

Lilly Ann watched her cousin leave, a deep frown setting over her face. Edith was hiding something. And she was going to figure out what... today.

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

“Howdy, Girls. And boy.” Hank Martin greeted. Logan had accompanied the girls back to say high to the Martin boys. When Hank saw Edith's grim face he frowned “What happened?”

Edith didn't answer, just walking into the house.

Lilly Ann followed her. When they reached the living room, they found everyone sitting down, drinking either tea or water.

“Where have you been?” Ray asked, pushing his red hair off his forehead “We've been carrying boxes upstairs!”

Lilly Ann rolled her eyes as she went to lean against the wall “Watch out, Ray. If you do too much exercise you just might be able to play football in college.”

“Oh, hey Logan!” Luke laughed “Whatcha doing all the way out here?”

“Same thing you are.” Logan answered.

“How was Sadie?” Aunt Julia asked.

“Fine.” Edith answered.

Lilly Ann glanced around the room. Hank and Julia were both present. May as well be now, right? “Uncle Hank?” she said, turning to face the man “What do you know a man that wears black and rides a black horse?” she watched as her uncle became stock still “He carries a gun and a knife. Wants valuables.”

Edith shook her head slightly then sighed and leaned back into her seat.

The room became quiet. Too quiet.

Logan glanced over at Lilly Ann and raised an eyebrow.

After nearly five minutes, Uncle Hank finally spoke “Unfortunately, yes.” he went over and sat by his wife “People around here call him the Shadow Rider.” he ran a hand through his hair “He strikes anytime of day or night.”

“And he hasn't been stopped?” Logan asked slowly.

“No.”

Lilly Ann shook her head “How long has this been going on?”

Aunt Julia sighed “For about two weeks.” she looked around the room “We almost called you and told you not to come. But Edith's been looking forward to this since forever. I guess we should have.”

“He tried to rob the Bennets today.” Edith said quietly.

“Has he robbed you?” Lilly Ann asked.

“No.” Uncle Hank answered “But he's been... threatening us.”

“Threatening?” Logan and Lilly Ann said in unison.

“Yes.” Edith nodded “Keeps saying something like because we succeed we'll fail, or something like that.”

“Has he hurt any of you?” Mr. Martin asked, looking up at his brother.

Uncle Hank shook his head “Nothing too extreme. We've gotten some smashed windows. A couple of slashed tires.” he let out a huff of air “One evening he let all the horses out, btu thankfully they're all well trained.”

“Except for Wind Dancer.” Edith smiled for the first time then chuckled “I'm afraid dad had to chase her all the way to town.”

“What has the police said?” Logan asked, getting back to the subject.

Hank, Julia and Edith looked at each other.

“The sheriff...” Aunt Julia said slowly “Was shot, a little over a week ago.” she covered her face with her hands “We shouldn't have dragged you into this!”

“No, it's fine.” Mrs. Martin said quickly “What about the rest of the cops?”

“Most of them are too scared.” Edith answered “A couple of the officers even packed up their families and moved for fear of the Shadow Rider coming after them. No one wants to take over the sheriff position.”

Lilly Ann's frown deepened “So you've got a criminal running lose without a soul doing something about it and the police have gone into hiding.”

“There's a few officers who have tried.” Edith added “But I'm afraid they don't get far.” she brushed her hair over her shoulder “Shadow Rider can avoid flying bullets, let me tell you.”

“But as she said,” Uncle Hank said “Everyone's too afraid to take over law enforcement.”

Lilly Ann's teeth gritted and she glanced over at Logan who smiled slightly “I know someone who isn't.”

That made every head in the room come up, and made Logan's face explode into a full out grin.

“What? Who?” Aunt Julia asked almost desperately.

“Callie Cameron.”

3: chapter 3

Chapter 3

Everything fell quiet again before Zak suddenly leapt from his seat and let out a triumphant “YES!”

“A girl?” Uncle Hank said slowly.

Logan shook his head “Not just any girl. Callie Cameron is one of the most amazing people you will ever meet.”

Lilly Ann refrained from rolling her eyes “She just does what she has to.”

“I don't know...” Aunt Julia said slowly “I don't know if I could ask a girl to come face that man.”

“Trust me, Aunt Julia.” Lilly Ann said “Callie has dealt with three hundred and fifty pound assassins who's pockets were filled with weapons.” she shrugged slightly “This man seems to be more on the steal than kill angle.” then she smiled “And if Callie isn't busy, she's bored.”

“Trust me.” Logan laughed “I've seen her restless. It ain't pretty.”

Lilly Ann once again had to bite her lip to keep from retorting. No one in the room knew she was Callie Cameron, which was the way it always would be. But honestly, she found it hardest to remember that Logan didn't know than anything.

“Well...” Uncle Hank said “I... suppose you could call her. Maybe she can figure something out.”

“Yes!” Logan pumped a fist in the air.

Lilly Ann chuckled and shook her head.

“But,” Edith spoke up “How do we get in contact with her?”

Once again Logan's eyes began to sparkle “I've got my connections.” then he nodded towards the door “I'm going to go call her now.” then he walked away.

Lilly Ann cringed and searched for an escape route. Porch! How many times was there one of those off of the living room. She quickly slinked over to the doors and slipped out, then she put some distance between herself and the open windows of the house. Just then, her watch buzzed.

With a smile she pressed the button on the side of her headband “Hey, Logan. What's up?”

“Hey, Callie. Are you busy?” Logan answered quickly.

“Nope. I am seriously bored.” She said as she leaned against the fence of a paddock.

“Good. I need you to come out here. There's a problem. A big one.” then he quickly explained the situation from the Shadow Rider to the sheriff being shot.

“I'll be there tomorrow.” Lilly Ann said when he was done “It sounds like the Shadow is getting a little brave. With no one to control him he could turn that place into a ghost town.”

“Great. It would be a load off of the Martins and my family.”

Lilly Ann bit back a smile “The Martins are there?”

“Yeah.”

“Hows my biggest fan?”

She heard Logan chuckle “Zak is completely psyched at the thought of seeing you again.”

“Alright, I'll be there. Just give me the address.” After he had rattled it off, they ended the conversation then Lilly Ann slipped back into the house.

“She's coming.” Logan announced to everyone as he reentered the room.

“YES!” Zak shouted again “I love Callie Cameron! She's awesome!”

Edith tucked her hair behind her ear “I guess we'll see.” then she put on a smile “Well, the day is still young. I'm going to go call the girls and ask them to meet us in town. Okay?”

“Oh, can we come?” Rose asked quickly.

“Sure.” Edith nodded “We can even swing through the mall. It's not big, but it's something.”

Lilly Ann suppressed a sigh. A mall? Really!?

“Hey, you boys can tag along too if you wish.” Edith added as she picked up the phone.

Ray shrugged “I can see what basketball Jerseys they have here.”

“What's the point?” Rose asked exasperated “You wear the exact same green one every single day!”

“So?”

“I guess I'll tag along.” Logan said “Don't have anything better to do.”

“Enjoy your day of fun.” Uncle Hank said with a wink “Because tomorrow we start the heavy moving.”

“How much more stuff do you have?” Luke asked.

“Well, we've only gotten the bedrooms and living room over here. We still need to get the kitchen and my office moved. And a few other things.”

“Well, we'll do all that tomorrow.” Aunt Julia reminded “Today you kids have fun.”

Lilly Ann let out a slow breath “Fun shopping?” she mumbled to herself “I can't stand shopping!”

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

“Cousins,” Edith said happily “This is Sue Hawkins, Hannah Avery and Tennana St. Montes.”

“Hey.” the three girls waved slightly.

Lilly Ann nodded and smiled slightly.

All three girls appeared to be about the same age.

Sue Hawkins had wave golden hair that fell right to the top of her shoulders. Her dark green eyes didn't really make contact and she had a shy smile on her face. She was about five foot four with a medium build.

Hannah Avery stood a full five foot six inches. She had dark red hair and intense green eyes.

Then Tennana St. Montes. She was a five foot seven full blooded Cherokee Indian. Her jet black hair hung about six inches past her waist, and her dark brown eyes scrutinized everything she saw.

Edith then quickly introduced her cousin, then let Sadie introduce Logan.

Tennana shrugged slightly “I thought we were going shopping.”

“We are.” Edith responded “Just thought you might like to know who you're going to be with.”

Tennana just shrugged and turned around, her long hair flipping behind her.

Sadie leaned over to the others “Don't pay her any mind. She's a major show off.”

Hannah nodded “She's the spoiled rich girl of the town.”

“So we noticed.” Mary mumbled.

“Are we going shopping or not?” Tennana called over her shoulder.

“Yes, we are.” Edith answered “Come on.”

Lilly Ann let out a deep breath and followed.

The town reminded you of an old western. Buildings lined the sides of the streets. A large sidewalk paved in front. There was an occasional light pole here and there. A few people miled about going into the various store. There were more horses parked outside the stores than there were cars.

“Cute car.” Rose said a few moments later, pointing to a yellow Volkswagen bug that was parked outside a store.

“That's Sue's car.” Edith smiled.

Tennana shrugged “My daddy bought me a Corvette for my eighteenth birthday. I also have a Mustang.”

“Wow.” Lilly Ann mouthed.

Edith just rolled her eyes.

“Wow!” Rose laughed slightly “You must have some dad!”

“Oh he gives me everything.” Tennana smiled in the attention “Anything I want I get.”

Logan whistled quietly through his teeth.

“I had my Mustang since I was four. I just couldn't drive it til I was fifteen.” Tennana continued, flipping her hair dramatically “Impressive, right?”

“Very.” Mary agreed.

Just then a smirk crossed Tennana's face and she turned to face Lilly Ann “Yeah, I've owned a car probably as long as you've been wearing glasses.”

Lilly Ann's eyebrows lurched “I picked that up myself, thank you.”

“I bet your jealous that I don't have to wear glasses.”

“What?” Lilly Ann frowned “No.”

“You're just saying that.” Tennana said with a flip of her hair.

“No, I'm not.” she smiled slightly “I don't mind wearing glasses.” then she walked past the Indian girl “And I also don't mind that I don't feel I have to keep reminding people that I'm better than them.”

Edith clamped her hand over her mouth in attempt to cover the laugh that threatened to spill out. Hannah and Sadie were doing the same. Sue was smiling while biting her lower lip.

Mary and Rose were staring at their sister horror.

The three boys were just watching.

Tennana grabbed Lilly Ann's shoulder and spun her around “What do you think you're doing?”

“Walking.” Lilly Ann answered as she turned back around.

Logan cringed slightly. He saw that aggravated look come over Lilly Ann's face. She was on the verge of exploding.

Tennana scoffed “You think you're something, don't you?”

Lilly Ann looked over her shoulder and smiled “No. I am who I am and I'm happy with that.”

“So!” Edith spoke up “About shopping!”

“Yes!” the others echoed.

Logan jogged to catch up with Lilly Ann “Cool and calm?”

She chuckled “Barely.”

“Have you ever won any prizes for anything?” Rose asked no one in particular.

“Cattle roping.” Sadie answered.

“Horse jumping and dressage.” Hannah added.

Sue just shrugged.

Edith smiled “Sue's a champion jam maker. Oooh, it is soo good!”

“Well, I've won tons of awards.” Tennana spoke up “For everything imaginable.”

“That's true.” Hannah mumbled.

“Just recently I won the black belt karate championship for the seventh year in a row.” Tennana continued “I'm an unbeatable champion.”

“What does your father do?” Rose asked.

“He's a very wealthy business man,”

“What kind of business?” Lilly Ann asked.

“Does it matter?” Tennana snapped.

“I was just asking.” Lilly Ann rolled her eyes and sent Logan a 'what is with this girl?' look.

He just grinned and shrugged.

One thing she'd never gotten about Logan. He always seemed to find it funny when she got mad. But what she didn't know was that he found her incredibly cute when she was angry.

“Hey,” Logan said as he turned and started walking backwards “What do you girls know about the Shadow Rider?”

Sue ducked her head more, Edith shivered, Tennana frowned, Hannah and Sadie shook their heads.

“He's...” Hannah seemed to weigh her words for a moment “Scary. To say the least.”

Sue nodded and added in just above a whisper “He's a ghost.”

That made Lilly Ann's eyebrows lurch “A ghost?”

“That's what some people think.” Edith said “Because he just... disappears.”

“Some people think he's the headless horseman's brother.” Sadie laughed “But I think that's pushing it.”

“I'm scared of him.” Sue said quietly “My family has considered moving, you know, since the sheriff was killed.”

“Killed?” Lilly Ann and Logan echoed.

Then Lilly Ann looked at her cousin “I thought he'd just been shot.”

Edith shook her head “Shot and killed.”

Logan let out a low whistle “Good thing Callie gets here tomorrow.” he muttered under his breath.

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

The next morning, Lilly Ann slipped out of the house before anyone was awake, pulled Wind Dancer from her stall and, without bothering with tack or anything, rode her over to the Bennet house.

She slid off the horse's back several yards from the house and tied her to a tree out of sight. Then she unsnapped the 'buckle' on her belt and pulled it, a long panel of her skirt followed, kind of like a wraparound, one side blue jean the other side black, There was a long pair of culottes underneath that the panel was connected too. The she unzipped a hidden zipper on her shirt, which much like her skirt, it had an extra panel. One side pink the other black with a fold up collar and roll down sleeves. She reached into her pocket and pulled on her black, leather, fingerless gloves.

Then she pulled off her glasses, stuck them in a little pouch on her belt, grabbed her headband and pulled it down over her eyes, where it became her mask and her side bangs fell down over her left eye. The whole process took barely fifteen seconds. Then she headed for the house. Much to her relief the lights in the house was on and there appeared to be people moving around. She walked up the few steps to the door, knocked and waited.

A moment later, Mrs. Bennet pulled open the door. She instantly froze at the sight of the masked person standing on her porch.

Callie sent her a small wave “HI, Mrs. Bennet? I'm Callie Cameron. Is Logan here?”

“Ye-s.” The woman answered slowly and suspiciously “May I ask why?”

“You may.” Callie answered with a grin “He called me yesterday morning and asked me to come. May... I see him?”

“Mm-hm.” Mrs. Bennet nodded then reluctantly led the girl into the house.

Callie couldn't blame her for her reluctance. After her run in with Shadow Rider yesterday, she had to be on edge.

“Logan?” Mrs. Bennet said as they stepped into the dining room “This girl says you know her.”

Logan sat down his glass of orange juice, a bright smile crossing his face “Hey, Cal.” he said as he stood from his chair and walked over to give her a quick one sided hug

His parents and little sister smiled and waved at her.

“I thought you were on vacation.” She teased “And people are always accusing me of getting into trouble.”

He chuckled “Must be a disease.” then he gave her shoulders a slight squeeze “I caught it from you.”

Sadie raised an eyebrow as she looked between her cousin and the masked girl “Well...”

“Uncle Jake, Aunt Sara, Sadie” Logan said motioning to his family “This is Callie Cameron.”

Mrs. Bennet seemed to have eased some now that she knew her Nephew knew the strange girl.

“Howdy, girl.” Mr. Bennet boomed “What brings you here?”

Callie blinked then looked up at Logan and squinted at him “I thought you told them.”

He put on a quick smile, his face slightly reddening “I... forgot?” then he answered his uncle's question “I called her to try and figure out what's with the Shadow Rider.”

Jake Bennet gave a start “What!? That man is too dangerous for a young girl! How old are you?”

“Eighteen.” Callie answered calmly. She was way used to these objections.

“No.” Mr. Bennet shook his head “No no no.”

“Jake.” Mrs. Singer said “I've seen this girl in action. She may be the only thing standing between this town and bankruptcy,.. or worse.”

The man still objected “I can't ask a young girl to put her life on the line for this.”

“You're not asking me.” Callie said with a slight shake of her head “And I hate to say it but, I'm going to investigate whether you agree or not.” then she smiled “Believe me, I'm used to these kinds of people. I deal with them all the tame.”

“She does.” Logan and his parents said in unison.

“But it would make it a lot easier if you'd give me you help.” Callie added.

Mr. Bennet let out a looooong sigh “Alright, kid. I'll go along with it. But I don't have to be happy about it.”

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

“Well, I think that went well.” Logan said as they stepped out onto the porch.

Callie raised an eyebrow “Your Uncle is very oppinionated about what females can do, isn't he?”

“Well, he doesn't necessarily agree with all the ropin' and ridin' Sadie does.” He leaned against one of of the porch supports that was by the stairs.

Callie took a couple of steps down then turned and looked up at him with a slight smile “You gonna help with this one?”

Logan chuckled “What kind of question is that?” he smiled as he looked down at her “Thank for coming, Callie. It's a big relief to know you're here.”

She laughed slightly and shook her head “You act like I'm some kind of super hero.”

He walked down the steps til he was level with her and she turned to face him “Most of the world thinks you're some kind of super hero.” he responded “I just agree.” then he gently reached out and tipped her chin up ever so slightly.

Just then, Callie caught some movement from the corner of her eye and her head snapped in that direction.

Standing just behind the tree line was that dark figure from yesterday, and he was holding his long dagger in his hand.

Callie's eyes widened then she whipped around and gave Logan's shoulder a hard shove. Knocked off balance they both went tumbling down the brick stairs as the dagger flew over their heads.

(yes, I love a little bit of romance. I can't help it! I hope I'm managing to keep this story interesting. Laterz!)

4: Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Callie scrambled to her feet, pulling Logan up with her. Then they took off after the person, who had a good ten yards head start.

They'd managed to close the span down to two yards when Logan was suddenly tackled to the ground from behind.

Callie skid to a stop and spun around to see Logan wrestling another black figure.

“Go ahead!” he called to her “I got it!”

She nodded then turned and shot after the first figure who now had that ten yard lead back.

A few minutes later she'd closed the distance between them then. Just then, the man spun around, a large .45 revolver in his hand.

Callie, once again, skid to a stop.

“That's right, Callie Cameron.” the man sneered “Not a move.”

She raised an eyebrow “How is it people always know me before I know them?”

Logan stepped up beside her and sent her a quick half smile “I guess you found out they have guns, huh?”

She let out a fake laugh “Don't they always?”

“Shut up!” The man in front of them snapped. He stood a good six foot seven with a muscular build. His voice was a deep growl.

Then he was joined by three more figures. One was built the same as the first, just two inches shorter.

The other two were leaner, one right around six foot and the other... Callie's eyebrows lurched... was a girl.

All their faces were hidden behind ski masks, except for the tallest one. His mask looked like something Darth Vader related.

She frowned “May I take a guess? The Shadow Rider.”

The tallest man laughed then bowed “I see my reputation precedes me.”

“Don't worry about it.” Callie responded with a smirk “You get used to it.”

“You're a sarcastic girl, aren't you?”

“That's what they tell me.” she crossed her arms “You're doing good. You've got this whole town convinced you're a ghost.”

Logan noticed Callie's fingers twitching beneath her arm as she started signing to him:

There's a large rock by your foot. Try to discretely kick it to me.

“And what makes you so sure I'm not a ghost?” the man returned.

“Because, you can't tackle ghosts.” Callie shrugged “And from what I heard, you got tackled the other day.” she felt the rock bump into the side of her boot.

“This is a warning, Callie Cameron.” The second man said “Mind your own business.”

“Sorry.” Callie flipped the rock up onto her boot “I'm just a naturally nosy person.” then she kicked the rock into the air, and in one split moment, she grabbed it and sent it hurling at the Shadow Rider “Duck!”

She and Logan dropped to the ground as the rock smashed into the man's gun hand, then a loud shot burst through the air.

Caught off guard, the other three froze.

“Come on!” Callie yanked Logan to his feet and they took off running.

“Watch your back, Callie Cameron!” the Shadow Rider called after them “I'll be watching you.”

She glanced over her shoulder “So that's the Shadow Rider.” she mumbled “Charming character.”

“I hadn't gotten a good look at him before.” Logan said as they slowed to a walk “I talked to Sadie a bit more last night.” he pushed his hair off his forehead “A lot of families have already moved because of him. They're just scared.”

She nodded slightly “Sounds like he's trying to clear the area...” her voice drifted off in thought.

Logan glanced at her, a slight smile coming to his face “I know that look. What's going through your head?”

She swiped her bangs out of her face “This little portion of the country side has... how many residence?”

He thought for a moment “About three hundred.”

“And how many families have already left?”

“According to uncle Jake, about half.”

Callie nodded slowly “The interstate drives right past here. I mean...” she dropped off before mentioning that her father had driven past the small road that suddenly branched off three times  before finally catching it “If they managed to get everyone to leave, it wouldn't take much to cover up the road.”

“No one would even know this little place existed unless they spotted it on the map and found the back road.” Logan finished “It would almost be the perfect hideaway.”

Callie frowned “Exactly.” then she groaned “Didn't we just shut down a smuggler? What, two days ago?”

Logan chuckled “You did. I had to leave early.”

“But you played your part.” she slightly nudged him with her shoulder then shook her head “If there's another smuggling ring here, I can't help but wonder...”

“If they're all connected?”

“Mm-hm.” she subconsciously played with the end of her braid “In the past few months we've caught members from the same smuggling ring but couldn't find the mastermind.” she looked over at him “The first was in Paris and the second was at home.” she let out a huff of air “Ironic.”

“We'll figure it out.” Logan said with a smile then quickly became serious again “One more thing, Sadie said that recently the attacks of the Shadow Rider had been aimed mainly at the Martins for some reason.”

“The Martins?” her eyebrow lurched.

“They've been taking the biggest brunt of the incidents,” he looked up at the sky “Sadie's worried about her friend while her friend's worried about her family. Especially since her cousin is here.”

Callie fell quiet for a long moment “Is your cousin as opinionated as she sounds?”

“Yep.”

“Does she have any suspects?”

“Yep.”

“Who?”

Logan chuckled “There's a large horse ranch about a three miles from here. It's owned by a man named Trevor Simmons. His father used to own this whole area, but he sold off bits and pieces of it til all he had left was a 'small' hundred fifty acre lot.”

“Small?” Callie laughed.

“Yeah. But Sadie said he's always tried to buy back the land, whether legal or not, he's bent on getting it.” he looked at her from the corner of his eye “He breeds Fresians.”

She stopped short “That's the kind of horse the Rider's accomplice was riding.” then she nodded “It's worth checking out.”

When she started to walk away, Logan stopped her “Hey. How did you know that the accomplice was riding a Fresian?”

She froze dead in her tracks and cringed. That had been Lilly Ann who had been there, not Callie! “I talked to the Martins before I went over to your place.” she answered.

“Oh.” he nodded slightly “Which one did you talk to?”

“Lilly Ann.” Callie shook her head slightly at how ironic this all was sounding “She tends to give straight answers.”

Logan chuckled “That's for sure.”

She looked down at her watch “I'd better run.” then she smiled “I'll call you later.”

“Alright. He nodded and glanced around “Do you want me to check out Simmons for you?”

“If you don't mind.” Callie said “You should probably take someone to 'introduce' you to him. You know the routine of what to find out.”

“I should by now.” He sent her a wide smile “See you tomorrow?”

She let out a deep breath that sent her bangs flying up “We'll see. I don't know how things will go tomorrow.” then she thought “Considering I have no idea what Edith has planned.”

(I hope this story is interesting. My other Callie's that I've attempted have been... well never mind. To my Fictionpressers, thanks for the reviews! To my Sparkataler, Thanks for the comments! Please feel free to offer me any advice! The world knows I need it!

Thanks again Everybodiez! Laterz!)

 

5: Chapter 5

"There you are!" Edith exclaimed as Lilly Ann rode back into the yard "Where have you been?"

"Oh, I thought I'd go for a little ride before everyone got up." Lilly Ann answered "Lost track of time."

"Well, I hope you won't mind more riding." Edith grinned "Because I called the girls and we're going on a nice riding trip up the mountain to a waterfall!"

"Sounds like fun."

"Almost." Edith let out a long huff "Dad wants a boy to come for 'safety' reasons." she rolled her eyes "You'd think six girls was enough, but anyway, I thought I'd let you pick the boy." then she lowered her voice and added with a mischievous grin "Your brothers are all praying they're not the culprit. Except for Zak, but my dad said he didn't count."

"As tempting as it is to force Ray onto a horse" Lilly Ann laughed "I'm going to have to choose Logan Singer."

"I'll call Sadie and see if he's up to it." Edith nodded.
"He'll be up to it."

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

"This is what you call a perfect day for a ride!" Hannah sighed as she slipped into her saddle "I think the weather is perfect!"

"It is at that." Sadie agreed "And I managed to talk my cousin into going."

Logan raised a teasing eyebrow "If I recall you asked and I said sure. No persuasion needed."

Hannah leaned over to Sue and whispered "I don't mind him coming along. He's cute!" and Sue giggled.

Lilly Ann forced herself to keep from tensing. It was just a common factor for girls to find Logan good looking. Because he was...extremely. Not that she had noticed... much.

"Well let's go!" Edith said as she mounted her horse.

"Be careful!" Uncle Hank called after them "And be back before dark!"

"We will Dad!" She waved back at him "Bye!"

"Where to?" Logan asked.

"West." Sadie answered "We're taking you on the best riding trip of your life!"

"And don't worry about getting lost." Tennana added "Because I know this area better than anyone."

Edith sighed and whispered "Unfortunately that's probably true."

"I've won awards for all sorts of wilderness treks." the Indian girl continued "I'll have to show you my trophy case sometime."

"Wonderful." Lilly Ann mumbled.

The small group rode back into the woods, following a small path.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves above their heads, dotting the ground with white spots. Several patches of multi-colored flowers were along trail. Bird in the treetops sang happily, just giving the whole area a picturesque look and feel.

About twenty minutes into the ride Lilly Ann's attention was drawn to her horse who's ears were perked and she was looking around. Then Lilly Ann noticed, so were the other horses. She pulled Wind Dancer to a stop and peered into the tense trees surrounding them. There was nothing there. But what did strike her as odd was that there weren't any noises either. The birds had suddenly stopped singing "Then again," she told herself "It could be because of us." then she noticed Logan had pulled to a stop and was watching her curiously. She sent him a slight smile then kicked her horse back into motion.

"What's up?" he asked as she reached him.

"Nothing." she answered, sneaking a glance back into the woods "I just thought Wind Dancer saw something."

"Are you sure she didn't?"

"Not exactly." she looked down at the horse who's ears were back to normal and was just walking leisurely "Must have been a deer or something." but there was an unsettled feeling in the pit of her stomach, and somehow Logan knew. She could tell by that look on his face, but he didn't say anything.

"So, Logan." Hannah called over her shoulder "What do you do on your free time?"

Logan chuckled "Free time? I'm afraid that word is no longer in my dictionary."

"Why's that?"

"Well, when you start hanging with a girl like Callie Cameron there's not much 'free time'."

"Speaking of that Cameron girl." Sadie said "I think she's kinda strange. What's with the mask?"

"It's just to keep her identity safe." Logan responded.

"So Callie Cameron isn't her real name?" Hannah asked curiously.

Lilly Ann tensed. How on earth did the conversation shift that way?

"No one knows for sure." was the shrugged, casual reply "But I seriously doubt it."

"Sounds like a boring life." Tennana responded "Running around keeping your face in the shadows. Also sounds like she's hiding something."

Lilly Ann shook her head and kept herself from responding then right at that moment she heard a loud crack behind her. She and Logan both stopped and looked back. The others didn't seem to notice and kept right on going.

Lilly Ann scanned the surrounding woods intently "That was too loud and heavy to be an animal." she thought "Unless it was a bear. But it sounded like a foot." then her attention was drawn to a large bush that was about ten yards away. She squinted into the shady darkness until something shiny flashed back at her. She turned back around "Come on, Logan." she said casually "We're being left behind."
"Yeah." Logan said slowly. They rode a few yards in silence before he whispered loud enough so only she could hear "What's up?"

"We're being followed." she answered just as quiet "It's the Shadow Rider again."

He frowned "I wonder why he's following us."

"I don't know. But I don't like it." she stared straight up the path "We'd better catch up with the others, just in case."

Logan nodded slightly with a smile "Safety in numbers."

She looked over at him and raised an eyebrow "You're not the one I'm worried about." then she kicked her horse into a canter to catch up with the other girls.

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

"And here we are!" Edith announced as they rode into a large clearing "And I believe the two hour ride was worth it!"

Lilly Ann laughed "I have to agree!"

If she'd thought the trail was picturesque, she was definitely thinking it about this place. The clearing was large, almost as if it had been cleared on purpose, lush green grass covered the whole area. Then a large rock wall rose up on one side, a gushing waterfall spraying from the top to a small pond below which ran into a small river that disappeared into the trees.

"This is where I'm getting married." Hannah announced as she slid from her saddle.

Lilly Ann shook her head and quickly dismounted, slightly relieved to be standing again. She scanned the area. There didn't appear to be any other signs of the Shadow Rider.

"I brought the picnic." Sadie announced "And I'm starved!"

"Agreed." Logan said as he grabbed the basket from his cousin's saddle.

After a hearty lunch, Logan went to go check on the horses while Sadie, Sue, Hannah and Tennana walked over to the pond.

Lilly Ann watched the four girls for a moment then looked over at her cousin "You know, it's kinda funny. I... never expected you to be friends with a girl like Tennana."

Edith raised an eyebrow "What do you mean?"

"I don't know." Lilly Ann shrugged "She just doesn't seem like your type of friend."

Edith chuckled "Boy, you've gotten honest, haven't you?"

"I've always been outspoken and you know it." Lilly Ann pushed her cousin's shoulder slightly and smiled "So tell me what's with Tennana."

"Well, it's like this..." Edith took a deep breath "Tennana's not so much our friend as we are hers." she shrugged slightly "If we weren't her friends she wouldn't have any." she pushed her hair over her shoulder "Her mother died when she was seven and her older brother, Tasio was ten. Their father always gave them everything they ever wanted to try and replace the voice that was left bu their mother but... well it's all they've ever known so I guess it worked. I don't know. I can't imagine having things to replace a family member."

"Tell me about it." Lilly Ann agreed "Seems sad."

A few seconds of silence passed before Edith put on a mischievous smile "Now, Lil. You tell me about your friends."

"I don't really..."

"More specifically, that one." She pointed over to where Logan was petting the horses.

Lilly Ann felt her face flushing "I... don't know what you mean. He's my brothers' friend."

"Mm-hm." Edith still had that look "And that's all?"

"Y-es."

"Okay. If you insist."

Lilly Ann shook her head "You're as bad as my brothers."

The next couple hours were filled with chatting and skipping stones and just enjoying the day, til Sadie announced they'd better head back.

"We don't want to be up here after dark." she said "Not that it wouldn't be fun, but getting in trouble with Dad ain't worth it."

They quickly packed up their things and headed back down the mountain. Tennana was in the lead on the trek back down. About halfway down, Lilly Ann frowned "Are we heading the right way?"

"Of course." Tennana called back haughtily "This is just a shortcut."

Edith and Sadie exchanged a look but said nothing.

A few minutes later they were riding beside a cliff that led down into a large ravine that ended in a small river.

Lilly Ann shifted uneasily in her saddle. Something wasn't right, she could feel it. But as she scanned the trees to her right she saw nothing that would give reason for concern. The ground they were riding over was obviously very sturdy. So why couldn't she get that uneasy feeling to go away.

"What's wrong?" Logan asked, turning to look at her.

She glanced at him "Nothing. I think." then she shook her head "Do you get the feeling that something isn't..." she was cut off as a large *BANG* suddenly echoed through the air and the very next instant Wind Dancer let out a terrified scream and quickly rose up onto her hind legs.

Lilly Ann's breath caught in her throat as the next instant the saddle straps beneath the horse's belly snapped, and before anyone could say or do anything, Lilly Ann went flying over the edge of the cliff!

(Thanks for your comments and suggestions Genevieve Middleton! I REALLY appreciate it! Hopefully I'll have time to read some stories around here soon. But currently we have no internet at home and we're at the library or McDonalds very few minutes :( THanks again! LAterz!)

6: Chapter 6

Chapter 6

“No!” Logan basically fell out of his saddle as he made a grab for the falling girl, only to miss and have his shoulder slam into the hard ground.

“Lilly Ann!” Edith cried as she leapt from her horse and ran over to the edge “Are you alright?”

About twenty feet down on a small ledge, Lilly Ann groaned as she rolled to her knees “I think so.” she called up to the others “Just got the wind knocked out of me.”

“Where's the rope?” Sadie asked quickly. When no one answered she groaned “Nobody brought rope!?”

“Well you didn't either!” Hannah retorted.

“Last thing we need.” Lilly Ann mumbled “A friend fight.”

“You're too far down to reach.” Logan said needlessly, then he added “Think you can climb up?”

Lilly Ann looked at the number of gaps and protruding rocks in the stony wall “I can try.” she started to stand but stopped as the ledge beneath her shifted. That was not good. A large crack was starting to make its way across the small area. She glanced up at the others. There was no need to say anything, it'd just make them worry more. But as she looked at Logan, his eyebrows came together “How does he always know?” she wondered, but she quickly shook off the thought. She had other things to worry about right now. She slowly finished raising to her feet, cringing as the small plane beneath her feet shifted. She scanned the rock wall for a moment, her mind calculating the best way to go when her attention was drawn to a figure standing standing about thirty feet from the others. They couldn't see him for the trees that separated them, but she could see him perfectly. Her eyebrows furrowed “Shadow Rider.” she breathed.

“Lilly Ann!” Logan's voice suddenly cut into her thoughts “You don't have much time!”

Her gaze flew to her feet then to a very large root that was about six feet above her head “Oh come on Cal.” she said to herself “You make jumps like this all the time.” She took a slight step back before launching herself straight into the air just as the platform beneath her crumbled and went crashing down the mountain. Her right hand caught the root and she glanced down “Whoa.” she shook her head then grabbed then root with her other hand and pulled herself up so she was kneeling on the root.

Sadie raised an eyebrow “She's got good balance.”

Logan leaned over the side of the cliff and stretched his hand towards her “Think you can manage?”

She looked up and saw a slightly teasing glint in his blue eyes “Watch me not.” she heard him chuckle as she carefully pulled her feet up beneath her. Surprisingly, the root was holding strong. She closed her eyes for a second, then summoning all of her strength she once again leapt straight up. Instantly Logan's hand wrapped around her wrist, then she was, once again, suspended in air.

“You got her?” Edith asked.

“Yep.” Logan answered as he started to pull her up towards the edge. A moment later her free hand was able to grab onto the ledge then she pulled herself the rest of the way up.

“Are you...” Edith started, but Lilly Ann was already on her feet and running down the trail “Where are you going?” she called “What..;” she looked over at her friends “How is she even walking?”

Logan shook his head, took a deep breath, then shot after the other girl.

Lilly Ann skid to a stop about the area the Shadow Rider had been standing and looked around “Where'd ya go?”

“What's up?” Logan asked as he reached her.

“The Shadow...” she paused as she heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps crashing through the woods. Without another word she took off after them.

Logan sighed “Always with the running.” then he followed.

Lilly Ann cut through the trees almost noiselessly til the trees and underbrush opened up into a clearing. Standing in the middle was the Shadow Rider, sitting atop his Fresian Stallion.

Lilly Ann slowed to a walk.

The man chuckled deeply “Did 'ems have a nice fall?”

Lilly Ann frowned “Did 'ems enjoy watching?”

Rider laughed loudly “Incredibly.” he turned his horse around “Tell your family to watch out. They'll be hearing from me.”

Lilly Ann's hands curled into tight fists at her side “What did my family ever do to you?”

He looked back at her and she could only imagine the smirk on his face “Absolutely nothing.” then he kicked his horse's sides and rode off.

She shook her head. There was no use going after him, she'd never catch up.

Logan ran up beside her “Hey. How about taking a breath.”

She looked over at him and smiled “Sorry. Guess who was observing the little mountainside episode.”

“Well, considering you said 'Shadow...' just before you ran off. I'm going to take a wild guess and say the Shadow Rider.”

She chuckled “A plus for Logan Singer.”

“Hey.” Edith called as she and the others rode into the clearing “What's up?”

Lilly Ann shrugged “Nothing much.” then she walked over to Wind Dancer to make sure she was okay.

“I cannot believe you just jumped up and took off running after that fall.” Tennana said with a shake of her head.

Lilly Ann didn't answer “Well, Wind Dancer's okay. It looks like the bullet just grazed her flank.” she smiled “Didn't really even leave a mark, thankfully.” then she frowned “Hey... where's my saddle?”

“Right here.” Hannah answered, pointing to the object sitting behind her.

Lilly Ann walked over to her and grabbed the piece of tack off then turned it over “Mm-hm.”

Logan raised an eyebrow “Let me guess...”

“The strap was cut.” Lilly Ann answered.

“Yep.” he pushed his hair off his forehead “That was my guess.”

“Who would cut it?” Sadie asked “Are you sure it didn't just snap?”

“Mm-hm.” Lilly Ann held up the two ends “It's clean cut about halfway through. The other half couldn't take the weight when Wind Dancer reared up.” she put the saddle back behind Hannah then walked over to her own horse and hoisted herself up onto it's back “We'd better get home before anymore accidents happen.”

“Have you ever ridden bareback before?” Edith asked.

“Nope.”

“Are you sure you can do it?”

“Well” Lilly Ann patted Dancer's neck “There's only one way to find out.”

Logan watched her carefully “Are you sure you're okay?”

“I'm fine.” she answered then added in her brain “Just very... very angry.”

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

“How was the ride?” Mrs. Martin asked as the girls walked into the kitchen.

Lilly Ann smiled “Invigorating.”

“Well,” Uncle Hank said “Starting tomorrow... dramatic drumroll... We continue moving!” then he added in an army sergeant voice “Fun time is over, kids. Time to work!”

Edith laughed “Dad, you are crazy.”

“Why thank you.” Uncle Hank said with a dramatic bow.

Lilly Ann shook her head “They are definitely brothers.” then she walked to the living room “Hi Dad.”

“Hello.” Mr. Martin greeting “Enjoy the ride?”

“Mm-hm.” she nodded “It was fun.” she saw Edith staring at her curiously from the corner of her eye “I'm going go upstairs, okay?”

“Alright. We'll call you when dinner's done.”

“Thanks.” then she quickly ran up to Edith's room and plopped down on the bed. A few second later Edith stepped in.

“I can't wait til we're completely moved in here.” she said with a small smile.

“Hm.” Lilly Ann mumbled, her arm slung over her eyes.

A few seconds passed silently before Edith sat down on the edge of the bed “Lil?”

“Hm?”

“Aren't you going to tell your parents what happened?”

Lilly Ann let out a long sigh “I knew this was coming.” she pushed herself into a sitting position “No, E-D, I'm not.”

“Why not?” Edith asked shocked.

“They'd only worry.” Lilly Ann answered “Your parents have enough to worry about without having to wonder if I'm going to go flying over the edge of a cliff every day.”

“Then why don't you tell yours?”

Lilly Ann shook her head “It's hard to explain, Edith. But if I told them... they wouldn't let me out of their sight for a month and I... I can't be guarded.” she shrugged slightly “It would drive me insane for someone to be staring over my shoulder every second. Got it?”

Edith nodded slowly “I guess so. But it would eat me alive not telling my parents! And it's going to!“

“Believe me, I know.” Lilly Ann chuckled “I hate keeping secrets from them but... sometimes it's for the best.” then she smiled brightly “We've got a big day tomorrow. We'd better eat dinner then crash.”

“Agreed.” Edith smiled.

7: Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

The next morning Edith's friends showed up, along with their families to help load up the u-haul.

"I didn't think there was that much stuff left." Mr. Martin commented.

Uncle Hank laughed "There's still the barn... and the shed." he lowered his voice "Julia has been buying stuff for the new house since before we knew we were moving. You know how women are."

"Don't I know it!"

"Hello." Logan said as he stepped up to Lilly Ann "How's it going?"

She shrugged "I'm just waiting for orders."

Edith tapped her cousin's shoulder "There's Tennana."

Logan let out a low whistle as a sleek purple Corvette pulled into the yard. Tennana stepped out from the front. A boy that appeared to be a little older than her stepped out of the back while from the passenger side a man appeared.

Lilly Ann felt herself stiffen involuntarily and Logan took a small step closer to her.

"The younger one is Tasio, her older brother." Edith explained "And the man is her uncle, Bruce Jakspear."

Bruse Jakspear appeared to be only half Cherokee and stood a muscular six foot seven. His eyes were black as night, hard and cold.

Lilly Ann glanced up at Logan who raised an eyebrow. That man was borderline of scary. And that's coming from a girl who's been picking fights with national criminals for the past three years.

"Alright everyone!" Uncle Hank shouted "Thanks for coming. We are going to be out of this house... tomorrow!"

Everything was quiet before his brother spoke up "What about today?"

"Nah. Tomorrow." Uncle Hank laughed "We're going to load that thing up probably... three times." then he laughed again "I'm kidding. I got the bigger one so one trip. But it's probably going to take the better part of the morning to fill it up. So the rest of the furniture first and the boxes last. Let's go!"

For the next several hours everyone bustled around carrying furniture and boxes out to the truck. Well, almost everybody, Tennana pretty much just stood there and 'supervised and as it turned out there was a lot of stuff. Almost all the furniture in the new house was going to be replaced. Lilly Ann didn't know and she didn't ask why the new furniture wasn't put in there in the first place.

Uncle Hank groaned as he sat down his end of a large box of books "You know, maybe I'll transfer to a digital library." he looked at the box. It was 2 feet long a little over a foot wide and close to two feet tall.

Mr. Martin nodded in agreement as he stretched around "What's in there?"

"All my dictionaries and Encyclopedias."

"Ugh!"

Luke and Ray appeared in the room with another box of books and dropped it on the ground with a *thud*.

"That thing is HEAVY!" Ray huffed then he looked back at Logan "What's in that box?"

Logan grinned "Curtains."

Luke shook his head "You grabbed curtains while the rest of us grabbed back-breaking books!?"

Uncle Hank chuckled "I agree with my nephew that you should have grabbed an end. These things are insanely heavy."

Just then Lilly Ann and Edith walked into the room talking to each other about the horses. Edith took the curtains from Logan and Lilly Ann bent down and picked up one of the boxes of books. She raised a slight eyebrow, semi consciously noticing the weight then turned and followed her cousin back from the house.

Uncle Hank stared after them dumbfounded "James, what does your daughter do? She just took that box like it was nothing! Does she lift weights?"
"I doubt it." Logan answered and he picked up the second box of books and followed the girls out.

Ray's mouth dropped open "Can you believe that?" Luke was about to respond but was cut off as Ray suddenly blurted "He made you and me carry that thing when we could have carried it on his own!?"

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

"You are going to have to see a rodeo some time." Edith said as she tossed the box of curtains up into the u-haul. The floor of the truck came to about their shoulders. The lift didn't work so everyone was having to climb in and out to arrange stuff.

"I'd love to see one sometime." Lilly Ann responded as she tossed her box up after Edith's \. Then she grabbed the ledge of the truck and hoisted herself up "Here. Give me your hands."

Edith obeyed and was quickly lifted into the truck "Alright, let's see whats in these boxes."
"One more." Logan announced, handing his large box of books up to them.

"Thank you." Lilly Ann took it and turned to face Edith "Where to?"

"Um..." Edith lifted the lid and her eyebrows instantly shot up "These are Dad's office books. How on earth are you carrying them? They have to be at least ninety pounds."

Lilly Ann forced herself not to cringe. She hadn't really noticed the weight because, well... she's used to fighting, wrestling and throwing around 350 pound criminals! "I... guess I was having so much fun talking to you I didn't even notice."

Edith frowned and was about to respond when her mother called out to them "It's time for lunch!"

"Oh good, I am starving!" Edith jumped down from the truck and ran inside.

Logan looked up at Lilly Ann who was still standing in the truck "Are you coming?"
"I'll be there in a minute." Lilly Ann answered with a smile.

"Alright."

As soon as Logan was gone Lilly Ann pressed the button on the side of her headband and waited for Carol to answer.

"What's up, Lil?" Carol asked a moment later.

"Carol, I need you to come out here... Quick!" Lilly Ann sighed as she leaned back against one of the u-haul walls.

"Why?" Carol asked slowly.

Lilly Ann glanced around to make sure there were no listening ears before answering "I need a Callie double. I think Edith's starting to get suspicious."

Carol sighed "Really?"

"Please Carol. We've done it before." Lilly Ann began twisting the end of her braid "I just need you to pretend to be Callie once so that we can be in the same place to throw off suspicion."

"Are you sure she's starting to wonder?"

"Carol, I just threw a ninety pound box into a truck! She's wondering!" Lilly Ann rubbed her forehead "My natural reflexes are going to be the death of me if you don't get out here! Fast!"

"I thought you were able to curb those."

"Except I'm am being kept on the edge because this guy is making direct attacks at my family. You know what happens when that happens."

"Alright, alright." Carol finally agreed "I'll be there tomorrow."

"Thank you." Lilly Ann let out a sigh of relief.

"Yeah. Sure."

"Oh, before you come can you get me a scan on a man named Bruce Jakspear."
"Bruce Jakspear?" Carol repeated "A suspect."

"Well he hasn't done anything." Lilly Ann answered as she jumped to the ground "But he's... creepy. I know I've soon those black eyes somewhere."

"Got any make-easier-to-find info?"

"Yeah. He's six foot seven, half Cherokee Indian, black hair and eyes and judging by his size how deep his footprint is I'd say he weighs about two seventy-five."

"Alright, I'll see what I can find. See you tomorrow."

"Laterz." The Lilly Ann walked into the house and grabbed a ham sandwich from a large platter then went to sit on the living room floor beside Edith who was talking to her friends.

"We should be done today, maybe have to take some last minor stuff tomorrow" Edith was saying "then we'll have tons of time to just hang and relax."

Lilly Ann slowly ate her sandwich as she listened to her cousin talk to the other girls.

"Hey." Logan said as he dropped to the floor beside her "How's it going?"

She shrugged slightly "Just... listening to my cousin."

Logan glanced over at the group of girls then smiled "Hey, you should try to be the boy in the middle of that."

Lilly Ann chuckled "No one said you had to hang with the girls."

"Actually, Uncle Jake told me I'd better or spend my whole vacation sleeping in the barn and mucking out stalls."

She couldn't help it, she laughed "Why?"

"Because he doesn't want anything to happen to you girls without a boy being around." Logan shook his head "I tried to tell him that I think a bunch of girls can carry their own but... you heard his view on women accomplishments."

Lilly Ann chuckled "Wait til he meets Callie."

"He's going to be blown out of the water."

"Alright!" Uncle Hank shouted "Let's get back to work!"

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

The work was finished in enough time for everyone to head home and get dinner. The U-haul had been filled as well as the back of Uncle Hank's truck.

Most of the people had ridden their horses over so they just mounted up and left.

"Now..." Uncle Hank said, observing the U-haul "How to get this monster and my truck back home."

"I'll drive it for you." Logan offered.

Uncle Hank stared at him "You got your license?"

With a smile Logan pulled out his wallet and flipped it open "Yes, Sir."

"Alright, you be careful with that truck." Uncle Hank sent him a pointed look then crawled into the driver seat of the U-haul.

Edith and Lilly Ann ended up riding with Logan in the truck because everywhere else was full.

"You know the way to my house?" Hank called over the roar of the u-haul.

"Yes, Sir." Logan nodded.

"Alright!" then the u-haul pulled out and started down the road.

"Oh, hold on!" Edith said as she jumped out of the truck "I forgot something." she ran into the house and returned a few moments later waving a small purse "I do not want to lose this. Allowance."

"Ah-ha." Logan nodded then he shifted the truck into drive "Let's go."

A lively conversation struck up between the three as they got out onto the main road and headed towards the farm. About ten minutes later, Lilly Ann noticed that Logan had dropped out of the conversation and was being uncharacteristically quiet.

She watched him for a moment then noticed that he kept casting quick glances in the rear view mirror, his eyebrows were furrowed and jaw was set.

Lilly Ann looked up into the mirror and instantly saw what Logan had been watching. There was a black car following close behind.

"What's wrong?" Edith asked as she noticed that both her cousin and Logan had fallen silent.

"We're being followed." Logan answered, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.

"It's a 69 GTO convertible." Lilly Ann responded "That thing's got CI barrel engine."

"Are you sure it's following us?" Edith asked nervously, but the words had barely left her mouth before the truck was suddenly jolted forward as the GTO slammed into their bumper.

(Thank you Genevieve Middleton for your comments! I hope I've been able to catch myself on my errors :) Laterz!)

8: Chapter 8

Chapter 8

“What's he doing!?” Edith asked alarmed.

“Trying to run us off the road.” Lilly Ann answered.

They were all slammed forward as another hard hit came to the back.

Logan's grip on the steering wheel was so tight his knuckles were white “I... can't keep control of the truck.” he said through gritted teeth. Another hit and the truck swerved violently.

“Logan, let me drive.” Lilly Ann said quickly.

“Yeah.” he allowed her to grab the wheel then they switched seats.

Lilly Ann had just taken her spot when the GTO hit them again “I am really get sick of this!” she growled then she slammed her foot down on the gas pedal and the truck launched forward.

“Whoa!” Edith grabbed the armrest on her door.

Lilly Ann glanced at the rear view mirror “Oh, what do you know it's our little friend the Shadow Rider.”

When the car came in for a fourth hit he didn't hit them straight on as he had the past three times. This time he nipped the side of the truck's left tire, causing the vehicle to swerve around.

Lilly Ann lifted her foot from the gas and yanked the truck into reverse then hit the gas again the same instant the truck was facing the GTO. The truck lurched backwards so fast it caused Edith and Logan to almost his the dashboard.

“You wanna play, Shadow Rider?” Lilly Ann smirked “Let's play.” then she flicked the emergency brake up and immediately pushed it back down as the truck swerved into a semi circle. She knocked the truck into drive, yanked the steering wheel to the right to get the truck back going straight and floored the gas.

Apparently that little stunt had shocked their follower because he lagged behind several feet before attempting to catch up again.

The chase lasted for several minutes, cutting curbs and lawns and taking a number of sharp turns. Finally Lilly Ann saw a sign that made her smile: Bridge Out Ahead. Construction.

Logan stared at the sign then looked at the smile on Lilly Ann's face “Oh no.”

Lilly Ann glanced in the rear view mirror and her smile widened. Apparently the Shadow Rider hadn't seen the sign because he was still following close behind.

“Lil?” Edith stammered uncertainly as the broken bridge came into view “Lil!”

When they were about thirty feet from the edge Lilly Ann yanked up the emergency brake. The tires squealed and smoke flew from the pavement as the truck spun around. The GTO flew past barely missing the bumper, but as the truck finished it's 360 turn, it's left tire nipped the GTO's right rear tire and send it spinning across the bridge.

Lilly Ann brought the truck to a halt and leaning forward on the steering wheel watched as the GTO stopped, it's right side over the edge and the left still on the bridge. The Shadow Rider quickly jumped from the car and faced the truck. Lilly Ann could just imagine the incredulous expression on his face.

“Game over.” she stated firmly then she put the truck back into drive, turned it around and drove away.

There was a looooong moment of silence before Logan let out a deep breath “Whoa.”

“Yeah.” Edith slouched back into her seat “Am I alive?”

“I think so.” Lilly Ann chuckled “Although you do look like a ghost.”

“Where on earth did you learn how to drive!?” Edith burst out “The Circus?”

“No.” Lilly Ann answered.

“Then how on earth did you do all... that?” Edith was staring at her cousin wide eyed.

“Instinct.” Logan and Lilly Ann said in unison. They stared at each other for a second then laughed quietly.

“Here.” Lilly Ann pointing to the wheel “You'd better take this back.”

“Oh sure.” Logan said teasingly “Make me be the one to drive the dogged vehicle back.”

She grinned and shrugged “You're the only one with a license. If we should get a ticket, somehow, I want it to go on your record, not mine.”

“Oh aren't you sweet.”

“Incredibly.”

Edith looked out the window “Wow.” she mouthed.

A few moments later, Lilly Ann and Logan switched seats then the clan headed home. When they pulled into the driveway everyone else was waiting.

Uncle Hank stormed towards the truck “Where on earth have you... What did you do to my truck!?”

Edith jumped out of the vehicle “Dad.”

“What... happened?” Hank continued to stare at his truck. It was covered in dirt, the paint was scratched, the back bumper was smashed and the tread on the tires was stripped down to the thread.

Lilly Ann cringed “Oooh.”

Logan rubbed the back of his neck “We had some... problems.”

“What did you do?” Uncle Hank exclaimed “Try to steal an elephant?”

“Uncle Hank.” Lilly Ann spoke up quickly “It's not Logan's fault. The Shadow Rider tried to run us off the road.”

Everything fell into a stunned silence.

“I'm sorry about the car, Uncle Hank.” Lilly Ann added “But it was either destroy the tires or get run off the road.”

“I can pay for the repairs.” Logan said quickly.

“Oh no you're not.” Lilly Ann objected “You're not the one who destroyed the car.”

“He did tell me not to let anything happen to it.”

“Oh, so you're the one who called the Shadow Rider and said 'hey come wreck my friends' uncle's car' huh?” she crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.

Logan opened his mouth to retort but closed it again then he shook his head “There is absolutely no point in arguing with you.”

A mischievous smile crossed her face “Why? Because I'm always right?”

“No.” He answered with a grin “Because you're too stubborn to listen.”

“What!?” She laughed “I am not!”

“Still not arguing.” Logan simply said “Now I'd better get back home so I can get some dinner. See you later.” then he jogged off.

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

“So, where is this Cameron character?” Tennana asked the next morning as the group walked down the road.

“And by this 'Cameron Character' are you referring to me?” A voice asked behind them.

Everyone spun around and Lilly Ann chuckled “Speaking of which. This is... Callie Cameron.”

One thing they'd discovered early on was that Carol could, surprisingly, make herself look almost identical to Callie if she gave herself a long braid, bangs and the outfit.

Lilly Ann gave Carol a once over and instantly noticed that she was missing one thing... gloves.

“Callie,” she said, slightly rubbing her right hand “This is my cousin Edith and her friends.”

Carol watched her strangely for a moment then nodded as she caught on.

“You're Callie Cameron?” Tennana scoffed “What are you? Some kind of spy?”

“Well,” Carol said as she pulled a pair of fingerless gloves from her pocket and made a bit of a show at putting them on “Something like that.”

Lilly Ann had to force herself not to face-palm at Carol's dramatics and one glance as Logan told her that he wasn't sure what was up with her. He was staring at 'Callie' like she'd grown another head.

“Well it's... nice to meet you.” Edith smiled slightly.

“We're heading over to Trevor Simmons.” Tennana said “He's expecting you so why don't you come along?”

Carol raised an eyebrow “He is?” then she looked at Logan who pointed to Sadie “Sure. May as well.”

“Alright.” Sadie nodded “Let's go.”

“I think I'll sit this out.” Lilly Ann said “I'm going to head back, okay?”

“Alright.” Edith sent her a small wave “Don't get too bored.”

Lilly Ann laughed “No worries of that.” then she jogged down the road and disappeared around a bend.

Sue and Hannah also said that they had to go and left.

“I'll be right back.” Carol said a second later “I forgot something.” then she quickly ran the opposite way that Lilly Ann had gone.

A couple minutes later Callie rejoined them, adjusting her fingerless gloves “Well, let's go, shall we?” she snuck a glace at Logan from the corner of her eye and noticed that his confused expression had just doubled. She chuckled and patted his arm “Come on, Logan.”

He just shook his head and followed.

The trip to Trevor Simmons house turned out to be an enjoyable one. Edith and Sadie would ask Callie a question about her life as a crime fight and she'd just answer it honestly.

Tennana was the only on not enjoying herself. Callie guessed it was because for once she wasn't getting all the attention.

“Here we are.” Sadie announced several minutes later “This is the Simmons' place.”

Callie took in the whole scene quickly. There was a large log house surrounded by four large fenced in fields. In on field sat a large barn, a chicken house, a milking barn and a smokehouse.

Just then the front door of the house swung open and a man in his mid forties burst out. His hair was tousled and fringed with gray. His plaid flannel shirt and blue jean overalls could have used a major visit with an iron. But what caught Callie's attention almost immediately was the  .35 rifle he had tucked under his arm.

“What do ya want?” the man snapped.

“It's just us.” Sadie called out ot him “We're not cattle thieves.”

“What do ya want?” the man repeated then his eyebrows lowered “Oh. You're that Cameron kid, aint 'cha?”

Callie shrugged “ 'pears to be.”

“What 'cha want?” the man snapped.

Callie let out a deep breath “A look around. That's all.”

“What fer?”

“It's just a look-see Mr. Simmons.” she replied calmly.

“Fine. But don't touch anything.” with that he went back inside and slammed the door behind him.

Callie looked back at the others and smiled “Charming character.”

Logan chuckled “That's what you said about the Shadow Rider.”

Edith's eyes widened and she lowered her voice “Do you think Trevor's the Shadow Rider?”
“Nu-huh.” Callie shook her head “He's to short and built wrong.”

“And how would you know that?” Tennana challenged.

“I chase criminals for a living.” Callie responded “I've learned how to watch for body build comparisons.” she shook her head slightly and headed for the barn.

Logan jogged up beside her and whispered in a teasing voice “Down, girl.”

She huffed “Yeah, I'll try to remember that.” she was about to walk through the doors of the barn when she suddenly halted as voices wafted out the doors.

“I don't care what you have to do!” A deep voice growled “Just get rid of Cameron and finish off the Martins.”

(Alright. I'm trying to get back into the mystery now :) Laterz!)

 

9: CHapter 9

Chapter 9

Callie slowly peeked around the corner in just enough time to see a figure walking out the other end. She looked back at Logan and sent him a wry smile "Well, now we know who is welcomed here."

"I guess Simmons is connected to the Shadow Rider." Logan commented "That was him, wasn't it?"

"Mm-hm. But who was he talking to?" She stepped into the barn and looked down the aisle of Fresians "One of his companions or someone else?" then she mumbled something that Logan didn't understand.

He nudged her slightly "How about a repeat in English?"

"It was nothing important." she answered as she rubbed one of the horse's muzzles "I think I got everything I need to know for now... til later... after midnight." she sent him a knowing smile "In a couple of days. You in?"

"Definitely." he nodded towards the doorway "Ready to go?"

"Yep."

"Done already?" Edith asked shocked as they joined her "You work fast."

Callie shrugged "In and out. Works better for me most of the time."

"Except for when you get stuck in, right?" Logan teased.

She rolled her eyes and laughed slightly "Don't even get me started." She turned around and instantly jumped back as she almost ran headlong into a large figure. Her eyebrows lowered as she looked up into the face of Bruce Jakspear.

"So you're Callie Cameron." the man said "I've heard a lot about you."

She crossed her arms "Afraid I can't say the same, Mr. Jakspear."

His eyebrows lurched "And yet you know me."

"I make it my business to know." She said evenly, then she nodded towards the farmhouse "What's your business with Simmons?"

"Just dropping by." the man growled "Have a nice day, Cameron." with that he briskly walked away.

Callie's lips twisted as she just stared no where in particular, one eyebrow slightly raised and an unamused look on her face.

Logan leaned forward slightly to get a better look at her "Uh-oh. I know that look. You're up to something."

She turned her head to look at him "Oh you think so?"

"Definitely."

"Well, keep thinking." she sent a quick glance at Edith, Sadie and Tennana who were nearby then mouthed "Later."

He nodded then turned towards the driveway "Let's go."

"So..." Edith said slowly as she followed the other two from the yard "Did you... find any information?"

Callie barely glanced at the girl "Mm-hm."

"What?"

"Um... stuff."

"Stuff?" Edith ran a little to catch up "What kind of stuff?"

Callie sucked in a deep breath then chuckled "Just stuff. Stuff that may or may not possibly turn into something or nothing,"

"What?" Sadie said blankly.

Callie laughed "Exactly."

"Do you like fighting crime?" Edith asked.

"Define 'like'."

"As in... enjoy." Edith said quickly "Well, besides the fact that you have to face down guns and dangerous weapons."

"Actually that's her favorite part." Logan said with a grin "She's not happy unless her life is put into danger."

Callie grinned "More truth to that than I care to admit."

"So I take it you know how to fight." Tennana spoke for the first time.

Callie raised an eyebrow "If I didn't I'd be dead." she blew her bangs out of her face "Literally."

"I've been taking self defense since I was old enough to stand." Tennana said haughtily "I know it all. Karate. Judo. Martial arts. Champion black belt."

Callie rolled her eyes then she noticed Logan chuckling quietly "What?" she demanded in a whisper.

"Nothing." he answered.

"Hey, Cathy." Tennana called.

"It's Callie." the girl in question responded.

"Whatever." Tennana rolled her eyes "How good are you?"

"As good as I need to be,"

"Oh, you're embarrassed."

Callie let out a deeeep breath "Aggravated. Not embarrassed."

"Aggravated?" Tennana asked innocently "Why?"

Edith looked between her friend and the masked girl "Hey... guys!"

"Can't you guess?" Callie responded, tuning to face Tennana.

"How about a friendly dual, right here." Tennana motioned around the nearly empty street.

"No."

"Are you scared?"

"No." with that Callie turned back around and continued walking

"Tennana!" Edith said quickly "Callie just got here."

"Well, I just thought she might like to show her new friends what she can do." Tennana taunted.

"Tennana," Sadie said impatiently "You know you're the champion. You don't always have to prove yourself!"

"Well, maybe she should" Tennana snapped then she turned to face Callie who's back was to her. She smirked slightly and walked towards her.

Logan noticed Callie's head tilt ever so slightly to the side. Her dark blue eyes flashed.

"Hey," Tennana said "No one turns their back on me." then she grabbed Callie's shoulder.

Callie's hand shot back and grabbed Tennana's "I told you." she said through gritted teeth "I don't want to fight."

Logan slowly began to back away, motioning the others to follow suit.

Callie's free hand was balled into a tight fist.

"Release my hand." Tennana growled.

"Then drop the subject." Callie responded.

"I said let me go!" with that, Tennana swung her other hand around, Callie easily ducked out of the way.

Logan cringed "Uh-oh."

"Tennana come on!" Edith said aggravated "She doesn't want to fight!"

But the girl seemed deaf to her friends' plea.

Callie took a step back, her eyes were flashing uncontrollably, but her face was calm.

She couldn't hold herself back anymore, her temper had flared and she was ready to fight.

With a flying karate kick, Tennana lunged at her, but Callie leapt back at lightning speed

Tennana glared then went after her again.

"Tennana is really good." Logan said quietly.

"Almost too good." Sadie responded "There isn't a person I know who can beat her."

"Well, meet the first."

Callie grabbed Tennana's wrist as it came flying at her, then she dropped to the ground and kicked the other girl's feet out from beneath her,

"I'll get you..." Tennana huffed.

Callie smirked slightly "You already said that."

With a growl of fury, Tennana lunged at her again, kicking off several karate kicks.

Callie flew backwards into multiple backflips. When she came to a fence, her hands grabbed the top rung and she flipped up.

"Whoa..." the girls watching breathed.

Tennana was huffing and sweating. Callie's breathing was barely different.

"Are you done?" Callie asked.

"Never!" Tennana tried to grab the girl's legs, but Callie flipped over her head and in an instant had Tennana's arms pinned behind her back in such a way she couldn't move.

"I told you," Callie whispered "I didn't want to fight."

Tennana tried to yank free but she was stuck "Let me go!"

"The fight is over Tennana." Callie said firmly "Before someone gets hurt."

"Like who?" the other girl spat "You?"

"I'm not the one being held in a death grip." Callie responded. Then she enunciated "The fight is over."

"Fine." Tennana huffed and Callie released her. Then she went storming off.

Callie sighed and shook her head, then she glanced around "I'll be... right back." then she jumped over the fence and took off running.

"Where's she going?" Edith whispered.

"To blow off steam." Logan answered "You don't want to be in her way when she does that."

"Well," Sadie grinned "I officially love that girl! She beat Tennana!"

"All I can say is it's about time." Edith added "Come on. Let's go to the mall and find Tennana. Do you think Callie will be able to find us?"

"Oh yeah." Logan nodded "Not a problem. I'll just go... make sure she doesn't kill something." then he jogged off in the direction Callie had run.

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

Callie grabbed a large branch off of the ground and hurled it into a tree. The sound of splintering wood filled the air. Then she picked up a rock and threw it.

"Hey." Logan said as he ducked the flying rock "What's up?"

"I have never met a more..." Callie let out a long low growl "More annoying... exasperating..."

Logan smiled slightly "Conceited?"

"Yes! Person is all my life!" she picked up another rock and threw it somewhere in the distance.

Logan smiled and leaned against a nearby tree "I don't think she's ever met anyone who could beat her before." then his eyes got that mischievous spark "Although I don't think she's as mad as you are."

"I'm not mad." Callie responded "I'm aggravated."

"Then I'd hate to see you furious."

She stopped and looked back at him. She just stared at him for several long moments then she burst into laughter "Okay. I am calm." she shook her head then walked over to the tree he was at and leaned against it "How is it you're the only person who can calm me down?"

He grinned "Well, according to Callie, I've just got a natural flair with humor." then he put on a mock serious face "Oh. And I'm not overbearing."

She laughed softly "Then you should tell her that she's really lucky to have you as a sidekick, Logan."

"Not as lucky as I am to have her as a friend." he responded.

She looked up at him and smiled, which he returned and everything fell into a breathless silence. He scanned her face for a moment before his eyes locked with hers. Then ever so slowly, he leaned down closer. But just then, they both jerked back a long dagger imbedded it's self in the tree.

Callie gritted her teeth as she grabbed the handle of the dagger and yanked it from the tree "I am not in the mood for this right now!"

10: Chapter 10

Callie swiped her bangs out of her face in frustration as she and Logan walked down the street “Why do they always run?”

Logan chuckled “Because if they didn't there wouldn't be a need to chase them.”

After one of the Shadow's cohorts had thrown the dagger, they'd hightailed it out of there on horse back, which of course gave Callie and Logan no chance in catching them.

“I wonder what they want.” Callie said, mainly to herself “I don't think they're smugglers. They just... operate wrong.”

“Then what are they doing?” Logan asked glancing around to make sure they were alone.

Callie twisted the tip of her braid in thought “Honestly, they're acting like fugitives who are trying to lay low while keeping their illegal cash flow.”

“Well, why don't we try that angle?” He shrugged “But then again... who would we be looking for?”

Callie shrugged “Hang on.” she paged Carol then waited for her to answer. When she finally did Callie asked “Did you look up Jakspear for me?”

“Yep and I got nothing.” Carol answered “There's no Bruce Jakspears who have done anything worse than get a speeding ticket.”

“Okay, thanks.” Callie ended the call and shook her head “I could swear I've seen him somewhere! But a long time ago. It was a newspaper or something.”

“From what I hear, no one's had any trouble out of him.” Logan said “Sadie thinks he's he a good guy.”

Callie blew her bangs out of her face and turned to face him “Logam... everyone here is a suspect, you know that right? Including Sadie and her parents.”

Logan stared at her for a long moment before he nodded “Yeah, I know. It's standard procedure.”

She could tell he didn't like the thought, but she was glad he didn't put up a fight.

“Excuse me!” a voice suddenly called from somewhere “Are you Miss Cameron?”

Callie turned around to see an older man, probably in his mid seventies, standing in the doorway of a two story brick building

“I am.” she answered as she jogged over to him.

“Oh, good.” The man nodded “I'm Phil Clergy, owner of this small business and I was wondering if there's any way you could help me?”

Callie smiled and glanced at Logan “I can try.”

“Oh, good. Come with me.” Phil Clergy was just barely five-foot-six. He walked hunched over on a cane which made him even shorter “Alright, you see” the man started “I've been running this business for nearly forty year. All of the sudden funds have started to disappear. We don't make much here so it really shows when the money is gone.”

“Could it be a calculation error?” Logan asked.

“No no. I checked that.” The man said, then he waved at the receptionist “This is Lauren Aldalard. She's been here for a while too. Open the door please.”

The woman rolled her eyes and hit a button on her desk to open a set of sliding doors.

Callie quickly gave her a once over.

Lauren Aldalard appeared to be about forty-three with burnt red hair and dark brown eyes. Her face was completely free of any wrinkles or blemishes and she didn't have a hair out of place.

“I'm afraid miss Aldalard isn't very sociable.” Mr. Clergy whispered “She's not too happy because I won't give her a raise. But honestly, I can't afford it.”

“Mm-hm.” Callie nodded.

Logan glanced at her and smiled slightly “So what do you do here?”
“Oh, this is an accounting office.” the man answered just as they entered a large room.

There were several smaller cubicles filling the area. The sound of ringing phones echoed off the walls.

“How many employees do you have?” Callie asked, noting that most of the areas were empty.

“Well,” Mr. Clergy sighed “I used to have about a hundred, but since that Rider showed up, I'm down to nearly twenty-five, which is also making the income hard to get.”

“I can imagine.” Logan said quietly “So who handles the funds around here?”

Callie smiled “My question exactly.”

“Miss Aldalard is my secretary and accountant.” Phil Clergy shrugged “Please, I would appreciate it if you'd find out what you can before I lose my business. I've worked too hard for it to go under now.”

Callie sent him a reassuring smile “I'll do what I can, I promise.” she suddenly had the unnerving feeling that she was being watched. She looked around and spotted a man, obviously Cherokee, staring at her.

His face was set in a scowl and his glare could have penetrated a brick wall. Not to mention he looked slightly familiar.

When he realized he'd been spotted, he quickly got back to work.

“Who's that?” Callie asked Mr. Clergy, nodding at the man.

“That is Roden St. Montes.” the man answered.

“St. Montes?” Callie repeated “As in, Tennana and Tasio St. Montes.”

“Yes, those are his children.” Mr. Clergy clapped his hands together “Come. I will give you an official tour.”

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

“Good luck Miss Cameron.” Mr. Clergy said as he left her and Logan alone in an office.

Callie booted up a computer and began going through the files. After several minutes of silence she leaned back in the chair “What is St. Montes doing here?”

Logan shrugged “Working?”

“But why?” She swiveled back and forth in the chair “He owns his own business making computer parts.”

“Maybe he likes to have a side job.” Logan opened a drawer to a file cabinet and started going through it. A moment later he chuckled “Speak Callie, I can't read your mind.”

“Sometimes I doubt that.” she turned back to the computer and began signing out of everything.

“What are you doing?” Logan asked “I thought you wanted those files.”
“I do but...” her voice trailed off as she finished closing everything down then bringing it up again. It took her only a minute to get back in “Just as I thought. The security on this stuff stinks. Your cousin could break into these files from her cell phone!”

Logan frowned “Sadie doesn't know how to....” he stopped when she sent him a pointed glance “Oh...”

For several minutes they worked in silence.

“Nothing here.” Logan finally said, pushing the last drawer of the file cabinet closed.

“Well, the embezzled funds are directly transferred from the company's account into another one who's named to S.R Stranger. Very original. They take several hundred at a time.” she rolled up through a list of numbers that made absolutely no sense to Logan “Tehy started getting brave. First they were only taking a couple hundred a month. Now they're taking up to fifteen hundred a week.”

Logan leaned over the back of her chair “S.R Stranger? Could that be Shadow Rider?”

“It's possible.” she agreed “But he's been getting antiques from all over town. Why would he need this?”

“Ego?” Logan glanced at his watch “I'd better call my parents and tell them I won't be there for dinner.”

Callie cringed slightly “No, go ahead. I can cover it here.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.” she smiled up at him “See you tomorrow, okay?”

“You got it.” he patted her shoulder then turned to leave “See ya.” then he was gone.

Callie say still in her seat for a full three minutes before she popped out the little keypad in her watch and typed in Edith's cell number.

“Hello?” Edith answered a moment later.

“Hey, E-D. I might be late, so tell Aunt Julie not to hold dinner for me. And don't wait up.”

“Why?” Edith asked slowly “Where have you been, by the way?”

Callie turned to face the computer “I ran into Mr. Clergy. The guy's having a bad day so I thought I'd help him out.”

“Oh yeah.” Edith seemed to understand “He has those days. I'll pass on the word. See ya.” with that she hung up.

“That went easier than planned.” Callie mumbled then she returned to files on the bright screen.

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

Callie checked her watch as she stepped into the dimly barn behind the Martin House: 3:30 am.

“Cal, you have got to stop these crazy hours.” she shook her head and stifled a yawn. She was about to push her mask up when she suddenly heard a scraping sound behind her.

She spun around but was too late as something hard and metallic slammed into the side of her head.

(Alright, I trying to get this story rolling, I promise! Hope it's not leaving you folkz bored out there.

Laterz!)

 

11: Chapter 11

"Lilly Ann."

The voice was familiar but very far away.

"Hey, Lil. Come on, wake up."

The person was shaking her shoulders slightly.

"Look at me, Lilly Ann Martin."

She forced her eyes to open and very slowly Logan's concerned face swam into view and she groaned "What happened?"

"That's what I was going to ask." Logan responded "I came over to here and found you just laying here."

All of the sudden it all came back. Working late. Coming to the barn. Then getting hit with something hard.

She pushed herself up, with a little help from Logan, and glanced around, a shovel laying nearby informed her as to what had hit her.

She cringed as she reached up and touched the side of her head "Ei-ya."

"Are you alright?" Edith asked as she knelt down beside Logan "You‘ve got quite a knot on your head." then she frowned "Why are you in black?"

Lilly Ann looked down at her outfit. It took every fiber of her being not to cringe. She was still in her black turtle neck and skirt. But her gloves were missing and her mask was on top of her head.

Her head was hurting too bad to remember whether or not she had managed to get her mask up before she had been hit. Then an alarming thought hit her.

Whoever had hit her had obviously been aiming at Callie. What if…

Oi. Just the thought that the Shadow Rider or one of his cohorts had discovered her true identity was… she shuddered.

"Hey, Lil." Logan said gently, his hand still supporting her back "Are you alright?"

She looked over at him and nodded "Yeah. Give me a hand up."

Logan jumped to his feet and held his hands down to her. A second later he pulled her up… a little too fast.

"Whoa." she swayed on her feet as her head began to spin.

"Easy." Logan breathed as he grabbed her forearms "Just take it easy."

She closed her eyes for a second and sucked in a deep breath. A few seconds later she nodded slightly and let the breath out "I‘m okay." then she made the mistake of looking up at him.

One corner of his mouth turned up in a small smile "Good." he said softly.

Lilly Ann blinked a couple of times and quickly stepped away from him "Well… I‘m starving. How about some breakfast?"

"I think Mom‘s got some biscuits." Edith suggested "Are you sure you‘re okay?"

"I‘m fine." Lilly Ann chuckled slightly "Trust me." she refrained from mentioning that she’d taken several knocks on the head that were much harder than that. She shook her head to clear the last bit of dizziness then walked towards the house.

With every step the smile left her face. Every time one of her feet came in contact with the ground her temper heightened. She was beyond the point of annoyed or concerned. She was angry. Really angry. And if the Shadow Rider didn’t watch out, he was going to see a side of Callie Cameron that very few people ever saw.

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

"Oh my are you alright!?" Aunt Julia exclaimed after Edith had relayed the story.

"I‘m fine." Lilly Ann assured her as she picked up a biscuit from the counter "Just have a little knot, that‘s all."

"More than just a little." Logan remarked "You‘re just lucky you‘ve got thick hair."

She shot him a glare "I‘m perfectly alright. Just slightly… aggravated."

"It must have been that Rider again." Uncle Hank growled "He‘s the only one who would do this."

Lilly Ann simply took a bite of her biscuit. It was either the Shadow Rider or someone had followed her from Mr. Clergy’s place. She mentally kicked herself for not paying closer attention when she had headed home.

But the thought that was plaguing her the most was whether or not the person knew that she was Callie Cameron or if she had just pushed up her mask in her unconscious state.

She let out a nearly silent growl as she took another bite of the bread.

But if they did know there was no telling what they would do with the information. Probably up the attacks on her family, possibly post it all over the internet and news. Then her family would demand an explanation and… she shook her head slightly.

"You know what." she thought "Let‘s just assume that I did it in my sleep unless proved otherwise." then another thought hit her and she reached down to her pocket. Her gloves were there as if she had never put them on "Maybe I did do it on my own."

"Lilly Ann, can you hear me?" Edith’s voice suddenly cut into her thoughts "Hello?"

"Hm?" Lilly Ann looked at her cousin "What?"

"Oh dear. Maybe we should get her to a hospital." Aunt Julia said "I‘ll go wake up James and Mariam."

"No!" Lilly Ann shook her head defiantly "I‘m fine! Honest. Just thinking is all."

"If you‘re sure." Uncle Hank said slowly "But if you start feeling dizzy or faint, let us know."

She put on her sweetest smile "Sure." then mumbled under her breath "Nao ha "

nenhuma maneira que eu estou indo para um hospital."

Logan chuckled and shook his head "Figures."

Her eyebrows shot up as she over at him "I thought you only knew French and Spanish."

He shot a wink at her "I caught the ‘hospital‘ part and guessed the rest."

"Ah-huh." She popped the rest of the biscuit in her mouth "Come on."

"Where are we going?" Edith asked as she followed her cousin out the door.

"I don't know. Somewhere before your parents decide to call an ambulance." Lilly Ann ran down the steps and looked around "So... where to?"

"Well, we can head over to Tennana's." Edith offered "She might be up to doing something."

"Sounds... great." Lilly Ann led the way to the stables "Maybe I can figure out some more about Roden St. Montes." she thought "Find out why he's working for small cash when he's got a whole computer business." she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear "And why he wasn't too glad to see me there last night."

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

"Hey, looks like we did good." Edith smiled as she dismounted "Sue and Hannah are here."

"Yep." Sadie, who they'd picked up along the way, nodded.

"Hey girls! And boy." Hannah waved as she stepped out of the house "Come on in!" then she returned to the house.

"Hi girls, Logan." Tennana said with a very small smile as they all entered the kitchen "Lilly Ann."

"Tennana." Lilly Ann returned "What's up?"

"Nothing. Just talking to my uncle." Tennana shrugged.

Bruce walked into the room just then "More visitors I see."

Lilly Ann frowned slightly "I know I've seen that man somewhere. And not here either."

"Hi, Mr. Jakspear." Edith smiled "So... anyone got any plans?"

"What kind of plans?" Hannah asked "We can do anything... within reason."

"Okay, so mining for gold is out." Logan joked.

Tennana leaned against the counter "By the way. What's with that Callie girl?"

Lilly Ann raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"What about her?" Logan asked.

"She's a little strange." Hannah said "She seems nice but so... different."

"How do you expect a teenager who's constantly fighting crime to act?" Logan chuckled slightly.

"I don't trust her." Tennana announced.

"Is that just because she beat you in a fighting match that you started?" Sadie retorted "Or your honest feeling?"

"I think she should just mind her own business." Bruce spoke up "People round here can take care of themselves."

"Sure." Logan snapped "That's exactly why you only have two police officers, no sheriff and half the town has moved."

"This is what I don't understand." Lilly Ann said "Why do most of the Rider's attacks seem to be aimed at Edith's family? I mean, everyone's been hit, but they seem to be getting the more... brutal attacks."

"Maybe he just chose a random target." Sue suggested

"Or maybe he just doesn't like them for no reason." Jakspear said "There's a number of reasons, and no one knows the answer" with that he turned and left the room.

Lilly Ann frowned as she watched him leave "Or do they?"

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

"Where is it?" Lilly Ann mumbled as she typed quickly on Carol's computer "I know it's here somewhere."

"What are we looking for?" Carol asked, leaning over the back of the seat "And by the way, do I get a bonus for staying in a hotel all day or not?"

Lilly Ann shook her head "You hate getting out anyways."

"True. So what are you skimming a ton of police records for?"

"Bruce Jakspear." Lilly Ann answered "I finally realized where I saw him. He had a mugshot in one of the police records I hacked a couple of years ago."

"Oh there's a shocker."

"Except his name wasn't Bruce. It was..." she stopped suddenly as a picture popped up on the screen "Bidziil Quahah."

"What kind of name is that?" Carol leaned closer to the screen.

"It's Cherokee." Lilly Ann rolled her eyes "Look. He escaped from prison three months ago. Along with his cellmate, Linford Algerson."
"Another bizarre name." Carol crossed her arms on the back of the chair and frowned "Then what is he doing here?"

"Hiding." Lilly Ann answered "Just like I said. They're fugitives who are laying low while keeping an illegal cash flow."

"Wait." Carol pulled Lilly Ann's chair away from the desk and looked down at her "Are you saying... "

Lilly Ann looked her in the eye "Yes, Carol. Bruce Jakspear is the Shadow Rider."

12: Chapter 12

Carol stared at her for a long moment "Are you sure?"

"When have I ever not been?" Lilly Ann asked.

"Well... there was that one time..."

"I was twelve!"

"You weren't even Callie then!"

"What does that tell you?" Lilly Ann leaned back in her seat and smiled slightly "Now all I have to do if figure out who his two cohorts are."

"Doesn't he have three?"

"Yes. One is Algerson."

Carol frowned "And you are absolutely sure of this."

Lilly Ann threw her hands into the air "Ei-ya! Yes, Carol. I am absolutely-positively-one hundred percent-without a shadow of a doubt sure. Does that convince you?"

"I guess it'll have to." Carol looked at the picture on the screen "So you gonna nab him?"

"Nu-huh." Lilly Ann shook her head and pushed herself to her feet "If I grab him and Algerson the other two will disappear. And I want to catch them as much as I want the Shadow Rider."

"Where are you going?" Carol asked, watching the girl walk towards the door.

"In case you haven't noticed, it's after eleven." Lilly Ann responded "I've already made up some excuse to E-D why I won't be there. So I'm going to go tell Logan the news then head over to Clergy's."

"Logan?" Carol repeated "Wait... isn't he in bed?"

A mischievous smile tilted the corners of the girl's lips as she removed her glasses and pulled the mask down over face "Exactly."

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

Logan suddenly jerked awake as he heard the very quiet sound of the kitchen door closing then quiet steps walking across the floor.

"Someone just broke in." He slowly got to his feet.

He knew it wasn't any of his family members because none of them had left their rooms since they'd retired.

The steps had now reached the living room and were now... walking in circles?

He slowly walked over to the door and eased it open, grabbing one of his uncle's baseball bats that was sitting nearby as he did, then slowly and quietly made his way down the stairs.

He was about a foot from the living room doorway when a voice inside spoke... and made him jump clean out of his skin.

"Put the baseball bat down and come in here, Logan. It's just me."

He let out a deep breath and lowered the bat then walked into the room "Hey, Cal."

She chuckled "What, did I scare you?"

"Startled." he corrected "I thought there was a burglar down here. Or the Shadow Rider."

She laughed again "And you were going to beam him with a baseball bat? Nine Irons are way more effective. And longer."

He rolled his eyes "I'll keep that in mind. So, care to tell me what you're doing here at a quarter to midnight?"

"I came to deliver some news."

"And you couldn't just call me on my earpiece?"

"It's off."

"Oh." he glanced at his watch "Must have accidentally turned it off."

Callie blew her bangs out of her face "Lucky. I'm always turning mine up." she made a slight hissing sound "Talk about loud. Anyhoo...What I came by to tell you is... I know who the Shadow Rider is."

Logan straightened up, his eyes widening "Already? It's only been a few days."

She shrugged "He blew his own cover. It's just his two sidekicks that I'm trying to find before I blow him out of the saddle."

"So who is it?" Logan asked slowly.

"Bruce Jakspear. Tennana St.Monte's uncle."

Logan stared at her for a long moment "Are you sure?"

She rolled her eyes "I started wondering why I liked working alone so much. Now I know. There's no one to doubt you." then she smiled "Look. Jakspear has a large criminal history and he's just broken out of prison. I know that doesn't make him this criminal. But he's also got the same black eyes that Rider has."

Logan nodded slowly "Okay. So, is he the one ripping of Clergy too?"

"No. It's too high tech for him." she subconsciously began twisting the end of her braid "I'm still looking into that. In fact I'm heading there now. Just thought I'd swing by and tell you the news so you know to be careful around that guy. He knows you hang with me, and you know the dangers of that so... yeah."

"Thanks." he slung the bat over his shoulder "Need help?"

"Nah. All I'm going to be doing is skimming files and whatnot."

"Ah. You mean hacking."

"I mean investigating."

They both laughed quietly then Callie turned and headed for the door "I'll see you tomorrow."

He raised an eyebrow, a grin slowly crossing his face "Is that a threat or a promise?"

She stopped, looked back at him and smiled "It's a threat I'm promising to keep." then she disappeared from sight.

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

She rubbed her eyes as she leaned back into the chair and glanced at the clock: 4:20 a.m.

"Oi, Callie. When are you ever going to take me serious when I say no late hours?" she laughed slightly and straightened back up. She stared at the screen a few minutes longer then frowned "Sorry, Mr. Clergy." she mumbled "But I need a little more information." about five minutes later she was scrolling through the man's personal email "How on earth can this be so clueless?" just then a subject seemed to jump out at her 'I Am Very Angry With You'.

She clicked it "From Lauren Adalard." she scrolled the email which seemed to be a loooong rant about 'deserving' a pay raise after 'so many years of faithful service' and whatnot.

Callie let out a long low whistle "Well... that looks interesting. She is the accountan and has easy access to all of Clergy's money." she scooted away from the computer, stood up, left the room and walked out to the main area and sat down behind the secretary's desk "Okay Miss Adalard." she said as she booted up the computer "Let's see what you've got to hide."

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

Callie pulled the door of Clergy's building closed behind her as she exited and noticed the sun starting to peek over the horizon "What tine is it? Six-thirty?" she glanced down at her watch "Bingo." she sighed and pushed her bangs out of her face.

She had been able to dig up absolutely nothing on Adalard besides her ranting to her friends about not enough pay. And yet she refused to quit... a sign of weakness or something.

"Home." she told herself as she started down the road "Time to head home and pretend to be all chiper for the morning and... then crash tonight." she laughed "Yeah right." she'd barely taken two steps before she heard a large heavy foot slam the ground behind her.

"I don't like you snoopin' around, Miss Cameron."

She slowly turned around and frowned "I'm sorry. But snooping is kinda my thing."

"Nosy people get hurt." the Rider growled and pointed his pistol at her "They get hurt real bad."

She heard another set of steps behind her and her scowl deepened "We'll see." with that she spun around and before either one of the men could move, she grabbed the person behind her and slammed him to the ground.

"Get her!" Jakspear barked, yanking Algerson up from the ground.

She dropped into a ready pose "What? Afraid to face me yourself? You're the martial arts expert."

With a growl of rage, Jakspear lunged at her and she quickly skittered backwards to avoid his swinging hand.

The man spun around "You should have stayed away! Wasn't the shovel enough for you?"

"Oh so that was you." she retorted "Figured as much."

"This ends now!" he once again yanked ou his gun and pointed it at her. In an instant she ran at him and forced his hand into the air just as he pulled the trigger and the bullet discharged harmlessly into the air.

His free hand swung around in another attempt to take her down, but she grabbed his wrist and kept it back.

Her boots dug into the earth as she kept her hold on the man's wrists and another bullet shot into the air.

"Just hold him off, Cal." she thought, desperately pushing against him "Just hold him..."

but the instant her feet were suddenly kicked out from beneath her and her back slammed into the hard ground.

"You should have listened!" the man shouted. His hand shot inside his came and emerged with a long shiny dagger "It would have spared you!" with a vicious swing he brought that dagger at her, but as before her hands shot up and wrapped around his wrist.

Beads of sweat poured down her face. It took every ounce of strength within her to hold the blade back. She could feel the muscles in her arms straining against the force and knew that it was only a matter of time til her arms gave out... and it would be over.

13: Chapter 13

Logan leisurely walked towards the kitchen. He hadn't gotten much sleep since Callie had popped in the previous night.

He knew she was right. She was almost always right. But it was hard to think that his cousin's friend's uncle was the man that was trying to destroy the Martin family, and he still didn't understand why.

"Mornin' Logan." his aunt Sara greeted "Breakfast isn't quite ready yet."

He looked down at his watch: 6:15

"That's alright." he smiled "I don't mind waiting. Do you need some help?"

"I think I've got it." She answered "But thank ya."

With a slight nod Logan left the room and found Sadie in the living room with a book "I don't believe it." he teased "The cowgirl reads."

Sadie rolled her eyes, grabbed one of the couch pillows and threw it at him "Oh zip it."

He caught the pillow and tossed his back onto the couch "I was just poking."

"I know." Sadie closed her book and looked over at her cousin "Can I ask a question?"

"Shoot."

"What is... well..." she frowned in thought "I'm not sure how to put this but... what's between you and that Callie girl?"

Logan's eyebrows lurched "For not knowing how that came out pretty plain."

"Well?" Sadie leaned forward and stared at him "You seem very fond of her."

Logan fought the heat that was creeping into his ears "She's a really good friend." he replied.

"But there's something else." she pushed "Something... closer or deeper."

Logan let out a large huff of air "Is it that obvious?" he wondered then he answered "I owe her my life. If it wasn't for Callie I would dead right now... I don't know what else to say."

"Breakfast is ready!" Mrs. Bennet called "Come and get it!"

Sadie smiled "Alrighty. Let's go cousin."

Everyone was soon sat around the table, the pancakes, sausage and grits were served and everyone started eating while a friendly conversation as struck up around the table.

"Well," Uncle Jake said about ten minutes into the meal "We're going to go help the Martins some more today. So be ready and..." he was cut off as a loud gunshot echoed across the area.

Logan's head snapped into the direction of the nearby window and barely a second later he shoved his seat back, leapt up and dashed out the door.

Sadie glanced at her family confused right before she jumped up and followed.

Logan took off in the direction that shot had come from unaware that his cousin was a few yards behind.

Then another shot split the stillness letting him know that he was heading the right was. He put on a burst of speed. Five minutes later he darted out of the trees and instantly spotted the scene before him.

Callie was flat on her back, the Shadow Rider leaning over her, a long ugly dagger in his hand, the tip just a few inches from the girl's throat.

Algerson was standing back a little watching, his arms crossed and probably a smug look on his face, but Logan couldn't see because of the mask.

He could see Callie's arms shaking beneath the nearly three hundred pounds of pressure bearing down on her.

Without stopping or giving himself a chance to think, Logan tore across the area and tackled the Shadow Rider right across his middle, knocking him away from Callie and sending his dagger skittering across the hard ground.

Logan scrambled to his feet before Jakspear had a chance to recover from the shock, ran over to Callie and grabbed her hand "You okay?"

"Yep." she answered as he pulled her to her feet "You've got good timing."

"Learned from the best." he responded then the two turned to face the two men.

Jakspear let out a low bear-like growl "You're a tough girl, Cameron. I'll hand you that. But you're not tough enough."

Her eyes flashed "Why don't we just find out for ourselves, Rider. Unless, of course, you're too scared."

"You and your little friend should be the ones scared." Algerson sneered.

"I've fought criminals twice your weight with a way more deadly agenda and with costumes that make yours look like child's play." She retorted "I'm not scared of you."

When the man looked over at Logan, he shrugged "If she's not scared of you neither am I." when Jakspear jerked back Logan added "I've learned to trust her judgment."

Jakspear let out a loud shout and lunged at the two.

Callie ran backwards out of his reach, dragging Logan with her "You deal with Algerson."

Logan gave a quick nod "I'm just guessing that's the other guy."

Jakspear threw a heavy fist Callie's way which she ducked to avoid "You really think you're something, don't you?" he snapped.

She raised an eyebrow and looked up at him "No. But most criminals say that. You must think I'm something, huh?"

"You're nothing to be bothered with!" He shouted, then he quickly swept his dagger up from the ground and lunged at her again.

She forced his hand up and away from her then in one fluid movement grabbed his arm and flipped him over her shoulder.

Jakspear's free hand came in contact with the ground and he was instantly back to his feet.

Callie nodded slightly "Now he's pulling his real stunts." From the corner of her eye she could see that Logan had Algerson pinned down and was having little trouble holding him "Well, that's one I don't have to worry about."

Jakspear chuckled darkly "Let's make this a little fun, eh?" he flicked his dagger to the ground where the tip embedded itself in the hard ground "Your skill to mine."

Callie frowned as she took a slight step back "I don't know. Sounds... suspicious."

"Oh... no tricks. I promise."

"I learned a long time ago not to trust a criminal when he says something like that." she replied evenly "But... let's see what you got." her eyes narrowed "What is he up to?"

Jakspear took several steps back "Then we will begin."

She tensed the moment his hand reached under his coat "Logan! Move!"

The boy immediately ducked and rolled just as a bullet discharged into the air, soaring right past him, followed by several morer.

"I knew you were up to something!" Callie growled as she ran forward and in a moment grabbed his gun arm and pushed it away from Logan.

Algerson jumped to his feet and made a dive for the girl. At the last moment she leapt into the air. Algerson hit the dirt and slid, colliding straight into Jakspear, causing the man to crash to the ground.

Callie flipped over to Logan and sent him a quick nod "I'm tired of playing. Let's just get this over with."

"You got it."

A loud battle shout came from Jakspear as he ran at them again. And once again, Callie ran several steps back while Logan faced off Algerson, who was now holding a pistol.

Callie grabbed Jakspear's fist as it came flying her way and gave it a rough twist to the side, then she jumped into the air, her foot met it's mark in the middle of his chest and he went stumbling backwards then the next thing Callie knew, someone smashed into her back.

She glanced over her shoulder and smiled slightly "Enjoying yourself?"

Logan glanced back at her "Sorry."

She just chuckled, watching as Jakspear came at them from the corner of her eye. She also caught a glimpse of Algerson doing the same "Give me a lift?"

"Any day." he grabbed her hand and looped her arm around his neck, then using his other arm to support her back he swung her around. Her feet flew out, kicking both men in the jaw, sending them flailing right back to the ground.

Jakspear rubbed his jaw as he got back to his feet. Algerson was a little slower getting up, but when he did he made a move to go at the duo again but Jakspear stopped him.

The Shadow Rider looked back and forth between the two teens who were side by side in identical poses ready for whatever was coming next. Then finally, without another word, the man turned and walked away, Algerson following close behind.

Callie let out a breath and straightened up "Well, that's not good."

Logan raked a hand through his hair to calm all the peices that had gone haywire in that tussle "What isn't? That we didn't get any broken bones?"

She raised an eyebrow and sent him a 'really' look "No. He left too easily."

Logan glanced in the direction the two men had gone "Can it ever be because he knew he was beat?"

She shook her head "He wasn't beat. He was just seeing what we could do."

"Is that why we were mainly solo fighting?"

"Mm-hm. I didn't want him to know all our tricks." she blew her bangs out of her face "But still, thank you." then one of her eyebrows raised and she pointed over the boy's shoulder "You have a visitor."

Logan turned around and sighed "Sadie. What are you doing here?"

"Hello, if my cousin tears out of the house I'm going to follow." Sadie responded "How did you know she needed help?"

Callie leaned forward, a slight smile on her face "Yes. How did you know I needed help? My hands were a little busy holding back a blade."

He shrugged "I heard the gunshot and figured it had to be you."

"Cousin, this is hunting season." Sadie pointed out "It could have been a deer rifle."

Logan shook his head "No. It was a twenty-two pistol."

"How... do you know that?"

"It sounds different."

Callie chuckled and patted his shoulder "I trained you well." she glanced over at the rising sun "Well, I had better run. See ya laterz." then she turned and took off running.

Sadie glanced up at her cousin "Does she ever wear out?"

"No." Logan responded with a smile "Come on. Let's get back."

~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~

Lilly Ann slipped quietly up the stairs and into Edith's room. She slowly laid down in the pul out bed and closed her eyes. Not five minutes later Edith started shaking her shoulders.

"Wake up, Sleepy Head! Let's go!"

Lilly Ann swallowed a sigh "I'm coming." then she rolled out of the bed and pushed herself to her feet "Just smile and look awake." she thought to herself "Just keep smiling."

"Time to go kiddos!" Uncle Hank's voice shouted from downstairs "Let's get that U-haul unloaded!"

"I'm surprised he rented that truck for this long." Lilly Ann commented.

"Oh, he borrowed it from a friend." Edith said "So there's no charge. And I think you know the Martin Brothers."

"Procrastinators to the core." they finished in unison.

"Dad's been trying to break that habit." Lilly Ann chuckled "But... well. Newspaper writers don't have too much running to do."

"He said that Callie Cameron kept him busy." Edith pulled her hair up into a small ponytale "I'm still not too sure what to think about her. She's normal but... different."

"Well, she's working on a serious case right now." Lilly Ann shrugged "You can't expect someone to be... completely nonchalant when they're facing someone like the Shadow Rider."

"That's true." Edith nodded "Well, Dad's waiting. Let's go."

After grabbing a quick bite to eat, everyone headed outside to start unloading the U-haul.

Ray let out a long yawn "Do people ever sleep around here?"

"Early to bed and early to rise." Aunt Julia smiled "That's how it works around here."

"Come on slow pokes!" Uncle Hank called from the U-haul "Let's get this thing unloaded!"

"We're here!" Sadie called as she and Logan rode into the yard.

"How has your morning been?" Edith asked.

Logan smiled "Entertaining."

"To say the least." Sadie added.

Edith stared at her confused but the girl said no more.

Lilly Ann laughed quietly then joined the rest at the truck and the unloading started.

Several minutes later, the St.Montes' and Jakspear showed up.

Lilly Ann noticed Logan tense slightly, but he still managed to appear perfectly calm.

"Hey, Bruce!" Uncle Hank called "How about giving me a hand in this truck?"

Jakspear nodded "Sure."

Lilly Ann held her breath "If he hurts Uncle Hank..." but she didn't let her thoughts go any further. Surely he wouldn't try anything with so many people around when he wasn't in disguise.

She was just partially listening to Edith talk as they walked towards the U-haul for another load. They were handed their boxes and went back towards the house.

A few seconds later Lilly Ann noticed that Edith had fallen silent and was staring at her box strangely.

"What?"

"Oh nothing." Edith answered, holding up the box a little more "I just don't remember ever seeing this box before."

Lilly Ann's eyebrows lowered "What do you mean?"

"I don't recognize it at all."

Zak, who had been tailing right behind the girls with an overly large teddy bear grinned "Maybe it's a birthday present!"

"In cardboard unwrapped? I don't think so." Edith sat the box down "What on earth is in here?"

'Bomb' was the first thing that went through Lilly Ann's head as Edith started to lift the lid "Edith! Don't!" she dropped the box she saw carrying and tackled her cousin away from the box, but a little too late.

The lid flew off, but what errupted from the inside wasn't an explosion.

A large triangular head rose into sight. A long forked tongue darted in and out of it's mouth as it hissed loudly. It continued to raise it's head into the air, it's long fangs flashing in the sunlight.

"What kind of snake is that?" Edith gasped.

"It's a Black Mamba." Lilly Ann whispered, slowly getting to her feet

The snake's tongue darted in and out of it's mouth as it continued to hiss angrily, then very slowly it turned it's head, it's beady eyes focusing the person standing closest to him.

Lilly Ann's breath caught "Zak." she said as calmly as she could "Don't move."

14: Chapter 14

~~Zak stood completely still and Lilly Ann almost wondered if he was even breathing.
The five year old's eyes were wide with horror as he squeazed the stuffing out of the giant stuffed bear he was holding.
“Get the snake away from Zak.” Lilly Ann thought frantically “Without him accidentally getting bit.” She knew the dangers of a Black Mamba. They were the quickest moving snake on the planet and thier poison could kill a full grown man in less than twenty minutes. Just the thought of what it could do to a five year old sent shivers down her spine.
From the corner of her eye she could see Bruce Jakspear standing in the U-haul, a half smirk on his face.
She swallowed the ire that burst up within her and focused on the large snake staring at her baby brother.
She slowly walked in a small circle til she was in easy eyesight of snake then made a quick jump forward.
The snake swung around to face her, hissing angrily.
“That's right Mr. Mamba.” she mumbled “Just watch me.” she slowly moved back, the long creature slowly following “Come on. Move away from my brother.” as she continued to back up, she made sure to keep herself close enough to the snake to keep his attention but far enough away that if he striked she could avoid it “Zak. Go to the house.” she said a moment later “Just move very slowly.”
The boy nodded and took very small steps towards the house til he was several feet from the snake, then he took off running straight into his mother's arms.
Jake Bennet was standing on the porch, his rifle that he always carried with him in his hands.
“Shoot the snake, Dad.” Sadie whispered tensely “Just kill it.”
“I can't.” he responded “The bullet would go straight through that critter and hit your friend's cousin.”
Logan stepped out beside them and in a few seconds sized up the situation. He waved his hands in the air to get Lilly Ann's attention.
She raised her eyebrows, letting him know that she was watching him but still watching the snake.
He motioned behind her and quickly signed 'There's a large crate leaning against the tree five feet behind you.'
She gave a quick nod and continued backing up. The snake's dark eyes watched her closely, it's tongue darting in and out.
Very slowly she reached behind her and managed to grab the edge of the large crate as the snake continued to inch towards her, hissing menacingly “Come on.” she said quietly “Just a little closer.” then in one fluid motion she tossed the crate and it landed directly over the snake.
The creature immediately went into a hissing fit and began striking at the sides of the box.
“I called someone to come take care of it.” Uncle Hank said “Good job.”
Zak suddenly let out a whoop “Thank you!”
“That was too close.” Edith sighed “How did it get in that box anyways? How long had it been there?”
“My guess, not long.” Lilly Ann responded with a relieved smile “And I'm just glad it was a snake.”
All of the sudden the whole area fell deathly silent as everyone looked at her.
She glanced around then smiled sheepishly “Well... in books or movies... it's normally... a bomb.”
“She's right.” Logan spoke up “In real life too. I've almost opened boxes that would have exploded if I'd gotten the lid off.” he shook his head slightly “Thanks to Callie, I didn't.”
A few moments later a man showed up and managed to get the Black Mamba into a metal crate  that the man then put in the back of his truck, promising to take the snake somewhere safe where it wouldn't bother them again.
“Well, shall we finish unloading?” Jakspear asked, the smirk was no longer on his face but had been replaced with a sour expression.
“Let's.” Mr. Bennet nodded “And this time, no snakes... or bombs.”
~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~
Lilly Ann looked at her watch for the fifth time that hour: 1:25am.
She sighed and dropped her arm over her forehead.“You'd think I'd be dead on my feet.” She thought as she rolled over onto her side. She just laid there listening to Edith's easy breathing as she slept soundly in the next bed.
Lilly Ann flopped back onto her back and resumed staring at the ceiling. Her mind drifted over the case and she started to wonder what the connection between Bruce Jakspear and Trevor Simmons.
“I wonder if Simmons is working with Jakspear so that he can get all his father's land back.” She thought with a frown “Because the Shadow Rider has already made several families leave.” she glanced at her watch again: 1:30.
“Alright, that's it. I'm outta here.” She silently got to her feet, changed out of her nightgown and slipped over to the small balcony. She quietly closed the doors behind her and walked over to the railing.
Everything was completely quiet. Not a breeze or an animal was making any noise whatsoever.
With a smile she grabbed onto the railed adn hoisted herself up and over, then a moment later her feet connected with the ground below.
She ran a few steps from the house then pushed a button on the side of her headband and waited.
“Yeah?” Logan's voice came through a moment later.
“You're awake?” sfhe laughed “I thought I'd have to wake you up.”
“Do you ever sleep?” he retorted then he chuckled “What do you need, Cal?”
“Up for some late night investigating?”
“At one-thirty in the morning? Sure, why not.”
“I'll meet you outside your house in a bit, K-k?”
“Alright.” then he ended the call.
She smiled and put on an extra burst of speed as she pulled down her mask and shot through the trees.
~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~
“Everything is so quiet.” Logan whispered as they approached Trevor Simmons ranch.
“You don't have to convince me.” she glanced at the house, all lights were off “Okay, without disturbing the animals, go to the stable office and see what you can find. I'm going to get into the house and do the same.”
One of his eyebrows rose “Okay.”
She smiled and ran soundlessly towards the house then very quietly walked up onto the porch and to the door. Of course it was locked.
With a slight smile she pulled a bobby pin out of her hair then quickly began picking the lock. About ten seconds later she pushed the door open and stepped into the kitchen.
She looked around as she returned the pin to it's place then made her way through the house.
Like everything else that night, not a sound was coming from anywhere. It didn't take her long to locate the office. It was large with several book shelves covered in figurines, medals and trophies. One side of the room had a small couch with an end table and a lamp. Then on the other was a rather large wooden desk that had several papers scattered across it, a laptop sitting in the middle. But it was what was behind the desk that made Callie stop cold.
Trevor Simmons was lounged back in the office chair fast asleep.
She stared at him for a few second before she continued to walk into the room. She eyed the file cabinets behind the man but turned her attention to the laptop first.
She very slowly turned the electronic around so she could see it and moved the mouse. Instantly the screen lit up
“How many times does that happen?” she thought with a smile as she began looking through the files. There was literally nothing on his laptop. So she turned to the internet. All his history had been cleared.
She swallowed a groan as she began typing in some things and a minute later a screen wth all the websites he had been to recently popped up. It was just his email and feed and seed orders, so she went to the email. The only thing there was sales for his horses.
She frowned then her gaze returned to the file cabinets behind the man “Callie, you are out of your mind.” she said to herself “Yeah, but you made me... ooh, good point.”
She slipped around the desk and very carefully squeezed past Simmons chair “Excuse me.” she mouthed then she eased open one of the file cabinet drawers. She cringed as it squeaked.
Simmons moaned in his sleep and shifted ever so slightly but remained asleep.
She let out a small sigh and resumed her search.
The first drawer was just a bunch of horse sale receipts.
But when she reached the second, she found several letters to realestate agents and home owners offering to buy the land.
Most of them had refusal letters stapled to them. But amond those was another letter. One from someone who signed it B-J:
Simmons
I've heard about your failed attempts as regaining your land.
I know how to handle people like those that live here.
If you are interested in the offer meet me tomorrow evening at the local diner.
Tell NO ONE that we have spoken
B-J
Callie frowned. So apparently Simmons and Jakspear were working together. She just couldn't help but wonder if Simmons had known what Bruce was up to before he agreed to the terms. The possiblity was that he didn't, but after he agreed he was neck deep in the situation and possibly afraid to drop out because it was obvious that Jakspear would take no second thoughts to removing the man.
Just then a shout through the house made her freeze.
“Hey Simmons!” Jakspear's voice echoed through the hall “Get out here now! We caught a little trespasser!”
Trevor jerked awake, jumped up from his seat and bolted out the door, not even  noticing the girl standed behind him.
Callie pushed the drawer closed and followed.
Outside Jakspear was standing at the bottom of the steps holding Logan's arms behind his back, Linford Algerson was standing nearby.
“Looks like you've got some nosy teens around here.” Jakspear snorted “He found the stash.”
Callie peeked out the screen door.
Without the mask, Algeron had grey streaked, sand colored hair with bushy eyebrows and a whispy beard. His cheeks were hollowed out and his brown eyes were deep set in his head.
“What are you doing here?” Simmons demanded “This is private property!”
“Yeah, so is all that stuff you have hidden in your stables!” Logan retorted.
Simmons paled slightly right before his face twisted into an angry sneer “You should have minded your own business, kid. Too bad Cameron's not here to save you.”
Logan's eyebrows lurched “About that...”
“Huh?” Simmons spun around and his eyes widened at the sight of the girl standing directly behind him.
“Hi.” Callie waved her fingers at him right before she slammed her fist into the side of his face.
With a moan Simmons sank to the ground.
She shook out her hand “Yeow. Hard jaw.”
“Cameron!” Jakspear hissed.
She sent him a half smile “Jakspear and Algerson.” then she crossed her arms “Or should I call you Bidziil Quahah?” she saw his eyes widen “Or is Shadow Rider a better fit?”
“She knows!” Algerson gasped “Bruce! How does she know!?”
“She's got no proof!” Jakspear snapped.
“Uh-huh.” she stepped down onto the top step “Let's see. I have mug shots with police records.” she took another step down “Evidence in the barn... and two witnesses.” she nodded back at Simmons “I think he'd speak real quick.”
“Who's the other witness?” Linford asked quickly.
Logan rolled his eyes “How ya doin'?”
“Alright, Missy.” Jakspear snapped “I'll make a deal with you. You come all peaceful like and we won't hurt this boy's cousin's friend.”
Callie's eyebrows lurched “Excuse me?”
“That's right. I've got the Martin girl in the back of my car.” Jakspear answered “I won't hurt her if you cooperate.”
“Which Martin girl?” Logan asked, glaring up at the man.
“Let's see... I believe it's Edith. Or as her cousin calls her, E-D.”
(Okay, first off, sorry about the lame beginning. That snake scene did NOT turn out as I hoped. And second, thank you sooo much to those who have taken time to read my story! :)
Laterz!)

15: CHapter 15

~~Callie stared at the man for a long moment. He could be lying... but what if he wasn't? Then again, what if he was?
“Prove it.” she finally said “Show me Edith and I'll come.”
Logan stared at her. He knew she would never endanger the life of another person. Ever.
“Fine.” Jakspear turned to Algerson “Pull the car around.”
Two minutes later the black 69 GTO convertable pulled around. Sitting in the back seat with her hands tied and a gag wrapped firmly around her mouth was Edith.
Callie sucked in a slow, deep breath to try and stay her temper. And believe me, it wasn't easy.
“Alright. I'll come. Just let Logan go.”
“Fat chance!” Jakspear growled “Get in the car, Cameron. And no funny business.”
“I wouldn't leave anyways.” Logan added “And you couldn't make me.”
Callie smiled every so slightly, but only or a moment.
“Move!” Jakspear snapped “Before I change my mind!”
She walked down the last to steps to the ground and towards the car.
“You just Cooperate, Missy.”
She rolled her eyes, resisting the urge to mimick him as she crawled into the back seat. Logan was shoved in after her, then Jakspear climbed into the passenger seat and the car took off.
“Are you okay?” Callie asked as she untied the gag that was around Edith's head.
“I think so.” Edith answered weakly as soon as she could speak “Why did you give up?”
“Who said anything about giving up?” Callie responded with a grin “It's just a minor set back.”
“That's all they ever are.” Logan added quietly.
“Whatdo you think you're doing?” Jakspear snapped from the front seat.
“Just letting the poor girl speak, Rider. That's all.” Callie snorted “Men. Don't you know that girls love to talk?”
The man just rolled his eyes, murmuring something under his breath.
Edith sighed “I hope Lilly Ann's okay. She was in the room too, but they only took me. I hoep they didn't hurt her!”
“Edith, you can't worry about your cousin right now.” Callie glanced towards the two men in the front “Just stay calm.”
“You know we can hear you right?” Algerson said, glancing into the rearview mirror.
“I'd be worried if you could't.”
“I hate sarcastic twirps.”
“You're making me very tempted to mimick you.”
Algerson let out an aggravated growl and Callie copied it perfectly.
“Why did we kidnap her?” the man shouted “She's driving me out of my mind!”
“Because she's the only thing standing between me and my goals, so just deal with it.”
“Yeah, Algerson.” Callie grinned “Deal with it.”
“Ugh!” He turned on the radio for some music, which happened to be the Hungarian Rapsody, and turned it up as loud as it would go.
Logan sent her a thumbs up and mouthed “Good job.”
Edith was staring at her like she was crazy.
Callie simply shrugged. There was no use talking, the music was too loud, so she leaned back into the seat and started bobbing her head to the music while watching the scenery pass by. Well, what she could see of it considering it was two in the morning.
Jakspear glanced back at her and she smiled, continuing her bobbing. The man just shook his head and turned back to the road.
She swallowed a chuckle and closed her eyes and just bopped to the hyper classical song. But, her mind was other places. Mainly on working up a plan for what she would do next, how to get the evidence she'd need and how to make sure her cousin came out safe.
~*~*~*Calie Cameron*~*~*~
“This ought to hold ya.” Jakspear said as he tide Callie's arm to the chair, making it so tight that she felt her fingers go numb,
“What are you going to do with us?” Edith asked from where she was already tied.
“That's none of your concern. You will find out soon enough.”
Callie wiggled in her seat “Why so tight?”
“Because I know all about you Cameron.” the man responded “You've got a habit of escaping.”
“Hey, it's a trade I've worked hard to perfect.”
Algerson groaned as he finished tying Logan's feet to his chair “No wonder everyone hates her.”
“Hey, not everyone.” Callie turned her head back to look at him “Just criminals and bad guys,”
“I am not  a...”
“You escaped from jail.”
The man just mumbled something under his breath as he straightened back up “Let's go. We have a client to meet.” then he stormed from the room.
Jakspear gave an approving nod then followed, being sure to lock the door behind him.
No one made a sound as their steps pounded down the stairs of the two story log cabin, then the front door slammed. A moment later a car outside revved up and faded away down the driveway.
“Don't speak for a second.” Callie rubbed the back of her ear against her shoulder, turning up the listening device that was inbedded in her mask. After sitting there for a moment she once again rubbed her ear against her shoulder to turn the device back down “Okay. There's no one in the house.”
Edith let out a small whimper “What are they planning for us?”
“I have my guesses, but I'd rather not say.” Callie looked around the room. It was completely empty except for the three chairs holding the prisoners. Then her gaze landed on the window.
The sky was started to lighten, letting her know that it was, once again, nearing six o clock,
“I'm so scared!” Edith wailed “My family! My friends! What is going to happen to them? What's going to happen to us?”
“Edith, calm down.” Logan said gently “We're going to get out of here. Right, Cal?”
“Mm-hm.” the girl in question mumbled as she started scooting her chair across the carpeted floor. It wasn't easy.
“But how do you know?” Edith retorted “What if we don't? What if we're here forever and no one ever finds us.”
Callie rolled her eyes and continued the long, painful process of crossing the room. Her destination: the window.
“You just need to stay calm.” Logan said, watching Callie from the corner of his eye “In the past months of trouble I've been getting into with her, she's not been in a fix she couldn't get out of.”
“Aren't you a little worried? Just a bit?”
“Yes. I'm always worried a little bit. But I trust her.”
Callie smiled ever so slightly as she continued the slow process across the room.
Edith shook her head “How can you be so casual?” she called to the other girl “Being captured didn't seem to have any effect on you.”
Callie chuckled and paused to give her ropeburns a rest “Edith, in all honesty, being tied up in a building at the top of a mountain in the least of my worries.”
“How? It's terrifying!”
“It could be. But I've been tied up and left in burning buildings, have dangled from the eiffel tower, gone swimming in a frozen river with a sprained ankle, had to stop fireworks that were set up to poison a whole town and have been pinned to the ground by a maniac with a six inch dagger barely two inches from my throat.” she shook her head “Just being tied on the top of a mountain is kind of relief. I mean the worst damage happening right now is rope burn.” then she continued to work her way across the room.
“Well, I guess that's easy for you to say.” Edith mumbled “You're not afraid of anything.”
Once again Callie froze, she looked as far over her shoulder as she could “What makes you say that?”
“Well you're not. I've read about.you Nothing ever stops you. Not guns, not bombs, not knives or heights or... anything!”
“That doesn't mean I'm not afraid of anything... because I am.”
Logan's eyebrows shot up “What!?”
“It's true.”
“You just listed a ton of things that happens to you, what could you possibly be scared of?” Edith asked
“Failing.” Callie sighed “It's always been my biggest fear. But I never let it stop me.”
“See. You're fearless.”
“Do you want to know what fearless is?” when Edith shrugged Callie answered “Fearless is having a fear but jumping anyways.” then she continued her journey towards the window.
A long moment of silence followed the statement til Logan chuckled and glanced at her “Did you come up with that?”
“Nope. Found it on the internet.”
“So....” Edith said slowly “is it true that you're mask is a permanent part of your face?”
Callie let out a long huff of air “I want to know where you keep getting all this stuff.”
“Newspapers.”
“Ode to joy.”
For a long moment there was no noice other than the sound of Callie's chair working its way across the floor.
A long moment later Edith sighed “But there's still no garantee we'll make it out! I mean how can we be sure that...”
She was interrupted but the sound of glass cracking then shattering. When she looked over her shoulder she saw Callie's chair leaning backwards, half of it against the broken window, the other against the wall.
Callie knocked her chair back down onto all fours then jumped it around in a circle til she could grasp a peice of the shattered glass in her bound hands “I thought he knew all about me.” she grinned as she began sawing at the ropes holding her. The first hand took several minutes, but once she got it free, she pulled a bobby pin out of her hair and easily sliced through the rest of her ropes. Then she quickly cut Edith loose.
“What kind of boby pin is that?” Edith asked as she rubbed her raw wrists.
“One of my own.” Callie responded, slicing through Logan's bonds “Made then a long time ago in case of emergency.” then she returned the object to her hair.
Edith stood from her seat and looked around the empty room “Well now we're loose, but how are we going to...” once again she was cut off, but this time by the sound of splittering wood that was followed by a slight bang. She spun around, her eyes widening at the sight of the doorless doorway,
Callie shrugged “They are not used to having hostages.”
“You just... pushed the door right off it's hinges?!” Edith gasped, her eyes wide.
“No. I kicked it. Come on, I want to find the rest of their stuff.”
“Wait.” Edith grabbed her arm “We're not leaving?!”
“We were just escorted to their little mountain hideout. I'm not leaving til I find enough evidence to pin that guy for good.”
 

16: Chapter 16

~~“What are we looking for?” Edith whispered.
“Anything that looks like it was stolen.” Callie answered as she pushed open a door that led to an empty room “Ten bucks says he doens't even own this place.”
“But even if you do find evidence, how will you prove it's him? I mean, the only thing anyone ever sees of that man is his masked face.”
“He didn't have on a mask last night.” Logan pointed out.
“He did everytime I saw him.”
Callie shrugged “That's true. And it was dark when he didn't so...” she pushed open another door “But all masks come off.” she flashed a smile at the other girl and continued down the hall. When she grabbed the handle of the last door, it wouldn't budge “Locked. Go figure.”
Edith watched as she pulled another bobby pin from her hair, bent it to shape and inserted it in the lock “You know how to pick locks?”
“Don't know a detectove wbo doesn't.”
“Then why didn't you pick the lock to the room we were trapped in?”
Callie pushed the door open and straightened up “What fun would that have been?” then she walked into the room and her eyes widened “Whoa...”
The room was completely filled with old antiques of everykind. And each object's worth was extremely high.
“Just looking around I'd say he's got about four million bucks in here.”
“Are you serious?” Logan asked slowly “Most of it looks like a bunch of junk.”
“That's what antiques are. A hunk of junk from olden days.”
“Hey!” Edith suddenly cried as she ran into the room “I know that clock!” she picked up a tiny old brass clock that was about four inches tall “It's Sadie's. Her grandmother gave it to her. And I think it was actually her grandmother's great-great-grandmothers... or something like that.”
Callie nodded “Well, I've got all the evidence I need. Let's get out of here before they come back.”
“I agree. My family is probably freaking out! Especially my cousin.”
Callie bit back a smile as she left the room, pulling the door closed behind her “Probably.” then she led the way down the stairs and out the back door just as they heard a motor pull up to the house and cut off.
“Run.” she gave the other two a slight shove and they shot into the trees. As they ran she paged Carol “Hey. Can you give me some info on the area I'm running through?.. Quickly!”
A loud shout echoed through the trees as Jakspear apparently discovered his captives missing.
“Guys, stop!” Callie suddenly shouted as she leapt forward and grabbed their arms, yanking them back.
“What?” Edith asked breathlessly.
Callie took a small step forward and moved a piece of brush off to the side and was greeted with the sight of a drop off down the mountain “That.”
The Martin girl's face paled “We almost... what... I...”
“What now?” Logan asked.
Callie looked back the way they came “We have to go back. We don't have a choice.”
“But they'll see us!” Edith cried “We'll never make it!”
“Logan, make sure Edith makes it down the mountain. I'll hold off the Rider and his sidekick for a while then join you.”
“Are you sure?” he stared at her, uncertainty writen all over his face.
“Yes. Now let's go.” with that she took off back down the mountain.
“Isn't there a way to sneak around?” Edith asked.
Logan shook his head “If there was she'd do it, trust me.”
“But the trees...”
“I know. I don't understand either so I just go with it.” he sent her a slight smile “Makes it alot easier than arguing and making her explain.”
Callie quickly outran the other two and circled the house to where Jakspear and Algerson were arguing “Hey! What's up?”
Jakspear spun around just as she lashed out with the kick that caught him in the middle of his chest and sent him crashing to the ground.
“Cameron!” the man shouted in rage as he scrambled back to his feet “You will not get away with this!”
“Eh, it never stops me from trying.”
He lunged for her and she jumped out of the way and ran up onto the porch. As she fought with the two men, from the corner of her eye she could see Logan and Edith quickly running down the driveway.
She continued, mainly dodging, the men til for another ten minutes before she jumped off the porch “Chao!” and ran down the road.
“CAMERON!” Jakspear shouted, but made no move to go after her.
About twenty minutes later, she caught up with the other two who were still running as fast as they could.
“Hey!” she called as she fell into step beside them.
Edith stared at her “You run fast!”
“Comes with practice.”
“Where's the Rider?” Logan asked as they slowed to a walk.
“Jumping up and down on his porch like a five year old.” a few minutes later they reached a nice grassy clearing and the trio collapsed onto the ground.
“I need a steak.” Edith huffed “And some mashed potatoes and green beans and... pie.”
Callie laughed “Sounds good.”
“Sounds great, actually.” Logan added.
Edith raised up slightly and looked over at the masked girl “Thanks. You really do know what you're doing?”
Callie raised an eyebrow “You're... welcome. I think.” she propped herself up on her elbows “I have a feeling I need to explain something. The reason we had to take the driveway out is because the Shadow Rider has set up trip wires all over that property with booby traps. There were none out the back because of that dropoff.”
“Oh...” Edith nodded slowly “But how did you know?”
“Paged a contact. She kinda gave me a heads up.”
“Carol?” Logan guessed.
“She's the only one I've got.” she pushed herself to her feet “You'd better get home, Edith.”
“Yeah.” the brunette sighed as she stood “Thanks again... any idea where home is?”
Callie smiled “This area doesn't look familiar?”
Edith looked around for a minute then her face lit up “Oh yeah! I'm only about a mile from home! How did you...?”
“Like I said, I have my contacts. Logan, will you make sure she gets there?”
“Absolutely.” he nodded then sent her a smile “I'll see you around, Cal.”
But before any of them could take a step, Jakspear suddenly stepped into the clearing “Nobody's going anywhere.”
Callie rolled her eyes “I thought I left you standing on your front porch!”
“You did,” the man responded “But I place trackers in all my 'findings'.”
She frowned then her eyes widened and she spun around to face the other girl “Edith! You took that clock, didn't you?”
“I... wanted to return it to Sadie. She loved it more than anything!”
Jakspear laughed “And after she worked so hard to free you.” he snapped his fingers and his three sidekicks stepped into view “I'm afraid it won't be so easy this time.” then he motioned to the three “Take care of the boy and Edith. I'll deal with Cameron.”
“Edith, run!” Logan shouted.
With a scream, the girl turned and shot off, one of the black figures following.
“Logan, that heads straight for the cliffs again!” Calllie quickly blocked a blown from the Rider.
Logan nodded, made short order of taking care of Algerson and took off after the girl, the last black figure right behind.
“You'll regret ever coming into this!” Jakspear shouted as he pulled out his dagger again and charged at Callie.
“I doubt it.” she responded angrily, ducking a blow and kicking the man's feet out from beneath him at the same time. Just then an earpeircing scream split the air and she instantly knew it was Edith.
“Ooh, looks like the girl's in trouble.” the man taunted.
Her eyes darked and in one swift move, she sent the dagger flying from his hand and kicked him back into a tree where he groaned and sank to the ground.
“Don't mess with my family.” she said under her breath right before she ran in the direction of the scream.
When she reached the spot it took her a second to take in the scene: Logan was climbing up the other side of a large ravine, using a rope bridge that apparently had been cut by the black figure standing nearby with a swiss army knife. And Edith was slowly backing away from the other person, her heels coming closer and closer to the edge.
“Hiya!” the one with the knief shouted as he lunged at her. She quickly grabbed his arm and flipped him to the ground then she ran for the one advancing on her cousin.
The figure spun around and jumped back, accidentally bumping into Edith, sending the girl flailing over the edge,
“No!” Callie leapt forward, her stomach slammed into the hard ground as she made a grab at the falling girl's hand and managed to barely grab her fingers.
The two black clad figures looked at each other. “Let's get out of here.” one mumbled then they ran off.
Callie gritted her teeth as she held onto Edith, but the meager hold she had on the girl's hand was slipping.
“Help.” Edith whispered terrified as her fingers continued to slip from Callie's grasp.
Logan watched helplessly from the other side of the ravine.
“I'm slipping!” Edith cried.
Desperate to keep her from falling, Callie removed the hand that was keeping her from sliding, reached down and grabbed Edith's wrist. Almost immediately she started sliding forward “No.” she said under her breath, but she couldn't keep from sliding. As she looked down the two hundred foot drop she knew there was only one way to save her cousin “Try to grab my wrist!”
Edith nodded slightly and after a few seconds of struggle and managed to get a hold “Okay.”
Callie took a deep breath and looked across the chasm to where Logan was standing, and for a moment even in the danger and the distance their eyes locked and she managed a weak smile.
“Oh, Callie.” He breathed “Don't.”
She sucked in a deep breath and turned her attention back to the girl hanging on to her. She swung her back and forth a few times, building up momentum, then summoning all the strength she had left, she swung her whole upper body around, using every muscle she had to bring her cousin up to the ledge. But as Edith rolled onto the ground, Callie slipped over the edge.
“Callie!” she heard the screams as she plummeted towards the ground, and an instant later everything went black.

17: Chapter 17

~~Logan stared breathlessly down into the ravine.
She wasn't moving. From what he could tell she wasn't breathing. She was just laying there completely motionless.
With a shake of his head he ran back over to the rope bridge that was hanging down the side of the mountain and started using it as a ladder down. After several minutes he reached the bottom and ran towards the fallen girl.
“I'll go get help!” Edith called.
“No! Just go home where it's safe!”
“But...”
“Go home, Edith!”
She sucked in a deep breath and stepped away from the ledge “Okay.” she whispered then she turned and ran away.
Logan dropped to his knees beside the masked girl “Oh, Cal. What did you do?”
Just then a small groan escaped her lips and she shifted ever so slightly. His eyes widened and he leaned over her “You're alive.” he quickly checked for broken bones and was shocked to find none. He sat back on his heels and shook his head “How on earth...” then he saw it. Right in front of him was a large bush all tangled with vines and weeds that had probably been growing in it for years. Right in the middle was a large indention where Callie had undoubtedly landed then rolled to the ground.
“Never thought I could owe a bush.” he mumbled as he gently eased her up off the ground “I have to get you to Carol. But first... I have to find a way out of here.” he looked around for any clues to a place he could get up the mountainside.
“So close...” the words reached him at just above a whisper.
He frowned and looked down at the girl “What?”
Her eyes fluttered open and looked up at him “He is so close... to pushing the wrong button.”
“Close!?” he responded with disbelief. She started laughing and he shook his head “He's just now close?”
“Well he's a lot closer than he was yesterday.” she responded, her dark eyes sparkling with amusement.
“I do not understand you, Callie Cameron.” he looked around “But right now we need to find a way out of this canyon.”
“I can walk you know?” she said, kicking one of her feet and instantly cringed “Ooh... I guess I'm sorer than I thought.”
He just shook his head and made no move to place her on the ground “We'll find someway out of here.”
She frowned “Logan, you cannot carry me up the side of the mountain.”
He looked down at her and grinned “Watch me not.”
~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~
Carol stifled a yawn as she continued working on her laptop, playing a challenging game of Tetris. She was in the middle of a level when she heard a hard kick on her hotel room door.
“Is that you, Cal?” she called, not moving from her spot.
“Yeah.” Callie answered “Open the door, Carol. I can't stand here forever... please!”
“Alright, alright, I'm coming.” she paused her game, stood up, went over to the door and opened it and immediately her eyes widened “Logan! What are you...” she paused and watched as Callie limped into the room, leaning heavily on Logan's arm “Why are you limping?”
Callie gritted her teeth as she eased down onto the footrest to a nearby recliner “Just took a little trip down the side of the mountain.”
“You did what now?!” Carol exclaimed, throwing her hands into the air “How many times do I have to tell you to be careful! Cal, if anything happens to you I'm the one that's got to tell your fa...”
“Carol.” Callie hissed, cutting her off “Look, I'm fine. Just a little sore. Could really use your chiropractic skills.”
“Alright, fine.” Carol shook her head and grabbed the small ice bucket that was sitting nearby “I'll be right back.” then she stormed out the door, being sure to slam it behind her.
Logan raised an eyebrow and smiled “Is she really that angry?”
“Nah. She's just dramatic.” she placed her hands on seat behind her and leaned back, letting out a low hissing sound as she did “It's been awhile since I've been this sore.”
“When was the last time?”
“When I was fifteen and got thrown across the room by a pro wrestler who was trying to permanently remove the competition so that he'd be the ultimate champion.” she smiled and leaned forward, resting her arms on her knees “I didn't have wings but I flew... and crashed into a row of chairs.”
“Ow.” he cringed “What happened to the pro wrestler?”
“Thankfully some observer of the previous match left their smoothie behind. He hit the floor and slid back down the stairs. By then he was a little disoriented so finishing him off wasn't too hard. But I felt the results for the next four days.”
“I can imagine.”
She looked down at her boots then back up at him “Thanks. I couldn't have gotten out of there without you.”
He smiled “You're always throwing yourself into danger for the safety of others. The least I can do is get you out of a ravine from time to time.” she chuckled and he sat down on his heels in front of her “Being your sidekick isn't easy, but it's worth it.”
A slow smile crossed her face and she laughed softly “You're probably the only person who would think so.”
"Well, as far as I know, no one else has had the chance."
"And they probably won't either." she looked down at her hands before her gaze returned to his face "I couldn't ask for a better sidekick... or friend."
He stared at her for a moment before he gently picked up her hand and their fingers intertwined together.
But the moment was ended as the door to the hotel was kicked open and Carol backed in "You would not believe how long it took me to locate that stupid ice machine!"
The two teens looked over at her then back at each other and Logan quickly straightened up and backed away just as Carol turned around.
"Well, Logan. I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
"No problem." he nodded and walked to the door "See you later... Callie."
She smiled "Thanks again."
"My pleasure, Cal." then he disappeared out the door.
"Alright," Carol pointed to a long bench that was in the room "Let's make this quick."
~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~
Lilly Ann slowly walked up the steps into the Martin's home. She could hear voices coming from the living room so that's where she wemt.
Everyone was gathered around Edith who was telling her story quickly.
"And then... and then she... She fell!" everyone gasped "She literally traded places with me and fell down the mountain!"
"Who did?" Lilly Ann asked.
Every head in the room turned to look at her then there was an echoed "Where have you been!?"
She instantly switched on the 'frantic-worrier' mode and walked slowly into the room, being careful not to limp "Well, I got up in the middle of the night... and then Edith got Kidnapped... and then I was in the woods... and it was dark and... and..."
"Oh, come now." Aunt Julia stood up and led her over to sit next to Edith "It's alright. All that matters is that you're both safe."
"Except Callie Cameron." Edith sighed "There's no way she survived that fall."
Lilly Ann bit her tongue to keep from responding since she wasn't supposed to know anything about what had happened. So instead she put her arm around her cousin and smiled encouragingly "I'm sure everything will be alright, E-D."
"But with Callie gone, who's going to stop Rider?"
"I'm sure everything will work out fine. Don't worry."
Just then the screen door opened and Sadie came running into the room "Edith! You're back! And you're okay!"
"Hi, Sadie."
"I was so worried about you! When you family discovered you and her missing..."
"I didn't get kidnapped." Lilly Ann said "Just out in the woods."
"And it's so easy to get lost out there." Sadie turned back to her friend "How did you escape?"
"Callie saved my life."
Logan stepped into the room just then and smiled a greeting at everyone "Good to see you made it back safely."
"Did you get Callie out of the ravine?"
"Mm-hm. Took her to a friend of hers that's in town."
Edith frowned "What can she do?"
"Probably just pop her back into place and leave her be."
"It's so terrible! I feel like a murderer!"
Logan's eyebrows lurched "What? Why?"
"If it wasn't for me... Callie wouldn't be dead."
The room fell into complete silence as the words sank in, then Logan burst out laughing "Oh! Edith, I'm sorry. I didn't even think!" he shook his head "Callie's not dead. She's quite alive, actually."
"Really!? But how? I saw her fall!"
"A very large tangled bush was her savior." he leaned against the doorframe "She's a bit sore, but she'll be alright."
"Good." she let out a tremendous breath of air "Well, I am exhausted. And I know Lilly Ann is."
Logan frowned "Why is Lilly Ann exhausted?"
"Just been worrying about my cousin." the girl in question answered quickly.
"Well, I just wanted to see you as soon as Logan told me the news." Sadie smiled "I'll see you later."
Edith nodded "Okay."
Before they left, Hank stopped Logan, a serious look on his face "Hey, do you think you could set up a dinner for me to meet with this Cameron girl?"
"I can try, but I'll need a reason to give her."
"I may have some information that will be helpful in this case."
Lilly Ann's eyebrows lurched "And he's just now getting around to telling it?"'
"Alright, I'll give her a call. It may have to be in a couple of days though. She's pretty beat."
"Will do."
After the two left, Edith got up from the couch "You coming upstairs?"
Just the thought of stairs made Lilly Ann cringe. So instead and flopped over on the couch, propping her feet up on the armrest "Nah. I'm crashing here."
"Suit yourself."
~*~*~*Callie Cameron*~*~*~
Two days later, Callie walked into the small local restaurant where Hank Martin had asked to meet her. With him was Jake Bennet.
"Glad you could come, Miss Cameron." Hank said as he stood.
Callie slid into her seat and smiled "Just call me Callie. I'm young enough to be your daughter."
"As you wish."
A waitress joined them almost immediately and took their orders. After she left Callie looked around.
It was a small, family style restaurant. There were quite a few other people sitting around eating... or staring at the masked girl.
"Mind if I ask why you chose a table in the middle of the floor?" she asked quietly.
"I'm afraid it was the only one far enough away from the other tables so they couldn't overhear our conversation." Hank answered.
"So I see. Now what did you want to tell me?"
"I should have told you this a long time ago, but I wasn't sure I could trust you, even though James told me that I could. But since you saved Edith's life, I believe I owe you."
"How are you doing, by the way?" Jake Bennet asked.
"Still a bit sore but I'm fine." then she turned her attention back to the Martin "You were saying."
After taking a deep breath, Hank continued "Roden St. Montes. Have you heard of him?"
"I've seen him in Mr. Clergy's place."
"Yes, well... he used to own a large computer parts manufacture... until a few months ago. It shut down and now he has several large debts to pay." he rubbed his forehead "I fear he may be mixed up in this whole Shadow Rider business. Desperation can drive a man to do what he wouldn't do otherwise."
"So the St. Montes's have lost everything?"
"Just about. They're going to have to sell their house and most of their cars to pay off the bills."
"That's very... interesting." she leaned back in her seat "And actually explains a few things."
Jake sighed "We were hoping that Roden wasn't part of this. He's been a good friend."
"Well, I think I can assure you that he's not mixed up in the Shadow Rider deal." she looked back and forth between the two men "But he may be involved in embezzlement."
"What?"
"Mr. Clergy's been loosing a large amount of funds every week. It's getting to the point he almost can't afford to keep his firm open. But I believe you may have given me a place to look with a solid motive."
"Wish I could say I was happy about it." Jake shook his head.
"Don't worry. I've apprehended my fair share of people's friends. I know what you're going through." she leaned forward on the table "But since we're here and discussing this anyways, what do you know about the Shadow Rider and his sidekicks?"
"Nothing much." Hank answered "I have overhead them talking once or twice.. They caught me once."
"Is that when the attacks started?"
"No, the attacks started..." just then Hank's eyes widened "He was listening to us discuss what we're talking about now."
"Then that explains everything." she shook her head "He thought you'd discovered his real identity and was trying to scare you off before you could tell anyone. Now he's just trying to remove you... permanently."
"I should have told what I knew from the start." Hank growled "This may have all been resolved."
"Not quite." Jake pointed out "She said Roden isn't involved. But then, who is?"
She opened her mouth to respond but stopped abruptly as her gaze drifted to the kitchen door.
A black gloved hand was sticking out the doorway holding a small pistol... that was pointed directly as the back of Hank Martin's head!

18: Chapter 18

In the space of a heartbeat, Callie braced her feet against the braces of both men's chairs and in one move sent them crashing to the floor. Then she slid out of her chair and under the table just as a shot echoed through the small restaurant and one of the windows shattered. She grabbed the shocked men's feet and with one yank pulled them beside her then using her shoulder, she turned the table over onto its side, taking no thought for the food and drink that spilled all over the floor.

"Stay put." she said right before she stood up and jumped over the over-turned table. She watched Jakspear step out of the kitchen in his black disguise and crossed her arms "Dare I ask what you're doing here?"

"Cameron!" he hissed "When will you learn to stay out of my way!?"

"When will you learn that me and advice are never in the same universe?" she replied mockingly.

"Just stay out of my way!" his roared boomed with anger and in an instant he reached inside his cape, yanked out his dagger and threw it across the room.

Callie's eyes widened and she grabbed a plastic dinner tray that was sitting on a nearby table and held it up in front of her. Barely a second later she heard the sound of ripping plastic as the sharp blade tore through the tray then was suddenly halted by its handle.

She looked at the blade that was a mere three inched from her nose then removed it from in front of her and shook her head "What's your point?"

"I am finished with you!" and with that he ran towards her.

A slight smile tugged at the corner of her lips and she threw the tray away frisbee-style and jumped up onto a nearby table.

He made a dive for her, but she simply jumped into the air and he soared over the top of the table under her and crashed to the floor on the other side amid a mess of food, drink and tablecloth.

"Get her!" he shouted as he tried to get to his feet.

His three sidekicks instantly ran from the kitchen and headed for her.

She leaped over to another table that was nearby, and in one kick sent one of the plates that was piled with food flying across the room where it landed right in the face of Linford Algerson.

"I hope you like potatoes." she grinned "But you forgot the gravy!" with that she kicked a large gravy ladle, causing its contents to spill all over the floor.

Algerson wiped the mixture of potatoes and corn from his face and went to go after her again but just stepped on the gravy. His feet flew out from beneath him and he hit the tiled floor with a resounding *THUD*

"Oooh." Callie cringed "That looked like it hurt."

"Cameron!" Jakspear shouted.

"That's my name, don't wear it out." with that she stepped off the table onto a chair back and gracefully rode it to the floor.

Instantly the other two sidekicks came running at her, but she quickly skittered off to the side, grabbed two chairs and spun them so they were side by side behind her. Then she grasped the backs and hoisted her self up, allowing her to place well aimed kicks into the stomachs of the two attackers.

Both groaned as they hit the floor and slid across the tile.

Callie smiled innocently as she sat on the backs of the two chairs, one leg crossed over the other.

"How are you doing that?" Algerson asked in disbelief.

She just shrugged "I can't tell all my trade secrets, can I?"

Jakspear grabbed Algerson's shoulder and gave it a vicious yank "Cut the chit chat and get her!" then both men went for her again.

"It's like a big comin' at ya party in here." she thought. Then she grasped the backs of the chairs and quickly flipped over them. One foot hit the floor while the other smacked the side-by-side legs of the chairs, causing them to fly up and slam both men in the jaw.

Algerson was out. Jakspear on the other hand was bruised... and EXTREMELY angry.

He swung at her violently, but she quickly blocked his blows with her arms then slid under a nearby table.

"That won't protect you!" he shouted, then with a loud karate yell slammed his fist down onto the table.

"Whoa!" she quickly rolled out of the way as the large object crashed to the ground. She jumped back to her feet and backed away from the man, but the next moment, the two other sidekicks grabbed her arms and pinned them behind her back. She hissed at the sharp pain that shot through her shoulders.

Jakspear chuckled darkly as he shoved a chair out of his way "Not so tough now, are we?"

She just raised an eyebrow and didn't respond.

"You shouldn't have gotten in the way." he voice was a deep growl as he came closer "Where's your little friend now?"

Just then a loud shout echoed through the restaurant. Jakspear spun around just as Logan jumped off the top of one of the tables and delivered a sharp blow into the man's chest.

Callie watched as Jakspear fell to the ground, landing at her feet. Then while the two holding her were mildly distracted, she hooked her foot around the back of the boy's foot and yanked, throwing him off balance. Then she grabbed the girl's arm and in one move flipped her over onto a nearby table.

She flipped her braid over her shoulder and looked down at the man that was still at her feet then up at Logan "Nice hit."

He shrugged "What can I say? I learned from the best."

"Yeah." she nodded slightly "Watch out."

He instantly ducked and a fist came flying over his head, but was stopped as it landed right in the palm of Callie's hand.

She smiled at the girl "Just the one I was hoping to run into." then she pushed her back, jumped over Logan and met the girl in the middle of the floor.

The other sidekick faced Logan "So it's just you and me, huh?"

Logan shrugged "Looks like it."

The girl Callie was facing dropped into a ready pose "I'm sorry it has to end this way."

Callie sighed dramatically "So am I." then she lurched forward, striking a kick to the other girl's shoulder.

The girl stumbled to the side but managed to keep her footing, she was about to strike back when a yell caught both their attentions and the other black figure went flying across the room and crashed into another tables, causing it to collapse. And he stayed there.

The girl gasped then spun to face Callie "You'll be sorry for that!"

Callie held up her hands "Not so fast, Tennana."

The girl froze instantly "What!?"

And Callie instantly took the opportunity to grab the girl's shoulder and send her flying over to where the other one had landed.

She picked a tablecloth up from the ground and easily tore it into strips then tossed a couple to Logan "I'll get these two. You get Jakspear and Algerson."

"Alright."

Five minutes later they had the four tied up and lined up against a wall.

Callie sat down on her heels in front of Jakspear and patted the side of his face "Wake up." then she looked up at Logan "How hard did you hit him?"

The boy shrugged "Hard enough to knock his out."

She stood up and grabbed a cup of iced tea from a nearby table then pulled the mask off the man's head.

Everyone in the restaurant gasped as they recognized the man.

"I don't believe it!" Uncle Hank exclaimed "Bruce?"

Callie sat back on her heels then splashed the ice cold tea into the man in question's face.

Jakspear gasped then tried to get up before he realized he was bound head and foot.

Callie smiled slightly "Mornin'."

"Get me out of this!" he shouted "Or you'll be sorry!"

"Says the man that just got beat by a couple of teens." she shook her head "You're going back to jail, Bruce. You and your buddy here."

"Hey, the cops are coming." Logan informed her "They're sending a chopper to take these two off to federal prison."

"No!" Linford Algerson shouted "I'm not going back to prison!"

"You wouldn't have to go back if you'd just stayed there in the first place." Callie straightened up and walked over to the other two "But I'm not sure what they're going to do with you two." then she pulled the hoods off of Tasio and Tennana St.Montes.

Once again, gasps filled the air.

Callie shook her head "I can think of a few people who would be disappointed in you. I'm afraid your charges aren't going to be too pretty considering."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tennana snapped.

"What I mean is you've been accomplices in robbery as well as attempted murder." She saw their eyes widen and shrugged slightly "And I know how the law works. You two are in serious trouble."

"How could you two do this!?" Jake Bennet shouted "It's a shame and disgrace!"

"Not to mention that our daughters are your friends, Tennana." Hank Martin added "And you tried to hurt them."

"It's not entirely their fault." Callie said quickly, silencing the two men "Actually, this is mainly their father's fault."

Everything fell silent as curious and confused eyes turned to the masked girl.

She motioned to the two tied up teens "When their mother died, Roden St. Montes started working nonstop. He thought that things could fill the void in his kid's life. But what he didn't realize was that that wasn't what they needed. Tasio wanted a role model. Someone to look up to and follow. And when his uncle suddenly appeared and actually had time for him, he latched onto it and Tennana just went along."

Tasio looked down at the floor silently.

"But, what neither one knew was that their uncle was wanted in fifteen stated for armed robbery and four states for murder."

Tennana gasped and sent her brother a horrified look then they both looked over at their uncle who was glaring at Callie Cameron like he could make her melt away into nothing.

But Callie continued "He'd been arrested three times, and all three times he broke out. After the final time he came here to let things calm down a bit. But he decided to work up some money and drug his own family into it, knowing that if he fell they'd go with him."

"We... we didn't know anything about... that." Tasio said quickly "I mean. It seemed harmless at first and then..."

Callie nodded "I know. But I'm not done." then she pointed at Tennana "When things started getting serious was when your father's business went bankrupt. You had to sell everything to pay of the debts. Your house, your cars, and that made you angry."

Tennana just stared at the girl wide eyed.

"That's why the Martins were the main target. Because while the St. Montes' lost everything, the Martins were getting everything."

Tennana turned her gaze to the floor and didn't respond.

Everything went silent til the two local police officers came in the door to take the four away til the helicopter arrived.

"Hey." Callie called after them "Listen. I don't want a word of this getting out to anyone until tomorrow."

"Why?" one officer asked.

"Because, there's one other thing I need to settle tonight and I don't want him to run."

(I know. My fight scenes are HORRIBLE! But anyhoo. Thanks everyone who's been commenting on this story! I think there's only one chapter left! :)

LATerz!)