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Chance made an all-out push to convince me that at least some cryptids were real. He showed me the most convincing evidence online and in his personal collection.
"When my dad went missing, he and Harry were investigating something cryptid related. They kept it all very hush-hush. I'm hoping maybe there's something in your uncle's journal that will shed more light on what they were up to."
I've been a mystery lover since I read my first Nancy Drew book in grade school. While I wasn't hooked on the cryptid mystery, I was beginning to think that maybe Harry's journal and the requirement that Chance and I get acquainted were clues in some mystery. Chance settled in on the sofa for a nap while I worked on my to-do list at the kitchen table. I decided I wanted to approach this my way. I was just adding "call Jim" to the list when my phone rang. "Hi, Tom. How are you?"
"I'm good. I was just checking to make sure we were still on for dinner tonight."
"Absolutely. I'm looking forward to it."
"Great. See you tonight," he said and ended the call.
Tom's call reminded me that I needed to get back to my normal life soon. I called Jim.
"Hi, Everly. How are you feeling now that you've had some rest?"
"I'm good, Jim. Almost back to normal. I need to talk to you about the journal. Chance and I didn't finish the week in the wild because of his injury, but I think we complied with the spirit of Uncle Harry's will. I'd like you to give the journal to Chance. Is that OK legally?
"Sure. I can agree to that."
"Good. There's more. I made a deal with Chance while we were out there. I want to know what's in the journal too."
"I can understand that. I have to admit, I'm curious myself."
"Great. I've got an idea."
By the time I finished talking with Jim, Chance came in looking for coffee. "I'll make a fresh pot," I said. "I'm going to have to head back to the cafe this afternoon. I can make a run into town to pick up some groceries for you if you want."
"I'd appreciate that."
"Do you need any medication or anything? When do you start physical therapy?"
"I'll make a list of what I need. I don't start therapy until next week. By then I should be able to drive myself. They're going to give me a lot of exercises I can do at home, so I only have to go to therapy once a week at least in the beginning."
I brought some more stuff down from upstairs for Chance, then headed into town. I picked up the things on his list, drove back to his house and helped him put things away.
"Are you sure you're going to be OK here on your own?"
"Bath time won't be as much fun, but I think I can manage. Anyway, you'll be back tomorrow afternoon with Jim, right?"
"Right. When we're finished tomorrow, Jim can drive me back, so you can have your truck."
"Good idea. Thanks for all your help."
He leaned in and hugged me while he held the door open for me. "Stay safe. I'll see you tomorrow."