Jughead, Archie, and Sweet Pea all looked at each other as the fire burned at both sides, both kids extremely scared. 

"Here," Archie said as he handed Lottie to Sweet Pea, she was in tears. "Jughead! The fire extinguishers! There should be one in the kitchen!"

"On it!" Jughead shouted back as Sweet Pea moved away from the fire, and both kids held on to him tightly. 

"I want mommy," Grady cried. "Mommy. Call mommy."

"It's going to be alright, buddy," Archie assured as he started to put out the fires with Jughead. "You have your dad, Jughead, and me."

"Mommy," Lottie cried.

"She'll be here soon," Archie assured as they got out the fire extinguishers, they quickly got rid of the fire. An hour later, Callie was walking up to the house, her eyes were wide at the sight of the house, she barged in and grew into instant relief to see her kids were okay.

"Mama!" Grady cried, he ran towards her with tears running down her face.

"What happened? Are you okay?" Callie asked embracing him in a tight hug. "Where is your sister?"

"Mommy!" Lottie cried running towards her with tears in her eyes. Callie took Lottie into the hug as well. 

"We were playing upstairs with uncle and Dad," Grady began. "Then Uncle Juggie shouted fire." Callie looked up to see Sweet Pea, Jughead, and Archie all sitting on the couch. 

"I am so sorry Cal," Archie apologized rushing toward her. "If I knew there was going to be a fire, there would have been no way I would have let them stay here, they aren't injured--" Archie got cut off by Callie standing up and pulling him into a hug.

"My kids are okay thanks to you three," Callie cut him off. "Thank you." She looked down a Grady was pulling on her jacket, she picked him up, she kissed his head. "Do you know who caused this?"

"Most likely your ex-boyfriend Mantle," Sweet Pea grumbled

"Reggie?" Callie gasped. 

"Mommy," Lottie breathed. Callie looked down to see that Lottie wanted to be held as well, she smiled. She squatted down, picking her up as well.

"Cal," Sweet Pea breathed.

"I will talk to Reggie in the morning," Callie said. "For now...it is way past these two's bedtime." She then made her way up the stairs with Sweet Pea following.

"Cal," Sweet Pea breathed as they walked into her old room. "I am so sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?" Callie asked as she put the two kids on the bed. 

"It's my fault," Sweet Pea said, there were tears in his eyes.

"That's not true," Grady said as he began to jump up and down on the bed. "You didn't start the fire."

"Uh-huh," Lottie nodded in agreement.

"Are you going to make Mr. Reggie walk the plank, Mama?" Grady asked.

"You betcha," Callie smiled. "I'll push him off." She grabbed him, laying him on the bed; tickling him, Grady was laughing; Lottie crawled over. "No one messes with your mama's family." She pushed up his shirt and blew into his belly, Grady laughed even more. Sweet Pea stood at the door watching as Callie played with the two.

"Cal," Sweet Pea breathed.

"You can go," Callie said as she looked back. "I'll be fine."

"I can go talk to Reggie for you," Sweet Pea offered.

"No," Callie denied. "I think it's best if I talk to him."

"No," Grady pouted. "Mr. Mantle is a bad man." Callie looked back at her son, her kids were starting to settle down. "He might hurt you."

"You have nothing to worry about pirate," Callie assured. "Mr. Mantle would be crazy to lay a hand on me." Grady pouted a bit more, Lottie looked, then looked at Callie and started to pout as well.

"At least have Papa go with you," Grady said. "It would be dumb for the pirate captain to go in alone."

"Yeah," Lottie agreed.

"Sometimes a pirate captain has to do these things alone," Callie said. "Because it's their crew they love most." She kissed the top of his head. "Sleep tight," She kissed Lottie's head. The two kids snuggled into the bed; Callie stepped out carefully shutting the door.

"You shouldn't go," Sweet Pea said. "Mantle is different."

"He set the house on fire with my kids in it," Callie said.

"Our kids," Sweet Pea corrected.

"My kids, along with my brothers and you," Callie stuck to her words. 

"Grady is our son, so I should go with you," Sweet Pea pouted. Callie pushed past him. "Cal, it's the safest option." She made her way down the stairs; he followed. "You are not speaking to Mantle alone."

"But I will," Callie said. "Last time I checked, a serpent doesn't give the Vixen Queen orders."

"The Vixen Queen shouldn't travel alone," Sweet Pea said as he grabbed her arm. "What kind of leader goes in alone?"

"One that prefers to talk to an ex-boyfriend alone," Callie said as she looked back at him. "This matter doesn't need to involve you."

"This matter very much includes me," Sweet Pea argued. "You shouldn't talk to your ex alone."

"Yet, everybody seems to be okay letting me be alone with you," Callie said as she ripped his hand off of her. "I know you say Reggie changed, but I still have hope he won't raise a hand against me in this talk."

"He can send goonies after you," Sweet Pea.

"And let me guess, kidnap me?" Callie asked as she rounded the corner. 

"Yes," Sweet Pea said.

"Pea, I need you to trust me on this," Callie said. "I'm going to talk to him alone and that's final."

****

The next morning came around; Jughead was checking on the fire damage around the house. Callie was getting her kids ready for school as Archie looked at a few things in a box.  

Callie came downstairs with both the kids, Lottie was going off with Toni today, as Grady was being sent to school.

"Archie," Jughead said as they walk over to the ginger man sitting on the couch. 

"You see this guy in the front?" Archie asked as he walked over with a photo. "That is my Grandpa Ardy."

"I wanna see," Grady said as he stood on his tippytoes.

"Me too," Lottie said as she put her hands up. Jughead picked up Grady as Callie picked up Lottie, Archie pointed at Grandpa Ardy.

"Grandpa Ardy was a fireman back in the day," Archie informed. 

"Oh, geez," Jughead groaned. "I know where this is going."

"The best counterattacked is not to fight fire with fire but to fight with a fire department," Archie continued. 

"What, no mano-a-mano with Hiram Lodge?" Jughead asked. 

"I called Ronnie," Archie said. "She's gonna talk to him, and Cal heading over to talk to Reggie."

"The big meanie," Grady said. 

"Ronnie?" Callie repeated.

"That's interesting," Jughead added. 

"You see this rookie?" Archie said as they directed their attention back to the photo. "He ended up becoming Riverdale's fire chief for 20 years. He's retired now but he still lives in Riverdale."

"Do you know how to get in touch with him?" Callie asked.

"I have a good idea," Archie answered.

"Well, go get 'em, soldier," Jughead encouraged. The doorbell rang; Callie went over to Toni standing at the front.

"What happened here?" Toni asked.

"A big fire," Lottie said as she made her arms big. "Bigger than your house!"

"Well, I know the perfect thing to get those fire blues out of you," Toni said. "We are going to Vixen practice!" Lottie looked at her mom in confusion. "Not those vixens, a different one."

"Thank you for taking her today, Toni," Callie said. 

"I should be thanking you," Toni said. "I can have a guarantee of a good Vixen team when she becomes old enough to join. Come on Lottie, time for you to get an early Vixen training." With that Lotttie went to Riverdale High, Grady was dropped off at school and Callie was at the Mantle's car lot. Callie walked into the shop to find Reggie sitting at the desk.

Reggie looked up and smirk. "Well, well...it seems a foxy lady has stepped into my office."

"Reggie," Callie said. "Was it you that set fire to my house?" She walked over as he stood up.

"Pointing fingers are we? That is so unlike you," Reggie said. "It seems the little Strawberry has lost her touch."

"You work for Hiram now," Callie said. "I think I'm going in the right direction.

"I told your brother not to start that football team," Reggie said.

"So you come clean after all," Callie said.

"I take my word back," Reggie said as he eyed her. "It seems you haven't lost your touch." He walked around the desk, playing with a ring. "Why does it matter to you? You moved away from Riverdale."

"My family was in there Reggie!" Callie exclaimed. "My kids!" The smile on Reggie's face dropped. "I know you want revenge, but putting people's lives at risk, putting my kids in endanger!"

"Look if I knew your kids were inside I would have never," Reggie assured. "For the record, I am sorry." Callie rolled her eyes. 

"What happened to you, Reggie?" Callie asked. "You loved Riverdale, and now you are working to destroy it?"

"I outgrew it," Reggie said. "I know you have to, so why do you fight to save it? This town has hurt you...you should want it gone as much as I do."

"No," Callie said. "I would never destroy a town my father loved, it's much easier to just walk away from it."

"Is it?" Reggie asked as he smiled again. "If it was easy then why are you back?"

"To keep the town alive," Callie said. "If I can help get this town back on its feet, then maybe I'll make it a point to stay here and raise my kids. You once had the very same dream."

"We aren't in high school Callie," Reggie said. "I've changed and so have you. It's best we both just move on from Riverdale and each other."

Callie shook her head. "Reggie, you are a bulldog."

"Stallion," Reggie corrected. "Open your ears, we aren't the same people."

"I know," Callie said. "The Reggie I fell in love with would never turn his back on this town. In fact, he would fight for it, even in his grave." Reggie looked at his fingers. "The Reggie Mantle I fell in love with used to breath the ways of the bulldog, it was sexy."

"I am still a very sexy person," Reggie said as he looked back at her.

"And lame," Callie said. "I remember the days you ran around town screaming about Bulldogs for life."

"Those days are gone," Reggie said as he put his hand on her face. "And for the record, I am still cool."

"Not even a little," Callie denied as she backed up. "I going to go, you don't even think about coming near my kids again. Vixens aren't as friendly as you think."

*****

Over in the Riverdale's gym, Lottie was upfront next to Toni, watching the Vixens move in awe. The music soon stopped once Cheryl walked in. 

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Miss. Winchester herself," Toni said. 

"What are you doing here Aunt C?" Lottie asked. 

"I came here to thank Toni for taking care of the River Vixens whilst I was self-loathing," Cheryl answered. "But, as Elton John likes to say, The bitch is back in town and the squad is my birthright."

"Wrong. The Vixens are mine now, hon," Toni corrected.

"I thought there were mommy's," Lottie said looking up.

"Different squad," Toni said looking down at her. "These foxes belong to me."

"Oh," Lottie nodded as Toni looked back at Cheryl. 

"I restarted them, I'm financing them, and we've been doing all the work," Toni explained. "So what are you going to do about that?"

"What every Vixen throughout history has done to settle a dispute...Challenge you to a dance-off."

"I'm pregnant," Toni reminded her.

"Does that mean you forfeit?" Cheryl asked. 

"I'll dance for Ms. Topaz," a student stepped in. "As her proxy."

"What is a proxy?" Lottie asked. 

"Representative," Toni answered as Cheryl eyed the high school student.

"You know, I usually have a rule about annihilating high school students but you seem particularly insufferable," Cheryl said. Music started playing, and everyone stepped to the side and watched Cheryl and the student had their dance-off. Starting off with Cheryl, it moved on to the student, then soon the two were dancing together. Lottie was bopping to the music as she watched. 

"Now let's decide this," Cheryl ordered once the dance finished "All those in favor of Moi as your HBIC?" the girls cheered. 

"And all those for me?" The student asked as she crossed her arms. The girls all cheered, including Toni. 

"That makes it a tie," Lottie said as Toni stepped forward.

"You are correct," Toni nodded, then looked back at Cheryl. "In that case, I'll be willing to share control of the Vixens, if your ego can handle that."

"Agreed," Cheryl gave in. "For now." She looked at the Vixens. "Why are you buffoons just standing there? Take it from the top." She snapped her fingers, the girls quickly went into action.

"Can I join?" Lottie asjed as she tugged on Toni's shirt. "It looks fun."

"In a few years," Toni said. Lottie didn't seem happy. "We can work on your splits to make sure you make the team for when your time comes." Lottie lit up. 

****

That night Callie was at home, she was helping Grady with his homework as Lottie did some coloring. The door opened; in walked Archie and another person.

"Oh, hello," Callie greeted as she stood up. "You are...?" She reached her hand out.

"I'm Eric Jackson, I served with your brother Archie," the man shook her hand. "And from what I can tell." He looked at her carefully. "You must be his sister Callie." He looked over at the two kids who were staring at him.

"Those are my kids Grady and Lottie," Callie said. "Say hello."

"Hello."

"Hi."

"Well, it's nice to finally meet you," Jackson smiled. 

"Thank you for your service, Mr. Jackson," Callie said as she pulled away.

"Just doing my duty," Jackson smiled.

"We are heading up to the bar if you would like to come," Archie offered.

"No can do," Callie denied. "I am on homework help, plus it's too late to find a babysitter."

"No worries," Jackson said. "Don't take this the wrong way, but you are doing quite well for a single mom of two."

"Huh," Callie blushed slightly. "Thank you, sir." Soon the two boys left, and Callie went back to help her son as her phone blew up with things Jughead found on the Mothmen. 

****

The next morning came around; Callie was back in her classroom teaching, while Grady was at school. Lottie was back at school, listening to what Corporal Jackson had to say in Archie's classroom. At the moment Callie was grading papers when there was a knock. She looked up to see Veronica and Cheryl.

"I can smell a plan from here," Callie said as the two walked in. "What can I do for you?"

"Veronica here is making monopoly money only for Riverdale," Cheryl answered. "And since you are the government teacher, economy and government seem to hold hands."

"Each of my classes has its own system of government," Callie informed. "Socialists, communists, capitalists, and of course an anarchist group."

"No dictatorships?" Cheryl asked.

"Not yet," Callie denied. 

"Well, how would you like to join in the operation?" Veronica asked. "You can do the legal check aspects on it. It can also help Riverdale get back on its feet. And you seem to know a lot about governing."

"I'm in," Callie said. 

****

Over in the RROTC room, Jackson was giving his speech. Lottie was being held up by Archie as everyone listened. 

"I was a cavalry scout, before being selected for sniper school," Jackson said. "By the time I graduated, I could bullseye a playing card at 500 meters."

"Right, guys. Last question for Corporal Jackson," Archie instructed. "Ask him anything."

"What was the Commander like in the army?" a student asked. All the boys snicked.

"I'll show you," Jackson said, he lifted his pants; Lottie's eyes went wide. "I got this nifty hunk of metal from a grenade on the battlefield. But if it weren't for your commander. I'd have been sent home in a body bag." He was on his feet now. "Sergeant Andrews is the kind of man that never stops giving back. Hell, that's why he's trying to start a volunteer fire department on his own."

"Wait. Can we help with that?" a student asked.

"What with the fire department?" Archie asked, the student nodded. "No, you got school and football."

"With due respect, so do you, sir," the student said. 

"Damn," Archie said as he walked forward. "My own friends turned me down and you guys are in?"

"Yeah," they all agreed. 

"Okay, then," Archie gave in. "But you have to be 16 to sign up and you need your parent's permission."

*****

Night came quickly; Callie was back at her apartment, she was getting the kids ready for bed when she got a call from Betty.

"What's up?" Callie asked as she answered the phone.

"Can you help search for Polly again?" Betty asked. "My mom found her phone at that swamp, even worse more and more bodies are showing up."

"You can count on me," Callie assured. She looked over at her kids. "How long?"

"One has been there for three years," Betty said.

"Something isn't right," Callie said. "If we want Riverdale to thrive again, we need to figure out who is behind all this."

"Do you think it's Mr. Lodge?" Betty asked.

"No," Callie said. "That man may be evil, but this is a whole different level of evil." The door opened; she looked over to see Sweet Pea walking into the room. He had flowers in his hand. "See you tomorrow." She then hung up the phone. "Pea?"

"I just thought I help make the house a bit more pretty," Sweet Pea said as he went over to the kitchen.

"Take your shoes off," Callie stopped him from going any further. "I don't want mud all over the house."

"If you make the mess you clean it," Grady said as he glared. "Or I will make you walk the plank."

"Understood," Sweet Pea smiled as he took off his shoes. "How did it go with Mantle?"

"He shouldn't be a problem anymore," Callie said.

"Can I take the kids tomorrow?" Sweet Pea asked. 

"No," Callie denied. "Grady has school and Toni is taking Princess Lottie." Sweet Pea didn't seem happy, but he knew pleading wasn't going to make Callie change her mind. 

"I'm having a few of my Vixens come to town," Callie informed. "Helping Archie with the fire department, and stepping in to be teachers."

"That was quick," Sweet Pea said, he still didn't seem happy. "They are okay with coming to a dying town?"

"A town being saved from completely dying," Callie corrected. 

"At least let me take them to breakfast," Sweet Pea said going back on to the subject.

"I don't want Grady missing school," Callie said. "This is the first time in a while I haven't received a call about him getting into a fight."

"It's just one day," Sweet Pea pleaded. "What do you say, buddy?"

"Mama says that school is important," Grady said. "If I ever wanna take over her gang, I need to be at the top of my game."

"Don't you wanna spend time with me?" Sweet Pea asked. "Do some father-son bonding? Your sister can come too."

"No can do," Lottie denied. "I have cheer practice." She did pretend her hands were holding pom-poms. "We are blue and gold--"

"You are two, how can you have vixen practice already?" Sweet Pea asked.

"Since two days ago," Lottie answered as she held up four fingers.

"It's two," Grady said as he corrected the number of fingers being held up.

"How about we get milkshakes at pops?" Sweet Pea asked. 

"Mama," Grady grunted looking at her. "What is he doing?"

"Being persistent," Callie frowned as she crossed her arms. "Fine, you can take Grady tomorrow." Sweet Pea lit up. "But I want texts every hour."

"That's fine," Sweet Pea nodded.

"Grady, please be on your best behavior," Callie said.

"Yes, mama," Grady grunted as he looked at his dad.
******

The next day, everyone went their separate ways, Callie did some teaching at school before meeting up with Betty, and Lottie was hanging with Toni as Grady was Pops with Sweet Pea. They both had strawberry milkshakes.

"Spending time with your dad?" Jughead asked as he passed by the table.

"Yeah," Grady said looking over. "Some father-son bonding." Jughead ruffled his head then walked over to Tabitha with Veronica's monopoly money. 

"How is school going?" Sweet Pea asked. "Have you made any friends?"

"School is fun," Grady answered. "I like when we all go to recess together. I get to play with Juniper and Dagwood then."

"Any kids from your class?" Sweet Pea asked. Grady nodded.

*****

Over at the school, Lottie was doing her best to keep up with the Vixens as they ran laps, Cheryl stood at the center.

"I've seen a porcelain doll possessed by deceased brother move faster than you lot!" Cheryl shouted as the doors opened.

"What the hell is this, Cheryl?" Toni demanded as she walked in.

"Vixen's practice, obvi," Cheryl answered. "We need to be doing two days if you want to avoid public embarrassment."

"We're supposed to be coaching together," Toni reminded her. "But clearly, you went behind my back and scheduled a practice. You even have Lottie practicing."

"That choice was up to three years old," Cheryl said. "Plus, I knew you'd caused a scene like this, Toni." One of the girls fell. 

"Vixens, call Nurse Nightingale," Toni ordered as she rushed over. She looked back. "Cheryl, this ends now."

"Vixens, like Blossoms, are forged in fire," Cheryl said. 

"Hmm. Wow. That sounds like something your mother would say," Toni said. 

"Careful where thoust treads, Toni," Cheryl warned as she stepped forward. "You're on thin ice." She walked away; Toni looked back to see Lottie holding the injured girl's hand.

"Everything is going to be okay," Lottie said. "The nurse that always gives me candy will be here soon. You know what always makes my boo-boos better?"

"What is it?" the hurt Vixen asked.

"When mommy kisses them," Lottie said as she leaned over and kissed the girl's ankle. "How are feeling?"

"Much better," the girl said. 

"Thank you, Nurse Lottie," the vixen that challenged Cheryl. "Your healing kisses are magic."

****

Over at the swamp, Callie was helping Betty, Alice, and a few others look for Polly. As they looked a car pulled up; Mr. Lodge and Reggie both got out of the car.

"That's far enough," Hiram said. "Every one of you is trespassing on private property."

"Retreat immediately or face the consequences," Reggie ordered, he had a gun on him. 

"Hiram, my daughter's missing," Alice said as she walked forward. "She might be somewhere in your swamp."

"Alice, as a father, I feel your pain, but I can't have people wandering through here. All of this is going to be my new turnpike."

"It's also a crime scene," Sheriff Keller said.

"Well, it's not in your jurisdiction, Sheriff," Hiram said. 

"Well, I'm with the FBI," Betty said as she stepped forward, she showed her badge. "So the FBI declaring this a crime scene."

"Oh, I think you're gonna need better than that badge you got out of a Jacker Crackerbox, Betty," Hiram said. "In the meantime, off my property." Guns clicked. "Now." With reluctance, they walked away.

"What now?" Betty asked. 

"We are looking through that swamp whether they like it or not," Alice said.

"He's slacking," Callie said looking back. "Hiram is not at the top of his game anymore."

******

Back at the apartment, Callie was doing the dishes when she heard the door open.

"Mama!" a voice called out.

"Grady," Callie as she spun around, scooping the little boy into a hug. "How was your day with dad?"

"I had fun," Grady said. "He took me fishing."

"Did you catch anything?" Lottie asked from the table, practicing writing.

"Only a few small ones," Grady said. "Did we miss dinner?"

"I have leftovers in the fridge," Callie said. "I made spaghetti."

"Ah," Grady said as he opened and closed his mouth speedily.

"Go sit at the table bug," Callie laughed. "I'll heat it up." Grady skipped over to his sister. "Would you like some Pea?"

"Sure," Sweet Pea nodded as he walked over to her. "Thank you for letting me take Grady out today, it means more to me than you think." There was a knock at the door. Sweet Pea walked over, he looked through the peephole. "It's Betty."

****

Sweet Pea stayed back with the kids as Callie went with Betty back to the swamp.

"Everything okay?" Callie asked.

"I'm fine," Betty said as she held back tears. "Just been a tough day." They shined their flashlights all over the ground.

"Remember we are here for you to lean on," Callie said. "Whatever you are going through, it doesn't have to be alone."

"Thank you, Cal," Betty said softly. 

The sound of a gun cocked, and both girls jumped; they looked back to see Reggie. "Damn it, Betty! Strawberry! We warned you. You both are trespassing on private property."

"We aren't going anywhere," Betty said. "My sister is missing, other girls, too. My mom is suffering. And it's because of your boss that we are the only people who can do anything about it. So if you want to stop us, then you're gonna have to shoot us."

"It'll just be a matter of who can pull it faster," Callie said. Reggie looked around, he could see some people hiding with a few guns, all pointed at him. "It's best you let us continue." The two girls started to walk away.

"Wait," Reggie called out, they looked back at him. "I found something while patrolling the swamp." They got close again. "But cone of silence, Hiram can never know I told the two of you." The two girls looked at each other and then nodded.

"Okay. You have our word," Betty confirmed. 

"Cone of silence," Callie nodded, the people in hiding all slowly backing away. "What is it?"

"Another body," Reggie said. Betty gathered the body with help, then took it to Dr. Curdle Jr.

"You have guts," Reggie said as it was just him and Callie. "Having your squad back you up."

"Reggie, these people are all missing," Callie said. "The fact your rich boss won't let us even look for Polly is crazy. There are so many people out there just wondering what happened to their kid, never going to know the truth. And you are okay with your boss building over them."

"Then what else should he do?" Reggie asked.

"If he's smart he'll help search," Callie said. "This could be the works of a serial killer, we need to get to the bottom of this. If you just build over, not only will you be hurting others but people from both our towns will be targeted. Hiram is heartless, but he's not stupid enough to let the media show that he's building over dead bodies at his swamp."

Reggie nodded. "As usual, you are making a ton of sense." He put a hand on her face again. "It's good to have you back in Riverdale...you should probably get out of here."

Callie studied him. "For a moment there, I could see the old loving Reggie. You did the right thing."

"I think your eyes are missing leading you Watson," Reggie said. 

"We'll see about that Mantle," Callie said as she stepped away. "We can't hide from our true selves, no matter how hard we try."

***

The next day, Callie's teaching day got cut short by a call from the Hosptial, something about Archie running to a burning building. She was now at the hospital with her kids, Jackson, and Sheriff Keller. 

"What did Bernado say, Sarge?" Jackson asked. "Rule number one, never run into a burning building alone."

"You're never going to let me live this down, are you?" Archie asked. 

"No, sir," Jackson denied. 

"That was a dumb move, Uncle," Grady said. Jackson started laughing.

"Now, the good news is you're okay and you managed to save that man's life," Sheriff Keller said. 

"Do we know what started the fire yet?" Callie asked.

"No," Sheriff denied. "I mean it's an old building. It wasn't up to code. Still, it's hard not to think it was--"

"Arson," Archie cut him off. "Probably started by Hiram Lodge."

"Wait. Who's Hiram Lodge?" Jackson asked. 

"Scary man," Lottie said.

"Just how scary?" Jackson asked. 

"He used to be mayor," Sheriff Keller answered. "Now he's building a new town next to here and doing everything he can to try and run the rest of us straggles out of here."

"Another fat-cat lining his pockets by gaming the system," Jackson said.

"Welcome to Riverdale," Sheriff Keller said. "All right, I'll see you all." He got up to leave.

"Bye, bye," Lottie waved. 

"You can go as well, Cal," Archie said. "I'll be okay."

"Watch over him?" Callie asked looking at Eric.

"You can count on me," Jackson nodded, Callie then took the kids home. When she got home, Callie started to help Grady catch up on what he missed, it wasn't long before Jughead swung by, he took Grady to the restaurant for the company during his night shift. Ms. Cooper took Lottie to have a sleepover with Juniper and Dagwood, it was now just Callie. She was cleaning up around the house when there was a knock at the door.

"Reggie?" Callie asked as she opened the door. "What are you doing here?"

"I came here to thank you," Reggie said. "May I come in?"

"Sure," Callie said as she stepped to the side, Reggie walked in. He looked around to see a bunch of kids' items all over the place, Callie closed the door. "Sorry for the mess, I'm in the middle of cleaning."

"No need to apologize," Reggie said as he picked up a picture that contained both kids. "As I was saying, Hiram agreed that it would be best to let all of you look into the swamp, it makes him look like a hero."

"He does like good publicity," Callie said. "More importantly these people can finally learn what happened to the ones they love."

"Where are your kids?" Reggie asked as he sat on the couch. 

"Grady is at Pops with Jughead and Lottie is having a sleepover at the Smiths," Callie answered as she sat down. 

"What about that father?"Reggie asked as he looked at his hands.

"Another truck job," Callie answered. "And his name is Sweet Pea."

"Slimy snake," Reggie said, Callie shook his head. "I heard that you are going to leave again once Riverdale is back running."

"That is correct, I am probably going to go back to Rhode Island," Callie said. "Taking the kids."

"And just the other day you said you might stay," Reggie said. "How can you give me a lecture about staying when you are going to leave as well?"

"It's still up in the air," Callie said. "Maybe I'll be given a reason to stay. Lottie is enjoying Vixen cheer practice and Grady really likes the friends he made at school. He had a fun day with his dad a few days ago. I'll do whatever is best for my kids."

"So you let them live in a ghost town like Riverdale?" Reggie asked. "Sunnydale is way safer."

"If I keep them here, they can see the miracle of the town becoming a running one again," Callie said. "Make memories here."

"You want to know the real reason I teamed up with Hiram?" Reggie asked. Callie looked at him. "My father's business was in a bad spot, and now I have to work for Hiram until the debt is paid off."

"So you really are a bulldog deep down," Callie said. "When you are done, what are you going to do?"

"I might try to still work for him. It's good money," Reggie answered. "You know what that's like with Wilbur's company."

"That I worked to make sure it was a legal business after he died," Callie said. She then looked away.

"Strawberry?" Reggie asked.

"Is Hiram the reason you never came to see me?" Callie asked. "Why you didn't come to the wedding?"

"Why would I come to the wedding to see some weirdo marry a girl I chased after for years?" Reggie asked.

"It's not like I wanted to get married," Callie said. "You should know that from the letters you kept from Sweet Pea."

"What was it like being married?" Reggie asked. "For that short time?"

"It was a loveless one,"  Callie said. "Not very enjoyable. But I was able to have a roof over Grady's head."

"I know it's none of my business, but did any old feelings stir up seeing Sweet Pea again?" Reggie asked.

"Sort of," Callie answered. "I've been on my own for a while, I've been more focused on supporting my kids. Sweet Pea has been kind, and helpful. He's doing his best to make up for all the time that he missed. He looks a bit stupid doing it."

"He looks stupid all the time if you ask me," Reggie said. Callie looked at him. "Just saying."

"You probably shouldn't stay here any longer, just in case your boss needs you," Callie said as she stood up.

"Just a little longer," Reggie said. "I want to do more catching up." He took her hand. "Tell me all about how Miss Harvard got kicked out of Harvard."

"Would you like water or anything?" Callie asked.

"Scotch?" Reggie asked.

"Sadly for you, my fridge contains juice for kids," Callie said. 

"Then I'll take a juice box," Reggie said. "Better be a grape juice."

*****

Over at the diner, Grady was eating some fries as he did his homework.

"Uncle," Grady asked. "Can you help me?"

"Sure," Jughead answered, he put his mug down, then walked over. "What do we have here? Smelly multiplication." Grady laughed. Suddenly, the jukebox started to play. Suddenly, the room started to shake, the lights started to go crazy.

"What's going on?" Grady asked.

"Probably just an earthquake," Jughead played it off as the lights went out. The gumballs went crazy. Bright lights shined into the building. "Get below the table, don't come out till I say so. I'll go check on it." Grady did as he told as Jughead went outside. The lights suddenly came back on, and the next Grady knew was that he was at Uncle Archie's house.

***

The next day, Callie spent the day cleaning more; helping the kids with homework. Another sleepover happened at the Smiths, as the kids were upstairs asleep; adults were downstairs chatting. 

"Two young women went missing on the Lonely Highway," Betty began. "Margaret Harper and Polly. We found Margaret's remains in Swedlow Swamp."

"Where I found Polly's phone," Alice said, she set down tea at the table.

"And we also found another set of remains in the swamp belonging to an unidentified young woman," Callie said.

"And I reached out to sheriff's offices in counties that touch along the Lonely Highway, asking about any unsolved missing person report, especially young women," said Sheriff Keller. "They came back with 13 names.

"And I've been in touch with a network of social workers and I got 11 names, five of which overlap with Tom's list. "

"So, we're talking about 21 missing girls," Callie gathered. 

"How many of them are we going to find in Swedlow Swamp?" Betty asked. 

"Well, at least Hiram has agreed to let us search it now," Alice said. 

"Twenty-one girls, they can't all be runaways," Betty said. 

"Well, what do you think?" Toni asked as they all looked at each other. "Human trafficking?"

"Or a serial killer," Betty said. Either way, none of it was going to be good and they all knew it.