The sound of my phone ringing woke me up from my surprisingly good sleep. I squint my eyes as I grab my phone and answer it without bothering to check the caller I.D. "Hello?" I ask, my voice deep from drowsiness. "Morning honey. I just called to make sure you were OK." I heard Jenna's caring voice on the other line. "Yeah. I'm fine. What time is it?" I ask as I check outside to see the rain pouring down. "It's almost 7:15." she said with an unsure tone of voice. I'm then jolted from my sleepy state into one of panic.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry that I'm late! I'll get ready and head down there as soon as I can." I said dashing to my dresser and grabbing whatever I could and putting the phone on speaker. "Honey, you're not coming into work today." she said with a stern voice. I slipped on the random shirt and furrowed my eyebrows. "Why not? Am I fired?!" I asked panicking. "No you silly goose! The news said to stay home and get our homes ready for a really bad storm, so I'm not even at work today. You just need to batten down the hatches and get the house prepared, you hear me?" she said chuckling. I sighed in relief. "Whew. You had me goin' there for a sec." I said as I looked at my panicked wardrobe choice. A bright orange long sleeved shirt with some green shorts. I laughed at myself. "Good thing too. I almost came into work looking like a dork." I said smiling. "Oh my precious little dork. By the way, isn't this the latest you've ever slept in since 'the incident'?" she asked. I shuttered as the image of what happened almost four years ago began to invade my mind. 

"Y-yeah. It is." I said shaking myself out of my dazed state and changed into a red flannel shirt matched with some denim jeans.. "By the way, why did you hang up so abruptly last night? You worried me. What happened?" She asked. I rubbed my forehead as I felt something brush against my leg. I looked down to see a small white dog. It took me a bit to realize it was Snowy. "So it wasn't a dream." I mumbled to myself. "What wasn't a dream?" Jenna asked. "The unbelievable." I said heading to the kitchen to make some breakfast. 

"What happened? Did you get a boyfriend?" Jenna asked in a teasing tone. "No! You know that I don't go out that often and I'm not interested in that kind of relationship right now. Anyways, long story short, Tintin and Captain Haddock crash-landed in the field a mile from my house." I said grabbing the eggs, bacon, bread, and oatmeal. "You have wild dreams at night, don't you?" Jenna said. "You don't believe me? Come out to my place and see for yourself! I've got to go, I need to make some breakfast for my guests. Love you lots. See ya." I said and hung up. I turned on the stove and started cooking.

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Just as I had finished cooking the bacon, I heard a yawn from the dining room. I looked over to see the Captain shuffling to the table. "Morning Captain. How did you sleep?" I asked making some French Toast. "Just fine. A bit uncomfortable at first but I finally settled. Thank you for your hospitality. By the way, how is that cut of yours?" He asked rubbing his lower back. "What cut?" I asked, genuinely confused. "That cut on your right cheek there. Its been there since last night." I felt my cheek to feel a large scab that trailed across my cheekbone. "Oh, I didn't even feel it last night. I'll take care of it later. Anyways, how many slices do you want?" I asked flipping the french toast. "Two slices and three pieces of bacon please." He said with a smile. "How do you like your eggs?" I asked loading the plate. "Surprise me." He said leaning back in the chair. I smiled and began making scrambled eggs. 

Sylvia trotted in with the newspaper in her mouth. "Good girl Sylvia. Now go give it to Mr. Haddock please." I said patting her head. She turned and walked to the Captain and set the newspaper in his lap and sat down in front of him, her bushy tail wagging. Haddock looked impressed as he scratched behind her ears. "Good girl. You have a very well trained pup." He said unfolding the newspaper. "Thanks. I trained her myself. She is useful for everyday tasks, herding the cows around, and guard dog." I said putting the eggs on the plate and adding cheese on top. "Would you like some coffee?" I asked setting the plate in front of him. Yes please. Just sugar in it please." He said digging into his meal. I grabbed a big mug from the cupboard and filled it with hot coffee and sugar and stirred it up. "One hot coffee with sugar." I said placing the mug by his plate.

"This is delicious! Where did you learn to cook like this? If you don't mind me asking." he said taking a bite from his bacon. "I learned how to cook from my mother and other family members." I said as I started to make some oatmeal for Tintin. "Hey Captain? What does Tintin like in his oatmeal?" I asked as I stirred it up. "He likes brown sugar and cinnamon." He replied reading the paper. "Thank you. I'll be back in a bit." I said as I stirred the spices into the bowl of oatmeal and placing a spoon into the bowl. I made my way to the bedroom where Tintin was resting and quietly opened the door.   

I looked into the dark room and saw Tintin awake and stroking Sylvester's soft fur. "Morning Tintin. How did you sleep last night?" I asked walking in and turning on a lamp. "As well as I could. How did you sleep?" He said with a smile. "Better than I have in years. I made you some oatmeal so it can be easier for you to eat it. Would you like some tea with it? It'll help with your throat." I asked handing him the bowl and setting Sylvester on the ground. "That would be wonderful. What kind of tea do you have?" He asked taking a small bite from his breakfast. "Mint tea. It helps calm the nerves as well. Milk or sugar?" I asked. "Both please. Two scoops of sugar. This is very good, did you make this?" He asked eating another spoonful. "Yes, I did make it. I'll be back with your tea." I said as I left the room. I went back to the kitchen and started to boil some water in a kettle. While I waited, I went to my uncle's old room and grabbed a pair of pants and a plaid work shirt with a belt. 

"Here's some clothes for you Captain. They might be a bit big, but at least you'll have something clean to wear." I said handing him the folded clothing. "Thank you lass. Where did you get these?" He asked as I took his empty plate. "My uncle accidentally left them here when he used to live here with me before he moved. I've been meaning to donate them but never got around to it. The bathroom is down the hall to your right. You can get yourself cleaned up. There's shampoo and conditioner and soap. there's even some scissors so you can trim your beard a little bit if you'd like. There's also a spare toothbrush in the top drawer. Make yourself at home." I said as the kettle whistled, letting me know that the water was done boiling. 

I grabbed a mug and poured the hot water into it and placed the tea bag into the water and let it sit as I washed the dishes. When I finished, I added the milk and sugar and headed back to Tintin's room. "Here's your tea good sir." I said as I handed him the tea. He smiled and took a sip from the tea. "That's marvelous. Thank you Sam." he said with a satisfied sigh. "You're welcome." I said as I sat down. Snowy jumped up onto the bed and settled on my lap. Tintin took another sip and spoke. "I have a few questions to ask you if you don't mind." he said setting down the mug. "Sure. Ask away." I said rubbing behind Snowy's ears.

"Alright first off, where are we?"

"You're in Oakley, Idaho. A long ways from Chicago that's for sure."

"Ok. We're farther than I like, but closer than expected. Anyways, whats the date?"

"November 9th. A few weeks before Thanksgiving."

"What's that?" he asked tilting his head slightly.

"Thanksgiving is a holiday Americans celebrate to give thanks and gather with family with a big feast and watch football. We have Turkey, mashed potatoes, lots of vegetables, and best of all, pumpkin pie. My family goes crazy and we have tons of food. My dad's side does tend to get a little drunk, but its kind of funny to see everyone get drunk while I'm sober along with my cousins." I said grinning.

"Sounds like fun." 

"It is. This year I'm visiting my mom in Utah. She makes really good turkey."

"That sounds amazing. I'd have to keep the Captain away from the alcohol. He tends to throw rationality out the window when he gets drunk sometimes."    

"Yeah, I read your Moon trip story. Amazing by the way." I said with a smile. 

"Thank you. I take pride in my work." His face suddenly lit up like he had an idea. "Do you have a computer I could borrow?" He asked sitting up a little bit more. "Yeah. I'll go grab it for you." I left the room to find my laptop. It may not be the fanciest computer, but it works just fine for me. As I walked back to Tintin's room, I heard the shower running. Haddock must be taking a shower. I went back to the room and powered up the computer. "Here you go. What do you need it for?" I asked handing it to him. "I'm going to contact some friends of mine. Let them know that I'm alright." He said opening up an email website. I hear him typing rapidly on the keyboard. "I'll be outside with the animals if you need me. Just call for Haddock and he'll shout for me." I said grabbing the finished bowl of oatmeal. "Alright. Thank you." He said smiling at me before returning to his message. I smiled a little and walked out of the room.

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After taking care of the animals in the barn, I went to grab some wood for the fireplace. When the rain clears up I'll have to split some more wood. I'm starting to get a little low on logs. I'll ask my cousin Liam to help me. I grab a large armful of wood and head into the house. I bring the wood in and set it next to the wood-burning stove in the living room next to the couch. I cleaned out the ashes and started a nice, warm fire. Just as I finished stoking the fire, Captain Haddock came in looking fresh and clean. His beard was trimmed and nicely shaven. His hair was a bit long and needed a trim, but I could fix that in a jiffy. "Enjoy your shower, Captain?" I asked with a smile. "Indeed I did. I feel like a new man. How is he doing?" He asked referring to Tintin. "He's doing alright. He's awake if you want to see him." I said closing the stove doors and standing up. "Oh yes I would!" He said with a joyous smile.

"Oh Tintin! You busy?" I asked as I peeked my head into the room. He looked up from the laptop and smiled. "No. Not at the moment. Why?" he asked. "You have a visitor." I said as I opened the door to reveal the Captain to him. Haddock smiled with his arms open for a hug. "Tintin my boy! I'm so glad you're alright!" He said hugging Tintin tightly. Tintin hugged him back as best as he could. I smiled at them, thinking of my own dad and the memories I shared with him before he disappeared. He taught me how to drive, shoot a gun, even the best way to split wood. He made life better for me. I felt tears starting to well up in my eyes, but quickly blinked them away. "Are you alright there Sam?" I heard the Captain ask. I rubbed my eyes and sniffled a little. "I'm fine. Its just a bit dusty in here. I need to bring some more wood in. Don't mind me, I'll be alright." I said as I stepped out to grab some more wood. I passed a picture of my dad and I hugging each other when I was 12 years old.

 He was bald with a blond goatee and blue eyes. He used to be a mechanic before his Multiple Sclerosis got to him and he had to drive trucks for a while. He eventually got a better job before he disappeared. I miss him a lot. A knock at the door brought me back to reality. 

I went to the front door and opened it. I saw a short, stout man in a black suit with his thinning hair slicked back. He reminded me of the cheapskate father from the movie Matilda. "Good morning Miss. I'm Larry Dungworth from the National Transportation Safety Board. I am here to investigate the plane crash that was reported here last night. I'd like to ask a few questions about last night." the man said with a crooked smile. 'That's strange. He didn't show his badge. Something's fishy here.' I decided to give him a test. 

"Sure. But first, let me see your badge. Can't be too careful these days." I said crossing my arms.

"Oh. Right. My badge. Let me find it real quick." He said getting nervous as he checked the multiple pockets in his jacket and pants. "Must've forgotten it in my other jacket." he said chuckling nervously.

I quirked an eyebrow. "Really? How unprofessional. Well, I'm sorry. But unless you have a badge to show me or a policeman next to you, I can't let you in nor answer any questions. Because for all I know, you could be a murderer or a crook looking for their next target." I said uncrossing my arms and secretly reaching for the shotgun I keep next to the door.

"Really? Maybe this will persuade you to answer some of my questions." He said pulling back his coat to reveal a concealed 22' tucked into his waistband. I quickly pulled out the shotgun, cocked it, and aimed it at him. His face turned into one of shock and fear. He slowly raised his hands up. "You know what this is? This here is a Winchester Model 1200. This can do more damage to you at close range than that little peashooter can do to me. So why don't you do the sensible thing, and do as I say." I said glaring at him. 

He nodded his head vigorously. "Y-yeah. Sure. Whatever you say Ma'am." He said with his hands shaking. "Good. Now answer me truthfully or you'll end up a stain on my porch. Are you alone?" 

"Yes. Th-the boss said to split up to cover more houses in the area." he said shaking in his polished shoes. 

"Good. Get your butt in here and don't move an inch." I said moving away from the door for him to come in. "Captain! Do me a favor and grab the duck tape from the top shelf. We have a 'special guest' in the living room." I yelled towards the room while keeping an eye on the gangster. I heard heavy footsteps come from Tintin's room and into the living room. "Also, grab his gun from his waistband would you? I don't want him getting any ideas." I said pointing the barrel of the gun at the area where the gun was at. He did as asked and unloaded the gun. He then grabbed the duck tape and wrapped it around the gangster's wrists behind his back. "Thanks. Keep an eye on him while I call a friend of mine."

Hello everyone! I'm Back!!!!! Sorry for the short chapter, but the next one is going to be a juicy one. That's all I'm going to say about it. See ya!