“So now what happens?”
“You are being relocated,” Maggie said, as she looked straight ahead.
“I’m what?” There was a sense of panic in his voice.
“For your protection. No, it’s not witness protection, but we felt it would be in your best interest to distance yourself from Sunnydale. Literally and figuratively.”
“Who iswe? I am really confused,” Jeremy said.
“I work with a group of people. Yes, I am a real reporter for a real newspaper. Let’s just say we help people who find themselves in a situation they did not deserve.”
Jeremy remained silent.
“I can’t go into too much detail, but when we get back to your place, you should pack what you’re going to need for a week. We’ll arrange for a shipping company to pack and move your stuff.”
“Move it to where?” he asked earnestly.
“St. Augustine. You have a new job waiting as a pharmacist for the Family Pharmacy.”
“The retail chain?”
“Yep.”
“But where am I going to live?”
“We arranged for a short-term hotel. You’ll be able to look for a new apartment once you get there.
“You’ll be going through a training period. You should be ready for full-time employment by then.”
“Who are you people?” Jeremy was insistent.
“Please don’t ask me again. You’re going to have to trust me.”
“Well, you did find a lawyer who was able to get the cuffs off.”
“Exactly.” She pulled into the driveway. “I’ll give you a hand with the necessary items.”
“How soon do I have to get out of here?”
“As soon as you’re packed.”
“But my car was totaled in the accident.”
“We have an SUV rental coming shortly.” They went inside, and Maggie worked with Jeremy to get him ready to go. An hour later, a concierge service arrived and delivered the rental. “You can look for a new car while you’re looking for a new apartment.”
Jeremy was still in a state of disbelief, but he had no other place to be. Might as well go with the flow.
Maggie helped put his suitcases in the vehicle, then handed him a slip of paper. “Here is all the information you will need. You have my phone number in case you get into trouble, but please don’t.” She grinned and tapped the roof of the car. “Good luck,” she said, as she gingerly hugged the befuddled young man.
Yoko asked Danny to drive them to the area where they were breaking ground. Once they were parked, it was her turn to advise Danny of what the future of Sunnydale might look like.
She explained that there was a lot going down, and it was in his best interest to follow her lead. Once the investigations started, it could take years for things to settle. He listened intently. He seemed to grasp every word she was saying. “The place was getting weird, especially Zhukov,” he said, nodding.
“There are very powerful people doing some very bad things.” Yoko gave him just enough information for him not to question her sincerity, especially when she handed him the paper with the name of the company he would be working for, and the address of the temporary housing. Just as he was about to mention Bonnie, Yoko told him about a job offer for her, as well.
“This is a lot to absorb.”
“I know. But I can tell you this: I was once in a terrible situation. These same people saved me and gave me my life back.”
