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Author's Chapter Notes:

A road trip and Sam gets a lead.

----- Phoenix

Four years in southern Arizona and I had been two Phoenix only twice. (Get it: _two_ Phoenix?) I'd like to say it was just as I remembered, but I didn't really remember anything about the city. The girls, however, were excited. Cindy remarked on how much bigger it was than she remembered. We had to remind her: it wasn't the city that grew.

Once we reached Phoenix I found a public parking garage with a gate. It was for pay but I didn't mind. We were near the police station and I went in to do business while the others walked around the city.

I had to walk through a metal detector then I was directed to a window with a guy in uniform behind it. A tall window -- it was too high for me to reach. I asked if I could drag a chair over and one of the security guards by the metal detector got it for me. I stood on the chair.

"Hi. My name is Sam. Sam Cook. I was wondering if I could talk to someone about a suicide."

"Are you reporting a suicide, sir?", the guy behind the desk asked.

"Oh no. No. I have a case number for a friend that committed suicide a couple weeks ago. Here it is."

The guy took the number and punched it into his computer. At least that's what I assumed he was typing. A moment later he picked up the phone. I couldn't hear what he was saying but after talking a good bit he hung up.

"Take a seat on the bench over there. Someone will be out shortly."

So I waited. About twenty minutes later a guy in a suit with a badge hanging around his neck walked up to me.

"Are you Sam Cook?"

"Yes."

"I'm detective Miller. Will you follow me?"

"Sure."

I was taken through a locked door -- they had to buzz us in -- and around a few corners to a small conference room. I was asked to sit on a chair with a booster on it -- they think of everything here. They asked if I would like a glass of water. I declined.

"So, Mr. Cook, you're here about Samantha Damark?"

"Yes. I was wondering if I could ask a few questions."

"That case just closed Mr. Cook."

"Oh. Well I was associated with Samantha, I mean Ms. Damark, and the case."

"You can call her Samantha, and yes, I know. I worked on the case. What can I do for you?"

"It was all a big surprise for me. You know that I knew her for only two weeks and then she disappeared on me. I didn't hear from her until the news about her, uh, suicide."

"I see."

"I don't even know how she died. I mean how she ..."

"How she did it?"

"Yes."

"She shot herself with a gun, Mr. Cook. A .45 caliber pistol to the head."

"Oh. Well ... that's not good."

"No, it isn't. Especially in her case."

"How's that?"

"I'm sure you can imagine. That gun would have been twice the size that is for me. But I suppose it was fast. We reckon she died instantly."

"You think she suffered?"

"Not likely."

"I uh, ... well, you see ... I saw the suicide note. I'm the Sammy that she was talking about."

"We know."

"And, well, it just doesn't seem right."

"Why do you say that?"

"Well, she says that she gave me the virus."

"Um huh."

"How did she know?"

"Well, I assume she found out she had it and I further assume you two slept together. Am I right?"

"Yes, yes. You're right. But the note said she knew when she gave it to me and implied that she gave it to me on purpose."

"So?"

"So, two years ago nobody knew of the virus. Or very few did. And there was no blood test for it, so how could she have known to give it to me on purpose back then?"

"I don't know, Mr. Cook. Maybe you can tell me."

"How would I know? That's why I'm here: to find out from you."

"I'm sorry but I wouldn't know, Mr. Cook."

"You don't know and you still closed the case?"

"The case is closed. We did what we needed to do. We won't reopen it."

"Ok, what about the part in the note where, ... well it's a bit ambiguous, but it's made to sound like someone else was involved. Someone she wanted to blame."

"We can't base our investigations on ambiguity."

"Right. You wouldn't know. You didn't look into that part?"

"I'm not at liberty to reveal what we looked into. As I said, the case is already closed."

"Did she have any friends that you could point me to."

"I'm sure she had friends but for privacy purposes I cannot reveal such information to you."

"Of course.", I sighed. "Look, the officer I spoke to mentioned something about pictures. Would it be possible to for me to see them?"

"I shouldn't do this. You really don't want to see them anyway."

"Maybe not. But I have to make this trip worth while, I need to learn something. I'm thinking if you show me what you can it might put my mind at ease."

"I think it will do just the opposite."

"Would you do me a favor and let me see them?"

"They're pictures of the crime scene. They're public now, but I would think again about wanting to see them."

"I did. I would still like to see them if it's alright."

"Wait here."

I waited a good five minutes before he came back. He had a folder which he opened up while sitting opposite from me. He took one photo out and placed it on the table in front of me. What I saw was unrecognizable. However, there were pieces of red hair. He showed another. Then two more.

"There's more. But it's really no different than the one's you just saw."

"I've seen enough. Is there a bathroom I can use."

"Around the corner. I'll need to accompany you."

He escorted me to the men's room and came in with me. I chose a stall, didn't bother with closing the door, and promptly threw up.

The detective ran some water and had a wet paper towel waiting for me when I finished.

"Thank you.", I told him.

"Don't mention it. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"No detective Miller, I'm finished here. I wish I could have learned more, but I appreciate your help."

"Glad to be of service. Before you leave, can I get some information from you?"

"I guess. What do you need?"

"Contact information. Just in case, you understand."

"Certainly."

When that was over he saw me out. I called Cindy and we met at a strip mall a couple blocks down.

"Hey man.", Gabe said. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah why?"

"You look a bit ... white."

"Oh. I could use a cup of coffee or something."

"Sure. There's a nice coffee house a few blocks away. Feel like walking?"

"Yeah. Fresh air will do me good."

"Sam?", Cindy said with concern in her voice. "What happened?"

"I saw the photos of Samantha's body."

"That doesn't sound good."

"It wasn't, Kaycee."

"Did you find what you were looking for?"

"Not really. There was one thing I saw though it's a real long shot."

"What is it?"

"On a shirt collar she was wearing when she ... when she ..."

"We know Sam. What was on the collar?"

"The label. It said Binky Bird Boutique."

"What do you think that means?"

"That's who made it, I'm assuming. The brand. Let's sit here for a minute. I want to look something up."

We sat down and I did an internet search on my phone for 'Binky Bird Boutique'. It was a kids clothing store. And ...

"Hey guys, look.", I said, excitedly. "It's right here in Phoenix! We have to go."

"Where is it?"

"Hmm. Looks like a few miles away. Let's get some coffee first then maybe be can get the car and drive over."

"I have a better idea, Sam.", Gabe said. "Let's get something to eat first. You look pretty ragged still."

"Oh no. I'm fine. More than fine. I NEED to do this."

"Take my advice, amigo: eat something and meditate first."

"You know who you sound like."

"I know", he said.

Then in unison, we both said, "Master Soo!"

The girls looked at each other with a quizzical appearance to their faces.

"You realize, Sam, that he will never forgive you if you don't see him while you're here. He will find out. And besides, you need it. The meeting will help you on your journey."

"You're right, Gabe. But not today, of course."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yeah. Sounds good."

"I will take you."

"Thanks. Let's get something to eat then."

The girls were still puzzled but didn't mention anything about Master Soo. It was something I kept private. Most of my friends knew that I wrestled and participated in Judo but not many knew that I studied a Chinese martial art. Master Soo was my mentor in many things. This wasn't just a physical thing; it was more spiritual. And I needed a boost to my spirits. We would see him.

We walked for a little while until we arrived at an open market. I had, of all things, raw oysters. I never figured that they would have something like this in Arizona, and I suppose it doesn't sound like something you'd have when you're queasy, but it was pretty darn good. Especially with Tabasco sauce! Everyone had their fill, which wasn't much; we shared. We walked around window shopping for a while after. I was feeling better.

A lady in a white dress came near us as we were shopping. She was wearing a smile as she bent down with her hands on her knees.

"Hi there.", she said. We all looked puzzled this time.

"Hi.", I said.

She turned around and yelled to someone.

"Henry! Come here. There's two couples here with the viurs."

Henry came over and the two marveled at the sight of four little people in front of them. We were a spectacle.

"How are you little folks doing?", she asked.

We all paused for a bit. But then I spoke to her.

"Well, we're kind of dizzy. This is a big town. A REALLY BIG town, if you know what I mean."

"Oh, I do. I do."

"And the virus sort of makes us real horny."

Her eyes got big in an instant and she stood back up. Cindy was catching on.

"But it feels real good.", Cindy said as she hugged me.

"And the ground shakes whenever someone like you walks by.", I continued.

"Like me?", the lady said.

"Yeah. I could feel you walk up to us. Thump, thump, thump."

"I shake the ground?"

"Yep. Like a herd of elephants."

I could tell that she was starting to get annoyed.

"Well, I ... I've never been called an elephant before."

"But you're huge. Like a giant."

"Oh, I see. We're giants to you.", she said. Her voice was calming down. "You hear that, Henry? We're giants."

"It's like walking among a sea of legs. Some are gross. Some are pretty, like yours, Miss."

Her smile returned. "Why thank you, little fellow.", she said.

"I especially like it when you wear short dresses."

"Ah. You like mine?"

"I do. It's a good thing you're wearing panties. Most gals don't even realize we're looking, I mean, we have to look, right? How else could we talk to you? It's rude to talk to someone's crotch, or even in some cases their legs. But I like your legs."

I could see the lady getting uncomfortable.

"And being horny all the time, well, you can guess how looking up a giant's dress makes us feel. I feel like I want to hump your leg right now."

"Oh. Ahem."

"But it's really great.", Cindy said. "We can run around town nude and people just treat us like little kids. No problem. That's when I really get horny."

Then Cindy took off the little yellow sun dress she was wearing. That left Cindy in only panties; she doesn't wear a bra.

"Now if you did that you'd probably get into trouble.", Cindy told the lady. "Why don't you take off your dress and see what happens."

"Oh no. I couldn't do that."

"Henry. How about a kiss?", Cindy beckoned to him.

"What?", he said, incredulous.

"Are you afraid of getting the virus too?"

"Uh, no.", he said.

"It's really not bad. It has it's perks, as you can see. Sure you don't want try it with a little gal?"

"You are very strange people.", Henry said.

"Yes, we are very strange.", I said. "All of us little people are. It's a combination of the virus and the meds we're taking. Can't help it."

The two scampered off in a hurry. Gabe and Kaycee were amused.

"You two handled that, uh, nicely.", Kaycee said.

"I'm not sure nice is the right word.", Gabe said.

"Gabe, it wasn't nice.", I told him, "but they weren't being nice either."

"I guess we don't have to worry about them bothering us again."

"I'm sure nobody with the virus will have to worry about them again."

"Well done."

"And thank you, Cindy, for helping."

"That was fun, Sam.", she said, putting her dress back on. I half expected her to remain the way she was, but we had seen no one else in the city like that so she didn't want to push it. Who'd a thunk it?

We walked around for another hour or two and found our way back to the car. We drove to the Binky Bird Boutique and parked. Everyone followed me in. I could immediately tell why Samantha wore that brand: it seemed the clothes catered not to children as the name and website would infer; they catered to us small adults who had caught the virus.

A lady our size wearing a huge smile met us when we came in.

"Welcome to Binky Bird. How can I help you."

Cindy and Kaycee right away started talking about clothes and what they wanted. I knew money would be spent. Gabe bought some jeans and cowboy type shirts. So did I. I can't say the prices were reasonable, but I knew of no other place like this. And Cindy bought a pair of cute cowboy boots.

I almost forgot what I had come here for. So before we left I cornered the young lady who was waiting on us hand and foot.

"Can I ask you some questions; not about the clothes here but about your clientele?"

"I suppose so."

"It's about someone who had bought clothes here in the past."

"I don't know if I can help you. My boss would probably not like us to talk about that stuff. You know, privacy?"

"I know. I wouldn't want to get you into trouble, Miss ..."

"Cathy."

"Miss Cathy. But you see Miss Cathy, this is about an old friend of mine. I just want to find out more about her. She had left me and I'm trying to track what happened to her. I'm not sure I can describe her correctly but she had red hair."

"Oh, there are just a few people I know with red hair that shop here. It narrows it down. A girl, right?"

"Yes, a gal. You see, she's the one that gave me the virus, but I hadn't seen her in a while and I don't know how, uh, small she became, so I can't help there."

"Ok. What else can you tell me about her?"

For wanting to respect the customer's privacy, she seemed eager to help.

"She had a red, white and blue striped blouse."

"Oh, we had one of those made once."

"Do you remember if you sold it to a redhead?"

Cathy looked suspicious. "I think I do.", she said.

"Her name was Samantha. Do you remember Samantha?"

Now the look on her face turned to one of horror. I knew that she knew who I was talking about.

"Samantha? Yes. I know who you're talking about. We had to make clothes special for her. But you're too late. Samantha is, is ..."

"Dead?"

"Yes."

"She committed suicide."

"I know. It was in on the internet. Her friend told me about it too."

"YES, YES! Her friend. Tell me about her friend."

"I don't know if I should."

"Did you know Samantha wrote a suicide note?"

"Yes."

"Do you know what was in it?"

"A little."

"Do you remember Sammy?"

"Sammy? Sammy. Yeah. She wrote the note to Sammy. Right?"

"That's right. Do you know who Sammy is?"

"No. I heard they were looking for him."

"I'm Sammy."

Her eyes grew big and she started turning pale. She put a hand over her mouth.

"You're ... Sammy?"

"Yes. I'm Sammy. Sam Cook, actually. Everyone calls me Sam. And they called Samantha Sam too. So we called each other Sammy."

"Oh."

"Look Cathy, I need your help. I knew Sammy -- my Sammy -- a couple of years ago. She gave me Borgford's disease. I think you know what I'm talking about."

"Yeah. I know."

"Well, then she just up and left me. I don't know what happened to her. I looked near and far for her but she left me without a trace. How she did that, I know a little bit of but I'm still tracking it down. But then, out of the blue, I get a visit from the cops and they gave me the horrible news."

"It must have been extraordinarily horrible."

"You have no idea. The letter, the suicide note; it's too weird. There are too many questions it leaves open. I have to find out. You understand, right?"

"Yeah. I understand. I think."

"I talked to the cops again, here, in Phoenix. They were no help. I have no more leads. Except you. Can you tell me anything about her friend? Do you know who this is?"

"Her name is Zoe. I don't know her last name. But the two of them used to shop here quite often. They were so small even, that we had to make their clothes special for them. They'd be here every two weeks or so, I'd guess."

"When was the last time they were here?"

"A month ago. Maybe a liitle more or less."

I sighed. "Is there any way you can find her last name."

Cathy thought for a little while.

"I might be able to look through some receipts in the back. The boss keeps them before doing the books every month. They might still be there."

"Would you look? For me?"

"I'm the only one here. I can't really leave the front for long."

"We can watch the store for you. If you trust us."

"I shouldn't."

"Please?"

"Well...", she said. She looked at me then at the others. We had already spent quite a bit of money there. "Ok. Just call me if someone comes in."

"We will. We promise."

Then she left to go in the back.

"Do you think she'll find Zoe's name, Sam?", Kaycee asked.

"Oh God I hope so. It's all I have at this point."

There weren't too many little people passing by the store today. In fact, none at all; not while we were watching the store. That was good. Finally, Cathy came out from the back.

"Wood. Zoe Wood is her name."

"Oh my God. Thank you, thank you, Cathy.", I said. "You don't know how happy you've made me."

"I hope you find what you're looking for."

"I will now, Cathy. It's the first good lead I have. Thank you so much.", I told her, then I gave her a kiss. She was flabbergasted, but smiled. Everyone else chuckled.

We thanked Cathy for everything, especially the information. Then we left with bags full of clothes; it's a good thing the rental car I was driving had a big trunk. Next stop: boot scootin'.

 

Chapter End Notes:

Uh, oh. Sam's about to dancing again.

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