Page 46 of Pepper, the Biker & the Vanishing Body

“Hey!” I yelped, stumbling like I’d just missed a step on an escalator.

Professor Anderson, either driven by chivalry or just really bad timing, rushed to help me. Unfortunately, physics wasn’t on our side. The combined momentum of three bodies colliding at once was enough to activate what I believe would be referred to as The Human Domino Effect.

One moment we’re on solid ground, the next I’m starring at a slow-motion action scene, hearing shouts and people running while we’re flailing like toddlers, then—SPLASH!

The water was cold, shockingly so, and I’m not ashamed to admit I let out a screech that could’ve shattered glass. Stone’s face broke the surface with a spluttering roar, his hair plastered to his forehead like a soggy mop. Beside him, the professor gasped, looking like a bewildered cat that had fallen accidentally into a baby pool.

Bless Ian. He didn’t think twice of stepping into the fountain and rescuing me. I found myself up in his arms, shivering.

“I was right. Life is never going to be dull with you, Pep.”

CHAPTER 12

There is nothing like a hot shower to chase the chills away as well as warm pajamas, and the heat from a fire in the fireplace, which Mo and Roxy were very grateful for, both cuddled in front of it, Ian and I doing the same on the couch.

“Your dad got that scene under control fast,” Ian said.

“It was fairly easy with so many people pointing to Stone as the one who started it all and with people helping Professor Anderson while completely ignoring Stone.” I kissed his cheek. “Thanks for coming to my rescue.”

“Always, Pep. Are you warm enough? You were shivering pretty good after I got you out of the fountain.”

“Toasty warm. I only wish I could have had time to speak with Professor Anderson about treasure hunting before Stone showed up. The professor explained to Stone that any Willow family treasure found would belong to the Willow Lake Historical Society. Basically, letting him know, descendant or not, he had no chance in laying any claim to the Willow treasure.”

“He has to know how flimsy his claim is, so why make it?” Ian asked as if he was thinking aloud.

I offered a possible explanation. “I’d say he’s looking to get as much information about the treasure as he can and saying he’s related could help.”

“Or hinder since he can’t prove it. He hasn’t even offered a plausible explanation as to how he could be related to the Willows like names and dates of ancestors passed down through generations. You know, Ignatius must have been extremely wealthy to have built the whole town and the mansion and have money to see to the care of the place years after his death. Where did his wealth come from, inheritance, investments?”

“Good question, though I doubt anyone cared about it at that time with Ignatius investing so much in an area that held nothing more than a few wood buildings. That information is lost somewhere in history. But I’ll see if I or Amy can find anything out about that in the historical society’s files.”

“Do you think your dad will jail Stone?”

“I think he would like to, but he doesn’t have any cause. Stone really didn’t assault anyone, and it was the professor’s gallantry that landed us in the fountain. Though I can promise you that he will keep an extra eye on him.”

“That’s what I wanted to hear,” Ian said, hugging me. “It was no coincidence that he showed up at the college tonight.”

“Are you suggesting that he’s stalking me?” I shook my head. “I haven’t seen him following me.”

“There are others besides him who could be keeping tabs on you, thinking you will lead them to what they’re looking for, or your little plan about letting everyone know that you have the key to the Willow Mansion is working.”

I stretchedout the ache in my back, having been at my computer since Ian left at eight this morning and it was now past lunch. I just had to wrap up my blog post—The Benefits of Prepping: Peace of Mind, Practicality, and Preparedness—then I’d be all done with blog posts for the remainder of the month. I got busy typing.

Surprisingly, prepping benefits you even in “normal” times. Running late for work but out of bread? No problem—you’ve got a stockpile. Last-minute school project? The extra craft supplies you stored away save the day. Prepping isn’t just for emergencies—it’s for life’s little annoyances too.

When you’re prepared, you’re less reactive and more proactive. Your days feel a little less frantic because you’ve already planned for potential snags.

In conclusion prepping isn’t paranoia—it’s practical. At its core, prepping is about being smart, self-sufficient, and ready. It’s not about stockpiling for an end of the world scenario. It’s about easing the everyday. From peace of mind to financial savings to community resilience, the benefits of prepping extend far beyond survivalist scenarios. It’s about living with less stress and more security—and who couldn’t use a little more of that?

I scheduled it to post and feeling my stomach rumble, I knew what was next on my schedule—lunch. I swirled around in my chair to see Mo and Roxie sitting there staring at me. I not only missed my lunchtime but their snack time as well.

“Snack time,” I announced with a cheer.

Mo barked and Roxie took off for the stairs.

While I got Mo and Roxie their snacks, I realized how quiet it was, except for the rainfall that had turned heavy at times and tapped at the windows. There were no men’s voices or the sounds of power tools at work, the rain preventing any work from being done on the deck. The rain had also brought a chill with it. I lit a fire in the fireplace, Mo and Roxie racing to park themselves in front of it as soon as I got done. I had thought to go out today, but the rain had changed my mind. Besides, I got the idea that I might find something in my aunt’s journals regarding the Willow Lake Historical Society and the Willows. I loved that I could learn more about my aunt through her journals than I knew about her in life. She was a remarkable woman for her time, and I admired her.

I made an avocado and tomato sandwich on whole wheat and fixed myself a cup of oolong tea, then settled on the couch. I decided to glance through a prepping magazine while I ate, waiting to peruse a few of my aunt’s journals when I was done. I didn’t want to take a chance of spilling anything on the journals and ruining them. I was glad I did since Amy called.

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