I was packing light for my trip. As I was stuffing my charger between t-shirt and pyjamas I heard something slapped against the table. I looked at the documents that dictate that I am not in the right condition to work as a police officer. All because Dimbo called me out in his murder trial mentioning the state of my mental health condition due to past trauma. I decided to go along with Dimbo's assault. I was told that I should take a knee and live the rest of my life as a civilian. I handed my badge and walked out feeling fifty pounds lighter. Van Pelt wished me a good life and while her brother wished for a safe journey. Apparently I am going on some retreat on health and wellness. I smirked at the idea that I have all the time in the world to go hunting the actual Merman. I got what's his name to confess that he was a scapegoat so that the real killer can go Scott free. Threatening the lives of so many other innocent people spread across this humongous country. Thankfully the scapegoat called what's his name and we traced the call to Los Angeles, California. The Feds made it very clear that I am not to interfere with their noble work. One simply threatened to shove me in prison for making him a fool. I came back to the present and threw the papers in the trash. I sat down at the dressing table and tied my hair into a bun and put on a wig. The wig was a shoulder length blonde hair with streaks of electric blue. I put on contact lenses so now my eyes were pitch black. I put on false dentures and took a good look as I picked up my bag to get going. I recalled the moment that DD kissed my forehead as he wished me luck. Cheryl gave me a hug while Henry gave me a thumbs up as I told him that I am not going to need anything when I get to my destination. If anything happens on the boat it is likely that there will be a search and rescue. He said to let him know the address and he will have whatever I want delivered the very next day. That was before I disappeared from the sight of my family and my security. I was briefed by the US Marshals. I am now officially a missing person. I will remain so till the sanctuary killer was caught. I called an Uber and it took me to Grand Central Station
I got to the counter and got a private car all to myself. I grabbed a sandwich from a small kiosk and waited till the announcement came to board the train. It will take 68 hours for the Amtrak train to take me there. So I might as well make myself comfortable. As I sat down I realized that I had bought two tickets. I walked out to see that the conductor was yelling at a young woman with a pixie haircut. She said that she will get a ticket. All she asks is that the train stays till she comes. I told him to get his hands off her and explained my extra ticket dilemma. I gave her the extra and he had no choice but to go about his business. The woman grinned ear to ear as she followed me to the car and she sat down looking grateful. She introduced herself as Cleo and I introduced myself as Claire. The woman's hand began to tremor and she pulled out a pill bottle and started popping pills. She took several deep breaths and fell asleep. I locked the door and took a picture of sleeping beauty and sent it to Tanya. Tanya confirmed that she is not a minion of the Sanctuary killer. I used a device to check for bugs and all was clear.
My watch buzzed reminding me to take a break and take a walk. I picked up my stuff and headed out to eat. I ordered a steak medium rare with a side order of chips and a sprite. I was enjoying the view when an old lady sat next to me. She was epitomy of the old Hollywood scarlet. Her presence held the image of fragility. She was hobbling around with a look of dismay and loneliness so I asked sit across from me. She was nervous but an encouraging smile and wink later we were talking like we old friends. After enjoying her company through the entire meal I pulled out my sketch pad and drew her something eclectic. She took the paper with delight and gave me a hundred bucks and wished me a wonderful day. I had a feeling that I was being tracked so I called Jade to see if she had anything relevant. She didn't have anything so I told her to take it easy but unfortunately she refused. The reason is that a member of her family is a member of WITSEC. The odds of her safety went down a few notches as a hit was discovered and her name was on it. The US Marshals were informed of their deaths and they have scrambled to change the remaining witnesses to a different location.
I took my belongings to the observation cart. I pulled out my sketch pad and drew a meadow with leaves bending in the direction of the wind and flowers swirling in the air. I drew a scarf flying freely in the air. I pulled out my pocket knife and was sharpening my pencil when I noticed that Cleo had come up from behind me. She took a peek at my drawing and gave a low whistle. She watched me as resuming my business. The woman asked me if I was an artist. I smiled and thought internally, "My dear if only you knew the depth of my art" I gave her a simple nod as I drew storm clouds in the distance. She asked me what the name that I was giving this masterpiece. I said, "The raging storm ahead" She asked me, "What storm would that be?" I said, "I was laid off work because of my mental health. I just left my husband and my ward to clear my head. I am going to L.A. because a part of me said it is a good idea. But now that I have time to think. I am going blind. I don't know anyone and have no place to stay. My funds are limited so I am trying to figure out whether I should just head home and call it quits or just suck it up and go to L.A. clear my head and then figure out my next move." The woman gave me a grin, "You can stay with me." I smiled, "I don't know you. For all I know you could be a serial killer." She laughed as she pulled out her wallet. She flashed her badge, "I am Cleo Danes. I am an officer of the Los Angeles police department. I assure you are safe with me. In fact I can guarantee you that there is no safer place in L.A. than my place. It's rent controlled so don't worry."
As the sun was setting the conductor came to remind us it was dinner time. We headed to the dinner cart and the sweet old lady Samantha was waving me to her table. I gave her a hug and peck on the cheek. I sat down and so did Cleo. We were enjoying our meal and I wished her goodnight as I walked back to my quarters. I dropped my bag under my pillow and laid down to sleep. I woke up to see her staring at me with wonder. I asked her if I had sprouted wings and halo. She laughed, "You are funny. I searched your bag after you fell asleep. I was curious why you wanted to take your bag everywhere. There's nothing worth stealing. But I guess when you are a first time traveller this habit is obviously natural. I apologize for the illegal search but my curiosity got the better of me. It's one of the downsides of being a cop." I waved her off saying that I probably would have done the same. We went to have breakfast and were told that Samantha passed away in her sleep last night. I guess life goes on. I pretended to be remorseful as I walked to her quarters to pay my respects.