"You never told me I had a grandfather."

"I know. I'm sorry honey. I should have. There were a lot of reasons I didn't tell you and some day you'll understand."

"Is he your father or my dads?" 

"Your dads."

Erin Tierney held her daughters hand as they got off the plane in Anchorage. She didn't bring her to this place because she wanted to; she brought her here because she had to. Dark glasses hid the remnants of her last encounter with the boyfriend she left back in Seattle. This was the only place she thought she could go to be safe from him.

"Mom, what’s the name of the place we're going to?"

"It’s Mystery."

The eight year old girl looked up at her mom. "Why can't you tell me? Why does it have to be a mystery?"

Erin smiled down at her little girl. "Rae, the name of the town is Mystery. I'm not keeping a secret from you."

"You kept my grandpa secret. How was I supposed to know?"

"Okay you have a point. Come on. We have a bus to catch." She hiked her backpack up on her shoulder and shuttled the girl out to the street where the Homer Stage Line station was. Two tickets to Mystery would cost her a few bucks and it didn't leave much for food. Damn it she had to be pretty desperate to come back here.

She purchased the tickets and noted the time. Next bus left in two hours forty minutes and the ride would take another eight hours after a change in Coopers Landing. At least this time of year the roads would be clear. God knows she didn't want to be stuck at some backwater bus stop with Rae while the plows made a path.

"I'm hungry."

Erin fingered the few bills and handful of change she had in her pocket. "Okay. We'll get you a burger. How's that?"

"With cheese?"

"Yeah honey, with cheese."

They managed to kill forty minutes or so in the bus station cafe. At least Rae might be able to sleep on the bus with a full stomach; either that or she'd be carsick. She seemed to handle the flight okay anyway. Erin hated uprooting her like this again. It wasn't the fist time but when Hank took his anger out on Rae, well that was the last straw. Erin didn't think she could do much better then a man like him, not since Erin's father anyway but she knew she couldn't stand by and watch Rae have to grow up like that.  

There were not many passengers on the bus. It was the beginning of the tourist season but still a little too cold for most of them. Erin got Rae situated and then she pulled a small fleece blanket from her pack to cover her. They sure as shit didn't bring much with them except the bare essentials but she had to leave material things behind before. It was all replaceable. Rae managed to sleep restlessly for most of the bus ride. She was bleary eyed when Erin woke her at the stop just outside of Mystery. Her father in laws spread was about two miles from the stop and they'd have to walk. In a way it was a gift that their packs were so meager. Carrying much more for that distance would have been a heck of a trial.  

As the bus pulled away they were left standing there in what seemed the middle of no where. 

"Which way are we going mom?"  

Erin looked down the road just to see if things looked familiar to her. It hadn't changed much in the eight years she'd been gone. Nothing grew more prevalent then trees and buffalo grass. 

"This way kiddo." She took Rae's hand and headed off on the shoulder of the road. Barely a car passed them and they'd been walking for about twenty minutes when one finally stopped. Go figure it had been the local sheriff. The last thing Erin wanted to do was explain anything to him. 

"You two lost?" He asked from the open window of the prowler.   

"No, we're headed out to the Tierney place. Jake is my father in law." 

"Ah so you're Ray's wid...Wife?"  

Erin turned to look at the man as he drove at a crawl alongside of them. "Yes. I'm Erin Tierney and this is my daughter Rae." 

"Why don't you let me give you a ride?"

Her first instinct was to say no but she had to think of Rae. The girl was exhausted after the trip and maybe it would be okay.

"I'd appreciate it."

Rae grasped her moms hand tight. She didn't trust the strange man even if he was a law officer. She didn't trust men, period. .

The sheriff stopped the prowler and got out. He moved around to open the door for the woman and her daughter, offering them a comforting smile. John Biebe hadn't been sheriff for too long. He got the job by default after his predecessor had passed on. Old sheriff DeWitt was sixty two years of age the day he died. People in these parts didn't like changes too much and no one ever opposed DeWitt for the job, not even John Biebe.  

"Is Jake expecting you?" John asked as he slid back into the driver’s seat. 

"No." Erin didn't elaborate, in fact she didn't say much to John all the way to the Tierney residence. She stopped him at the head of the long drive that led up to the house.  

"This will be fine sheriff. Thank you and by the way, I'd like to stop off in your office in a day or two. I have something to drop off for you." 

"That'd be okay Mrs. Tierney. Rae it was a pleasure to meet you."

 Rae didn't answer him. She stayed glued to her mother’s side when they got out of the prowler until the sheriff drove off. He didn't miss the bruise on Erin's face of the odd way that Rae behaved. There was something strange going on here and maybe that's why Erin wanted to see him in his office. He'd find out soon enough.   

"Well kiddo, are you ready to go meet your grandpa?"  

"I guess so."  

As they made their way down the long drive they were met by a large blue eyed husky. The dog stood its ground, refusing to let them go any further.

"Mom, I don't like it here already." Rae moved to stand behind Erin as the dog threatened them.  

"I'm sorry honey. We don't have much choice." Erin replied. She took her backpack off and set it down. Erin took a deep breath and called out toward the house. "Jake. Jake Tierney." 

The old man emerged. He was still chewing on something, dinner maybe and he hiked a suspender up over his shoulder as he stepped off the porch.  

"What do you want here?"  

"It's me Jake. It’s Erin. I need a place to stay."  

"I'll repeat what I said. What do you want here?"

"And I just answered you. I need a place to stay, me and my daughter." 

"Buddy get over here." He called to the dog as he walked up to Erin.  

"I don't want you around here Erin. I don't need you around." He could see that she'd been bruised. Narrowing his eyes he looked at Rae.  

"Whose is she?"  

"Her name is Rae Jake. She's yours. She's your granddaughter." 

The statement nearly knocked him off his feet. His son had been dead for nearly nine years. Was it possible?"  

Jake had given Erin and Rae the back room of the house. It was cluttered with everything from old roping saddles to pots and pans that Jake has uprooted from the kitchen after his wife Emma had left. She found the death of her son too much to bear and living with Jake in his state of mind was even less bearable. Two months after they buried Ray Wesley Tierney, Emma left for parts unknown. There was a rumor that she’s moved in with another man down in New Mexico somewhere but it was just a rumor and Jake didn’t pursue.

The first night in Mystery was a rough one. It’s not like Jake had guest all too often. He didn’t offer them a meal or anything else, just the room. Erin and Rae shared the bare mattress of the bed with nothing more then the thin fleece blanket they’d brought with them. At least it was warm and safe and there was no worry of Hank coming in drunk and beating the shit out of one of them.

Six AM.

.

"Rae. Wake up honey. Good morning sweetheart. Listen, I’m going in to town to see if I can find work. Will you be okay here with your grandpa for a while?" As if she had much of a choice.

Rae just nodded and went back to sleep. She stayed there for another hour before the need to use the bathroom woke her. Would it be okay? Could she make herself at home like that? Rubbing her eyes, she got up and took care of business. She washed up, brushed her teeth, got herself dressed in a tee shirt and jeans that were in her backpack then made her way out into the kitchen where he barely raised his eyes to her.

"I used the bathroom."

"I know you did. I heard you."

"Are you hungry grandpa?"

"Nope. Not yet."

"I could make breakfast for you when you are. Mom says I’m a real good cook for my age."

"Then I reckon you can make breakfast for yourself. You’ll find everything you need in the refrigerator. Fresh eggs, milk, bread."

"Is there a Burger King nearby?"

"Yup. You got any money?"

"No."

"Then I guess you’ll have to eat what you find."

Jake raised his eyes to her but looked away quickly. Her presence, the way she looked stirred up reminders of the son he’d lost, his one precious son.

"I’m going in to town. Reckon you can take care of yourself then?"

"I’ll be okay. I’m used to being home alone."

Jake glanced at her before turning toward the door. He stopped to place his Stetson on his head before leaving her there alone.

Rae found the makings of a sandwich in the refrigerator. Bologna and cheese on white bread wasn’t a perfect breakfast but it was better then what she got under Hank’s roof sometimes. Carrying the sandwich with her she went about exploring the house. It wasn’t the cleanest or tidiest place and there was a lot of old stuff. Pictures, trophy’s and the likes sat dust covered atop the fireplace mantel and one in particular caught her eyes. It was of a young man in a blue cap and gown. He looked so familiar to her and even at her tender age she could see that the reflection of her face in the glass mirrored that of the young man. Was this her father? Were all of these trophy’s his? They majority of them were for hockey but there was a blue horse ribbon from the Four H club as well. Her mother never told her much about her dad and all of this overwhelmed her. She wished she missed him but she didn’t know him.

Jake passed Erin as she came out of the Wooden Spoon Café. They barely exchanged a nod but he did tip his hat at least. It might have been instinct.

‘Good morning Jake Tierney. Usual?"

"Got that right Nina. Lemme have an extra order of toast this morning too would you?"

"Sure thing."

Nina barely looked at Jake as he sat at the counter. Her eyes were on a couple of drunks who were shooting spit wads at each other from straws. Christ how did they get drunk so early in the morning? She tore the order sheet off of her pad and placed it up on the window for the cook.

"There’s trouble." She uttered, pouring a cup of coffee for the old man.

He turned to look at the lads and shook his head. "Probably been at it all night Nina. Don’t worry. They’ll behave. I’ll see too it."

"And just what do you think an old buck like you can do against those young wankers?"

"Let’s cross that bridge when and if we come to it."

"By the way, you’re daughter in law was in her a little while ago. I didn’t know she was back in town. I gave her a job."

"Good. Maybe you’ll have more time honey. How about a night out at the flicks?"

His flirtations made her giggle. Nina was in her early forties, overweight but fit as a fiddle. The men around here all flirted with her but none of them ever followed through by asking her out. She swept a loose tendril of hair behind her ear and smiled shyly at Jake. "You’re old enough to be my father Jake Tierney. Give it up already."

"Can’t blame a guy for asking. Anyway, when does Erin start?"

"First thing in the morning and I’ll tell you this. I’m glad for the help. It’s about time. She’s going to draw some of the men in here too. The sheriff lingered over his coffee while she was here this morning. I’d say that might bring in some more municipal business for us. Those checks don’t bounce."

Erin made her way over to the sheriff’s office. She’d talked to him for a few moments in the café and he said he’d be there this morning. She had all of the documents in her purse, two previous police reports about incidents with Hank. Both times she’d let him go and there was no report filed about the last incident, the one that drove her up here to the great white north. As she went through the door of the office, he was fidgeting with the office copier and he had his back to her. John was swearing under his breath about a log jam or something like it.

"Sheriff Biebe…"

He turned, slightly embarrassed over what he’d just uttered.

"Mrs. Tierny. I didn’t expect you so soon. Come in. "Rubbing his hands together to remove the black dust from the copier he nodded toward a chair by his desk.

"That’s okay. I don’t need to stay. I just wanted to give you these." She handed him the folded documents.

John wiped his hands on his jeans and took them from her. He sat on the edge of the desk and began reading.

"Is this the same man who did that to your face?"

Erin bit her lower lip and nodded.

"Did he ever hit the kid?"

"He hit me more. Thank Christ for that."

The momentary feeling of disgust that John felt passed. He’d seen co-dependency before and knew it wasn’t completely her fault.

"I’ll keep these on file. It’s about all I can do right now." He turned to drop them on his desk. "I’m about to go out on patrol. Can I give you a ride back to the Tierney place?"

"Yeah sheriff. I’d like that. Thank you."

"Why don’t you call me John? Most everyone does."

It may have been the first time she smiled in weeks. John Biebe was a kind chivalrous man who wasn’t the least bit hard to look at. On the contrary, he had soulful eyes and silky hair. If only things had only been different …too bad too sad.

They’d gotten a mile down the road before she caught him looking at her. Erin might have had her problems with men after Ray but she could read them pretty well.

"I don’t want to get involved with anyone right now John."

"I wasn’t proposing."

"..but you were thinking."

"I won’t lie to you Erin. I think you’re attractive but I didn’t ask you anything...yet."

It was several hours before John and Erin pulled into the Tierney place. Whatever they stopped off for, only the two of them knew and it would stay that way. Jake had already arrived back home and Rae was waiting impatiently for her moms return. She bolted from the porch when she saw her get out of the sheriff’s car.

"Mom. Guess what. I made lunch and grandpa said it looks good."

"Rae, sweetie, you remember sheriff Biebe don’t you. John, maybe you’d like to stay for lunch."

The girl didn’t hesitate to interrupt. Sheriff or no sheriff she didn’t want any men coming around.

"I didn’t make enough."

John knew what was going on. He bowed out with grace. "Nice to see you again Rae and don’t worry. I’ve got to catch up on my patrols, some other time maybe." He turned his gaze to Erin and the smile they exchanged was a bit of a giveaway.

"See you John."

He got back in his car and backed out of the drive leaving Erin and Rae standing there.

"Rae you were rude to him. Don’t ever let me hear you act like that again. Understand?"

"I don’t want him around mom."

"You should get to know him before you judge him kiddo. He’s a nice man."

"I don’t care if he is."

"Alright sourpuss, you’ll see. Come on, let’s get in the house and guess what Rae. I got a job!"

"Does that mean we’ll be able to leave soon?"

"As soon as I have enough saved up baby. I’m gonna work hard."

Later that afternoon Jake Tierny saddled the old sorrel horse he had. It was a daily ritual for him to spend some time sitting on a small bench by his son’s grave as long as the weather was good. He still did it in the winter but he didn’t linger. Jake just brushed the snow off the headstone and said a couple words. At least this day was warm. There were even a few pink blossoms poking up from the rich soil in the meadow below where Ray was buried. All Jake needed was his Carhartt jacket and his Stetson to fight of the chill as long as he got back before dark. Dark still came a lot earlier then it did in the lower forty eight but each day that passed saw a minute or two added to the sun’s work schedule.

Dismounting, he ground tied the horse and gave him an affectionate pat on his thick neck before he plodded over to the small stone bench. Jake took his hat off, ran a hand through his thin grey streaked blonde hair and sat down.

"How you doing today boy? I was wonderin if you saw who arrived. Erin says she’s yours boy and I don’t think she’s lying. She’s got your eyes, you’re walk. Tell me what you want me to do son and I’ll do it. Give me some kind of sign." Jake lowered his head and cried softly.

It might not have been an overwhelming one but a sign is a sign. The sound of brush rustling turned Jake around and there she stood with those eyes. Wasn’t he just thinking of those eyes?

"Who are you talking to grandpa?"

"I’m talking to your dad."

"Is ...this where my dad is buried?"

"Yep. It’s okay. You can come here."

She walked by the horse, stroking his neck as she passed. Rae could read the headstone as she got closer. ‘’Do you come here every day?"

"Yeah. I come here to talk to him. He was a good man, your dad. I miss him a lot."

"I wish I missed him." She replied as she traced the letters on the stone. It amazed Jake. She sounded so much older then she was and he understood her too. If she’d had the chance to know him she would miss him just as much.

"Hey kid. You ever ride a horse before?"

"No, but I’d like too."

"Come on then. I’ll show you around for a bit. It’ll be dark soon. We don’t want to be out after dark. All kinds of predators prowl these woods."

If Jake Tierney only knew what had been prowling those woods. He didn’t see the odd boot print by his son’s grave. He never noticed the discarded cigarette butt. He only noticed those eyes. She had her father’s eyes.

Two weeks passed and Erin had managed to work every day. Time crawled for her until John Biebe came in for his morning coffee. Aside from the days when he gave her a ride home, this was a highpoint for her. Was she falling for him or was there something else, an agenda? He didn’t always take her straight home from work. Sometimes they stopped at a private spot and let’s face it, he was a young good looking man, and she was a young attractive woman. They were both on the lonely side. Put two and two together.

"I really need to get home early this evening John." Erin stood from the single bed in John’s room. "Rae’s been asking questions and I really don’t want her to know about us yet."

"I’m not sure I understand Erin but okay. No questions. Give me a few minutes to get dressed and I’ll take you home and Erin….thanks."

"Thanks for what John?"

"You know. Ever since you got here, well, things have been different for me."

"You mean you’re getting laid right?"

Her statement/question made him uneasy and he shifted nervously. Swiping a hand though his hair he pondered his reply for a moment before uttering it. "Yes, amongst other things."

"It’s alright John. We’re both adults. We both have needs. I like you. I really do."

"I like you too Erin." The hint of sadness in his voice told that he might have been expecting more from her but he knew from the beginning where she stood. There was always the possibility that things would change.

The sex was good between them but it could hardly be called lovemaking. It was more gratuitous than anything else. Even so, the kiss they shared before leaving his humble home was tender and full of affection. It would keep them both warm until the next time they could steal away together. Everyone knew about them but no one really said much.

After John dropped Erin off at the ranch, he went to check on something. Mystery was a small town and when a stranger came to it, everyone noticed in much the same way they noticed John and Erin’s disappearances together. The exception was, people talked openly about strangers and this one who registered at the Sled Inn didn’t seem to have any business in town. The first thing John noticed as he pulled up was the lack of cars in the parking lot. The stranger that was here was from out of state. The only room with a light on was room twelve and John parked in front of it. He got out and knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Hank Parker searched for the mute button on the TV remote.

"Sheriffs department. Can I come in?"

"I didn’t do nothing wrong .Whaddaya want?"

"Call it welcome wagons service. I just want to talk to you I’m not here to arrest you for anything."

Hank made his way to the door. He zipped up his jeans along the way but didn’t button them. Standing there bare-chested he opened the door and their eyes met. Hank swiped a tendril of his unruly dirty blonde hair back and raised a shoulder.

"Yeah so what can I do for you?"

John put his hand on the door and pushed it open letting himself in. He closed the door and stood eye to eye with the out- of -towner.

"You’re new around here buddy. Do you have business in town or are you passing through?"

"What if I’m a tourist?"

"You don’t look like a tourist. Most of them come in the summer anyway."

"Maybe I’m an early bird. What’s really on your mind sheriff?"

"I know who you are and I know why you’re here. I want to let you know that we don’t stand for any trouble around here."

"Do you plan on running me out of town?" Hank moved to stand between John and the main part of the small motel room.

"If you’d like a ride to the bus station I’d be more then happy to provide one."

"I think I’ll stay a while. You know, a man like me could get used to a place like this. It’s nice and quiet. I bet there’s some fine looking tail around here too. Nice healthy outdoorsy types."

"Mister Parker that’s exactly the kind of trouble I’m talking about. Maybe you should look elsewhere for your so called tail."

"How’d you know my name?"

"This is a small town. People talk."

"Believe half of what you hear sheriff. There are two sides to every story."

"For some reason I think I’ll believe the half I’ve already heard."

Hanks eyes narrowed. ‘You’re not too open minded are you sheriff?"

"Not when there’s evidence, tangible evidence. It’s kind of hard to give yourself a black eye."

"If that’s all you wanted to tell me sheriff then I’d like to be alone now. Have a good night."

John Biebe stood there for a moment. He was a hell of a nice guy most of the time but he didn’t keep his job as sheriff by being a milquetoast. The look he gave Hank Parker was nothing short of intimidating.

"You have a nice night Parker. Don’t take a bad step you hear me? Not one bad step or I’ll see you on a bus out of her so quick …."

"Yeah I got you already. Don’t worry alright."

John turned and walked out without further conversation. He figured he accomplished exactly what he’d planned. He was stewing as he drove back to his office. If this idiot came all the way to Alaska for Erin then he meant business and John reckoned there’d be trouble, it was just a question of when, maybe sooner than he thought. He was surprised to find Jake Tierney waiting for him in his office when he got back.

"Can I have a word with you sheriff?"

John swiped his hair back and nodded. "Yep, What’s on your mind Jake."

Reaching into his coat pocket, Jake Tierney dropped a zip lock bag with half a dozen cigarette butts in it on John’s desk. "I found these by Ray’s grave. Some of them look like they’ve been there for a few days and since none of us smoke I reckon we’ve had a visitor. I reckon someone’s been watching us and I wonder if you have any idea who it might be.

John nodded. He’d taken a quick visual inventory of Hank Parkers room and he remembered the overflowing ashtray on the night stand.

"I have a good idea who it might be Jake."

"Is he after Erin and Rae?"

"I’d say so."

"Well what are we going to do about it?"

"If you’re up to it, I think we’re going to give someone a little going away party. He’s at the Sled Inn. Ready?"

"Ready willing and able." Jake placed his Stetson hat on his head and followed the sheriff to the prowler. They didn’t say much to each other as they drove back out to the Inn. It’s not like they were going to do anything illegal. They were just going to show old Hank Parker that he wasn’t very welcome in Mystery. I would have worked if he were in his room but to their surprise he’d left. John checked with the owner of the motel and she confirmed that Hank had not checked out. What was he up to?

"Maybe he just went out for a drink?"

"I don’t think so Jake. I had a little talk with him. I might have stirred something up."

"Erin, Rae. They’re both at my place John. They’re alone."

***************************************

He burst through the door of the Tierney place without warning. Hank Parker may have only used his fists for weapons before but this time he had something else with him in the form of a Smith and Wesson. Erin was so caught off guard as she stood at the kitchen sink she didn’t have time to bolt before he grabbed her and held the gun to her head.

"God damn .Hank what are you doing here? What do you want?"

"I want you to come home Erin. I’m taking you home."

She was more scared then she’d ever been in her life. Erin knew Hank and knew what he was capable of. She knew if she said no he’d kill her. He’d rather see her dead then free of him.

"Where’s the kid?"

"I dunno. In her room I think. Hank put the gun down. You don’t need it. I’ll…I’ll go with you okay?"

"I don’t trust you and I don’t trust that brat of yours. Call her."

Erin hesitated. She felt the sting of tears in her eyes. "Alright just take it easy. Rae, honey…." She called. In a single moment of defiance she pushed his gun bearing hand away and screamed. "Run. Rae Run!"

Erin wouldn’t see Rae make her escape. Hank lifted her off her feet and planted her flat on her back on the kitchen table.

"You fucking whore! You’ve done nothing but lie to me." He backhanded her across the face with the pistol still in his hand. Hank manhandled her up off the table and turned her in his arms to hold the pistol to her head. He pushed her through the door and called to the girl.

"You get your ass back here now kid or I’ll kill her. I swear I’ll kill her."

"Don’t listen to him Rae! Keep going!" Erin countered but all it did was get her more manhandling.

"You shut up. You hear me? Shut up!"

Rae was ready to turn and go back just before she encountered the sheriff and her granddad at the head of the drive.

"Grandpa! Grandpa. You gotta help my mom. Hank has her...Hank has a gun. He’s gonna kill her grandpa. He’s gonna kill her." Rae was crying hysterically as Jake jumped out of the prowler to scoop her up.

"We’re here now. No one’s going to get killed." Except maybe that son of a bitch he thought. He put Rae in the back of the prowler and told her to stay there no matter what. Jake and John started down the driveway on foot.

"Hank Parker this is the sheriff. I want to talk to you."

"Twice in one night sheriff.’ He called back. "Lucky me. I don’t think we have anything to talk about now. I just want my family. I just want to take my family home."

"You can’t take someone if they don’t want to go Parker. It’s a felony to do so. Let her go before you do something you’ll regret for the rest of your life."

Jake said nothing as he slipped into the woods along the drive. He knew his property well and he had a plan.

John moved forward enough to see Hank and Erin. He held her as a shield and there wasn’t much John could do except keep talking to him.

"Come on Hank. It doesn’t have to be this way. Let her go and we can talk."

"No. I don’t think so sheriff.’

"What’s your plan then? We’re both in check. Check mate ain’t looking too good pal."

Check mates come by surprise for the most part and John didn’t blink an eye as Jake inched his way up behind Hank and Erin. Rae saw him too from where she sat pressed against the back of the seat in the prowler. She began to whisper to herself. "Please please please." She may have been praying for as much as she knew how.

"My plan is… I leave with my family one way or the other. If you don’t let us go alive then we’ll meet in hell."

"No…God no." Erin broke her fear filled silence as she squirmed in Hanks grip. It made him lower his arm and it was the perfect time for Jake to take his shot. There was little warning when he raised the shovel he’d gotten from the shed beside the house but there was a rather large clang when it came down on Hanks head. The gun fell to the ground at once as Hank Parker crumpled in a heap. Everyone moved fast but it seemed surreal as John bolted forward to seize the gun. He kicked it away and cuffed the unconscious man. Jake lunged for Erin but she took flight to get her daughter out of the car. She passed by John and frantically tried to open the back door but it was locked from the inside and only accessible from the front seat. Erin swore "Damn it!" as she opened the front door and popped the locks. In seconds Rae was in her arms.

"God baby are you alright."

"Yes mommy." They embraced. "Is Hank dead?"

"No. He’s just knocked out." Jake spoke as he approached the pair. "He’ll be alright but he won’t ever bother you again. He’ll be going to jail for a long long time. "

"Remember the diner my mother worked in? She waited tables there for a few years and then one day she bought the place. It was where I worked when I was old enough too. I saved up enough money to go to culinary school in Paris and then well, mom died. I inherited the diner and I was going to go back there but decided to take my life in a different direction. I used the money I made from the sale as a down payment on this place. Café de Mystère."