{{Our title comes from a lyric within Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al", and skipping the standard set up of the first two chapters on the full Branch View, this is Episode 318 of our ongoing saga! Personally, I picture Moon Lake as CYOC.net's own Dark Shadows, but in any event...}}
"So that's the story. Somehow Julie Stovall managed to send a damaging e-mail to both my mother and the Sheriff about me hanging out with an unauthorized woman when it was just my aunt picking me up from school while she's visiting us here in Moon Lake," claimed Brian Walker, still downplaying his time with the older (but hot and horny) were-mermaid Alyssa Cooper.
"But even though we both know how twisted Julie Stovall can be, why?" wondered Eric Anderson, as he sat next to Frieda Knight during Freshman lunch in the Moon Lake High school cafeteria. "You're not scheduled to testify against her during her upcoming trial, are you?"
"Not that I know of," admitted Brian. "Maybe I was just a test case. A trial run to see how anonymous she can be before she goes after the bigger fish on her agenda: you, Frieda, and Spencer."
"That could be it," agreed Frieda, sitting next to Eric. "If she can find something to discredit us before we actually testify against her..."
"Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water," quipped Eric. "Doesn't your family have lawyers who handle this sort of thing?" he asked her.
"Yeah, but first, Julie has yet to make a move toward any of the three of us, so unfortunately I can't get them involved until she does; and secondly, how do you know it was Julie?" Frieda asked Brian.
"Sadly, I don't. The only thing I know for sure is that I am NOT looking forward to seeing my mother this afternoon when I get home from school, but in hindsight, who else could it be?" asked Brian in return. In truth, depending upon what his mother knew and how she approached him on the subject, he already had his cover and 'explanation' all worked out. It was just a question of what actually happened when the time came.
The teenagers chatted for a few more minutes, then Brian excused himself so he could finish lunch and do some last minute cramming for an exam in fourth period. His grades were decent, but having so much sex lately didn't leave him much real time to study.
When they were alone, Frieda turned to Eric and asked, "You don't really believe all that about his 'aunt', do you?"
"That part, no. Whoever she is, Brian just got lucky the last couple of days and now doesn't like being caught. But I will agree with him concerning Julie. The original threat from your father was bad enough, but now..."
"I know. At least he can't do anything against your family, the Lawsons, or me now. But my father has always been more of the known objective/methodical planner type. You may not discover what he's up to until after you're hurt, but at least once he knows he was successful, he'd take his victory and move on. Julie on the other hand..."
"Yeah. Maybe it would be a good idea to have your lawyers alert the DA, just in case," suggested Eric.
"Right," said Frieda, while taking out her cellphone. "And then, while there's still some lunch period left, we can talk about my mother meeting yours."
MEANWHILE...
Unknown to anyone in the school cafeteria, Sheriff Douglas Cooper was discussing the situation with Moon Lake High Principal Andrews.
"I personally talked to Brian Walker about the rumors concerning him and an older blonde woman that are circulating around the school this morning, but he said that was his aunt. Is this something I should look into further?" inquired the Principal.
"No," said the sheriff, while shaking his head negatively. While he didn't like lying to the innocent, he also didn't want to get the innocent into any trouble, especially when one of them was his own cousin. "My department has already looked into the matter. No laws were broken, so until proven otherwise, we are leaving that specific aspect of the situation alone. What concerns me more is the anonymous e-mails themselves. I'm surprised you didn't receive one."
"Either the culprit didn't have a chance to send one to me, or else figured the two they already composed were enough," surmised the Principal. "But what makes you suspect Julie Stovall?"
"Truthfully, who else would have more to gain? I've already looked into that angle, and found no evidence to support the theory it was actually Miss Stovall, although considering her mother's computer skills and Julie's current mood towards Brian Walker..."
"You're not suggesting that Mrs. Stovall..." began the Principal.
"No, but maybe Julie's picked up a few technical tricks along the way. Without more evidence, I can't rule anything out at this time," said the Sheriff.
"On that point, I must agree. Then again, it could be someone working on Miss Stovall's behalf, even if that person has not had any direct contact with her," pointed out the Principal.
"Then if that's the case, the list of potential suspects are wide open. Yet you can see my concern not only in regard to Brian Walker, but especially if the culprit's next targets are Eric Anderson, Spencer Lawson, and/or Frieda Knight."
"Is there any reason to fear they might be in any physical danger?" asked a concerned Principal.
"While there's no evidence to support that theory either at the moment, I still can't rule anything out at this time," said the Sheriff. "I would like a few minutes to discuss the situation with the three of them personally, if you don't mind."
"Of course not, provided you don't mind doing it here in my office with me present," said the Principal, before picking up his phone to start making the arrangements.