Emma frowned at Clifford and asked, "So...You knew Jason's parents before they died?"

Clifford nodded, "That's correct, yeah."

After I met Clifford out of nowhere in town and after we've talked a bit, I took him to Emma's house and right now we're sitting around on the beach, chatting with each other. Me and Emma are now sitting on a rock, while Clifford was standing around.

Turns out Clifford still lives in New York City and he has heard that my mom and dad died.

God, it's so great to see an old familiar face. Ben would also love to see him!

When I get the chance, I better take Clifford to Ben. Ben would be so surprised.

Talk about surprises indeed, I never expected to meet Clifford after all these years. Six years ago to be exact.

I said to him, "After mom and dad died, I've tried to contact you by calling the number of your company, but the number wasn't in service."

Clifford had a sad look on his face and he asked, "I figured as much, your parents died and I wasn't there for you. It was about a week later when I found it out. Before I could even find out about you, you and Ben were already gone."

Emma asked me, "Jason, you never told me about him. How come?"

I shrugged, "Well honestly I thought it didn't matter. Besides that I haven't seen him for a long time."

Clifford said, "Jason, I'm VERY sorry for your loss. I wish I was there around that time to help you." Then he asked, "Look, you still haven't told me what happened afterward. Why did you and Ben disappear? It has been six years ago!"

I nodded and sighed, "It's a long story."

Clifford nodded, "I'm all ears."

I nodded again, "Well okay, you see it was after my parents died and me and Ben were so distraught about them...."

I told him everything that happened to me. I told him that I was about to be sent away to a foster home and before THAT could happen, a bunch of guys in suits tried to kill me and Ben. They were after the both of us. Then I got to the part that we both flew away from home and we've traveled from place to place.

I even told him that me and Ben were heroes during the night, I even told him about how we ended up here and that me and Ben stayed in Southport for several days now.

I even told him that Emma's my girlfriend as well. And he was surprised about it. I would be too if I was in his shoes.

Basically I told him everything, and like I said before, it was a LONG story. But it was worth the story anyways.

After I told him everything, Clifford frowned at me and grinned, "Wow...It was a long story. So you and Ben are heroes during the night now?"

I shrugged, "Well we haven't fought crime a lot since me and Ben started living here. Like I said before, we were starting to live normal lives again. Only we're just in North Carolina now."

He gave me a pity look and said, "I'm still very sorry you went through all that. Living without a home, afraid you were being hunted by those  people. I have to say, it's a tough thing to go through."

I looked down at my feet, "Yeah especially when your whole family has died in one day."

Clifford put his hand to my shoulder and said, "I know kid...I know."

I shut my eyes tight, "I really miss them Clifford, and...I thought I wouldn't see you again as well. You're like family to us."

Clifford sighed, "Jason, I'm sorry I wasn't there when I should have. Its just the reason why the number you've dialed years ago was no longer in service, is because around that time I was transitioning my dad's company to another one."

I opened my eyes and waved him off, "It's alright Cliff. I'm still just glad to see you." I looked up at him, "And here I am now, telling you everything that me and Ben went through."

Clifford smiled and said, "You're parents would be very proud of you and Ben for all the bravery you've put in. And for fighting the scum on the earth and saving the innocent."

I nodded in agreement, "I think they would be too. After all, we did all that to honor them."

Clifford chuckled and rubbed his hand on my shoulder, "Well I'm very proud of you two. You guys are like a superhero duo!"

I giggled and so did Emma. I muttered, "You're probably right about that. But I think me and Ben are thinking about retiring from crime fighting. We both want to start our lives over."

Clifford shrugged his shoulders, "Nothing wrong with that."

Emma then had a curious look and asked, "Hey Mr. Brewer-"

He interrupted, "Oh call me Clifford, or Cliff if you want."

She nodded, "Okay Clifford, so you live in New York City, then how come you're in North Carolina? What are you doing here?"

I frowned at him, "Yeah, you haven't told me that yet. Why are you here in Southport?"

Clifford nodded and answered, "Well you see I was on vacation. Since I heard that the scenery was beautiful here, I thought I come here for my vacation."

I smiled at him, "Well talk about living in a small world, you just showed up out of nowhere."

Clifford laughed and nodded, "Yeah I did and I'm glad that I found you. You...You were just a kid still when you disappeared."

I shook my head, "I'm not a kid anymore, Cliff."

Clifford nodded, "Yep that's right. You're a man now. And you know, you really do look just like your father."

I nodded a bit, "Thank you."

Clifford then leaned down on his body and got his head closer to my head, "Jason...Where's Ben at now? I'm pretty sure that he wouldn't stay in this town, he would be staying in the woods."

I nodded, "You're pretty much right, but he's not living in a cave or anything like that, he lives at-"

Emma interrupted by tapping my arm, I looked at her and asked, "What?"

Emma moved her eyes to take a glance at Clifford, then back at me, "Jason...Can I talk to you in private?"

I frowned at her, "Why what's up?"

But her expression and her silence kinda gave me the answer. She really wanted to talk to me in private about something.

What's going on with her? She's getting...Weird.

I shrugged my shoulders and got up from the rock, "Alright, where did you want to talk in private?"

Emma got up from the rock and pointed toward the spot, "Just a little bit down there."

I nodded and looked at Clifford, "Can you excuse me for a few minutes? My girl wants to talk to me."

Clifford shook his head and smirked, "I'm not going anywhere."

And with that Emma lead the way and I followed behind her, until we were far away from earshot from Clifford. Me and Emma stopped near the ocean, where the waves are washing up on the beach, almost at our feet.

I shrugged my arms, with a curious look on my face, "What's wrong Emma? You looked kinda strange back there."

Emma looked at Clifford who was standing at the spot where we left him, then she looked back at me and said, "Jason...I don't trust him."

My eyes went wide, "Excuse me?"

"I don't trust him. I don't trust Clifford."

I asked, "Why don't you trust Clifford? What did he do to you?"

She shook her head, "Well nothing actually. It's just...." She looked down at her feet, then at my face, "Jason, you and this guy show up at my house with a yellow rose." Then she raised a finger and grinned for a second, "Which by the way, I thank you for the rose."

I grinned back, "Why thank you, sweetheart."

But she got back to the subject at hand, "Anyways, you and this guy just show up at my house this afternoon and you say that you know him."

I nodded, "Yeah...So?"

"So is that really the guy you know? Clifford Brewer?"

I crossed my arms, "Emma, what is this all about? Why don't you trust Clifford?"

Emma took a deep breath and said, "Jason...He's kinda acting weird, and not to mention he's acting like he really wants to see Ben so desperately. Not to mention he just shows up out of nowhere and he says that he's on vacation." She shrugged, "Don't you find this a little strange? That he just shows up here out of the blue of all places?"

I hummed to myself, taking a glance up at the sky for a second. Finally I peered at her and shook my head, "Not really. I'm just glad to see him."

Emma had a worried look on her face, "Jason, I just think it's too much of a coincidence for him to just show up. I think he just came here...For some reason."

I frowned at her, "What kind of reason?"

She shook her head, "I don't know." Then she had a serious look after that, "But I have a feeling that...It's bad."

"How bad?"

Emma groaned a bit, "Look Jason. It's the way he just looks. That look in his eyes. Look I'm kinda good at reading those things, but I really think he's up to something."

I held out my hands and placed them on her shoulders, "Listen Emma. I think you got it all wrong. Honestly, I think you've been watching too many crime television shows to think paranoid about this right now."

Then I added when I let go of her shoulders, "Or maybe....It's your father that's making you paranoid. After all he's the sheriff."

Emma shook her head, "No it's not my father, it's all me. And nope, it's not crime shows that are getting to me. I'm thinking about this in my own sense."

I let out a huff, "Emma, I wouldn't worry about it. Look, I'm happy to see Clifford and I'm sure he's not after anything or he's not planning something bad against us."

Emma only narrowed her eyes at me, "That doesn't really make me feel better. I still don't rust him at all. It's also an odd feeling."

I gave her a comforting smile, "Emma, I know that you are trying to protect me and Ben from anything that could happen and I appreciate that. But Clifford has been a member of my family for a while. His father knew my grandfather before he died, and not to mention Clifford said he wished he was there for me when my folks died. And I know him more than you know." I shrugged, "What more do you need?"

Emma sighed and gave me a concerned look, "I just don't want you guys hurt."

I nodded, "I know that. But lets give him a chance. Besides that, he says he's on vacation so he'll head back to New York soon."

She gave me a weird look, "I hope so."

I sorta gave her a glare, "Now you're the one who's acting weird."

She giggled a bit, "Sorry, but can't help it."

I nodded, "Apology accepted." Then I started to walk away from her and said, "C'mon lets go back to Cliff now. He's waiting for us."

Emma started to walk back with me, "Alright, lets go meet with your family friend." Then me and her started holding hands while we walked back to Clifford.

Clifford tapping his foot when we came back to him. He frowned and asked, "So...What was it you lovebirds were talking about?"

I shook my head, "Nothing, we were just talking." Then I glanced at Emma, "Right?"

Emma nodded, "Yeah, we were. And sorry we took so long."

He shook his head, "Oh no, I'm fine."

I smiled at him, "So, you want to see Ben? We still have time to talk to him before it gets too dark outside."

Clifford smiled back and nodded, "Yes, please."

*****

Ben groaned and rubbed his eyes with his paw, "Jason seriously, do you have to wake me up from my nap? I'm tired of company right now."

I was already in the barn at April's house when me, Emma and Clifford got here. April, and Emma are waiting with Clifford outside the barn, so it's just me and him alone in the barn for now.

Poor Ben was sleeping when I woke him up about a few minutes ago. Talk about bad timing.

Ben narrowed his eyes wearily at me, "Alright, so what do you want?"

I grinned at him, "I want you to meet someone."

He sighed, "Another person other than Brooke? Wow, talk about meeting another friend at once today." Then he let out a big long stretch across the floor. He stopped stretching and asked, "Alright, so who is it this time? And I hope it's not another cop. I only want one cop as a friend."

I glared at him, "Will you quit complaining? And no it's not a cop, it's someone else."

Ben cocked his head, "Who?"

I grinned and then I beckoned with my hand, "Come on. He's outside, it's a surprise."

Ben narrowed his eyes for a second and the he let out a breath, "Take me to him. And I hope there aren't anymore people coming to visit me. I can only handle a few friends that I already have!"

I nodded, "Deal, now lets go." I whirled around on him and led him out of the barn, outside when the sky was starting to sunset.

Ben followed close behind me and we both saw everyone, including Clifford.

Ben's face went wide when he saw Clifford, and that completely stopped him in his tracks.

Emma and April moved out of the way to let Clifford see Ben. I grinned as he got closer to us.

Ben was just motionless, still pretty shocked that his old friend is here in Southport.

Clifford took several slow steps toward Ben, happy to see him, "Ben, it's been such a long time."

Ben frowned at Clifford, "Clifford? Is that you?"

He nodded as he took another step toward Ben, "Yes it is." He giggled a bit, "It has been years since I've last seen you and Jason."

"Clifford...How are you here? Why are you here? How did you find us?"

Clifford stopped moving toward Ben and said, "I found Jason in town, while I was on vacation. It was just pure fate that I've found him and you. I can't believe you guys are here, far away from home."

Ben finally formed a grin on his beak and said, "Clifford...You have no idea, how much I've missed you."

Clifford nodded, "Me too, old pal. Me too."

Ben lowered his head to his level and he let out a paw to hug Clifford. Hugging him close to his face.

Me, April, and Emma smiled at the scene.

Ben removed the paw off of Clifford and pulled his face back. Ben said, "So...What happened to you? It's been a very long time since I've last seen you."

Clifford nodded and said, "Boy bird brain, it's a long story on my end."

*****

I laid down on my stomach outside April's house during the night, still surprised up at this very moment that Clifford Brewer came to see me here in North Carolina of all places.

I'm very surprised that Jason brought him here and told me everything. Not to mention that me and Jason told him everything that we've been through.

But also I'm...A little suspicious of him. I mean, why did he come to Southport, North Carolina, of all places? Not to mention travel like that far away from New York. So...What's he playing at?

I know I shouldn't think Clifford that way, he's practically family.

But it's the way he looked at me when I was talking to him. That very weird look on his fac. It's like he wanted something from me. But what?

For some reason I'm starting to distrust him. He seems to act weird right now.

I wish I knew it was.

I heard footsteps behind me and I looked over my shoulder. I saw April wearing her pajamas coming up behind me. She smiled at me, "Hey handsome bird."

I formed a smile on my beak, "Hey there beautiful. You can't sleep?"

She walked up near the side of my body and shook her head, "No I can't." She gave me a devious grin, "I was thinking about you in bed with me."

I giggled deviously at her, "Oh really?" Then I lowered one of my wings behind her and used it to shove her back toward me. She yelped, stumbled forward and started laughing. I laughed along with her.

April stopped laughing and said, "God Ben, you really do surprise me."

I shrugged my shoulders, "No kidding about it. I surprise myself sometimes." I lowered my head to her level and peered into her eyes.

April put both hands to my face and we both leaned forward until she pressed her lips against my beak for a kiss.

We were kissing for a long time and we both smiled at each other. She caressed one of my cheeks with her hand and she said, "Do you want to go flying tonight? I think we're both in the mood for it."

I shook my head, "No thanks, I'm not really in the mood for it. I just want to stay here out in the open. Such a cool night."

She let go of my face and asked, "Can I sit close to your chest?"

I blinked at her and nodded, "Sure." After that, April gave me a peck on the cheek and she started to walk to my chest.

I moved my front paws out of the way for her and she started to sit down in front of me. April scooted back on the grass, until her back is laying against mine. I curled my paws around her and she caressed lovingly with her hand.

We were both like this in silence, just enjoying each other's company as usual. My heart beating as she laid her back on me.

April smiled and said, "You know Ben, I'm glad that your old friend has found you and Jason. Honestly I don't think you haven't mentioned him before."

I shrugged my shoulders, "Well I haven't thought about him for a long time. I really thought I wouldn't see him again." Then I looked up at the stars and said, "I still can't believe it really. I've learned a lot from him today."

April giggled, "No kidding, I've just learned you've had another human who knew you other than Jason's parents and your foster father."

I said, "I've got to learn he still lives in New York City. He owns a new company and it's called Brewer Technologies."

April said, "He really sounds like a big corporation man. I have never heard of that company."

I said to her, "Neither do I, until today." I looked down at her, "And you actually get to meet him."

April had a frown and asked, "So tell me again, how did you guys know each other?"

I answered, "His father knew my foster father. When I was little and when Alan and Clifford were little, we all met. We used to play with each other a lot."

April said, "Aww, so you guys were kids when you first met. That does sound cute."

I nodded in agreement, "I agree with that." Then I had an odd look on my face.

April looked up and noticed it, "What's wrong?"

I sighed, "Nothing. Nothing at all."

April twisted around to face me in my grasp, she pressed me, "Ben, what's wrong? What's the matter with my handsome gryphon?"

I lowered my head to her level, to the side of her face, not looking at her yet. I said, "Something doesn't feel right to me."

April had a curious look on her face, "Why? What doesn't feel right?"

I glanced at her and said, "Clifford."

Her eyes went wide, "Clifford? What do you mean? Are you saying that Clifford coming here doesn't feel right?"

I put some thought into it, "Well it's not that Clifford coming here didn't feel right, I was really happy to see the guy." Then I had a suspicious look on my face, "But now for some reason, he's acting weird just the way he was looking at me. The way he just stares at me as I was talking to him. Its like he wanted something from me."

She tilted her head, "Wanted what from you?"

I shook my head, "I don't know. I just....Feel like I don't trust him." I closed my eyes and sighed, "April, do you think I'm in my right mind for distrusting the man? I mean, he's an old friend of mine and here I am distrusting him."

April reached out her hand to stroke my cheek. She said, "Well...I don't know why you would distrust him. I mean he doesn't seem so bad. I think he was a nice guy." She gave me a smile.

I leaned into her touch, "I know that. But it was that weird look he kept giving me. He was acting weird like asking me all sorts of questions, and not to mention not taking his eyes off of me."

April rolled her eyes and put some thought into this subject. Until she finally said, "Well...Maybe...Ben, do you remember how much you've distrusted me and Emma, when you first met us?"

I opened my eyes and nodded. Then she went on, "Well, maybe it's like that with Clifford. I mean, you haven't seen him for a long time, so maybe that's why you would think that way about him."

I shook my head, "Maybe, but I doubt it. I've known Clifford for a long time, so no I seriously doubt it. I just also think it's a little bit suspicious that he happens to show up in Southport of all places and finds Jason. I kinda find it a little suspicious a little bit." I sighed, "But of course, he did say that he's here on vacation, so I don't know what to think."

April shook her head, "I wouldn't worry about it so much. At least, be happy that you saw your old friend again. He really did seem friendly."

I sighed again and nodded, "Yeah, I guess you're right. I shouldn't worry about it too much. Maybe me being paranoid that someone would find me and Jason and kill us, is getting to me still. Clifford, wouldn't kill us. He's family."

April smiled and nodded, "Exactly! I know that you said that several people tried to kill you, but there's no one coming now."

I smiled at her, "Yep, you're right. I need to quit doing that to myself."

She nodded again and only kissed the top of my beak. I nuzzled her face after that. She giggled and I did as well.

Soon I raised my head off her level and we both looked up at the skies.

But as we watched the stars, my suspicious thoughts were still on Clifford.

I don't want to distrust him, but I can't help it.

Maybe I should just ignore it, there's nothing to worry about.

No one is coming to kill me and Jason. There are no guys in suits coming to kill us.

No one is going to kill is. No one is going to kill us. No one is going to kill us.

Dear god, I hope I'm right. For Jason's sake, I really hope that I'm right.

*****

Clifford walked to his hotel room, and shut the door behind him. He sighed as he entered.

He threw his suit jacket and tie on the bed and reached into his pocket for his cell phone. He pulled it out and started dialing a number to someone. When he was done, he put the phone to his ear and the phone ringed in the other end.

Finally after three rings, someone answered, a man, "Hello."

Clifford said, "There you are. You still searching? I've called you twice already."

The guy said on the other end, "Sorry mister Brewer, me and the boys are still looking for the boy and the gryphon. We still haven't found them."

Clifford smiled as he said this, "Well guess what? I've found them."

The guy who works for him gasped in the other end, "Really?"

Clifford walked to his bed and sat on it, "Yes really. I've found Jason Morgan and the gryphon. They're in Southport and that's not the only thing. A few other people know about them."

The guy who works for him asked, "Do we have to get rid of them as well?"

Clifford said, "Yes. Listen, you and the others meet me at the Country Inn at Southport. I'll tell you how to deal with them. I know where they all live. Then we'll deal with Jason Morgan and the gryphon."

The guy said, "Yes sir and don't worry, we won't fail you this time."

Clifford said back to his phone in a stern threatening voice, "You better not. Now bye." Then he hung up on him and dropped his cell phone on his bed.

Clifford started giggling to himself and said, "You think I wouldn't find you two after six years? Well Ben and Jason, I have and this time, you won't escape."