The Solid Hold (The IQ Testing Book 4) Read online

  I smile, nodding then see the parents of Lamis. They hug each other, without any children. I frown with sadness, parting from my parents. I slowly walk to them. I stand, nodding and saying. “I am so sorry for your loss, Mr. and Mrs…parents of Lamis. Lamis was a very good friend…”

  Lamis’ mama hugs Ketona. “Thank you! Lamis talked of you, often, Ketona. You helped her through the Cubby Hole and beyond. Lamis achieved what she wanted in life, being out of…well, she enjoyed her life.”

  I nod. “I enjoyed meeting and knowing her, too. I wished that I could…”

  “We understand. We all saw the newest Cubby Hole event on the plasma, compliments of the mayor of Colfax. She wanted everyone to feel her wrathness, or fury, or evilness. However, you saved the day, Ketona. We…and the entire townships are very grateful for your courage and bravery, too.” Lamis’ daddy exhales then says. “The mayor of Colfax harmed Lamis and the others. She will pay for her torment for her remaining days…”

  I nod. “She will not be happy for a few days. Eventually, the mayor will return…”

  Lamis’ mama smiles. “Ah, naw. The mayor of Colfax and the Colfaxians are never returning to Colfax.”

  The blast echoes over the land, shaking the dirt. And, it echoes over the sky, making a set of colorful fireworks.

  My feet slide side to side then balance with my outstretched hands. I swing around, gasping.

  The Cubby Hole building, columns, steps, front porch has been blasted into tiny bits of white and red brick. There is a large hole in the red dirt.

  I gasp with shock. “What happened to the Cubby Hole?”

  Ketona’s mama walks then hugs her daughter, nodding and smiling. “A set of blasters, installed by the me-chees, have leveled the entire Cubby Hole building…”

  “Mama!?” I gasp. “No one can leave the park place. The Cubby Hole auditorium, the wind tunnel, the me-chee chairs…”

  “They’re all gone, now. You don’t have to ever worry about the mayor of Colfax, again.” Ketona’s mama nods, smirking.

  I gasp with shock.

  Chapter 12

  Five years later

  Colfax

  Hospital room

  9:09 am

  Birth day

  I sit upright inside the hospital bed, staring at my new baby daughter. I smile. “We will name her after our good friend.”

  Buffo stands over her hair roots, smiling and patting the baby’s black hair. “I agree, our good friend…”

  “I think of her, often. I think of the Colfaxians, occasionally.”

  Buffo frowns, patting the baby. “It’s been five long years. They’re all dead and gone. A biological body needs food every four to six days. It needs water, every three to four days. Now, we are a family, only thinking of our new baby…”

  I nod, smiling at my baby, thinking only good thoughts.

  “Hey, Ketona and Buffo,” Rincon enters the hospital room, holding the hand of his three year old son.

  Duchie enters carrying a wrapped pink gift. “Hey, ya’ll. Happy day for Ketona and Buffo! What’s the baby’s name?”

  Jara enters and smiles, holding a wrapped pink gift. “Hi, Buffo and Ketona and little baby of Buffo and Ketona. What’s the baby’s name?”

  Hatch enters, holding the hand of his six year old son, smiling. “Hey, ya’ll! What’s the baby’s name?”

  I smile at my old friends then at my new baby. “Nephella Lamis…”

  They nod, smiling.

  The end

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1FridayColfax

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4SaturdayBurrville

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6SundayColfax

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10Monday

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12