Game of Chance part 10

07. 01. 1978. Since Sandra didn't quite know how to begin her investigation, it took several months before she had some sort of plan on where to begin. But even that was upended by Hunter's call. On a Tuesday morning, when he was the only one left at home, Hunter called her that he saw a strange figure around his apartment. - I will tell you the rest personally. Can you come here? I'll give you the address. - he said. Sandra called her boss to say that she couldn't come in today, which, given her condition, her boss leniently accepted, and then jumped into the car. - I'm standing here in front of the house. - Sandra waited in the car for Hunter. Thanks to Hunter it turned out, the guy had been appearing here even before Cynthia died. - Maybe some crazy bully who has been coming back ever since. -Sandra thought. She and Hunter waited outside the house for a while, hoping that he would show up that day. It was starting to look like Hunter had called her here because of some tramp when a mysterious-looking guy appeared. He walked around the building and then looked through the window of the ground-floor apartment. - He wants to get in, huh? - Sandra asked, more to herself than Hunter. They both got out of the car. Sandra stayed back a bit, obviously not wanting to get into trouble, while she walked in front of Hunter and approached the guy. When the guy noticed them, he started running, which only made him suspicious. Sandra didn't dare to run after him, but while chasing him, Hunter even embarrassed the police. They stopped at the end of the street when Hunter finally managed to catch him. Sandra tried to hurry after them with quick steps. - Who are you and what did you want in my apartment? - I…I…hhh…- he panted. - I'm Jackson Storm, a private investigator. Cynthia Lewis hired me. The investigation has been expanded with a new character, who provided even more interesting information. - Why did she hire you? Why would she need a private investigator?- asked Sandra. - Because of some guy who scared her. - Very good. And what's his name? - asked Hunter. - Uhm...Michael. - Michael who? Come on, don't mess with us!-said Hunter. - Uhm...Michael Walker or Walen. I have his photo. - the detective said and took out a photo. It was not of good quality. In addition, it was cut from somewhere. - Oh my God! How...How is he related to Cynthia?- Sandra asked herself. - Do you know him? - He is my ex. The father of my son.

Game of Chance part 9

11. 10. 1977.

A few days later, Sandra found out where to find this particular Hunter. Cynthia's best friend, Erica, seemed to be the only one who knew about the guy. Se found him in a dormitory that looked quite messy. Like Erica said. The guy was about to go somewhere when Sandra stopped him. - Hunter Sinclair? - Y-yeah. - I'm Sandra. Cynthia's sister. - Sandra introduced herself. -Look, I had nothing to do with what happened to her. - Hunter said immediately and continued his way. - I'm here because…I want to know more. Maybe you could help. Her killer is still at large. - I don't know anything, so…I have to go now. - We could talk over a coffee. I just want to ask a few questions. - Sandra offered. - Look, I don't know what you believe or what you want to know, but I loved her. Her death…also affected me and I want to move on. I think you should do the same. You'll unlikely find the killer if even the police haven't. - I read Cynthia's diary, which raised a lot of questions. It seems my sister had secrets. It would help me to move forward if I knew… Finally, Hunter and Sandra got into a cafe to talk. - What do you want to know? - She tore out a bunch of pages, but all that was left of one of the notes was that you had protected her from someone. Who was that? Was there someone who wanted to hurt her? - Um…there was a guy who molested her. An acquaintance. She didn't tell much about it, but once I witnessed what was happening and intervened. He tried to force Cynthia into his car. - Who was that? Did you see him? - No, not really. It was getting dark and he was wearing a black sweater and a baseball cap. - Cynthia also mentioned that you have a criminal record. It can't be someone from your past… - No, I left the past in Miami. - I understand. Well, thanks, Hunter. Here's my phone number if…something comes to your mind. She returned home with new information. Kazuhiro didn't know what Sandra was up to,he probably wouldn't have been happy, so Sandra tried to keep her action a secret.

Game of Chance part 8

11. 02. 1977.

Kazuhiro and Sandra moved back to San Francisco. They had to stick together after Cynthia's death. At the weekend, they all went to visit the grandparents and to help Mrs Reed. After the pleasant lunch, Sandra left with her mother to finally pack Cynthia's belongings together. - I never even look in this room. I miss her so much. - cried Mrs Reed. - I know mom, I miss her too. We'll just pack your stuff somewhere good, okay? Sandra started unpacking the wardrobe while her dad brought boxes from the garage. Mrs Reed was leaning against the door. - Come on, mom! Help me pack! This will help bring closure to what happened. - said, Sandra. Slowly Mrs Reed joined her. She packed the clothes in tears. When Cynthia's photos and books followed, Mrs Reed broke down. She put one of her pictures together with Sandra on the bed and lay on her side crying on the pillows. - Maybe you should have a break. I'll pack these away. - said Sandra and she escorted Mrs Reed into the living room. - Dad, could you make a cup of tea for mom? - Of course, honey. - Mr Reed said. Sandra packed the books, notebooks, and personal belongings that were left behind. - Oh shit! - she said when some books fell into the gap between the bed and the table. She bent down to reach all the way into the gap, where, in addition to the two books, she also touched a third notebook. Putting the books away, she flipped through the notebook. - Diary entries, but a lot of pages are torn out. - said, Sandra. -10/07/1976, 10/11/1976, 10/19/1976, 11/05/1976, 11/13/1976. Reading the diary, she realized that Cynthia had someone named Hunter. - Who is this Hunter? Why didn't Cynthia tell me about it? - asked Sandra, but later she found the answer. There were problems in their relationship. This Hunter was a bad boy, secretive and jealous. Cynthia was unsatisfied with this and broke up with him on February 26, shortly before killing Cynthia. - This could boost the police investigation. - Sandra thought, so she put the diary in her bag. She didn't want to upset his parents. After everything was boxed, Kazuhiro, Blake and she headed home. - We'll come next week too, alright mother? They got home with the diary in her bag, where Sandra wanted to forge a plan. - Cynthia...WE deserve the truth. Hunter needs to pay for what he did to us. - Sandra thought while preparing for sleep.

Game of Chance part 7

09. 25. 1977. A few days later, Kazuhiro, Sandra and Blake celebrated Kazuhiro's birthday with their families. Despite the initial concerns and antipathy, Kazuhiro's parents liked Sandra and overlooked the fact that she was not Japanese and already had a son. Sandra's parents also realized that Kazuhiro was really right for Sandra. Moreover, they would have been happy if something joyful followed in their lives after mourning. While they were happily talking, Fuji suddenly stood up to give a speech. - Dear Sandra! - Kazuhiro started. - Ever since I first had the chance to talk to you, to get to know you… even then I knew that I would never find another woman, a partner like you. When I met you, I knew I'd met my match. It was only a matter of time until we arrived at this moment. How it turns out is all in your hands. Sandra Jane Reed, would you marry me? I don't really know what I'm supposed to do if you say "no," so could you save us both the trouble and say "yes?" Sandra stared at Fuji in surprise for a moment. They had only been together for half a year, so Fuji's request surprised him. Blake's dad had no intention of marrying her, so she didn't even tell him about Blake. But Sandra also felt that Fujino was different. - Yes, Fujino James Kazuhiro. - she said eventually. The whole family celebrated the beautiful and unique occasion. 10. 08. 1977.

On the 8th of October Sandra and Kazuhiro got married, which was a bittersweet event because it reminded them that Cynthia couldn't be with them. The Reeds celebrated by consoling each other a little, and then the newlyweds set off on their honeymoon to Greece. After the wedding, events accelerated. Sandra soon became pregnant again, so their family slowly expanded. Everyone was eagerly waiting for the baby to arrive. - Sandra, my dear, I know you're probably busy but your mother needs help. She still hadn't packed Cynthia's things. She doesn't let me help her, but maybe you…- Sandra's father called her one day. - Of course, dad. I travel home at the weekend and we pack together.- said Sandra. She was also afraid that she would be overcome with emotions, but they must close this matter within themselves. They have to move on.

Game of Chance part 6

06. 19. 1977.

They met in a nice cafe during their lunch break, close to the hospital. As they talked, it turned out that, outside of psychology, they had several things in common, like their taste in films. - You graduated in San Francisco? I'm from San Francisco. - Sandra smiled for the first time in a long time. - Really? - Yes, my...parents are still there. - said Sandra, thinking about Cynthia. They also talked about their studies, psychology and Denver. - So you just moved here too? - asked Fijuno. - Yes. On the one hand, because of my… son, and on the other hand, because of Mark. - Do you have a son? - Yeah. His name is Blake. He's 5. - He must be a really cool little boy. - He is. - smiled Sandra into the doctor's beautiful dark eyes. Sandra needed the kindness she got from the doctor. Meanwhile, Sandra was forced to file for a restraining order against Mark. She continued to visit her parents and things seemed to be on the right track again, although nothing was the same. The police restarted the work on Cynthia's case, as the killer had not yet been found. Still, the situation seemed hopeless because Cynthia seemed to have been singled out at random. - You should really introduce the doctor you told me about last time. Have you introduced him to Blake yet? - asked Mrs Reed when they visited them during the weekend. - Yes, they like each other. He is a really nice man. - said, Sandra. They only stayed 2 days and then returned to Denver. -We'll visit you again soon, okay mom? - asked Sandra and hugged her. She nodded. Take care, dad!

09. 05. 1977. 3 months later the Doctor, Sandra and Blake spent the evening together. They were alone in the kitchen when Kazuhiro turned to Sandra. - Uhm…Sandra…maybe I'm in a bit of a hurry, but…uhm…I thought maybe…it's time…how about we move in together? - All of us? - she asked back. - Yeah, I love you and...Blake and I think...we would work well together as a...family. -he said while Sandra was standing surprised. -Of course, if you don't want to…- he said but Sandra interrupted him with a kiss. - It's a wonderful idea. Thank you. - she smiled. A couple of weeks later Kazuhiro, Sandra and Blake moved in together to form a unique family.

Game of Chance part 5

03. 11. 1977.

After Cynthia's funeral, Sandra took a few days off to stay with her parents. They were trying to get on with life for Blake's sake, but under the guise, the mood was very mournful. Sandra blamed herself for not being able to protect her sister and this thought haunted her in her dreams. The situation was not made easier by the police investigation, which ultimately did not lead to any results. The case was closed. After a couple of days, she returned to San Diego and continued to work, although the events still left their mark on her daily life. It was incomprehensible how this could happen to her kind, smart sister, who always avoided trouble. She was haunted by the thought that she and Blake could be like this. After all, they are also simple, average, innocent people like Cynthia. Eventually, she and Blake moved to Denver, Colorado, where Sandra began working as a psychologist at a counselling centre. 05. 20. 1977. - 06. 04. 1977. After they had been living in Denver for 2 months, Sandra met Mark Darren at the support centre. He worked as a domestic violence counsellor. He mostly helped mothers get out of toxic relationships. Sandra initially befriended him, but later Mark turned out to be toxic himself when he started harassing Sandra, scaring her to death. - I told you to leave me alone! I don't want anything from you Mark. You were nice, but you really scare me. - Sandra said when Mark wanted to take her home at all costs. - I thought there might be something between us. - said, Mark. - No, sorry. - said Sandra and quickly got into her car. Then, after the conversation, Mark often bullied Sandra. He sent her flowers, touched her inappropriately and sent her text messages. Sandra put up with it for a while, then changed jobs. She then worked at St. Luke's Hospital Psychiatric Unit.

For a while, Mark tried to find her even here, but then one of Sandra's colleagues intervened. -Oh my god Mark! How did you find me? - Sandra asked. -I found your phone. -Are you normal? Leave me alone! I'm working! -And can we talk afterwards? - he asked. -No, I already told you. - said Sandra and turned her back on him. Mark tried to pull her back by the arm when Dr Fujino Kazuhiro intervened. - Sir, I have to ask you to leave or I'll call security. - Who the fu... - Sir, leave now! Ms Reed doesn't want you here. You're disrupting the work here and upsetting the patients. - said Dr Kazuhiro. Finally, Mark stepped down. - Thank you Dr...Kazuhiro. - said, Sandra. The doctor just smiled and went on. Dr Fujino Kazuhiro was 32 years old. He was born and educated in Kobe, Japan until he was 16 when he and his family came to the States. They settled in North Carolina. After a few weeks of getting to know each other, Dr Fujino Kazuhiro finally asked Sandra out on a date.

Game of Chance part 4

03. 08. 1977.

A few minutes later they got into a taxi to approach the nightclub. They both enjoyed these sister nights, in the disco, they ran into some friends from the neighbourhood. - Hello Sandra! Back in the town? - asked Laura, Sandra's classmate from high school. - Yes, We have some fun with Cynthia. - How's San Diego? - Sunny, friendly with beautiful places. I like being there. - Sandra smiled. They danced a lot, but Sandra always made sure that Cynthia didn't drink too much. Around 1am Sandra started to head home and urged Cynthia to go too. Together they headed down the street towards a busier road to hail a taxi. -Yes, we are already on our way home. Everything is alright. - Sandra said into the phone because their father was already worried. They had almost reached the corner of the street when Sandra hung up the phone. At that moment, someone with a gun in his hand stepped out of a car in front of them. Cynthia panicked, so of the two, Sandra had to act sober. The stranger's face was covered by a mask. Sandra tried to ease the situation. - Don't shoot! We'll give you our values, just don't shoot, okay? - Sandra tried to stay calm. - Please! The stranger stared at Cynthia and then fired. Twice. He didn't take anything. He just shot Cynthia. After the shooting, he got into the car and disappeared. Sandra couldn't pay attention to the number plate, she knelt next to her sister who was lying on the ground. -I'm calling 911. Please, Cynthia, hold on!

03. 09. 1977. Sandra had been waiting in the hospital waiting room for a little more than an hour. The shock made him almost forget to call his parents to tell them what had happened. -My God, baby! How is she? - her father rushed to him when they arrived. Their mother didn't come with her because someone had to look after Blake. -I do not know. She's in the operating room. No one has come out yet. - answered Sandra in a crying voice. - What happened? - asked her father. - I don't...know. Some crazy person appeared in front of us and...shot Cynthia. - Sandra cried. Mr Reed tried to calm her down, even though he himself sat stunned. After 2 and a half hours, a doctor finally came out to the waiting room. He walked towards them and before he said anything he took a deep breath. From this, they all knew...what happened. - Oh noo! No! - said Sandra crying. - I'm so sorry. We did everything we could...My condolences. - said the doctor. She and her father sat hugging each other for a while until Mrs Reed called them.

Game of Chance part 3

03. 08. 1977.

Sandra boarded a plane on Friday to go home to her parents. - You like to fly, don't you? - asked Sandra while they checked in. - Yes. - Blake answered. - We're going to visit grandma, okay? They were both cheerful to be together again. The Reed family was a close-knit family and it was important to Sandra that Blake grew up in this environment as well. Moreover, at such times, they could always go out and have fun with Cynthia, who was only 18 years old. The parent's little daughter. They took good care of him. When they landed, Cynthia greeted them. - Hello! Ugh, how big you've gotten!-she hugged Blake. - Can you help me? - Sandra asked. - Of course. - Cynthia said and grabbed a bag while holding Blake's hand. - I was the only one who came out because you can imagine that mom has been cooking since yesterday. - Yeah. Do you have plans? - Sandra asked. - Of course. I was waiting for you so we could have fuuun. They got into the car in front of the airport and Cynthia took them home. -You drive quite well. - Sandra praised her. They had to stop right in front of the house to take photos. - Do you have to do this, mom? We are tired. - Sandra complained. - Look what a handsome boy my grandson is. - Mrs Reed grinned while taking a photo of him.

After a hearty lunch, Sandra slept on the couch while Cynthia and the grandparents played with Blake. Of course, the grandparents tried to find out if everything was okay with Sandra. Blake couldn't say much because he was still a child. They thought there was nothing wrong with Sandra, but since she lived far away, they still worried about her. After the afternoon nap, Cynthia initiated Sandra into her plan. - I thought you want to go dancing. - Sandra said. - Of course, Mom and dad never allow me without you. - Yeah, because you have some weird classmates. - Sandra said. She finally agreed, and the girls started getting ready together. - Is everything going to be okay, Mom? Mrs Reed nodded. - You know, sleep at 8. - Okay. We'll be fine. - muttered Mrs Reed. Meanwhile, Cynthia did her makeup and then tried to force one of her dresses on Sandra. -This is going to be too much, Tia. - Are you joking? If you already look this good at the age of 26, you have to show it. - I'm 25. - Sandra added. - Fine. This is what I want to look like when I'm that old. - Cynthia, I'm not old. - protested Sandra.

-You look incredible. - said Cynthia finally. - You too. - smiled Sandra.

Game of Chance part 2

03. 07. 1977.

The next day Sandra didn't have class, so she took Blake out of kindergarten and they spent the day together instead. First, they took Romeo for a long walk and then they had lunch near the beach. After a rest in the afternoon, they went to the Birch Aquarium. For the umpteenth time. Blake loved being in the aquarium and going all the way, to watch the animals. Sandra was delighted to see that Blake shared her love of animals. - Penguins! My favourite! - said Blake with surprise. - Yeah, they are really lovely. - said Sandra looking at them. -They eat krill, squids, and fish. - Really? - Sandra asked back as if she didn't know when her phone rang. - What's up Cynthia? - Hello BigSis! I just called you because of the weekend. Are you coming home? - No, the next week will be busy. I can't. I look forward to seeing you NEXT weekend. - How unfortunate! How's my nephew? - We're in the aquarium. - Sandra said while steering Blake toward the rays. - Okay, then next weekend. Bye! Have a super day! At the end of the day, Sandra had to go home with the exhausted Blake in hand. Both of them were tired, but after a long time, it seemed that things were finally okay.

Game of Chance part 1

03. 06. 1977.

Sandra worked in San Diego. He taught social psychology at San Diego State University. As a single person, Sandra was always connected to her family and San Francisco. She travelled home quite often, but today, it was an ordinary workday on a warm morning in San Diego. - Hi Sandra! - Hi Mrs Andrews! - Sandra greeted an older colleague as she made her way to her office. There were certain advantages to the fact that she mainly taught doctoral students. For example, the office and flexible timetable. Thanks to this, she had time for herself for the first time in a long time. She went aerial yoga and cardio boxing and finally also had time for a dog. She and Romeo made a good couple. After entering the office, Sandra got ready for the first class and headed to the small lecture hall. She was always proud to see the nameplate on the wall: Dr Sandra Ava Lewis. - All right. I welcome everyone to today's lecture. We'll continue the topic of group behaviour. - Sandra started the lecture. Between two lessons Sandra went to cardio boxing class like every Wednesday, showered after training, she came back to the university, her afternoon class and the meeting relatively fresh. Life seemed to be ideal for the Lewis family. They could be proud of Sandra and meanwhile, Cynthia, the new generation, was there. However, the star of the family was Blake, Sandra's 5-year-old son. After the meeting, on the way to the office, Sandra met by one of her students. Sandra patiently discussed a question from the class, and then Trevor appeared from the math department. - Hello Trevor! How can I help? - Oh, nothing I just...wanted to ask...would you like to...have dinner with me tonight? - Um…look, Trevor, we're colleagues. - Sandra began. She would not have liked to start dating a colleague, because it would have caused discomfort at the university. - You know, there are a lot of students and gossip…Sorry. - I get it. - he nodded. Sandra wasn't ready for a relationship yet. She wanted to focus on her career and her son as always. Life wasn't easy when Blake was born. She would have left the university if not for the help of his parents. First, she wanted to be financially and existentially safe, and then maybe she could find someone by her side. Even if she finds someone who would choose her with a child. She and Blake's father, Michael, broke up early in the pregnancy, so Sandra had to deal with everything. However, now, she managed to maintain a balanced life.

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