by Lisa Orchard
“Hello?” Jackie answered
The sound of her friend’s voice sent a warm feeling throughout Sarah’s body. She relaxed, feeling like a wet noodle, all limp and wiggly.
“Jack?”
“Sarah! It’s so good to hear your voice. Where are you?”
“I’m in the alley, under a dumpster. It’s at the end. Come get me,” Sarah sobbed.
“Hang in there, girlfriend. We’re coming.”
“Jack! Don’t hang up!”
“What? What is it?”
“Be careful. I think the Stalker is out looking for me.”
“Don’t worry. We will. You just sit tight.”
“Okay.”
Sarah disconnected the call and positioned herself so she lay flat on her back. As she took a deep breath, the putrid scent of rotting garbage assaulted her. She gagged and plugged her nose. Man, don’t these people ever empty these things? She grew irritated. What is taking those guys so long?
Tires on gravel caught her attention. The vehicle came closer, she was sure of it. She started to scramble out from under the dumpster, but then stopped. What if it’s the Stalker? She waited with bated breath to see who approached. Are you friend or foe? She willed her heart to stop its frantic beat.
The vehicle stopped. Sarah clenched her hands and discovered her palms were drenched in sweat.
“Sarah?” Jackie called out.
“Jack! I’m under here!”
The sound of footsteps and then Jackie’s curly head appeared. “Girlfriend?”
“I am so-o glad to see you!”
“Hurry, get out from under there,” Jackie instructed. She wrinkled her nose. “P U…it really stinks around here. I certainly hope you’re not planning on bottling that scent.” She stood and backed away from the dumpster, holding her nose.
Sarah laughed. “Why yes… yes I am. Are you saying you don’t like it?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
Sarah giggled as she struggled to get out from under the dumpster. Only Jackie. Making sure she didn’t hit her elbow again, Sarah scrambled from beneath the trash container.
Jackie stepped closer to her and sniffed. “At least you don’t smell like the dumpster.”
Sarah burst out laughing and grabbed her friend in a bear hug. She squeezed tight, grateful for her ability to find humor in any situation.
“Let’s get out of here. I’ve had enough for one day,” Sarah said with a catch in her voice.
“Okay.” Jackie put her arm around her friend and pulled her to the car.
While Jackie and Sarah exchanged their greetings, the rest of the Super Spies piled out of the car. Lacey greeted her with a tearful hug and Alex gave her a tremulous smile and squeezed her shoulder. Scoop gave her a wink, before wiping away the tears glimmering in his eyes.
“We thought you were a goner,” he said.
“Yeah, that was totally weird. But I escaped,” Sarah answered, taking a ragged breath.
“Yes you did.” Scoop squeezed her shoulder. Sarah swore she heard admiration in his tone.
Everyone grew quiet and piled into the car. Sarah sighed and then asked, “Did anyone call the police?”
Scoop shifted in his seat and caught her eye. “Yes, we did. But as soon as we told them that you had been taken to the Robinson home, they became uncooperative.”
“That’s right,” Alex said, pressing his lips into a grim line. “When they heard that, they didn’t believe a word we said.”
“So, they weren’t going to investigate or anything?” Sarah’s jaw dropped and she clenched her hands.
“Nope.” Scoop shook his head. “Let’s get out of here. This is a dangerous town.”
“I don’t get it.” Sarah furrowed her brow and shook her head.
“It’s politics. It sounds like the Robinson’s have a lot of pull here.” Scoop caught Sarah’s eye in the rearview mirror.
She bit her lip so hard that she winced. “Let’s just get home.”
Everyone settled down as Scoop drove out of town. The landscape rushed past and Sarah relaxed. She trembled when she thought about the Stalker taking her to the Robinson home. Why? What was he after? And why me? No answers came to her. She sighed and rubbed her forehead as if she were getting a headache. “What time is it?”
“It’s six o’clock,” Jackie responded.
“What are we going to do about notes for school tomorrow?” Sarah leaned forward and eyed Scoop in the mirror.
He caught her eye and shook his head. “Don’t look at me. I’m drawing the line there.”
Alex nudged Sarah and winked. “I’ll talk to my sister. She’s cool. She’ll write notes for all of us.”
“Awesome,” Sarah said and gave him a grateful smile
“Cool beans,” Jackie crowed.
Alex stared at Jackie, shaking his head he said, “Your friend’s a total wacko.”
“You got that right.” Sarah laughed. She snuggled next to him, thankful for his warmth.
She stared out the window and watched the world go by. The sun had turned into a large orange Christmas bulb hanging low in the sky. As the trees flashed past, she caught bursts of bright colors as if they were smudges on a painter’s canvas. Normally, she loved fall with its crisp air and luminous hues. The smell of burning leaves always invigorated her. But now, she was caught up in the events of the past few days and she hadn’t had time to enjoy the season. This saddened her and she sighed.
“Are you okay?” Alex whispered.
“I guess so, considering the circumstances.”
Alex slipped his hand into hers and squeezed. Sarah squeezed back and gave him a smile. Then she leaned forward and tapped her sister on the shoulder.
“Lace.”
She twisted around and eyed her sister. “Yeah?”
“Do you remember the french fry teepees we made with Dad one summer?”
“Yeah.”
“When I was in the Robinson house the Stalker brought me a plate of food and it had a french fry teepee on it.”
Lacey’s green eyes opened wide and her mouth formed a perfect O. “That is totally weird.”
“I thought so, too.”
“What do you think it means?” Lacey furrowed her brow.
“I’m not sure.” Sarah sighed. “I just don’t know anyone’s who’s ever made a teepee like that except Dad.”
“Sarah, I’ll download the pictures and print them up. We’ll listen to the recording and look at them tomorrow after you kids get done with school.” Scoop caught her eye in the rearview mirror. “Maybe, those things will shed some light on all of this.”
“Okay. We’ll meet at Hinkle’s after school at one-thirty.” Sarah sighed and leaned back in her seat.
“Okay,” Scoop said.
She stared out the window again and questions invaded her brain. Why did the police turn away when we asked for help? What kind of hold do the Stalker and the Robinson family have over the town of Alden? How does all of this relate to my parents? Her head swam with possible answers but none of them made sense. Sarah sighed and rubbed her eyes. She was tired; it had been a long day.
Scoop dropped the Cole girls off a block away from their home. He had insisted because darkness had fallen. Too tired to argue, Sarah relented.
As they were saying goodbye, Alex rolled down the window and said, “Meet me in front of the school tomorrow about fifteen minutes early. I’ll bring my sister with me and she’ll write everyone notes.”
“Awesome.” Sarah gave him a tired smile.
“Cool beans,” Jackie said with an enthusiastic nod that sent her curls flying.
“I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” Sarah backed away from the car and waved.
Scoop pulled away and the girls watched as his tail lights became tiny red dots on the horizon. They reminded Sarah of the beady eyes of a cornered animal that watched and waited for its opportunity to escape.
Lacey pulled Sarah’s arm. “Come on. Let’s get home. I�
�m hungry.”
“Okay. I’m hungry too.” Sarah stepped toward home and her thoughts turned to the mysterious french fries. Images of her father filled her mind. How did the Stalker know about the french fry teepees? The question sparked a renewed resolve inside her. I’m going to find out tomorrow. She clenched her hands in quiet determination and then followed her sister home.
Chapter Ten
The Cole sisters woke early and rushed through their morning routine. They met the rest of the Super Spies in front of the school and Alex introduced them to his sister.
“Guys, this is my sister, Becky. She’s going to write notes for us so we don’t get detention for skipping yesterday.”
“Hi, Becky,” Sarah said and everyone else responded in kind.
Becky gave her a toothy grin. “Okay, let’s go behind those trees over on the corner. We don’t want anyone to catch us doing this.” She scanned the area, searching for narks Sarah was sure.
They followed Becky to a large grove of oak trees growing on the far corner of the school property. It was the perfect place to write the notes. When they reached their destination Becky appointed Alex as the lookout and then pulled a notepad out of her backpack.
“Okay, what do you want me to write?” she asked.
“How about… that we were sick?” Sarah suggested. She looked to the others for confirmation.
“Yeah, that’ll work,” Jackie said and brushed her curls away from her face.
Becky kneeled down and sat with one leg tucked under her and her other leg she used as a desk, propping her notepad against her thigh as she wrote.
As she bent her head to the task, Sarah studied her. She wore jeans and a white blouse under a light blue windbreaker. She reminded Sarah of those girls in magazines who were incredibly beautiful in an understated way. They didn’t wear a ton of makeup or flashing clothes and that was the secret to their appeal.
Becky’s dark hair hung to her shoulders in a flirty bob. It swayed with her movements and contrasted with her pale skin. Her blues eyes held a special light, as if she were about to burst out laughing at any moment. She had a sprinkle of freckles across her nose, giving her an air of innocence. Her looks gave her the appearance of someone much more timid than a girl who would write fake notes for people and Sarah instantly liked her.
“Okay… whose name do I sign?” she asked, cocking her head in Sarah’s direction.
“Oh… June Bennett.”
“But your name is Sarah Cole… right?” Becky knitted her brows together.
“Yeah.” Sarah nodded. “We live with my aunt and uncle.”
“Oh.” Becky paused and gave Sarah a perplexed look. She opened her mouth and then closed it as if she decided not to ask a question. Shrugging, she returned to her task.
Once the notes were written and handed out, Becky said, “Okay, I’m going in to school. You guys wait until I’m in and then follow me. We don’t want to give anyone any ideas.”
“Okay.” Alex flashed his impish grin and reached to muss her hair.
“Hey,” Becky protested and ducked away.
“Thanks for doing this, Becky,” Sarah said as she folded her note and put it in the pocket of her jeans. “You know… you think a lot like a detective.” Another reason I like this girl.
Becky grinned. “Just trying to stay out of trouble.”
Sarah laughed. “You got that right.”
“Thanks, Becky,” Lacey said and the rest of the Super Spies followed her lead.
“No problem.” Becky scanned the area. “Okay. I’m heading in. Remember wait until I’m inside before you come out.” She put her notepad back into her pack and then stepped out of the cover of the trees.
The Super Spies watched as she walked toward the school, her dark hair swaying with her steps. They made small talk while they waited. Once Becky disappeared inside, they stepped out from behind the hardwoods and hurried toward the Jr. High. Sarah was anxious to get the school day over with. She couldn’t wait to meet Scoop and find out what he had learned when he was inside the Robinson home.
Walking into the building, Sarah’s heart filled with trepidation. Would the fake notes work? Her parched throat tickled and she broke into a coughing fit.
Jackie patted her on the back. “What happened? Did you swallow a bug?”
Sarah giggled in spite of her anxiety. “No… I just need a drink.” She stopped at a water fountain and took a quick swallow. Jackie waited for her while the rest of the teens ambled toward the office.
“Lacey,” Sarah called out in a low voice.
Her sister whirled toward the sound. “What?”
“You and I should probably go in together.”
“Oh… right.” Lacey adjusted her backpack and waited for Sarah.
“We should stagger our arrival times,” Alex said. “I’ll go in first and Scott, you follow me after a few minutes.”
“Okay.” Scott brushed his hand through his hair.
Alex disappeared inside the office and everyone else made small talk in the hall. Once Alex reappeared, Scott went in, and then finally the girls ambled inside.
As Sarah handed her note to the secretary, her hand trembled. The apprehension she felt earlier doubled and her stomach clenched into a painful knot. When the secretary put Sarah’s note in a file, she breathed easier and walked out of the office. We made it.
The morning dragged at a snail’s pace. Sarah sat in her math class doodling on her notepad. While Mr. Gordinski droned on about algebra, Sarah’s mind wandered to the events of the previous day. She shivered when she remembered being locked in the tiny bedroom. What is the Stalker’s connection to my parents? Does he know my dad? Is he someone my dad met through work? And how does he know about the french fry teepees? When no answers came to her, she ground her teeth in frustration. Biting her lip, Sarah shifted in her seat and forced herself to pay attention to the lecture. Glancing at the clock, she pursed her lips and exhaled.
She jumped when the intercom squawked. The announcement came over the P.A. system she was wanted in the office.
“Sarah, you’re excused,” Mr. Gordinski said. He was a tall, thin man with a high, squeaky voice that irritated her. He motioned toward the door when she didn’t move. “Sarah?”
Perplexed, Sarah stood and gathered her books. She hurried through the quiet halls of the Jr. High, picking up the subtle scent of erasers and floor wax. The only noise in the corridor was sound of her tennis shoes slapping against the ceramic tiles. It emphasized her aloneness and she took a ragged breath. We’re busted. The thought slowed her steps until she stopped. Searching for a place to hide, she almost burst into tears when she didn’t find one. Just chill. Taking a deep breath, Sarah calmed herself and then continued her journey.
When she wandered with reluctant steps into the office, she found Aunt June and Lacey sitting together. She gulped as her heart picked up its pace. Sarah was sure everyone could hear it and she moved her books to her hip. “What’s going on?” She raised her eyebrows and tried to appear unconcerned, but her heart sank to her stomach like a stone thrown in a well. The first flickers of panic ran through her system and she shifted her weight. We’re busted! She shifted her weight again and chewed on her thumbnail.
“I’m here to take you girls down to the police station,” Aunt June said in a grave voice.
The police station? Do they throw you in jail for skipping school? Sarah pulled her thumb out of her mouth and took a deep breath. “Why?” She made eye contact with her sister, hoping Lacey would shed some light on their predicament.
“They’ve obtained your parents phone records.”
Sarah’s lips twitched. She almost burst out laughing. Biting her lip, she kept her relieved giggles under control. “That’s awesome news. Let’s go.”
“I’ve just got to sign you two out.” Aunt June stepped toward the sign out sheet sitting on the secretary’s desk.
Sarah and Lacey exchanged a look before they stared at their Aunt signin
g her name.
“Okay. Let’s go girls.” Aunt June led them out of the office and down the hall.
Sarah and Lacey trailed behind her, speaking in hushed tones.
“I hope they don’t compare her signature on the sign out sheet with the notes we just turned in,” Lacey said.
“Tell me about it.”
“We are so busted if they check.”
“I know.” Sarah gave her sister a tired smile and brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
Aunt June stopped at the door and spun around, looking for the girls. “Well, come on. We can’t keep them waiting.”
The girls exchanged a look and then picked up their pace. They followed their aunt to the car. After they piled in, Aunt June started it and drove to the police station.
Within minutes, they had pulled into the lot and parked. They climbed out of the vehicle and made their way toward the red brick building. In the past, Sarah had always gotten the willies when she walked through the door. The white-paned windows on the structure had always reminded her of cell doors. But since the bombing, the willies were gone, replaced by a sense of security. She knew she’d always have a friend at the police department.
She took the lead as they walked into the lobby and made her way to the reception desk. Behind it sat an officer; he glanced up when she walked toward him.
“Hello, Officer. Is Agent Gray still here?” she asked.
“I’ll check. Can I tell him who’s requesting his presence?” asked the officer, as he picked up the phone.
“Sarah Cole.”
He gave her a curt nod and spoke into the receiver. After a few minutes he hung up and said, “He’ll be right out. Why don’t you have a seat over there?” He pointed to the puke green couch sitting against the far wall of the reception area.
Sarah frowned. “All… right.”
Lacey poked her in the ribs. “Chill. We won’t have to wait long.”