Somewhat disappointed that the treasure turned out to be jewelry, Peter just grunted. “Hmmm. I’ll bet Catie would like this.” He set the ring next to the dismissed key. “Anything else? Ah, there’s another piece of paper. Wow, if this was one of the mermaids in the old submarine ride, it was sure made well. This paper looks like it stayed dry.”
As Peter read the short note, also written in Walt’s hand, he began to smile. “It looks like we’re on another treasure hunt!”
By Monorail 268 there’s more of the tale to be told,
You’ll find it tucked under an awning of green and gold.
Hands on his hips, Peter looked up at Monorail Blue as it pulled into the Tomorrowland Station. His concentration was broken when he heard the seagulls in the submarine lagoon call out, “Mine. Mine. Mine.” The bright yellow sub Explorer sailed quietly past the bird-infested buoy. With a smile on his face, Peter turned back to the problem at hand.
Research on the Monorails had turned up a wealth of interesting facts, but nothing seemed to tell him what the clue meant. “Monorail 268.” Peter shook his head as he went over the words again. The current Monorails were the Mark VII design, there were three trains in the fleet, and they were named after their colors: Monorail Red, Monorail Blue and Monorail Orange. The ride ran on two and a half miles of track and made two stops: this station in Tomorrowland and the other at Downtown Disney. He hadn’t been able to find anything that indicated one of the Monorails ever had the number 268 assigned to it.
His parents hadn’t been of any help with the clue, either. Pleased that Peter had come to them with his latest find, it had taken an assurance from Wolf before Peter, Alex and Catie would be allowed to continue. Back from Missouri, Adam and Beth had been updated, as well. Once it was established that the entire security force would be alerted and available to keep an eye on their children—without their knowledge, of course—the go-ahead had been given. All three of the kids now were at Disneyland with the strict instruction to stay together at all times.
“What’d you say, Peter?” Alex turned back from the white spires of Space Mountain that were tempting him in the distance. He’d rather be on the roller coaster than at a standstill in the middle of Tomorrowland.
Peter shook his head, frustrated. “Just thinking out loud, I guess. I can’t figure out what the 268 means.”
Catie had a suggestion. “We could ride the Monorail and see if there’s any awning it goes under that we can’t remember.”
“Yeah, let’s ride something. I mean, let’s ride the Monorail.”
“Gee, Alex, you could be a little more helpful.”
“Hey, this clue-solving stuff is new to me.” Good-natured like his dad, Alex just shrugged and didn’t take offense. “I’m usually with Dad riding Screamin’ while you guys do this clue stuff.”
Screamin’ sounded good to Peter, too, but he was on a mission. To make sure his crew didn’t abandon him and force him to go back to his dad, he had to placate them. “Maybe later we can go over to California Adventure and ride the roller coaster. I’d really like to work on this a while longer.” He looked over at his strongest ally and gave her a charming smile. “Is that all right, Catie?”
Alex gave a silent chuckle when he saw the admiration for Peter written all over her face. Restraining himself, he said nothing. He’d rather embarrass her in private.
“Sure, Peter! Whatever you say. Do you think it would be a good idea to ride the Monorail? We just missed that one, but I saw the orange one enter the Park.”
“Hey, let’s see if we can sit up front with the pilot!”
Glad to be doing something, the three friends raced up the ramp to the station and happily stood by the first entry gate to get their wish.
On the observation platform above the neighboring Autopia track, Wolf relaxed once they boarded the cockpit.
Seated at a corner table in the Tomorrowland Terrace restaurant, Omah knew she had about fifteen minutes to kill until they were back.
Alex longingly looked down from the curved front window of the Monorail into the California Adventure Park. He barely listened to the excited chatter of his two companions as they sped over the entrance to Soarin’ Over California. That would have been fun, too.
“I think we need to concentrate just on Tomorrowland since the Monorail is based there. That’s were most of the track is.”
“But, Catie, we’re on the track now and it’s going over what used to be a parking lot and over to the Disneyland Hotel. Not to mention we just rode along Harbor Boulevard.”
Alex thought he should add something to the discussion. “When it goes back into Disneyland, it borders on Fantasyland, too.”
Peter gave a groan. “That’s a lot of track. We’re pulling into the Downtown Disney station now, but the awning here is just green.”
“Do you think this awning was here in Walt’s time?” Catie lowered her voice even though the only other person in the cab was the pilot. “I mean, if the clue was written by Walt like all the other ones, would it have looked like this way back then?”
“Grandpa John already told us about the old Disneyland Hotel. He helped build one of the towers, remember?” Alex paused while Peter told the Monorail cast member that they wouldn’t be getting out. “There wasn’t any Rainforest Cafe, either. Just some place called the Monorail Cafe. And a lot of shops. Grandma Margaret said this was where she swam in the pool.”
That was the most they had gotten out of Alex all day. “Gee, Alex, I didn’t think you paid any attention.”
Alex gave Peter a smug smile. “Just because I don’t talk as much as Catie doesn’t mean I don’t listen.”
“Hey!....”
Catie’s protest was interrupted by Peter. “Anyway, I think we can rule out the Monorail Station here. Well, at least, I hope we can rule it out. Think we should concentrate on just Tomorrowland?”
A frown still on her cute face, Catie turned from glaring at her brother. “Yeah, that might be a good idea. Most of the awnings I know about are on Main Street.”
Alex still had a grin on his face. “Sure. Whatever you say.”
The horn on the Monorail gave two short blasts and slowly pulled out of the station to do a banking curve over Disneyland Drive. “Peter! There’s your dad’s car!” Catie pointed out the right side of the window as they rode past the security gate. “Fine. Ignore me.”
“Wow, there’s a lot of people still coming into the Park.”
As the Monorail sped through the Esplanade, they could see both Parks had lines of people at the entrances.
“Okay, we’re going to be going back into Tomorrowland pretty quick, so be on the look-out for any awnings that are green and gold colored.”
“Aye, aye, Captain. Hey, does Small World count? We’re going to go past it, too.”
Peter had to shrug. “I guess anything the Monorail goes by is a possibility.”
“Hope we don’t have to ride it.” Both of the boys said it at the same time and started to laugh. “Jinx!”
“Hey, I like Small World!”
Catie was again ignored.
“The line for the Bobsleds isn’t very long.” Alex was still hopeful.
“Alex! We’re not riding anything unless it’s about the clue!”
“I can try, can’t I? Maybe 268 refers to how many ducks are swimming in the lagoon.”
Catie had to laugh at that. “Wow, that is a lot of ducks. Look! Some of them are up with the seagulls!”
As the Monorail slid into the Station, Peter led the way down the ramp. “So did you see anything that actually would help?”
Both twins just shook their heads no.
“Well, I have to go to the bathroom and I don’t want to let Alex get too close to Space Mountain. So, let’s head over to the one by Alice in Wonderland.” Peter didn’t wait for an answer and just started to walk in that direction. He heard a grumble from Alex something about a ‘Fastpass and be done before Peter got out of the bathroom.’ He h
ad to stop, though, when Catie called him back and pointed at the Tomorrowland Terrace.
“Peter, while you’re gone, we’re going to get something to drink. We’ll meet you by the White Rabbit.”
Peter knew she referred to the large statue just beyond the restroom entrances. It used to stand by the exit of the Alice in Wonderland ride, but had been moved. It appeared to be permanently mounted on the wall of the ride’s outer building. “We’re supposed to stay together. Remember? That’s the only way our parents let us come at all.”
“So, you want Catie to go into the boy’s room with you?”
At the girl’s fierce blush, Peter waved his hand. “Hey, that’s not what I meant and you know it! Fine. Get a drink. And get me a Coke while you’re at it. I’ll pay you back later.”
As the twins headed back to the outdoor restaurant, Peter turned to walk past the Matterhorn Mountain. The next Monorail glided by on his right as it hugged the Mountain on its approach to the station. A hand waved out of one of the open windows.
Distracted by an incoming call, Wolf glanced over as he came down the exit ramp of Autopia. When he spotted the twins’ heads at the ordering counter, his attention returned to the radio.
With her hat pulled down to hide her red hair, Omah gave a smile when she saw the boy walk off by himself. “Gotcha now, Peter Brentwood.”
“Hi, Uncle Wolf. You want some root beer?”
Wolf desperately tried to control the features on his face. He was about to start yelling when he realized Peter was not with the twins. “Where’s Peter?” The words came out more forceful than he had intended.
Alex’s eyes widened and the soda was lowered. “He…he went to the bathroom. Over by Alice. Is everything okay?”
I don’t know if everything is okay. You’re not together like you’re supposed to be, are you? His mind shouted the words while his lips tried to give the kids a reassuring smile. “I’m sure everything’s fine. Why don’t we go find him, all right?”
Both heads nodded in unison as they followed the visibly-upset security guard.
“I told you you should’ve gone in with him, Catie.”
“Eww. I’m not going in a boy’s bathroom!”
“It was your idea to get a soda.”
“What difference does that make?”
Wolf blocked out the mumbled argument as it continued behind him. Hand ready on the radio to call for back-up, he mentally chastised himself for letting the boy out of his sight. He had to hold himself from sprinting to the restrooms.
“See, Uncle Wolf? We made it here before Peter even got out.” Catie tried to sound helpful but could see that their friend was still mad.
When he turned back from scanning the crowds around the immediate area, they shrank back from the look on his face. When he realized he was making matters worse, Wolf had to take a deep breath before he spoke. “Sorry, you two. I’m just upset that you got separated, that’s all.” He tried to smile again but it came across as a grimace.
“Want me to go in and get him while you wait with Catie?”
“No, but thanks for the offer. We’ll just wait here for another minute or two.”
Alex glanced down at his watch. “Boy, he musta really had to go. He’s been in there a long time.” He usually would have added a joke about ‘falling in,’ but didn’t feel this was the right time for it.
Wolf didn’t make any reply as his eyes continued to scan the constantly-moving crowd around them. He was about to turn toward Main Street when he spotted a familiar blue shirt. “Follow me!”
The kids were startled when Wolf took off on a run.
“Quit struggling, boy. All I want is the mermaid!” Omah had a tight grip on Peter’s shirt as she marched him along the pavement toward It’s a Small World. The threat she had just made to hurt Catie had the desired impact to keep him quiet and compliant.
“I told you I don’t have the mermaid with me.”
“I don’t care what you said. You always have that backpack on. And I know she’s in there.” She gave him a shake. There were too many people around for her to be able to stop and search it herself.
“Where are you taking me?”
“That’s up to you. I just want the mermaid. If I don’t get it, we’ll have to come up with a different option than what I have in mind. And I don’t think you’ll like it.”
“I. Don’t. Have. It. With. Me.” When that didn’t work to slacken her quick pace, Peter tried another tactic. He hoped it wasn’t a mistake. “Besides, I already got her open. You’ll never get what’s inside.”
The woman threw him a side glance, but didn’t slow down. Having to weave in and out of the traffic, they were just past the edge of the Tea Cup ride. “So, she did open? I don’t care. You can have whatever was left behind. I just want the girl. She’s…she’s special to me.”
Peter noticed the change in the woman’s voice and glanced up at her face. She seemed to change from angry to frantic. “Why?”
Her blue eyes were wide when she turned to look down at Peter. “You wouldn’t understand. It was a lot of years ago. I made a promise and you’re keeping me from it. Searched….” Her pace began to slow as her memories started to take over. “I searched everywhere for her. I kept coming back from Florida just like Walt told me…. Over and over, but they just kept moving her.” She pulled Peter past the vendor booths and into the old Motor Boat dock. Omah kept talking, but it was more to herself, the boy forgotten even though her grip never loosened. “They wouldn’t tell me where they hid her. Finally I tracked down the last Sub captain. Forty years it took me. He laughed in my face when I asked him about it! Laughed at me!”
Peter knew she talked to herself right then. He desperately looked around for someone he could secretly signal that he was being taken against his will. He knew the dock ended but also remembered this woman had disappeared off of it somehow. He didn’t want to end up in some long-forgotten tunnel—as cool as that might have been in other circumstances—with this obviously distraught woman. He thought he might be able to jerk his arm free, jump over the metal fence, swim to the bank and run through the nearby Autopia roadway to get away. As he went over his ambitious plan in his mind, his eyes shot upward when the Monorail quickly glided past. Maybe he could signal the pilot. No, the Monorail went by too fast. But, in that moment he saw something else and his mouth fell open.
“He finally told me I was crazy to still be looking for that stupid mermaid. Stupid, he called her! I was her model! Walt chose me for the mermaid’s face.” She turned unseeing, crazed eyes at the alarmed boy as they got to the end of the boat dock. “But I have to get her, you see. I promised Walt I would fix it. The captain told me if she was anywhere after all this time she would be in the Haunted Mansion. That was all he said and he threw me out of his house. As I left his porch he said the pearls go back to Constance. What pearls? The pearls on the mermaid were molded.” She shook Peter again. “So, don’t you see? I have to get the mermaid back to Walt. I have to show him I could do it. That I wasn’t a failure.”
Peter almost felt sorry for the woman. Since her knife had not reappeared, he hoped he was past the danger mode and relaxed in her grip. “Uh, I don’t know how to tell you this, but Walt’s been gone for a long time.”
Omah’s eyes seemed to clear as she stared at him. She glanced down to where she tightly held his shirt and let go, yet still blocked the way out. “I know he’s gone, Peter.”
“You know my name!”
“Yes, I know your name and Catie’s name. I’ve asked a lot of questions around here after you somehow got into the Mansion. You and your dad are pretty well known.” She stopped and drew a deep, shuddering breath. All that emotion seemed to take everything out of her. “Listen, Peter, I just want the mermaid. And I’ll do anything to get her. I…I have to get her back to Walt.”
“That doesn’t make any sense.”
“Perhaps not to you, but it does to me. I don’t care what you found inside her. I just
want her back. Can we make a deal?”
Peter was wary, but pleased that she wanted to make a deal and not shove a knife into him. He was saved from any answer by the arrival of Wolf and the twins at the opening of the pier.
“Let the boy go, Omah.”
At his sudden, deep voice, her eyes widened in surprise. “How do you know me?” She took a couple of steps back but ran up against the lean-to.
Peter tried to signal Wolf that he thought everything was all right. He didn’t want to be caught in the middle of any cross-fire.
Wolf ignored the boy’s not-too-subtle waving. “I know you were a mermaid in the Lagoon. I know some of your friends.”
“Now I know you’re bluffing. I don’t have any friends.” Her laugh was tinged with more than just humor.
“Let me have the boy and we can talk this out.” Wolf held his hands out to the side to show he was unarmed. He looked like a gunfighter at high noon.
Omah grabbed Peter again and held him in front of her. He was relieved when she merely whispered into his ear. “We aren’t done, boy. I will have that mermaid.” She gave a shove that sent Peter in the security guard’s direction. Without as much as a backward glance she dove into the storage area.
Peter ran the length of the dock to Wolf all the time waving his arms to stop whatever the security guard planned to do. “Wait! I have to tell you something, Uncle Wolf!”
“Later. I have something to finish.” Brushing past Peter, Wolf kept his eyes on the end of the dock as he walked the last few feet. But, just like last time, the small room was empty.
With an angry snarl, Wolf threw out all the items, large and small, onto the dock. When the area no longer contained a single box, banner or strip of paper, he stopped, his chest heaving. His head jerked to the side when Peter appeared next to him. “I told you to stay back.”
“Actually, you didn’t.” Before Wolf could make an angry retort, Peter held up a placating hand and then pointed over toward Small World. “Uncle Wolf, people are looking.”
HIDDEN MICKEY ADVENTURES 3 Page 7